Bear Elite Hybrid Review

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In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs

At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.

We test 10 different factors that impact the performance, comfort, and feel of the mattress. We then take the results of those tests and compare them to every mattress we’ve tested to date.

Check out the full performance table below to see how this mattress ranks:

Factor	Bear Elite Hybrid	Average
Overall Score	9.26	8.55
Price (Queen)	$1,578	$1,539 (Hybrid only)
Cooling – Score	10	8.6
Sinkage – Depth	2.66″	2.21″
Sinkage – Feel	Very Deep	Moderate
Motion Transfer – Score	7.7	8.3
Motion Transfer – Acceleration	10.05 m/s²	8.69 m/s²
Response Time – Score	8.5	8.8
Response Time – Mostly Recovered	0.4 sec.	0.4 sec.
Response Time – Fully Recovered	1.0 sec.	1.0 sec.
Bounce – Height	10.70″	8.90″
Bounce – Feel	High	Moderate
Edge Support – Score	9.5	8.7
Edge Support – Sitting	3.00″	3.96″
Edge Support – Lying	Excellent	Excellent
Sex – Score	9.5	8.3
Pressure Relief – Score	10	8.6
Comfort Layer Thickness	5.0″	4.3″
Mattress Thickness	14″	12.2″
Off-Gassing – Score	8.3	8.1
Off-Gassing – Smell	Strong	Strong
Off-Gassing – Days	6 days	7 days
Company – Score	9.4	8.8
Trial	120 nights	170 nights
Warranty	Lifetime	40% have lifetime warranties, average of other 60% of mattresses is 13 years

How is Bear Elite Hybrid Different?

The Bear Elite Hybrid is a 14″ hybrid mattress with an overall performance level that is significantly better than the average mattress and a price that is very near average. The result is a hybrid mattress that is a standout value.

Advantages

Specific advantages of the Bear Elite include fantastic cooling performance, better edge support when sitting or lying, better sex performance, and a 10/10 pressure relief.

The Bear Elite has a 5.0″ comfort layer, which is 0.7″ thicker than the average comfort layer. A thicker comfort layer made of high-quality materials is one of the best ways to improve pressure relief on a mattress.

Neutral Factors

This mattress has very deep sinkage and high levels of bounce. These factors are considered neutral factors since different sleepers may perceive these feels differently.

For back or stomach sleepers, the sinkage may be a little deep. However, it’s ideal for many side sleepers.

The higher bounce also has a negative impact on motion transfer, but it also improves sex and ease of movement. So it’s a bit of double edged sword.

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of the Bear Elite include higher levels of motion transfer as well as slightly slower material responsiveness than average. Beyond that, there are no major weaknesses for the Bear Elite.

The Bear Elite Hybrid has outstanding cooling. During our tests, I did not feel any notable level of heat retention around my body.

The mattress remained comfortably cool for the duration of our cooling tests. The mattress has a proven material design that helps mitigate heat in several ways.

First, we have the hybrid design, which brings more airflow into the mattress. In addition, we have high quality foams that breathe well at every level of the mattress. Lastly, the topmost comfort layer is a copper-infused memory foam.

• Baseline Temperature – the temperature of the mattress before anyone lies on it
• Maximum Temperature (0 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after lying on it for 15 minutes
• Ending Temperature (5 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after being lied upon and having no one on it for 5 minutes

This combination of design, foams, and other materials are working together to keep the surface level temperature lower. In our objective temperature tests, we measured a max surface level temperature of 89.6° F.

This is 0.3° cooler than the average of 89.9° F, based on all of our tests to date. After getting off the mattress, the temperature declined by 3.8 degrees from minutes 0 to 1, which is 1.0 degrees warmer than the average 0 to 1 minute decline of 4.8 degrees.

When we consider the combination of objective data, my subjective experiences, and an analysis of the materials, I’m confident in my view that cooling is outstanding.

The Bear Elite Hybrid has very deep sinkage. During our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 2.66″. This is 0.46″ more sinkage than the average sinkage depth of 2.20″, based on all of our tests to date. The mattress creates a balanced body contouring hug.

