Zoma vs. Bear: Side-by-Side Mattress Comparison

When mattress shopping, there is a lot to consider: comfort level, price, size, and materials used should all be part of your decision making. However, with so many mattresses on the market, both online and at retail locations, it’s not easy to compare various brands.

Zoma and Bear are two popular mattress brands and for good reason. Both of these companies offer a line-up of advanced and innovative beds, each designed to promote deep, restful sleep. But which one is right for you? Our article compares the key features of the Zoma Mattress and Bear Mattress. We look at everything from warranty to manufacturing, so you can determine the best mattress for you.

The Zoma Mattress

The Zoma Mattress has become a favorite with pro athletes because the layers of this bed work together to keep the spine resting in a healthy position. When the spine is neutral and the joints are cushioned, we are more likely to slip into deep sleep and REM sleep—the two most restorative stages of rest when muscle recovery takes place.

For active individuals, getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep is essential, but more deep sleep is also vital for performance. The layers of the Zoma promote complete relaxation, so the body is more likely to spend more time in these restful sleep stages.

Beneath a soft, ventilated cover, the Zoma Mattress has a comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam. This material contours to the body with no-pressure support, so the joints are protected from pressure points. The gel infusion in this material pulls body heat away from the mattress’s surface to regulate body temperature.

The transition layer features Zoma’s Reactiv™ foam—a poly-foam layer with a slight bounce to prevent excess sinking. This material ensures body weight remains evenly distributed to reduce pressure on the spine.

This layer gives the mattress a medium firmness perfect for side, back, and combination sleepers and chronic pain. It also works well for different body types, including lightweight sleepers and heavier individuals.

The base of this mattress features Support+ foam, a durable, high-density foam layer designed to prevent sagging, so the Zoma Mattress can support you correctly.

The Bear Mattress

The Bear Mattress is also made with active individuals in mind. This bed has a unique cooling cover to wick away heat and moisture and promotes faster muscle recovery. Plus, the various layers promote cooling and relaxation.

Cellinat® is a thermoreactive material woven throughout the cover of the Bear Mattress. As this material absorbs body heat, it converts it to infrared energy. This energy increases local circulation and encourages healing when the body absorbs it.

Beneath this cover is a layer of graphite-gel memory foam. Graphite is a natural heat conductor, so warm air passes through this material quickly, leaving behind a cool and comfortable sleep surface to cradle and protect the joints.

A responsive foam sits beneath this material to keep the body lifted and aligned, reducing tension and pressure build-up. These two foam layers give this bed a medium-firm feel that works well for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. However, side sleepers may find this mattress too firm.

The base of the Bear Mattress features a high-density support foam that increases durability and longevity.

Price and Size Comparison

The Zoma and Bear Mattress are both available in standard US mattress sizes—including twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. Zoma offers a split king option, which allows couples to select a different firmness on each side of the bed. However, the Bear Mattress is not available as a split king.

The following chart outlines the price of the Zoma and Bear Mattress based on size. As you can see, the Zoma is a more budget-friendly mattress option, with the Bear costing around $100 more for each size selection. Both brands also include free shipping and free returns with every mattress purchase.

Hybrids Mattresses

Since launching their brands, both Zoma and Bear have extended their line-up of memory foam mattresses to include a hybrid version. A hybrid mattress has a 2 to a 3-inch foam comfort layer, typically memory foam or latex foam, and a base of spring coils. This combination provides contouring and pressure relief, but it also has a buoyancy many sleepers prefer.

Zoma Hybrid

The Zoma Hybrid features the same gel-infused memory foam comfort layer and responsive transition layer as the all-foam model. These two materials work together to cushion the joints and reduce pressure points while keeping the spine neutral to prevent tension in the muscles.

The Zoma Hybrid’s base of pocketed spring coils moves independently for effective contouring and support. These coils are zoned to respond to each area of the body more accurately. Along the back and neck, the wire gauges are thicker and more supportive. However, near sensitive areas like the hip and shoulder joints, coils are thinner and compress easily to reduce tension and pain.

The Zoma Hybrid is also reinforced with edge support to improve motion isolation and make getting in and out of bed more comfortable. Like the original Zoma Mattress, this hybrid has a medium firmness soft enough for side sleepers, and firm enough to protect the lumbar spine when sleeping on the back.

