Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Bears are known for their love of sleep, so I was intrigued to see how a mattress named after these hibernating creatures performed.
The Bear Original is Bear’s flagship mattress. From a cursory glance at the website, I know that this is a fiberglass-free, all-foam mattress at a budget-friendly price point. Okay, so how does it perform? That is what I am here to tell you. Please join me as I hike through a full review of the Bear Original.
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
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Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Performance Ratings
How the Bear Original Compares
We’ve tested over 150 different mattresses. The Bear Original is level with other mattresses when it comes to pressure relief, support, and bounce. However, this bed shines when you compare its price against the average mattress cost.
| Test | Bear Original Mattress | Average |
| Overall | 3.9 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 10” | 11″ |
| Sleep Trial | 120 nights | 141 Nights |
| Price (Queen) | $998 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
| Pressure Relief | 3.5 | 4.3 |
| Support | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Motion Isolation | 3.5 | 3.9 |
| Cooling | 3.5 | 3.9 |
| Bounce | 4 | 4 |
| Edge Support | 3.5 | 3.9 |
| Couples | 3 | 3.9 |
Watch My Bear Mattress Video Review
Who I Recommend the Bear Original For:
- Athletes – You can purchase the optional Celliant® cover. A potential perk of this textile is that it may improve recovery for athletic folks, but bear (pun intended) in mind research isn’t conclusive on this.
- Combination sleepers – I’d say this mattress works great for combination sleepers switching between back and stomach sleeping. It sports excellent support levels that help keep the body aligned in these positions. Plus, switching positions should be easy on this mattress.
- Stomach sleepers – The other testers and I really liked this bed for stomach sleeping; it provided fantastic support across our different body types.
Who I Don’t Recommend the Bear Original For:
- Those with restless partners – Although memory foam typically isolates motion well, the firmness of the Bear Original cancels out much of its motion absorption. Light sleepers or those with restless partners may be woken by their bedmate’s movements.
- Side sleepers – The Bear Original will likely be too firm for most side sleepers; all three of us found it uncomfortable. It doesn’t allow much sinkage around the shoulders, which could cause pressure build-up. If you think this bed will be too firm, take a look at our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Customer Reviews of the Bear Original Mattress
According to Bear’s website, the Bear Original has more than 10,600 reviews, scoring about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Bear Original mattress for its excellent pressure relief but have reported that its edge support may be lacking, which could affect those who use the full mattress surface.
Testing the Bear Original Mattress
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
Testing the Bear Original mattress allowed me to judge how the bed feels in various sleeping positions. I also had some teammates help with testing, giving their two cents on how the bed feels and performs for different weight groups.
Apart from testing the overall feel, we also focused on how the Bear Original isolates motion, delivers bounce, supports the heaviest body parts, and relieves pressure in sensitive areas.
To learn more about our testing methodology, visit our product review process page.
To learn more about our testing methodology, visit our product review process page.
Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 7/10
When evaluating mattress firmness, we rank beds on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the firmest. I rated the Bear mattress a 7 out of 10, which means it has a slightly firm feel.
That said, I think this bed will feel firmer for lighter-weight sleepers and softer for heavier sleepers, so keep that in mind when making your decision. Don’t let the slightly firm feel deter you either; this also means the bed is plenty supportive.
How Does The Bear Original Mattress Feel?
When you first lie down on the Bear, you should notice that the soft cover stretches tightly around the mattress. The cover isn’t removable but can be gently spot-cleaned.
You should also feel yourself nestled in a gentle cradle, with plenty of lifting from the bed’s all-around firmer feel.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
The Bear Original mattress has no specified weight limit. However, as a general rule of thumb, I’d advise sticking to 500-600 pounds since this is an all-foam bed with only a 10-inch profile.
