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Written by
Logan Foley, Certified Sleep Coach
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Bear Mattress is an American mattress brand launched in 2014. The Bear Original is an all-foam mattress constructed with proprietary materials intended to prevent overheating and help sleepers stay cool.
The 10-inch thick mattress is made with two comfort layers (2 inches of gel-infused graphite memory foam and 2 inches of polyfoam) and a high-density foam support core, all wrapped in Celliant fabric. This cover material is designed to convert body heat into infrared energy and transmit it back into the sleeper, which may help increase circulation and oxygen levels in tissue to speed recovery from physical activity.
For this review we focus exclusively on the Bear Original, covering details about the construction, pricing, and performance of the mattress. Keep in mind, Bear also offers two additional models, the Bear Hybrid and the Bear Pro, which have different features and details.
Watch the video below to see how the Bear Mattress performed when put to the test in the Sleep Foundation Lab.
The Bear Original is an all-foam mattress made with proprietary Celliant Sleep Recovery Technology, which is designed to help improve sleep and speed up physical recovery. The 10-inch thick mattresses are constructed with 2 inches of graphite-gel infused memory foam (to promote cooling) and a 2-inch poly foam layer atop 6 inches of dense polyfoam for support. A medium-profile mattress, the Bear Original is rated a 7 on the firmness scale, indicating a firm feel.
These layers are encased in a cover made from a Celliant textile. The soft fabric is designed to absorb body heat and convert it into infrared energy, which is then transferred back into the body. This transferred energy may help improve circulation and blood oxygen levels, which in turn can decrease recovery times. The Celliant cover is also designed to disperse body heat and help keep the mattress cool in conjunction with the graphite-gel memory foam layer.
The Bear Original’s 2-inch comfort layer isn’t as thick as some other mattresses, and sleepers may notice that they don’t sink into the bed as much as they do with other memory foam mattresses that provide a more conforming, “sleeping in” the mattress feeling. Instead, sleeping on a Bear Original creates a feeling that’s a combination of “sleeping in” and “sleeping on” the mattress.
The 6-inch high-density polyfoam layer provides even support and stability across the entire mattress, with the exception of the edges, which sink a bit more than some other mattresses.
The Bear Original has three layers: A graphite-gel infused layer of memory foam, a foam transition layer, and a 6-inch high-density foam support core. The mattress is covered with a Celliant fabric.
Celliant textile
2″ memory foam (graphite-gel infused)
2″ polyfoam
6″ polyfoam
Compared to other all-foam mattresses, the Bear Original offers a great deal of value, thanks to its high quality for its price point. The mattress is available in sizes from twin to California king, as well as twin XL. The Bear Original is somewhat lighter than other memory foam mattresses, especially in the smaller sizes, so it’s easy to move. All sizes are 10 inches deep, so standard bedding will fit just fine.
| Sizes | Dimensions | Height | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 39" x 75" | 10" | 50 lbs. | $748 |
| Twin XL | 39" x 80" | 10" | 50 lbs. | $811 |
| Full | 54" x 75" | 10" | 60 lbs. | $873 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | 10" | 70 lbs. | $998 |
| King | 76" x 80" | 10" | 90 lbs. | $1,248 |
| California King | 72" x 84" | 10" | 90 lbs. | $1,248 |
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.
While an initial odor may be noticeable, the Bear Original – along with Bear’s two other mattresses – has earned a GREENGUARD Gold certification. This means the mattresses have been tested to ensure limited emission levels for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Side Sleepers:
Compared to other all-foam mattresses, the Bear offers a great deal of value, thanks to its high quality for its price point. The mattress is available in sizes from twin to California king, as well as twin XL. The Bear is somewhat lighter than other memory foam mattresses, especially in the smaller sizes, so it’s easy to move. All sizes are ten inches deep, so standard bedding will fit just fine.
Sleepers over 230 pounds enjoyed the Bear’s balance of support and comfort. A few lighter side sleepers felt the Bear was too firm, thereby increasing pressure on the shoulders and hips.
Back Sleepers:
Back sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds will likely find the Bear Original comfortable, with plenty of support for their whole body without any excess pressure. Back sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds are the ones who most frequently found this mattress comfortable, citing the Bear’s good balance of conforming and support, without too much sagging. Back sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds tend to really appreciate the Bear Original, as it’s somewhat firm feel supports them enough will still allowing for a small degree of conforming.
Stomach Sleepers:
The Bear Original is reasonably suited to stomach sleepers of most sizes. The mattress scores very highly with stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds, and was revived mostly positive by sleepers over 130 pounds. Inadequate support is a common complaint for heavier stomach sleepers. Some heavier stomach sleepers may find that the Bear simply isn’t supportive enough in the midsection, causing it to sag and throw the spine out of alignment.
| Sleeper Type | Under 130 lbs | 130-230 lbs | Above 230 lbs |
|---|---|---|---|
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Bear Originals can be purchased online at Bearmattress.com, as well as in limited sizes on Amazon. Shoppers in the New York City area can try a mattress before they buy the Bear Showroom in Hoboken, NJ, or at Sleepare in New York City.
Free ground shipping with FedEx to the contiguous 48 states and Canada. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico is available for an additional charge.
Bear Originals are shipped compressed and wrapped in plastic in a 40” x 20” x 20” box. They typically arrive in 2-7 business days after ordering. The mattress fully decompresses over time once the plastic is removed.
White Glove delivery is available in the contiguous U.S. Installation alone costs $100. Installation and old mattress removal costs $150.
Bear offers a 365-night sleep trial with this mattress, with an initial 30-night break-in period required. No return shipping or restocking fees.
The Bear Original comes with a lifetime warranty, which applies only to original mattress owners who have purchased the bed from an authorized seller. The warranty covers visible sagging that measures 1.5 inches or more. It does not cover damage that results from improper foundations or mattress misuse. The warranty has additional terms and conditions.
Certified Sleep Coach
Logan has extensive experience testing sleep products and producing sleep content. She is also a Certified Sleep Science Coach.
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