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Bear Cub
Overall Rating 7.8

35% off + free pillows with code: SF35


Price Range: $452 – $550

Mattress Type: Hybrid

Firmness Options: Firm (7)

At a Glance

The Bear Cub is a firm (7) foam hybrid intended for younger kids leaving their toddler bed for the first time. Dense foams and sturdy coils create a supportive sleep surface that promotes even spinal alignment and healthy development.

Ratings Summary

ratings/sf-mattress-motion-isolation Icon Motion Isolation

6/10

ratings/sf-mattress-edge-support Icon Edge Support

7/10

ratings/sf-mattress-temperature-control Icon Temperature Control

7/10

ratings/sf-mattress-ease-of-movement Icon Ease of Movement

7/10

ratings/sf-mattress-off-gassing Icon Off Gassing

6.5/10

ratings/sf-mattress-pressure-relief Icon Pressure Relief

5.5/10

Pros

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    Features a Tencel mattress cover, which will contribute to a cooler sleep
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    Specifically designed for children and teenagers’ sleep needs
  • sf-check Icon
    Competitively priced, so great for shoppers on a budget

Cons

  • sf-close Icon
    Not suitable for children under 3 years old
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    Orders to Alaska and Hawaii incur freight fees

A daughter company of Brooklyn Bedding, Bear is known for mattresses that support active lifestyles. The online brand also makes bedding accessories like sheets, pillows, and weighted blankets. Shoppers can find Bear mattresses at Brooklyn Bedding showrooms in Arizona and at select retailers throughout the U.S. 

Bear currently offers an all-foam mattress, two hybrids, and a kids’ mattress. All models feature a breathable Tencel cover. Tencel is a fabric derived from eucalyptus, and prized for its cooling and moisture-wicking properties.

The Bear Cub is a hybrid designed for children and teenagers. The mattress’ adaptive memory foam and pocketed coils blend pressure relief with support. Both size options are competitively priced. 

We’ll delve into the Bear Cub’s materials, construction, and performance across a range of categories. We’ll also cover pricing, sizing, and company policies.

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Sleeping Style and Body Weight

Bear Cub

Sleeper Type

Under 130 lbs

130-230 lbs

Above 230 lbs

Side Sleepers

Side Sleepers

6/10

7/10

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Back Sleepers

6.5/10

7.5/10

8/10

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach Sleepers

6/10

7/10

8/10

Side Sleepers

The Bear Cub works well for young side sleepers in any weight group. Plush memory foam cushions the hips and shoulders while keeping the spine level. Responsive polyfoam reduces tension by spreading body weight across the mattress. Pocketed coils adapt to each sleeper’s body, promoting good sleep posture. 

The firm (7) feel is an especially good fit for side sleepers over 230 pounds since they require extra support. Side sleepers under 230 pounds usually prefer a softer feel, but the Cub permits enough sinkage to ease tension. 

Back Sleepers

The Bear Cub reinforces good sleep posture for back sleepers across all weight brackets. The firm feel supports developing spines by not allowing the midsection to sink excessively, and the memory foam eases tension on the shoulders and legs without overly conforming to the lower back. The sturdy coiled core resists deep compression so the hips and shoulders stay on the same plane. 

Stomach Sleepers

Similar to back sleepers, stomach sleepers need a sturdy mattress to keep the spine neutral. The Cub Mattress’ firm surface offers ample support for both kids of any age who sleep on their stomach. 

The strong coiled core limits sagging below the torso. Adaptive memory foam conforms more closely to the shoulders, hips, and legs to relieve pressure buildup. The firm feel helps ensure that growing bodies get the crucial spinal support they require. 

Mattress Performance

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Motion Isolation

6 / 10

A mattress with strong motion isolation is less likely to disrupt your child’s sleep, especially if they toss and turn or sleep with a sibling. 

The Cub Mattress has thick foam comfort layers that absorb motion well. While the coiled core does generate bounce, the pocketed design limits motion transfer. This helps keep the mattress from moving each time your child shifts position.

Pressure Relief

5.5 / 10

The Cub Mattress offers moderate contouring and firm support to relieve tension.

The soft quilted cover gently contours the sleeper’s body, while adaptive memory foam cushions sharp pressure points. Firm polyfoam reduces tension by evenly distributing body weight. The coiled core limits deep sinkage below the midsection for better spine alignment.

Kids should receive pressure relief on the Cub regardless of weight or sleep position.

Temperature Control

7 / 10

It’s not uncommon for kids to overheat when sleeping, especially if they share a bed with a sibling. However, the Cub is designed to minimize uncomfortable heat buildup.

The Tencel cover is intended to dissipate excess heat. The comfort system uses gel-infused foam designed to sleep cooler than traditional memory foam, and the firm feel doesn’t overly conform to the sleeper’s body. A ventilated coiled core encourages airflow throughout the mattress.

Edge Support

7 / 10

While weak support is a drawback for most sleepers, it can sometimes be outright hazardous for kids. If the edge of a mattress sags too much, young children may roll off the bed. 

The Bear Cub uses sturdy coils to reinforce the entire perimeter, so kids should feel supported no matter where they sleep on the mattress. The firm feel holds up well to weight and pressure, minimizing outer surface impressions.

Siblings who share the Cub Mattress will have more stable surface area. Strong edge support also makes sitting up in bed more comfortable.

