Best For
- Extremely high levels of bounce
- Excellent edge support, only 3.0″ of sinkage when seated on the edge
- Fast material response time
Considerations
- Very high levels of motion transfer
- Higher price than average (for a queen)
- Good, but not great pressure relief
Our Verdict
The Bear mattress is a 12″ latex hybrid made of latex, a transitional poly foam, and a pocketed coil support base. A plush, diamond-quilted cover holds the mattress together and gives it a generalized level of contour.
This mattress has moderate sinkage and extremely high levels of bounce, 3rd highest of all mattresses tested to date. The high bounce translates to higher levels of motion transfer as well, which can be an issue for sensitive sleepers.
The Bear Natural is available in a single firmness, 6 out of 10 and with a medium-firm feel.
Concerning performance, the Bear Natural scores a 9.33, which ranks it in the bottom 10% of all natural latex hybrids we’ve tested to date.
Paired with the higher price tag of $1949 for a queen (10% more expensive than average), the Bear Natural is certainly not the best value mattress we’ve seen.
Even so, this mattress may be a good pick for people looking for a latex hybrid that has a more generalized feel than other latex mattresses on the market. In addition, if you want maximum bounce for max sex performance, this can also be a good choice.
Type: Latex 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. Testing categories include:
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cooling | Very Good |
| Sinkage | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer | Very High |
| Response Time | Extremely Fast |
| Bounce | Extremely High |
| Edge Support | Exceptional |
| Sex | Excellent |
| Pressure Relief | Very Good |
| Off-Gassing | Excellent |
| Company | Excellent |
How is Bear Natural Different?
The Bear Natural mattress has lower overall performance and a price that is higher than average—10% more than the average latex hybrid. Looking at all latex hybrids we’ve tested to date, the Bear Natural scores in the bottom 10%.
Advantages
Advantages of the Bear Natural include faster-than-average material response time, better edge support, and great sex performance (thanks to the high bounce, no doubt).
Neutral Factors
This mattress has slightly less sinkage than average (0.03″ less) as well as 70% more bounce than average.
Both bounce and sinkage are usually quite subjective, but 16.46″ of bounce is extremely high, making the Bear Natural the 3rd bounciest mattress we’ve tested to date. Sleepers really need to enjoy high bounce to be comfortable on this mattress.
Disadvantages
Disadvantages include poorer cooling performance, high levels of motion transfer, and a slightly shorter trial period (46 nights shorter than average).
| Factor | Bear Natural | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.33 | 9.49 |
| Price | $1,949 | $1,767 (Latex Hybrid only) |
| Cooling | 9.0 | 9.4 |
| Max Sinkage | 2.13″ | 2.16″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 13.65 m/s² | 8.62 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.2 sec. | 0.4 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 16.46″ | 9.69″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 3.00″ | 4.09″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 13.0″ | 12.0″ |
| Sex Overall | 9.9 | 9.6 |
| Comfort Material | 4.0″ | 4.2″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 5 days | 5 days |
| Trial | 120 nights | 166 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 26% have lifetime warranties, average of other 74% of mattresses is 14 years |
Cooling Test
The Bear Natural has good cooling performance, but it’s also far from amazing. During our tests, I felt a slight to moderate level of heat retention around my body.
Baseline Temp.
80.3° F
Max Temp.
92.5° F
Ending Temp.
84.1° 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
Typically, latex hybrid mattresses are excellent when it comes to cooling. However, the Bear Natural takes a different approach by incorporating cotton within the quilted cover and a layer of poly foam comfort material under the latex layer.
This combination of materials simply doesn’t allow the mattress to breathe particularly well.
In our objective temperature testing, we measured a max surface level temperature of 92.5° F, which is 2.91° warmer than average.
After getting off the mattress, the temperature declined by 4.1° from minutes 0 to 1, which is 0.51° warmer than average. From minutes 0 to 5 we see a more significant 8.4° temperature drop, which is 1.19° cooler than average.
However, the ending heat dissipation number isn’t enough to overcome the simple fact that the max temperature is significantly warmer than average and the 0 to 1 minute heat dissipation period is also warmer than average.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
Sinkage Test
The Bear Natural has a moderate level of sinkage. In our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 2.13”. This is 0.03” less sinkage than the average of 2.16”.
Sinkage Depth
2.13″
Sinkage Feel
Moderate
Lighter parts of my body including chest, arms, legs, and head experienced the more moderate sinkage, while my butt and midsection sank down to deeper levels.
The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.
The combination of quilted cotton cover, latex, and poly foam create a more generalized body contouring hug. Together, these layers balance out any extreme and more polarizing feels, creating a more balanced and even comfort dynamic.
As such, the Bear Natural is a good choice for those who want a natural mattress, but don’t love the feel of an exclusively latex comfort layer.
Motion Transfer Test
The Bear Natural has a very high level of motion transfer. In our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 13.65 m/s². This is 58.4% more motion transfer than the average of 8.62 m/s².
Max. Acceleration
6.33 m/s²
Min. Acceleration
-7.32 m/s²
Accel. Range
13.65 m/s²
The level of motion transfer is also documented in the video below.
