At times we are compensated for the links you click at no cost to you. Learn more about why you should trust our reviews and view our disclosure page.
If you’re on the hunt for something a bit more higher end than what’s currently on offer on the online mattress market without breaking the bank, you might want to look at the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress. The Elite Hybrid is the most advanced and luxurious option in Bear’s mattress lineup. But is it really all that’s cracked up to be? Read our Bear Elite Hybrid review to find out.
Save 35% with coupon code SLEEPLINE35
Bear Elite Hybrid Review and Performance Test Results
Save 35% with coupon code SLEEPLINE35
Pros
- Supportive and pressure relieving
- Amazing edge support
- Temperature regulating
- Option to choose between 3 firmness levels
- Fiberglass-free
Cons
- Might be too thick of a mattress for those with limited mobility
- Slight off-gassing
Our experience with the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
| Feature | Our Rating |
|---|---|
| Pressure relief | Excellent |
| Motion transfer | Minimal to none |
| Cooling | Excellent |
| Off-gassing | Slight |
| Edge support | Excellent |
| Sinkage | Minimal |
| Firmness | Suits all sleeper types |
Overall, there really weren’t a lot of things we could find fault with when testing the Bear Elite Hybrid and that’s saying a lot.
We like that it comes in a variety of firmness levels that suit different types of sleepers.
The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is also one of the few mattresses in the online mattress world that features copper-infused memory foam that not only helps with heat dissipation but is antibacterial as well.
When it comes to pressure relief and support, we found the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress to perform brilliantly well, allowing us to get good, comfortable sleep day in and day out.
Firmness test
You get three firmness levels to choose from with the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress – Soft, Medium and Firm.
The Soft firmness level sits on a 3 on the mattress firmness scale and is best for those who sleep strictly on their sides.
Side sleepers (especially those who weigh less than average) need a softer mattress as a firmer mattress would eat into their main pressure points which are their shoulders and hips.
The Medium firmness level of the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress sits around a 5-6 on the mattress firmness scale and is best for well, almost all types of sleepers.
Not too soft and not too hard, a medium feel mattress can support a variety of sleeping positions from average weight side sleepers and combination sleepers to back and stomach sleepers.
Strict stomach and back sleepers as well as those who weigh significantly more than average would do best with the Firm Bear Elite Hybrid.
Sitting on a 7-8 on the mattress firmness scale, it provides firmer support for those who sleep predominantly on their stomachs and backs.
Unlike all-foam mattresses, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress also provides proper support for heavier-set individuals.
Construction
There are 5 layers to the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress.
These layers come encased in a hyper-soft, hand-quilted cover that’s made from a blend of phase change material (PCM) and Celliant fiber that helps with temperature regulation while also helping with recovery while you sleep.
The hand-quilted top also feels very much like a Euro pillow top which is extremely comfortable.
The primary comfort layer of the Bear Elite hybrid mattress is made up of copper-infused memory foam that not only provides superior pressure relief but also helps do away with heat retention making it a good choice for those who tend to sleep hot.
Copper is also clinically proven to be antibacterial which helps prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
Below that lies the transition layer which is made up of dynamic transition foam that provides extra ergonomic support and contouring which essentially means it molds to your body’s movements, cradling the areas of your body that need support the most.
The coil system in the Bear Elite Hybrid is made up of individually wrapped coils with higher-gauged coils in the middle that helps provide lumbar support while adding a bounce and responsiveness to the mattress that counteracts the sunk-in feel that may come with the memory foam layers.
Coil units in hybrid mattresses – like the Bear Elite Hybrid- also allow air to move freely throughout the mattress that further helps with heat dissipation.
Reinforced edge to edge coils surround the perimeter of the mattress which provides good edge support, allowing those who prefer to sleep close to the edge of the bed to sleep without worrying that they may topple over in their sleep (no one wants that).
The base layer in the Bear Elite Hybrid is made up of high-density support foam that holds all the top layers together, providing both stability and durability.
All of the foam layers in the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is certified by both CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold, ensuring that the mattress is free from toxins, VOCs and other harmful chemicals.
The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress also features a fiberglass-free fire barrier.
Cooling test
When it comes to cooling, almost all the layers of the Bear Elite Hybrid feature cooling properties.
From the PCM and Celliant blend in the mattress cover to the copper-infused foam and the coil unit, all of these layers help do away with heat retention be it from the sleeper’s body heat or from atmospheric temperatures.
Needless to say, we found the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress to be an extremely cooling mattress to sleep on.
Motion transfer test
Sharing a bed with a partner?
We found the Bear Elite Hybrid to perform quite well when it comes to motion isolation.
Sure, hybrid mattresses always have a bit of a bounce but the with the Bear Elite Hybrid we did not experience any movement of enough bothersome force when we tried it out with a partner.
Little tip: If you share a bed with someone significantly heavier than you, opt for either the Medium or a Firm.
Durability
From actually trying the Bear Elite Hybrid out, we can safely say that it is a well-made mattress that will last you a very long time.
That said, proper care and maintenance is crucial when it comes to extending your mattress’ lifespan.
Proper care means using a mattress protector, especially with new mattresses.
Rotating your mattress every 3 months also ensures mattress longevity as well as comfortability.
Sizes
The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress comes in 7 standard mattress sizes.
