Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Review – Test Lab Ratings
Senior Product AnalystBrad Nehring
Brad Nehring
Senior Product Analyst
Brad is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest who holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Washington University. As someone who has lived with sleep problems throughout his adult life, Brad is passionate about helping others get the rest they need. He’s professionally tested and reviewed sleep products for nearly a decade.
Our team at Sleep Foundation conducts extensive hands-on tests for each mattress to provide you with the most reliable, data-driven recommendations and reviews. Below are key guidelines that inform our testing methodology:
Our testers lie on the surface of each mattress to evaluate factors such as contouring and support. We also use specialized tools to measure performance criteria like pressure relief, heat retention, and motion isolation.
We test each mattress using various sleep positions to observe whether a mattress is better suited for side, back, or stomach sleeping. We roll around the surface and sit on the edges to gauge ease of movement and perimeter support.
We have tested hundreds of mattresses and bring years of experience in the mattress industry to the test lab. Our testing team covers a wide range of sleep preferences, sleep positions, and body types. This helps us represent as many sleeper types as possible in our reviews.
The Bear Star Hybrid is a quality bed, though perhaps unexceptional. It performs solidly across the board for average to larger sleepers. With some enhanced cooling features, it stands out as a good pick for hot sleepers.
Ratings Summary
Motion Isolation
6/10
Edge Support
8/10
Temperature Control
7/10
Ease of Movement
7/10
Durability
6.5/10
Pressure Relief
6.5/10
Pros
Foam layers cushion the body while coils generate sturdy support
Cooling features minimize heat retention
Reinforced edges boost perimeter support
Cons
May not provide enough support for stomach sleepers weighing 130 pounds or more
Bear is a U.S.-based online mattress brand that first launched in 2015 with the all-foam Bear Original flagship model. The company has since introduced a handful of additional mattresses, including the Bear Elite Hybrid, and Bear Pro Hybrid. Bear also produces pillows, sheets, mattress pads, weighted blankets, and other bedding items.
Bear’s newest addition is the Bear Star Hybrid mattress, which debuted in January 2023. Like Bear’s other mattress models, the Star Hybrid contains adaptive foam layers infused with cooling materials intended to reduce heat buildup. Pocketed coils and dense base foam make up the support core, and the cover is composed of fabrics engineered to dissipate heat away from the body. In terms of firmness, the Star Hybrid is medium firm, or a 6 on our 10-point firmness scale.
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Sleeping Style and Body Weight
Bear Star Hybrid
Sleeper Type
Under 130 lbs
130-230 lbs
Above 230 lbs
Side Sleepers
7/10
7.5/10
7/10
Back Sleepers
7.5/10
7/10
6/10
Stomach Sleepers
8/10
7/10
6/10
Side Sleepers
When testing the Star Hybrid, most side sleepers on our team found the mattress comfortable. Some side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds thought the Star Hybrid was a bit too firm and did not receive enough cushioning from the foam layers. Those weighing at least 130 pounds gave the mattress stellar ratings.
Side sleepers generally need plush, adaptive surfaces to cushion their shoulders and hips, which in turn promotes even alignment and reduces pressure along the spine. For this reason, we’ve found side sleepers tend to prefer softer mattresses than back or stomach sleepers. Our side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds received sufficient support from the Star Hybrid, whereas our back and stomach sleepers in this weight group sank more and didn’t feel as comfortable.
Back Sleepers
Since the Star Hybrid is medium firm, our tests found that back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds felt most comfortable on the mattress. The Star Hybrid was a bit too firm for back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds, and not quite supportive enough for back sleepers over 230 pounds. We recommend a firmer mattress such as the Bear Original or Bear Pro Hybrid for the latter. Back sleepers under 130 pounds may prefer a softer, more adaptive mattress such as the Luxury Plush Bear Elite Hybrid.
Most back sleepers don’t experience the same alignment issues as side sleepers, but they also need some cushioning to reduce pressure and sleep comfortably. This is why mattresses with mid-range firmness levels tend to be the best options for back sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers on our team were somewhat divided about the Star Hybrid. Those weighing up to 230 pounds received a decent amount of support from the mattress, and none of them sank to an excessive extent. Our stomach sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds did not feel as comfortable lying on the mattress. The foam layers contoured too closely for their liking and the coils did not provide enough reinforcement to offset the sinkage.
