During my visit to the 3Z Mattress Factory in Phoenix, Arizona, I tried over 40 different mattresses, and the Bear Natural Mattress quickly became my top pick. I decided to bring it home to see if it could handle the challenges of everyday sleeping. For comfort, cooling, and support, I would rate the Bear Natural Mattress five stars, although it does have some motion transfer issues.
Why You Should Consider the Bear Natural Mattress
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Excellent ergonomic support
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Natural cooling features
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Fast and easy delivery
Potential Drawbacks
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Notable motion transfer
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Shorter sleep trial period
You can trust our expert reviews, as we spend considerable time testing and comparing the latest products to help you make informed decisions.
Last April, I visited the 3Z Brands mattress showroom in Phoenix, Arizona, where I had the opportunity to try more than 40 mattresses from various well-known brands like Brooklyn Bedding, Leesa, Nolah, and Bear. As I explored the showroom, I ranked each mattress from my favorite to least favorite. The Bear Natural Mattress stood out among the rest, quickly climbing to the top of my list. I noted in my initial impressions, 'Firm but not overly rigid; this one is a strong contender.'
My admiration for the Bear Natural Mattress led me to ask founder Scott Paladini if I could take one home for long-term testing. After spending the summer sleeping on it, I assessed its comfort, support, cooling properties, and motion isolation. I'm happy to report that the Bear Natural Mattress shines in nearly all areas.
As a sleep specialist, I lead a team of reviewers dedicated to finding the best mattresses available. We've tested a diverse range from memory foam to advanced hybrids. I have a particular fondness for latex hybrids like the Bear Natural Mattress, which combines the breathability and support of innersprings with more natural components. It's bouncy and airy, making it an ideal choice for hot sleepers, those seeking pressure relief, and anyone needing help with mobility.
Bear Natural Mattress | $1,499 at Bear
Bear Natural Mattress Overview
Like most boxed mattresses, the Bear Natural was delivered vacuum-packed in a cardboard box. The night before I planned to start my testing, I removed the mattress from its packaging, placed it on the bed frame, and cut off the plastic. I allowed it to rest for 24 hours to fully expand and eliminate any chemical odors from off-gassing.
Specifications of the Bear Natural Mattress
Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King |
Type | Latex hybrid |
Firmness | Medium-firm |
Height | 13" |
Sleep trial | 120 nights |
Warranty | Lifetime |
MSRP | $1,231 - $2,548 |
Who Will Benefit from the Bear Natural Mattress?
- All sleeping positions: The Bear Natural Mattress is classified as medium-firm, making it an excellent choice for most sleepers. I found it cushioned my hips, knees, neck, and shoulders without allowing me to sink too deeply. Although I typically sleep on my stomach, friends who slept on their backs or sides all reported positive experiences.
- Hot sleepers: I often deal with night sweats, especially during the hot summer months, so I need a cooling mattress. The Bear Natural Mattress has allowed me to sleep comfortably even without air conditioning.
- Individuals with mobility challenges: The combination of responsive latex and supportive springs makes it easier to get in and out of bed, providing a nice bounce.
- Those needing pressure relief: The latex molds to your body shape, providing cushioning for joints and supporting your spine. Bear Mattress claims to offer 'the best sleep for your active life.' After a long day of hiking or exercising, I feel rejuvenated after sleeping on this mattress.
What Is It Like to Sleep on the Bear Natural Mattress?
- Comfort: When I initially tried the Bear Natural Mattress, I had just returned from an international flight and was running on very little sleep. I could have slept on any mattress that day, but I found the Bear Natural to be the most aligning. After bringing it home, I appreciated its comfort even more. The medium-firm feel strikes a perfect balance between comfort and support. Friends who have stayed over have slept comfortably, regardless of their sleeping style, making it a good choice for couples with differing preferences.
- Support: The coils within the Bear Natural Mattress are organized into ergonomic zones. Some coils are thicker and firmer, while others are softer and springier. This targeted support provides a sensation of sinking into the mattress around the hips and shoulders without being overwhelmed. I did take some time to adjust to the varying firmness levels across the mattress surface.
- Cooling: As a latex hybrid mattress, the Bear Natural features steel coils that compress and decompress under your weight, increasing airflow throughout the mattress. On top, a thin layer of natural latex with an open-cell structure helps prevent heat and moisture from accumulating. Although it doesn't feel cold to the touch, the mattress kept me cool and dry through heat waves, allowing me to sleep comfortably.
- Motion isolation: While a bouncy mattress makes getting in and out of bed easier and allows for seamless position changes during the night, it can also disturb your partner's sleep. To test this, I placed a glass of water on one side of the bed and applied pressure across the mattress. As I got closer to the glass, it began to shake, and eventually, I spilled water everywhere. Though some motion transfer is typical for hybrid mattresses, I'd recommend a more solid option for light sleepers.
- Edge support: The Bear Natural Mattress is designed with a row of reinforced steel coils around the edge for better support. When I sat on the edge, I did sink a few inches, but this is expected given my concentrated weight. When sleeping on the side, I felt adequately supported when distributing my weight evenly. For enhanced edge support, I suggest another hybrid mattress such as the Saatva Classic.
- Sleep trial: The Bear Natural Mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial, providing ample time to test it through seasonal changes before making a purchase decision. While this length is common, it doesn't compare to some brands that offer a full year of trials.
- Warranty: The Bear Natural Mattress includes a lifetime limited warranty covering common defects in materials and workmanship. The 'limited' aspect means you are eligible for one replacement if you find a fault. Should you find another issue with the replacement, the warranty no longer applies. To make a claim, you must prove that your mattress is set on a firm, rigid surface with adequate center support, as outlined in the warranty terms.
How Does the Bear Natural Mattress Perform Online?
Bear organizes all their mattress reviews in a dedicated section on their website, so you won't see any feedback for the Bear Natural Mattress beneath its product listing. This setup feels somewhat suspicious, almost as if they're hiding customer opinions. However, based on my visit to their factory and experience in their showroom, I don't believe there's anything to conceal. It wasn't until I searched for 'Bear Mattress Customer Reviews' that I found the appropriate page, but there are currently no reviews for the Bear Natural Mattress, likely because it's their newest model.
Should I Purchase the Bear Natural Mattress?
The Bear Natural Mattress is typically priced at $2,305 for a Queen size, but it often goes on sale for less. Currently, you can save $800 and buy it for $1,499, which I find worthwhile for a mattress that offers natural latex and great support.
This is my second review of a Bear mattress, following the Bear Elite Hybrid. I took a quick nap on both mattresses during my time in Arizona, and I honestly believe there's not much difference between the two; they're priced identically. However, I consistently prefer the Bear Natural Mattress for its medium-firm support and natural cooling features.
Our Mattress Testing Process
Our mattress testing process is thorough and thoughtful. I assign each mattress to the tester best suited for it, considering factors like age, weight, and sleep style. Each mattress is scored based on consistent criteria, including comfort, support, breathability, and motion isolation. We also evaluate practical aspects, such as delivery details and the length of the sleep trial. Where possible, we compare our findings with verified customer reviews to provide a comprehensive view of what it's like to sleep on the mattress. Finally, we analyze the price to assess the overall value.
