Best For
- Excellent cooling. Max temp. of only 90.1° F with super impressive heat dissipation.
- Extremely low motion transfer, 3.72 m/s² accelerometer range (5.78 m/s² is average)
- Super fast response time of 0.3 seconds for full material recovery
Considerations
- Extremely high bounce. Some sleepers might find it’s just too much.
- Slightly deeper sinkage (about 0.5” than the average)
- Probably not supportive enough for sleepers over 300 pounds.
Our Verdict
The Awara natural luxury hybrid, aka: the original Awara mattress, is a hybrid mattress that relies on natural dunlop latex foam and pocketed coils for comfort and support. It has a medium-firm feel, around 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale (where 10 is the most firm).
In our performance tests, it showcased excellent cooling, moderate to deep sinkage, low motion transfer, very fast response time, high bounce height, good edge support, and excellent pressure relief (despite only having 2.0″ of latex foam).
Overall performance was excellent. Natural latex mattresses tend to be more expensive, but the Awara keeps the price in check, while still maintaining material quality. It’s a solid latex hybrid mattress from top to bottom.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Best For: All Sleeping Positions, All Body Weights
In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs
Performance Tests
At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.
We test 10 different factors that impact the performance, comfort, and value of the mattress. We then take the results of that test and compare to every mattress we’ve tested to date.
Check out the full performance table below to see how this mattress ranks:
| Factor | Awara | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.26 | 8.64 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,099 | $1,767 (Latex Hybrid only) |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 | 8.8 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.63″ | 2.16″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Very Deep | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 | 8.2 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 3.72 m/s² | 8.64 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 10 | 8.9 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.3 sec. | 0.9 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 15.79″ | 9.69″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Extremely High | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.4 | 8.6 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.00″ | 4.07″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Good | Good |
| Sex – Score | 9.6 | 8.5 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 | 8.8 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 2.0″ | 4.2″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 10″ | 12.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 9.2 | 8.4 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Moderate | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 3 days | 6 days |
| Company – Score | 9.0 | 8.7 |
| Trial | 365 nights | 166 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 25% have lifetime warranties, average of other 75% of mattresses is 14 years |
How is Awara Different?
The Awara mattress has better overall performance than average as well as a price point that is well below the cost for the average latex hybrid—a savings of 38% or $658 for a queen-sized mattress.
Advantages
Beyond price and performance, other specific advantages for the Awara include slightly better cooling performance, 57% lower levels of motion transfer, better edge support, and a better sex score than average.
Neutral Factors
This mattress has 21% deeper sinkage than the average mattress as well as 36% higher levels of bounce. Sinkage and bounce are preferential factors and are not really considered good vs. bad.
Disadvantages
The only real disadvantage is the mattress having a thinner overall thickness—only 10″ compared to the 12″ average. This may cause some issues with pressure relief, especially for heavier sleepers or side sleepers, but for many, this will not be an issue.
Cooling Test
Cooling performance on the Awara mattress was excellent.
In our objective tests, we measured a maximum surface level temperature of 90.1°F.
This is 0.7° better than the average max temperature across all mattresses we’ve tested to date.
Baseline Temp.
81.4° F
Max Temp.
90.1° F
Ending Temp.
81.5° F
Max Temp.
Ending Temp
- Baseline Temperature – the temperature of the mattress before anyone lies on it
- Maximum Temperature (0 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after lying on it for 15 minutes
- Ending Temperature (5 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after being lied upon and having no one on it for 5 minutes
Additionally, I was greatly impressed with the heat dissipation curve.
Within 1 minute after getting off of the mattress the max temperature declined from 90.1 to 85.5°, a drop of 4.6°.
On average, the drop by 1 minute is only 3.8°, so Awara beat that by a healthy margin.
Heat dissipation from minutes 2 to 5 continued to impress with significant step downs at each interval.
When we look at the materials used it makes sense. Latex doesn’t hold heat nearly as much as other foams do.
In addition, the hybrid design further improves airflow. So there’s quite a lot going for the Awara mattress when it comes to cooling performance.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
Subjectively speaking, I feel perfectly cool and comfortable for the duration of the cooling test. I did not feel any warming sensation anywhere on the mattress during the test.
Sinkage Test
The sinkage level on the Awara mattress was moderate, but a deeper moderate.
Sinkage Depth
2.63″
Sinkage Feel
Very Deep
The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.
In our tests, we measured a sinkage depth of 2.63”. On average, we see a sinkage depth of 2.22” (based on all of our tests to date). The Awara definitely is deeper than average when it comes to sinkage.
However, it’s certainly not excessive or what I would describe as problematic. Deeper sinkage can sometimes cause sleepers to feel stuck. However, the latex top layers and hybrid design ensure this doesn’t happen. Most sleepers will find the sinkage depth on the Awara to be comfortable.
