Best For
- Great cooling performance
- Below-average price point, only $1099 for a queen mattress
- Great pressure relief, 13″ total thickness
Considerations
- Slower material response time
- Low bounce isn’t ideal for sex
- Deep sinkage may not be ideal for all sleepers
Our Verdict
The Glacier Summit mattress is a 13″ memory foam hybrid made of memory foam, transitional poly foam, and a pocketed coil base, all wrapped within a 1.0″ quilted cover.
This mattress has deep sinkage and low levels of bounce, providing a very engaging mattress with a more dramatic contour.
It is available in a single firmness, 6 out of 10, giving the mattress a medium-firm feel.
In our performance tests, the Glacier Summit earned an overall score of 8.94, ranking the mattress in the top 24% of all mattresses tested to date.
The Summit costs $1,099 for a queen mattress, coming in 28% less expensive than the average memory foam hybrid. It is an attractive option for sleepers on a budget who still want good performance. For better performance, check out their top-tier Glacier Apex. For a more budget-friendly hybrid, check out the Glacier Original.
Type: Memory Foam Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Best For: All Sleeping Positions, All Body Weights
In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs
Performance Tests
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 that test and compare to every mattress we’ve tested to date.
Check out the full performance table below to see how this mattress ranks:
| Factor | Glacier Summit | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.94 | 8.55 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,099 | $1,532 (Memory Foam Hybrid only) |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 | 8.6 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.32″ | 2.15″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 6.77 m/s² | 8.74 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 8.4 | 8.9 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.4 sec. | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.2 sec. | 1.0 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 7.35″ | 9.37″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Low | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.1 | 8.6 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.50″ | 4.06″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding | Good |
| Sex – Score | 7.6 | 8.4 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 | 8.7 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 5.0″ | 4.1″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 13″ | 12.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.9 | 8.2 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 4 days | 6 days |
| Company – Score | 10 | 8.6 |
| Trial | 365 nights | 177 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 26% have lifetime warranties, average of other 74% of mattresses is 13 years |
How is Glacier Summit Different?
The Glacier Summit is a memory foam hybrid mattress with an overall performance that is better than average as well as a price that is less than average. If you’re looking for a great value, this is exactly the balance we like to see.
Advantages
Specific advantages include better cooling performance, lower levels of motion transfer, and better edge support. The mattress is 13″ thick, 1″ thicker than average, which also contributes to the impressive pressure relief.
Off-gassing is faster than average, by 2 full days, and the trial and warranty are longer than average as well.
Neutral Factors
The Summit has deep sinkage and low levels of bounce. These are considered neutral factors since different sleepers may have different preferences in these areas.
Disadvantages
Disadvantages of the Glacier Summit include a slower material response time and worse sex performance. Sex performance is strongly linked to bounce levels and edge support (which makes up 80% of this score). Since the Summit has low levels of bounce, worse sex performance is to be expected from this mattress.
Cooling Test
The Glacier Summit has excellent cooling. During our tests, I did not feel any significant level of heat retention around my body.
Baseline Temp.
77.9° F
Max Temp.
90.4° F
Ending Temp.
81.5° F
The mattress cover has a notable cooling feel. The Summit uses the same cooling cover as the more expensive Glacier Apex model. Both the Summit and Apex models had notably better cooling than the less expensive Glacier Original.
The mattress has a number of cooling advantages going for it, including the cooling cover, hybrid design, gel memory foam, and the general high quality of all foam layers.
Max Temp.
Ending Temp
- 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
In our objective temperature tests, we measured a max surface level temperature of 90.4° F. This is 0.7° more than the average of 89.7° F, based on all of our tests to date.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
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 excellent.
Sinkage Test
The Glacier Summit has deep sinkage. During our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 2.32″. This is 0.17″ more sinkage than the average sinkage depth of 2.15″, based on all of our tests to date.
Sinkage Depth
2.32″
Sinkage Feel
Deep
The mattress creates a more significant and notable body contouring hug. However, because of the ratio of poly foam to memory foam, the hug isn’t excessive or extreme. I never felt stuck in the mattress or overly enveloped.
The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.
The mattress is still highly responsive, so it’s easy to move around on and change positions during the night.