It measures 14″ in thickness and is compatible with most bed frames, foundations and bed bases including an adjustable base.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
Financing
Bear offers financing for all of their mattresses via Affirm.
Trial Period
Bear is a one of the mattress brands that offers a free sleep trial.
You can return your mattress within 120 nights risk-free if you don’t like it.
Return Policy
Bear requires their customers to try the mattress out for at least 30 days before initiating a return.
This is because it takes at least 30 days for a sleeper to get accustomed to a new mattress (and this not only applies to Bear mattresses but every other mattress brand as well so it is best to keep this in mind).
Initiating a return is pretty straightforward with Bear mattress.
Email Bear at returns@bearmattress.com and they will arrange for pickup at a time that’s convenient for you.
Refunds will be sent to your original form of payment when the return process is complete.
Warranty
Bear offers a lifetime warranty for all of their mattresses.
Bear also offers free shipping for all of their mattresses within the continental United States.
Save 35% with coupon code SLEEPLINE35
Why did Bear create the Elite Hybrid mattress?
Bear created the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress to round up their mattress lineup with a luxury mattress that can suit all sleeper types while providing premium comfort, support and pressure relief.
About Bear
Headquartered in Hoboken, New Jersey, Bear Mattress is an online mattress brand that pride themselves on providing mattresses that not only provide a good night’s sleep but ones that aid recovery as well.
A lot of top athletes in the pro sport world recommend and endorse Bear mattresses.
Bear Mattress also offers other bedding products such as pillows, sheets, blankets, mattress toppers and cribs.
Contact Bear Customer Service
You can contact Bear customer service through phone, email or the chat support page on their official website.
- Email – support@bearmattress.com
- Phone – (844) 311-0035
FAQs
The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is a good mattress for side sleepers, especially since it also comes in a soft firmness level that offers pressure relief for those who sleep predominantly on their sides.
The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress does come shipped in a box. Once unboxed, it will take around 24-48 hours to expand to its full size but you can use the mattress within the first 24 hours.
Bear has not specified any weight limit for their Bear Elite mattress but generally, mattresses like the Bear Elite Hybrid can hold up to 800 lbs. of weight.
Similar mattresses to consider
Not quite sold on the Bear Elite Hybrid?
I highly recommend checking out the (much cheaper) Bear Original.
Otherwise, here are a few other mattress suggestions that have similar features.
Bear Star Hybrid
Ok. So it’s also from Bear but the Bear Star Hybrid mattress is Bear’s newest luxury mattress offering.
It does come in 3 different firmness level options but it is a medium-firm pillow top mattress that’s made up of a blend of premium foam and coils that feels like a luxury hotel mattress.
Nolah Evolution
Think of the Nolah Evolution as the jacked-up (way jacked-up) alternative to the Bear Elite Hybrid.
Featuring HDMax Tri-Zone edge to edge coils, graphite-infused memory foam and a Euro topper, Nolah calls their Evolution mattress their luxurious high-tech mattress.
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
Got a bit more money to burn?
Check out the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid.
Not only do you get a 365 night (yep, a full year) trial, a lifetime warranty and complimentary white glove delivery but you also get a mattress that features layers of proprietary memory foam, an air-cool system, a coil unit made from high gauge recycled steel that offers zoned support, good motion isolation and maximum pressure relief – all encased in a botanical-based treated mattress cover.
Where to Buy Bear Elite Hybrid
The best place (by far) to buy the Elite Hybrid mattress is BearMattress.com.
You can save 25% with our exclusive coupon code SLEEPLINE25 when you order directly from Bear.
When you buy directly from the manufacturer you’re locking in the warranty terms, free trial, and return policy.
You’re also making sure that you get the best possible customer service. NO ONE is going to care about a product more than the company that actually makes it (should be painfully obvious but you never know these days).
Other options for buying the Bear Elite Hybrid include:
External Resources: Learn More About the Elite Hybrid
Want to learn more about what real consumers have to say about the Bear Elite Hybrid? Try these other resources to get more help with your decision:
Conclusion
It’s hard to find fault with the Bear Elite Hybrid.
Featuring a unique sleep recovery technology that begins with its mattress cover all the way down to its base layer, it’s a mattress that can hold its own amongst the big players in the online mattress world without totally breaking the bank.
Next step: Try out the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress. We like it because it’s comfortable, durable, and temperature-regulating. If you decide you don’t like it, you can always return it risk-free within 120 nights. There’s no downside.
Save 35% with coupon code SLEEPLINE35
How we rate mattresses
We personally test and rate mattresses using the following strict quantitative criteria:
- Comfort
- Structural integrity and durability
- Firmness and support
- Cooling capabilities
- Pressure relief
- Edge support
- Motion isolation
Learn more about our mattress rating process and methodology here.
Michelline loves nothing more than a cozy bed, with a stack of books at her side. She loves getting lost when she travels, can bake an entire British afternoon tea from scratch, is obsessed with all things analogue and does calligraphy on the side. She currently suffers from mild insomnia and is more than happy to be your guinea pig, so you won’t have to go through all the trouble of finding out what works best for you.
- Is buying a floor model mattress worth it? - September 2, 2025
- Best mattresses with Affirm financing – data-backed performance tests - August 27, 2025
- Best mattresses – data-backed performance tests on 20+ brands - August 17, 2025
Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?