Motion Transfer Test
The Awara mattress has a surprisingly low level of motion transfer. You can see the motion transfer in real-time in the video below.
Generally, latex and hybrid designs both have more motion transfer compared to many other types of mattresses.
However, I was happy to see our accelerometer measured 3.72 m/s².
Max. Acceleration
1.69 m/s²
Min. Acceleration
-2.03 m/s²
Accel. Range
3.72 m/s²
This is significantly better than average, which is 8.34 m/s², and also well within the low to very low motion transfer range.
Anything below 5.0 m/s² would be considered low motion transfer.
This chart also makes it easier to see exactly how motion is translated across the Awara. While it does carry on a bit past 1.5 seconds, the levels are still relatively low.
Response Test
The Awara mattress is extremely fast when it comes to response time.
Mostly Recovered
0.2 sec.
Complete Recovery
0.3 sec.
Response time is noted in the video below.
In our tests, we measured that the Awara was able to mostly recover within 0.2 seconds and a full material recovery takes 0.3 seconds. This is basically as fast as it gets.
The Awara mattress is tied for 1st with a handful of other super fast-responding mattresses. The fast response time ensures sleepers never feel stuck within the foam layers.
Bounce Test
We measured a high to extremely high bounce range in our tests. The Awara has a maximum bounce height of 15.79”.
Max. Depth
6.76″
Max. Rebound
9.03″
Total Bounce
15.79″
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max Bounce Height
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
This level of bounce is well above the average bounce height of 9.50”. This level of bounce is to be expected given the materials Awara uses.
Both latex and pocketed coils are known for high bounce. All of that said, just because it has high bounce doesn’t necessarily make it better or worse.
Bounce is more of a preferential factor. However, more bounce will improve sex (which we discuss below).
Edge Support Test
Edge support on the Awara mattress was good. In our tests, we measured a maximum edge compression of 4.0 while sitting. This is within the sweet spot that I like to see.
Max Sinkage
4.0″
Lying Support
Good
Anything 4.0” or better can be considered very good or better. While sitting edge support was excellent, the edge support while lying leaves something to be desired.
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
The top foam layer just doesn’t provide as much support at the absolute edges as you’ll get more in the middle of the mattress.
As a result, I did not feel well supported when lying directly on the edge of the mattress.
The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.
Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.
Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.
That said, as long as you move in a few inches from the absolute edge you will find the Awara supportive.
Sex Test
The best mattresses for sex have high bounce, good edge support, quiet materials, and good pressure relief and cooling.
These 5 factors make up the NapLab sex performance score.
| Sex Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | 65% | 10 | Extremely High |
| Edge Support | 20% | 8.8 | Good |
| Noise | 5% | 8.0 | Moderate |
| Pressure Relief | 5% | 9.0 | Excellent |
| Cooling | 5% | 9.0 | Excellent |
For the Awara Original Hybrid, these individual factors give it an overall “excellent” rating.
Overall, this is a great score. There is a lot of bounce on this mattress and while that may be a disadvantage for sleep, it is a big advantage for sex.
In addition, the edge support was good and I felt supported enough when sitting directly on the edge. Lying on the edge was a little trickier and I didn’t love it.
But that being said, when I scooted a few more inches onto the mattress, the support was fantastic.
Pressure Relief Test
Pressure relief was excellent. Honestly, I was a little surprised the pressure relief was as good as it was.
Comfort Layer
2.0″
Support Layer
8.0″
Generally, mattresses with less than 3.0” of comfort material don’t do great in this area. So Awara’s 2.0” natural latex top layer was a red flag.
Despite my initial concerns, I felt that the mattress provided ample pressure relief in all positions. The pocketed coil base is clearly doing much of the heavy lifting, which speaks to its quality and overall performance level.
Off-Gassing Test
Off-gassing performance for the Awara is excellent. There was a moderate level of off-gassing upon the initial unboxing. The smell lingered for 3 days before dissipating.
Initial Smell Strength
Moderate
Off-Gassing Period
3 days
Both the smell intensity and duration are pretty standard. No major issues when it comes to off-gassing.
Company
The company score takes a look at factors that may influence your experience with the mattress.
Factors include length of the trial period, warranty, shipping / return costs, and country of origin.
| Company Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Period | 15% | 10 | 365 nights |
| Warranty | 10% | 10 | Lifetime |
| Shipping | 5% | 10 | $0 |
| Returns | 20% | 10 | $0 |
| Trust | 50% | 8.0 | Good |
| Country of Origin | 0% | China |
Awara has been in business since 2017, coming from the parent company that developed Nectar and DreamCloud. As you’d expect, all three companies have similar policies, terms, and conditions.
Awara offers a 365-night trial period, a lifetime limited warranty, free shipping, and free returns.
