Bear Mattress Review (2026): Personally Tested and Reviewed
In this Bear mattress review, we examine the claims that a mattress can help with physical recovery and rest. We also look at how different Bear models performed in our tests.
- We like Bear for its quality materials, strong support, variety, cooling properties, and top-rated customer service.
- The Bear mattresses in this review cost $998–$2,284 for a queen size before discounts.
- All of Bear’s mattresses are fiberglass-free, use certified safe materials, and are manufactured in the United States.
- Bear is one of the only mattress manufacturers to offer mattresses designed for nighttime recovery.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing mattresses to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best mattresses, we:
- Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best mattress
- Put more than 130 models through a series of 19 different tests at our in-house lab
- Mystery-shopped more than 40 brands
- Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
- Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
- Worked with older adult testers to evaluate mattresses and get their opinion
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new mattresses and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our mattress review methodology.
Bear built its name around the idea that sleep is a time to recover, and it makes some of the best mattresses for that purpose. Bear mattresses aren’t just made for comfort. They’re designed with foams and features that may support circulation and muscle recovery. That hasn’t changed, even though the brand was acquired by Brooklyn Bedding and Helix, a popular bed-in-a-box brand, in 2022. In this Bear mattress review, we take a closer look at how well the brand delivers on its promise.
Bear mattresses are all assembled in the United States, and use materials certified to be free of fiberglass and other harmful materials. They are designed to keep your spine in a neutral, supported position, cushion sore joints, and improve overall sleep quality. Our testing with older adults found that Bear mattresses offered strong support, pressure relief, and cooling. We also like that Bear offers free shipping, a 120-night trial, and a limited lifetime warranty on every mattress it sells.
In this review, we look closely at the models we tested, including the Bear Original memory foam mattress and the Bear Elite Hybrid. We also cover the other options from Bear and important factors for choosing the right mattress.
Bear Mattresses
- Quality materials
- Recovery-oriented construction
- 120-night trial
- Lifetime warranty
Why choose Bear?
Bear mattresses offer more than just basic comfort. These mattresses are built with recovery in mind. Many models use Celliant fibers, which may help boost circulation while you sleep, according to some research.1 These fibers contain minerals that absorb body heat and convert it into infrared energy, which may help increase circulation, deliver more oxygen to tissues, and support muscle recovery during sleep.
In our testing, Bear beds did a great job keeping the spine aligned and easing pressure on areas like the shoulders and hips. The brand also focuses on cooling, which can reduce tossing and turning at night. This mix of support, pressure relief, and cooling makes Bear stand out from many other mattress brands.
Bear also stands out because it offers a balance of quality and value. The brand offers both foam and hybrid options, so you can choose what feels best. Prices are competitive for the materials you get, and the mattresses are made in the United States with certified-safe foams and no fiberglass. Bear also backs its beds with a 120-night trial, free shipping, and a limited lifetime warranty.
Understanding our scoring
Our mattress recommendations are based on our thorough research and testing. We created two scores to reflect the needs of our audience:
- Accessibility score: A combined score reflecting factors that make it easier for older adults to move around and get in and out of bed.
- Pain relief score: A combined score reflecting factors that help relieve pain while in bed.
Bear Original: A Bargain Cooling Foam Mattress
This is Bear’s only all-memory foam mattress. Unlike most foam mattresses, this one excels at cooling. It earned one of the top cooling scores of any mattress we tested. It combines a Celliant-infused cover with graphite-infused cooling gel foam. This is technology you usually only see in more expensive beds. That makes it a strong value compared with other mattresses and even other Bear models.
The Bear Original
- 5 out of 5 cooling score with minimal heat retention
- Supportive for all sleep positions
- Made without fiberglass in the United States
- Pain relief score: 3.4 out of 5
- Material: Memory foam
- Brand firmness rating: 7.1/10
- Ideal sleeping position: Side, back, and stomach
Pros
- Superior cooling technology
- Good motion isolation for couples
- Costs less than $1,000 for a queen size
Cons
- Edge support could be stronger
- Firm feel may not suit all sleepers
- Less pressure relief than hybrid models
Our experience with the Bear Original
The Bear Original is the brand’s only all-foam mattress and it is known for its strong cooling performance and firm, steady feel. These are two qualities you don’t see often in memory foam mattresses. Bear hybrid mattresses like the Elite add coils and thicker comfort layers, but the Bear Original keeps things simple and affordable while still using premium cooling materials.
It's made with three layers of foam: high-density support foam to add structure, dynamic support foam for pressure relief, and cooling gel memory foam to draw unwanted body heat away for more comfortable sleep. There is also an optional Celliant-infused cover. During our testing, the Bear Original earned the highest score of any mattress we tested for temperature control, a 5 out of 5. This mattress had the smallest temperature increase of any mattress we tested, about 3 degrees. “The cover is cool to the touch and light,” said Chris, a 66-year-old tester. “There’s not a lot of fabric. I think that helps the cover stay cool.”
This result is impressive because memory foam usually traps heat. Foam beds tend to be dense and hug the body, which can make them warmer than hybrid mattresses. Testers also liked how stable and supportive the mattress felt. “I don’t feel like I’m going to roll off. I feel really stable,” said Chris, a higher-weight sleeper. “It’s comfortable and firm. I feel equally supported throughout my whole body.”
The Bear Original is rated 7.1 out of 10 for firmness, though some testers felt it closer to 9 out of 10, which is quite firm for a memory foam bed. “The top layer feels like it’s giving me some comfort and then the bottom layer is firmer,” said Chris. “It’s a nice combination.” That firm support can help keep the spine aligned in different sleep positions.
Motion isolation was another strong point. Testers gave the mattress a 4 out of 5 score for motion isolation, meaning movement on one side of the bed stayed fairly contained. “I could feel the initial movement of someone getting into bed, but it didn’t ripple,” said one tester. “When they moved to their side, that’s when I felt the most. But I did not feel like I was bounced, I maybe felt some back and forth motion, not a bounce.”
Who is the Bear Original right for?
The Bear Original may be a good fit for hot sleepers who want a foam mattress that stays cool and costs less than $1,000. Its strong motion isolation also makes it a good option for couples who want to feel less movement at night. Testers with higher body weights liked the firm, steady support. Lighter sleepers or people who want a bouncier bed may prefer the added cushioning found in the Bear Elite or another of the Bear hybrid options.
| I may love it if I: | |
| Sleep with a partner | Yes |
| Have chronic pain | No |
| Feel hot at night | Yes |
| Have mobility concerns | Yes |
| Sleep in the following positions | Side, stomach, back |
Who should keep looking for their perfect mattress?
- People who need a lot of pressure relief under their backs
- People who don’t like memory foam
- Lightweight side sleepers who might prefer a softer mattress
The Bear Elite Hybrid: A Popular Pick With Zoned Support
The Bear Elite Hybrid is the brand’s most popular and most luxurious mattress. It comes in a choice of three firmness levels (we tested the medium-firm option) and has zoned support, individually wrapped coils, and advanced cooling technology. Like the Bear Original, it excels at temperature regulation, but has a surface with more bounce to it.
The Bear Elite Hybrid
- Stays cool through the night
- Good support for side, back, and stomach sleepers
- Solid bounce helps with changing positions or getting out of bed
- Pain relief score: 3.53 out of 5
- Material: Hybrid
- Brand firmness rating: 6 out of 10 (medium-firm, as tested)
- Ideal sleeping position: Side, back, and stomach
Pros
- Earned high cooling scores
- Available in soft, medium, and firm options
- Good for back, side, and stomach sleepers
Cons
- Weak edge support
- Light sleepers may notice movement when a partner gets in or out of bed
- May not be supportive enough for higher-weight sleepers
Our experience with the Bear Elite Hybrid
Like the Bear Original, the Elite stood out for its temperature regulation. The Elite uses copper-infused memory foam and a moisture-wicking quilted cover to keep the sleep surface comfortably cool. In our tests, the mattress temperature increased by just over 6 degrees after testers laid on it. That’s more than twice the Bear Original, but still better than the majority of other mattresses we tested. Testers gave the Bear Elite a 4 out of 5 for temperature control, and one noted that the surface felt cool to the touch before lying down.
The two mattresses differ significantly in feel and construction. The Elite features zoned support and has five layers of materials, including individually wrapped coils for responsive support. This makes the mattress a full 4 inches thicker than the foam model.
The Bear Elite also comes in a choice of three firmness levels, from soft to firm. We tested the medium-firm version. Our testers commented that it felt “more firm and hard to push down on.” “The mattress bounces back quickly and the material feels like a dense memory foam,” said one tester. The Bear Elite mattress has additional layers of cushioning and advanced cooling materials compared to the other hybrid mattresses Bear offers, which is why it costs more. We have not yet tested those models.
The Bear Elite has more responsive support than memory foam. Our testers said they felt well supported in every sleeping position. “My body feels equally supported,” said one. “My entire body sinks into the mattress, but not too much in one area.” This was the case whether they slept on their side, back, or stomach.
Testers did notice a few drawbacks. One pointed out that this mattress has somewhat weaker edges than other hybrid mattresses. “The edge collapses more than usual, and it sinks too much,” she said. “I feel like you need your hands to assist you on this bed.” The Bear Elite also did not provide much motion isolation “When you changed positions my whole body did a little bounce, especially my shoulders,” said one tester. “It definitely bounced my body. Across everything I felt it most in my shoulders. If I were a light sleeper, I think I would be woken up.”
Who is the Bear Elite Hybrid right for?
The Bear Elite mattress may be a good choice for hot sleepers who want a hybrid mattress that stays cool. It can also work well for side, back, and stomach sleepers because it comes in several firmness options. People who like a mattress with bounce and lift may also enjoy the coil support system. Light sleepers may notice movement when a partner gets in or out of bed, however.
| I may love it if I: | |
| Sleep with a partner | No |
| Have chronic pain | Yes |
| Feel hot at night | Yes |
| Have mobility concerns | Yes |
| Sleep in the following positions | Side, back, stomach |
Who should keep looking for their perfect mattress?
- People who are easily awakened by a partner getting in and out of bed or moving around
- People who rely on strong edge support to sit or stand up.
- Higher-weight sleepers may not get the right support from this mattress
Other Bear models to consider
If you’re looking at other options, there are a few Bear models we haven’t tested yet but are worth considering. The Bear hybrid mattress lineup includes the Pro Hybrid and the Star Hybrid. The 10-inch Pro Hybrid is the more basic version, with cooling gel foam and pocketed coils that add a bit more support and give. The 13-inch Star Hybrid is a step above, with a thicker build and a soft pillow top feel. It is Bear’s best-selling hybrid mattress and designed to balance comfort and support.
There is also the Bear Natural latex hybrid mattress. It uses organic cotton and natural latex, along with zoned coils, for a firmer and more responsive feel.
Comparing Bear mattress costs
| Comparison Features | Bear Original |
Bear Star Hybrid |
Bear Pro Hybrid |
Bear Elite Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (queen) | $998 |
$2,034 |
$1,427 |
$2,284 |
| Brand firmness | 7.1/10 |
6.8/10 |
7/10 |
5-7/10 |
| Materials | Memory foam |
Hybrid (gel-infused memory foam and coils) |
Hybrid (gel-infused memory foam and coils) |
Hybrid (copper infused memory foam and coils) |
The Bear customer experience
Bear makes buying a mattress straightforward. The brand follows the bed-in-a-box model and compresses its mattresses for shipping. Bear ships anywhere in the continental United States free of charge, but if you don’t want to set up your bed yourself, you can pay $175 for white-glove delivery. This service means someone will bring the mattress inside, set it up in your room, and remove your old mattress.
Once your mattress arrives, remove the vacuum-sealed package from the box and place it on your bed base. It will begin to expand when the plastic wrapping is removed and should be fully expanded in a minute or two. Bear recommends waiting 24 hours before sleeping on your new mattress. The brand has a 120-night trial, so you have time to see how the mattress feels at home. If it’s not the right fit, you can return it during that window at no charge. The mattress comes with a lifetime limited warranty, which helps cover any long-term issues. In our tests, Bear customer service scored a 9.4 out of 10, which suggests most people have a smooth experience if they need help.
Customer service
You can reach Bear customer service by:
- Phone: 844-311-0035, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
- Email: support@bearmattress.com
- Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
Payment options
Bear accepts Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Venmo, and Google Pay. Financing is available through Affirm and ShopPay.
The brand currently offers a 40% discount for military members, first responders, law enforcement, health care workers, and teachers. This discount can’t be combined with other promotional codes.
Is a Bear mattress right for you?
A Bear mattress could be a good fit if you want a balance of comfort and support. Bear offers options across a range of prices, from under $1,000 for the original to more than $2,000 for the Elite Hybrid. Bear mattresses also earned high scores in our cooling tests and for its customer service.
Bear mattresses are designed with active people in mind, but you don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy them. They offer a mix of pressure relief and support that can work well for many sleep styles. If you want a bed that feels supportive and keeps you cool, but not too stiff, a Bear mattress could be a good match.
Before you decide, it helps to ask yourself a few quick questions:
- Do I want a mattress to support recovery and circulation during sleep?
- Am I looking for strong cooling performance in a foam or hybrid mattress?
- Do I want a mattress made without fiberglass and with certified-safe materials?
- Would I use services like white-glove delivery for in-home setup and old mattress removal?
- Do I want a long trial period and a lifetime warranty before committing?
- Am I looking for a mattress made in the United States?
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bear mattress good for back pain?
Bear mattresses may help with back pain, since many models focus on spinal alignment and pressure relief, features that may help reduce back discomfort.
How firm is the Bear mattress?
Firmness varies by model, but most Bear mattresses fall around medium to medium-firm. The Bear Original is rated 7.1 out of 10 by the brand, while the Bear Elite Hybrid is rated 6 out of 10 in the medium-firm version we tested.
Who should buy the Bear mattress?
A Bear mattress may be a good fit for hot sleepers, people who want a mattress designed to support recovery, and those looking for a high-quality option made in the United States. The Bear Original is a strong value for under $1,000, while the Bear Elite Hybrid suits those who want a more cushioned hybrid feel.
Does the Bear mattress sleep cool?
Many Bear models use cooling materials designed to help reduce heat buildup. In our testing, the Bear Original earned a 5 out of 5 for temperature control, the highest score of any mattress we tested. The Bear Elite Hybrid earned a 4 out of 5.
Does the Bear mattress have fiberglass?
Bear states that its mattresses are all made without fiberglass. The brand uses other fire barrier materials instead.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.