Higher motion transfer is pretty typical among latex hybrids. Latex by its nature is highly resilient, springy, and responsive.
These attributes are great for sex performance and ease of movement, but don’t do any favors for motion transfer.
In our motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we see the highest motion peaks from 0 to 0.28 seconds.
There is a secondary spike from 0.56 to 0.77 seconds and it’s not until 1.20 seconds that we return to near-zero levels of energy.
The very high initial spike, secondary energy spike, and 1.20-second motion duration all tell the same story, the Bear Natural has very high motion transfer.
Response Test
The Bear Natural has an extremely fast material response. In our tests, we measured a mostly recovered response time of 0.2 seconds and a fully recovered response time of 0.3 seconds.
Mostly Recovered
0.2 sec.
Complete Recovery
0.3 sec.
This is effectively an instant material recovery and is tied with the fastest responding mattresses we’ve tested to date.
The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.
Each of the individual materials within the mattress have a high level of responsiveness. Latex is known for its springy feel and instant material recovery.
Likewise, the coil unit will always rebound back to shape effectively instantly. The only other major comfort material within the mattress is the poly foam transition layer, which has a response speed on par with latex.
Overall, this is an extremely fast material response and helps the mattress remain easier to move around on.
Bounce Test
The Bear Natural has an extremely high level of bounce. In our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 16.46”. This is 6.77” more bounce than the average of 9.69”.
Max. Depth
5.92″
Max. Rebound
10.54″
Total Bounce
16.46″
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max Bounce Height
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
While it’s common for latex and latex hybrid mattresses to have a higher level of bounce, Bear Natural is in rare territory at this level.
At 16.46” of bounce the Bear Natural has the 3rd most bounce of any mattress we’ve tested to date.
While higher bounce is great for ease of movement and sex, it is almost certainly the primary reason for the higher level of motion transfer that we recorded.
In addition, at these levels, many sleepers may simply feel that the mattress is creating a “trampoline” type of feel.
All things considered, I am not thrilled to see bounce levels this high as it’s more likely to be an issue for many sleepers.
Edge Support Test
The Bear Natural has exceptionally good sitting edge support and excellent lying edge support. During our sitting edge support tests, we measured a sitting sinkage compression of 3.0”. This is 1.09” less sitting sinkage than the average of 4.09”.
Max Sinkage
3.00″
Lying Support
Excellent
When it comes to sitting sinkage, I want to see 4.0” or less. The Bear Natural easily cruised by that benchmark, making it to the top 21% percentile among all mattresses we’ve tested to date.
Even when sitting directly on the edge of the mattress it retains its shape and support, and there is no material collapse. Lying edge support is nearly as impressive.
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
During our tests, I felt well-supported in all sleeping positions while 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.
The 13.0” total profile, medium-firm feel, high resiliency of latex, and reinforced edge coils all help to deliver great edge support for both sitting and lying.
Sex Test
Sex performance on the Bear Natural is exceptional with a score of 9.9. The extremely high level of bounce gives this mattress a springy feel that helps maintain momentum during moments of intimacy.
It also has great edge support when sitting or lying directly on the edge. These two factors make up 80% of the sex score on the Bear Natural and really carry the score.
How Do We Determine Sex Score?
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 | 60% | 10 | Extremely High |
| Edge Support | 20% | 10 | Exceptional |
| Noise | 10% | 10 | Minimal |
| Pressure Relief | 5% | 9.0 | Very Good |
| Cooling | 5% | 9.0 | Very Good |
For the Bear Natural, these individual factors generated a sex score of 9.9.
Pressure Relief Test
Pressure relief on the Bear Natural is good, though I wasn’t blown away by it.
In our tests, I experienced great pressure relief while lying on my side. However, while lying on my back I felt a slight to moderate level of building pressure, mostly in my lower back.
Comfort Layer
4.0″
Support Layer
9.0″
In my view, the culprit is a combination of the latex and the fairly deep quilting pattern of the top cover.
Ordinarily, a quilting pattern like this isn’t a huge issue. However, when you couple this type of quilting pattern with latex foam, which is highly resilient and wants to retain its shape, it can create pressure relief issues for some sleepers.
During our tests, I experienced some of these pressure relief issues. On my side, it felt great, as my body put enough weight along the side to overcome the quilting pattern.
However, on my back I felt much of that pushback in the lower back, creating less-than-great pressure relief. For some sleepers, especially with lighter-weight bodies, this could create support and pressure relief issues.
Off-Gassing Test
Off-gassing on the Bear Natural was strong right out of the box and took 5 days to fully dissipate.
Initial Smell Strength
Strong
Off-Gassing Period
5 days
A 5-day off-gassing period is right on par with the average off-gassing duration of all mattresses tested to date.
Company
Bear has an excellent company score and very favorable terms and conditions. The company offers a 120-night trial period on the Bear Natural mattress and a lifetime warranty.
| Company Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Period | 25% | 9.0 | 120 nights |
| Warranty | 25% | 10 | Lifetime |
| Shipping | 25% | 10 | $0 |
| Returns | 25% | 10 | $0 |
| Country of Origin | 0% | USA |
Compared to the average trial length across all mattresses tested to date (166 nights), Bear is 28% shorter, with a difference of 46 nights.
