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Even in this day and age where online mattress brands churn out good-quality, affordable mattresses like there’s no tomorrow; you’d still be hard pressed to find a mattress with actively cooling materials that’s also easy on the budget. The Glacier Original Hybrid promises to be all that and more. But do Glacier Sleep’s claims about the mattress hold up? I put put it through Sleepline’s series of performance tests to find out.
Glacier Original Hybrid Review and Performance Test Results
Pros
- Great for strict back and stomach sleepers
- Fiberglass-free
- Offers responsive support
- Cooling
- Helps with proper spinal alignment
Cons
- Not suitable for strict side sleepers
- Slight motion transfer
My experience with the Glacier Original Hybrid
I’ll give it to you straight – my experience with the Glacier Original Hybrid was a bit underwhelming.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good mattress but for its price point you can find other more affordable mattresses with a bit more to offer (sorry, Glacier, please don’t come for me).
Now let’s talk about what I like about it first.
I like that the Glacier Original Hybrid is very responsive and it’s easy to move around – you won’t feel stuck which can be a problem with memory foam, but the mattress’ coil unit offsets it quite a bit.
I also like that the foam layer of the mattress offers enough pressure relief for strict back and stomach sleepers.
Another thing is, for a mattress whose brand name is synonymous with something that’s perennially below zero, I’m happy to report that even with its memory foam layer (enemy number one when it comes to heat retention, in case you didn’t know), it still slept pretty cool and stayed (pretty) true to its name. Not the best but not bad either.
Now for the less fun part.
The Glacier Original Hybrid is not a mattress I would recommend for those who sleep only on their sides. It just wouldn’t be comfortable because it’s too firm even though Glacier calls it a medium-firm. It just isn’t. Don’t even get me started on its motion isolation, which, of course, I talk more about below.
Firmness
The Glacier Original Hybrid is a medium-firm mattress.
Usually, medium-firm mattresses can accommodate most sleeper types, but the Glacier Original Hybrid sits on the firmer end of the mattress firmness scale (around a 7.5).
This makes it only suitable for strict back sleepers and stomach sleepers.
Those who sleep on their sides will find that the mattress eats into their main pressure points which (do I really need to tell you?) is painful.
Cooling Test
We rate the Glacier Original Hybrid an 8 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.
Every layer of the Glacier Original Hybrid contains some form of actively cooling tech, from its cover down to its proprietary foam layers.
That, coupled with the mattress’ coil unit which allows for continuous airflow helps provide a cooler sleeping experience.
Motion Transfer Test
We rate the Glacier Original Hybrid a 6 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.
The Glacier Original Hybrid’s responsiveness is working against it when it comes to motion isolation.
You will feel every movement your partner makes if you share a bed, especially if you share a bed with someone heavier than you are and if you’re a light sleeper.
Edge Support Test
We rate the Glacier Original Hybrid a 7.5 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.
The Glacier Original Hybrid features reinforced thicker-edge coils. While they help a little, I found the mattress edge support to be a bit lacking.
Sure, you can utilize the entire mattress surface but sitting on the edge of the bed may be an issue.
Pressure Relief Test
We rate the Glacier Original Hybrid a 7.5 out of 10 when it comes to pressure relief and comfort
This could have been higher had the Glacier Original Hybrid been on the softer end of the medium-firm spectrum but it’s basically bordering on firm, which is only pressure relieving for back and stomach sleepers.
So what I’m saying is, you can opt out now if you’re a strict side sleeper.
Construction
There are 5 layers to the Glacier Original Hybrid mattress.
These layers come encased in a patented Cooling Comfort cotton cover that contains glacierTECH cooling fibers and also features a chiroZONE quilting that’s supposed to help with lumbar support.
The first layer is made up of graphite-infused memory foam that offers both pressure point relief and targeted support, especially around the lumbar area.
The second layer is made up of gel-infused memory foam that helps provide compression and contouring.
Below that lies a layer of proprietary foam that Glacier calls their ARCFlow ventilated gel foam. It’s a type of gel memory foam that features a ventilated design (read: holes) which allows continuous air flow.
The Glacier Original Hybrid’s coil unit is made up of individually-wrapped steel coils that offer responsive support while also helping keep the mattress cool and fresh.
The base layer is made up of high density foam that helps stabilize all the top layers.
I’m happy to report that the mattress is completely fiberglass-free.
Durability
The Glacier Original Hybrid appears to be made of good-quality materials that will stand the test of time, especially with proper mattress care and maintenance.
Sizes
The Glacier Original Hybrid comes in seven different standard mattress sizes including a Twin XL.
It measures 12 inches in thickness and is compatible with most bed frames, bases and foundations including a zero gravity base.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
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 continental United States.
Trial Period
You get a 365-night risk-free sleep trial with the Glacier Original Hybrid.
Return Policy
You can return the Glacier Original 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 Original Hybrid Mattress and Previous Versions
The Glacier Original 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 (that’s the Bedding Industries of America to you), 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.
- Phone – (877) 908-7523
- Email – info@glaciersleep.com
Similar Mattresses to Consider
If the Glacier Original Hybrid doesn’t seem quite right for you, you can check out the Summit Hybrid from the same manufacturer or one of these other alternatives.
Saatva Classic
If you prefer a hybrid mattress and you’re looking to splurge, check out the Saatva Classic.
Featuring a thick memory foam layer and a recycled steel coil unit, the Saatva Classic comes in three different firmness options which, thankfully, includes one made especially for side sleepers.
Oh, and Saatva is one of the few mattress brands that offer complimentary white glove delivery.
Glacier Apex Hybrid
If you like Glacier’s vibe but prefer a softer mattress, check out the Apex Hybrid.
Constructed similarly to the Original Hybrid save for a few more memory foam and proprietary foam layers, the Glacier Apex Hybrid features more of a medium feel, which can accommodate all sleeper types.
Egohome Black
For a more affordable option (yes, even more affordable than the Glacier Original Hybrid), check out the Egohome Black mattress.
You get deep compression and contouring with the Egohome Black and, best of all, it has excellent motion-isolating properties which makes it a great option for couples.
12% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE12
Additional Resources: Learn More About Glacier Sleep
Where to buy the Original Hybrid
The only place you can buy the Original Hybrid is from Glacier Sleep’s official website.
Conclusion
While in theory, the Glacier Original Hybrid’s premise (cooling and affordable) is pretty enticing, the mattress itself falls a little short if your expectations are high.
For its price point, I think the mattress performs well in terms of responsive support, cooling and pressure relief for back and stomach sleepers.
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.
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