Stomach sleeping generally requires a firmer mattress. When you lie face-down, weight in your chest, stomach, and hips can pull you further into the mattress. If the top layers are soft or adaptive, this can lead to uncomfortable sinkage and soreness in the neck and lower back.
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.
Motion Isolation
6
/ 10
The Star Hybrid isolates motion fairly well for a mattress with coils. Serene foam and polyfoam layers encased in a Euro-top absorb movement well. The coils are designed to move independently from one another, resulting in less motion transfer across the surface when someone changes positions or gets in and out of bed.
Our testers noticed minimal motion transfer when lying side by side on the mattress. Additional tests with weight drops confirmed the Star Hybrid’s above-average motion isolation compared to other hybrid models we’ve tested. That said, the coils still produce some responsiveness. You may notice a slight bounce when your sleep partner moves in bed, and this may be a deal-breaker if you are a light sleeper.
Motion isolation is a performance category that primarily affects people who share their bed with a partner, child, or pet. If you usually sleep alone, motion isolation is essentially a non-issue.
Pressure Relief
6.5
/ 10
The Star Hybrid’s adaptive foam layers and medium firm feel make the mattress best suited to anyone seeking a balance of cushioning and support. People in the range of 130 to 230 pounds should receive adequate pressure relief from the mattress. Our tests show this is especially true for side and back sleepers.
Using pressure-mapping technology, we found the Star Hybrid’s Euro-top layers contour evenly to distribute your weight and reduce pressure along the spine. At the same time, the bed’s robust coil system helps reduce sinkage and maintain an even surface for your body.
If you fall outside the range of 130 to 230 pounds, you may need a softer or firmer mattress to sleep comfortably. Likewise, stomach sleepers may need more support and less cushioning from their sleep surface.
Temperature Control
7
/ 10
Bear mattresses generally excel at temperature control thanks to various cooling materials in the cover and comfort layers. The Star Hybrid is no exception. Gel infused into the Serene foam layer is intended to minimize heat retention. The cover is made with a blend of HydroCool phase change material (PCM) and Celliant fibers, both of which are engineered to dissipate heat on contact.
Another cooling component is the coil system. By promoting steady airflow throughout the interior, the coils help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature. Our hands-on tests show the mattress excels at temperature control, even compared to other hybrids.
If you’re an exceptionally hot sleeper, you may notice some heat retention from the top foam layers. Otherwise, we expect most people to sleep at a comfortable temperature on the Star Hybrid.
Edge Support
8
/ 10
The Star Hybrid — like many competing hybrids sold today — features extra coil support along the perimeter. This feature is intended to push back against your weight when you lie near the edges of the mattress or get in and out of bed. As a result, the Star Hybrid’s edges feel quite stable, and sinkage should not be a major issue for people who weigh up to 230 pounds.
During our edge support tests, most people on our team felt comfortable and secure lying or sitting along the mattress’ perimeter. Compression tests also revealed minimal sinkage.
If you weigh more than 230 pounds, you’re more likely to sink excessively and experience feelings of “roll-off” when lying along the Star Hybrid’s perimeter. We recommend a firmer, more supportive mattress for people in this weight category.
Ease of Movement
7
/ 10
The Bear Star Hybrid is fairly firm and responsive, so most of our testers encountered minimal resistance when moving across the surface and changing sleep positions. Those who weigh more than 230 pounds may sink a bit more deeply into the Euro-top’s foam layers.
In our testing experience, hybrid models with flatter surfaces tend to perform better for ease of movement than those with Euro-top or pillow-top surfaces. The Star Hybrid’s thick pocketed coils make a significant difference. We noticed a strong bounce when moving across the mattress, and the reinforced perimeter reduced sinkage when we got in and out of bed.
Durability
6.5
/ 10
Hybrid mattresses generally last longer than foam models, because the coils are less vulnerable to sagging. That said, the Bear Star Hybrid has a fairly thin comfort system. Once the cushioning foams start to lose their bounceback capability, you may find yourself sinking into the bed and coming into contact with the coils. Based on our analysis, the Bear Star Hybrid has an expected lifespan of around six years, a little lower than average for a hybrid.
