If you’re shopping for an online mattress, the Nolah and Bear mattresses are tested and true options. But which is the best mattress for your sleep position and comfort preferences? Keep reading to find out.
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Bear vs. Nolah Mattress Comparison
Comparing the Bear & Nolah Mattresses
The Nolah and Bear are both all-foam mattresses made in the USA and delivered to your doorstep in a box. The Nolah is made with a proprietary foam blend that’s responsive and breathable. The Bear is made with a combination of memory foam and polyfoam, and is designed with athletes in mind.
You’ll like the Nolah if you prefer a medium-firm mattress that has a bit more cushioning. It’s also a good choice for side sleepers, combination sleepers, and those with back pain. We recommend the Bear Original to back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and those who like the contouring feel of memory foam.
Bear Mattress vs. Nolah Mattress: Key Differences and Similarities
Key Differences:
- Motion Isolation: Surprisingly, the Nolah AirFoam does a better job of reducing motion transfer than the memory foam on top of the Bear.
- Firmness: The Bear mattress is made with memory foam that has a firmer feel than the AirFoam on top of the Nolah.
- Sleeping Positions: The Nolah is a better choice for side sleepers, while the Bear better suits back sleepers and stomach sleepers.
Key Similarities:
- Cooling Features: The Nolah and Bear mattresses both incorporate cooling features. The Bear has graphite- and gel-infused foam, while the Nolah has AirFoam with tiny pockets that improve airflow.
- Good Spinal Support: Both of these beds keep your spine in alignment, which is important for preventing back pain.
- Responsiveness: The Bear and Nolah mattresses both performed well in our responsiveness tests, meaning they adjust quickly to your changes in sleeping position.
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Who is the Nolah Mattress Best For…
- Couples: Couples and light sleepers will experience fewer disruptions from movement across the mattress surface, thanks to the Nolah’s excellent motion isolation.
- Side Sleepers: The Nolah offers enough pressure relief to keep most side sleepers comfortable.
- Combination sleepers: Combination sleepers are unlikely to feel “trapped” in the springy, responsive AirFoam atop the Nolah.
Not Best For…
- Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers weighing over 130 lbs probably won’t get enough support near their lower back and hips.
- Innerspring Fans: Shoppers who want a mattress with lots of bounce should look for a mattress made with pocketed coils or innersprings.
Read our full Nolah mattress review for the full scoop.
Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Who is the Bear Mattress Best For…
- Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers weighing under 230 lbs will stay lifted on top of the Bear Original, which keeps their hips raised and their lower back supported.
- Athletes: The Bear’s Celliant technology is meant to improve muscle recovery related to an active lifestyle.
- Back Sleepers: Back sleepers of all body types will experience a comfy blend of contouring, support, and pressure relief on the Bear.
Not Best For…
- Most Side Sleepers: Side sleepers need a mattress that enables their pressure points to sink deeper into their bed’s comfort layers.
- Heavyweight Sleepers: Those with heavyweight body types (> 230 lbs) need a mattress with more supportive materials and a firmer feel. For our favorite options, check out the best mattresses for heavy people.
Read our full Bear mattress review to learn more!
Deciding Between Nolah & Bear
Firmness / Feel
Mattress firmness ratings tell you how soft or firm a mattress will feel to the average sleeper. Mattresses range from 1–10 on the firmness scale, with 1 being super soft and 10 being very firm. Your body type affects how soft or firm a mattress feels to you. Generally, mattresses feel softer to heavyweight sleepers and firmer to petite sleepers, though it depends on the mattress construction and materials.
The Nolah and Bear mattresses are both medium-firm, but Nolah is on the softer end of the medium-firm spectrum and Bear is on the firmer end. That means you’ll likely sleep more comfortably on the Nolah mattress if you’re a side sleeper and the Bear mattress if you’re a stomach sleeper. Both beds are considered some of the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation is a measurement of how well a mattress absorbs movement before it spreads from one side of the bed to the other. This performance category is most important for couples, but it’s also relevant to anyone who may be joined by children or pets during the night.
Polyfoam and memory foam mattresses usually do a better job of minimizing motion transfer than innerspring mattresses. Even though Nolah and Bear are both all-foam beds, the Nolah mattress does a better job in this category, so it’s the best mattress for couples in this comparison.