While the Summit technically falls within the “deep” tier on our sinkage scale, it only slipped into that threshold by 0.02”. Deep sinkage ranges from 2.30″ to 2.59”, while moderate sinkage ranges from 2.00 to 2.29”.
Motion Transfer Test
The Glacier Summit has a very low level of motion transfer. During our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 6.77 m/s². This is 23% less motion transfer than the average of 8.74 m/s².
Max. Acceleration
2.98 m/s²
Min. Acceleration
-3.79 m/s²
Accel. Range
6.77 m/s²
The Summit has several factors helping to reduce motion transfer, but certainly the most significant is the lower level of bounce. At 7.35” of total bounce, the mattress has notably less bounce than average.
This lower bounce simply means there is less energy being returned by movements on the mattress, which means less motion transfer.
The level of motion transfer is also documented in the video below.
The thick 5.0” comfort layer and 2.0” memory foam layer are both working together to greatly reduce bounce and therefore motion, on the mattress.
In our motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we can see the highest motion peaks from 0 to 0.15 seconds. Motion drops down notably thereafter and by 0.80 seconds we return to near-zero levels of energy.
Overall, I’m pleased with the level of motion. Motion intensity is well below average and while motion duration is a bit longer than is ideal, the majority of motion is dispersed very quickly. I don’t expect motion transfer will be a problem for most sleepers.
Response Test
The Glacier Summit is a mixed bag for material responsiveness, with a fast mostly recovered response time and a moderate fully recovered response time.
Mostly Recovered
0.4 sec.
Complete Recovery
1.2 sec.
In our mostly recovered test, we measured a recovery speed of 0.4 seconds, which is 0.02 seconds faster than the average of 0.42 seconds, based on all of our tests to date.
The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.
In our fully recovered responsiveness test, we measured a recovery speed of 1.2 seconds, which is 0.24 seconds slower than the average of 0.96 seconds.
The mattress uses a 2.0” gel memory foam layer, which creates more contour and hug, but also has a slower material responsiveness.
It’s this specific gel memory foam layer that’s taking a bit longer to fully reform back to its original shape. The poly foam layers and coil unit within the mattress return to shape effectively instantly.
Ideally, we always want to see faster responsiveness. While the fully recovered time is slower than average, it’s nothing that’s terribly concerning. The mattress still remains easy to move around on and avoids any type of a stuck feeling.
Bounce Test
The Glacier Summit has a low level of bounce. During our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 7.35″. This is 2.06″ less bounce than the average of 9.41″, based on all of our tests to date.
Max. Depth
5.12″
Max. Rebound
2.23″
Total Bounce
7.35″
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max Bounce Height
The thick 5.0” foam comfort layer, in combination with the 2.0” gel memory foam, are both significant factors in reducing bounce.
These foam layers greatly absorb and disperse much of the energy, which results in less bounce.
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
That lower bounce means that motion transfer is notably lower, which we objectively confirmed with our motion transfer accelerometer tests. However, it also means that sex performance is significantly negatively impacted.
Edge Support Test
The Glacier Summit has good sitting edge support and outstanding lying edge support. In our sitting edge support test, we measured a sitting sinkage compression of 4.50″. This is 0.45″ more sitting sinkage than the average of 4.05″, based on all of our tests to date.
Max Sinkage
4.50″
Lying Support
Outstanding
While sitting directly on the edge I felt well supported and there was no collapse of materials. Certainly, sitting edge support could have been better, but at this price point it’s really hard to complain too much.
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
Lying edge support was more impressive. While lying directly on the edge of the mattress, I felt that the support was outstanding in all sleeping positions.
The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.
Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.
Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.
The Glacier Summit uses two rows of reinforced coils that run along the left and right sides of the mattress. These types of coils are typical in many types of hybrid mattresses, however, the quality and performance of these particular coils are notably better than average.
Given the price point, it makes the edge support performance all the more impressive. Notably, the mattress does not have reinforced edge support coils on the head or foot, so of course edge support there isn’t going to be as robust.
While it would be preferable to have a full perimeter of edge support coils, only having them on the sides of the mattress does help to keep the cost lower.