Their website has a chat feature that allows you to chat with a real representative if you have questions before making the purchase.
How firm is the Awara?
The Awara Original offers a medium feel, a 6 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm.
It is a good middle-of-the-road option if you’re looking for good support for a wide range of sleeper weights or sleeper positions.
Support & Sleeping Positions
You can use the table below to see if the Awara Original Hybrid could be a good option for you.
| Sleeper Weight | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 150 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 150-250 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 250-300 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
As you can see, the firmness would likely be comfortable for most sleepers. Of course, the one exception would be sleepers who fall outside of the range listed above.
If you are over 300 lbs, you may find that the Awara Original just isn’t supportive enough.
In those cases, I would recommend checking out the Awara Premier. The Premier has 2.0″ of extra latex foam in the comfort layer, which helps to improve pressure relief.
Design
The design of the Awara Original includes latex foam and pocketed coils for a blended design. It has a 10″ profile and a plush cover.
Type
Hybrid
Thickness
10″
Firmness
6
The top layer of foam is somewhat thin (only 2.0″), but overall this mattress has good pressure relief and adequate support.
Let’s break down the individual layers below.
Materials
From top to bottom, the Awara mattress includes the following:
- 2.0″ natural latex
- 8.0″ pocketed coils
The Cover
The cover on the Awara is a soft and stretchy textile blend of both cotton and organic wool. It’s a seamless cover and has a simple white aesthetic on the top with a dark navy contrast for the trim.
The blue accents along the trim carries down on the side to form strong handles. These handles may be useful when attempting to lift or move the mattress, as needed.
The Comfort Layer
The top comfort layer is a 2.0″ layer of perforated natural latex foam. This foam has a faster response time than most memory foams and more of a floating feel, compared to memory foam, which creates a more dramatic contour.
The Support Layer
Directly below the latex foam is a 8.0″ layer of pocketed coils. It is the combination of foam and coils that make the Awara a hybrid.
Pocketed coils provide good pressure relief and limit motion transfer as well. Overall, I would say that this layer is supportive and made of high-quality materials.
Product Evolution
When Awara first came out, the latex hybrid was the first mattress in the collection. Since its inception back in 2017, there has only been one real change—the mattress thickness.
The Awara was introduced as a 13″ mattress, but now is only a 10″ mattress for a lower profile look. This change did not effect the level of comfort foam and instead came out of the support foam, where the change would be less noticeable.
Awara Original vs. Awara Premier
Awara offers two mattresses at this time—the Original (as reviewed above) and the Awara Premier. The Premier offers 2.0″ more latex foam and therefore a deeper comfort layer.
You can see the top comparison details below:
Awara Original
| Type: Hybrid |
| Thickness: 10″ |
| Firmness: 6 out of 10 |
| Price: $1,199 (queen) |
| Overall Score: 9.26 |
Awara Premier
| Type: Hybrid |
| Thickness: 12″ |
| Firmness: 6 out of 10 |
| Price: $1,599 (queen) |
| Overall Score: 9.09 |
For heavy sleepers, side sleepers, or sleepers just looking for that extra level of contour, the Premier may be the better choice.
Other Mattresses to Consider
Still not sure if the Awara luxury hybrid is the right choice for you? Check out some of our other top recommendations below for alternate mattresses that may be a good choice.
For Softer Feel
Nest Bedding Sparrow
Classic Hybrid
The Nest Bedding Sparrow is another hybrid option. It doesn’t use latex, but instead has a 4.0″ comfort layer of poly foam and denser support foam. This mattress has a bit more pressure relief, in my opinion, and also has a softer feel (5 out of 10 on the firmness scale).
For Pressure Relief
Awara Premier Hybrid
2X The Latex Foam
The Awara Premier has many similar features to the Awara Original, like the coils and cover, but also has twice the thickness of latex foam. This thicker foam can provide improved pressure relief (especially for heavier sleepers or side sleepers.)
For More Contour
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Plush Cover Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a classic blend of foam and coils with 2.5″ of comfort material. It has a plush, quilted cover which provides a bit more softness and hug when you initially lie down on the mattress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Awara Original mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.
The cost varies depending on what size you’re looking for. Here are the current prices, with any sales or promotions reflected below:
Twin: $899
Twin XL: $999
Full: $1,099
Queen: $1,199
King: $1,499
Cal. King: $1,499
*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.
The Awara Original comes with a 365-night trial period.
Returns within the one-year trial period are free. Just contact Awara to begin the process.
No. Awara does not offer brick-and-mortar locations to try out their mattress. The best way to test the mattress is to take advantage of the 365-night trial period.
Cleaning the Awara Original is similar to how you would clean any other mattress. You can spot clean with cold water and mild detergent or vacuum the mattress. To avoid stains and spills altogether, consider adding a waterproof mattress pad or a 6-sided mattress encasement.