Side Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | The Bear Original has a very firm feel, which was particularly noticeable around our lightweight tester’s, Loren Bullock’s, hips and shoulders. Although it was great for spinal alignment, it is likely too firm for most lightweight sleepers. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | Like our lightweight tester, I didn’t find this firm bed comfortable when I was on my side. Pressure could easily build up around the shoulders and hips of side sleepers. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | Heavyweight tester Spencer Bland sunk into the foam more than Loren and me, but, according to him, the Bear Original’s firmness still made it unsuitable for side sleeping. |
Back Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | Loren said that this bed had a great lift for her hips and excellent spinal alignment. She also liked how the foam contoured her back, which doesn’t happen often for lightweight people. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | I could feel my hips sinking into the memory foam a little, but I still thought the Bear Original did a great job at supporting me and keeping my spine aligned. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | Spencer said, “I can feel my hips sinking, and it hurts my back.” With that, we wouldn’t recommend this bed for heavyweight back sleepers. |
Stomach Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | Loren reported that when she tested the Original on her stomach, her hips were elevated, and her spine remained in a neutral and comfortable position. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | I also appreciated the lift around my midsection that I felt on this mattress. This allows stomach sleepers’ spines to stay straight, which helps to prevent back pain. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | When it comes to stomach sleepers, the Bear Original is universally appealing. It also provided great hip support for Spencer. |
Pressure Relief
3.5/5
We tested pressure relief by using a pressure map on the mattress. The readings are pretty straightforward: red means a lot of pressure, and blue means no pressure. Yellow means there’s some, while green means minimal.
My colleague, Sosha, tested the Bear for pressure relief. She loved this bed on her back, explaining “It hugged my upper back and filled in the gap between my lower back very well.”
However, she said pressure relief wasn’t the best on her side. Although she didn’t feel much pressure, there’s some red in the map reading. “My fear is that it wouldn’t work well for lightweight side sleepers.”, Sosha says. Because of the red in the pressure map reading, she reduced the score to 3.5.
Learn More: Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief
Is the Bear Original Good for Pain Relief?
In my opinion, people with any pain should be careful with the Bear’s firmness level. This bed is slightly firm, and it might be too much for those with certain types of pain.
| Back Pain | I think sleepers with back pain should like the Bear’s firmer feel, which gives solid levels of support in the lower and upper back areas. Read more about mattresses for back pain here. |
| Hip Pain | Side sleepers with hip pain probably won’t enjoy this one. From my experience, the Bear is too firm without enough sinkage for pressure relief to help those with hip pain. Read more about mattresses for hip pain here. |
| Shoulder Pain | The Bear may help with shoulder pain if you’re a back sleeper, but side sleepers should steer clear. The Bear doesn’t give much as much contouring on the side, which might exacerbate shoulder pain. Explore more mattresses for shoulder pain here. |
Support
4.5/5
I was very impressed with the amount of support that the Bear Original provides. Although it has a basic all-foam design without targeted support zones, this mattress did an excellent job keeping Loren, Spencer, and me elevated.
Many back and stomach sleepers should enjoy a comfortable night’s rest because the foam prevents heavier body parts, such as midsections, from sagging. However, side sleepers may find the lack of give around their hips and shoulders is uncomfortable, so I deducted .5 points.
Motion Isolation
3.5/5
Memory foam is often lauded for its ability to absorb motion from a sleeper’s movements. However, when we performed motion isolation tests that included tossing and turning on the bed and using a seismograph app to record the disturbances, we found that the Bear Original was lacking in this category.
The firmness of this bed allows motion to move from one side of the bed to the other, more so than its counterparts, earning it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
The larger waves on the seismograph apps indicate that much movement is being transferred. When we see lower waves or flatlines, we know that the mattress is doing a good job of absorbing motion.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
3.5/5
I am a hot sleeper, so I pay special attention to a bed’s cooling capabilities. Although the Bear Original didn’t feel cool to the touch, I was intrigued to see whether the optional Celliant® cover actually helps regulate body temperature.
To test the mattress’s cooling properties, I measured the bed’s initial surface temperature, which was 66.8 degrees Fahrenheit. After lying on the bed for five minutes, I retook it and saw it was 78.8. At the end of 10 minutes, the surface temperature reached 82.9, a little over a 16-degree increase, and it took over five minutes for it to return to its original surface. The big jump in temperature and lengthy time to cool back down is why it only earned a 3.5 here.
Bounce
4/5
Testing for bounce helps us determine how easy it is to move around on, an essential feature for combination sleepers, sexually active people, and those with mobility issues. Plus, many folks simply enjoy the feel of a bouncy bed.
In addition to moving about on the bed, we conduct three tests: dropping a lacrosse ball, a weighted medicine ball, and jumping on the bed. These tests showed that the Bear Original was fairly responsive and had good bounce.
While it’s not the bounciest bed I’ve tested, it ranks high for an all-foam mattress. Based on these results, I gave it a 4 out of 5.
Edge Support
3.5/5
Solid support around the bed’s perimeter can help us feel secure when sleeping or sitting on the edge. If you’re someone who doesn’t want to be cuddled up against your partner while sleeping, edge support means you’ve got more useable surface space. Good edge support also makes it easier for us to get out of bed.
We tested the Bear Original by sitting on the edge and tying our shoes for a minute. All three of us felt that the bed sloped down during this. We also agreed that when lying near the edge for a minute we felt like we were sinking and even slightly falling. Plus, it took four weeks for the edges to fully inflate, so I gave this bed a 3.5 for edge support.
Accessibility
4/5
To score accessibility, I looked at how Bear and the Original stand out from the competition. The Bear brand is dedicated to using natural products when possible, and the Original is a fiberglass-free mattress and non-toxic. I also liked that it could be good for back pain with its firmer, supportive construction.
However, I dedicated a point because the cooling cover costs extra. The same applies to white glove delivery; while it is an option, it costs more. Considering this mattress doesn’t have handles, it may be challenging to move, especially if you do it yourself.
Customer Service
4.5/5
My favorite way to contact customer service is via online chat. I typically find this to be the most effective and efficient way to have questions answered or problems resolved. Unfortunately, Bear’s online chat doesn’t use humans but rather, it is powered by AI. While it can sometimes quickly find answers to frequently asked questions, it cannot respond to specific requests. However, the service I received on the phone was outstanding, and most customer reviews on this subject echoed my thoughts.
Performance for Couples
3.5/5
If you sleep with a partner, there are specific performance features that you will want to consider when purchasing a mattress. These include support, edge support, motion isolation, cooling, and bounce.
The Bear Original scores well in support and bounce but performed less desirably in motion isolation, edge support, and cooling. However, given the budget-friendly price and above-average scores in some of these categories, couples may not want to rule this bed out completely.
Preference-Based Features
Bed-in-a-Box Shipping
Rather than having to pick up your mattress at a store or pay expensive delivery fees, Bear comes shipped in a box right to your door for free within the continental U.S. After unwrapping it and giving it a few hours to inflate, it should be ready for sleep in no time.
Performance Materials
If you’re in the market for the latest and greatest in performance materials and technology that could potentially amplify your rest, I think you might want to check out the studies that are ongoing with the materials in this mattress to see if it’s right for you.
Adjustable Base Compatible
All Bear brand mattresses are compatible with adjustable bases, and the company has even produced its own for easy and quick changes in mattress positioning.
Find our picks for the best adjustable bases here.
Made in the USA
Bear mattresses are assembled in the United States. Explore the best mattresses made in the USA here.
Construction: What’s Inside the Bear Original?
The Bear Original features an all-foam design. This bed should be used on a solid, flat surface and is compatible with an adjustable base.
While the standard cover contains TENCEL™, you can pay an extra fee to have a cover that contains Celliant® technology, which may convert energy from the body into infrared light to help aid recovery. This material can also help promote additional cooling.
At 10 inches tall, the bed gradually transitions from soft to firmer layers from the top down.
Look Inside the Bear Original
- A breathable TENCEL™ cover sits atop the Bear Original.
- The top foam layer of the Bear Original is 2 inches of copper gel memory foam. Memory foam is popular in the bedding industry because of its top-notch pressure-relieving capabilities, and Bear infuses it with graphite gel to prevent it from becoming too hot.
- The transition layer is a 2-inch layer of poly foam. This foam provides a balance of added pressure relief and support while serving as a transitional layer between the top comfort foam and the dense support foam below.
- The base layer is made up of 6 inches of poly foam, which acts as the main support unit of this bed. The foam here is highly dense to help ensure the spine stays well-aligned. The support core also gives the mattress its durability for long-lasting use.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
The Bear Original mattress is delivered in a box. You should place the package on your foundation of choice before cutting the plastic wrapping and allowing the bed to unroll. As I mentioned above, the Original’s edges took significantly longer to inflate than the rest of the bed.
You’ll probably notice an off-gassing chemical smell when you unpackage your bed. Although you may find this unpleasant, it should dissipate quickly, and you can place your bed in a well-ventilated room to speed up this process.
Certifications
- GREENGUARD Gold – This product has a GREENGUARD Gold certification that reflects the product’s ability to meet some of the world’s most rigorous emissions standards.
- CertiPUR-US® – The foams are CertiPUR-US® certified. This means they don’t contain harmful substances like ozone depleters, PBDEs, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. They should also have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
Noteworthy Updates
Bear has several stores throughout the United States. If you’re interested in trying one of their mattresses out before you buy it, check the website to see if they have a storefront near you.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
| Shipping | The Bear Mattress ships free, and it is rolled up and compressed into a box across the continental United States. Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii is available for an additional fee. |
| White Glove Delivery | Bear provides several professional installation and removal options for additional fees. The fees vary depending on the service you choose, with installation of your new mattress and removal of your old running $175 and installation or removal costing $100. The company also offers bed base installation and removal options. |
| Trial | With a 120-night sleep trial, the company gives you plenty of time to decide if their flagship mattress is right for you. |
| Warranty | This bed has a lifetime warranty. |
| Return Policy | Returns are free within the trial period, which means no refund is available after the 120-night trial is up. |
Bear Original Mattress Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
| Twin | 38” x 75” x 10” | $786 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 10” | $849 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 10” | $911 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 10” | $998 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 10” | $1,304 |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” x 10” | $1,304 |
| Split King | 76” x 80” x 10” | $1,690 |
Bear Original Mattress FAQs
Is the Bear Original good for back pain?
I think the Bear Original mattress is a good option for people with back pain as it has a slightly firmer feel that prevents excess sinkage. This means you’re more “on” the mattress than “in” it, which should promote spine alignment, especially for those who prefer sleeping on their back or stomach.
Where is the Bear Original from?
Bear makes their mattresses in the United States, and this includes their Original model. The beds are designed and manufactured in the U.S., which allows free and fast shipping and returns.
How long does the Bear Original last?
Like most memory foam beds, the Bear Original should last seven to 10 years with proper use. One way to prolong its lifespan is to prevent your kids from jumping on it. I would also advise rotating the bed once or twice a year to ensure it wears out evenly.
Bear Original vs. Other Mattress Brands
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| Bear Original Mattress | Loom & Leaf Mattress | Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress | |
| Rating | |||
| Firmness | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6/10 |
| Material | Foam | Foam | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain | Back Pain, Side Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Pain |
Who I Recommend the Saatva Loom & Leaf For
- People sensitive to allergies
- Sleepers with lumbar pain
- Luxury shoppers
Check out our full Loom & Leaf Mattress Review.
Who I Recommend the Nolah Signature For
- People looking for a soft mattress
- Side sleepers
- Lightweight people
Interested? Read our full Nolah Signature Mattress Review.
Bear Original vs. Other Bear Models
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| Bear Original Mattress | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | |
| Rating | |||
| Firmness | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | |||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain | Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors |
Who I Recommend the Bear Star Hybrid For
- People looking for a hybrid mattress
- Sleepers with back pain
- Lightweight stomach sleepers
Learn more in our Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Review.
Who I Recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid For
- People looking for strong edge support
- Sleepers who want a taller mattress
- Stomach sleepers
Explore our Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Review.
My Verdict of the Bear Original Mattress
The Bear Original is a supportive all-foam mattress that’s also budget-friendly. Its above-average firmness should provide excellent spinal alignment for back and stomach sleepers, but those who sleep on their side may find it uncomfortable.
I was impressed with the amount of bounce this bed offers, which is somewhat unusual for memory foam mattresses. Conversely, when it comes to motion isolation, a performance category that memory foam typically excels in, I was surprised at how little motion absorption the Bear Original had. I wish that Bear had included the Celliant® cover with the price of the mattress because even with this cooling accessory, the Bear Original still heated up quite a bit. When taking all the features and performances into consideration, this mattress earned an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5.
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach