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Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Review (2025)

Sleepopolis may earn a commission on sales through our affiliate links in this article. This commission allows us to run our testing lab and continue to bring our readers the most comprehensive information on sleep and related products. See our disclosures.

Finding a great mattress often comes down to meeting individual needs for comfort and support, and those tend to vary from one person to the next. But for many of us, the price tag is a major consideration. Enter the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress, a premium pillow-top mattress that combines cooling gel foam with a sturdy innerspring coil layer and still manages a wallet-friendly price tag. But what kind of budget shopper might find it most comfortable? Our team of expert mattress testers put the Bear Hybrid through a lengthy series of assessments to figure that out.

The Sleepopolis team has personally reviewed over 330 mattresses, and in 2024 alone we helped more than 15,600 people find a great bed. In addition to our hands-on testing, we work closely with a network of medical professionals. Our chief medical advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, reviews all of our findings for accuracy and shares his insights, as well.

We put all of that experience and expertise to work on the Bear Star Hybrid and determined this firmer-than-average mattress is best suited to back and stomach sleepers who prefer a lifted sensation without much contouring. Its quick response time also makes it a great fit for combination sleepers.

Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Bear
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
Medium-Soft Comfort
Reinforced Edges
Copper-Infused Foam
Hybrid construction
120 nights
Free shipping
Prime Time Sale
35% Off Sitewide with Code PRIME35 See Details
PropertyMattress Iconmattress layers
Material
Hybrid, combining foams and coils for a balance of comfort and support.
PropertyProperty Iconfirmness
Firmness
The Bear Star Hybrid scored a 6 out of 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. This makes it slightly softer than the average mattress.
PropertySleeper Iconbudget shoppers
Price
$1,498–$3,196 (before any discounts)
PropertyHomepage Iconmattress review
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king
PropertySleeper Iconhot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
PropertySleeper Iconjoint pain
Joint Pain
The Bear Star Hybrid puts very little pressure on your joints, making it a great pick for those living with back, shoulder, or hip pain.
PropertySleeper Iconback sleepers
Back/Side Sleepers
We think back and side sleepers will really enjoy this mattress, as it provides great support and promotes neutral spinal alignment.
Pros of the Bear Star Hybrid
Good support for combination sleepers who shift around at night
Cooling features
Good hip support for back sleepers
Cons of the Bear Star Hybrid
Strict stomach sleepers may find it too soft, check out our best mattresses for stomach sleepers
May be too soft for heavier folks over 250 pounds, check out our best mattresses for heavy people
PropertyProperty Iconshipping
Shipping
Free shipping
PropertyProperty Icontrial period
Trial Period
120 nights
PropertyProperty Iconwarranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
PropertyHomepage Iconeditorial policy
Returns
Full refund after 30 nights and within the 120-night trial period

The Bear Star Hybrid is a softer hybrid mattress with memory foam and innerspring coils. It offers pressure relief, contouring, and solid support for many sleeper types, but especially back, side, and combination sleepers. For more information, check out our video review.

What our tester says:

“After testing out the Bear Star, I found it to be really cozy. I loved how plush the surface of the mattress felt as I was lying on it, but I still felt super supported. Lying on my back and my side, I felt comfortable and would definitely sleep on this at night in my own home.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer

Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Overview

The Bear Star Hybrid is 13 inches tall with a simple four-layer construction. It’s designed to deliver a luxurious feel without a luxury price tag, and it does a pretty good job. During testing, we found it a little firmer than the average bed. That translates to excellent alignment for back and stomach sleeping in particular. But despite its pillow top, we found it lacking in contouring, so it’s likely not the best mattress for dedicated side sleepers.

The Bear Star Hybrid is made with foams certified by CertiPUR-US, meaning they’re made without harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, ozone depleters, phthalates, and heavy metals. That said, this certification is a bit complicated and can be misleading, so you should read more about it on our mattress certifications page.

The mattress is also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which means it meets stringent emission standards for healthier indoor environments. Those are reassuring certifications for people who are looking for a mattress that reduces their exposure to potential toxins.

During testing, the Star Hybrid earned full marks for its responsiveness and scored very well for its outstanding edge support. It fell a little short in pressure relief and motion isolation. Overall, we gave the Bear Star Hybrid 4.3 stars out of 5.

Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Review Video

Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4.3
Overall
3.7
Motion Isolation
4
Cooling
4.6
Edge Support
3
Pressure Relief
5
Response
4
Trial Period
5
Warranty
4.5
Customer Experience

Bear Star Hybrid Value

To fairly evaluate the value of a mattress, it’s important to consider the price tag in relation to the materials and construction. Those details give you an idea of expected lifespan, which can help you determine whether the initial investment is worth the cost. While the Bear Star Hybrid is simply constructed with just four layers, it stands 13 inches tall — a little taller than average — and we were impressed with the certified foams, pocketed coils, and fiberglass-free design.

Bear offers frequent sales and discounts that knock hundreds of dollars off the full retail price of its mattresses, so you can always expect a deal. A queen-size Bear Star Hybrid retails for just over $2,100 at full price, but the sales price at time of writing brought it to $1,499. Even the largest size, a California king, was well below the $2,000 mark at $1,799. It puts the mattress on the lower end of the price spectrum compared to other hybrids with similar materials, and it comes with a few nice upgrades, like the hand-tufted cooling cover.

Hybrid mattresses generally outlast all-foam models because the coil layer beefs up support and lends durability. Based on the materials in the Star Hybrid and its performance in our tests, it’s reasonable to expect it to last 7 to 10 years. Considering the price point, that’s great value for the money.

Bear Star Hybrid Comparison

Swipe to view more
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Helix Midnight Mattress Bear Original Mattress Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Helix Midnight Mattress Bear Original Mattress Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Rating
4.3
4.3
4.5
4.6
Firmness Medium-soft: 6/10 Medium-firm: 6.5/10 Firm: 7/10 Multiple firmness options
Material Hybrid Hybrid Foam Hybrid
Cooling
Best For
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Joint Pain
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers,
Couples
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors

What Is the Bear Star Hybrid Made Of? 

As part of the Sleepopolis testing methodology, we cut into the cover for a closer look at the materials and construction in all of the mattresses we test. In the Star Hybrid, we found a generous layer of comfort foam and tall coils.

P1065006
The Bear Star Hybrid in the Sleepopolis studio.

Cover – The Star Hybrid comes standard with a hand-quilted cover made of a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. It’s made with a patented technology that’s supposed to maintain a cooler, drier sleep surface. There’s also an optional upgrade to a cover infused with Celliant fibers, a performance textile that uses infrared to help regulate body temperature and support recovery. It adds $210 to the price tag for a queen size.

Comfort Layer First up is a thinner top layer of cooling gel-infused foam to help combat heat retention. That’s stacked above a thicker layer of responsive, high-density comfort foam.

Support Layer – Individually encased innerspring coils, or pocketed coils, deliver the bulk of the bed’s support and durability. 

ConstructionGraphics BearStarHybrid
Showing the materials used in the layers of the Bear Star Hybrid.

Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Firmness 

Firmness level and feel are subjective measurements, because they rely on individual body weight and sleep style. That’s why a lightweight stomach sleeper can find a mattress uncomfortably firm, while a heavyweight side sleeper may find the same mattress appropriately soft. To give people an idea of how soft or firm a mattress might feel, we rank firmness on a scale of 1 (very soft) to 10 (very firm) for all three sleep positions.

Casper 2020 Firmness 1

Sleepopolis tester Kenny Timper falls into the average-weight sleeper category, with a body weight between 130 and 230 pounds. He rated the Bear Star Hybrid a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale on his side, back, and stomach. A true medium-firm is 6.5 out of 10, so this hybrid is slightly firmer. That was really evident on his side. “The mattress doesn’t conform to your body but the cushioning feels nice,” he said. “I didn’t feel any pressure buildup around my hips or shoulders, but I didn’t feel any contouring either. I could see this being too firm for some side sleepers.”

On his back, Kenny found the mattress worked better. “I didn’t feel any pressure or back pain around my lower back and my spine felt aligned,” he explained, adding that the bed felt comfortably soft and kept him from sinking at all. The firmness was ideal when Kenny flipped to his stomach — his preferred sleep position. “My hips didn’t dip or sink at all, which means everything else was aligned,” he said.

Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Performance

It’s not just firmness and construction that contribute to our perception of a good mattress. Performance factors go a very long way as well. We tested the Bear Star Hybrid’s pressure relief, motion isolation, responsiveness, cooling ability, and edge support to get an idea of its strengths and weaknesses. Our tests included both subjective and objective assessments.

Bear Star Hybrid Pressure Relief Performance

Pressure relief describes how well a mattress reduces stress and tension on the parts of the body that naturally bear more pressure. Since body weight isn’t necessarily evenly distributed when we lie down, certain points — like our shoulders and hips if we’re side sleepers or the lumbar area if we sleep on our backs — can be vulnerable to developing pain. According to Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, medium-soft to medium-firm mattresses tend to be the best option for pressure relief, and memory foam is generally considered the top material. After testing pressure relief on the Bear Star Hybrid with both a lightweight and a heavyweight sleeper in the back and side sleeping positions, results were mixed.

Asha Birjah is a lightweight sleeper, clocking in at under 130 pounds. Since she lacks the weight to sink into comfort layers, she often perceives mattresses to be firmer. That was the case with the Star Hybrid, and it affected the bed’s ability to effectively relieve pressure for Asha. On her side, she found the mattress a little unforgiving. “My hips feel lifted, but my spine does not feel like it is aligned with my hips,” she said. That put a lot of pressure on her hips and lower body, so she gave the Star Hybrid only 1 star. On her back, things improved — but only slightly. Asha noted a bit of an arch in her lumbar zone. “I don’t feel as if my lower back is supported unless I am lying on it a certain way,” she explained. “I keep feeling like I have to readjust.” In this position, she gave the mattress 2 stars.

Our heavyweight sleeper, Marten Carlson, had an altogether different experience. Since he weighs more than 230 pounds, he has the weight to sink into the comfort layers for more cushioning. He gave the Star Hybrid 5 stars for pressure relief on his side, noting just a touch of pressure around his shoulders but supportive comfort everywhere else. On his back, he reported a little more sinkage. “I feel my hips dip a little bit, but otherwise I feel supported and I don’t feel like I’m sinking in too much,” he said, giving the bed 4 stars.

When we averaged our scores, the Star Hybrid earned 3 stars out of 5 for pressure relief in both the side- and back-sleeping positions. Average-weight sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds are likely to fare much better, but dedicated side sleepers, especially those with sensitive shoulders or hips, may still want a mattress with more contouring.

Bear Star Hybrid Motion Isolation

A mattress with good motion isolation dampens movement across the bed. Dr. Raj Dasgupta points out that this feature contributes to undisturbed sleep, especially if you sleep with a partner. It lowers the likelihood of being jostled awake if your partner rolls over or makes a middle-of-the-night bathroom run. We performed three tests to assess the Star Hybrid’s motion isolation.

In the first test, Kenny placed a basin of water on one side of the mattress. On the other side, he climbed in and out of bed, observing how his movements affected the water. “The ripple test showed impressive results,” he said. “The water didn’t move around that much when I jumped into bed.” That earned the Star Hybrid 4 stars.

Next, Kenny moved between different sleep positions to see whether this kind of movement affected the water in the basin. He noted more disturbance, but found that it didn’t take long for the water to settle after he stopped moving. He gave the mattress another 4-star score.

In the third test, we replaced the water basin with a human partner. Kenny rested on one side of the bed, and on the other, another tester climbed in and out and alternated between different sleeping positions. Kenny reported being aware of his partner’s movements and noticed more disturbance when she got in and out of bed than when she switched positions. He gave the bed 3 stars for this test and advised that sleepers who are easily disturbed by their partner moving at night are likely to prefer a bed with better motion isolation. Overall, the Bear Star Hybrid earned 3.67 stars in this category.

Bear Star Hybrid Responsiveness

In mattress terms, responsiveness describes how quickly and easily the surface layers bounce back when you move. When a mattress is responsive, it adjusts immediately as you roll over so there’s no sensation of being “stuck.” A mattress that isn’t responsive can take a little time to recover when you move. That’s often the case with slow-moving foams, like memory foam. If you’re a combination sleeper, high responsiveness can mean the difference between a good night’s sleep and a restless night. This is where the Bear Star Hybrid mattress earned its best score, with 5 stars in all four of our responsiveness tests.

