Bear Star 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 comfort and feel of the mattress. Testing categories include:

Test	Rating
Cooling	Excellent
Sinkage	Very Deep
Motion Transfer	Low
Response Time	Extremely Fast
Bounce	Moderate
Edge Support	Exceptional
Sex	Excellent
Pressure Relief	Excellent
Off-Gassing	Excellent
Company	Excellent

How is Bear Star Hybrid Different?

The Bear Star Hybrid has above-average performance as well as a price that is below the average—a savings of 10% (over $140 less than average). Comparing all mattresses tested to date (over 178+), the Bear Star Hybrid scores in the top 25%.

Advantages

The Bear Star Hybrid has above-average cooling performance, slightly less motion transfer than average, better edge support, and a thicker mattress profile (13″ compared to the average of 11.9″).

Neutral Factors

Sinkage on the Bear Star is 23% deeper than average and bounce is 6% less than average. These two factors are more preferential than anything else, as different sleepers will find they prefer a different feel.

These factors are rarely good vs. bad unless they fall at the extremes. (Ex: Too deep of sinkage can sometimes be a sign of poor support or too much bounce can lead to motion transfer issues, etc.).

Disadvantages

Looking at the performance categories we test for, there are no real disadvantages to the Bear Star Hybrid. Unless you specifically don’t like deep sinkage, want more / less bounce, or want a longer trial, the Bear Star Hybrid is a fantastic value hybrid

Factor	Bear Star Hybrid	Average
Overall	9.66	9.52
Price	$1,299	$1,443 (Memory Foam Hybrid only)
Cooling	9.5	9.4
Max Sinkage	2.69″	2.18″
Total Motion Transfer	8.28 m/s²	8.34 m/s²
Response Time	0.3 sec.	0.4 sec.
Total Bounce	9.05″	9.62″
Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage	3.00″	4.14″
Mattress Thickness	13.0″	11.9″
Sex Overall	9.7	9.6
Comfort Material	4.0″	4.2″
Off-Gassing – Smell	Strong	Strong
Off-Gassing – Days	5 days	5 days
Trial	120 nights	165 nights
Warranty	Lifetime	27% have lifetime warranties, average of other 73% of mattresses is 14 years

Cooling performance on the Bear Star Hybrid mattress was excellent. In our cooling tests, I felt cool for the duration of the test.

In 2023, the Bear Star Hybrid got a bit of a facelift, which included a new look and plush, quilted cover. This cover uses Celliant fibers, which helps improve cooling performance and enhance sleeper blood flow.

• 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 little bit of heat retention that the Bear Star Hybrid experiences is likely coming from the top 1.0” layer of memory foam. Memory foam (even copper-infused) compared to other types of foam generally retains more heat.

Heat Dissipation Over Time

There is a significant drop in surface-level temperature from the 0 to 1-minute mark, a decline of 7.4°F. That’s notably better than the average 1-minute decline, which is 4.0°F. This rapid heat dissipation speaks to a mattress that has a high degree of breathability.

As you move and change positions during the night there should not be any significant widespread heat retention problems.

The heat dissipation curve from 0 minute to 5 minutes was less dramatic, but still decreased the surface temp by 11.7°F. Overall, I think the cooling performance on the Bear Star Hybrid is excellent.

In our tests, we measured 2.69” of sinkage on the Bear Star Hybrid mattress.

This is 0.49″ more than the average sinkage across all mattresses we’ve tested to date, which is 2.22”.

The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.

I would describe the Bear’s 2.69” sinkage as a very deep.

This extra sinkage is a direct result of the new quilted cover on the Bear Star Hybrid (as the original cover only created 2.19″ of sinkage).

Despite the deeper sinkage, I did not note excess heat retention, hug, or the feeling of being “stuck”.

The Bear Star Hybrid mattress has a low to moderate level of motion transfer. In our tests, we measured an acceleration range of 8.28 m/s^².

This is slightly less than the average across all mattresses we’ve tested to date, which is 8.33 m/s². Ideally, I like to see mattresses with 5.0 m/s² of acceleration range or less.

However, less is always better when it comes to motion transfer.

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

It’s unsurprising that the Bear Star Hybrid has a little more motion transfer than others. It’s a hybrid mattress, quite supportive, medium-firm feel, and only uses 1.0” of memory foam on top.

Even with the quilted, plush cover, it’s just not really enough to keep motion transfer at a lower level.

This combination of factors is almost always going to result in greater motion. I wouldn’t describe the motion transfer as unreasonably high.

However, it’s certainly more motion transfer than many others.

If you need a mattress with ultra-low motion transfer (so you won’t disturb your partner) then you may want to opt for a different mattress.

Among the best hybrid mattresses, we’ve tested when it comes to low motion transfer, include the Purple (2.23 m/s²), Layla Hybrid (2.39 m/s²), Nest Bedding Quail (3.61 m/s²).

Looking at our motion transfer chart (which visualizes the accelerometer data), we can see that most of the energy peaks by 0.15 seconds. There is still a moderate level of motion on the mattress up until 0.8 seconds. After 0.8 seconds energy returns to near zero levels.

The motion transfer chart further reinforces the fact that the Bear Star Hybrid has a higher level of motion transfer.

The response time on the Bear Star Hybrid mattress was fast, though not the fastest we’ve tested.

In our tests, we measured a mostly recovered response time of 0.3 seconds, with a full material recovery taking 1.8 seconds.

Since it’s able to mostly recover within 0.3 seconds it earned a 10 score. That said, I am a little concerned by the 1.8 seconds for a full material recovery.

Slower responding foam can make some sleepers feel stuck in the mattress and make it harder to move around.

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

On average, based on all of our mattress tests to date, we see mattresses mostly recover by 0.45 seconds and fully recovered by 0.89 seconds.

As a result, the Bear Star Hybrid is slightly better than the average for mostly recovered, but considerably lagging behind for a full material recovery.

The top layers of memory foam in the Bear Star Hybrid seem to be the materials taking the longest to recover. In the response time video, you can see just how long it takes for those foams to release their contours and return to their original shape.

All of that said, while the response times aren’t the fastest, they aren’t overly slow. This is more of a preferential factor. For sleepers who don’t mind a slightly more traditional memory foam response time, this isn’t an issue.

However, if you want a faster response and easier time moving around on the mattress you may want to look for a different mattress.

Ghostbed’s Luxe, Leesa’s Legend, and the Winkbed are all hybrid mattresses with a mostly recovered response time of 0.2 seconds and a fully recovered time of 0.3 seconds.

The Bear Star Hybrid mattress has a moderate level of bounce. We measured a total bounce height of 9.05”.

This is slightly less than the average bounce height across all mattresses we’ve tested to date, which is 9.62”. Given the hybrid design, I expected to see a bit more bounce, but the quilted cover really helps to absorb that bounce rate.

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

When we tested the Bear Star Hybrid with the original thin cover, we noted a measured a bounce of 11.38″, a total of 2.33″ more bounce than the quilted cover.

Edge support on the Bear Star Hybrid mattress was excellent. In our sitting edge support tests, we measured a maximum sitting sinkage of 3.0”.

This is notably better than the average sitting compression, which is 4.32”.

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

Ideally, I like to see mattresses that have 4.0” or less, and the Bear Star Hybrid exceeds that mark with flying colors. You can see in the photographs how well the mattress supports you, even when sitting directly on the edge.

The level of edge support while lying is equally as impressive, as documented in the images below.

I felt well-supported while lying on the absolute edges. Even with the weighted vest, the support was still adequate and I did not feel the sensation of feeling like I was about to roll out of bed.

For most sleepers, the edge support performance while lying should be more than sufficient.

The best mattresses for sex have high bounce, good edge support, quiet materials, and good pressure relief and cooling.

These 5 factors make up the NapLab sex performance score.

Sex Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Rating
Bounce	60%	9.8	Moderate
Edge Support	20%	10	Exceptional
Noise	10%	9	Moderate
Pressure Relief	5%	9.5	Excellent
Cooling	5%	9.5	Excellent

For the Bear Star Hybrid mattress, these individual factors generated a sex score of 9.7.

This is a great score and given its performance scores above, I wasn’t all that surprised. The Bear Star Hybrid has a nice degree of bounce, excellent edge support, good pressure relief, and good cooling.

The coils do give this score a small hit via extra noise, but nothing significant. If you’re looking for a mattress that offers a nice balance of features that make for better sex, the Bear Star Hybrid checks almost all of the boxes you could want.

The Bear Star Hybrid has excellent pressure relief. It does a nice job of allowing for more sinkage in the hips and midsection, while still providing support and pressure relief on the upper and lower body.

The top layer of memory foam creates a higher degree of contour and hug, however, it’s relatively thin. As a result, the level of the total contour is restrained.

This gives the mattress a more traditional feel, as opposed to the dramatic contour you’d experience on 100% memory foam mattresses or other hybrids with significantly thicker memory foam layers.

The level of smell right out of the box was moderate. Enough to be noticeable for sure, but nothing overly concerning. The smell did linger for a little longer than expected.

Generally, a moderate level of smell can be expected to be gone within just a couple of days.

However, the smell remained for 5 days before dissipating.

On average, across all mattresses we’ve tested to date, we see that mattresses off-gas in 3.64 days.

All that said, for most sleepers, this should be a non-issue. If you are particularly sensitive to strong odors I would recommend letting the mattress air out a few days before sleeping on it. Otherwise, there’s no reason it won’t be ready to sleep on the first night.

The company score takes a look at factors that may influence your experience with the mattress.

Factors include length of the trial period, warranty, shipping / return costs, and country of origin.

Company Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Data
Trial Period	25%	9.0	120 nights
Warranty	25%	10	Lifetime
Shipping	25%	10	$0
Returns	25%	10	$0
Country of Origin	0%		USA

The Bear company score was great. Essentially all terms and policies are consumer-friendly and better than what we usually see.

How long is the trial?

