When they are first unwrapped and start to decompress, many new mattresses produce an odor through a process called off-gassing. The Bear Elite Hybrid undergoes a modest amount of off-gassing, most likely due to the foam layers in the comfort system of the bed.
Off-gassing is harmless, but it can be irritating if you’re sensitive to strong odors. Additionally, certain materials like synthetic foams are more prone to off-gassing. The hybrid construction of the Bear Elite Hybrid features less foam than all-foam mattresses. It also allows for significant airflow through the layers of the mattress. As a result, the odor dissolves relatively quickly after unboxing.
When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Products or services may be offered by an affiliated entity. Learn more.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Review – Test Lab Ratings
Senior Product Editor
Methodology
Up-to-Date
35% off + 2 free pillows at Bear. Code: SF35
Price Range: $1,231 – $2,548
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness Options: Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Ratings Summary
Motion Isolation
7/10
Edge Support
7.5/10
Temperature Control
7/10
Ease of Movement
6.5/10
Off Gassing
7/10
Pressure Relief
8/10
Pros & Cons:
-
Foam and coils balance cushioning and support
-
Three firmness options available
-
Cooling features help minimize heat retention
-
14-inch profile may be too tall for some sleepers
-
Other hybrids may offer better edge support
-
Free returns are limited to one per household
Established in 2014, Bear is a mattress manufacturer based in the U.S. that offers high-quality beds and sleep accessories. Bear Mattress introduced the Bear Elite Hybrid in 2022, adding a luxury model to the company’s growing mattress line.
In addition to the Bear Elite Hybrid, Bear Mattress offers a small but comprehensive collection of mattresses. Crafted to suit a wide range of budgets and comfort preferences, the Bear Mattress line includes:
The Bear Star Hybrid: A mid-range hybrid mattress
The Bear Pro Hybrid: A cooling hybrid mattress with copper-infused and gel-infused foam layers
The Bear Mattress: An affordable three-layer all-foam model
We’ll discuss what makes the Bear Elite model stand out, as well as its construction and performance. We’ll also cover pricing and Bear’s customer service policies.
The Bear Elite Hybrid comes in three different firmness levels. Luxury plush corresponds to a medium (5) firmness on our 1-10 firmness scale. The luxury firm corresponds to a medium firm (6), and the extra firm corresponds to a firm (8).
| Choose Luxury Plush if: | Choose Luxury Firm if: | Choose Extra Firm if: |
|---|---|---|
| – you weigh under 130 pounds or prefer a softer sleep surface. | – you weigh under 230 pounds, sleep on your back or side, or like a balance of support and cushioning. | – you weigh over 230 pounds, sleep on your stomach, or enjoy a firmer sleep surface. |
Bear Elite Hybrid Video Review
Sleeping Style and Body Weight
Bear Elite Hybrid – Luxury Plush
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers
Bear Elite Hybrid – Luxury Firm
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers
Bear Elite Hybrid – Firm
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers
Side Sleepers
Side sleeping is the most popular sleep position. However, this sleep position places a great deal of pressure on the hips and shoulders. Without the right level of cushioning, side sleepers are prone to developing painful pressure points.
The Bear Elite Hybrid does an excellent job of providing pressure relief for the hips and shoulders. The bed’s memory foam and zoned polyfoam comfort layers contour and cushion the hips and shoulders while supporting the back. Combined with the substantial layer of pocketed coils, the Bear Elite Hybrid feels supple yet supportive while preventing sleepers from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
With three firmness levels to choose from, the Bear Elite Hybrid works well for side sleepers of all body weights. The softer feel of the luxury plush option is best for side sleepers under 130 pounds, and the luxury firm works well for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. The extra firm model provides added support for side sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers require a mattress that supports the lower back. Without proper support, the lower back can sag into the mattress. This disrupts the natural curvature of the spine and may cause back pain. The Bear Elite Hybrid works well for all types of sleepers but may be most comfortable for back sleepers.
The Bear Elite’s design delivers good support to the lumbar region. The bed’s two-layer comfort system also offers targeted support to the lower back while cushioning key pressure points.
Overall, the Bear Elite Hybrid is a comfortable sleep surface for back sleepers of all weights. Our sleep testers found that the luxury plush option is best suited for back sleepers under 130 pounds. However, the luxury firm and extra firm models offered versatile comfort, making them good choices for back sleeping couples who have a large weight gap.
Stomach Sleepers
Of all sleepers, stomach sleepers usually require the most support since sagging around the midsection can throw the spine out of alignment and strain the lower back. The Bear Elite Hybrid does a good job of supporting stomach sleepers, regardless of body weight.
The combination of contouring memory foam and responsive support from the pocketed coils works well for most stomach sleepers. This design allows the Bear Elite Hybrid to relieve pressure at the hips and shoulders while supporting the midsection. The extra firm option performed the best for stomach sleepers of all body weights.
