Best For
- 100% natural latex
- Designed specifically for kids
- Excellent pressure relief
Considerations
- Sitting edge support isn’t good
- May not be supportive enough for sleepers over 110 lbs.
Our Verdict
The Nest Bedding Lark is a latex-based kids mattress. It has a 7.0″ profile and is specifically designed for smaller sleepers of 110-lbs or less.
During our performance tests, the Lark had excellent cooling, slightly deep sinkage, very high motion transfer, fast response time, low bounce, fair edge support, and excellent pressure relief.
The 100% natural latex material design is a big win. Avoiding poly foams and chemicals can be advantageous, especially for children. Overall, we found performance to be excellent. While I do wish it was slightly more supportive (therefore extending the number of years your child could use it), when kids are younger this is a fantastic mattress.
Type: Latex Foam
Firmness: Medium (5)
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 9 different factors that impact the comfort and feel of the mattress. Testing categories include:
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cooling | Excellent |
| Sinkage | Deep |
| Motion Transfer | Very High |
| Response Time | Very Fast |
| Bounce | Very Low |
| Edge Support | Very Good |
| Pressure Relief | Excellent |
| Off-Gassing | Excellent |
NOTE: Nest Bedding lists a 110-pound weight limit for the Lark mattress. I personally performed all the tests in this review, although I do weigh 140 lbs. At 140 pounds our tests definitely pushed the Lark to its limits and beyond.
Cooling Test
When it comes to cooling the Nest Bedding Lark mattress was excellent. The Lark is made from 100% natural latex. Latex as a material is fantastic for cooling.
Unlike poly foam and memory foam, it doesn’t absorb or retain heat nearly to the same degree. In addition, the latex is perforated, meaning they punch holes through it.
This further improves the cooling by enhancing breathability. During our cooling tests, I did not feel any significant heat retention. The Lark remained comfortably cool even under the pressures of an adult’s body weight.
Baseline Temp.
74.3°F
Max. Temp.
86.3°F
Ending Temp.
78.5°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
Heat Dissipation Over Time
| Time Elapsed | Temperature |
|---|---|
| 1 minute | 81.8° |
| 2 minutes | 81.1° |
| 3 minutes | 79.7° |
| 4 minutes | 79.1° |
| 5 minutes | 78.5° |
Within the five-minute space of when I got off the mattress (max temp) to the end of the test (at 5 minutes), there was a decrease of 3.3°. Overall, this is a good performance and the mattress was comfortable. I didn’t notice any problems with heat retention.
Sinkage Test
In our pressure point sinkage tests, we measured a sinkage depth of 2.56” on the Lark mattress. This is a little more than the average sinkage of 2.21”.
I would describe it as between slightly deep and deep. Bear in mind, that sinkage depth is based on an adult body.
The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.
Children will of course not sink that deep into the mattress. For most children and adults the Nest Bedding Lark mattress has enough sinkage to create plenty of pressure relief, but not so deep as to create support or spinal alignment problems.
Since the Lark mattress is built from 100% latex the contour around the body is more generalized. This is in contrast to memory foam, which creates a more dramatic and exacting contouring hug around the body.
For many sleepers, this type of generalized hug is preferable to poly foam and memory foam, as it helps prevent sleepers from feeling stuck or entrapped by the sinkage depth.
Motion Transfer Test
Motion transfer on the Lark mattress is very high. In our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 14.33 m/s². This is significantly more than the average motion transfer of 5.85 m/s².
The level of motion transfer is documented in the video below.
Based on all mattresses we’ve tested to date the Nest Bedding Lark mattress has the 2nd most motion of any mattress.
Max. Acceleration
9.16 m/s²
Min. Acceleration
-5.17 m/s²
Accel. Range
14.33 m/s²
Looking at the design and materials it makes sense. Latex as a material rebounds tons of energy.
When you couple this fact with the thinner profile at only 7.0” thick, it creates the right situation for a very high level of motion transfer.
For children that don’t share a bed, it’s probably a non-issue. However, some children’s own movements can awaken them during the night. A mattress with a high level of motion may further exacerbate that.
If you think a high level of motion transfer could be a problem for your child you may want to consider the Nest Bedding Puffin mattress, which has a significantly lower level of motion transfer (only 7.66 m/s²).
Response Test
The response time on the Nest Bedding Lark mattress was reasonably quick, but definitely slower than I expected.
Mostly Recovered
0.7 sec.
Complete Recovery
1.3 sec.
Generally, latex mattresses have an incredibly fast response time. However, the quilted top layer is considerably slower, increasing the total response time.
The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.
In our tests, we measured a mostly recovered time of 0.7 seconds, while a full material recovery took 1.3 seconds.
This is worse than the average in both categories. Across all of our mattress tests we see an average mostly recovered time of 0.59 seconds and an average fully recovered time of 0.95 seconds.
For most sleepers (both children and adults), this should still be plenty fast enough so as to not create any feelings of being stuck or entrapped by the mattress. However, it was still surprising that the level of motion transfer wasn’t faster.
Bounce Test
The levels of bounce on the Nest Bedding Lark mattress were pretty low compared to other mattresses. On average, bounce levels between all mattresses that we’ve tested to date are 9.40″ and the Lark comes in at less at about half of that level.
In our tests, we measured 5.83” of bounce on the Lark mattress.
Max. Depth
5.27″
Max. Rebound
0.56″
Total Bounce
5.83″
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max. Bounce Height
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
Bounce levels are typically dependent on material properties. For example, memory foam generally has the least amount of bounce and coil-based mattresses oftentimes have the most.
Latex foams fall somewhere in the middle. In the case of Lark, I was surprised that bounce was not more because it is a latex mattress.
Bounce is a preferential factor and doesn’t necessarily mean that a mattress is good or bad, but the Lark definitely has lower levels of bounce than expected.
Edge Support Test
Max. Sinkage
4.75″
Lying Support
Excellent
Edge support was a bit of a mixed bag on the Lark mattress. Edge support while lying was great, however, sitting edge support leaves much to be desired.
The mattress just isn’t very thick and it’s also on the softer side, so heavy pressure means you sink straight through.
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
In our sitting edge support tests, we measured a maximum compression of 4.75”. This is slightly worse than the average of 4.69”. However, when you consider the total mattress thickness is only 7.0” a 4.75” compression is effectively a complete collapse.
Again, I’ll note here that Nest Bedding does not recommend this mattress for sleepers over 110-lbs, but even so, I would have liked to have seen a little better performance here.
The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.
Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.
Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.
Despite the shortcomings with sitting support, support while lying down was better. I experienced a balanced feel of support and comfort despite the fact that I was technically heavier than the recommended weight limit of this mattress.
For smaller children, edge support probably isn’t an issue, but for parents who sit with their children for a bedtime story or lie down to help them fall asleep, this could be a real problem.
Pressure Relief Test
The Nest Bedding Lark mattress has fantastic pressure relief. The quilted cover and all latex design really do an amazing job at creating excellent pressure relief.
Comfort Layer
7.0″
Support Layer
0.0″
The sinkage may be a little too deep for adults and bigger kids, which could create support issues and therefore pressure points.
That being said, it (again) feels relevant to point out the 110-lb weight cap for this mattress. This mattress is designed to be a “big kid mattress”, likely the first mattress after a child graduates from their crib or toddler bed.
For teens or young adults, you would likely be better off going with the Nest Bedding Owl, which is a natural latex option for heavier weights.
For a memory foam “big kid bed”, check out the Nest Bedding Puffin mattress.
Off-Gassing Test
Off-gassing on the Lark mattress was extremely minor upon the initial unboxing.
Initial Smell Strength
Minimal
Off-Gassing Period
1 day
Within 1 day after unboxing the mattress had lost all significant odors. Oftentimes, we note off-gassing periods that are a bit longer.
The average across all mattresses we’ve tested to date is 2.69 days.
When the cover is removed there is still a faint rubber smell, which is common with natural latex. However, most sleepers should find it less than noticeable.
Company
Nest Bedding first launched in 2011 with an online marketplace as well as a brick-and-mortar store. They have continued to grow online as well as opening more physical store locations.
| Company Factor | |
|---|---|
| Trial Period | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime, limited |
| Shipping | Free |
| Returns | Free |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Nest Bedding offers a long 365-night trial period with a lifetime warranty. Shipping is free and returns are free.
How firm is the Nest Bedding Lark?
The Nest Bedding Lark mattress comes in around a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Bear in mind, this is how I perceived the firmness as an adult. Nest Bedding considers this mattress to be much firmer than I thought it was.*
* All firmness ratings are scored based on the mattress firmness compared to 200+ other mattresses I’ve personally tested.
To a child, it is possible that this mattress could have a firmer feel since their weight will prevent them from engaging too far into the material.
Support & Sleeping Positions
The Nest Bedding Lark mattress has perfectly acceptable support for kids. The natural latex is sufficiently thick enough to create an appropriate comfort and support dynamic.
However, because the mattress is relatively thin and uses slightly softer latex foam it may lack support for heavier bodies.
Adults that sleep on the mattress in a guest bedroom type of a situation, as well as larger kids (ages 12 and up) may find the support is lacking.
At 140 pounds, my mid-section didn’t feel very well supported, with my hips and butt sinking deep into the foams.
Again, for most kids this should be a non-issue. However, it is definitely a mattress designed with kids in mind and is not supportive enough for adults or teenagers. According to Nest Bedding, it is designed for weights up to 110 pounds.
Design
The Nest Bedding Lark mattress is a natural latex mattress, designed specifically for kids (110-lbs or less).
Type
Latex Foam
Thickness
7.0″
Firmness
5
Materials
Materials on the Lark mattress are pretty basic. There are no fancy layers or intricate composite materials. This mattress is simply a slab of natural Dunlop latex foam with a stretchy quilted cover for a plush top.
The Cover
The cover on the Lark Kids mattress is 1.0″ thick and uses cotton combined with Joma wool for comfort and softness. Nest Bedding’s Eco-Flex foam is quilted into the cover for added support and pressure relief.
The Core
The core of the mattress is a 6.0″ thick Dunlop natural latex. This kind of latex was the first to be developed for product design and remains one of the most popular natural materials today.
How is Dunlop Latex made?
The production process involves using liquid latex, whipping it up to add air and frothiness, and then pouring it into a mold. The resulting foam is what you see above.
Product Evolution
The first mattress for kids by Nest Bedding was the Big Kids Bed or also known as the “BKB”.
When Nest Bedding rebranded their mattresses, the kids offering split into two different mattresses—the Lark and the Puffin.
- The Lark is a natural latex foam option.
- The Puffin is a kids memory foam option.
How is the Lark Different?
Here are three quick ways that the Lark uniquely stands out from other kid mattresses on the market.
#1. Designed for kids.
The Lark is a little unique in that it is specifically designed for smaller sleepers, 110-lbs or less. It only has a 7.0″ profile, which could usually be a problem for larger adults, but for children, it is plenty thick enough.
#2. Certified materials.
Nest Bedding makes a point to use certified materials that are environmentally conscious and sustainable.
Natural latex is certainly one of those materials and the organic cotton cover is a nice addition, especially if material make-up is an important factor for you.
The Nest Bedding Lark contains CertiPUR-US certified foams, OEKO-TEX certified latex, and no chemical fire barrier. For people concerned about what they’re sleeping on, this likely checks a lot of boxes.
#3. Natural latex.
The Lark mattress uses a natural Dunlop latex, which is sustainable, low odor, and high-quality. If you’re specifically looking for a mattress made of natural materials, this is a great option.
Other Mattresses to Consider
Looking for other options to consider? Check out three of our top recommendations below for mattresses that are similar to the Lark.
For Faster Response
Nest Bedding Puffin
All Foam Construction
The Puffin by Nest Bedding is another kids mattress by Nest Bedding. Instead of latex, the Puffin uses Energex foam, a poly foam with all of the advantages of memory foam without the slower response time.
For More Support
Leesa Studio
Combo Foam with 10″ Profile
The Leesa Studio mattress has a 3.0″ comfort layer followed by 7.0″ of support foam. If you’re looking for a combination of foams and a thicker profile, the Leesa Studio is a great option, and at a lower price than the Original Leesa.
For Firmer Feel
GhostBed Classic
2-in-1 Latex Hybrid
If you want a balanced feel that still uses latex, you may want to consider the GhostBed. This mattress has a slightly firmer feel, around 6.5 out of 10, and would still be a great pick for kids or a guest room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Nest Bedding Lark Kids mattress below.
Here are the current prices, with any sales or promotions reflected below:
Twin: $999
Twin XL: $1,099
Full: $1,199
This mattress is not available in larger sizes.
*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.
The trial is 365 nights, with a 30-night adjustment period.
If after the first 30 nights, you still don’t love it, you can request a return. Shipping and returns are free.
The Nest Bedding Mattress Warranty covers most defects for as long as you own your Nest Bedding mattress. Check out Nest Bedding’s complete warranty policy to know things that may not be covered.
The original kids mattress by Nest Bedding was the BKB—Big Kids Bed. This mattress was later renamed the Puffin mattress and is a luxury memory foam kids mattress. The Lark is a natural latex kids mattress.
Especially for younger children, a firmer mattress is best for children. As children get older and get used to the softness of a traditional mattress, personal preferences may warrant a softer mattress. Generally, a firmness of 6 or 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, where 10 is the most firm, is appropriate for children.
As a company, Nest Bedding certainly makes a point to use non-toxic materials and fabrication processes. The Lark contains CertiPUR-US certified foams, OEKO-TEX® certified latex, and no chemical fire barrier.