Sex Test
The Glacier Summit has fair sex performance. On the positive side, noise is minimal and both pressure relief and cooling is excellent.
| Sex Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | 65% | 7.1 | Moderate |
| Edge Support | 20% | 8.1 | Good |
| Noise | 5% | 10 | Minimal |
| Pressure Relief | 5% | 9.0 | Excellent |
| Cooling | 5% | 9.0 | Excellent |
In the middle, we have edge support, which earned a good score, albeit, one that certainly isn’t amazing either. At 4.50” of sitting sinkage compression it’s certainly more sinkage at the edge than we’d like to see.
That extra edge sinkage limits the usable surface area for amorous activities.
On the not-so-good side of things we have bounce at just 7.35”. This is notably lower than the average and is the greatest single factor that limits the sex performance on the mattress.
Pressure Relief Test
The Glacier Summit has an excellent level of pressure relief. During our tests, I felt no significant level of pressure points anywhere on my body. The mattress is comfortable, relieves pressure, and just feels great to lie on.
Comfort Layer
5.0″
Support Layer
8.0″
The Summit is equipped with 5.0″ of comfort material, including a 1.0” quilted cover, 2.0” gel memory foam, and a 2.0” poly foam layer.
The Glacier Summit has 0.84″ more comfort material than the average comfort layer thickness of 4.16″, based on all of our tests to date. That extra comfort material, in combination with the excellent foam quality, is a big reason the mattress is able to create ample pressure relief.
In our pressure mapping tests, we measured a max PSI of 1.31 while on my side, with back and stomach sleeping PSI coming in at 1.02 and 1.06, respectively.
A PSI of 2.0 is considered a high pressure point and the Glacier Summit was well south of that benchmark in all sleeping positions.
When I consider the 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 excellent.
Pressure Map – Side Sleepers
| Pressure Relief (PSI) | Average | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | 0.18 | 1.31 |
Pressure Map – Back Sleepers
| Pressure Relief (PSI) | Average | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Back Sleepers | 0.11 | 1.02 |
Pressure Map – Stomach Sleepers
| Pressure Relief (PSI) | Average | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Sleepers | 0.10 | 1.06 |
Off-Gassing Test
The Glacier Summit had a strong smell upon the initial unboxing. The mattress smelled for 4 days. This is 2.4 days less than the average of 6.4 days.
Initial Smell Strength
Strong
Off-Gassing Period
4 days
The mattress has a pretty typical memory foam and polyurethane foam type of a smell. While it was strong initially the smell dissipated quickly.
Company
The Glacier Summit comes with a 365-night trial period and a lifetime warranty. Shipping and returns are both free. Overall, this checks pretty much all of the boxes we look for in a good company.
| Company Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Period | 15% | 10 | 365 nights |
| Warranty | 10% | 10 | Lifetime |
| Shipping | 5% | 10 | $0 |
| Returns | 20% | 10 | $0 |
| Trust | 50% | 10 | Outstanding |
| Country of Origin | 0% | USA |
For reference, the average trial period is 177 nights, so Glacier provides an additional 188 nights to decide if it’s the right pick for you. The lifetime warranty is also longer than the 13-year average.
Considering all mattresses tested to date, only 26% of mattresses offer a lifetime warranty.
How firm is Glacier Summit?
The Glacier Summit is available in a single firmness, 6 out of 10, giving the mattress a medium-firm feel.
Support & Sleeping Positions
Support on the Glacier Summit is excellent. During our tests, I felt well-supported in all sleeping positions.
The mattress is equipped with an 8.0″ support layer. This is 0.13″ thicker than the average support layer thickness of 7.87″, based on all of our tests to date.
Equally importantly, the mattress also has a 5.0″ comfort layer. That extra thick comfort layer provides extra pressure relief, which enables you to stay comfortable in the same sleeping position.
Check out the table below to see the sleeper weights and sleeping positions that would be best suited for this mattress.
| 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 mattress has zoned support with a reinforced quilted cover with extra lumbar support and an extra foam layer between the first poly foam layer and quilted cover. Zonal support helps provide extra support where most sleepers carry most of their weight.
It’s less common to see zoned support layers in mattresses at this price point, so I was pleasantly surprised to find it here.
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 Glacier Summit is excellent.
