Fiberglass is a material that is mainly used in a mattress’s fire barrier. Mattresses are held to a certain standard when it comes to flame retardancy. This means to be sold, a mattress needs to meet certain standards ensuring that they can resist and hold up when they are exposed to open flames. The test they set up for mattresses to pass is pretty on the nose. Can your mattress hold up after 70 seconds of exposure from a blow torch? If it can last this amount of time without catching on fire, your mattress passes! This was set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2007. So with this pretty intense standard mattresses have to meet, cheap alternatives to help make mattresses less flammable were added. Enter fiberglass.
Now, why is fiberglass a bad thing?
Well, first of all, it can get everywhere. Fiberglass in mattresses will be kept on the inside of the mattress cover. However, fiberglass is made up of what looks like thousands of tiny shreds of plastic. The pieces can be long and in turn, they can poke out of your mattress cover and cause fraying or damage. Fiberglass also has a nasty tendency of shattering. Meaning even smaller pieces can be lost or spread.
If you get a leak in your mattress or the shards rip their way through the cover it can mean bad news for the person sleeping on top of the mattress. Not only do you have to worry about the pieces of fiberglass you can see, you need to be aware that fiberglass can produce miniscule particles invisible to the human eye that can be breathed in by us and clogging can even cause harm to HVAC systems.
Fibgerlass is not something that human beings want to be breathing in. It is hazardous to human health and can be a costly trip to the doctor. Health issues aside, cleaning up a fiberglass spill is also a timely and expensive issue. Due to the appearance of fiberglass and the way it can become airborne, it is extremely difficult to clean it up properly.
At Bear, when we were building our mattresses, one of the most important factors we considered was how to create a mattress that is safe for our sleepers. Fiberglass-free mattresses were the only option forward. So if Bear doesn’t use fiberglass in its mattresses, what does it use instead?
Instead of spraying on fire retardant chemical sprays, we ensure all Bear mattresses are fire safe and fiberglass free by using fire resistant fabric quilted into the mattress panels or by
casing our foam in high quality fire retardant socks. The fabric used for both are made from a blend of non-woven hydrated silica, rayon, polyester, and cotton.
The use of hydrated silica usually causes some level of confusion with consumers. Hydrated silica is not fiberglass. Hydrated silica is a compound that forms about 12% of the earth's
surface, found in nature as opal. Yes, opal –the iridescent gemstone you’re probably thinking of. Hydrated silica has a long history of safe use as an ingredient in food products and is listed by
the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS).
Hydrated silica is the primary ingredient in modern toothpaste and used as a stabilization treatment for the production of beer.
Additionally, all of Bear’s mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, CERTI-PUR Certified and vegan! We also offer numerous accessories that are made with certified clean materials such as our Talalay Latex Pillows.
Our Arizona Dream Factory, where all of Bear's mattresses are produced, does not have any fiberglass in the facility to ensure the cleanest made mattresses possible.
Bear is proud to offer our brand new Bear Natural Mattress. Built with GOTS certified organic cotton yarn, the Natural offers a soft feel that's highly breathable and crafted with a 100% natural Talalay latex. This mattress ticks all the boxes. It has an advanced coil system for enhanced lumbar support, spine alignment and edge-to-edge support. The Bear Natural is where comfort meets clean without any sacrifices.
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However, the debate seems to be in the limelight more than ever with discourse popularized on Tik Tok. You see, in Nordic countries, there is a common trend of parents putting their babies outside for naps. In places such as Finland, Denmark, and Norway, you will see strollers left outside with a sleeping baby.
@annieineventyrland ♬ path of the wind ~ my neighbor totoro lofi - Closed on Sunday
It is the norm in Nordic countries to leave your baby and stroller outside while you pop into a coffee shop to get something to drink or eat. If your baby is asleep, bringing them into a noisy environment like a cafe may wake them up Parents feel safety and comfort in this practice as it commonplace across the country and it may also inform more as to why this practice is popular in this part of the world.
Babies are used to sleeping outside while their parents run various errands so it makes sense that parents would continue to utilize strollers as safe places for their babies to sleep. When it comes to putting their babies outside for naps, parents are taking every precaution necessary.
Of course, places like Denmark, Finland, etc can get very cold. Temperatures in Finland for example, can drop to as low as 8°F on average in the winter months. It can get even colder depending where in Finland you are. So of course keeping baby warm is the key. As this Danish mother on Tik Tok shows:
@bohohobohome How my baby naps outside. You've probably seen all the viral tiktoks about Nordic babies napping outside alone and the benefits that come with it. My family and friends used to think I was crazy for letting my babies nap outside alone. It is very common in Denmark and the other Nordic countries to let your baby sleep outside alone. My oldest had his own pram at daycare for his outdoor naps. To let your baby nap outside, they have to be dressed properly. So let's break it down: First of all, avoid cotton since it absorbs moist, which gets cold very quickly. Think layers! Every baby is different, so you might have to adjust to your babies needs. Check frequently if your baby is too warm or not warm enough. The combination of clothing and sleeping bag is just one way to do it, some use a duvet, some use a snowsuit. Do whatever works for your baby and use whatever you have at hand. This is how I dress my baby: • thin wool layer • wool or fleece jumpsuit • double layered wool balaclava • wool mittens and booties ▪︎insulated pram ▪︎medical grade sheepskin ▪︎wind and waterproof down sleepingbag ▪︎extra blanket if necessary ▪︎pram cover ▪︎ raincover when necessary I know I know, wool is freaking expensive. I would know, I live in Denmark, everything I expensive 😩 But check out Facebook marketplace or your local thriftstore for second hand wool for babies. As someone who did not grow up with the tradition of letting babies sleep outside, it has definitely grown on me! Eventhough are spending winter in the Netherlands, we have brought our pram. The health benefits and long naps have been great for my babies. I wouldn't do it any other way! #outsidenapping #outsidenaps #nordicbabies #danishbaby #scandinavianbabies #outdoornaps ♬ Little Things - Adrian Berenguer
Clothes:
Accessories:
Studies have suggested that sleeping outside can give babies longer and more restful sleep. Another part of the logic expressed by Sleep Expert, Katie Palmer, suggests that your baby is exposed to less germs outside as well. Some experts push caution on allowing your child to sleep outside depending on the conditions. In the summer months you have to be careful about sun exposure and in the winter months you want to be sure your baby is properly bundled. It is all about making sure your baby is properly prepared.
It is a part of Nordic culture to encourage children spend as much time outside as possible. Daycare centers in Denmark even have areas that are reserved purely for nap time outside. A common phrase uttered is "there is no bad weather, only bad clothes". Some parents will go the extra mile and install baby cameras in their strollers so they can keep an eye on their baby while they are inside or some will even keep a thermometer in the stroller to know exactly what temp it is inside for their baby.
So what do you think? Would you ever allow your baby to sleep outside like they do in Nordic countries?
]]>The Talalay Latex Pillow, crafted with Talalay™ latex using an eco-friendly process to provide natural sleep with dynamic bounce and support. Its resilient and naturally cooling design guarantees consistent comfort night after night.
Enjoy cloud-like comfort, cooling and personalization with this premium Adjustable Foam Pillow with cooling cover!
Bear’s GlacioTex Mattress Protector is designed with advanced cooling technology to keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep while protecting you from life's mishaps with a waterproof cover.
The chunky-knit weighted blanket has a soft outer shell of 100% polyester jersey knitted fabric that provides a soothing cuddle on contact. It’s the perfect combination of a breathable knit design and inner-filling of 100% polyester.
Get maximum waterproof protection for your mattress with our 6-sided encasement. The Bear Encasement is designed with the most advanced engineering to create a safeguard against bed bugs, dust mites, mold, allergens and liquids.
The 14" Elite Hybrid is an ultra-luxurious, innerspring mattress with our most advanced cooling technology and five zone support coil system.
The 13" Star Hybrid is our latest premium pillow top mattress, combining Serene Gel Foam and individually-encased coils to provide the perfect balance of comfort and support.
Fully customizable positioning. Read in bed, meditate in bed, relax your spine, work on your laptop, watch a movie.
The 10" Pro Hybrid mattress offers signature cooling gel memory foam with individually encased coils for increased comfort and deeper compression support. Comes with option for a pillow top.
The 8.5" Bear Cub mattress will have your future superstars jumping into bed. This supportive, clean and comfy mattress is the perfect option for young sleepers and our Mini Pillow has all the best features of our Bear Cooling Pillow, in a miniature sleep-anywhere size.
We'll start with that first question. Should I be worried about bed bugs? While the media has been sensationalizing the headlines, French Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau has given the public assurances to stay calm, saying there was “no reason for general panic”. He also followed up to say “France has not been invaded by bedbugs,” in an October 3 interview with French outlet France Inter.
There is good news and bad news when it comes to bed bugs in 2023. The good news is that there is not an overwhelming surge of bed bugs looking to turn your mattress into its next home. The bad news, however, is that there might be more bed bugs around your city than you realize.
New York City for example saw themselves leave the top 10 cities Orkin deemed bed bug ridden in 2022. However, NYC has also seen an uptick in bed bugs since 2019. They now rank number 2 in the nation for bed bugs according to Orkin. However, if you look at the trend of bed bugs over the last decade, you see we are still a ways away from the heights reached in 2015.
When you enter the room you’ll be sleeping in; stop. Stop and take in a deep breath. Does anything smell off? Bed bugs give off a particular smell that is described as musty or sweet. Can you smell anything like that? If not, move to the next step.
Now it’s time to check the bed. Take your time to carefully check the blankets, sheets, pillows, and mattress pad. Then, check the mattress and box spring. You are going to be looking out for the following:
Take extra time to check around the seams of your mattress, look for the places something as small as a bed bug could hide. One tip, grab a credit card and use that to aid you as you check thoroughly in the small cracks and crevices.
Take this note from the Environmental Protection Agency:
“Since bed bugs are only about the width of a credit card, they can squeeze into really small hiding spots. If a crack will hold a credit card, it could hide a bed bug.”
So take stock of your whole bed set up, closely examine all the nooks and crannies searching for evidence of bed bugs. Remember they are visible to the naked eye, they tend to be as big as an apple seed. It is also worth checking any furniture in the room that has a soft surface a bed bug would enjoy. Once you've done a thorough search of your room and any upholstery fabric, you can relax.
If you find any evidence of bed bugs, tell your accommodations immediately and request a different room that is not close to the infested one. However, say you do end up staying somewhere with bedbugs and you do not realize until you get home. What happens then?
Not to worry, you can still protect your home.
When you get back home do not bring your luggage inside, Chow-Yang Lee said, a professor of urban entomology at the University of California Riverside. "Take out your clothes and put them in the dryer for at least 30 minutes (or wash them and then dry them). Then, use a garment steamer to heat-treat your luggage outside. That should kill any eggs."
If you're looking to protect your mattress fully from bed bugs, you can check out the Bear Mattress Encasement. Of all the Mattress Protection we offer, the encasement offers the fullest, most complete protection from bed bugs. The Bear Encasement is designed with the most advanced engineering to create a safeguard against bed bugs, dust mites, mold, allergens and liquids.
That's all you need to know! So now when you are flying out to your next holiday destination, you are equipped with the knowledge to be on the lookout for bed bugs and if you have the unfortunate luck to run into them, you know how to deal with them. Do not panic at sensationalized media headlines regarding bed bugs, just stay vigilant and pay attention to your surroundings.
]]>Don’t worry, we have your stuff!
We understand you want to enjoy your new products as soon as possible. We’ll walk you through the process so you can know when to expect your products. Our products are shipping from across the country, that means there can be different shipping estimates for each one
]]>What Happens After I Order?
Don't worry, we’re on it!
Once you place an order for your new mattress it takes under 24 hrs for our system to process your order. Your mattress is made just for you so it has not been sitting on a factory floor collecting dust for weeks on end waiting for you to order it. This means that after your order, our crafts people on the factory floor in Phoenix, Arizona spring into action on constructing your brand new mattress.
Luckily with our state of the art factory, putting your mattress together will not take long. Once it’s been quality checked, it’s boxed up and shipped to your door! Soon you’ll be lying on a wonderful new, luxurious cloud of sleepy, long-lasting comfort.
Take a closer look at our factories here.
Free Pillows
If you ordered a mattress that came with a free product, it is important to note that the PILLOWS are roll packed with your mattress. This means that you will find your pillows when you unroll your mattress.
Any other product will be sent to you separately apart from your mattress. This is to try and get your products to you as fast as possible. So don’t panic if you see your mattress protector show up before your mattress. Your mattress is still on its way, it just has a different route it has to take on its way to you.
Delivery Options
FREE Fedex Ground* (Most Popular!)
*By selecting Fedex Ground, Bear Mattress is no longer liable for any loss or damage to the package after delivery.
FREE Signature Required**
Someone must be home to sign for the delivery. Signature is required for mattress delivery only.