Mattress Performance
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Coupon
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
35% off + 2 free pillows at Bear. Code: SF35
Bear Elite Hybrid Review Breakdown
The Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress is a high-end mattress with zoned support and a cooling design. Bear offers the Elite Hybrid in three firmness options: medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) to suit a wide range of sleepers.
The cover uses a synthetic blend of polyester, Celliant, and phase change material. This advanced construction is intended to feel soft on the skin, provide additional plushness, and prevent sleepers from overheating.
The Bear Elite Hybrid features a two-layer comfort system. The top layer consists of highly contouring copper-infused memory foam designed to help keep sleepers cool. Below that, a layer of zoned polyfoam features contour cuts to target pressure relief and increase airflow throughout the mattress.
The bulk of the support core consists of individually wrapped coils for durable support and a slight bounce. A final layer of high-density polyfoam reinforces the base of the mattress, providing additional durability and support. Together, the layers of the Bear Elite Hybrid create a 14-inch, high-profile sleep surface.
Bear includes two free pillows, a sheet set, and mattress protector with a purchase of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress. Shoppers can also upgrade to a premium sleep bundle that includes two cooling foam pillows, a sheet set, and a waterproof mattress protector for a discounted price.
|
Firmness |
Medium – 5 |
|---|---|
|
Mattress Type |
Hybrid |
|
Construction |
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a luxury mattress with five layers. The Celliant and polyester cover is quilted with phase change material. The comfort system features copper-infused memory foam and zoned polyfoam. Pocketed coils and a base layer of dense polyfoam make up the support core. Cover Material:Celliant-Polyester Blend with Phase Change Material, Quilted Comfort Layer:
Copper-Infused Memory Foam Support Core:
Pocketed Coils
|
Mattress Prices and Sizing
The Bear Elite Hybrid retails slightly above the average price for a hybrid mattress. As the name suggests, the Bear Elite Hybrid offers a high-level design. The bed’s complex multilayer construction includes memory foam, a polyfoam layer with five comfort zones, individually wrapped coils, and a quilted cover.
While customers can expect to pay accordingly for the luxury design, the bed comes with a 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty. The purchase price also covers a free sleep bundle with two pillows, a sheet set, and mattress protector.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is available in all six standard mattress sizes, as well as a split king option.
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
35% off + 2 free pillows at Bear. Code: SF35
Trial, Warranty, and Shipping Policies
Availability
The Bear Elite Hybrid is available for purchase through the Bear Mattress website. Bear mattresses ship free to the contiguous U.S.
The company operates a showroom in Bernardsville, New Jersey as well as a network of partner stores across the country. These locations are for display only. The Bear Elite Hybrid cannot be purchased through any third-party retailers such as Amazon.
Shipping
The Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress ships to all 50 states. Shipping is free in the contiguous U.S., but customers in Alaska and Hawaii are subject to a shipping fee.
Bear Mattress uses FedEx Ground shipping. Shipping times can vary, and mattresses may take up to 3 weeks to be delivered. Check the Bear Elite Hybrid product page for the most up-to-date shipping estimates. For additional security, you can choose Signature Required FedEx Ground, in which case, you will need to be available to sign for your mattress when it arrives.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is compressed, vacuum-sealed in a plastic bag, and boxed for shipping. The dimensions of the shipping box are approximately 45 inches by 20 inches by 20 inches.
No assembly is required, but you may need a second person to help you unbox and place the mattress on your bed base. Once you remove the vacuum seal, your Bear Elite Hybrid should quickly regain its shape. However, it may take up to 24 hours for the bed to fully decompress.
Additional Services
Bear Mattress provides the option for White Glove delivery service with all purchases of a mattress or bed base. White Glove delivery is a separate item customers can add to the cart before completing their order.
Bear’s White Glove delivery service is customizable. For an additional fee, shoppers can choose a mattress setup service as well as old mattress removal.
Sleep Trial
The Bear Elite Hybrid comes with a 120-night sleep trial. Customers can return their Bear mattress within the first year after purchasing.
The sleep trial includes a mandatory 30-night break-in period. Shoppers unsatisfied with the Bear Elite Hybrid after the first 30 nights can request a free return or exchange. Each customer or household is entitled to one free return.
Returns and exchanges can be initiated by phone. Bear then helps customers arrange a pickup for the unwanted mattress.
Warranty
The Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress is protected by Bear’s lifetime warranty. Bear’s warranty only applies to the original owner of the mattress and to mattresses purchased from authorized retailers. There is also a limit of one warranty replacement per mattress purchased.
The Bear lifetime mattress warranty covers defects in materials and manufacturing. This includes visible indentations equal or greater than 1.5 inches. Physical flaws in the foam and spring layers due to manufacturing defects are also covered.
Failure to use a proper base or support structure for your mattress voids the warranty. Normal wear and tear or damage caused by improper usage is not covered. However, you can purchase a 3-, 5-, or 10-year accident protection plan for your Bear Elite Hybrid.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we'll help you find exactly what you're looking for.
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.