The Bear Star Hybrid contains two foam layers in its comfort system. Gel-infused Serene foam makes up the topmost layer. This material adapts to your body’s unique contours, distributes your weight, and alleviates pressure in the shoulders, lower back, and hips. The second layer is composed of transitional polyfoam, which enhances cushioning while preventing your body from sinking into the coils. Both of these layers are encased within the Euro-top.
The support core consists of pocketed coils over high-density base foam. Thicker coils line the perimeter to stabilize the mattress’ edges. As a result, you may notice a light bounce when getting in and out of bed. At 13 inches thick, the Star Hybrid is considered a high-profile mattress.
The cover is a blend of HydroCool phase change material (PCM) and Celliant fibers. The PCM is engineered to capture and release body heat on contact, while the Celliant is included to help the cover maintain a cool feel at all times. Previous Bear mattresses have featured Celliant fibers in their covers, but the Star Hybrid is the first to combine Celliant with HydroCool PCM.
Interested in learning more about what goes into a good mattress?
Check out our guide on mattress construction here.
Firmness
Medium Firm – 6
Mattress Type
Hybrid
Construction
The Bear Star Hybrid features four distinct layers and a Celliant-PCM cover. Gel-infused Serene foam and polyfoam layers cushion the body, while a pocketed coil support core supplies a noticeable bounce.
Cover Material:
HydroCool Phase Change Material and Celliant Fabric Blend
Comfort Layer:
Gel-Infused Serene Foam, Transitional Polyfoam
Support Core:
Pocketed Coils (Reinforced Perimeter), High-Density Base Polyfoam
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Sizes
The Bear Hybrid’s sticker price is on par with the average foam hybrid. This mattress costs less than the Bear Elite Hybrid, but is more expensive than the Bear Pro Hybrid. Cutting-edge cooling materials make the Star Hybrid a solid investment for people who consider themselves hot sleepers.
The mattress is available in all six standard mattress sizes, as well as a split king for co-sleepers who share a king size adjustable bed. While the 13-inch design is considered high profile, the mattress should be compatible with most sheet sets and deep-pocket sheets may not be required.
Sizes
Dimensions
Height
Weight
Twin
38″ x 75″
13″
60 lbs.
Twin XL
38″x 80″
13″
60 lbs.
Full
54″ x 75″
13″
80 lbs.
Queen
60″ x 80″
13″
110 lbs.
King
76″ x 80″
13″
140 lbs.
California King
72″ x 84″
13″
140 lbs.
Split King
38″ x 80″ (2pc.)
13″
120 lbs.
Trial, Warranty, and Shipping Policies
Availability
The Star Hybrid is available online through Bear and select retailers. Please note some retailers may share Bear’s shipping and return policies.
You can also view, test out, and purchase the mattress at brick-and-mortar showrooms throughout the U.S.
Shipping
Standard ground shipping is free of charge for customers in the contiguous 48 states. Those in Alaska and Hawaii pay additional delivery fees. Bear does not ship outside the U.S.
You can choose from two delivery options. Either the mattress is dropped off on your doorstep and no signature is required, or you can arrange to sign for your delivery. For the latter, an adult must be at your residence on the delivery date.
Additional Services
White Glove delivery is available for Bear customers nationwide. This service includes full setup of the Star Hybrid mattress in your home and — upon request — removal of your old mattress and foundation. You can also arrange to have a new base installed at the same time as your mattress. White Glove delivery costs depend on your specific requests.
Sleep Trial
Bear’s sleep trial runs for 120 nights. You must sleep on the Star Hybrid for at least 30 nights before initiating a return. Otherwise, you won’t qualify for a full refund. Return shipping is free and Bear does not charge any restocking fees. The company won’t accept any returns after 120 nights have elapsed.
Warranty
The Star Hybrid is backed by a lifetime warranty. You must purchase the mattress directly from Bear or an authorized retailer, and retain original ownership in order to qualify for warranty coverage.
The warranty is prorated. You’ll need to pay additional fees for a replacement mattress if your Bear Star Hybrid is deemed defective after 10 years of use. Defects covered under the warranty include sagging of at least 1.5 inches and physical flaws that cause mattress materials to split or crack despite normal everyday use.
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Brad is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest who holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Washington University. As someone who has lived with sleep problems throughout his adult life, Brad is passionate about helping others get the rest they need. He’s professionally tested and reviewed sleep products for nearly a decade.
