Written by Sosha Lewis, Senior Staff Writer
If you’re looking for an affordable mattress that conveniently ships to your door, Nectar and Bear are two household names you’ll probably encounter. The Nectar Classic and Bear Original are entry-level memory foam mattresses that come at budget-friendly price points without skimping on quality features, like breathable covers and contouring memory foam.
You may find yourself wondering how the Nectar Classic and Bear Original stack up against one another. Luckily, we’ve put these two beds to the test to determine their comfort, support, and overall value. Let’s compare and dive into Nectar and Bear’s most popular models.
Product
Type
Score
Nectar vs. Bear Mattress Overview
| Who Should Get the Nectar? | Who Should Get the Bear? |
|---|---|
| Those with restless partners | Athletes |
| Back sleepers | Combination sleepers |
| Firm mattress fans | Side sleepers |
Nectar vs. Bear: How Are They Similar?
- Firm feel – Both the Nectar and Bear have firm builds that make them ideal for back and stomach sleeping.
- All-foam build – These beds come with an all-foam construction that includes contouring memory foam.
- Delivered in a box – Nectar and Bear are each delivered in a box for extra convenience and affordability, but you can opt for white glove delivery and setup for an additional fee.
Nectar vs. Bear: How Are They Different?
- Height – The Nectar Classic has a 12-inch height, while the Bear Original is slightly shorter at 10 inches. A taller mattress can add dimension to your bed, but it can also make your bed too high to climb into if you have a taller bed frame.
- Trial period – Nectar offers a 365-day sleep trial, while Bear has a shorter sleep trial of just 120 days. The length of a sleep trial also determines your return window.
- Cooling cover – Nectar and Bear are each made with breathable quilted covers that help regulate temperature while sleeping. However, you can add a more powerful Celliant®-infused cooling cover to the Bear Original for an additional fee.
Nectar vs. Bear: Firmness, Feel, and Construction
Firmness & Feel
Mattress firmness is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with the softest beds falling around a 1 and the firmest beds hovering at a 10. The reality is that most beds fall somewhere in the middle, usually between a 5 and 8, but firmness can feel different from person to person depending on weight and comfort preferences. We’ve rated the Nectar a 7.5 and Bear a 7, which are both firm.
| Mattress | Sleep Advisor Firmness Rating | Feel | Tester Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar Mattress | 7.5/10 | Firm | The Nectar Classic has an above-average firmness that will appeal best to back and stomach sleepers looking for extra lifting along the lower back and hips. Still, its firmer build isn’t for everyone, including side sleepers who require softer cradling around sensitive joints. |
| Bear Mattress | 7/10 | Firm | The Bear Original has a solid firm feel that offers great spinal alignment for back and stomach sleepers, which helps prevent bottoming out. However, it may be too firm for side sleepers and might cause pressure buildup along the shoulders. |
Mattress Construction
Nectar and Bear are both firm mattresses with all-foam builds, but that’s where the similarities end. Bear appeals to hot sleepers with an option to upgrade to a more powerful cooling Celliant® cover (a type of cooling textile), while the Nectar has a more standard breathable knit cover. The Nectar also stands taller at 12 inches high, while the Bear is slightly shorter at 10 inches.
What’s the Nectar Mattress Made Of?
- Quilted cooling cover
- Pressure-relieving memory foam
- Responsive support foam
- Foundational foam
- Shift-resistant cover at the bottom
What’s the Bear Mattress Made Of?
- Breathable TENCEL™ cover
- Cooling gel memory foam
- Transitional poly foam layer
- Poly foam support base
Nectar vs. Bear: Body Type and Sleep Position
Nectar Mattress
| Body Type | Weight Range | Side Sleeping | Back Sleeping | Stomach Sleeping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | Less than 130 pounds | Poor | Good | Poor |
| Average-Weight | 130-230 pounds | Poor | Excellent | Good |
| Heavyweight | More than 230 pounds | Average | Excellent | Average |
Bear Mattress
| Body Type | Weight Range | Side Sleeping | Back Sleeping | Stomach Sleeping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | Less than 130 pounds | Average | Excellent | Good |
| Average-Weight | 130-230 pounds | Poor | Good | Good |
| Heavyweight | More than 230 pounds | Poor | Poor | Excellent |
Nectar vs. Bear: Mattress Testing Performance
Pressure Relief
- Nectar Mattress Pressure Relief Score: 4/5
- Bear Mattress Pressure Relief Score: 3.5/5
We use a handy pressure map that tracks pressure buildup in real time by generating an image. Yellow or red signal pressure buildup, while green and blue mean little to no pressure.
