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Glacier Apex Hybrid mattress review – hands-on performance tests

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Be honest. You sometimes fall prey to the marketing jargon mattress brands use to draw you in, with the number one being “advanced cooling technology”. Don’t worry, we do too. But unlike you we get to test it out beforehand so we can tell you whether the juice is worth the squeeze. The Glacier Apex Hybrid promises the very best cooling sleep technology but does it really have it? Read on to find out.


Glacier Apex Hybrid Review and Performance Test Results



Pros

  • Great for side sleepers of any size
  • Excellent motion isolation
  • Fiberglass-free
  • Offers deep compression and contouring

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavier-set stomach sleepers
  • Slight off-gassing

Our experience with the Glacier Apex Hybrid Mattress

The Glacier Apex Hybrid wowed me, not with its cooling capabilities (which is its main selling point) but with its motion isolation.

There, I said it.

I have tried many ‘super’ cooling mattresses – and still continue to do so to this day – and the Glacier Apex Hybrid, although somewhat cooling for the first few hours, is not it. It just does not stay cool due to its multiple layers of memory foam.

And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, well, unless you’re someone who tends to sleep extremely hot.

The motion isolation on the Glacier Apex Hybrid however is top notch.

I did not feel any type of movement whatsoever when I tried it out with a partner, and this is (also) due to its memory foam layers. You win some, you lose some I guess but isn’t that life?


side edge of glacier apex hybrid mattress
Edge of the Glacier Apex Hybrid

Another thing I liked about the Glacier Apex Hybrid is that it provides both compression and contouring which means oodles of pressure relief even if you’re a heavier-set side sleeper.

Firmness

glacier apex hybrid firmness guide

Glacier Sleep describes their Apex Hybrid mattress as a medium-plush, which is around a 4/10 on the mattress firmness scale.

This makes it suitable for strict side sleepers as well as combination sleepers who sleep predominantly on their sides. 

A mattress this soft though isn’t suitable for strict stomach sleepers and back sleepers, especially ones who weigh well over 230 lbs since it’ll cause your hips to dip into the mattress, throwing your spinal alignment off balance.

Be forewarned.

Cooling Test

We rate the Glacier Apex Hybrid a 7.5 out of 10 when it comes to temperature regulation.

It’s true that the Glacier Apex Hybrid is filled to the brim with all sorts of actively cooling materials – from a cool-to-the-touch cooling cover to copper– AND graphite-infused foam as well as cooling gel-infused memory foam –  but it just lacks that certain something something cooling something.

Sure, you sleep cool for the first few hours but then the memory foam layers win out in the end and start retaining quite a bit of heat.

Motion Transfer Test

We rate the Glacier Apex Hybrid a 9 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.


Glacier Apex Hybrid
I was VERY impressed with how well it isolates motion

Usually, hybrid mattresses don’t perform well when it comes to absorbing cross-mattress movement, but the Glacier Apex Hybrid’s multiple foam layers do a stellar job at isolating motion transfer.

I did not feel any movement whatsoever when I tried the Glacier Apex Hybrid out with a partner.

Edge Support Test

We rate the Glacier Apex Hybrid a 7 out 10 when it comes to edge support.


man sleeping on edge of glacier apex hybrid
Edge support is decent

The Glacier Apex Hybrid does contain reinforced edge coils and although the edge support on the Apex hybrid isn’t the worst, it isn’t the best either.

You won’t roll off the bed if you sleep close to the edge, but non-stellar level of support will be noticeable if you sit on it.

Pressure Relief Test

We rate the Glacier Apex Hybrid an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to pressure relief and comfort.

It should come as no surprise that the Glacier Apex Hybrid gets high marks for pressure relief thanks to its multiple layers of proprietary foam and memory foam alternatives.

You get deep compression as well as contouring and targeted support for all areas of the body.

Construction

The Glacier Apex Hybrid mattress contains eight layers. These layers come encased in a proprietary glacierTECH Elite cooling cover that’s breathable and cool to the touch.

The first layer is made up of a quilted pillow top that provides a cushioned and plush feel.

The first foam layer is made up of CarbonICE graphite-infused memory foam that provides pressure relief as well as targeted support.

