The Bear Original Mattress is the brand’s foundational model—an all-foam mattress designed for active individuals, budget-conscious shoppers, and anyone seeking pressure relief, cooling, and motion isolation in a streamlined package. With a medium-firm feel and a Celliant®-infused cover that may promote recovery, the Bear Original has become a go-to choice for athletes, students, and minimalist sleepers who want performance without the premium price tag.
In this comprehensive 2026 review, we’ll explore the Bear Original’s construction, firmness, cooling performance, motion isolation, durability, and value. Whether you’re a side sleeper needing contouring or a back sleeper looking for spinal alignment, the Bear Original might be your ideal match.
Construction and Materials
The Bear Original is a 10-inch all-foam mattress built with four layers of performance materials.
Celliant® Performance Cover
The top layer features a breathable, moisture-wicking cover made with Celliant® fibers. Bear claims this technology may promote circulation and muscle recovery—ideal for athletes and active sleepers.
Cooling Graphite-Gel Memory Foam
Beneath the cover is a layer of graphite-infused memory foam, which contours to the body while drawing away heat. It provides pressure relief around the shoulders and hips without trapping warmth.
Responsive Transition Foam
This layer adds bounce and prevents excessive sinkage. It helps with spinal alignment and makes movement easier for combination sleepers.
High-Density Base Foam
A durable base layer reinforces the mattress and adds structural integrity. It supports the upper layers and ensures long-term durability.
This construction delivers a balanced feel—plush on top, supportive underneath—with cooling and recovery-focused features.
Firmness and Feel
The Bear Original is rated as a medium-firm mattress, and most testers place it around a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. It offers a responsive surface with moderate contouring and strong support.
Side Sleepers – The graphite-gel memory foam cushions pressure points, making the Bear Original a solid choice for side sleepers—especially those over 130 lbs.
Back Sleepers – Back sleepers benefit from the mattress’s balanced feel. It keeps the spine aligned while offering enough give for the hips and shoulders.
Stomach Sleepers – Stomach sleepers under 230 lbs may find the Bear Original comfortable, but heavier individuals might prefer a firmer hybrid like the Bear Elite.
Combination Sleepers – Thanks to its responsive transition foam, the Bear Original is suitable for combination sleepers who change positions throughout the night.
Cooling and Temperature Regulation
The Bear Original performs well in temperature regulation, thanks to several cooling features:
- Celliant® cover that promotes airflow and moisture-wicking
- Graphite-gel memory foam that dissipates heat
- Open-cell foam structure that enhances breathability
In testing, the mattress maintained a neutral temperature throughout the night. It’s a solid choice for hot sleepers who want an all-foam bed without overheating.
Motion Isolation and Edge Support
Motion Isolation
The Bear Original excels in motion isolation. The dense foam layers absorb movement, making it ideal for couples who don’t want to feel each other tossing and turning.
Edge Support
Edge support is decent for an all-foam mattress. While not as robust as hybrid models, the high-density base foam provides enough stability for sitting or sleeping near the edge.
Durability and Longevity
The Bear Original is built with high-quality foams and a simple, durable design. It’s expected to last 7–9 years with proper care. The mattress comes with a lifetime warranty, which reflects Bear’s confidence in its construction and long-term performance.
Pricing and Value
As of 2026, the Bear Original is priced as an entry-level performance mattress:
| Size | Price (Before Discounts) |
| Twin | $748 |
| Twin XL | $848 |
| Full | $948 |
| Queen | $998 |
| King | $1,198 |
| Cal King | $1,198 |
Bear frequently offers discounts up to 35%, along with free pillows and sheets. The mattress also includes:
- 120-night sleep trial
- Free shipping and returns
- Lifetime warranty
These perks make the Bear Original one of the best values in the performance foam category.
Who Is It Best For?
Ideal For:
- Side and back sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Couples seeking motion isolation
- Active individuals and athletes
- Budget-conscious shoppers
Not Ideal For:
- Stomach sleepers over 230 lbs
- Those seeking a plush or ultra-soft feel
- Sleepers who want a hybrid or flippable design
Comparison to Other Bear Models
| Model | Type | Firmness | Height | Price (Queen) | Best For |
| Bear Original | All-Foam | Medium-Firm | 10″ | $998 | Budget shoppers, side/back sleepers |
| Bear Pro Hybrid | Hybrid | Medium-Firm | 10″ | $1,498 | Side/back sleepers, hot sleepers |
| Bear Star Hybrid | Hybrid | Medium-Firm | 13″ | $1,498 | Combo sleepers, couples |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Hybrid | Soft, Medium, Firm | 14″ | $1,798 | Athletes, hot sleepers, luxury shoppers |
The Bear Original is the most affordable and streamlined model, offering solid performance for sleepers who want simplicity and value.
Final Verdict
The Bear Original mattress is a well-rounded all-foam option that delivers cooling comfort, responsive support, and recovery-focused features at an entry-level price. With graphite-infused foam, a breathable Celliant® cover, and a lifetime warranty, it’s one of the best values in the performance foam category.
Verdict: A cool, supportive all-foam mattress perfect for active sleepers and budget-conscious buyers. If you’re looking for a mattress that blends comfort, support, and performance without the luxury price tag, the Bear Original is a smart investment.