Bear Mattress Review

Because memory foam comfort layers are designed to absorb motion and limit its spread, the Bear Original scores high on motion isolation like other all-foam models.

Testers felt very little motion transfer from sleeping partners getting in and out of bed or moving around. However, the Bear is slightly more responsive than other models, so some sleepers could feel slight motion. Some sleepers who wake easily may notice their partner’s movements, but the amount of motion transferred is typically not enough to be truly disruptive.

The Bear Original scores well on pressure relief, and most of our testers did not experience excessive pressure buildup while sleeping, regardless of sleep position. Lighter sleepers are a small exception, with the mattress being too firm for some sleepers under 130 pounds.

The Bear is designed to sleep cooler than other foam mattresses, and it uses open-cell memory foam to encourage airflow. The foam is also infused with graphite gel to help absorb and dissipate excess heat.

In comparison to other all-foam mattresses, the Bear does maintain good temperature neutrality and doesn’t get too hot. This is because, in some part, Bear Originals don’t offer as much conforming, or the feeling of sinking into the mattress, as other models that use memory foam.

Because of the way foam mattresses are constructed, they don’t have the perimeter firmness of a coil support layer to provide edge support. This means that you’re likely to experience sinkage when you sit on the edge of the bed, or a sensation that you’re rolling off the bed if you get too close to the edge while sleeping.

The Bear Original is no different and actually scored below average on edge support. Testers of all body weights felt significant sinkage on the edge of the mattress as they got in and out of bed, and feelings of “roll off.” The problem was more significant the more that testers weighed.

The Bear Original is different from other foam models because it doesn’t conform and cradle the body as much. However, it also doesn’t create the same feeling of floating on top of the mattress as other beds. This makes it somewhat easier to move around on the Bear than on other memory foam mattresses. Still, heavier sleepers tend to sink down more into the mattress, which makes it harder to move around.

Memory foam mattresses aren’t typically a favorite among reviewers for sex, as they aren’t as responsive or “bouncy” as innerspring mattresses. The Bear performs better than other memory foam mattresses, as it’s less conforming and more responsive.

All-foam mattresses tend to have odors at first since the foams used emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have a distinct smell. These VOCs are generally not considered to be harmful and any smells usually dissipate within a few days in a well-ventilated room.

The Bear Original is no different, and off-gassing is common during the first few days. However, most reviewers note that the smell dissipates after a couple of days, and there are no lingering odors in the mattress.