**Signature Required option cannot be removed once it is added.
Need to Make Changes?
After you complete your purchase, you have up to 24 hrs to make any edits to your order.
Once your product has shipped, it cannot be modified in any way.
Have special instructions for delivery? Receive alerts, provide delivery instructions or request a hold at location for pick up using FedEx's Delivery Manager. This FREE service gives you more control over your deliveries.
How To Unpack and Setup Your Mattress
We recommend you unbox the Hybrid within 3 weeks of delivery and the Original and Pro within 30 days.
Need Help Setting Up Your New Bed?
Bear offers a convenient, safe and reliable way to have your new bed room setup installed. Need items removed? Have our removal partner take care of it with ease. With White Glove Service, you can get help with getting your mattress installed, removed, or both! Take away the stress and hard work of getting your new sleep space set up and leave the heavy lifting to us.
The way it works is after you checkout with White Glove Service, our partner, LoadUp will reach out to you to schedule a time that works for your busy schedule. From here you can pick a time that works for you after your mattress arrives. For more information on White Glove Service, click here.
]]>Do you wake up every morning hitting the snooze button? The morning is a critical part of the day, offering a fresh start and an opportunity to set the tone for what follows. How you begin your morning often shapes the rest of your day. Therefore, getting into good morning habits is ideal for going into your day fresh and ready to face whatever is thrown at you. In this article, we will delve into a list of good habits to practice in the morning, with the aim of helping you create habits that will lead to your morning sucking just a little less.
]]>When we wake up and turn off our alarms in 2023, it’s difficult not to roll over and immediately check your phone. In fact, how many of us use our phones as an alarm clock? We're starting the day with our phones already in our hands. However, starting your day staring at a screen can disrupt your morning more than you think. It has been shown to be beneficial to limit your exposure to screens and digital devices in the morning. Avoid checking emails or social media until you've completed your morning routine (more on establishing that below). It allows your brain to ease into the day a little easier before being overloaded with whatever information your various apps throw your way.
Exercising in the morning offers a multitude of benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether you're an early bird or someone looking to establish a healthier morning routine, exercise can go a long way for our health. Incorporating morning exercise into your routine may require an adjustment period, but the numerous physical and mental benefits make it a worthwhile endeavor. Physical activity can set a positive tone for the entire day and contribute to your long-term health and well-being. It also helps to choose your workout of choice the night before that way you don’t have to worry about it in the morning.
Looking for a workout to do in the morning? Try one of these!
Walking is one of the best exercises you can do. It is gentle on your joints and is a good exercise to ease into your day with. Walking is also great for clearing the mine and visualizing the day ahead. “Walking is just as good as any other form of exercise,” says University Hospitals pediatric sports medicine specialist Laura Goldberg, MD. “The guidelines are 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week. It doesn’t really matter how you get that.”
So if you’re looking for a good morning exercise, consider going for a walk.
Jumping jacks are another good option for starting the morning. Jumping jacks engage your whole body which is key to a morning workout. You need to get your whole body moving in order to help you wake up easier with the day. Jumping jacks also do not require a significant amount of space which can be a challenge for those living in smaller apartments or homes. Jumping jacks will help get that heart rate going and do not require any training beforehand so make a great option for an early morning workout.
Yoga is another wonderful option to start your morning with. Similar to walking, yoga is a great workout for not putting too much stress on your joints. The low impact works well for easing into your morning slowly. Yoga tutorials are also widely available, a simple YouTube search will yield endless results.
Yoga can also be completed in manageable sessions of 5-10 minutes. Meaning you don’t have to block out as much time every morning for it. So if you’re looking for a peaceful way to start your mornings, consider yoga!
The next step to establishing a healthy morning routine is a good balanced breakfast. A nutritious breakfast fuels your body and mind for the day ahead. Include a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fruits or vegetables to provide sustained energy and mental clarity. A nutritious breakfast is like the foundation of a sturdy house – it sets the tone for the day ahead. Whether you're looking to kickstart your morning, stay energized throughout the day, or maintain a healthy lifestyle, what you eat for breakfast matters.
Find some recommendations on what to eat for breakfast after a workout in another Bear Blog here.
Meditation in the morning offers is a great way to bring peace to your mind before the craziness of your day sets in. Morning meditation helps you start your day with a calm and centered mind. By practicing mindfulness and focusing on your breath, you can reduce stress and anxiety levels. This sets a positive tone for the day, making you better equipped to handle challenges and uncertainties.
It also helps to take a few minutes to create a to-do list or prioritize tasks for the day. This planning ensures you stay organized and focused on what truly matters, preventing unnecessary stress and time-wasting. Help your day run smoother by planning ahead.
Cultivating good morning habits is a something that can really help make a difference in your quality of life. Starting mornings out smoothly can help ease the stressors that come with day to day life. These habits provide a roadmap to creating a morning routine that works for you. Customize your routine for you. With dedication and perseverance, you can harness the power of your mornings to ensure they suck just a little less.
]]>When booking your flight, consider your seat choice carefully. Aim for a window seat, as it provides a stable surface to rest your head and offers some control over the window shade. Additionally, try to avoid seats near the restrooms or galley, as these areas can be noisy and busy.
Creating a consistent pre-flight routine can signal to your body that it's time to wind down. Engage in calming activities such as reading, listening to soothing music, or practicing relaxation techniques. Your body is a creature of habit and the more you train your body when to expect sleep, the easier it can be to drift off when you need to. Practicing this technique can really come in handy when you're in an unfamiliar environment like a plane.
Caffeine and heavy, greasy meals can interfere with your ability to fall asleep. If you’re looking to sleep on your flight, try to avoid these substances in the hours leading up to your flight, opting for light, nutritious snacks instead. Avoid that long Starbucks line at the airport and focus on the flight ahead. It is also important to stay hydrated when you fly. Instead of a coffee, grab a bottle of water instead. Getting properly hydrated before your flight will help make you feel more comfortable when you’re on the plane. Aim to drink more fluids in the hours leading up to the flight and limit your intake during the flight to prevent frequent bathroom trips that could disrupt your sleep.
When it comes to a long haul flight you want to sleep on, it’s best to dress for the occasion. Wearing loose, breathable clothing can ensure you’re not hung up on a pair of jeans that are cutting into you. Opt for layers, as the cabin temperature can vary throughout the flight. Don't forget to pack a cozy pair of socks to keep your feet warm.
A neck pillow or a travel pillow that wraps around your neck can provide much-needed support while preventing your head from falling forward. Similarly, a small lumbar pillow can help maintain proper spinal alignment and reduce discomfort during long periods of sitting.
At Bear we also have the Bear Mini Pillow which is a great travel option as it comes with its own drawstring bag and won't take up too much space. It's small enough to easily manage on an airplane. This pillow is also specially built with cooling tech so you'll stay cool and comfy for your whole flight.
Noise-canceling headphones are a game-changer when it comes to blocking out the constant hum of the aircraft engines and the ambient cabin noise. They create a peaceful environment that can significantly improve your sleep quality. These days there are many options to choose from. From Apple, to Skullcandy, to Bose, you can find a wide selection of noise canceling headphones. These will help your brain switch off and not become distracted by the ongoing action in the airplane.
An eye mask helps block out any light that might disturb your sleep, especially during night flights or when neighboring passengers have their overhead lights on. Eye masks are also great for promoting deeper sleep. The complete darkness they provide helps your brain fall into a place where it can relax. There are also a wide variety of eye masks out there these days. If you need help relaxing your nerves on a flight, there are masks that have built in calming scents. Some masks come built with cooling technology to keep you feeling refreshed throughout the flight. Earplugs, in combination with noise-canceling headphones, can create a cocoon of silence that promotes relaxation.
Earplugs are another great option for establishing a semblance of peace on your flight. If you’re not a fan of headphones or do not want to spend the money on them, you could always opt for ear plugs instead. Blocking out the noise from the plane and from your fellow passengers can really help you drift off to sleep.
Set Your Watch to Your Destination's Time Zone
As soon as you board the plane, adjust your watch to the local time at your destination. This mental shift can help you sync your body's internal clock with the time zone you're heading to, making it easier to adjust upon arrival.
Make your seating area as cozy as possible. Place your neck pillow, lumbar pillow, and any other comfort items within easy reach. Arrange your blanket or shawl to keep warm, and put on your eye mask and noise-canceling headphones to block out distractions. Think cozy thoughts and let your body relax as you settle into your flight.
Engage in deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation to calm your mind and relax your body. These techniques can help alleviate anxiety and promote sleep. Being in an airplane can be stressful for a number of reasons, especially if you have a fear of flying. So it’s good to practice any technique that can help calm down your mind. There are many apps you can utilize for this as well such as Calm, Headspace, or BetterSleep. Using one of these apps can help guide you through a calming exercise to get to sleep faster.
If you decide to watch movies or listen to music during the flight, opt for content that is calming and not overly stimulating. Avoid action-packed movies or intense thrillers that could keep you awake. Think about the kind of content you enjoy at home that can help you relax.
Sleeping on a plane may never be as comfortable as sleeping in your own bed, but with these tips in mind, you can significantly improve your chances of getting restful sleep during your flight. Pre-flight preparations, in-flight strategies, and post-flight adaptation all play a crucial role in helping your body adjust to the challenges of air travel. Remember that everyone's body is different, so it's important to experiment with these tips to find the strategies that work best for you. With a little planning and mindfulness, you can turn your next flight into a more restful and enjoyable experience.
]]>Whether you’re a sleep enthusiast or someone searching for a few extra minutes wherever they can get, we’ve compiled a list of sleep accessories that can go a long way to make sleep a better, more restful experience.
The Bear Pillow is a favorite amongst customers as it provides optimal cooling and does not lack in comfort. Built with Double Ice Fabric, this pillow was constructed with cooling in mind. This special fabric is cool to the touch and stitched into our removable cover, making cleaning a snap. It is also versatile for a number of sleep positions. Using Loft-X Foam, this pillow will conform to any way you choose to sleep, all while keeping you cool and cozy all night long.
If you're environmentally context and want an eco-friendly option, we also have our Talalay Latex Pillow. Crafted with Talalay™ latex using an eco-friendly process to provide natural sleep with dynamic bounce and support, this pillow gives you all the comfort you need while practicing safe techniques in development. This pillow is also great for anyone who suffers from allergies, 100% Talalay™ latex is proven to be seven times more breathable than other latex foams—while also inherently protecting you against allergens, dust mites, and more.
One of the biggest disruptors when it comes to sleep is noise. Whether it be noise caused by pets, family, or the street outside; it can affect anyone’s sleep. The quieter it is in your room, the more your ears will adjust to that quiet and in turn, the more sensitive your ears will be to any noise in the night. That is why sleep machines have been rising in popularity. The concept of white noise is where you use a static, consistent sound to lull you into a relaxed state. The sound machine will drown out the sounds of anything else in the room. By fighting noise with noise, you may find sounder sleep.
Life is messy. Your mattress is an investment. The best purchase you can make to protect that investment is a mattress protector. Give people the peace of mind they need to sleep soundly without worrying about their mattress. Dinner in bed? No worries. Netflix and chill? Nothing our mattress protectors can’t handle. Aside from protecting your mattress from any mess, a mattress protector can also come in handy for fighting the heat at night.
At Bear, our GlacioTex Mattress Protector will protect your mattress from any spill, stain, or mess all while keeping you cool with its specially crafted cooling cover.
Sleep masks are a very underrated tool for deep sleep. Research has shown that light has a big impact on our circadian rhythms. The idea of a sleep mask is simple; block as much light from reaching your eyes as possible. This enhanced darkness keeps your brain from being distracted by outside elements that keep you awake longer. Sleep masks help promote deeper sleep and deeper sleep has an almost endless list of benefits including: concentration, irritability, and short term memory.
There are a few different types of sleep masks depending on your own preferences. Some come with adjustable straps, some are built to sit further from your eyes as some people don’t like the increased pressure. Some masks have cooling properties built in so you can throw your mask in the fridge and use it to help cool you down at night or use it to help fight a headache.
When it comes to sleep, there are so many different methods you can use to find what works for you. Trying a combination of the above products may help you find more restful sleep, but every sleeper is different. What works for one side sleeper may not work for another. People who sleep on their backs may have a preference for a certain kind of eye mask. The best way to figure out what sleep routine works best for you is to experiment with different products and analyze your results from there.
Choosing the right gift to promote sleep can have a significant impact on someone's sleep quality and overall well-being. Whether it's a weighted blanket, white noise machine, aromatherapy diffuser, sleep tracker, or blackout curtains, these gifts can create a relaxing sleep environment and encourage healthy sleep habits. Give the gift of better sleep and help your loved ones enjoy the numerous benefits that come with it.
]]>At Bear, we offer multiple options for younger sleepers. In this article, we’ll walk you through what we would recommend for kids and teenagers.
Initially at Bear, we did not have a child specific mattress, but as our brand has grown, we realized there was a need for a mattress built with kids in mind. Enter the Bear Cub. This mattress is a great option for kids due to its intentional design and features tailored to meet the needs of younger sleepers. It was built specifically around what a growing kid needs to support their development and growth. We will do our part to ensure your kid is getting the sleep they need and in turn hopefully the adults in their life will get the sleep they need too!
We’ll dig into some of the features that we have built into the mattress:
The Bear Cub mattress provides excellent support for growing bodies. It features a high-density foam base that ensures proper spinal alignment and helps promote healthy development during sleep. The Bear Cub mattress uses responsive foam layers that contour to the body, relieving pressure and ensuring a comfortable sleep experience. Meaning no matter what position your kid wakes up in, they have a mattress there to give them the support they need as they grow.
Do you have a wild sleeper who wakes up in the morning upside down? Rest assured this mattress is built with optimal edge support so your child does not go tumbling over the side in their sleep as they shift throughout the night. Which brings us to our next point: the Bear Cub mattress is built to withstand the active lifestyle of kids. It is made with high-quality materials that are designed to last, providing long-lasting comfort and support.
The Bear Cub mattress is specifically designed with children in mind. It has a medium-firm feel, which is suitable for a wide range of sleeping preferences. The mattress also has a shorter profile (8.5”) to accommodate smaller bed frames and bunk beds commonly used by kids.
Kids can sometimes sleep hot and a mattress that promotes airflow and temperature regulation is crucial. It can be more difficult for kids than adults to regulate their own temperature at night. The Bear Cub mattress incorporates a breathable Celliant cover and a special gel memory foam, which helps dissipate heat and keeps the sleeping surface cool throughout the night.
We understand when it comes to kids, the number one priority is their health and safety. This is why the Bear Cub mattress is CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning it is free from harmful chemicals and substances. It is hypoallergenic, resistant to allergens, and easy to clean, making it a healthy sleeping environment for children who may have allergies or sensitivities. We made sure to check all the boxes to ensure your child is sleeping on a clean, trustworthy mattress. It comes with a 120-night trial period and a 10-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind for parents.
When choosing a mattress for kids, it's important to consider their individual needs, sleeping habits, and preferences. The Bear Cub mattress addresses these factors by providing optimal support, pressure relief, breathability, durability, and a kid-friendly design; making it a great choice for a comfortable and healthy sleep environment for children.
Bear’s Trundle mattress is the perfect addition to your trundle bed. This mattress is built with cooling in mind and has a durable base layer made of high-density support foam. It is made with CertiPur-US certified foams to ensure they are made without ozone depleters, chemical sprays, without mercury, lead, and other toxic materials.
So the Bear Cub is great for kids, but what happens when those kids start to grow up? Our rule of thumb is that this mattress is built to provide optimal support for kids who weigh up to 150 pounds. While these mattresses are still usable for anyone over that weight limit, you may not be getting the full support you need. As we age, people typically edge towards a firmer mattress with additional support layers.
Buying a mattress for a teenager can be a bit tricky. You have to consider things like cost, how long will they be using the mattress, what happens if they leave for college? Teenagers more than anyone need their sleep. The demands of early school wake up times, dealing with hormones, while juggling busy social lives can be draining. Getting as much sleep as possible is crucial to their development.
While any mattress we sell at Bear would work great for a teenager, we would first push people towards our Bear Original for a few reasons.
Another plus to buying a Bear Original for your teen is that this mattress (and the Bear Pro) is much easier to maneuver around than the other mattresses we offer. A standard queen sized Bear Original weighs 70 pounds. Heavy for sure, but not unmovable. (Remember to always take the team approach when moving your mattress! Teamwork makes the dream work.) Our Elite Hybrid and Star Hybrid models in comparison each weigh in at 110 pounds each. That’s an extra 40 pounds to lug around in an already large object. This is important because it means your teen can more easily take the mattress with them to their next destination. An apartment off campus? Their first apartment? It would be much easier to move them in with a Bear Original than a Bear Elite Hybrid.
It can be frustrating trying to find the right mattress for younger sleepers, but at Bear we strive to provide options for customers of all ages. By making high quality mattresses built with clean materials, we want to help to ensure a restful sleep for all.]]>The first step in any mattress removal process is to assess the condition of your mattress and figure out if it’s time to get rid of it or if there is still life left in your mattress. Let’s walk through some warning signs that it’s time to dispose of your mattress completely.
Firstly, ask yourself the following questions:
If you find yourself saying yes to the questions above it may be a good time to think about throwing your mattress away as opposed to passing it on to someone else. The typical lifespan for a mattress is around 7-10 years, but this is dependent on the quality of the mattress you are working with.
If the issue with your mattress is cosmetic, such as stains or spills, it can usually be resolved at home and does not mean you have to get rid of your mattress. Cosmetic issues with mattresses can usually be addressed and fixed, find a guide on how to clean your mattress here.
That being said, if you find your mattress has bed bugs, this is a deeper issue that needs to be addressed. Simply throwing away your mattress is an ineffective way to try and get rid of bed bugs as they can spread to other pieces of furniture in your home. When the time comes that you get your new mattress, bed bugs will be able to infiltrate that mattress as well. It is instead recommended that you focus on cleaning the mattress first. When it comes to bed bugs, they must be fully removed before any other steps are taken or else they might come back. Find more information on how to remove bed bugs here. At Bear we highly recommend that you add a mattress protector with full protection from bed bugs like the Bear Encasement.
After assessing your mattress you are left with two options, do you want to dispose of your mattress or is it in good enough condition that it could be passed on to someone new? We’ll walk through both options below.
At Bear, we offer what we call White Glove Service. This is where we will work with you to have someone else deal with the mattress for you. We’ve paired up with LoadUp to provide customers with an easy, stress free way to remove your mattress. You simply checkout with the service, set your appointment date, and LoadUp comes to your home to handle the rest. The process of getting rid of a mattress can be time consuming and difficult, using a company like LoadUp can really help take the stress off your shoulders.
With White Glove Service you have three services on offer: Install Only, Remove Only, or Full Service. If you’d like them to simply take your mattress from your home, select Remove Only. If you’d like them to help you install any new mattress you’ve purchased, select Install Only. For both, select Full Service.
Another option for disposing of your mattress is looking into recycling it.
Throwing your mattress away does have considerable effects on the environment. Every year around 20 million mattresses are thrown away to be added to a landfill. They add up to 5% percent of space and account for 250 million pounds of weight in landfills. The space alone of a mattress takes up an average of 23 cubic feet, this is even after it’s been compacted. However, there is an alternative. Mattress recycling programs are commonplace across the United States.
These programs usually involve a processing fee and require a drop off from you. So a car may be necessary to take your old mattress to the recycling plant. However, many cities do provide pick up options. It is important to check your local municipalities to determine whether a recycling program is one that makes sense for you.
But what if your mattress is in good enough condition to be passed along to someone else? Let’s walk through the options:
One of the ways to responsibly move your mattress on is to donate it to someone else, but it can be tricky. Keep in mind donated mattresses must meet a high standard to be passed on by the charity. If you have broken springs, large indentations, or a cleanliness issue such as bed bugs, donating your mattress will not be an option. It is important to note that many charities do not accept mattress donations. This is for a few reasons, the main ones being cleanliness and space. Due to the issue of bed bugs across the country, many charities will not accept mattresses for donation and many charities simply do not have the space for such a large item.
This varies from city to city and charity to charity of course so it’s important to understand if the charity you are looking to donate to actually accepts mattresses. Well known charities such as Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, and Salvation Army for example do not accept mattresses in many locations. If you are looking to donate your mattress the best steps you can take is contacting the local charity and finding out if they accept mattress donations at that location. It varies from city to city.
Other options include passing the mattress on to a family member, friend, or member of your community. Here are some ideas on who you could donate your mattress to:
Of course selling your mattress is always an option as well. Selling used mattresses is generally not something allowed by the state when it comes to retailers, but it does vary from state to state so it may be worth looking into if your local area has any used mattress stores that would buy from you. However, the majority of mattress sales come directly from the former owners.
When reselling your mattress, the market price is around 20-30% of the original retail value. This is of course dependent on a few factors including:
There are a few different places on the internet you can go to sell your mattress. Here’s a list of some commonly used websites and apps:
If all else fails and you aren’t happy with your current mattress, but getting rid of it in any way isn’t feasible due to whatever reason, there are ways you can improve the mattress you have.
If your mattress isn’t meeting your expectations, but you don’t necessarily want to deal with getting rid of it via recycling, donating, or selling it, there are many ways to spruce up your mattress and improve your sleep. If your mattress still has some life left in it but requires minor adjustments or enhancements, consider the following options:
Mattress toppers are a fantastic option for extending the life and comfort of your mattress. If you find your mattress too soft or too firm, a mattress topper can balance out the feel you want every night when you go to bed. Toppers vary in terms of firmness, but they are also a great option if you’re looking to stay cooler at night.
At Bear, our mattress topper adds an extra layer of cushioning and support to any mattress, making it feel softer and more comfortable. So, if your current mattress is too firm for your liking, adding a topper is the way to go. However, if your mattress shows signs of wear-and-tear such as sagging, a topper will not fix the problem.
If you are more concerned about stains and spills, something like Bear’s GlacioTex Mattress Protector would be a great option for waterproof protection. It also provides ultimate cooling features that will help keep you cool at night.
→ Shop GlacioTex Mattress Protector
It can be intimidating when looking to get rid of a mattress, but the good news is that you have many options in your arsenal to consider. We hope this article helped you figure out which option is best for you. The more you understand about what options are available, the better you can make an informed decision.
]]>Firstly, making your bed establishes a sense of order and organization in your immediate environment. When you wake up and see a neatly made bed, it sets a positive tone for the rest of your day. It creates a visually pleasing space, free from the clutter and chaos that an unmade bed can convey. This small act of tidiness can contribute to a feeling of control over your surroundings, instilling a sense of calmness and reducing stress.
Making your bed can also enhance your productivity and discipline. By completing a simple task right at the start of your day, you cultivate a sense of accomplishment and motivation to tackle other tasks. It serves as a foundational habit that can spill over into other areas of your life, creating a domino effect of productivity and goal achievement.
Beyond its practical benefits, making your bed has psychological advantages as well. A tidy bed can positively impact your emotional well-being by creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Coming home to a well-made bed can serve as a sanctuary, promoting relaxation and a sense of security. The aesthetics of a neatly arranged bed can also enhance your mood and contribute to a more positive mindset throughout the day. One simple task can set you up for success throughout your day.
Making your bed no matter its size, whether your mattress is a twin, queen, or king size can also foster a sense of pride and self-care. Taking care of your personal space, including your bed, sends a powerful message to yourself about valuing your environment and, by extension, valuing yourself. It becomes a tangible act of self-respect, self-esteem, and self-love. Furthermore, maintaining a clean and organized bed can have a positive effect on your sleep quality, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating night's rest.
Moreover, making your bed consistently each morning can contribute to the formation of healthy habits. As you practice this routine day after day, it becomes an automatic behavior, requiring less conscious effort and willpower. Habit formation is a powerful tool for personal growth and development, and making your bed can serve as a cornerstone habit that paves the way for other positive changes in your life.
To sum up, making your bed each morning goes beyond mere tidiness; it has far-reaching implications for your overall well-being. It cultivates a sense of order, control, and productivity. It enhances your emotional state, fostering a positive mindset and self-care. It can positively impact your relationships and even serve as a catalyst for forming other healthy habits. So, embrace the power of this simple task and make your bed every morning—a small act with significant rewards.
]]>Another aspect to consider is melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Cooler temperatures can enhance the production and release of melatonin, helping to regulate your circadian rhythm and promote a healthy sleep-wake cycle. This is particularly important for maintaining consistent and restful sleep patterns. Sleep disorders such as insomnia or night sweats can be exacerbated by excessive heat.
Quality sleep is crucial for your overall health and well-being. Adequate, restful sleep supports cognitive function, immune system functioning, mood regulation, and physical recovery. By optimizing your sleep environment to be cool and comfortable, you are prioritizing your health and ensuring you get the most out of your sleep.
Cooling down your sleep environment can help in the process of falling asleep by signaling to your body that it's time to relax and enter a restful state. By creating a cool and soothing atmosphere, you can help cue your body for sleep and promote a faster transition into dreamland. Your body temperature naturally drops when you sleep and a cooler sleep environment helps facilitate this process. When you sleep in a cooler room or on a cooling surface, such as a pillow or mattress, it can promote deeper and more restorative sleep. Cool temperatures help regulate your body's internal temperature, allowing you to achieve a state of optimal sleep.
At Bear, we make sleeping cool a priority in everything that we do. We offer a wide variety of products where one of the key features is temperature control. Knowing what we do about how deeply our sleep is affected when it’s too warm, we ensure our products are doing their part in keeping you cool. Here are a few of the products that we offer that will help transform your sleep.
One of our most popular accessories, the Bear Pillow is a great option for anyone trying to stay cool at night. Built with cooling in mind, this pillow is layered with Double Ice Fabric. This is a special fabric that stays cool to the touch throughout the night. It is also constructed with Dual Mesh Corner Accents. These accents cap the pillow at both ends with mesh panels, allowing the pillows to maintain airflow and remain cool. On top of the cooling aspects of this pillow, we of course know comfort is key. Which is why the Bear Pillow is made with Loft-X Foam. Not too firm, not too soft, our Loft-X Foam provides the perfect support for any sleeping position. To top it off, this pillow is hypoallergenic to keep you from sniffling through the night. This pillow checks all the boxes. It’ll keep you sleeping cooler, keep you comfy, and keep you free from dustmites.
A newer item in the Bear Mattress lineup, the GlacioTex Mattress Protector has been making quite the stir. Built with advanced cooling technology, adding this to your sleep setup will do wonders for taking your sleep game to the next level. This protector is cool-to-the-touch with high thermal conductivity to allow heat to be quickly and effectively pulled away from your body while you sleep. Avoid tossing and turning to find a comfortable, cool place on the mattress by turning down the temperature of your bed with this protector. On top of superior cooling, this protector will go the distance no matter what life throws at it. Waterproof and hypoallergenic, there is no stain this protector cannot stand up to. Rest easy knowing your mattress is protected from any spills or stains. We offer this protector in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King.
Mattresses The core of our brand is of course producing the highest quality mattress possible. Knowing how integral temperature control is when it comes to every aspect of sleep, building our mattresses with effective cooling technology was key. We’ll break down the different cooling properties found within our mattresses.
At Bear, the best mattresses we offer in terms of cooling are the Bear Elite Hybrid and the Star Hybrid. This is because both mattresses are made with two key features: Phase Change Material and copper foam. Phase Change Material, or PCM as it’s commonly called, uses thermoregulation to absorb your body heat and keep you cool all night long. We paired this with our breathable Celliant® fiber so you can sleep comfortably and wake up refreshed. Copper-infused Memory Foam whisks away your unwanted body heat allowing for a balanced temperature distribution throughout the night. Copper also naturally creates an antiviral and antibacterial environment providing you with a cool, clean sleep. With these two mattresses, you have two materials made for cooling built in meaning they are optimal for getting a refreshing, cool sleep. For comprehensive cooling, either of these mattresses would be your best option.
The rest of Bear’s mattress lineup includes mattresses made with Cooling Gel Memory Foam. This special foam draws away unwanted body heat and provides improved spinal alignment for a more comfortable sleep. This material is added with cooling in mind and will do a great job at keeping you comfortable at night. Paired with a Bear Pillow and a GlacioTex Mattress Protector, any of these mattresses would be a great choice for those looking to prioritize a comfortable sleep experience.
Stay ahead of the heat this summer by making tweaks to your sleep setup. With a cool environment and a bedroom that prioritizes cooling, your sleep can be transformed. Wake up easier each morning with more restful sleep. At Bear, we prioritize your comfort at night which is why we offer a numerous different products that can help you achieve the best sleep possible. Find that sweet spot in temperature control and take your sleep to the next level.
]]>At 8” thick, this mattress comes in three different sizes and is made to fit any recreation vehicle, motor home, or 5th wheel. This feature is particularly useful for RV owners because traditional mattresses are often too big to fit in an RV's sleeping area. The Bear Trek RV Mattress can be ordered in an RV Bunk size (similar to a twin size), RV Queen, or RV King.
RV Bunk |
RV Queen |
RV King |
33.5' x 74" x 8" |
60" x 74" x 8" |
72" x 80" x 8" |
34 lbs. |
69 lbs. |
74 lbs. |
One of the key features of the Bear Trek RV Mattress is its cooling technology. The mattress cover is made from a blend of performance fibers that help to regulate temperature and keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is particularly important when sleeping in an RV because the temperature inside an RV can fluctuate significantly depending on the weather outside.
The cooling cover of the Bear Trek RV Mattress is designed to wick away moisture and heat from the body, providing a comfortable sleeping environment even on hot nights. This feature can be especially beneficial for individuals who tend to sleep hot, ensuring that they don't wake up in a sweat during the night.
Another feature of the Bear Trek RV Mattress is its pressure relief capabilities. The mattress includes a layer of gel-infused memory foam that provides pressure relief and helps to distribute weight evenly across the mattress. This feature can be particularly beneficial for individuals who suffer from back pain or other types of joint pain.
The gel-infused memory foam conforms to the body's shape, providing customized support and reducing pressure points. This can help to alleviate pain and discomfort, ensuring a more restful night's sleep. The pressure relief capabilities of the Bear Trek RV Mattress make it an excellent choice for individuals who spend a lot of time sitting or standing during the day, as it can help to alleviate the strain on their joints.
The Bear Trek RV Mattress also features a supportive base made from high-density foam. This base provides excellent support and helps to prevent sagging and sinking, ensuring that the mattress remains comfortable and supportive for years to come. The high-density foam base also helps to absorb motion, reducing the likelihood of disturbing your partner when you move during the night.
The supportive base of the Bear Trek RV Mattress is essential for maintaining proper spinal alignment during sleep. The high-density foam provides a firm foundation that helps to prevent the spine from curving unnaturally, reducing the risk of back pain and other related issues.
The mattress cover of the Bear Trek RV Mattress is removable and machine washable, making it easy to keep your mattress clean and fresh. This feature can be particularly useful for individuals who suffer from allergies or other respiratory conditions, as it allows them to regularly clean the mattress to reduce the amount of dust and allergens in the sleeping area.
The Bear Trek RV Mattress is CertiPUR-US certified, which means that it meets rigorous standards for content, emissions, and durability. This certification ensures that the mattress is made from high-quality materials and that it does not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins.
The CertiPUR-US certification also means that the Bear Trek RV Mattress is durable and long-lasting. This can be particularly important for individuals who use their RV frequently or who live in their RV full-time, as it ensures that the mattress will provide long-term comfort and support.
The Bear Mattress's Bear Trek RV Mattress is a high-quality, specially designed mattress that is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and supportive mattress for their RV. Its multiple size options, cooling technology, pressure relief, supportive base, easy-to-clean cover, and CertiPUR-US certification make it a standout product in the RV mattress market.
The Bear Trek RV Mattress is an investment in comfort and quality sleep for those who love to travel and spend time on the road. It is designed to withstand the unique challenges of RV living and provide a restful night's sleep no matter where your travels take you. Overall, if you're in the market for an RV mattress, the Bear Trek RV Mattress will tick all of the boxes.
]]>Our GlacioTex Mattress Protector is going to tick all the boxes when it comes to our mattress protectors. It is our highest quality protector. This protector is made with optimal cooling features. If you sleep hot, the GlacioTex material will be a great option to keep you cool and happy all night. It also offers our most extensive protection against accidents. Fully waterproof, this protector will keep your mattress safe from any spills or blemishes. It is also made with hypoallergenic material to keep you from sniffling at night.
TLDR: If you’re looking for the highest protection and are a person who sleeps hot, this option is the right choice for you.
Our Bear Protector is another great option when it comes to mattress protectors. Built with HeiQ technology, this protector will do a fantastic job at keeping your mattress clean and free of stains. Fully waterproof, this protector takes it a step further and will also keep your mattress free of dust mites, bacteria, and allergens. Though it is built with a breathable material to ensure you don’t get too hot at night, this protector is not made with the same material as the GlacioTex Mattress Protector.
TLDR: You want a mattress protector to keep your mattress free of any stains, but aren’t worried about sleeping hot.
Our Terry Protector is built with a waterproof barrier that will keep your mattress free of water damage. It also has all the necessary fabrics to ensure no stains seep through. However, this protector does not protect your mattress from dust mites, bacteria, or allergens in the same way our GlacioTex Mattress Protector or our Bear Protector will. This protector is made with a soft Terry material to ensure your comfortable sleeping on top of it. Coming in at our lowest price point, this protector is a great option for those looking to spend a little less.
TLDR: You want protection from stains and spills and are price conscious.
The Bear Encasement is going to be the option for you if you have a concern about bed bugs. This encasement will go completely around your mattress to give you comprehensive protection from any liquid spills. The encasement is also our only form of protector that is built to protect your mattress from bed bugs. Other protectors will protect your mattress from dust-mites, but if you want to take it a step further and protect against bed bugs, this is your best bet. One aspect to consider about this protector, because it goes fully around your mattress, it is less breathable than some of the other options available.
TLDR: You prioritize protection from bed bugs.
At Bear, we understand buying a mattress is a big undertaking and we want to do what we can to ensure your mattress is protected when it needs to be. Whether you're protecting your mattress from your coffee, your kids, or your pets; we have an option for you. If you have any more questions about which protector is right for you, always feel free to reach out to our friendly customer support team here.
]]>Quinoa is often recommended as a healthy post-workout food due to its many nutritional benefits. Quinoa is a whole grain that is high in protein, which makes it a great choice for post-workout recovery. Quinoa is also a good source of several important vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. These nutrients play important roles in bone health, energy metabolism, and overall health and wellness. Overall, quinoa is a nutrient-dense food that can provide important benefits for post-workout recovery.
Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, with around 17 grams of protein per 6-ounce serving. This can be especially beneficial for athletes and active individuals, as protein is important for muscle repair and recovery. Greek yogurt is typically lower in fat than regular yogurt, with most varieties containing less than 5 grams of fat per serving. This can make it a good choice for individuals who are watching their fat intake or trying to maintain a healthy weight.
Greek yogurt is a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health. In fact, one serving of Greek yogurt can provide up to 20% of the daily recommended intake of calcium. Like regular yogurt, Greek yogurt contains live and active cultures of bacteria that can help to promote gut health and support the immune system.
Greek yogurt is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways, from adding it to smoothies or parfaits, to using it as a substitute for sour cream in recipes. Overall, Greek yogurt is a nutrient-dense food that is high in protein, low in fat, and rich in calcium and probiotics. It can be a healthy and versatile addition to a balanced diet. Which leads us to our next food!
Smoothies are often recommended as a healthy and convenient post-workout drink, and there are several reasons why they can be beneficial. After a workout, you may not feel like cooking or eating a full meal, and a smoothie can be a quick and easy way to get the nutrients your body needs. Smoothies can be prepared in just a few minutes and can be consumed on the go.
Smoothies can be a great way to rehydrate after a workout, especially if you add fruits and vegetables with high water content, like watermelon, cucumber, or berries. Smoothies can be packed with nutrients, especially if you include fruits, vegetables, and protein sources like our previously discussed Greek yogurt or nut butter. This can help to replenish energy stores, repair muscle tissue, and support overall health and wellness.
After a workout, your digestive system may be sensitive, and smoothies can be easily digested and absorbed by the body. This can help to promote optimal nutrient absorption and reduce digestive discomfort.
One of the best parts about smoothies is that they are highly customizable, and you can add a variety of ingredients based on your nutritional needs and preferences. For example, if you need more protein, you can add protein powder or and if you need more carbohydrates, you can add fruits or oats.
Chocolate milk is a popular post-workout drink among athletes and fitness enthusiasts because it contains a good balance of carbohydrates and protein, which can help to replenish energy stores and repair muscle tissue that has been broken down during exercise. In addition to its carbohydrate and protein content, chocolate milk also contains important vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, which can help to support overall health and fitness.
Trail mix can be a great snack to eat after a workout for several reasons. Trail mix often contains dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, which are high in carbohydrates. Consuming carbohydrates after a workout can help replenish glycogen stores in the muscles, which can help improve recovery and performance. Many trail mixes also contain nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, which are high in protein.
Consuming protein after a workout can help repair and rebuild muscle tissue that may have been damaged during exercise. However, it's important to keep in mind that trail mix can also be high in calories and added sugars, so it's important to watch your portion sizes and choose a mix with minimal added sugars..
Grilled chicken salad is an excellent post-workout meal because it contains protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Grilled chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is important for muscle recovery and repair after a workout. Protein helps to repair the muscle fibers that are broken down during exercise and promote muscle growth and strength.
A salad made with fresh vegetables and leafy greens can be a great source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall health and wellness. For example, leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes are high in vitamin C.
Grilling chicken is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy protein source, and making a salad can be a simple and convenient way to get a variety of nutrients after a workout.
Of course the day starts after what we hope is a satisfying and reenergizing sleep. At Bear, every mattress is built with cooling technology and materials that help you recharge and recover after a long day. The way you sleep and the way you eat can both have profound impacts on the way way a workout goes and how you feel afterwards. Luckily when it comes to food, there are many delicious options you can consider when looking for what to eat after working out.
Are you more interested in working out at night? Check out this article to find the best foods to eat after a late night workout
]]>With a new aesthetic and a new name, the Bear Hybrid is now the Star Hybrid!