The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.

The quilted cover creates an immediate softness and sinking down into the mattress. Below that we have a layer of copper infused memory foam and poly foam that work together to create a balanced contouring hug for the body.

The limited 1.0” memory foam layer means the memory foam feel isn’t overly dramatic or overly exacting around the body. This 1.0” memory foam layer, in combination with the quilted cover and poly foam core, work together to create a less polarizing feel that many sleepers will enjoy.

The Bear Elite Hybrid has a moderate level of motion transfer. During our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 10.05 m/s². This is 14% more motion transfer than the average of 8.80 m/s².

The higher than average motion transfer is primarily the result of the higher than average bounce.

At 10.05” of total bounce height the Bear Elite has considerably higher bounce than average. That extra bounce means there is simply more energy transferred by movements on the mattress, which results in higher motion.

In our motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we can see the highest motion peaks from 0 to 0.2 seconds.

The level of motion transfer is also documented in the video below.

Motion declines thereafter and we see a smaller secondary energy spike from 0.5 to 0.6 seconds. By 1.15 seconds we’ve returned to near-zero levels of energy, which is 0.27 seconds longer than the average motion duration of 0.88 seconds.

Motion Transfer Over Time

Certainly, this level of motion transfer isn’t ideal. Both motion intensity and motion duration are worse than average. Even so, it’s far from the worst we’ve seen.

The Bear Elite Hybrid is a mixed bag for material responsiveness, with a fast mostly recovered response time and a moderate fully recovered response time.

In our mostly recovered test, we measured a recovery speed of 0.4 seconds, which is the same as the average of 0.40 seconds, based on all of our tests to date.

In our fully recovered responsiveness test, we measured a recovery speed of 1.0 seconds, which is 0.01 seconds slower than the average of 0.99 seconds.

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

Bear Elite doesn’t quite have instant material recovery, but it’s still quite quick. The coils and poly foam layers of foam within the mattress all spring back to shape effectively instantly.

It’s only the 1.0” memory foam layer that takes a moment or two to recover to its original shape that’s slowing down the responsiveness slightly.

Overall, these responsiveness speeds are more than fast enough to facilitate good ease of movement and prevent any type of a stuck feel on the mattress.

The Bear Elite Hybrid has a high level of bounce. During our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 10.70″. This is 1.75″ more bounce than the average of 8.95″, based on all of our tests to date.

The Bear Elite is primarily equipped with highly responsive poly foams within the comfort layer.

These layers of foam quickly respond to movements and return a high degree of energy. In addition, the pocketed coil unit is also creating a high degree of bounce.

The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.

While the 1.0” memory foam layer is likely reducing bounce to some degree, the larger quantity of responsive poly foam and springs means we see notably higher than average bounce.

That increased bounce is the primary reason motion transfer isn’t great. Even so, the increased bounce also means ease of movement and sex performance are greatly improved. So it’s certainly a double-edged sword.

The Bear Elite Hybrid has outstanding sitting edge support and excellent lying edge support.

In our sitting edge support test, we measured a sitting sinkage compression of 3.00″. This is 0.95″ less sitting sinkage than the average of 3.95″, based on all of our tests to date.

While lying directly on the edge of the mattress, I felt that the support was excellent in all sleeping positions.

The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.

The mattress is equipped with reinforced edge support coils that run along the entire perimeter.

These coils are more supportive and firmer than the coils in the middle, which helps to strengthen the edge of the mattress.

The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.

These edge coils, in combination with the thicker-than-average support layer, the thicker-than-average comfort layer, and high-quality materials, create the right material and design conditions to deliver excellent edge support.

The Bear Elite Hybrid has excellent sex performance. Normally, in this section, we discuss pros and cons as they relate to amorous activities. However, the Bear Elite has no notable cons for sex performance.

The mattress earned perfect scores in 4 out of our 5 categories, including minimal noise and outstanding cooling, pressure relief, and edge support.

With just 3.00” of sitting edge sinkage, the edge is a robust and usable part of the mattress for amorous activities. Last but not least, we measured 10.70” of total bounce height, which is considerably more than average.

Sex Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Rating
Bounce	65%	9.2	Very High
Edge Support	20%	10	Outstanding
Noise	5%	10	Minimal
Pressure Relief	5%	10	Outstanding
Cooling	5%	10	Outstanding

That extra bounce makes sex easier and less tiring on the mattress. Overall, I’m incredibly pleased with the sex performance on the mattress and I expect most couples will find it more than sufficient.

The Bear Elite Hybrid has an outstanding level of pressure relief. During our tests, I felt no pressure points on my body. To the contrary, I found the mattress exceedingly comfortable.

The mattress is equipped with 5.0″ of comfort material, which is 0.74″ more comfort material than the average comfort layer thickness of 4.26″, based on all of our tests to date.

Having a thicker-than-average comfort layer is always great to see. However, the quality of said comfort materials is also excellent. The foam layers look and feel excellent both on the body and in-hand.

In our pressure mapping tests, we measured a max PSI of 0.68, which is well within the 1.0 PSI threshold I want to see.

The average side sleeper PSI we’ve measured is 1.05 PSI and the minimum is 0.50 PSI. At 0.68 PSI on the side the Bear Elite proves itself to be considerably better than most other mattresses we’ve tested.

When I consider our objective pressure mapping tests, material thickness, material quality, and my subjective experience on the mattress, I’m confident most sleepers will find the pressure relief to be outstanding.

Pressure Relief (PSI)	Average	Maximum
Side Sleepers	0.11	0.68

Pressure Relief (PSI)	Average	Maximum
Back Sleepers	0.06	0.50

Pressure Relief (PSI)	Average	Maximum
Stomach Sleepers	0.08	0.54

The Bear Elite Hybrid had a strong smell upon the initial unboxing. The mattress smelled for 6 days. This is 0.9 days shorter than the average smell duration of 6.9 days.

Bear mattresses come with a 120-night trial period, a lifetime warranty, free shipping, and free returns. Bear is made in the USA.

Company Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Data
Returns	40%	10	$0
Trial Period	30%	8.0	120 nights
Warranty	20%	10	Lifetime
Shipping	10%	10	$0
Country of Origin	0%		USA

Comparing 100+ brands tested to date, the average trial period is 171 nights, 51 nights more than Bear offers. Bear also offers a lifetime warranty, which is a perk only offered by 40% of all mattresses.

The Bear Elite Hybrid comes in three different firmness levels—soft, medium, and firm. We personally tested the Medium version, which is a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale (where 10 is the most firm.)

Medium Version

We rated Bear’s “medium” version at a 6 out of 10, medium-firm feel.

Soft Version

We estimate Bear’s “soft” version is a 4.5 out of 10, soft feel.

Firm Version

We estimate Bear’s “firm” version is a 7.5 out of 10, slightly firm feel.

This is a great range of firmnesses and really helps to increase the odds that there will be an Elite Hybrid for almost every sleeper.

Support on the Bear Elite Hybrid is outstanding. During our tests, I felt well supported in all sleeping positions.

Support Factor	Data
Comfort Layer	5.0″
Support Layer	9.0″
Firmness	Soft, Medium-Firm, and Slightly Firm
Body Contour	Balanced
Zoned Support	Yes
Reinforced Edge	Yes

The mattress is equipped with a 9.0″ support layer. This is 1.11″ thicker than the average support layer thickness of 7.89″, based on all of our tests to date.

The Bear is available in 3 firmness options including soft, medium, and firm.

Check out the table below to see the sleeper weights and sleeping positions that would be best suited for this mattress.

Soft Version

Sleeper Weight	Stomach Sleepers	Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes
150-250 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes
250-300 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes

Medium Version

Sleeper Weight	Stomach Sleepers	Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes
150-250 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes
250-300 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes

Firm Version

Sleeper Weight	Stomach Sleepers	Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.	Yes	Maybe	Yes
150-250 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes
250-300 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes

To sum it up, the mattress has a thicker-than-average total height, thicker support layer than average, outstanding pressure relief, high-quality materials, zonal support, and multiple firmness options. There just isn’t much this mattress could do better with respect to support.

Based on all of my tests to date, an analysis of the materials, and my subjective experiences, I’m confident most sleepers will find support on the Bear Elite Hybrid is outstanding.

The Bear Elite Hybrid is a 14″ hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness options—Soft (Bear calls it “Soft”), Medium-Firm (Bear calls it “Medium)”, and Slightly Firm (Bear calls it “Firm”).

Design Factor	Data
Type	Hybrid
Thickness	14″
Cover Type	Pillow Top
Weight	110 lbs.
Has Handles	Yes
Fiberglass-Free	Yes
Ships in a Box	Yes

Compared to the Bear Star Hybrid, the Bear Elite Hybrid offers 1.0″ of extra thickness within the comfort layer, which could be a nice feature, especially for heavier sleepers.

The Bear Elite Hybrid is 14″ thick and contains a blend of different foam types, pocketed coils for support, and a quilted cover. From top to bottom, here is a full list of the materials used in this mattress:

Layer Type	Thickness	Layer Specs
Pillow Top	2.0″	Not Available
Memory Foam	1.0″	2.5 PCF
Poly Foam	2.0″	1.8 PCF
Pocketed Coils	8.0″	Not Available
Support Foam	1.0″	1.8 PCF

The Bear Elite Hybrid has a 2.0″ thick quilted cover. The standard cover has a soft finish and neutral aesthetic with blue accents. This mattress also has the ability to add a Celliant-infused cooling cover for an additional cost.

This cooling cover has the same 2.0″ quilted layers below, but the surface textile is a Celliant-inflused fabric.

Celliant works by using thero-reactive minerals within its fibers. Those minerals absorb body heat and convert it into far-infrared radiation (FIR), which in turn helps to increase oxygen levels and blood flow.

Upgrading to this cooling cover costs $195 for a queen mattress. For reference, the Bear Elite that we tested did not have the advanced cooling cover, yet still had fantastic cooling performance.

That being said, if you were concerned with exceptional cooling, opting for this cover could be a great way to improve performance.

Lastly, the Bear Elite has handles on the sides of the mattress that make it easier to rotate or transport it entirely. These handles are sew into the top and bottom stitching of the mattress for a more seamless integration.

The comfort layer is 5.0″ thick, including the quilted cover at the top of the mattress. Beneath the quilted cover, there is a 1.0″ memory foam followed by a 2.0″ poly foam (orange).

These layers work together to provide comfort and transitional support.

The support layer is 9.0″ thick in total. At the top of the support layer is an 8.0″ layer of pocketed coils. These coils are individually encased in fabric, which helps to keep the noise down, reduces motion, and improves support.

At the very base of the mattress is a 1.0″ layer of support foam. This foam’s main job is to support the coils and other materials above. It provides shape, structure, and support to the mattress.

Product Evolution

The Bear Elite Hybrid was launched in February 2022 and originally had a 5-zone comfort system with cut comfort foam.

In July 2025, Bear was acquired by 3Z (which owns Helix, Brooklyn Bedding, Leesa, and other mattress brands). After being acquired Bear’s manufacturing was moved exclusively to 3Z’s factory in Arizona.

In late 2022, the cut contour comfort foam was replaced with a non-cut foam layer.

Between 2023 and 2025 other material, supplier, and design changes were iteratively made to the Bear. However, we do not have a comprehensive list of all of those changes during that time period.

Below you can see the 2022 version we tested vs. the newest version for 2025 (that one tested in this review).

One of the most significant changes is a change to feel. The original Bear Elite we tested in 2022 had a notable memory foam feel. As such, we classified it as a memory foam hybrid. However, changes to the specific foam layers of the newest Bear Elite version have reduced that memory foam feel. As such, it no longer has a notable memory foam feel and we have updated the mattress type classification from “memory foam hybrid” to “hybrid”.

Other Mattresses to Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.