Bear Hybrids

Like their memory foam mattress, the Bear Hybrid has a breathable cover with Celliant® fibers for better circulation and muscle recovery. Beneath this cover is a top layer of Bear’s gel-infused cooling foam, which retains less heat to keep you cooler throughout the night.

The Bear Hybrid features two transition layers. The first is Bear’s exclusive Serene® foam, which provides pressure relief by molding to the body. The second is a responsive foam to keep the heaviest parts of the body lifted to reduce tension.

The base of the Bear Hybrid is made with pocketed spring coils to provide further protection against sinkage and also reduce motion transfer. These layers create a mattress with a medium-firm feel suitable for back sleepers and stomach sleepers.

Hybrid Price Comparison

Zoma and Bear’s hybrid models are more expensive than their all-foam mattresses. However, as you can see from the following chart, the Bear Hybrid has a higher price point than the Zoma Hybrid, with some sizes costing $300 to $500 more.

In terms of sizing, the Zoma and Bear Hybrid are comparable. However, like Bear’s memory foam mattress, the Bear Hybrid is not available in a split king option, while the Zoma Hybrid is.

Sleep Trial and Warranty

Each Zoma mattress comes with a 10-year warranty covering a full repair or replacement if the bed has any structural or manufacturing defects.

They also include a 100-night sleep trial which allows you to test the mattress in the comfort of your own home. If the bed’s firmness is not right for you, Zoma offers free returns; if you choose to return the bed after 30 nights, Zoma will issue a full refund.

Bear also offers a 10-year warranty on their memory foam mattress. Their mattress warranty covers sagging or indentations greater than 1 inch. The Bear Hybrid comes with a 20-year warranty. However, this warranty is prorated. The first 10 years of use include full coverage, while years 11-20 are prorated. This means the customer is responsible for paying a portion of the repairs or replacement if any defects occur after 10 years of use.

Every Bear mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and free returns. If you are not satisfied with the comfort and support of the bed, Bear offers an exchange or refund. Like Zoma, Bear does ask you try the mattress for at least 30 nights.

Customer Satisfaction Ratings

Most reputable online mattress brands offer a customer review section of their website so shoppers can get an idea of the comfort and support others experience with the mattress. Both Zoma and Bear offer customer reviews verified by a third-party—guaranteeing reviews are from verified customers.

Bear is an older mattress brand, so they naturally have more reviews. They currently have an average of 4.7 stars out of roughly 15,000 reviews. Although Zoma is a newer mattress in a box company, they still have an average rating of 4.7 stars.

Zoma’s reviews are broken down by customer concerns, such as pain relief, cooling, and an active lifestyle. This allows shoppers to find reviews relating to their sleep needs. Bear’s reviews are broken down by product, making it a bit more challenging to find relevant reviews.

Manufacturing

Zoma manufactures its eco-friendly mattresses in the US using an environmentally friendly process called Vortex™ Foaming. This method produces fewer environmental pollutants and meets the standards set by the Clean Air Act. Zoma’s manufacturing also creates a mattress free of harmful chemicals and is low in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

When new mattresses are brought indoors, VOCs can leach into the air; this is also known as “off-gassing” or new mattress smell. Zoma’s construction process prevents it, so you can rest assured the bed is safe to bring into your home. Each Zoma mattress also comes with a CertiPUR-US® certification, guaranteeing the materials used in the bed are free of toxic flame retardants and harmful chemicals.

Bear mattresses are advertised as “environmentally-friendly,” but it is unclear on their website how they produce a safer product for the environment. However, each Bear Mattress is made in the US and comes with a CertiPUR-US® certification, so you can feel comfortable knowing these mattresses are free of toxic chemicals.

Firmness

The mattress firmness most comfortable and supportive for you depends on your preferred sleep position and body type. Most brands rate the firmness level of their beds on a scale from 1 to 10. One is typically considered the softest and 10 the firmest.

Below, we outline the various firmness options and who they are most suited to.

• 1 to 2 (Soft): Softer mattresses work well for side sleepers and lightweight sleepers (those 130 pounds or less) who need a plush surface to prevent pressure points from forming near the hips and shoulders. Lightweight sleepers naturally sink very little, so they need a softer bed to experience adequate contouring.
• 3 to 4 (Medium-soft): Medium-soft beds also work well as mattresses for lightweight sleepers and side sleepers. This firmness is soft enough to protect the joints from pressure points and firm enough to prevent sinkage and spinal misalignment.
• 5 (Medium): Most sleepers find a medium mattress to be comfortable and supportive—including side sleepers, back sleepers, and combination sleepers, as well as lightweight sleepers and heavier individuals. A medium bed is also recommended for average weight sleepers (those between 130 and 230 pounds). A medium firmness cradles and protects the joints, while also preventing sinkage so the spine can remain in a safe, neutral position.
• 6 to 7 (Medium-firm): Medium-firm mattresses work well for back and stomach sleepers because they keep body weight evenly distributed to prevent tension in the back. This firmness also prevents heavier sleepers (those 230 pounds and up) from feeling “stuck” in the mattress, making it uncomfortable to change positions or get in and out of bed.
• 8 to 10 (Firm): Firmer mattresses are best for back, stomach, and heavy sleepers. These beds keep the body lifted when back or stomach sleeping—reducing excess sinking and muscle tension.

Zoma vs. Bear Firmness Comparison

The Zoma Mattress and the Zoma Hybrid both have a medium firmness, a 5 on the scale above. Both of these beds have a softness to keep the shoulders and hips cushioned and protected from pressure points—making them some of the best mattresses for side sleeping. Not to mention, we recommend the Zoma mattresses for combination sleeping, as well, since they can adapt to changing sleep positions. The slight firmness prevents excessive sinking when back sleeping, so the spine remains neutral, and no tension builds up in the back muscles.

The Bear Mattress has a medium-firm feel, a 7 on the firmness scale. It’s an excellent mattress for back sleepers, and those needing a mattress for stomach sleeping may enjoy the firmness of this bed, also. However, this may feel too firm for side sleepers and lightweight sleepers. The firmer feel is likely to cause pressure and tension to build up near the joints, leading to pain and soreness in the morning.

The Bear Hybrid also has a medium-firm comfort level, but it is slightly softer than Bear’s memory foam bed. The Bear Hybrid rates a 6 on the firmness scale. While sider sleepers may find this bed soft enough to cushion their joints, lightweight sleepers may not experience enough contouring on this mattress for true comfort.

Adjustable Bases and Foundations

Zoma and Bear both offer an adjustable base and a mattress foundation to create an even more supportive sleep environment. An adjustable base offers head and leg articulation, which improves blood flow, lumbar support, and reduces sleep apnea symptoms. A solid mattress foundation provides a stable base to keep you supported and prevent structural damage to the mattress, such as sagging and indentations.

We must also note that both brands offer mattresses suitable for adjustable beds, as hybrid and memory foam mattresses flex well on an adjustable frame’s panels. Perfect for anyone happy with their adjustable bed and seeking a new mattress for it.

Zoma Adjustable Bed

In addition to head and leg articulation, the Zoma Adjustable Bed comes with several high-tech features to improve your sleep experience. It comes with a wireless, backlit remote with two preset positions, including a Zero Gravity and Flat position. The remote also comes with two programmable presets, making it easy for you to save your favorite sleep positions.

Thanks to its zero clearance design, you can rest the Zoma Adjustable Bed directly on the floor or pair it with most modern bed frames. The adjustable legs allow you to raise the base to either 3, 6, or 9 inches off the ground. You can also place any mattress type, from memory foam beds to hybrid mattresses on this advanced base. To protect your investment, Zoma includes a 10-year limited warranty.

Bear Adjustable Bed

The Bear Adjustable Bed allows you to raise the legs to improve circulation and lift the head to reduce snoring. This base comes with five preset positions, or you can customize each setting yourself. A USB charging port on each side of the bed helps you keep your devices within reach throughout the night. The surface of the frame features a non-slip mattress guard to prevent sinking, so the mattress remains secure throughout the night.

This base has under-bed lighting makes moving around the bed during the night more comfortable. When getting up during the night, this feature creates a warm glow around the foundation bright enough to light your path, but soft enough not to disturb other sleepers. You can place the Bear Adjustable Bed directly on the floor or on your existing bed frame. They also include a 10-year warranty—the first 3 years of the warranty cover structural parts and motor defects. However, years 3 through 10 cover only structural elements.

Zoma Foundation

The Zoma Foundation features slats and rails made of 100 percent solid pine wood. These slats are spaced to ensure the mattress has adequate support and your weight is evenly distributed. A 100 percent polyester knit cover encases the slats to prevent slipping and keep the mattress firmly in place. This material also increases breathability, so warm air never becomes trapped in the bed.

The Zoma Foundation comes with removable legs so you can place the foundation directly on the floor as a stand-alone base or place it on any modern bed frame. With the legs, the Zoma Foundation has a height of 14.5 inches. Without the legs, it is 8.5 inches high. This foundation is also easy to assemble and requires no tools. Plus, it comes with a 5-year warranty covering workmanship and any structural defects.

Bear Foundation

The Bear Foundation is made of Canadian spruce. Side panels are covered in a light gray fabric, while the slat packs are covered with a non-slip material. Slat packs unroll and attach to hook-and-loop fasteners for quick assembly. This foundation doesn’t come with legs and has a height of 7.5 inches. In most cases, this foundation is too low to place directly on the floor, but you can pair it with a standard bed frame.

The Bear Foundation comes with a 1-year warranty covering materials and construction.

Foundation Size and Cost Comparison

While the Bear Adjustable Bed comes with under bed lighting and the Zoma doesn’t, Bear’s base comes with a much larger price tag. The queen size Bear Adjustable base is $910 more than the Zoma, while the king is $550 more. Also, the Bear is not available as a twin XL, while the Zoma Adjustable Bed is.

The Zoma Mattress Foundation is slightly more expensive than the Bear, about $25 to $50 depending on the size. However, the Zoma Foundation comes with legs, allowing you to place it directly on the floor as a stand-alone foundation or on a bed frame. For a bit more money, the Zoma Foundation offers more versatility.

Saving on Zoma and Bear

Both Zoma and Bear are excellent places to buy a mattress and other sleep accessories. They’re well-reviewed online stores with a history of customer satisfaction.

However, it’s important to understand the best times to buy a mattress:

• Best Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Best Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• Best 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Best Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Best Columbus Day Mattress Sales
• Best Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Best Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

Overview of Mattress Sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sleeping on a firm mattress good for you?

Firm and medium-firm mattresses are best for back, stomach, and overweight sleepers. A firm support keeps these sleepers lifted on the bed, so their body weight is evenly distributed and the spine remains neutral. This alleviates any tension in the back muscles so the body can fully relax. If you are a side sleeper or petite (less than 130 pounds), a firm or medium-firm mattress may cause pressure and tension to build up near the joints.

Should side sleepers have a soft or firm mattress?

Side sleepers tend to be the most comfortable on a soft to medium mattress firmness. When resting your side, the hips and shoulders sink down. If the mattress is too firm, it can cause pressure points to form near these areas. To prevent excessive sinking, which can force the spine to bow, look for a softer mattress with a responsive transition layer to keep the body lifted and aligned.

What mattress do pro athletes sleep on?

The Zoma Mattress has recently become popular with pro athletes. This is because those who live an active lifestyle need a mattress that promotes deep relaxation and reparative sleep. The layers of the Zoma work together to ensure the joints are cushioned and protected from pressure points, while the body remains lifted and aligned to alleviate tension.

Our article on the best mattress for athletes offers plenty of other recommendations for active people.

Can you put any mattress on a slat bed?

Most memory, latex foam, and hybrid mattresses can be placed on a slatted foundation. However, slats should not be more than 3 inches apart for adequate support. If your bed frame has slats farther apart, you can place a solid foundation on top of your frame to ensure your new mattress doesn’t form indentations or sagging.

What is the best mattress for back pain?

When living with back pain, avoid mattresses that cause your hips and shoulders to sink too much. Excessive sinking may force your spine to bow, causing tension in the muscles and making back pain even worse. Therefore, the best mattresses for back pain typically have a medium-firm feel. This firmness keeps the body lifted and aligned and supports the lumbar region.

In most cases, a medium-firm mattress is also soft enough to prevent pressure points from forming near the joints. However, if you are lightweight (less than 130 pounds), you may prefer a medium mattress for more accurate contouring.

Have You Decided?

Both Zoma and Bear offer high-quality mattresses that help you find a good night’s sleep. When deciding which brand is right for you, consider your sleep preferences. Zoma mattresses have a lower price point and a true medium firmness that works well for side, back, and combination sleepers. Bear mattresses are a bit more expensive and offer a slightly firmer comfort level ideal for back and stomach sleepers.