The Star Hybrid is built here in the United States. Phoenix, Arizona to be specific. When you purchase a Star, our team of dedicated workers at the factory starts the process of putting your mattress together. Every mattress is made to order which means no corners are cut. Your mattress is not sitting in a room collecting dust, waiting for you to buy it, it’s built with you in mind. From the creation of the foam made from clean materials to the specific way we manufacture our encased mattress coils, to the final stitches sealing your mattress together; it is all done in-house. After your mattress has been successfully built and approved by the team, it is moved to our unique roll-packing machine where it is then boxed up and shipped right to your door.
If you’re wondering about the difference between a Hybrid mattress and an all-foam mattress, you are not alone. As we sell both all-foam and hybrid mattresses, customers often ask about the difference. All foam mattresses are of course made with all foam material while our hybrid mattresses combine both memory foam and encased coils you would find in a traditional mattress. Our all-memory foam mattresses provide excellent support, cooling technology, and are typically more cost-effective. When choosing a hybrid model like the Star Hybrid, you are getting the best of both worlds. The memory foam works in tandem with the encased coils to provide you with a more luxurious feel while ensuring you sleep cool. A hybrid mattress provides more “bounce” than you would find in an all-memory foam mattress.
One of the great benefits of a hybrid mattress compared to a traditional all-spring mattress is you can avoid the annoying pokes of individual coils buried deep within your mattress. With a layer of memory foam placed on top of the coils, you have that extra cushion you need to provide optimal comfort.
Overall, sleeping on an all-memory foam mattress is more of an adjustment. You experience a sensation of sinking into the mattress much more than you would on a hybrid model. Learn more about the difference between hybrid and all-foam mattresses here.
If you get a pure foam mattress or a basic spring mattress, there’s only so much you can customize, but with a hybrid mattress; you can truly find a mattress that feels like it was made for you.
For the core, you can opt for encased coil springs or a classic encased system (though most use encased coils these days). For the comfort layers, you can choose any combination of latex foam, memory foam, polyfoam, or something else entirely. You can sometimes even add a pillow top or some other quilted cushioning as the topmost layer.
Hybrid mattresses also offer a wider range of firmnesses — you can get one that’s as soft as a cotton ball or one that’s as firm as it gets.
The Star Hybrid has been a huge hit with both customers and critics alike. Winning awards from the likes of Mattress Advisor, Mattress Clarity, and Slumber Search, the Star really stands out amongst competitors. It provides optimum support while not breaking the bank like other mattresses. The value is clear, but don’t just take our word for it.
Here are some verified customer reviews to back us up:
Much like us. Humans all have their own sleep patterns and the way we optimize our routine from sleep differs from person to person. What works for one person, might not work for the other. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sleep, so we must find what works best for us. At Bear, we try and help you figure out what mattress works best for you with our Sleep Quiz.
Let’s take a deeper look into the interesting sleep habits of various animals throughout the world. What can we learn from the ways animals sleep?
We’ll start with bears! (We’re biased what can we say.)
Bears are omnivores and are found in various parts of the world including North America, Europe, and Asia. The sleep habits of bears vary greatly depending on the species and their environment.
Some species of bears, such as the brown bear, black bear, and polar bear, hibernate for several months during the winter months. During hibernation, the bear's metabolism slows down significantly and they enter a deep sleep. While hibernating, a bear's heart rate can drop from 40 beats per minute to just 8 beats per minute, and their body temperature drops from 37°C to just above freezing. This allows the bear to conserve energy and survive the long, harsh winter months when food is scarce. Grizzly bears for example can be taking in over 20,000 calories a DAY in the summer to prepare for hibernation. Which equates to about 3 pounds. They use the fat they build up during the warmer months to keep their bodies ticking throughout hibernation.
Bears understand the importance of getting the temperature just right when it’s time to fall asleep. In Yellowstone National Park, when bears are building their dens for hibernation they ensure to keep the entrance just large enough for the bear themself to fit through and then use the snow to insulate the entrance. The chamber itself is dug only slightly bigger than the bear so it can maximize the heat retention within its den. Temperature affects the way we sleep dramatically. If you tend to sleep on the hot side, the GlacioTex Mattress Protector could be a great option as it comes built with cooling technology as do all of the mattresses we sell at Bear.
However, not all species of bears hibernate. For example, the sun bear and the spectacled bear do not hibernate. Instead, they may take short naps during the day and night, sleeping for several hours at a time. They may also sleep for longer periods when food is abundant, and they have a full belly. When sleeping, bears may curl up in a ball or stretch out on their stomachs, depending on their level of comfort and the environment. Like humans have their own personal favorite sleep positions, so do bears! Some of us go for the curled up into a little ball position while some of us prefer being sprawled out on our stomachs.
Sharks belong to the class Chondrichthyes and are found in oceans all over the world. Unlike bears and other mammals, sharks do not sleep in the traditional sense. Most species of sharks must keep swimming continuously in order to breathe and pump water over their gills. This constant movement is necessary to supply the shark's body with oxygen.
However, some species of sharks, such as the whale shark, have been observed resting motionless on the ocean floor. It is not clear if they are truly sleeping during these periods, as the whale shark is capable of obtaining oxygen through its skin and mouth while at rest.
In addition, some species of sharks, such as the nurse shark, are capable of slowing down their metabolism and resting on the ocean floor for short periods of time. During these periods, the nurse shark's heart rate may drop from 80 beats per minute to just 10 beats per minute. Similar to bears during hibernation, albeit for a shorter amount of time. However, the nurse shark must still move its gills in order to extract oxygen from the water.
Insects are found in nearly every environment on Earth. The sleep habits of insects vary greatly depending on the species and their environment.
Some insects, such as bees and ants, do not sleep. Instead, they work continuously, gathering food, caring for their young, and maintaining their colonies.
Other insects, such as butterflies and moths, do sleep, but their sleep patterns are different from those of mammals. Insects typically enter a state of torpor, a type of sleep characterized by a reduced level of activity and a decrease in metabolism. During torpor, the insect's heart rate slows, and it may become less responsive to stimuli.
For example, caterpillars are known to enter a state of torpor during the day when it is hot, and they are unable to find food. During this time, the caterpillar's heart rate slows, and it becomes less responsive to stimuli. When night falls and the temperature cools, the caterpillar awakes, and its metabolism and heart rate return to normal.
Like humans, the sleep habits of bears, sharks, and insects vary greatly depending on the species and their environment. While bears may hibernate or take short naps, sharks must keep swimming to breathe, and some insects do not sleep at all. Regardless, each of these animals has evolved to survive in their respective environments by finding a method of obtaining the rest and relaxation they need to survive and thrive.
The diversity of sleep patterns and habits among these animals highlights the importance of understanding the unique adaptations and behaviors of different species. Further research into the sleep patterns of these animals can provide valuable insights into their behavior, biology, and ecology and in turn we can see how these insights can benefit humans in our own approaches to sleep.
It is also important to consider the impact that human activities, such as deforestation and climate change, may have on the sleep habits of these animals. For example, the loss of habitats may disrupt the hibernation patterns of bears, leading to decreased survival rates. Similarly, the increasing levels of noise and pollution in the oceans may prevent sharks from sleeping or resting properly.
In order to protect these species and their habitats, it is crucial to continue to study and understand the sleep habits of bears, sharks, and insects, as well as other animals. By doing so, we can gain a better understanding of the complex interplay between sleep and survival, and work to conserve these important species for future generations. The more we understand about the connection between animals and sleep, the more we can inform ourselves about how to best optimize our own bedtime habits.
]]>After all, a good night’s sleep is a top priority for anyone with a busy, active lifestyle, and having the right kind of mattress spring for your body can make a huge impact on sleep quality.
More often than not, you’re going to see two types of mattress springs on the market: encased-coil and innerspring. But what do these two words mean? And how do you know which one is better for your “Zzz time”?
Imagine you’re in a cheap motel off of a major interstate, or maybe in your mom’s childhood bedroom at grandma and grandpa’s house. You go to sit down on the bed, and suddenly it squeaks, creaks and the whole mattress sinks to one side.
Well, that’s an innerspring mattress, and it’s probably what you usually think of when you imagine a typical mattress.
Innersprings are a more traditional type of mattress, consisting of a system of metal coils that are entirely interconnected to form a single unit. You may have also heard this type of spring system referred to as an “open coil” system.
The metal coils in an innerspring mattress are usually an hourglass shape — wider at the top and bottom, but thinner towards the middle. It’s the classic spring shape we can all imagine.
Because the innerspring coils are all connected, they have a tendency to all move as one. That’s why when you sit or lie down on an innerspring mattress, it feels like everything sinks to where you are.
As the name suggests, an encased-coil mattress is made up of a number of metal coils or springs, each individually wrapped in a fabric “encasement” or sleeve. This type of spring support system is known by a number of names (encased spring, Marshall coil, etc.) and has become increasingly popular among sleepers.
But, if you think this type of mattress spring system is new — think again.
The encased-coil has actually been around since 1899 when a Canadian-born engineer named James Marshall invented this fabric-wrapped spring system (hence the name “Marshall coil” mentioned above).
The material of the spring itself may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but ultimately it’s the fabric sleeve that makes this type of mattress a total game (or sleep) changer.
The fabric sleeves in an encased-coil system allow the spring to act independently of one another, thereby minimizing movement across the mattress and creating an airy feel.
As for the actual metal coils, an encased-coil mattress will have cylindrical-shaped springs. Rather than narrowing in the middle like those of a traditional innerspring mattress, these encased coils will be uniform in width from top to bottom.
So, you probably have a pretty clear idea of the inner-workings of an innerspring vs. an encased-coil spring mattress. But what does it all mean for your body, your sleep time and your wallet?
Right off the bat, you can tell there are some pretty obvious structural differences between the two mattress types, and unsurprisingly, these variances have an impact on your overall wellbeing.
At first glance, the benefit of buying an innerspring mattress would seem to be the upfront cost. True, they tend to be more immediately affordable than a memory foam mattress or even a hybrid mattress — but the appeal of paying less money up front on a traditional mattress might not seem like the best decision a few years down the road.
First of all, the weaker, thin points of the hourglass-shaped innerspring mattress coils tend to start breaking down earlier than a cylindrical coil. So even if you’re paying less money up front, you may have to upgrade your mattress sooner than you would with a memory foam, hybrid or encased-coil mattress.
Innerspring mattresses also aren’t necessarily the best option for your body — especially if you have any sort of chronic joint, muscle or back pain. Structurally, the interconnected spring system is simply unable to contour to your body and distribute weight evenly to relieve stress on your body’s pressure points.
And speaking of weight distribution: If you have a partner who’s a bit of a wild sleeper, you’re definitely going to feel them move around and hear the mattress squeak and creak. After a time, you will probably become accustomed to these disturbances and not notice them, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t messing with your sleep cycle.
Now, these downsides don’t mean you should throw your traditional mattress out the window (after all, some people probably love their innerspring mattress). But the innerspring coil system is certainly an example of how a widely used product isn’t necessarily ideal for everyone.
On the other hand, encased-coil mattresses may cost slightly more than an innerspring depending on the manufacturer. However, this type of mattress has become more popular in recent years, so the price difference between the two types isn’t as large as it used to be.
Plus, in terms of return on investment, a mattress that incorporates encased-springs is going to be a much better, long-term deal. Not only does the cylindrical spring hold up better than the hourglass spring, but the encasement system also does wonders for your body.
Because each spring in an encased-coil mattress moves independently, the mattress has a much easier time contouring to the shape of your body. It also relieves a lot of pressure on areas like the back, neck, shoulders and hips that tend to give many of us the most trouble.
In fact, an encased-coil mattress’ springs can vary in degrees of tension depending on their location. For example, springs near the foot of the bed may be more responsive (i.e. squishy), whereas ones toward the middle of the bed might be firmer. In this sense, an encased-coil mattress can be more customizable than a traditional innerspring.
Similarly, the independence of the springs means you won’t feel your partner’s movement as much — if at all — resulting in a more peaceful sleep. Also, air flows smoothly between the standalone, sealed coils so your body won’t overheat during sleep.
Another great benefit of the encased-coil system is that it’s often used in hybrid mattresses (like the Bear Hybrid), which use a combination of foam and springs. The encased springs form a supportive base upon which top layers of various foams sit, creating an optimal design to accommodate different heights and weights.
We all need sleep. Actually, most of us love to sleep — which is why we all deserve a mattress that makes sleep better, not worse.
Of course, everyone is going to have different tastes when it comes to the type of mattress they prefer. But if you’ve been less than pleased with your current mattress, you may want to give an encased-coil mattress a shot.
With its independent springs that minimize motion transfer and provide body pressure relief, encased-coil mattresses are a great option for almost anyone. Even lovers of memory foam or other foam mattresses can benefit from encased coils thanks to the many hybrid mattresses available today.