Edge Support
Edge support is important if you plan to use the edges of the bed for sleeping or sitting. Some mattresses add extra-firm foam or coils around the perimeter of the bed to enhance edge support.
Neither Bear nor Nolah has reinforced edges, so predictably, they provide only average edge support. When lying down, we didn’t feel as though we’d roll off the mattress, but there was significant sinkage while sitting on the edges of these beds.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is a measurement of how well a mattress keeps stress off of pressure points. It’s especially relevant for side sleepers since they put a lot of weight on their shoulders and hips.
The Nolah and Bear mattresses provide average pressure relief, though the Nolah offers a little more relief for pressure points. The Bear earned excellent pressure relief scores, but it doesn’t allow sleepers’ curves to sink as deeply into the foam.
Related: Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Spine Alignment
Did you know that good posture is just as important while you’re sleeping as it is while you’re awake? Sleep experts call good sleeping posture “spinal alignment.” A mattress keeps your spine in alignment if it stays in its natural “S” curve regardless of your sleeping position.
Memory foam and dense polyfoam tend to do a good job of evenly distributing your body weight, and that’s true for both the Nolah and Bear mattresses. The Nolah does a near-perfect job of keeping your spine aligned while on your side, and the Bear isn’t far behind. Between the two, the Bear is the best mattress for stomach sleepers who need to keep their lower back in alignment.
Durability
Mattresses typically last between seven and 10 years before they start to lose support. Foam tends to deteriorate faster than steel coils or latex, so foam beds don’t last quite as long as hybrid and latex beds. Still, the Nolah and Bear mattresses are fairly durable, and if they develop any defects, they may be eligible for repair or replacement under their warranty policies.
Cooling / Temperature
Overheating at night can lead to disrupted sleep and groggy mornings. While it’s true that memory foam has a reputation for sleeping hot, the Bear mattress sleeps cooler than the Nolah. That’s due to graphite and gel infused in the top layer and the cooling technology in the mattress cover. The Nolah mattress also sleeps cool, but not quite as cool as the Bear.
If you often find your sleep disrupted by overheating, you should look for a mattress that stays temperature neutral or actively promotes cooling. All-foam beds may not keep you from overheating, so we suggest looking into the best cooling mattresses.
The Nolah mattress is covered in white TENCEL fabric that’s made from sustainably sourced wood fibers. TENCEL is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, so you should stay cool and dry on the mattress surface. The top foam layer is made of Nolah AirFoam—a proprietary polyfoam that’s designed with the responsiveness of latex in mind. It sleeps cooler than traditional memory foam, but it has a conforming memory foam feel.
Next, high-resilience transition foam eases your body weight into the core of the mattress. The support layer is a simple, high-density polyfoam that supports the top layers and your body weight.
The Bear mattress is designed with athletes in mind. Bear infuses the mattress cover with 13 minerals and proprietary materials to enhance the restorative Celliant properties of the fabric. Celliant fabric is a performance textile that may help aid in muscle recovery.
The comfort layer of the mattress is a 2” layer of CertiPUR-US certified memory foam infused with graphite, which draws out body heat and keeps you cooler while you sleep. The transition layer is made with Bear’s “hybrid foam” that specializes in responsiveness and body contouring.
At the bottom of the mattress is a base layer of high-density foam that improves mattress durability and prevents excess sinkage.
Sizing & Price Comparisons
| Mattress Size | Nolah Mattress Price | Bear Mattress Price |
| Twin | $649 | $695 |
| Twin XL | $799 | $695 |
| Full | $899 | $895 |
| Queen | $1,149 | $995 |
| King | $1,249 | $1,095 |
| Cal King | $1,249 | $1,095 |
For the best price on a new mattress, see our Nolah Mattress Coupons and Bear Mattress Coupons. Check out Bear and similar brands in our Best Mattress Under $1,000 list.
Shipping and Returns for Nolah & Bear
Nolah Mattress:
The Nolah mattress is made-to-order, which can take one to five days, and shipping takes another one to five business days, depending on where you live. Shipping is free, and so are returns during the 120 night trial period. According to the Nolah return policy, you need to wait 30 days after delivery to request the return, or you can opt-out of the trial period and receive a $100 discount instead. After your mattress is picked up, you’ll get a full refund.
The Nolah Lifetime warranty is prorated, meaning replacements for defective mattresses cost $75 for shipping and a percentage of the original mattress price after 15 years of ownership. Specifically, you’ll be asked to pay 50 percent during years 15 to 25 and 60 percent after year 25.
