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Written by
Logan Foley
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Bear Mattress is an American mattress brand launched in 2015. Its flagship model, the Bear Mattress, is an all-foam mattress marketed to athletes and people with active lifestyles.
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 original Bear Mattress, 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.
The Bear Mattress is an all-foam mattress made with Celliant sleep 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 is rated a 5 on the firmness scale, indicating a medium firmness 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 help keep the mattress cool in conjunction with the graphite-gel memory foam layer.
The Bear’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 mattress 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 mattress 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 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.
| Sizes | Dimensions | Height | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 39" x 75" | 10" | 50 lbs. | $500 |
| Twin XL | 39" x 80" | 10" | 50 lbs. | $600 |
| Full | 54" x 75" | 10" | 60 lbs. | $700 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | 10" | 70 lbs. | $800 |
| King | 76" x 80" | 10" | 90 lbs. | $900 |
| California King | 72" x 84" | 10" | 90 lbs. | $900 |
Because memory foam comfort layers are designed to absorb motion and limit its spread, the Bear Mattress 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 Mattress scores well on pressure relief, and most of our testers did not experience excessive pressure buildup while sleeping, regardless of sleep position. Heavier sleepers were the exception, though, as those weighing more than 230 pounds experienced some pressure and discomfort in their shoulders.
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 mattresses 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 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 mattress 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 mattress 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 mattress 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.
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, but some may also find the Bear Mattress uncomfortable for side sleeping. A few heavier side sleepers felt the Bear doesn’t provide enough support, thereby increasing pressure on the shoulders and hips.
Back Sleepers:
Back sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds will likely find the Bear Mattress 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 230 pounds may find the Bear comfortable, but they are likely to find that the mattress doesn’t offer enough support. Sagging in the hips and midsection typically makes it uncomfortable for their preferred position.
Stomach Sleepers:
The Bear Mattress is alright, but not ideal for stomach sleepers of most sizes. The mattress scores highly with stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds, but some report that it’s not supportive enough and they experience sagging in the midsection. Inadequate support is a common complaint for heavier stomach sleepers. Most find that the Bear simply isn’t supportive enough in the midsection, causing it to sag and throw the spine out of alignment.
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Back Sleepers | Good | Good | Fair |
| Stomach Sleepers | Good | Fair | Fair |
Overall, the overwhelming majority of Bear Mattress customers are happy with their purchase, giving it 4 or 5 stars. Many give the mattress high marks for comfort and its ability to give them a good night’s sleep. Purchasers also note that they feel more rested after sleeping on the Bear, and that they don’t spend as much time tossing and turning. Lastly, a number of reviews reported improved physical and athletic performance after sleeping on the Bear.
The primary complaint among reviewers who gave the Bear Mattress a low rating is that the mattress is too firm. Many of those who give the mattress high marks also note that it falls toward the firmer end of the spectrum, despite its rating as a “medium” firmness mattress. Some reviewers found that the mattress is quite firm out of the box, but softens with time and use.
Although they are in the minority, a portion of these reviews mentioned that the mattress was uncomfortable or contributed to new or worsening back pain. Some of the unhappy customers also noted that the mattress was too hot, or that the off-gassing odors were unpleasant. Inadequate edge support is also highlighted as an issue with some reviewers.
The majority of reviews were very pleased with Bear customer service, praising the high quality and easy setup process. Those who were unhappy with their mattresses were satisfied with the easy return process, although not all were happy with the mandatory 30-day break-in period. Overall, though, customers are generally pleased with the Bear Mattress’s low price point, quality, and comfort.
| Website | Reviews |
|---|---|
| BearMattress.com | 4.7/5 (8,800+ reviews) |
| Amazon.com | 3.7/5 (64 reviews) |
Bear Mattresses 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 Mattresses 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.
100-night sleep trial with a 30-night mandatory break-in period. No return shipping or restocking fees.
10-year warranty covering defects in materials and manufacturing. The cover has a 1-year warranty. Warranty provides for repair or replacement, but customers are responsible for any transportation costs.