Overall, the encased-coil mattress delivers durable and dynamic support so you can get the best, most natural sleep possible.
]]>But in all seriousness, these certifications matter — especially if you don’t want your mattress to cause health problems for you and those around you. So, what do these “stamps of approval” mean?
The GREENGUARD certification program gives consumers like you the ease of mind that products designed for indoor spaces meet strict chemical emissions limits, creating healthier living spaces and interiors for all. It also helps you know whether or not a manufacturer’s sustainability claims are legit thanks to third-party evaluations.
Well, the Gold certification for low emissions is even more rigorous because it considers the health and safety of children and the elderly, and it determines if a product is safe for use in schools and healthcare facilities.
Our GREENGUARD Gold-certified product? All five of our mattresses have been scientifically proven to meet the third-party emissions standards for chemicals and pollutants — like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde and phthalates — so you aren’t potentially exposed to health-hazardous materials while you sleep.
All of our mattresses — the Elite Hybrid, Star Hybrid (formerly Bear Hybrid), Pro Hybrid, Bear Original and now the Bear Cub Kids Mattress — use foams that meet the CertiPur-US standards for the content, emissions and durability of polyurethane foam products.
A CertiPUR-US-certified foam is tested by independent, accredited labs to ensure it is:
All certified foams are analyzed and tested twice within the first year, and then retested and recertified annually to ensure manufacturers like us aren’t getting lazy with their production standards.
In short: Bear mattresses are non-toxic. You can rest assured that our mattresses will not cause any health problems associated with high levels of VOCs, formaldehyde, prohibited phthalates, flame retardants — all those chemicals and pollutants that we know are bad for us.
You wouldn’t want to sleep on a mattress that’s actively bad for your health and the environment, right? Well, that’s why we adhere to the strict standards set by these two certifications: We care about you and your health, as well as the quality of the spaces we inhabit.
If you’re shopping for a mattress, you should look for these certifications because whatever mattress you end up with, it should improve your health and quality of life — not make it worse.
]]>Well another Fat Bear Week competition has drawn to a close. After seven days of intense rivalry, a new champion has been selected. There was drama, upsets, and most importantly, well-fed bears. Starting on October 5th, the first round began and thus a subsequent six days of matchups were played out. Voted on by everyone at home, over 1,000,000 votes have been cast in this year’s competition. A new record for Fat Bear Week. Last year saw over 800,000 votes cast.
The first round started with a few interesting matchups, Bears 856 and 747 kicked things off. The sheer size of 747, nicknamed the Jumbo Jet, ended up being too much for 856. Veterans Walker and 901 easily surpassed the competition of 854 and Fat Bear Jr. Winner, 909’s Yearling. New to the game, 164 managed to squeak out a first round win by charming everyone with his unique fishing style. Nicknamed the Shower Bear, 164 invented a way to keep up with the more senior bears at Brooks River by sitting at the bottom of the waterfall and fishing there.
Into the next round, Fat Bear Week vets Holly and Chunk were thrown into the mix. Holly, a fan favorite for how she looks after her cubs, beat 164 by a landslide. 747 came up tops when face to face with 32 Chunk. Both large male bears, it made it hard for fans to choose between them, but there was something about 747 this year that caught the eye.
October 8th saw four time reigning champ, Otis, enter the fray. Known well by the fans of Fat Bear Week, Otis is very loved by all. Many were surprised to see him lose out to 901 in the semi final. Here to impress, 901 proved herself by beating out the top bear for the past few years, setting herself up for the semi-final matchup with 128 Grazer who had beaten 151 Walker to get to his place in the semis.
The first semi-final match up saw 747 Jumbo Jet face off with 435 Holly. This match-up was infused with drama as the vote counters exposed a collection of votes cast by bots. Swiftly taking care of the issue, 747 found himself on top again. 747’s huge size was too big a draw and saw him make his way all the way to the final. On the other side of the semis 128 Grazer faced off against 901, the bear who unseated Otis as the ultimate fat bear. 901’s win streak continued as she won by a count of 44,237 votes to Grazer’s 32,557 votes.
The final between 747 and 901 was an epic match up between the gigantic bears. Fans this year went for some of the biggest bears in the river. After a week of voting, upsets, and drama the final match was upon us. It ended up being very close between both bears but in the end 747 Jumbo Jet came out on top with 68,105 votes to 901’s 56,876 and another Fat Bear Week champion was crowned. Making it all the way from the first round, 747 earned his victory. This is 747’s second win as Fat Bear Champion. Congratulations to all the bears and we can’t wait to see them again next year.
]]>The bears have been announced! The competitors for this year’s Fat Bear Week competition are ready to face off for the prize of ultimate fat bear. Every year there is a healthy mix of new and familiar faces. Last year’s winner, Otis is back in the running along with regulars 32 Chunk, 435 Holly, and more.
There will be four matchups in the first round. These bears will have to earn their keep before they make it to the next round. If they win their first round, they will go on to face some of the more senior bears head to head; bears like last year’s winner Otis and fan favorite 435 Holly. How far can they go?
Younger and still finding their way, newcomers to the competition like 164 have to come up with creative ways to fish. Older bears often have first dibs on the best fishing spots on Brooks River so in turn 164 has developed his own unique way of fishing. The 2 and a half year-old bear has started fishing at a spot no other bear has ever been seen using. Standing at the base of the deepest plunge pool he will jump up to catch the salmon or drop down on top of them. His innovation has earned him a coveted spot in the bracket.
It’s creativity like this that makes Fat Bear Week such an interesting spectacle, each bear must do what they can to survive amongst heavy competition. Even the more senior bears like 856, who was considered the most dominant bear of Brooks River for the better part of the last decade, are still having to fight for the best fishing spots. 856 has faced challenge from long-time rival 747, another large adult male (and opponent for the first round) and in 2021 was knocked from the top spot. This won’t keep him down though, he still frequently challenges 747 for the best fishing spots. Despite the danger and competition of other bears, 856 remains resilient. 747 will face off against 32 Chunk in the next round.
Will the familiar faces take the top spot in the second round or will some of the other bears usurp them? Bears like 854 Divot are certainly doing their best to come out on top. Another one of the more senior bears, Divot has been spotted fishing in Brooks River since 2004. Like a lot of the other bears, Divot is used to the presence of people and has no problem standing her ground against them or other bears when it comes to fishing. With a large scar encompassing her neck, Divot is noticeable amongst the others. In 2014, she wandered outside of the park boundaries and unfortunately got her head caught in a wire trapping snare. She managed to break free of the anchor, but still had to deal with wiring around her neck. Park rangers and biologists were able to step in and help once this was spotted. Tranquilizing Divot, they managed to remove the trap and she has since recovered and gone on to thrive amongst her peers in the forest. Yet another example of the bears facing adversity and coming out on top.
New to this year’s competition was the Fat Bear Jr. bracket. Similar to the big bear category, this was a bracket of only bear cubs and showing the growth they’d had over the summer season. The winner of this close bracket was 909’s yearling! First spotted at Brooks river in 2021, she has a medium-brown coat with adorably fluffy ears. She hangs out at the river catching with her mom, picking up tips. Despite a paw injury this year, she continues to thrive and show she has what it takes to kick it with the big bears in the main Fat Bear competition.
909’s Yearling will face off against 901, a medium sized female bear. 901 is a young bear at 2 and a half and still finding her way in the world. She’s shaping up her fishing technique and expanding her social skills as she matures. 901 is at the age where she can start having cubs herself, though it is not known which bears have produced offspring until after they hibernate for the winter. Fans eagerly await to see new cubs added to the thriving ecosystem of Katmai National Park.
So whether your preference is the senior bears like Otis who have dominated the Brooks River for years or you’re cheering for the newbies like 909’s Yearling, vote in Fat Bear Week to see your favorite rise to the top. All of the competing bears come with unique, inspiring stories of perseverance and we can’t wait to see who comes out on top.
There’s only room for one winner and come Tuesday October 11th, there will be a new Fat Bear crowned champion. Will it be Otis again? Or will a newcomer steal the spotlight? Keep your eye on the brackets to find out!
Vote for your favorite fat bears here.
]]>When it comes to what criteria the voters are basing their choice on, it could be simple which bear is the bigger or which bear overcame the most; there are no strict parameters for what drives your vote. The competition inspires curiosity and brings attention to a vital ecosystem. And let’s be honest, it’s just fun.
Every year, spectators are introduced to new bears and say hello again to familiar faces. Bears such as 480 Otis, 32 Chunk, and 435 Holly are well known to those who tune in every year. Each bear carries a story, for example, 435 Holly is well known for being a mama bear to an adopted cub in need of a mom to teach him the ways of the woods. 480 Otis is another popular bear. Known to the park since 2001, Otis leaves an impression on the viewers at home with his sizable mass and unique fishing style. Every year, Otis makes sure he’s in the running every year for the fattest bear.
People at home can cheer for their favorite bears and see how they progress through the rankings. Last year in 2021, over 800,000 votes were collected in the competition with Otis coming up top as the winner. (His fourth time winning the competition!)
Bears have the ability to hibernate for months on end (up to 7), storing and using their energy in the most efficient ways possible. Fat Bear Week marks the end of a summer spent fattening up on salmon. And when their sleep is over, they wake recovered, energized and ready to take on the wild. When it came to naming Bear Mattress, the idea of sleeping as well as a hibernating bear felt like the perfect fit. With modern life as busy as it is, we are focused on providing our customers with optimum relief and recovery so they can rest fully each night and wake up feeling their best. We want you to wake up feeling like you are coming out of hibernation feeling ready to face the day.
Imagine if getting hibernation-caliber sleep every night was possible? At Bear, that’s what we are driven to deliver by combining the latest sleep recovery technology with safe materials and a personal touch, so that you can wake up in the morning feeling like you’ve had a season's worth of sleep. Just like each bear competing in Fat Bear Week has their own unique journey, we know every sleeper is unique and that’s why we provide a range of mattresses and accessories to ensure every person finds the perfect fit. With a range of award winning hybrids and all foam mattresses, there’s plenty to choose from.
Do you like your mattress to be on the firmer side? We’ve got you covered with our award winning Bear Elite Hybrid’s three comfort levels. Sleep better when it feels like you’re falling into a cloud every night? We’ve got a mattress for that. Try the Bear Hybrid for ultimate comfort. Not sure what mattress is ideal for you? Check out our mattress quiz.
The competition runs from October 5th and October 11th. Voting is open every day of the competition between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern time. (Four hours ahead of Alaska.)
You can find the voting page here.
Meet the bears competing here.
Katmai National Park has a whole schedule of events where you can engage further with Fat Bear Week.
Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most crucial components of a healthy and happy lifestyle. You might be dreaming every night about buying a fancy car or vacation home — but you’ll only be able to have those dreams if you’re actually able to fall asleep. Fortunately, sleep science has advanced significantly in recent years, from the best foods to eat before bed to the highest-quality mattresses. If you have back problems, a wriggly bed partner, or you're just ready for an upgrade, you’re probably on the hunt for new technologies on the market like memory foam or hybrid mattresses. No two sleepers are exactly alike, but here’s a little introduction to help you find the most comfortable mattress for you (and your plus one).
You’ve likely heard friends in the past couple of years swearing by memory foam mattresses, especially if they have struggled with back problems or spine alignment. Originally developed by NASA researchers in the 1960s to improve the cushioning on aircrafts, memory foam has become a popular material you can find everywhere from hospitals to sneakers. In recent times, it has become most known for its use in top-notch mattresses. That’s because memory foam gives your body a unique level of support, aiding in spinal alignment and hugging your body no matter your favorite sleep position.
Classic memory foam advertisements show someone pushing their hand into a mattress only to leave a dissolving handprint, and that really does provide the perfect visual aid. Memory foam, unlike a traditional spring mattress, offers the sensation of contouring your body — a kind of shock absorption for your back that keeps you comfortable throughout the night. This is done with layers of memory foam that have different densities and feel to provide for the support.
When they first came onto the scene, memory foam mattresses were fairly simple in their design and structure, but now they have become much more sophisticated and, well, mattress-like. They still tend to utilize a person’s body heat for that enveloping, contouring effect, which means you need to look for a mattress that has cooling foam layers to avoid overheating. The best memory foam mattresses also have responsive foam layers that give you an actual bounce — or else it doesn’t really feel like a mattress at all.
A Hybrid is the combination of two or more different support structures. For some sleepers, hybrid mattresses can feel like the best of both worlds. That’s pretty much the point. The aptly-named hybrid mattress is trying to offer a little bit of old and new school technologies — foam layers combined with the classic innerspring — to give you a good night’s sleep. With the innerspring coils, you’re getting that tried-and-true support, firmness, and classic bounce of a traditional mattress. The foam component offers comfort through a hugging sensation — though short of 100% memory foam. For some people who don’t care for that “sinking” feeling, a hybrid mattress can be a nice upgrade from a classic poking innerspring, without going full-on memory foam.
