Bear and Nectar are so similar, it’s hard to choose between the two. Yet, they are different in subtle ways. In this Bear vs Nectar comparison, we’ll guide you through those differences.
Due to their construction and firmness, these two mattresses are designed for different sleepers. Which new mattress is right for you? Read on to discover your match.
Product
Firmness
Score
Product
Bear Original MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10Score
Bear vs. Nectar Overview
Bear is known for producing mattresses with great quality and value. The Bear mattress was originally designed to be a mattress for athletes. This all-foam mattress stays cool throughout the night. It can support muscle recovery if you opt to purchase the celliant cover and balances pressure relief and support. Many types of sleepers could find a good night’s rest on this versatile mattress. You might also want to check out their Bear Star Hybrid and Bear Pro mattress so you get the right fit for you.
The Nectar is popular for its soft, memory foam feel. It contains multiple levels of high quality foam that allow sleepers to sink into the bed. It’s a great option for those looking to prioritize pressure relief and contouring.
Who Should Get the Bear Mattress
- Those who prefer a firmer mattress
- People who like a balanced foam feel
- Back and stomach sleepers
Bear Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$786 - $1690
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$786 - $1690
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$786 - $1690
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Who Should Get the Nectar Mattress
- Side sleepers
- Those who prefer a softer mattress
- People who like the classic memory foam feel
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$699 - $1798
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
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 Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$699 - $1798
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
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 Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$699 - $1798
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
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 Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear vs. Nectar Mattress Video Comparison
Here at Mattress Clarity, we like to run a series of subjective and objective tests on our mattresses. Check out our video comparison of Bear and Nectar queen size mattresses to see these tests.
Bear vs. Nectar: Top Similarities
- They have similar firmnesses
- They have pretty similar base layers.
- They both have memory foam in their top layer and have a classic memory foam feel.
Explore more Bear mattresses comparisons on our comparisons page.
Bear vs. Nectar: Key Differences
- The Bear is thinner than the Nectar.
- The comfort layer is thicker in the Nectar, making it a better pick for side sleepers.
- The Bear has a balanced foam feel, and the Nectar has a classic memory foam feel.
- The Nectar is cheaper than the Bear by a noticeable amount.
- The Bear offers a $200 celliant cover, but the Nectar does not.
Check out comparisons between Nectar and other mattresses on our comparison page.
Firmness and Feel Differences
Now, let’s explore firmness and feel! We’ll take a look at how these mattresses feel for light, average, and heavy sleepers.
How Firm Are the Bear and Nectar Mattresses?
The differences in firmness are subtle between them. The Bear is a 6.5/10 on the firmness scale. The industry average is 6.5/10, so Bear has a classic medium firm feel. The top layer feels softer, but it’s balanced out by a firmer transition and support layer.
At first Nectar’s memory foam is firmer, but it softens over time. It will even out to a firmness level of 6/10 pretty quickly. The top layer is soft, but the bottom layers get progressively firmer.
Sleeping on the Bear and Nectar Mattresses
Let’s look at how both mattresses will suit sleepers who prefer different sleep positions. If you sleep on your back, you should feel your hips sink in on the Bear. The foam contours around back sleepers to provide support. Side sleepers should feel some initial firmness on the nectar but the pressure goes away as the memory foam provides excellent sinkage. Stomach sleepers will prefer the Bear between the two, though it will still be too soft.
For back sleepers, the Nectar should provide an equal amount of support as the Bear. If sleeping on your side, you should also feel some good pressure relief, though the Nectar may be better for side sleepers. Stomach sleepers will find the Nectar too soft.
What Do the Bear and Nectar Mattresses Feel Like?
The Bear will hold you firmly in place while you sleep. The top layer has a bit of that “quicksand” memory foam feel, but the transition layer is more responsive and will prevent you from feeling stuck. If you don’t want a memory foam feel, check out our Bear Star Hybrid mattress review.
The Nectar also has a slow moving memory foam feel. You will slowly sink into the Nectar and it should create some excellent body contouring.
Average Weight Sleepers – 130lbs – 230lbs
The Bear is ideal for average weight back sleepers. It provides a balance of comfort and back support in this position. Side sleepers on the lighter end will find this mattress to give great relief on pressure points, while those close to 230 pounds will probably feel pressure on their hips and shoulders. Most average weight stomach sleepers will want to find a more supportive mattress.
On the Nectar, average weight side and back sleepers will find the support they need. This mattress will help eliminate any back pain. Nectar is especially good for average weight sleepers with hip pain because of its memory foam. The majority of stomach sleepers should look at our best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230lbs
Heavyweight back sleepers will feel great spinal support and comfort on the Bear mattress. Heavier folks who sleep on their side will most likely press through the comfort layer and into the firm support layer. This will cause too much pressure, and these folks should look elsewhere for a mattress. Similarly, heavyweight stomach sleepers will want to look elsewhere because they will sink too far into the mattress, causing lower back pain.
Larger people who weigh closer to 230lbs might get the support they need when back sleeping on the Nectar. However, those close to and over 300lbs need to find a mattress with more support and coils in its construction. Larger side sleepers will want to seek out a different mattress with a thicker comfort layer. Heavyweight stomach sleepers will need a firmer mattress, as their hips will bow out on the Nectar.
Lightweight Sleepers – Under 130lbs
Lightweight sleepers should find the Bear mattress to be a great fit in any sleeping position. Back sleepers will feel spinal support and pressure relief. Lightweight side sleepers will enjoy plenty of pressure relief too. Stomach sleepers should find this mattress okay, though some might prefer a firmer mattress.
