Nest Bedding Owl Natural Latex Hybrid Detailed Mattress Review

In 2011, mattress veteran and big wave surfer Joe Alexander, realized that, like a bird when it wants to build a nest, sourcing materials locally was the only way to build his beds.  Hence Nest Bedding, a family owned factory direct mattress company out of Chico, CA was born.  Alexander also knew that offering consumers an opportunity to lay on a mattress was also important and he opened his first store in 2012.  Today, Nest has 14 stores across the States (incl. showroom partners Sandman Sleep in Chicago and Columbus!) offering organic, natural, and certified luxury products.

Sustainability is paramount.  To back it up, they recently introduced a Lifetime Renewal Exchange for its luxury mattresses. The LRE is a one-time comfort guarantee that can be redeemed anytime, even after their industry leading 356 day trial.  You can renew your mattress when it’s right for you. Instead of removing and replacing your mattress, you can breathe new life into your mattress with an exchange for a brand new comfort layer and save the environment from another mattress disposed of and yourself the time and money it takes to shop for a new mattress.

Before we dive into the Owl’s three comfort levels, let’s have a look at the reason the Nest Bedding Owl is ranked as one of the most comfortable and supportive latex hybrid mattresses on the market.

The Cover

The Owl begins with a plush quilted organic cotton and joma wool blend mixed with a Eco-Flex gel quilting.  The top gives a touch of softness without sacrificing the support underneath. It is almost like having a mattress topper on the pillowtop.  The superior temperature regulation helps keep you cool and dry throughout the night.  No more tossing and turning because you are hot.

Comfort Layer

Nest chose 3 inches of natural Dunlop latex, made in the USA using the continuous pour method which evenly distributes latex particles creating the most consistent density possible.  Natural latex is responsive to quickly 

adjust as one repositions while sleeping.  Latex does not retain heat like traditional memory foam, and it is perforated to allow consistent airflow throughout the evening.  So, you won’t get that sinking-in-the-sand feeling on the Owl!  And the latex design will keep you cool all night long.

It’s important to note that the latex comes as one solid piece as opposed to multiple layers of latex because one piece provides greater pressure relief.  Two or more layers compete with each other as the surface friction makes it difficult to provide consistent pressure relief.

Support System

The Owl’s hybrid’s support system employs 6” edge reinforced steel individually pocketed coils sandwiched between two 1” dense Smartflow Support Foam layers.  Nest reinforces the edge with stronger gauge coils around the perimeter for greater edge support.  The high grade made in America steel provides superior support throughout the life of the mattress and is guaranteed for 20 years.    

Tufting

Tufting is the process where the individual parts of the mattress are either sewn or glued together to prevent slippage.  In the Owl’s case, Nest chose a zippable and removable cover so there is top tufting within the cover but it is not secured to the latex underneath.  However, as Nest chose one solid block of latex for its comfort layer, there is no need for tufting.  The simplistic design eliminates the need.  This is just another example of the little details Nest takes care of so you can rest easy.   

Does The Owl Sleep Cool?

YES!  We found the Owl Natural Hybrid Latex to offer a cool to neutral (i.e., not hot) temperature control.  Being cool at night is all about being dry.  The Owl accomplishes the cool factor through a 3 step heat dispersion process: 

1. The organic cotton cover wicks away moisture.
2. The natural dunlop latex not only pulls heat from the body (and doesn’t return it!), but is perforated to allow greater air circulation.
3. As the mattress is a hybrid, air is able to flow and circulate in-between the coil system

Final result – the Owl will keep you cool and dry throughout the night allowing your body to get the rest it deserves.

How about Edge Support?

The Nest Bedding Owl has very good edge support.  Nest surrounds the outer edge of the mattress with stronger springs to make sure the mattress edge is “sag free”.  This edge support increases the sleeping area so, for example, if one partner is a bed hog, the other partner can rest soundly on the edge.  No chance of falling off, just sayin’.  Finally, because natural latex is so much more responsive than gel memory foam, when you get out of bed in the morning, it helps you get out!  

Will Owl Stand the Test of Time?

Nest Bedding believes so much in the durability of its mattresses that it offers a lifetime comfort renewal guarantee.  If for any reason, during or after the trial period, you feel that the comfort layer has lost its support, Nest will send you a new one, which can extend the life of the mattress for years.   

Nest Bedding’s Owl Natural Hybrid Latex mattress is truly made for every-body.  Their dual comfort capable kings allow couples with varying sleep comfort levels to rest easy in the same bed.  It has proven very popular in our showrooms!  Coupled with the lifetime comfort guarantee, and 1 year trial, Nest Bedding should be on the top of list for everyone who prefers a latex hybrid solution.  Let’s take a closer look at the different styles.

Owl Plush

From the moment you lay down on the Owl Plush, it is obvious by the luxurious 1.5” cushion top and smooth organic cotton/wool cover that you’ve arrived on the plush version.  The 3” latex comfort layer directly underneath is the least dense of its cousins (the medium and firm) providing plenty of sink and contouring for all of our curves.  That said, as you settle into the mattress, you can begin to feel the support as the pocketed coils begin to straighten and align your spine.  You will feel more “in it” (as opposed to on top of it), without sacrificing support.  

Exclusive side sleepers get the best of both worlds from the most pressure relief and spinal alignment due to the sinking of the hip and shoulder regions.  Because the bed envelops you more, some think that might make the bed sleep warmer or even hotter.  This is not the case with the Owl.  The latex combined with the air flow design keep this plush bed cool all evening long.

The sweet spot for weight is up to 200 (especially for side sleepers).  Above that weight, you’ll start to lose the benefit of the pressure relief from the latex as your body rests more on the springs.  At that size, you might consider the medium as the comfort layer provides additional support and comfort relief.  

• On Sandman’s Firmness Scale, we rate Plush 4.5 out of 10.
• Primarily designed for side sleepers.  Side/stomach or side/back sleepers might feel more support on the Medium.  
• Even though you sink into the comfort layer, the superior airflow design and advanced cooling technology will keep you cool and dry all night long. 
• Edge support is very good – minimal side sagging here!

Owl Medium

The medium is Owl’s most popular comfort level – for a very good reason.  It is a multi-sleeper, designed to support side, stomach, back and any combination sleep styles.  First, you are met with the 1.5” of cushiony conforming topper bringing you and giving that welcoming cushion.  The medium weight latex pushes back ever so slightly but still conforming to your body, filling in all the nooks and crannies.  Latex is more responsive than memory foam so you will feel the push back.  However, the medium weight of the latex gives that cushion so side sleepers can rest easy.  While it’s designed as a multi-sleeper and the medium and support back and stomach sleepers, they may find additional firmness and support from the Firm model.  However, if any of your sleep styles include side, the medium is right for you.  Lastly, you will not feel the springs, but you will feel the support they provide – especially at the edge.  You should have no problem sleeping on the entire surface of the mattress as the edges are reinforced.  Because of the 1.5” top cushion layer, you will feel as though you sleep slightly “in” the mattress as opposed to “on-top” of it.  For greater sink, look towards the plush.  

The sweet spot in weight is up to 220 pounds.  No matter your sleeping style, you cannot go wrong with this mattress.  It has all of the cooling factors minus the deep enveloping sinking feeling.  The comfort layer is 3 inches to give it a luxury feel

• On Sandman’s Firmness Scale, we rate the Medium a 6 out of 10.
• This is a MultiSleeper, designed for all sleeping styles.   However, exclusive back and stomach sleepers may prefer the firm.
• The luxurious comfort layer provides a little bit of sink, but even so, the superior airflow design and advanced cooling technology on the top layer will keep you cool and dry all night long. 
• Edge support is very good – minimal side sagging here!

Owl Firm

The Firm is slightly firmer than the medium.  We rate it more of a Luxury Firm+ than a hard firm mattress.  The 1.5” comfort topper sewn into the top really gives it that luxury feel.  The 3” latex comfort layer is denser than the medium giving that additional pushback and less conforming support.  Back and side sleepers will get the most comfort from the Firm.  Side sleepers may get away with it but you lose some of the contouring from the medium.  You will definitely not sink as much as you sleep “on top” of this mattress.  

As with the medium, the sweet spot in weight is up to 220 lbs.  The Owl Firm still packs in all of the same cooling features as its cousins so you will sleep cool and dry throughout the night.   

• On Sandman’s Firmness Scale, we rate Firm a 7.5 out of 10.
• Stomach and back sleepers will get the most benefit out of the Firm.  Exclusive side sleepers should look more toward the Medium, or possibly the Soft.
• The firm comfort layer provides some sink, especially from the cushion top layer.  But even so, the superior airflow design and advanced cooling technology will keep you cool and dry all night long. 
• Edge support is very good – minimal side sagging here! 

All Nest Owls have very good motion isolation.  Simply put, you will not feel your partner move at night.  Whether they are a toss and turner, an early riser or using the facilities, it’s not the bed that will wake you.  Latex is naturally responsive, so as your partner moves, they comfort layer will reform quickly.  Any motion might come from the springs below, but the pocket coil system separates the springs further isolating any motion transfer.  The combo of the latex and pocketed coils will have minimal transfer.  Now, the firm, due to its rigid structure and latex hybrid feel is a more responsive material.  However, to counter the additional motion possibility, Nest uses a 3 inch gel foam to provide the extra absorption, mitigating motion transfer as much as possible.  If you need total motion isolation, then look more towards the all foam mattresses.  However, the superior design and attention to detail get the Nest hybrids as close to no motion as possible.

The Nest Owl comes in a box. It’s crazy to think that a king size Owl with powerful springs, dense foams and latex can be compressed, but it can.  And, with no sacrifice to quality and durability.  Some people ask if compressing the springs will hurt their integrity.  Nothing could be farther from the  truth.  Springs are actually shipped compressed all over the world (to save space).  The springs integrity is damaged if they are pulled excessively or bent out of position.  But, the way Nest compresses its mattresses, they keep their shape and strength.  The box arrives via Fedex or White Glove Delivery if you choose.  Simply unbos the mattress.  Rest it on the bed frame and remove the plastic wrapping and the bed will decompress before your eyes.  You can begin sleeping on the bed and enjoying a restful night sleep that same day.

Nest Bedding offers a full 1 YEAR trial period, certainly one of the best in the industry.  In addition, Nest Bedding offers a lifetime comfort renewal guarantee.  If, for any reason, you wish to have a softer, firmer or your current comfort layer is reaching that age, you can request a new one be sent at no charge.  Nest truly makes it hassle free as they do all the heavy lifting.  Here’s how the systems works:

1. The trial begins when you RECEIVE the mattress (the fedex delivery day).
2. You can sleep on it for 365 nights.  As there can be a slight break-in period, Nest asks that you not initiate a return during the first 30 days.  
3. If it’s not the mattress of your dreams, reach out to Nest via phone, email or chat (on their website), provide your name and order number and let them know if you wish to RETURN or EXCHANGE.  
4. Returns: Nest coordinates a donation or recycling pickup on a day of your choosing.  They handle everything and there’s nothing you have to do besides letting them know the best pickup date.
5. Full 100% refunds (no fees!!) are issued within 5 days of the pick-up. 
6. Exchanges: For an exchange, Nest will send the new comfort layer to your home.  Unzip the cover and insert the new comfort layer.  

Nest Bedding doesn’t stop there!  They offer a lifetime warranty on every mattress.

Yes, Nest Bedding offers financing through Affirm.

Nest Bedding has 9 stores on the West Coast. However, if you are in the Chicago or Columbus, OH area, please visit our Sandman Sleep Chicago Showroom or our Sandman Sleep Columbus Showroom to try out the Nest line of mattresses (we’ll even help get it ordered for you!)