Most hybrid mattresses today will have encased coil springs. Encased coils are springs individually wrapped in a sleeve of fabric. Each encasement reacts to pressure independently which can help with movement when sleeping with a partner. Inner coil springs are linked together so any movement that happens on one side of your mattress will affect the entire bed.
Memory Foam Mattress |
Hybrid Mattress |
Back Problems |
Luxurious Feel
The combination of coils and foam provide a hotel-quality feel to your mattress.
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Restless Partner Memory foam is great at limiting motion transfer. |
Sleep Cooler
Coils sleep cooler than foam, making hybrid mattresses more adept at dissipating heat.
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Contouring
If you like the feeling of being hugged by your mattress, memory foam is for you.
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Responsiveness
Hybrid mattresses provide more of a “bounce” than memory foam.
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The benefits of a memory foam mattress are pretty well documented. The layers essentially adjust to your individual body shape. That means the material fills in around common problem areas like your lower back, offering even pressure point relief. During the day, many people struggle with bad posture, and of course the same is true at night. But a memory foam mattress can help optimize your spinal alignment, since the foam is filling in the gap areas around your body to keep your back straight. (If you struggle with lower back problems, placing a pillow between your legs at night also helps to straighten your spine).
Memory foam mattresses also tend to be the best option if your bed partner is a tosser-and-turner, since these mattresses have a smaller amount of bounce and motion transfer. If your partner writhes around all night, you’re considerably less likely to wake up if you’re sharing a memory foam mattress. Memory foam can even help with snoring, since a more aligned nighttime posture can positively affect breathing.
Allergy-prone sleepers also tend to like memory foam mattresses because they are dust resistant and relatively easy to clean compared to other traditional mattresses. Still, it’s important to make sure that you find a memory foam mattress that regulates body heat properly, since some of these mattresses can run quite hot. Look for memory foam mattresses that include layers with cooling gel infusions to ensure you don’t sleep sweaty.
Let’s get this one out of the way: If you tend to enjoy nighttime activities that require a mattress with more bounce and rhythm, memory foam might not be the most conducive option. Still, you probably want the nice enfolding foam affect, and hybrid mattresses offer a happy middle ground. With a hybrid, you’ve still got the feeling of a mattress hugging you to sleep, but you also have a… more romantic innerspring bounce. In general, hybrid mattresses tend to have more options when it comes to firmness than memory foam.
Even though memory foam mattresses have improved when it comes to cooling technology, hybrid mattresses also often “breath” better, so if you’re someone that gets very hot while sleeping, this might be the better option for you.
One of the classic complaints with an innerspring mattress is a sense that you’re being poked by a coil, which isn’t exactly pleasant when you’re trying to fall asleep. With a hybrid, the coils are generally tucked away under layers of soft memory foam, helping the mattress feel more uniform and consistent. In general, hybrids also tend to have better “edge support” — meaning the structural integrity along the perimeter of the mattress. Memory foam mattresses, on the other hand, tend to struggle in this regard (though they beat hybrids when it comes to not waking up your partner by simply rolling over at 2 a.m.).
Mattresses, like most things in life, are about tradeoffs. If you’re ready for a vastly different sleeping experience, memory foam might be right for you. Go for a memory foam mattress if you have back problems, a seriously annoying sleeping partner who squirms around all night, or if you sleep on your back and want a mattress that will fill into the necessary nooks and crannies of your spine. Make sure you don’t mind the sensation of sinking into a mattress, which definitely takes some getting used to. Take caution if you’re the kind of person who wakes up sweaty in the middle of the night, because memory foam might feel too clammy (and if you still go this route, make sure your memory foam mattress has sufficient cooling technology).
If, however, you like memory foam conceptually, but aren’t on completely on board, a hybrid mattress is probably your best bet (and best bed!). Maybe you want a little bit more bounce or you favor a firmer foundation because you sleep on your side. Maybe you’re a hot mess every night and don’t want to sweat all over the foam. Or maybe you and your partner are lucky, peaceful sleepers in need of a comfortable, semi-contouring, but still somewhat traditional mattress. If that’s the case, just go with the hybrid.
Either way, you’re deciding between a memory foam mattress and a hybrid mattress, you can at least be proud of yourself for graduating beyond typical innerspring coils. Well done, you.
]]>Snoring is the sound of obstructed breathing, which can be caused by poor muscle tone, bulky throat tissue, or a long soft palate or uvula. Snoring, because you're obviously sleeping, is not often heard. However, depending on the severity of your snoring, you and other people in the house or mattress, might become disturbed and wake up as a result.
Sharing a mattress with someone can be difficult. As we’ve previously discussed, sleeping with others does have its set of growing pains. Each person is unique and we all come with our set of preferences. Now for when it comes to why we actually do indeed snore, there are a variety of reasons. So whether you are trying to figure out the reason or looking for remedies, we got you covered.
Studies have shown that weight has been linked to snoring. Being overweight can lead to having extra tissue in your throat area. This extra tissue can cause oxygen to have difficulty passing through, which causes snoring.
A stuffy nose or being congested can lead to snoring. You might be battling a cold or the environment you're sleeping in might be dry, which overtime can cause chronic congestion long after your cold symptoms have dissipated. The stuffy nose, in turn, causes breathing to become difficult.
Lack of sleep has also been linked to chronic snoring. We all know the body needs rest to perform optimally. When the body is not fully rested and feeling well, it starts to overwork itself. As it over works itself, parts of the body exert extra energy in order to function properly. This affects areas of sleeping like the throat and nose area.
Alcohol Consumption before bedtime has been known to cause snoring. Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles and stops the body's natural defense when it comes to air pathway obstruction.
If you snore one of the ways that can help is to change your position. Most of the time. Snoring occurs when you sleep on your back. Now we all know that we all prefer different sleep positions. So try changing your sleeping position to one you might find comfortable. If you plan on changing your sleeping position or if you sleep in multiple positions you’ll need a mattress that supports all positions, such as the Elite Hybrid.
Another way to remedy your snoring is to exercise. As we stated earlier, that body weight can contribute to snoring. By exercising, you can reduce the frequency of your snoring by losing weight. Try picking up a workout routine that you can commit to so that you can not only improve your sleep but your health too.
Another way of reducing your snoring is with the aid of a Nasal Strip. Nasal Strips help improve the natural airflow in the nasal passages. While other ways of fixing your snoring are long term fixes, nasal strips are more of a short term. Try this and see how much your snore might start to reduce.
Snoring might be a sign of an underlying health condition such as sleep apnea, which is abnormal breathing or repeated pauses while sleeping. If your snoring has become chronic and persistent then it is best to consult with a medical professional to find out the root cause of the snoring.
As we discussed earlier, one way to combat snoring was by changing your mattress to one that supports all sleep positions, like the Elite Hybrid. Another recommendation would be placing the mattress on an adjustable flex bed. With the adjustable base, sleepers have the option of customizing their sleep position. This allows for the body to rest in various elevated states, which in turn can reduce the pressure placed on the head/neck area and allow for air to flow throughout the air and nasal passageways smoothly.
]]>One of the biggest factors affecting our sleep is the smell of our mattress. Cleaning the mattress sometimes only goes so far. Unless the smell of the mattress is completely taken care of, it can’t be truly considered clean and our sleep may still be affected.
When it comes to cleaning, deodorizing the mattress is your best defense. It's the perfect way to maintain the integrity of the mattress by keeping it smelling fresh and clean. Here at Bear, we take pride in being able to provide our customers ways to keep their mattress clean. Here are some ways you can keep your mattress smelling great.
Before we get into deodorizing the mattress, let's go over a few things that can affect the mattress smell.
Bedding and other mattress accessories are important for the mattress. They aid in both style and comfort in the mattress. Keeping them as fresh as possible is good for the mattress. Make sure to follow the cleaning instructions and clean the items regularly - once per week. Funky odors, if left unchecked, can be hard to get out and can transfer over to the mattress. Keeping these items fresh is a top priority.
No matter if you have a foundation, frame, platform bed, or adjustable base, they also must be kept clean. After you have cleaned the mattress and the bedding, make sure to clean your base as well. Scrub off any dust or mold that might be accumulating. Make sure the bed bases are fully clean before putting the mattress back on.
Simple and often overlooked, it’s best to clean the mattress as regularly as possible. A clean mattress goes a long way. As we know from time to time, a mattress can get dirty. Whether it be from a spill, stain, or even night sweats. Again make sure to follow the proper cleaning instructions to make sure you don’t damage the mattress in the process.
For any Bear Mattress, we recommend spot cleaning with warm water and a mild detergent. Depending on how repugnant the smell might be, this quick cleaning can be the remedy you might need.
Don’t forget sometimes the best way to keep the mattress clean is to protect it with either a protector or an encasement. The mattress protector fits on the mattress like a fitted sheet, while the Encasement wraps around the entire mattress. Both of these options are useful to protect against liquid damages, dust mites, and any other random accidents that might result in a stain or blemish to the mattress.
No matter what part of your setup( Mattress, Base, Accessory) you are cleaning, make sure to spend adequate time cleaning thoroughly.
Before you deodorize your mattress, make sure to have finished cleaning it. The following should be done afterwards. There are many ways to rid any odors coming from the mattress. You can try any one of these by themselves or in conjunction with one another.
Take Baking Soda and sprinkle some on the top layer of the mattress. Let it sit for a minimum of 30 mins(longer if need be). Once finished, dust off the mattress with a brush or use a vacuum cleaner for the leftover baking soda and re apply your bedding.
Open the door and windows (if you have any) in your bedroom and air out the room and mattress. If you don’t have any windows, you can try placing either place a fan in the room and let that do the trick.
Similarly to using baking soda, sprinkle essential oils all over the mattress. Keep in mind, the essential oils will only work if the mattress is clean beforehand. Simply putting the oil over a smelly mattress will only mask the smell temporarily. Make sure the mattress is clean before sprinkling any oil.
One of the best oils to use is Lavender Oil. Lavender Oil has been linked to help with anxiety, improve alertness, and allow for better sleep. As mentioned earlier, it can either be sprinkled on the mattress or if you have a diffuser you can add a few drops and begin to win down.
]]>Pillows are great not only for style but comfort. With so many different pillows out on the market we can make our choice for a multitude of reasons. Cloud Pillows are regular pillows that are lightweight and fluffy. Also if you love cooling pillows, there is the Bear Pillow, which is suitable for all sleep positions and the Contour Pillow which is great for side and back sleepers.
However, maybe you might be in the market for something else. Here at Bear we have you covered with our brand new Mini-Pillow. Similar to the Bear Pillow, the Mini-Pillow is a soft, cool to the touch, hypoallergenic pillow.
The Mini-Pillow is a great pillow for those on the go. Whether you are taking a long road trip or even have a flight you need to catch, this is a great option for you. Because of it’s size it can be easily packed so you don’t have to worry about it taking a whole lot of space in whatever you decide to pack it in.
Due to its size, the Mini Pillow can be used in so many different sleeping positions. It can be used for comfort in head/neck area, in between legs, and also in the hip and waist area. Depending on how you sleep, you can use the Mini-Pillow with a more traditional pillow to get the comfort in certain positions.
As we stated earlier, the Mini Pillow is simply a miniaturize version of the Bear Pillow. Both of these pillows provide soft to the touch feel and cooling to allow you to sleep comfortably. As we know, sleeping cool is normally preferred especially since sleeping hot can be a bit of a hassle.
While we went over the size allowing for the pillow to have multiple uses, the mini-pillow can also be used by sleepers of all types. For the younger sleepers out there, this pillow is safe for use. Rather than using a traditional pillow, which might be too big due to age, the mini pillow can also be used by them as well.
Now when it comes to accessories not all are to be handled and cared for the same way. Most, if not all, come with special instructions on how to clean them to ensure that you are able to continue using them for a long time. With the Mini-Pillow you're in luck. For cleaning, all you need to do is simply spot clean from time to time with a mild soap. No washer or dryer needed for this.
]]>Night Sweats can make the process of sleeping tiresome. Internally or externally, waking up due to sweating can be a bit of a drag. However, we can help you determine the culprit of them and figure out ways to not let them get in the way again.
Night Sweats is any excessive sweating that happens during sleep. Different from simply sleeping hot, night sweats are considered a repeated issue and considered heavy enough to soak through clothes and/or bedding. As previously stated, night sweats can make sleep uncomfortable due to it being a hassle from constantly waking up.
For each person, night sweats are caused by a variety of factors. Here are a few reasons why -
Whether it might be some sort of hormonal imbalance, a recent infection, or a symptom of a current condition, your night sweats might be caused due to an internal issue. The following conditions have been known to be linked with night sweats -
If this is the case, it is best to seek medical attention if the night sweats become persistent. Rather than play the guessing game of what might be the root cause, a medical professional will help narrow down the problem and offer solutions to help lead you to a drier sleep.