Ease of Movement

7 / 10

Kids who move a lot in their sleep shouldn’t have any trouble adjusting positions on the Cub Mattress. 

The bouncy coiled core aids movement and makes getting in and out of bed easier. Transitional polyfoam limits sinking, so kids shouldn’t feel trapped inside the memory foam. The firm feel also keeps the sleeper on top of the mattress, making it easier to move.

Off-Gassing

6.5 / 10

Most new mattresses emit off-gassing odors caused by the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), tiny particles commonly found in foam. Some kids are sensitive to the smell, but off-gassing isn’t considered harmful.

The Bear Cub’s off-gassing is standard for any mattress made with foam. Odors are fairly mild though since Bear uses CertiPUR-US certified foams. Once decompressed, the mattress should be odor-free within 48 hours.

Bear Cub Mattress Review Breakdown

The Bear Cub Mattress is a three-layer hybrid designed for kids and teenagers. The mattress comes in twin and full sizes, both measuring 8.5 inches tall. The firm (7) feel is intended to support growing bodies. The quilted Tencel cover is engineered to dissipate heat and wick moisture away from the body. 

A top memory foam comfort layer evenly conforms to sleepers while cushioning sensitive pressure points. Gel infusions are designed to dissipate excess heat. A denser layer of adaptive polyfoam encourages ideal spine alignment by spreading body weight evenly across the mattress. Enforcing good sleep posture is crucial for young, developing bodies.

The support core uses 6-inch pocketed coils to stabilize the comfort layers. The perimeter is reinforced with sturdier coils so kids shouldn’t feel like they’re rolling off the sides of the bed. Responsive coils limit sagging to ensure that children get the spinal support they need. 

Kids often adjust positions during the night, and the Bear Cub’s bouncy core permits easier movement. Pocketed coils, however, prevent excess motion from moving across the surface and disrupting your child’s sleep. Pocketed coils are also more breathable than a dense polyfoam core. 

This mattress is GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, so it meets strict requirements for low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. The mattress is also free of fiberglass and designed to minimize common allergens. 

Firmness

Firm – 7

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Construction

The Bear Cub is a three-layer hybrid with a quilted Tencel cover. Memory foam and polyfoam comfort layers are supported by a 6-inch pocketed coil core. The mattress is 8.5 inches tall.

Cover Material:

Tencel

Comfort Layer:

Gel-Infused Memory Foam, Polyfoam

Support Core:

6-inch Pocketed Coils

Bear Cub Mattress Sizes

The Bear Cub has an accessible price-point that will likely appeal to many parents. The kids’ mattress is an even stronger value option since it can accommodate older toddlers all the way through the teenage years. Less expensive all-foam mattresses probably won’t have the same versatility as the Cub’s durable hybrid design. 

The mattress comes in standard twin and full sizes. The twin size is more appropriate for younger kids, while the full size gives growing bodies plenty of room to spread out. Both sizes are 8.5 inches thick, which is slightly smaller than the average adult mattress. 

Sizes Dimensions Height Weight
Twin 38″ x 75″ 8.5″ 50 lbs.
Full 54″ x 75″ 8.5″ 70 lbs.

Trial, Warranty, and Shipping Policies

Availability

The Cub is available through Bear’s website and can be shipped to all 50 states. Shoppers can view the mattress at one of Brooklyn Bedding’s Arizona showrooms. Select retailers also carry the Cub Mattress.

Shipping

Bear ships the Cub Mattress for free to customers in the contiguous U.S. Mattresses shipped to Alaska or Hawaii are subject to a $100 shipping fee. 

Most orders ship within 3 to 10 business days via FedEx Ground. Shipping timelines vary according to location. 

Customers who want to be present at delivery can opt for signature upon delivery. Otherwise, FedEx will leave the box at your doorstep. 

The mattress is compressed in plastic and delivered in a box measuring 42 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 19 inches deep. Extra assistance may be needed to carry the box to your bedroom. Once unboxed and unrolled, the mattress should reach full size within 24 to 48 hours. Mattresses that aren’t opened right away may take longer to fully decompress.

Additional Services

Bear offers White Glove delivery for a $100 fee. The service includes professional installation and the removal of packaging. The team can also remove your old mattress for an additional $50. 

White Glove delivery generally takes 2 to 3 weeks, so customers wanting the mattress sooner should opt for standard FedEx Ground delivery.

Sleep Trial

The Cub includes a 120-night sleep trial with a 30-day break-in period to give the sleeper time to adjust to the new bed. After the initial 30 days, the mattress can be returned at any point during the trial for a full refund. 

Customers can initiate returns by emailing Bear with the request. Customer service will then coordinate a free mattress pick-up.

Warranty

Bear backs the Cub Mattress with a lifetime warranty. Only the original purchaser is eligible for coverage. 

The warranty covers defects like split or cracked foam, damaged springs, and visible indentations larger than 1.5 inches. Typical wear and tear, like the softening of foam over time, is not covered. Damages from neglect or not using a proper foundation are also excluded. 

Bear replaces defective mattresses at no cost to the customer. Each customer is limited to one replacement per mattress. 

For an additional fee, Bear offers accident protection, which is separate from warranty coverage. Customers can opt for 3-year, 5-year, or 10-year plans. The plan covers stains, rips, and other accidental wear. Refer to Bear’s website for additional terms and conditions.

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