Design
The Glacier Summit is designed as Glacier’s mid-tier mattress option, between the budget Glacier Original and the higher-performing Glacier Apex.
Type
Memory Foam Hybrid
Thickness
13″
Firmness
6
It is a 13″ memory foam hybrid, 1.0″ thinner than the 14″ Glacier Apex. This mattress would be a good option for value conscious sleepers who are looking for good bang for their buck.
Materials
The Summit contains a mix of foam and coils. In total, there are four layers—from top to bottom, the layers include:
- 1.0” quilted cover
- 2.0” memory foam
- 2.0” poly foam
- 8.0” pocketed coils
The Law Tag outlines the full breakdown of materials included in this mattress.
- Materials
- 17% polyurethane foam
- 67% viscoelastic poly foam
- 8% resinated textile pad
- 8% blended fiber batting
- 75% rayon
- 25% polyester
- New innerspring unit
- Made By: I.S.P. 3535 West 47th Street Chicago, Illinois 60632
- Date of Delivery: 10/28/24
- Finished Size: 60 x 80
- Made in USA
- Manufactured By: I.S.P. 3535 West 47th Street Chicago, Illinois 60632
- Date of Manufacture: 10/2024
- Model: 243M-5R
The Cover
The cover of the Glacier Summit is a 1.0″ quilted cooling cover that is cool to the touch and designed to limit heat retention and wick moisture away.
It has a scalloped stitching pattern where stitching along the center part of the mattress is closer together. Where this stitching pattern is close together, there is a supplemental layer of graphite-infused memory foam.
This quilting / stitching pattern, in combination with the additional layer of memory foam, helps to create modestly better support and durability in the center of the mattress.
The Comfort Layer
The comfort layer includes two main layers of foam. Directly beneath the quilted cover is a 2.0″ gel-infused memory foam designed for cooling without giving up the contour and hug of traditional memory foam.
The second layer is a 2.0″ poly foam. This layer serves as a transitional layer between comfort materials and the pocketed coil support layer below.
The Support Layer
The support layer is an 8.0″ layer of pocketed coils. Coils located at the left and right edge of the mattress are reinforced to be strong and more supportive, improving edge support when sitting on the sides of the mattress.
For reference, reinforced coils are wrapped in a blue fabric, and standard coils are wrapped in white.
Product Evolution
The Glacier Summit was released in 2024. Since it hit the mattress market, the Apex has not undergone any notable changes to materials or overall design.
Other Mattresses to Consider
Not sure if the Glacier Summit is the right pick for you? Check out these three other top-rated memory foam hybrids for high-performing alternatives you may want to consider.
For Performance
Glacier Apex
9.27 Overall Score
The Glacier Apex is a higher-performing memory foam hybrid from Glacier, but it also has a higher price tag by $200. The Apex outperforms the Summit in three testing categories (cooling, motion transfer, and edge support). It is has a similar medium-firm feel (6 out of 10, but is also 1.0″ thicker and with less sinkage than the Summit.
For Bounce
Bear Star Hybrid
8.92 Overall Score
The Bear Star Hybrid is the more budget-conscious memory foam hybrid from Bear (compared to the top-tier Bear Elite Hybrid). The Star Hybrid has very deep sinkage and moderate levels of bounce. It is 13″ thick and has a price tag of $1399 for a queen mattress. If you’re looking for more bounce and more supportive edges, Bear is a great option to consider.
For More Sinkage
Nectar Hybrid Luxe
8.76 Overall Score
The Nectar Hybrid Luxe is a 13.5″ memory foam hybrid with very deep sinkage and low levels of bounce. It has solid performance across the board and a price of $1399, $200 more than the Summit. Compared to Glacier, this Nectar has a faster material response time, and better pressure relief, but also worse edge support (5.75″ of sinkage compared to 4.50″ on the Summit).
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Glacier Summit mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.
Here are the current prices, with any sales or promotions reflected below:
Twin: $799
Twin XL: $949
Full: $1099
Queen: $1099
King: $1299
Cal. King: $1299
*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.
The Glacier Summit and Apex are both memory foam hybrids with above-average performance. The Summit is 13″ thick and the Apex is 14″ thick. The Apex also has better overall performance (9.27) as well as a higher price tag ($1399 for a queen mattress).