Maybe you might sleep with a partner, a child, or even a pet. While you might enjoy the company of someone else, your body temperature might not be prepared for a slumber party. Sharing a mattress with others might cause the temperature of the mattress to rise and ultimately cause you and the rest of the sleepers on the mattress to sweat.
If you do share a mattress with someone else, check the temperature in the room and adjust it if need be. If the room temperature is a non-issue, try switching out the current accessories for something that will allow everyone to sleep cooler.
One of the ways to sleep cool is having the right accessories at your disposal. One of them being a memory foam pillow, like the Bear Pillow. These cooling foam pillows are hypoallergenic and allow you to sleep cool no matter your sleep position. With these pillows, along with a breathable sheet set, each person sharing the mattress can remain cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Who doesn’t like a good workout? Maybe you have a busy morning/afternoon where the only time you can find the room to exercise is in the evening. Depending on your intensity, it might take a while before your body cools down afterwards.
If possible, try spacing out your workout and bedtime routine from each other. That way you have time to recover before bed. Also, another way of cooling down is taking a shower some time after the workout. For we all know that sleep is important and we need to prioritize it just as we do our workouts.
As we know not all mattresses are created equal. Some mattresses do indeed sleep hot and do not promote proper cooling. The wrong mattress can interrupt not only your comfort but your body temperature as well.
If your mattress doesn’t promote cooling, switch it out for one that does. One recommendation is a mattress like the Elite Hybrid, that has copper foam. The Elite Hybrid has a copper-infused comfort layer to draw away unwanted heat; as well as zoned-support foam to allow for maximum airflow. With a mattress like the Elite Hybrid, you’ll be able to get that cool, comfortable sleep that you’ve been missing out on.
]]>For some, bed bugs cause a great deal of worry, anxiety, and stress. While for others, this is uncharted territory. No matter the case, we’ll let you know what you need to do to prevent and/or get rid of bed bugs in your mattress. This way you can sleep well and not worry about the bed bugs biting you.
Bed bugs are small, flat wingless insects that are reddish-brown in color and approximately one-quarter inch long. They tend to hide during daylight hours and come out at night. Bed bugs can crawl extremely quickly and normally travel in between surfaces. Bed bugs aren’t known to carry diseases but can cause allergic, skin reactions.
Due to their small size, bed bugs normally hid in infested areas and used furniture (old mattresses, box springs, and frames). Other places they have been known to hide are electrical outlets, underneath carpets, and loose wallpaper. As previously stated, they travel at night and that’s when they tend to travel and latch on to other areas of the house, building, or unit.
Here are some of the signs you should be mindful of if you suspect bed bugs
Once you know that you have bed bugs, it’s time to clean the mattress. Take off all the bedding and give them a good wash. While the bedding is in the washing machine, clean the mattress.
With warm water and detergent, begin to spot clean the mattress. Make sure to get the areas that are infected (bed bug eggshells and blood stains). Don’t be too aggressive where you damage the mattress but also don’t be kind to the affected areas either. Clean these areas thoroughly so that the bedding won’t be affected once you put them on the mattress. Don’t be afraid to go over the area a second time for good measure. Spending a few minutes scrubbing the area should do the trick.
Now that we know that bed bugs are a great hassle, we wouldn’t want to deal with this mess again. To properly ensure that this doesn’t happen again, the next step is to cover the mattress.
A great way to offer your mattress complete protection against an array of issues is by using a Mattress Encasement. Encasements offer great protection against dust mites, liquid damages, bed bugs, and other irritants. No matter the issue, an encasement wraps around the entire mattress, giving you full 360 protection. Wrapping your mattress with an encasement will make it very hard for the bed bugs, or any pest, to re-enter the mattress.
As we stated earlier, bed bugs travel in and out tight spaces at night and they go from one place to another and hide out during the day. Instead of letting them surprise you, bring the fight to them. Don’t just clean the mattress and the bedding but clean the bed bases and the entire area/bedroom as well. Vacuum and/or mop your floor. Locate any hidden or tight spaces in your room and clean those as well. By doing so you’ll be able to prevent bed bugs from reappearing or hiding in these areas.
Depending on the level of infestation, no amount of cleaning will work. At a certain point, enough is enough. The best course of action is to get rid of the mattress + bed bases (if necessary). Throw out the old items and replace them.
Please be advised that unless the infected areas have been taken care of, the bed bugs can easily return if not dealt with properly. Please make sure to clean out the areas before replacing items. Be mindful of where you might get bed room items from - friends, family, or even off the street. You wouldn’t want to take care of your problem only to find out that you have brought it back. By making sure your items (old and new) are clean, you won't have to worry about these issues becoming frequent in the future.
Now the terms, “bed” and “mattress” are used interchangeably, a bed and a mattress are actually two different things. Simply put, your mattress is what you sleep on, while your bed is typically combining your mattress, and a piece of furniture used to support it. As we discussed, sleep setup is important. It helps to maximize your mattress which in turn maximizes your sleep. In order to get the most out of your sleep, you need the proper equipment.
The proper setup follows this format: Bed Base + Mattress + Accessories. Though the items will vary from sleeper to sleeper, these three components are usually included. Within these three components, you have so many options to choose from. We’ll go over each one so that you can figure out what works best for you.
A platform bed is a wooden, slatted bed base that acts as both a foundation and frame all in one. With a traditional set up(a frame + foundation), you would then only need the mattress to rest on both. However with your platform bed, all that is needed is the mattress, which lies directly on the base.
Similar to the platform bed, the Adjustable Base is an all in one bed base in which the mattress can lie directly on top. Where the platform bed is made of wood, the Adjustable Base is made up of aluminum. Your adjustable base comes equipped with many different presets so sleepers choose which one is more comfortable for their sleep. One being Zero-G, which will allow the sleeper to feel the weightlessness effect of zero gravity.
This bed base is a solid, slatted wooden foundation that is placed on top of a bed frame. The slats within the foundation are built in to allow for airflow underneath the bed base.
If you already have a frame, then this is all you need. This is not to be confused with a box spring. Whereas your foundation is all wood, a box spring contains both wood and innersprings.
Please be advised, we recommend using a foundation and not a box spring for memory foam mattresses. Foundations allow for better airflow and proper support throughout the mattress compared to a box spring, which can break down over time.
Lastly, the bed frame is a metal bed base used to hold up the foundation and the mattress. The foundation and the mattress both rest on top of the bed frame. Both the foundation and the bed frame allow for both support and airflow underneath the mattress.
Depending on the room space or what you prefer, a set up of a foundation + the frame could be right for you. It’s simple and efficient. Another great benefit of the frame is that a headboard can be attached, giving your frame a bit of added style. If you prefer something more stylish to go along with your bedroom while still maintaining comfort, either the Platform Bed or Adjustable Flex Bed will be great options. If not, the bed frame is still a great option.
Now that we have covered bed bases, the next important item is your mattress itself. As we discussed previously, the mattress would go directly on the bed base. Here at Bear, we have some options to choose from - Hybrid Mattresses and All Foam Mattresses.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is an ultra luxurious innerspring and foam mattress that provides sophisticated cooling, comfort, and support by utilizing innovative technologies. Measuring at 14” and consisting of 6 layers, the Bear Elite Hybrid is designed to support you, no matter how you sleep, throughout the night.
For sleepers with particular needs, the Elite Hybrid comes in three different firmness levels - Luxury Plush (5.5/10), Luxury Firm (6.5/10), Extra Firm (7.5/10). In terms of firmness we rate our mattresses on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most firm.
Another option is the Bear Hybrid, Bear’s other Hybrid mattress that we offer for sleepers that enjoy a mattress with both innerspring and memory foam. With its five layers and top of the line cooling, the Bear Hybrid offers a unique luxury, plush feel for all sleepers.
The Bear Original is an all foam mattress. The Original cradles and contours to the body, while having It has a graphite gel foam which allows for more air flow to provide extra cooling while you sleep. For sleepers that prefer a firm mattress, this is it. The contouring feel of the mattress + it’s firmness, gives sleepers a restful experience no matter your sleep position.
After you have a mattress it’s best to have a good set of pillows not only to support your head properly but also complete your bed set.
The Cloud Pillows are regular pillows that are lightweight and fluffy. These pillows offer great support and spinal alignment for your sleep position and are also hypoallergenic.
The Bear Pillows are memory foam, cooling pillows. Just like the Cloud Pillows, these pillows offer support for every sleep position and are also hypoallergenic. The Bear Pillows have an added layer of cooling that allows you to sleep cool through the night.
The Contour Pillow is another hypoallergenic, cool-to-the-touch pillow that contours to both your head and neck. This pillow is designed for sleepers that love to sleep on either side and/or back.
After you pick your bed base and mattress, the final items are the accessories.
Obviously we don't want you to sleep on a bare mattress, nor would it be comfortable. A sheet set serves as a protective layer for your skin. They are also breathable and allow you to remain cool while sleeping. Your sheet set consists of a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, along with matching pillow cases.
The next accessory item is the Mattress Protector. Over time accidents happen and measures need to be taken to keep the mattress fresh and clean. A mattress protector covers the mattress and shields from accidents. The Bear Protector protects against liquid damages and dust mites, while an alternate type of protector, Terry Protector, only fights off dust mites.
Where the Mattress Protector works as a fitted sheet on top of the mattress, the Encasement wraps around the entire mattress. Similar to a mattress protector, it fights against both liquid damages and dust mites. If you have experienced issues with bed bugs in the past, then we recommend using the encasement instead of a protector.
Sometimes when we get a mattress, we might feel that comfort level could be adjusted or improved to our liking. A great option is a mattress topper, which can soften up the current firmness level of the mattress. This way we don’t need to run out and get a new mattress but instead make our mattress work better for us.
]]>Now when it comes to getting rid of an old mattress, there are many options. Automatically, your immediate thought might be to throw out the mattress but that doesn’t need to happen nor is it always the best, especially for the environment. Each year, almost 18.2 million mattresses are thrown out and this isn’t beneficial for the environment. As stated before, there are other disposal options which are both environmentally friendly and time efficient.
Time for a New Mattress
Now maybe you think your mattress is fine and you don’t need to get a new mattress. Before you keep your current mattress, here are some signs that a change might need to occur.
These are just a few examples and depending on the severity, it may be time to get a new mattress.
When starting out disposing of the mattress, one of the first things you need to do is research your state’s recycling efforts. Each state has different recycling laws and programs when it comes to old mattresses. As we stated before, you can avoid a hassle by simply being informed on the programs offered by your state.
For example, states like California, Rhode Island, and Connecticut have recycling laws and programs in place where not too much is required on your part. Again, check your state’s recycling laws and see what exactly is offered by your state and how your state laws can work in your favor.
Before doing away with your old mattress, you need to remember that you’ll need something new to replace. Above we went over some of the reasons that might have you in line for a new mattress. If you have an issue with the mattress, one option that is always available to you is the warranty. The first thing you can do is check the warranty. Your issue might be covered under the warranty.
Follow up with the brand that your mattress is sponsored by and verify if the issue is indeed covered under the warranty. If you enjoyed your mattress prior to the issue or early on when you first had it, you might be eligible for a replacement mattress under the warranty. Unless you want a completely different mattress, this is a great option. Also, keep in mind, companies normally will handle the removal of the current mattress as they ship out the replacement.
Sometimes the mattress we are trying to get rid of is still in good shape and can be used by someone else. In this case, donating the mattress is a viable option. Maybe you might know a friend, a co-worker, or even a neighbor who is in need of a lightly used mattress. If so, try asking one of them if they would be willing to take a mattress off your hands.
Now let's say after you tried them and still no luck. The next option is charities. Regional and local charities are sometimes in the market for lightly used mattresses. Here are some charities that more times than not accept mattress donations -
Some of these charities do pickups, so you can schedule them to come out and pickup the mattress. Or if you like, you can drop off the mattress to them at a time that is convenient with your schedule.
Lastly, a similar option to a charity, is a nearby or local church. Local churches have been known to take donations of different kinds and this is no different.
As we stated earlier, each year in the United States 18.2 million mattresses are thrown away in landfills. This isn’t good for the environment but sometimes it can't be avoided. So if you’ve exhausted all your efforts to dispose of the mattress in an eco-friendly way the next option is a junk removal service.
Junk Removal Services are as they sound. These places will either come and haul away the mattress from your residence or you can drop off the mattress at these places as well. Some junk removal services include -
Both of these services are national so depending on your area, you’ll be available to have service provided to you.
Lastly, sometimes mattress companies will offer the option of White Glove Services. With this option, you can have a mattress and a bed base removed if you wanted. If you’ve gone through all the prior options and are still struggling with having a mattress, having a company assist in having your mattress removed can help speed up the process.
Like we stated earlier, mattress disposal can be a hassle unless you know the options available to you. Any one of the options listed, can be a good way to get rid of the old mattress as one is making space for the new mattress.
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