But what it lacks in short-term trial length, it makes up for in long-term warranty with a lifetime warranty.
We’ve tested over 200 mattresses to date and of those, only 26% offer a lifetime warranty. The average of the other 74% of mattresses is 14 years.
How Do We Determine Company Score?
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.
For Bear, these individual terms and conditions generated a company score of 9.8.
How firm is Bear Natural?
The Bear Natural comes in a single firmness with a medium-firm feel (6 out of 10 on the firmness scale).
Support & Sleeping Positions
The Bear Natural has excellent support. In our tests, I felt well-supported in all sleeping positions.
The mattress has a robust 13.0” total profile with 9.0” of support layers. The 9.0” of support materials break down into an 8.0” pocketed coil unit and a 1.0” support foam layer on the base of the mattress.
This is 1.2” more support materials than the average 7.8” support layer, based on all of our mattress tests to date.
The excellent material quality, proven latex hybrid design, and robust support layers give me confidence that most sleepers will find the support to be excellent.
Check out the table below to see the sleeper weights and sleeping positions that would be best suited for this mattress.
| 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 |
Design
The Bear Natural is a 13″ latex hybrid mattress with a medium-firm feel. It includes a blend of latex foam, poly foam, and a support pocketed coil base.
Type
Latex Hybrid
Thickness
13″
Firmness
6
Materials
There are a total of 5 layers on the Bear Natural. The top 3 layers serve as comfort layers and the bottom two layers are exclusively for support. From top to bottom, the layers include:
- 2.0” quilted cover
- 1.0” natural latex (Talalay)
- 1.0” poly foam
- 8.0” pocketed coil unit
- 1.0” support foam
The Law Tag outlines the full breakdown of materials included in this mattress.
- Materials
- Coil spring unit
- 55% latex rubber foam
- 40% polyurethane foam
- 5% polyester fiber batting
- Made for Brooklyn Bedding, 5301 W Bethany Home Rd, Glendale, AZ 85301
- Date of delivery: 2/14/2024
- Finished size: 80 in x 60 in
- Net weight of materials: 108 lbs. 0 oz.
- Manufactured by 3Z Brands, 5301 W Bethany Home Rd, Glendale, AZ 85301
- Date of manufacturer: 2/14/2024
The Cover
The Bear Natural has a 2.0″ quilted cover with a diamond stitching pattern that provides some variation in the cover. It is made of GOTS certified organic cotton and has a soft feel to it.
The Comfort Layer
The first foam beneath the quilted cover is a 1.0″ layer of Talalay latex. This layer is hole-punched, which improves cooling performance as well as material response time.
Beneath the latex layer is a 1.0″ poly foam (blue). This foam acts partly as a comfort layer and partly as a transitional layer above the support foam.
The Support Layer
The support layer is made up of 8.0″ pocketed coils encased in a thin fabric. Each coil can move independently from each other. This approach is designed to give the mattress better pressure relief and limit motion transfer, although, as our tests revealed, Bear Natural struggled in these areas.
Product Evolution
The Bear Natural was newly launched in early 2024. Being that it is a newer mattress, there have been no major updates made to the mattress.
The Bear Natural is not the first mattress to hit the market by Bear, but it is the first organic option (being a latex hybrid).
Other preceding mattresses that we’ve tested by Bear include:
| Mattress Name | Overall Score | Mattress Type | Read Review | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Original | 9.03 | Memory Foam | Read Review | Check Price |
| Bear Star Hybrid | 9.66 | Hybrid | Read Review | Check Price |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | 9.72 | Hybrid | Read Review | Check Price |
| Bear Pro Hybrid | 9.52 | Hybrid | Read Review | Check Price |
Other Mattresses to Consider
Not sure if the Bear Natural is the right pick for you? Check out these three other top-rated latex hybrid mattresses for high-performing alternatives you may want to consider.
For Performance
Saatva Latex Hybrid
9.77 Overall Score
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is the highest-performing latex hybrid that we’ve tested to date. It is 12″ thick and 4.0″ of that material is reserved for comfort material. This mattress comes in a single firmness with a medium-firm feel.
For Value
Birch
9.72 Overall Score
The Birch is the 2nd highest-performing latex hybrid we’ve tested to date and is offered at a lower price than the Bear Natural, for a savings of 13% or $250. Birch has a slightly firmer feel (7 out of 10) as well as significantly lower levels of motion transfer, compared to the Bear Natural.
For Budget
Awara Original
9.70 Overall Score
The Awara Original is our top pick for a value latex hybrid. Compared to the Bear Natural, Awara offers a savings of nearly 50% while also delivering higher performance overall. This mattress had deeper sinkage than the Bear and would be a great pick for side sleepers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Bear Natural mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.
Here are the current prices, with any sales or promotions reflected below:
Twin: $1,494
Twin XL: $1,624
Full: $1,722
Queen: $1,949
King: $2,274
Cal. King: $2,274
Split King: $3,248
*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.