The trial is 120 nights. If you ultimately decide that it’s not right, you can return the mattress for a full refund and free shipping both ways.

How long is the warranty?

On top of that, Bear also offers a lifetime warranty in case the mattress fails years after your purchase. This is a great policy and helps unsure buyers purchase with confidence.

Bear is made in the USA, with factories in Illinois, Mississippi, and California.

The Bear Star Hybrid mattress is around a 6 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm. I would say this is an appropriate firmness for most sleepers. It is firm enough to support most weights, but not too firm to be uncomfortable.

This would also apply to sleeping positions, which we go more in-depth on below.

Based on all of the surveys and data I’ve seen over the years, most sleepers prefer a firmness in the 5-7 range. So the Bear Star Hybrid is right in the sweet spot.

During our tests, I found the support to be fantastic. The Bear Star Hybrid does an excellent job at creating a suitable level of pressure relief while keeping the spine in alignment. I tested the mattress on my back, side, and stomach. In all 3 positions, the mattress provided great support.

Weight and Sleeping Position

Depending on your sleeping position (as well as your body weight) you may find that some mattresses are better suited for your needs. Falling in the middle of the firmness scale, we found the Bear Star Hybrid to be pretty accommodating for almost all sleepers.

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

The exception to this rule would be sleepers that fall outside of this table. For example, sleepers lighter than 100 lbs. or heavier than 300 lbs. may not feel ideal on this mattress.

For ultra-lightweight (100 pounds or less) sleepers, the Bear Star Hybrid may be too firm. This would be especially true for side sleepers.

For heavier-weighted (300+ pounds) sleepers, the Bear Star Hybrid may not provide sufficient support.

If you weigh less than 100 pounds (especially if you’re a side sleeper), you may want to consider a slightly softer feel and/or a mattress with a thick quilted cover. Both of these will help to improve pressure relief for both lighter and heavier-weight bodies. Loom and Leaf, Nest Bedding Sparrow (soft or medium), and Bear Elite Hybrid (soft version) are all good options.

If you weigh more than 300 pounds take a look at the Bear Elite Hybrid (firm), Winkbed Plus, Saatva HD, and Titan mattresses. All of which are designed to better support heavier weights.

Design

Performance tests aside, let’s talk about the overall design of the Bear Star Hybrid. Being a hybrid, the Bear is made of a combination of foam and coils.

The Bear Star Hybrid has a plush, quilted cover with a blend of memory foam and poly foam followed by pocketed coils and a support foam base.

It’s the combination of foam and coils that allows the mattress to have good hug and contour, balanced with a faster response time and great bounce.

Materials

You can see a more detailed breakdown of the materials below.

• 1.0″ quilted cover
• 1.0″ memory foam
• 1.0″ poly foam
• 8.0″ pocketed coils
• 1.0″ support foam

January 23, 2024 Update – A NapLab reader recently purchased a Bear Star and noticed that there was no 1.0″ support foam on the base of the mattress. Bear confirmed that the 1.0″ support foam has been reduced to a 0.25″ support foam. We have not tested this updated mattress.

The Cover

The quilted cover has a plush feel and is a blend of cotton and other materials designed for better cooling and heat dissipation. It has Celliant fibers throughout the cover, which is a synthetic material that promotes improved cooling.

The sides of the Bear Star Hybrid use a contrasting fabric as well as a blue accent gusset for breathability. Woven handles on each side of the mattress make it easier to move the mattress as well.

The Comfort Layer

The main comfort layer includes two layers of foam. From top to bottom, these layers break down as follows:

1. Copper-Infused Memory Foam
2. Transitional Poly Foam

Below the comfort memory foam is a transitional poly foam. This layer helps to ease the transition between the comfort material and the support layer below.

The Support Layer

The support layer is divided into two materials—pocketed coils and high-density foam. Pocketed coils make up 8.0″ of the support layer and are individually encased in a thin fabric that allows them to move independently and with less noise than a classic innerspring mattress.

Below the pocketed coils is a thin layer of support foam. Being below the coils, the main job of this foam is to simply support the coils and other materials above.

Product Evolution

The Bear Star Hybrid mattress was first launched in 2018 as a part of a larger collection by Bear, also including a 100% foam mattress.

In this initial launch, it was named the Bear Hybrid, but in early 2023, the mattress was renamed. This renaming effort helps to distinguish the mattress from other hybrid mattresses that had been added to the Bear collection.

Other changes since its launch, include:

1. Feran Ice fabric into the cover
2. Copper-infused memory foam
3. Handles on the side

In 2023, the Bear Star Hybrid received a new plush, quilted cover. The new cover had the following effects on the mattress:

• Cooling: Comparable results
• Sinkage: 0.5″ deeper sinkage
• Motion Transfer: 25% more motion transfer
• Response: Comparable
• Bounce: 20% less bounce
• Off-gassing: Slightly stronger smell at unboxing, same 5-day off-gassing period

Other Mattresses to Consider

Still not sure if the Bear Star Hybrid is right for you? Check out some of our other top recommendations below for other mattresses to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

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