Our Nectar test showed minimal pressure while back sleeping and moderate pressure while side sleeping. The Bear Original also had low pressure while back sleeping, but generated higher pressure with some red zones while side sleeping. Side sleepers may want to opt for a softer bed in general, but the Nectar will be slightly more cushioning for that sleeping position.
Support
- Nectar Mattress Support Score: 5/5
- Bear Mattress Support Score: 4.5/5
We test each mattress for support by laying on it in the three primary sleeping positions (side, stomach, and back) to gauge how well it keeps our bodies lifted and spines in neutral alignment.
We were pleasantly surprised to see how well the Bear supported us while back and stomach sleeping, but it was too firm along the hips and shoulders for comfortable side sleeping. However, the Nectar outperformed the Bear, earning a 5 out of 5 for support thanks to its stellar spinal alignment that never left us feeling twisted out of shape.
Motion Isolation
- Nectar Mattress Motion Isolation Score: 5/5
- Bear Mattress Motion Isolation Score: 3.5/5
A seismograph app helps us record how much movement is being transferred when shifting around on top of the bed. How well a bed absorbs this movement is known as motion isolation.
We couldn’t feel our fellow testers moving around at all on the Nectar, which explains we nearly flat line on the Nectar’s seismograph reading to the right here. Conversely, the Bear lacked motion control and sent ripples across our seismograph, meaning the Bear isn’t the best choice for couples who share a bed.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
- Nectar Mattress Cooling Score: 4/5
- Bear Mattress Cooling Score: 3.5/5
We use a temperature gun to measure the mattress’s temperature before lying on it and then after lying on it for five and 10 minutes. This helps us see how well the bed is able to keep cool with someone using it.
The Bear went up almost 12 degrees while lying on it, while the Nectar only jumped 8 degrees. Based on these tests, the Nectar is superior in temperature regulation and cooling.
Bounce
- Nectar Mattress Bounce Score: 3.5/5
- Bear Mattress Bounce Score: 4/5
Bounce is a useful feature in a mattress since this typically makes it easier to move around on it.
We test bounce by dropping a ball on the bed and gauging how quickly the mattress springs back into shape. The Nectar regained its shape at a moderate pace, while the Bear bounced back slightly faster. In this case, combination or active sleepers who move around more at night might find the Bear more responsive and easier to reposition on.
Edge Support
- Nectar Mattress Edge Support Score: 5/5
- Bear Mattress Edge Support Score: 3.5/5
Edge support is how well the perimeter of a bed holds up to sitting or lying on it. We test edge support in both scenarios; we spend one minute lying at the edge and another minute sitting in this area.
The Nectar sank only slightly while sitting on it, but the Bear left us feeling like we may roll off the edge of the bed. Nectar takes the cake for edge support, making it a better choice for sleepers who like to spread out or those with mobility issues who need extra support getting in and out of bed.
Couples
- Nectar Mattress Couples Score: 4/5
- Bear Mattress Couples Score: 3.5/5
Our couples ratings are connected to how well the beds perform in other categories we consider most helpful for co-sleepers, including overall support, cooling, edge support, bounce, and motion isolation. Both of these mattresses rank average to good for couples, but we docked an additional half-point for the Bear due to its lower scores in motion isolation, edge support, and cooling.