Bear Mattress:
The Bear mattress is shipped for free, but there may be an extra charge for deliveries to Alaska and Hawaii. You can expect your bed-in-a-box delivery to arrive one to five business days after leaving the factory. Alternatively, you can request a “signature required” delivery.
The trial period lasts for 100 days, starting on the day of delivery. After sleeping on the bed for 30 days, you can request a free return and receive a full refund. Your mattress is protected by the Bear 10 year warranty. During the 10 years, you may be eligible for free repairs or a replacement mattress if yours develops any covered defects.
More Nolah Mattresses
The Nolah Evolution 15" mattress is a robust hybrid bed that's a bit softer than the average mattress: great for back sleepers and side sleepers. The individually wrapped coils include zoned support, which helps promote adequate spinal alignment.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Nolah Evolution 15" mattress is a robust hybrid bed that's a bit softer than the average mattress: great for back sleepers and side sleepers. The individually wrapped coils include zoned support, which helps promote adequate spinal alignment.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Nolah Evolution 15" mattress is a robust hybrid bed that's a bit softer than the average mattress: great for back sleepers and side sleepers. The individually wrapped coils include zoned support, which helps promote adequate spinal alignment.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
See our Nolah Evolution mattress review to learn more.
The Nolah Signature is another all-foam mattress that Nolah considers the "best in class for pressure relief." An extra 2" of cooling AirFoam gives the Signature a medium firmness that will likely appeal to side sleepers and those with joint pain.
The Nolah Signature is another all-foam mattress that Nolah considers the "best in class for pressure relief." An extra 2" of cooling AirFoam gives the Signature a medium firmness that will likely appeal to side sleepers and those with joint pain.
The Nolah Signature is another all-foam mattress that Nolah considers the "best in class for pressure relief." An extra 2" of cooling AirFoam gives the Signature a medium firmness that will likely appeal to side sleepers and those with joint pain.
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Read our Nolah Signature mattress review to learn more.
More Bear Mattresses
The Bear Hybrid mattress captures all the most coveted features in a mattress and jam packs them into this state-of-the-art hybrid. The cooling gel memory foam continuously carries away heat, promising you a cooler, more restful night’s sleep.
The Bear Hybrid mattress captures all the most coveted features in a mattress and jam packs them into this state-of-the-art hybrid. The cooling gel memory foam continuously carries away heat, promising you a cooler, more restful night’s sleep.
The Bear Hybrid mattress captures all the most coveted features in a mattress and jam packs them into this state-of-the-art hybrid. The cooling gel memory foam continuously carries away heat, promising you a cooler, more restful night’s sleep.
Bear Hybrid Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
20-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Hybrid Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
20-year limited warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Hybrid Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
20-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Check out our Bear Hybrid mattress review to learn more.
The Bear Pro is one of Bear's newer all-foam mattresses. With four foam layers, including a copper-infused comfort layer designed for enhanced cooling, the Pro offers more of a cradling feeling than the original Bear mattress.
The Bear Pro is one of Bear's newer all-foam mattresses. With four foam layers, including a copper-infused comfort layer designed for enhanced cooling, the Pro offers more of a cradling feeling than the original Bear mattress.
The Bear Pro is one of Bear's newer all-foam mattresses. With four foam layers, including a copper-infused comfort layer designed for enhanced cooling, the Pro offers more of a cradling feeling than the original Bear mattress.
Bear Pro Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Pro Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Pro Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
See our Bear Pro mattress review for more information.
Haven’t made a decision yet? Check out these other comparisons:
Our Final Take
The Nolah and Bear mattresses look similar on paper, but the Bear provides more support and body contouring, while Nolah does a better job of isolating motion and cushioning pressure points.
If you’re a hot sleeper, then the Bear may be your best bet, but if motion transfer is your biggest concern, then the Nolah is the better choice. Side sleepers should opt for the Nolah, while stomach sleepers will fare better on the Bear. Both beds are excellent choices for back sleepers and those with back pain, but not ideal for heavyweight sleepers weighing > 230 lbs.
Pricing is also an important consideration when buying a new mattress, and the Bear is the more budget-friendly option ($995 for a Queen size Bear vs. $1,149 for a Queen size Nolah). However, the Nolah comes with a Lifetime warranty and a longer trial period.
