Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress: Review in brief
The Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress is one of the most affordable organic mattresses you can buy. This eco-friendly bed has a starting retail price of $1,099 for a twin, but regular promotions place it in a more affordable range – right now, that’s between $799 and $1,399 thanks to the current Awara sale. To further sweeten the deal, up to $499 worth of premium bedding is included free.
If you’re keen to enter the world of eco-friendly bedding, the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress may be on your radar given its relatively low price and generally positive reputation. After sleeping on an Awara mattress for 30 days, we’re here to share our thoughts on whether it’s deserving of a place in our best mattress guide…
Mattress at a glance
Best for: those who prefer firmer beds, hot sleepers
Type: organic mattress
Firmness: firm (8/10)
Materials: Dunlop latex, foam and innersprings, organic cotton and New Zealand wool
Depth: 10 inches
Weight: 59-116lbs
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Despite its status as a ‘budget’ organic mattress, the Awara Natural Hybrid has the feel of a premium bed you might find at a five-star hotel — similar to the luxe (and more costly) Saatva Classic mattress. Our testers were impressed with the Awara’s sturdy build quality – in particular the plush, airy top cover made from organic cotton and New Zealand wool.
It’s deceivingly firm when you first lay on it, but the 2-inch layer of Dunlop latex foam is quick to adapt to the shape of your body so you feel immediate support. Whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach, the Awara will alleviate joint pressure while keeping your spine properly aligned – leaving you refreshed and pain-free the following morning. In fact, we think it’s one of the best mattresses for back pain.
Although it’s not a designated cooling mattress, hot sleepers will find the Awara adept at regulating temperature. Its materials are designed to promote airflow and wick away moisture. If you’re prone to gravitating towards the edge of the bed, you won’t have to worry about crash-landing onto the floor while you sleep either, as the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress has some of the best edge support we’ve experienced.
However, like most hybrid mattresses, the Awara Natural Hybrid won’t suit couples with varying schedules or a restless partner due to lackluster motion isolation. Meanwhile, light-weight sleepers (under 130lbs) who like their beds to have a substantial amount of give won’t find it with this firm Awara mattress.
If buying a bed online gives you pause, know that Awara offers an extremely generous 365-night trial. This will allow you to sleep on the mattress throughout the seasons and take your time in making the right decision. Should you wish to return it, Awara will issue a full refund and assist in either disposing the mattress or donating it to charity. If you decide to keep it, it’ll be covered by a forever warranty.
Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress: materials
The Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress has three layers. At the base is a support core consisting of individually wrapped 8-inch coils that adapt to the shape of your body, while promoting airflow and minimizing motion transfer.
In the middle is a 2-inch comfort layer made from Rainforest Alliance-certified Dunlop latex, which molds to your curves to relieve pressure from your joints. Unlike traditional memory foam, latex subtly contours your body without that sinking feeling. (Learn more in our guide to memory foam vs latex mattresses.)
The top cover is made from organic cotton and New Zealand wool. It feels luxurious but can also wick away moisture so you don’t wake up sweating. This cotton-wool blend cover has antimicrobial properties, although we still recommend grabbing one of the best mattress protectors to keep it fresh and clean.
All three layers are encased in a shift-resistant bottom cover that keeps everything in-tact. It also has four reinforced side handles to make moving the mattress easier.
Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress: Price
- A competitively priced organic mattress
- Comes with a 365-night trial plus forever warranty
- Often on sale and includes hundreds of dollars in freebies
The Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress is the brand’s entry-level model. At full price, a queen size is $1,399, a king costs $1,699, and a twin size is $1,099. However, Awara regularly discounts the mattress, and it’s sold with up to $499 of free gifts: a sheet set, mattress protector, and two cooling pillows (one if you buy a twin size).
Here’s the official (and sale) pricing for the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress:
- Twin: $1,099 (sold at $799)
- Twin XL: $1,199 (sold at $999)
- Full: $1,299 (sold at $999)
- Queen: $1,399 (sold at $1,099)
- King: $1,699 (sold at $1,399)
- Cal King: $1,699 (sold at $1,399)
How does the Awara mattress compare price-wise to similar eco-friendly mattresses? For starters, it’s hundreds of dollars less than the Avocado Green mattress, which retails for $1,999 in a queen. Meanwhile, the Birch Luxe Natural mattress costs $2,899 for a queen. Both Avocado and Birch offer frequent mattress sales — but even after discounts, their prices don’t dip as low as Awara’s.
In addition to low prices and premium freebies, Awara also includes a 365-night risk-free trial plus a warranty that lasts for as long as you own the mattress. Each of those amenities is well beyond the industry averages (120 nights and 10 years, respectively).
Awara Natural Hybrid: Firmness and comfort
- A firm mattress rating 8 out of 10
- Deceivingly solid before quickly contouring to your body
- Provides sufficient support for most types of sleepers
The Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress is available in one firmness level. Based on our tests, we give it an 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale, with 10 being the firmest. That’s slightly above Awara’s self-assessment of 7 out of 10 firmness, which the company calls ‘luxury firm.’ However, we consider it a firm mattress.
When several of our testers first laid on the Awara mattress, they thought it was too firm. That impression was short-lived. We were pleasantly surprised at how quickly the Awara contoured to our bodies, while providing a subtle amount of give that made us feel like we were floating yet grounded, regardless of sleep position or body type.
The majority of our testers were side sleepers, and they found the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress to be adept at supporting key pressure points, especially the shoulders and head. Our pregnant side-sleeping tester noted that the Awara supported her belly without having it sink deep into the mattress. So we’re confident in recommending this as a good mattress for side sleepers.
Our lone back sleeper praised the Awara mattress for providing a pillowy and cozy feel but with adequate support for the head and lumbar region. Meanwhile, our resident combination sleeper said the Awara kept her hips properly aligned when she flipped onto her stomach.
Note that firmness and comfort are subjective. Our testing group consists of individuals with varying weights, heights and preferences. Even our smallest sleeper said the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress was extremely comfortable for her, but she also prefers a firmer bed in general. Petite or underweight sleepers (130lbs and below) who like their bed to have a significant amount of give might find the Awara mattress too solid for their liking.
Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress: Performance
- A durable mattress with excellent pressure relief
- Sturdy edge support prevents sleepers from falling off
- Low motion absorption doesn’t make it ideal for co-sleepers
We reviewed and slept on a twin-size Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress for 30 days – the time frame Awara recommends to sufficiently adjust to its mattress. Throughout this period, we tested it in all major areas of performance following our methodology for mattress research and testing: pressure relief, motion isolation, temperature regulation, edge support and durability. We also rated its ease of set-up.
Beyond physically testing the mattress ourselves, we sifted through hundreds of user reviews to develop a comprehensive picture of what it’s like to sleep on the Awara Natural Hybrid. Here’s what we discovered during our 30-day review period…
Set-up
Score: 4.5/5
I was able to set up my twin (59lb) Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress solo after getting some help with carrying it up the stairs. However, if you opt for a queen (91lbs) or king (116lbs), you’ll want to seek assistance from a friend or family member. Alternatively, White Glove Delivery costs $149 for professional set-up plus removal of your old mattress, although at the time of writing this service is currently unavailable.
The Awara mattress inflates as soon as it unfurls and the plastic is removed. It took roughly five minutes for it to fully expand. It was quite firm upon setup, so it’s possible to sleep on Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress almost immediately.
Off-gassing
Score: 5/5
A potential downside of ordering a bed-in-a-box is off-gassing, the process during which vapors are released into the air upon removing the vacuum-sealed plastic. This results in a ‘chemical’ smell that can linger for hours or days. While it’s seldom dangerous, it’s still unpleasant to deal with.
Off-gassing is typical of memory foam mattresses. However, the Awara is made with all-natural Dunlop latex, organic cotton and New Zealand wool, which are manufactured without volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are typically responsible for emitting pungent scents.
After unrolling plenty of ‘stinky’ mattresses in the past, it’s become common practice for us to crack open a window during set-up to air out the room in case off-gassing occurs – but it wasn’t totally necessary since the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress had no detectable scent.
Awara cautions that any odors customers may detect during set-up are the result of the packaging, although it should dissipate within minutes.
Pressure relief
Score: 5/5
The Awara Natural Hybrid is a 10-inch tall, firm mattress. To test its pressure relief we placed a 56lb weight in the center. There was minimal give with plenty of support, and the mattress quickly snapped back to shape upon removing the weight.
The Awara’s 2-inch adaptive Dunlop latex foam layer is designed to relieve pressure in the shoulders, hips and legs for optimal spinal alignment, no matter your sleep style. That’s fortified by the individually wrapped 8-inch coils in the bottom support layer, which conform to your body’s natural curves.
Whether on our sides, back or stomach, our testers felt sufficiently supported and cozy. The Awara does an exceptional job of distributing body weight to alleviate pressure in key areas – namely the shoulders (side sleepers), lumbar (back sleepers), and hips (stomach sleepers). The subtle contouring of its latex foam layer provides an appropriate amount of support so our alignment remained neutral in any position.
Our side and back sleepers found the Awara so comfortable to rest their heads upon that they could easily fall asleep without a pillow. (We recommend using a pillow though, of course – we’ve rated the best pillows elsewhere on the site.)
One caveat: because the Awara is such a firm mattress with minimal give, underweight and petite sleepers (under 130lbs) may have a difficult time getting comfortable if they prefer to sink deeper into their mattress.
Motion transfer
Score: 3/5
Our review unit is a twin mattress, which is really only designed for one person to sleep on comfortably. So we performed a few drop tests to measure the motion transfer of the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress.
At one side of the bed was an empty wine glass. We dropped a 10lb weight roughly 25 inches away from it to simulate three possible scenarios: a partner tossing-and-turning, a partner getting in or out of bed, and a partner jumping in or out of bed. To replicate those effects, we dropped the weight from 4 inches, 8 inches and 12 inches above the bed.
We didn’t detect much movement from the wine glass itself during either drop – but the mattress dipped beneath the glass every time. As a latex mattress, the Awara Natural Hybrid has a lot of buoyancy. The innerspring layer is intended to mitigate movement, but doesn’t do so completely.
Thus, if you have a restless co-sleeper – or you and your partner operate on different schedules – your sleep may be prone to interruptions with this mattress. Consider something like the Purple Plus instead, which we found to have excellent motion isolation.
Temperature regulation
Score: 4/5
The Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress is not a cooling mattress per se, but it’s made with materials that aid in regulating temperature.
Remember that latex foam traps much less heat than traditional memory foam. Combine that with the Awara’s individually wrapped innersprings, plus the all-natural wool-cotton blend cover, and you have a mattress that can wick away moisture, promote airflow, and provide most people with a temperate night’s sleep.
We were in the middle of a harsh Mid-Atlantic winter at the time of our review, so it’s difficult to gauge how comfortable the Awara mattress would keep us when it’s hot and humid. However, we’ve been ensconced in layers and cranking up the heat – and even the warmest sleepers among our reviewers woke refreshed and dry.
Edge support
Score: 4/5
To test the edge support of the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress, we placed a 56lb weight on the edge in the middle of the perimeter. The mattress compressed by an inch, going from 10 inches to 9 inches. Quite sturdy – but how did the Awara mattress fare when human bodies sat on the edge of it?
Overall, our testers found the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress to have above-average edge support. The mattress did compress slightly when we sat on the center edge and the corners, but in both instances there was still a sense of support and even a slight bounce. We didn’t feel like we were going to fall off the bed.
The Awara’s durable edge support is beneficial for anyone who gravitates towards the edge of the bed while they sleep, as well as people who like to sit on the corner of their bed to put their shoes on.
Durability
Score: 5/5
A recurring comment from our testers regarding the Awara mattress was, ‘Wow – this bed feels very well-made.’ One month after officially setting up the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress, this still holds true, with no obvious signs of wear-and-tear or indentations.
Several customer reviews speak highly of the integrity of the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress – even if they didn’t ultimately keep the mattress for themselves. Plus, the forever warranty and 365-night trial offer reassurance for hesitant shoppers who weren’t initially keen on purchasing a mattress online.
On average, 100% natural latex mattresses (such as Dunlop) last between 15 and 20 years – much higher than traditional memory foam (10 years) or springs (5-7 years). Of course, various factors can influence this projected lifespan, such as the weight of the sleeper(s) and how well the mattress is cared for over time. (We cover all of this in further detail in our feature answering how long does a mattress last.)
Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress: User reviews
Mattresses are subjective: height, weight, preferred sleeping position, ideal temperature, and any aches and pains all affect a person’s experience. Our reviewers tested the performance and shared their experiences of the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress, but we’ve also analyzed a wide range of outside reviews to give a more comprehensive take.
Awara currently offers two mattress models: the Natural Hybrid and the Premier Natural Hybrid. As typical of most boxed bed brands, Awara has combined its reviews section to include feedback for both mattresses with no way to sort them accordingly. However, we can presume that most the reviews are for the original Natural Hybrid – touted as Awara’s most popular mattress.
As of February 2022, there are over 875 customer reviews for the Awara mattress, with a total rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Satisfied sleepers praise the Awara’s balance of softness and support, along with its superb build quality. Swift delivery is another area where customers say Awara excels, which is relevant given the myriad delays due to the pandemic and recent supply chain issues.
Customers who didn’t care for the Awara mattress claim it’s either too soft or too firm – subjective assessments based on an individual’s preferences and body type. However, even the most critical feedback features a silver lining: Awara’s top-notch customer service and generous trial period.
Should you buy the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress?
The Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking an organic mattress with a premium feel but a cost that’s much lower than its competitors. You get plenty for your money here: exceptional build quality, a year-long trial, a forever warranty – and hundreds of dollars worth of bedding during ongoing promotions.
Whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach – or a combination of styles – the Awara mattress quickly adapts to the contours of your body, providing excellent pressure relief and spinal alignment. It’s quite firm with minimal give, though. If you prefer the ‘hug’ of a traditional foam mattress, the Awara may be off-putting so we’d suggest you go for the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress (or the upgraded Nectar Premier Copper Mattress if you’re prone to sleeping warm).
We’re inclined to recommend the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress for solo sleepers, as the buoyancy of this bed results in less-than-ideal motion isolation. However, choosing the best mattress topper for limiting movement transfer could remedy that issue and transform the Awara into a top-tier mattress for co-sleepers, too.
Overall, the flagship Awara mattress is an excellent way to enjoy eco-friendly sleep at a cost that won’t put a sizable dent in your wallet. It’s also proof that low cost doesn’t have to translate to low quality as the budget-friendly Awara mattress can certainly hold its own against some of the most luxurious beds out there.
Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress: Competitors
1. Avocado Green Mattress
Type: Organic mattress
Firmness: 7 out of 10 (10 is firmest)
Materials: Natural latex, natural wool, natural cotton, steel coils
Height: 11 inches
MSRP: $1,099 – $2,099
Trial/Warranty: 365 nights/25 years
The Avocado Green Mattress has a comparable build to the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress, with a 2in Dunlop latex comfort layer, pocketed coils and a breathable organic cotton/wool cover. And just like Awara, Avocado also includes a 365-night risk-free trial with purchase. (The Avocado Green is covered by a 25-year warranty – given the typical lifespan of a latex mattress, that’s practically a lifetime.)
What sets the Avocado Green apart from the Awara Natural Hybrid? Options. There’s a vegan variation made without wool (the top cover is exclusively cotton). You can also add a luxury pillow top for an even softer feel, although that costs up to an additional $700. If you want more options in firmness and build and have the financial bandwidth to spare, check out the Avocado Green.
Choose it if: you want flexibility in firmness and/or a vegan option
Avoid it if: you’re on a more stringent budget
2. Birch Natural Mattress
Type: Organic mattress
Firmness: 7 out of 10 (10 is firmest)
Materials: Natural latex, natural wool, natural cotton, birch wool, steel coils
Height: 11 inches
MSRP: $1,249 – $1,999
Trial/Warranty: 100 nights/25 years
The Birch Natural Mattress is made with Talalay latex, which is less dense than Dunlop latex (found in the Awara mattress) and thus allows for better airflow. Add to that ventilated coils and an organic wool cover and you have one of the best organic mattresses for hot sleepers.
Back and stomach sleepers who regularly suffer from back pain will find the most relief here as the Birch mattress lifts the spine and keeps it supported. Side sleepers and lightweight individuals, on the other hand, may find it too stiff for them to get truly comfortable. In any case, you’ll have 100 nights to test it out, risk-free. A 25-year warranty also applies.
Choose it if: you suffer from back pain and/or overheating
Avoid it if: you’re predominantly a side sleeper
3. Saatva Zenhaven Natural Latex Mattress
Type: Organic mattress
Firmness: 5 or 7 out of 10 (10 is firmest)
Materials: Natural latex, natural wool, natural cotton
Height: 10 inches
MSRP: $1,449 – $3,095
Trial/Warranty: 180 nights/20 years
The Saatva Zenhaven is a dual-sided mattress ideal for sleepers who are unsure how firm or soft they need their bed to be – thereby offering more range than the Awara in this regard. Back and stomach sleepers will be well-supported with the Zenhaven’s Gentle Firm side, while the Luxury Firm side will be plush enough for side sleepers to feel at ease.
Of course, all of this extra latex makes the Saatva Zenhaven quite heavy in weight and cost. However, as long as you have the budget to spare (and reinforcements on hand to help you flip it over), you’ll have a bed that can sufficiently meet your ever-changing sleep needs.
Choose it if: your sleep preferences are constantly in flux
Avoid it if: you need a more budget-conscious option
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