Nectar vs. Bear: Comparing Company Policies and Price
Company Policies
| Nectar | Bear | |
| Shipping | Free shipping across the continental U.S. Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii costs $250. | Free shipping across the continental U.S. Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii is available for an additional fee. |
| White Glove Delivery | $199 to install your new mattress and remove your old one. | $175 to install your new mattress and remove your old one, or $100 to remove your old mattress only. |
| Trial | 365-night sleep trial | 120-night sleep trial |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Return Policy | Returns are free within the trial period. | Returns are free within the trial period. |
Accessibility
- Nectar Mattress Accessibility Score: 4.5/5
- Bear Mattress Accessibility Score: 4/5
We score accessibility by determining how well a mattress stacks up against the competition. We subtracted a point from the Bear since a cooling cover costs extra, and it doesn’t have handles, which means moving the Bear can be more of a challenge. While the Nectar also doesn’t have handles, it feels more accessible with its removable cover, making it easier to spot-clean.
Customer Service
- Nectar Mattress Customer Service Score: 4/5
- Bear Mattress Customer Service Score: 4.5/5
Nectar customer service was easy to reach. Customer service reps are available seven days a week via live chat, a toll-free number, or email, but we deducted a point since the answer to our question wasn’t entirely clear.
Bear’s online chat is AI-powered, which works for frequently asked questions but isn’t the best for more specific questions. However, the phone customer service was superb, which is why we’ve deemed that Bear has better customer service.
Sizing and Prices
| Size | Nectar Price (w/o discount) | Bear Price (w/o discount) |
| Twin | $699 | $786 |
| Twin XL | $899 | $849 |
| Full | $949 | $911 |
| Queen | $1,099 | $998 |
| King | $1,399 | $1,304 |
| Cali King | $1,399 | $1,304 |
More Nectar Comparisons
More Bear Comparisons
Comparing Other Mattresses from Nectar and Bear
Nectar Mattresses
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| Nectar Mattress | Nectar Premier Mattress | Nectar Premier Hybrid | Nectar Classic Hybrid | Nectar Luxe Mattress | Nectar Luxe Hybrid Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium: 5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium: 5.5/10 | Medium: 5.5/10 |
| Material | Foam | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | |||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples, Back Pain | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Bear Mattresses
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| Bear Original Mattress | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Bear Cub | Bear Natural | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | ||
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Latex |
| Cooling | — | |||||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain | Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Couples, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Kids | Hot Sleepers |
Nectar vs. Bear FAQs
Is Nectar cool technology worth it?
Memory foam is notorious for trapping heat, but Nectar’s cool technology did an excellent job of regulating temperature. Investing in a Nectar Classic may be worth it for hot sleepers.
What kind of bed is the Nectar?
The Nectar Classic is an all-foam bed made with memory and poly foam layers. Nectar also makes hybrid beds that combine foam layers with responsive coil systems.
How long do Bear mattresses last?
A Bear mattress should last about seven to 10 years with proper care. You can help extend the lifespan of your bed by rotating your mattress every six months and keeping your bedding clean.
Is the Bear Original mattress firm?
We gave the Bear Original a firmness rating of 7 out of 10, meaning it’s firmer than your average bed. This firmness is best for back and stomach sleepers.
Our Final Thoughts on Nectar vs. Bear
Nectar and Bear are both firm foam beds that offer great support for back sleeping, but stomach sleepers might find the Bear more supportive. With its excellent motion isolation, Nectar is the best choice for couples who bed share, especially for light sleepers sensitive to movement. Hot sleepers might also find that the Nectar does a better job of keeping them cool at night.
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
I tested the Nectar mattress and also got some feedback on that bed from a plus-size teammate. For the Bear, I was able to do some testing for that mattress, along with my colleagues Julia Forbes, Loren Bullock, and Spencer Bland. Having multiple testers was especially helpful when evaluating these beds for different sleeping positions and body types.
We employed a number of hands-on and data-driven tests to gauge how well the Bear and Nectar mattresses performed beyond what meets the eye. From cooling to pressure relief, we test it all to help you make the right choice when shopping for a new mattress. Here’s a full breakdown of our product review process.
Sosha Lewis
Senior Staff Writer
About Author
Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleep Advisor. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach