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	9.16	8.52
Price (Queen)	$1,485	$1,515 (Hybrid only)
Cooling – Score	10	8.6
Sinkage – Depth	2.37″	2.25″
Sinkage – Feel	Deep	Moderate
Motion Transfer – Score	8.1	8.2
Motion Transfer – Acceleration	9.20 m/s²	8.79 m/s²
Response Time – Score	8.8	8.8
Response Time – Mostly Recovered	0.3 sec.	0.4 sec.
Response Time – Fully Recovered	1.2 sec.	1.0 sec.
Bounce – Height	7.80″	8.67″
Bounce – Feel	Low	Moderate
Edge Support – Score	9.1	8.7
Edge Support – Sitting	3.75″	3.85″
Edge Support – Lying	Excellent	Good
Sex – Score	8.1	8.2
Pressure Relief – Score	10	8.6
Comfort Layer Thickness	5.75″	4.34″
Mattress Thickness	14.00″	12.30″
Off-Gassing – Score	8.1	7.9
Off-Gassing – Smell	Strong	Strong
Off-Gassing – Days	7 days	8 days
Company – Score	9.4	8.8
Trial	120 nights	192 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 14.00″ hybrid mattress with an overall performance level that is better than average and a price that is also slightly below the average.

Advantages

Specific advantages of the Bear Elite include better cooling performance, faster material response time, better edge support, and exceptional pressure relief.

The Bear Elite has a 5.75″ comfort layer and is 14″ thick. This thicker comfort layer is certainly a contributing factor to the better pressure relief and is especially beneficial for side sleepers.

Neutral Factors

This mattress has deep sinkage and low levels of bounce. Both of these are considered neutral factors since different sleepers have different preferences in these areas.

It’s neither good nor bad, but if you like sleeping “in the mattress”, you are likely to enjoy the encompassing feel of the Bear Elite.

The response time on the Bear Elite is also a bit of a neutral factor since performance is right at the average level.

Disadvantages

Motion transfer levels are just slightly worse than the average level, which could be a slight disadvantage for sensitive sleepers or couples.

The Bear Elite Hybrid has outstanding cooling. During our tests, I did not feel any significant level of heat retention around my body. This mattress uses multiple design elements and materials to improve cooling.

First, we have the hybrid design, which brings more airflow into the mattress. Next, we have copper-infused memory foam, which helps keep heat away from the surface of the mattress.

Lastly, we also have a cover that’s infused with Celliant. Celliant embeds a blend of thermoreactive minerals (including quartz, silicon oxide, and titanium oxide) into the fibers of the cover.

• 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

The cover then absorbs that heat away and reflects back infrared energy, which has been clinically proven to increase blood circulation and tissue oxygenation (source).

Bear Elite is also available with an optional cooling upgrade called CoolForce. Our Bear Elite did not include the CoolForce upgrade. We’ve tested the CoolForce upgrade on one of Bear’s sister brands, Helix (see that test here).

In our tests of that mattress, we did not find the CoolForce upgrade made a substantial cooling impact. In our objective temperature tests, we measured a max surface level temperature of 89.6° F.

This is 0.6° cooler than the average of 90.2° F, based on all of our tests to date.

After getting off the mattress, the temperature declined by 4.0 degrees from minutes 0 to 1, which is 0.8 degrees less cool 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 deep sinkage. During our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 2.37″. This is 0.12″ more sinkage than the average sinkage depth of 2.25″, based on all of our tests to date.

The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.

The mattress creates a balanced body contouring hug. Bear Elite uses a mix of pillow top cover, memory foam, poly foam, and coils to create a balanced feel that most sleepers can enjoy.

While the sinkage depth is slightly more than average, it’s not so deep as to create problems or a polarizing feel. Overall, I found the feel to be even, balanced, and non-polarizing. Most sleepers and all sleeping positions can enjoy this feel.

The Bear Elite Hybrid has a low level of motion transfer. During our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 9.20 m/s². This is 5% more motion transfer than the average of 8.79 m/s².

The Bear Elite’s combination of a thicker-than-average comfort layer, 2.0” of memory foam, and high-quality materials do a nice job at mitigating motion transfer.

The thick comfort layer especially helps to keep bounce below average, which reduces the energy that needs to be mitigated.

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

In our motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we can see the highest motion peaks from 0 to 0.25 seconds.

Motion declines rapidly thereafter. By 0.91 seconds, we’ve returned to near-zero levels of energy, which is 0.01 seconds longer than the average motion duration of 0.90 seconds.

Both motion duration and motion intensity are essentially average. While there is certainly room for improvement, motion transfer at this level has still earned a good score.

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

In our mostly recovered test, we measured a recovery speed of 0.3 seconds, which is 0.12 seconds faster than the average of 0.42 seconds, based on all of our tests to date.

In our fully recovered responsiveness test, we measured a recovery speed of 1.2 seconds, which is 0.18 seconds slower than the average of 1.02 seconds.

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

While most of the materials recover to their full shape essentially instantly, the 2.0” of memory foam within the Bear Elite takes a bit longer to fully recover. This is typical for memory foam.

While the full recovery speed is slightly slower than average, it’s not terrible. Many memory foam mattresses can take 3-5 seconds to fully recover.

All that to say, while a faster material responsiveness speed would improve ease of movement further, these response speeds will be sufficient for most sleepers. I did not feel stuck in this mattress and found it easy to move around on.

The Bear Elite Hybrid has a low level of bounce. During our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 7.80″. This is 0.87″ less bounce than the average of 8.67″, based on all of our tests to date.

The combination of a thicker-than-average comfort layer and 2.0” of memory foam within said comfort layer creates the right conditions that lower bounce. More foam and more memory foam absorb and disperse energy.

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

These foam layers are less resilient and simply don’t return a ton of energy to the surface. As a result, bounce is lower. The lower bounce helps to reduce motion transfer, but it also has a negative impact on sex performance.

As such, there are pros and cons to consider.

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

In our sitting edge support test, we measured a sitting sinkage compression of 3.75″. This is 0.10″ less sitting sinkage than the average of 3.85″, based on all of our tests to date.

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

While lying directly on the edge of the mattress, I felt that the support was excellent in all sleeping positions. This mattress is equipped with reinforced coils that run along the sides of the mattress.

These coils seem to be having a positive effect on both sitting and lying edge support. Notably, these coils are only on the left and right sides of the mattress.

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

There are no reinforced edge coils on the head or foot, which means edge support there is less robust. Even so, with respect to sitting along the sides and sleeping, edge support is excellent.

The Bear Elite Hybrid has good sex performance.

First, let’s talk through the positives, which include perfect 10/10 scores for noise, pressure relief, and cooling. Noise is minimal and both pressure relief and cooling are outstanding, meaning we have a comfortable and quiet surface.

In addition, edge support earned an excellent score with just 3.75” of sitting sinkage compression. It’s not quite at the outstanding level, but it’s more than good enough for most sleepers and extends the usable surface area of the mattress.

The one area the mattress doesn’t earn a great score for is bounce, which we measured at 7.80”. This is lower than average.

Sex Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Rating
Bounce	65%	7.4	Moderate
Edge Support	20%	9.1	Excellent
Noise	5%	10	Minimal
Pressure Relief	5%	10	Outstanding
Cooling	5%	10	Outstanding

When it comes to sex, more bounce is almost always better. The lower bounce makes sex more strenuous and tiring. Overall, sex still earns a good score, but it’s also clear there is significant room for improvement.

The Bear Elite Hybrid has an outstanding level of pressure relief. During our tests, I felt no significant pressure points on my body. Quite the opposite, the mattress is exceedingly comfortable.

The mattress is equipped with 5.75″ of comfort material, which is 1.41″ more comfort material than the average comfort layer thickness of 4.34″, based on all of our tests to date.

Beyond simply having a super thick comfort layer, the foam quality is excellent. As confirmed through our objective densimeter tests and a hands-on analysis of the materials by cutting the mattress open for examination.

This mattress is designed to be enjoyed by the vast majority of sleepers. Bear Elite has a balanced body contouring hug, even feel, and moderate to deep sinkage depth.

Having it available in 3 firmnesses helps with this, as there is a firmness and comfort dynamic that will work well for most.

Pressure Relief (PSI)	Average	Maximum
Side Sleepers	0.10	0.41

Pressure Relief (PSI)	Average	Maximum
Back Sleepers	0.07	0.64

Pressure Relief (PSI)	Average	Maximum
Stomach Sleepers	0.08	0.27

In our objective pressure mapping tests, we measured a max PSI of 0.64, which is well within the 1.0 PSI threshold that I ideally want to see.

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.

The Bear Elite Hybrid had a strong smell upon the initial unboxing. The mattress smelled for 7 days. This is 0.7 days shorter than the average smell duration of 7.7 days.

Bear mattresses come with a 120-night trial period and a lifetime warranty. Shipping and returns are both free.

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 117+ brands tested to date, the average trial period is 192 nights, 72 nights more than Bear offers. While the shorter trial period is not ideal, this mattress is backed by a lifetime warranty, which is longer than average.

Comparatively, the average trial period is 13 years and only 40% of mattresses offer lifetime warranties.

The Bear Elite Hybrid is available in three firmness options—Soft, Medium, and Firm.

Soft Version

We did not test the Soft version, but I would estimate it at a 4.5 out of 10 where 10 is the most firm.

Medium Version

We did test the Medium version personally for this review, and found the mattress to have a medium-firm feel, which is a 6 out of 10.

Firm Version

Finally, I estimate that the Firm version would have a 7.5 rating, which I classify as having a slightly firm feel.

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

Support Factor	Data
Comfort Layer	5.75″
Support Layer	8.25″
Firmness	Soft, Medium-Firm, and Slightly Firm
Body Contour	Balanced
Zoned Support	Yes
Reinforced Edge	Yes

The mattress is equipped with an 8.25″ support layer. This is 0.28″ thicker than the average support layer thickness of 7.97″, based on all of our tests to date.

Mattresses that create the best support for sleepers achieve 2 big requirements. First, they create a neutral spinal alignment, which reduces pressure point build-up. And second, they create sufficient comfort.

Bear Elite meets both requirements without any issues. This mattress is available in 3 firmnesses: soft, medium, and firm. We tested the medium and found it has a medium-firm feel, 6 out of 10 firmness. The vast majority of sleepers will be best supported by the medium version.

That said, if you’re lighter weighted, an exclusive side sleeper, and/or just love a soft feel, then the soft version can work. Likewise, if you’re heavier weighted, an exclusive stomach or back sleeper, and/or you just love a firm feel, then the firm version can work.

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

Medium Version

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

Firm Version

Sleeper Weight	Stomach Sleeper	Side Sleeper	Back Sleeper
Under 150 lbs.	Yes	No	Yes
150-250 lbs.	Yes	No	Yes
250-300 lbs.	Yes	Maybe	Yes

Moving on, I’m well pleased with the material quality and material design. In our densimeter tests, we found foam densities within a reasonably good quality range.

Certainly, they aren’t incredible or the best we’ve seen. Given the price point, I would have liked to have seen at least one of these memory foam layers in the 4.0 PCF range. That said, the coil wire is on the thicker side, with a gauge of 13.5. That thicker wire should help to create better support and longevity.

Lastly, this mattress is equipped with zoned support, meaning it creates targeted support (more or less) for the different parts of your body. Zoned support is great to see, as it can help to improve support and reduce sagging over time (since it has got more support for the heavier parts of the body).

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

The Bear Elite Hybrid is a 14.00″ hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness options—Soft, Medium-Firm, and Slightly Firm. Within the Bear collection, the Elite Hybrid is one of their more luxury-level hybrids.

It has better performance than the Bear Original Hybrid as well as the Bear Pro Hybrid, but would be a step below the Bear Elite Ultra Hybrid.

Design Factor	Data
Type	Hybrid
Thickness	14.00″
Cover Type	Pillow Top
Weight	80 lbs.
Has Handles	Yes
Fiberglass-Free	Yes
Ships in a Box	Yes

This mattress ships in a box, but is fiberglass-free and also has carrying handles on the sides of the mattress, which makes it easier to rotate, move, and setup.

The Bear Elite Hybrid is 14.00″ thick and contains a blend of different foam types, pocketed coils for support, and a pillow top cover. From top to bottom, here is a full list of the materials used in this mattress:

Layer Type	Thickness	Manufacturer’s Specs	Tested Specs
Pillow Top	2.75″	1.50 PCF, 15 ILD	1.56 PCF
Memory Foam	1.00″	2.50 PCF, 10 ILD	2.26 PCF
Memory Foam	1.00″	3.00 PCF, 10 ILD	2.81 PCF
Poly Foam	1.00″	1.80 PCF, 18 ILD	1.67 PCF
Pocketed Coils	8.00″	13.5 Gauge (Head/Foot), 15.5 Gauge (Edge), 14.5 Gauge (Center)	13.5 Gauge (Head/Foot), 15.5 Gauge (Edge)
Support Foam	0.25″	1.40 PCF, 35 ILD	1.53 PCF

The Bear Elite Hybrid has a 2.75″ pillow top cover. There are two different covers offered with this mattress. The standard cover is a Celliant Infrared cover, which has a diamond-stitching pattern and a soft finish.

Celliant works by using thermoreactive 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.

For even better cooling, you can also upgrade to a cooling cover that adds a CoolForce layer, which is designed to improve cooling.

That being said, our Bear Elite did not include the CoolForce upgrade, yet still earned a 10/10 cooling performance score. We’ve tested the CoolForce upgrade on one of Bear’s sister brands, Helix (see that test here). In our tests of the Helix we weren’t overly impressed with the CoolForce upgrade.

The comfort layer is 5.75″ thick, including the pillow top cover at the top of the mattress. Beneath the cover, there are three layers of foam.

Directly below the cover, there is a 1.0″ memory foam (yellow speckled foam), followed by a secondary 1.0″ memory foam (gray foam), and lastly a 1.0″ poly foam (pink foam).

These layers work together to provide comfort and transitional support.

The support layer is 8.25″ thick and made of an 8.0″ pocketed coil system. 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 0.25″ 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. To date, we have tested three different versions of this mattress.

What Changed?

In July 2022, 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.

Lastly, let’s talk about the mattress 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

Not sure if the Bear Elite Hybrid is the right pick for you? Check out these three other top-rated hybrid mattresses for alternatives you may want 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.