Below that lies a layer of copper-infused foam that offers responsive comfort as well as better temperature regulation.

Two different layers of responsive memory foam come after that and these layers help provide even more responsive support as well as compression.

The transition layer is made up of ARCFlow ventilated gel foam that’s infused with cooling gel as well as a ventilated design that helps (once again) with cooling as well as pressure relief.

The coil unit of the Glacier Apex Hybrid is made up of individually-pocketed coils that offer zoned and targeted support.

The base layer of the Glacier Apex Hybrid is made up of a high density foam layer that helps provide stability and durability for the entire mattress.

Durability

The Glacier Apex Hybrid appears to be made of good-quality materials that will stand the test of time, especially with proper mattress care and maintenance.

Sizes

glacier apex mattress size guide

The Glacier Apex Hybrid comes in seven different standard mattress sizes including a Split King. It measures 14 inches in thickness and is compatible with most bed frames, foundations and bases including a zero gravity bed base.

Financing 

Glacier Sleep offers financing for all of their mattresses through Affirm.

Shipping

Glacier Sleep offers free shipping for all of their mattresses within the contiguous United States.

Trial Period

You get a 365 night risk-free sleep trial with the Glacier Apex Hybrid.

Return Policy

You can return the Glacier Apex Hybrid at any time within the 365-night trial period.

To initiate a return, contact Glacier Sleep’s customer service team via phone or email. They will then arrange for your mattress to be picked up.

Refunds are processed immediately upon mattress pickup and inspection. A $125 fee may be charged should Glacier Sleep deem the mattress damaged or unsanitary.

Warranty

Glacier Sleep offers a limited lifetime warranty for all of their mattresses.


Evolution of the Glacier Apex Hybrid Mattress and Previous Versions

The Glacier Apex Hybrid has not undergone any changes or iterations since it was first introduced into the online mattress market.


About Glacier Sleep

Launched in 2024 by BIA (yep, that’s the Bedding Industries of America), Glacier Sleep was made to address the lack of affordable cooling brands in the online mattress space.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Glacier Sleep also offers bed frames and bases aside from mattresses.


Contact Glacier Sleep Customer Service

You can contact Glacier Sleep via phone or email.


Similar Mattresses to Consider

If the Apex Hybrid isn’t quite what you’re looking for, you can check out the Glacier Summit Hybrid or one of these other alternatives.


Glacier Original Hybrid

man sitting on edge of glacier original hybrid
Glacier Original Hybrid

If you’re a strict stomach sleeper and need something firmer, check out the Glacier Original Hybrid mattress.

Similar in construction to the Apex Hybrid, the Original Hybrid is firmer, offers more support, and helps with proper spinal alignment; especially for strict back and stomach sleepers.


Saatva Classic

Testing out Saatva Classic mattress
Saatva Classic

If you’re looking to splurge, check out the Saatva Classic mattress.

Simply but beautifully constructed, the Saatva Classic is made up of a blend of memory foam and innerspring coils that offer both compression and responsive support.

The Saatva Classic is also one of the very few mattresses that come with free white glove delivery.


Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Testing the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

If you want something extremely cooling, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress.

Also made up of a blend of proprietary memory foam and pocketed coils, the Aurora Luxe is infused with both cooling gel and copper and also features a proprietary mattress cover that stays cool all throughout the night, making it perfect for hot sleepers.

25% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE25


Additional Resources: Learn More About Glacier Sleep

  1. Better Business Bureau

Where to buy the Apex Hybrid

You can purchase the Apex Hybrid on Glacier’s Sleep official website. It is the only place where you can find Glacier Sleep products.


Conclusion

Just because a mattress promises to be extremely cooling does not always mean it is. Although not the worst, the Glacier Apex Hybrid is not the best when it comes to temperature regulation.

What it’s good at is motion isolation as well as pressure relief, and for its price point you’re definitely getting the good end of the bargain.


How We Rate Mattresses

We personally test and rate mattresses using the following strict quantitative criteria:

  1. Comfort
  2. Structural integrity and durability
  3. Firmness and support
  4. Cooling capabilities
  5. Pressure relief
  6. Edge support
  7. Motion isolation

Learn more about our mattress rating process and methodology here.


Michelline Norton

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?