Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review: expert-tested

Bear Elite Hybrid mattress overview

The Bear Elite Hybrid provides an exceptional sleep experience that balances plush comfort and targeted support. The high-density memory foam layers contour the body while the zoned coils help align the body. 

The quilted cover offers cushion and cooling at the mattress’s surface. It’s crafted with Phase Change Material (PCM) designed to help absorb and dissipate excess body heat. (2) Customers can upgrade to a CELLIANT®-infused cover for enhanced cooling and advanced sleep recovery technology. Bear claims the CELLIANT® fibers absorb heat and convert it into infrared energy. (3) That energy is then reflected back to the body, which may improve circulation and increase oxygen in muscle tissues. This process can lead to quicker recovery post-workout and better sleep quality overall. (1) These features can appeal highly to hot sleepers and active individuals, making it one of the best mattresses for athletes.

Underneath the cover lies the first memory foam comfort layer. The copper-infused foam offers additional cooling due to the element’s naturally high thermal conductivity properties. (4) This antimicrobial material can also help promote a clean, bacteria-free sleep environment. (5) The next foam layer provides contouring and support plus allows for a smoother transition to the innerspring coil layer. 

Bear arranges the pocketed coils in strategic zones throughout the mattress to provide targeted support. Higher gauge coils through the lumbar area help keep the back lifted, while more flexible coils in the upper and lower thirds allow the mattress to give more under the shoulders and hips. This structure can help reduce tension in sensitive joints and promote healthy sleep posture and spinal alignment, which is critical for reducing back pain and improving sleep quality. (6, 7) 

Together, these features create a luxury mattress experience with a price tag to match that. The total value listed for the Bear Elite Hybrid is $2,305 for a queen-sized bed. Fortunately, this mattress is frequently on sale for $1,614 or less. Remember that the CELLIANT® cover is an upgrade, so that will add $140 to the final cost.

Specs

Our Bear Elite Hybrid mattress experience

We take a hands-on approach to our mattress evaluations. Each bed undergoes a series of tests measuring objective data alongside subjective insights from our certified sleep science coaches. After spending hours with each model, we gathered all this information to provide honest feedback and recommendations. 

For this review, we tested the Bear Elite Hybrid’s medium firmness model. Below, we’ll discuss how this mattress performed across various crucial criteria that can impact your overall sleep experience.

Firmness

One of the first things we measure in a mattress is how soft or firm it feels. We give each model a firmness rating on a scale of 1 to 10, where higher numbers indicate a firmer bed. Body size, sleep position, and other factors can impact this subjective feeling, so we asked multiple sleep experts to lie on the Bear Elite Hybrid to help us gather various perspectives on the firmness level. 

Our team’s initial impression when lying on the bed was that it offered a plush, contouring feel but kept the body lifted and well-supported. When we placed a 15-pound dumbbell on the cover, it only sunk a quarter of an inch, demonstrating that lifted feeling. After spending time in various sleep positions, one of our testers said it felt slightly softer than a medium-firm mattress, rating it a 6 out of 10. Meanwhile, another rated it confidently in the medium-firm range at 6.5. 

Support

Bear boasts high confidence in the Elite Hybrid’s ability to provide exceptional support, which proved true during our evaluation. One of our lead reviewers said, “I felt supported the entire time I was lying on this mattress.” We think it will accommodate most sleeping styles, as our team found that the spine stayed properly aligned in all positions. Typically, stomach sleepers need a firmer bed, but our tester noted that, despite the softer feel, her hips didn’t sink into the material, and her body stayed lifted.

Cooling

The model we tested didn’t include the CELLIANT® cover, yet the surface still felt cool. After spending time on it, we ran additional tests to see how well the mattress regulated temperature. Using a thermal gun, we measured the temperature before and after one of our team members lay on the bed for seven minutes. The results show a rise in temperature of 9.7 degrees. We consider any rise less than 10 degrees to be good cooling.

We also placed a glass of chilled water on the bed to see how much the temperature rose after the same time, demonstrating an increase of 4.4 degrees. We consider these good cooling results compared to other mattresses we’ve tested. However, if you sleep excessively hot, we think it’d be worth upgrading to the CELLIANT® cover. 

Responsiveness

Responsiveness refers to how quickly a mattress responds and adapts to pressure. It can impact how easy or difficult it feels to move around on the bed and change sleeping positions, which can be vital for combination sleepers. 

We used a 15-pound dumbbell to evaluate how bouncy and reactive the Elite Hybrid is. After dropping the weight from half a foot up, it bounced three times before resting on the surface, which we consider a good amount of bounce. Next, we placed the same weight on the mattress and timed how long it took to retake its original shape. This bed offered impressive results with a short 0.44-second rebound time. Finally, our testers shared their experience moving around on the bed, noting it felt effortless to change positions. 

Motion isolation

Motion isolation can be vital for individuals who share their bed with a partner, child, or pet. A mattress that effectively dampens movement transfer from one side to another can help reduce how often you’re woken up at night by your bed partner tossing and turning. We got mixed results when analyzing this area for the Bear Elite Hybrid. 

On a positive note, our testing team said they couldn’t feel much of their partner’s movements as they got in and out of bed and moved around. However, when we placed a glass of water on the bed and dropped our dumbbell onto the mattress, the water rose from 8 ounces to 16 ounces from the high amount of motion transfer. 

If you want to experience fewer disturbances throughout the night, we recommend reviewing our list of the best mattresses for couples. 

Edge support

If you typically sit on the edge of the mattress when getting in and out of bed or putting on your socks, you’ll want a bed that offers strong support, so you don’t feel like you’ll slip off. This is also important for couples who share a bed and want to spread out across the full width. Ideally, the edge will feel just as supportive as the middle of the bed. 

We tested the Elite Hybrid’s edge support by lying and sitting near the edge to help us understand how it feels in both scenarios. Even when lying halfway off the bed, our testers said they didn’t feel like they would fall off. Our ruler indicated the edge only sank 1.75 inches when sitting along the perimeter. Overall, the edge support felt strong, and it was easy to get in and out of, which can be helpful for folks with mobility issues. 

Who we recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for:

• The customizable firmness options—soft, medium, and firm—make it a versatile mattress that can accommodate all sleep styles.
• The Bear Elite Hybrid is our overall pick for the best mattresses for athletes because of its supportive structure, plush comfort, and sleep recovery technology. 
• We think heavy-weight sleepers will enjoy the support and durability the medium and firm models offer.
• Hot sleepers will benefit from multiple layers of cooling technology that might help prevent overheating. 

How we test mattresses

Our mattress reviews depend on hands-on testing to provide honest, expert-reviewed feedback and guidance. Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches rigorously analyzes each bed, gathering critical information on various performance metrics. Evidence-based research backs all additional claims made throughout the article. You can read our full mattress testing methodology to learn more.

Compare the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress

	Bear Elite Hybrid	DreamCloud Hybrid	Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe	Saatva Classic	WinkBeds The WinkBed
Rating	4.6/5	4.7/5	4.8/5	4.6/5	4.5/5
Best for	All sleep styles, hot sleepers	Side sleepers, back sleepers	Hot sleepers, All sleep styles	All sleep styles, sleepers with back pain	All sleep positions, heavy sleepers
Price	$2,305	$1,613	$2,265	$2,095	$1,799
Material	Hybrid (coils and foam)	Hybrid (coils and foam)	Hybrid (coils and foam)	Innerspring	Hybrid (coils and foam)
Trial period	120 nights	365 nights	120 nights	365 nights	120 nights
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
		Read Review	Read Review	Read Review	Read Review

Bear Elite Hybrid mattress pricing

The below pricing reflects standard pricing and includes no discounts or other offers.

Bear Elite Hybrid mattress trial and warranty

Warranty

Bear’s lifetime warranty is one of the strongest policies in the industry. The Elite Hybrid is covered against manufacturer defects or flaws for as long as you own it. The brand will send a replacement mattress if you notice any flaws that cause the foam to crack or degrade or if you experience a visible indentation over one and a half inches from normal use and proper handling. 

The warranty only covers the mattress under the original purchaser, and you must ensure that it has been placed on a solid, non-flexible base for its entire use. To make a claim, email Bear’s support team at returns@bearmattress.com.

Trial period

When buying a mattress online or in-store, a sleep trial can provide peace of mind, so you won’t regret your investment. It’s difficult to know whether a mattress suits your needs and will genuinely feel comfortable until you can sleep on it repeatedly. Bear allows customers to sleep on the Elite Hybrid for up to 120 nights before deciding if it’s right for them, which exceeds the 100-night minimum we look for in mattresses. The company requests you give it at least 30 nights to break in and adjust to your new bed before deciding. After that, if you don’t like the mattress for any reason, you can return it for free and receive a full refund. Bear will send someone to come pick it up, and they’ll donate it to charity whenever possible. 

Shipping

Bear ships its mattresses for free via FedEx within the contiguous United States. The brand claims shipments to Alaska and Hawaii may be subject to additional shipping charges. When we simulated orders to both states, the shipping fees totaled $200. 

Typically, you can expect your bed to ship within two to five days after you order it. This mattress-in-a-box is delivered right to your doorstep. You can request a signature if you prefer to have someone home to receive the package. Moreover, you can let someone else do the heavy lifting by opting for white glove delivery at checkout. Bear partners with LoadUp, a third-party delivery service, to offer in-home delivery, setup, and mattress removal. You can choose which services you want based on the below pricing:

• Mattress setup only = $100
• Mattress setup and removal = $175 
• Mattress + base setup and removal = $200

How to choose the right mattress for you

Choosing a mattress is a very personal decision. There isn’t one universal mattress that works for everyone. Instead, find a bed that best fits your unique body, sleep style, and preferences. That may feel overwhelming, so we’ve provided guidance below to help you navigate the process. You can also view our complete guide for how to choose a mattress.

Firmness

The overall feel of a mattress will be a significant factor in your mattress selection. This is a subjective measure as we all experience a bed differently, and your preference for a softer or firmer sleep surface will depend on various factors, including your preferred sleeping position and body type. However, typically, mattresses will be rated on a scale from soft to firm, often with a corresponding number from 1 to 10, 1 being softest and 10 being firmest.

Sleep position

You should first consider which position you spend most of the night in. Side sleepers often need a softer mattress that can help cushion sensitive joints like the shoulders and hips. Conversely, stomach sleepers need a firm and supportive bed to keep their hips lifted to help keep their spine aligned and avoid overarching their back. Back and combination sleepers typically have a bit more leeway in their firmness, but often, they benefit from a bed that falls somewhere in the middle. A medium-firm mattress can relieve pressure while maintaining back support and responsiveness. (8) 

Body type

Your body’s distinctive shape and size are other essential factors in determining which firmness level suits you. It can largely affect how you experience a mattress. For example, light-weight sleepers typically perceive a mattress as feeling firmer than average and heavy-weight sleepers. On the other hand, larger body types often need firmer support to help keep the body lifted and avoid excessive sinkage. 

Type

Manufacturers use various designs and materials when constructing mattresses, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The mattress type typically falls into one of four overarching categories and should be another guiding factor throughout your search. 

Memory foam

Memory foam mattresses are best known for offering deeper contouring and excellent pressure relief. Individuals looking for body-hugging comfort may prefer this type of bed. Heat retention can be one of the biggest downfalls of these mattresses. However, many manufacturers are using cooling technology, like gel-infused foams or perforation, to help reduce the overheating effect. 

Latex

Latex mattresses have been emerging in popularity recently as individuals seek healthier beds for themselves and the environment. You can find mattresses made of all latex foam, but they’re more commonly a hybrid construction that combines comfortable latex foam layers with supportive coils. Latex foam is known for offering incredible pressure relief. (9) However, it’s also more expensive to manufacture, which results in a higher-cost mattress overall. 

Innerspring

Perhaps the most traditional mattress type, innerspring beds excel at providing durability and strong support. They offer a bouncier, more responsive surface that can help make position changes easier throughout the night. These mattresses also sleep refreshingly cool, as the open space between the coils allows air to flow freely so heat doesn’t become trapped. High-quality innerspring mattresses also typically feature zoned support that can help promote proper spinal alignment to help relieve back and joint pain.

Hybrid

If you want the pressure-relieving comfort of memory foam alongside the sturdy, adaptive support of coils, a hybrid mattress may be best for you. These beds combine the advantages of both mattress materials, with memory foam or latex layers on top supported by steel coils through the mattress core. Some models allow you to choose between multiple firmness options to help you find your ideal comfort. 

Cooling

Staying cool throughout the night can help improve sleep quality, and your mattress plays a significant role in helping regulate body temperature. (10) If you usually overheat at night, we recommend choosing a mattress with advanced cooling technology. Many manufacturers offer cooling covers, gel-infused foam, and airy coils to help dissipate heat and wick away moisture. Typically, innerspring and hybrid mattresses sleep cooler because the open spaces throughout the bed allow for better airflow and ventilation.

Motion isolation

Feeling your partner’s or pet’s every movement can significantly disrupt your sleep. A mattress that helps reduce motion transfer can help mitigate nighttime disturbances. Beds with adaptive memory foam layers and individually wrapped coils can improve motion isolation so you can sleep soundly regardless of how restless your bed partner is. 

Edge support

Edge support can also significantly impact how you experience a mattress, especially if you share the space with someone else. A supportive perimeter allows you to lay close to the edge and spread out without feeling as though you’ll fall out of bed. It can also make getting in and out of bed easier.

Budget

Finally, you should consider your financial situation when purchasing a mattress. Prices can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on mattress type, quality, and current sales events. Determining your budget beforehand can guide your search. 

Certain features, like cooling technology and organic materials, can increase prices. We recommend making a list of your must-haves so you know what you’re willing to pay more for and what you can do without. If it feels like a large investment, remember that you spend almost a third of your life in bed, and quality sleep is vital to your overall health and well-being, so it’s worth it. (11, 12) Plus, many brands run frequent sales throughout the year to help improve product accessibility. Check out our guide to learn more about the best time to buy a mattress.

We’ve featured the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress in:

• Best mattresses
• Best mattresses for athletes
• Best mattresses for fibromyalgia
• Best mattresses for side sleepers
• Best mattresses for hip pain

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