The Nectar is a good option for lightweight side and back sleepers. Lightweight sleepers will feel comfortable and supported in both of these positions. Most lightweight stomach sleepers will need something firmer.
Mattress Construction Differences
Their mattress constructions are similar, but different in subtle ways. Let’s check them out.
Cover
Bear has a soft cover that can be woven with celliant fabric if you’re willing to pay an extra $200 on top of your mattress purchase. This material could help with cooling, blood circulation, and muscle recovery.
The Nectar also has a cooling cover. It’s made of polyethylene which is a breathable, cool-to-touch fabric.
Comfort Layers
The top layer of the Bear is a soft, thick layer of memory foam infused with gel and graphite. These infusions help dissipate heat to make for a cool night’s sleep. Underneath, there’s a transition layer made of bouncier, firm foam.
On the top of the Nectar is a layer of gel memory foam. Because it isn’t very responsive, it takes a few minutes to snap back into place after you touch it. The gel infusion offsets the heat of the memory foam, which makes for a cool sleeping experience. The Nectar also has a second comfort layer that is made of soft conventional foam. This layer is firm and made of high-density foam.
Support Layer
The Bear’s support layer consists of high-density polyfoam. This layer creates good structure and support for the mattress.
The Nectar has a thick base of support foam. Because it’s high-density, it’s durable and offers a good amount of support.
Mattress Height
The Bear mattress is 10” tall.
The Nectar mattress stands taller at 12”.
Bear vs. Nectar Mattress Size Options and Price
Take a look at the most up to date sizes and prices for the Bear and Nectar mattresses.
Bear
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 39" x 75" | $786.00 |
| Twin XL | 39" x 80" | $849.00 |
| Full | 54" x 75" | $911.00 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | $998.00 |
| King | 76" x 80" | $1304.00 |
| California King | 72" x 84" | $1304.00 |
Nectar
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 38” x 75” | $699.00 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” | $899.00 |
| Full | 54” x 75” | $949.00 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” | $1099.00 |
| King | 76” x 80” | $1399.00 |
| California King | 72” x 84” | $1399.00 |
Use our coupon to get the best prices on these mattresses:
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Bear vs. Nectar Performance Differences
There are also significant performance differences between the two. Let’s learn whether they sleep hot or cold, if they work well for couples, and more.
Sleeping Hot or Cold
The Bear mattress has many features which cool it down, so it feels much more breathable than a typical memory foam mattress. The gel in the comfort layer and the Celiant cover both help keep the Bear mattress cool throughout the night.
As an all-foam mattress, the Nectar might trap some body heat. However, it does offer some cooling features such as a gel-infused memory foam and cooling cover. If you are a hot sleeper, the Bear might offer more features than the Nectar to keep you cool at night.
Motion Transfer
Thanks to its all-foam construction, the Bear isolates motion well. Partners won’t disturb each other in the middle of the night on the Bear.
Similarly, Nectar is also a great mattress for couples. The thick, slow-moving memory foam doesn’t transfer motion, and you shouldn’t feel your partner if they move around during the night.
Edge Support
The Bear has decent edge support, but it’s not great. The edge may collapse when you sit on it, but when lying near the edge, you shouldn’t feel like you’re going to roll off.
Nectar has better edge support, though it will still collapse a bit when you sit near the edge. However, when lying near the edge, you won’t feel like you will roll off. Overall, the Nectar has impressive edge support for a foam mattress.
Durability
Since the Bear doesn’t have innerspring coils, it’s unlikely to last as long as a latex or innerspring mattress. However, because it’s made with high-quality materials, it should be fairly durable.
While the Nectar is an all-foam mattress without coils, it should still be pretty durable too. We expect both of these mattresses to last at least 7 years.
Off-Gassing
Bear mattresses are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning the materials do not contain harmful chemicals. There shouldn’t be any noticeable odors or off-gassing.
However, the Nectar is a different story. Customers can expect some off-gassing from the mattress, but the smell should only last about 48 hours.
Noise
There was no noticeable noise when testing out the Bear and Nectar mattresses because they’re both made entirely out of foam.
Sex
Because of the Bear mattress’s firmer transition layer, couples shouldn’t feel stuck and the bed should have some bounce. This would be a decent option.
The Nectar is not one of the best mattresses for sex. It might be difficult to move around and switch positions because the Nectar is not the most responsive.
Company Policies
Let’s look into the differences in the warranties, sleep trials, and return policies.
Warranty Info
The Bear mattress comes with a lifetime warranty.
The Nectar also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Sleep Trial
The Bear mattress has a 365-night sleep trial period.
The Nectar also has a 365-night sleep trial period.
Return Policy
The Bear mattress comes with free shipping and returns.
The Nectar also has a full refund policy (not including fees for shipping, state-based recycling fees, White Glove Service, and/or promotional value).
FAQs
Check out some of the most frequently asked questions about these two mattresses.
Is Nectar or Bear Better?
This depends on what you’re looking for because both mattress brands are great. Those who sleep on their back or stomach should choose the Bear. People who want a firm, balanced foam feel will also like the Bear. Hot sleepers and those concerned with temperature should also consider this option. Side sleepers and those who want a soft bed would prefer the Nectar. The Nectar also is great for those who want more of a classic, memory foam feel.
How long does a Bear mattress last?
The Bear mattress is durable and should last at least 7 year.
How long do Nectar mattresses last?
The Nectar should be a durable mattress you can expect to last 6-8 years.