Kenny started with a switch test. He considered how easy it was to rotate from his back to side to his stomach. “It felt super easy to roll around and switch between different sleeping positions,” he said. “I had no trouble whatsoever on this mattress.”

Sleepopolis tester Riley Otis performed our second assessment. She placed a 53-pound kettlebell on the bed for seven seconds. When she removed it, she used a stopwatch to measure how long it took the Star Hybrid to bounce back. It took less than one second, which is really quick!

In the third test, Riley used the kettlebell again. She put it in the center of the mattress and used a ruler to measure how far it sank. At 3.5 inches, the Star Hybrid showed moderate sinkage. This means you won’t get deep body contouring, but there’s a reasonable amount of cushioning.

Last but not least, Sleepopolis tester Tyler Moyer dropped a 25-pound steel ball from six feet above the mattress. We used a yardstick to measure the height of its bounce. On the Star Hybrid, the bounce was 16.5 inches, which qualifies as moderate bounce.

Bear Star Hybrid Cooling

A mattress that manages temperature supports the body’s natural process of thermoregulation. Some materials and constructions do this better than others. Memory foam in particular is known for trapping heat, which can lead to overheating. The coil layer in hybrid mattresses, on the other hand, tends to promote airflow. The Bear Star Hybrid has both of these elements, and it performed reasonably well in this category with 4 stars out of 5.

Kenny used a thermal gun to take an initial surface read of 65.4 degrees. He rested on the mattress for five minutes, then took a second read. The temperature increased 7.1 degrees to 72.5. We consider an increase of 5 to 10 degrees an indication of good cooling.

While he rested, Kenny played close attention to whether or not he could feel the mattress heating up beneath him. “I could feel the pillow top warm up a bit around my lower back,” he reported, noting that the standard mattress cover on the Star Hybrid isn’t cool to the touch. According to the brand, the cover features a patented technology to keep it cool and dry, but it wasn’t evident during our tests.

Still, based on its performance, we think the Bear Star Hybrid is a reasonable choice if you aren’t an excessively hot sleeper. Those who deal with regular night sweats may want to upgrade to the Celliant cover or consider a bed with more cooling technology.

Bear Star Hybrid Edge Support

A mattress with good edge support has sides that are as supportive as the center of the bed. Those with mobility issues who find it a little challenging to get in and out of bed benefit from sturdy edges. For couples, strong edge support means more room to spread out without feeling unstable. Hybrids generally perform well in this category, and that was the case with the Bear Star Hybrid. It earned 4.6 stars of 5, so we think it’s a strong contender for those who are specifically in need of a bed with strong edges.

Kenny first assessed edge support by sitting on the side of the bed with his feet on the floor and rising to a standing position. “I found it very easy to get in and out of bed,” he said. “I did not have to use my hands to help myself up. I think this would be great for seniors because when I pressed down on the edges, the bed didn’t sink down much at all.” He gave the Star Hybrid 5 stars for this test.

In test two, Kenny rested on the side of the bed on his back, side and stomach to see whether the different distribution of body weight made any difference in how secure he felt. “I never felt like I was going to roll off in any of the positions,” he noted. “I wouldn’t say one position is better than the other. I could easily switch between all different sleeping positions.” Again, he gave the bed 5 stars.

In our third evaluation, Sleepopolis tester Erin Chiles stacked three sets of weighted plates on the side of the bed and measured how far the layers collapsed. The three stacks, weighing 99 pounds, 154 pounds, and 198 pounds, represent three weight classes. From lightest to heaviest, the layers sank 2.5 inches, 4.5 inches, and 5 inches. That earned an average score of 4.3 stars.

Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Performance for Couples

When you share your bed with a partner, some mattress features become a little more important than others. We consider cooling ability, responsiveness, motion isolation, and edge support to be pretty non-negotiable in a shared bed. Based on its performance in these categories, the Bear Star Hybrid earned 4.3 stars, which makes it a good option for most couples.

While it earned 4 stars and above for cooling, edge support, and responsiveness, its motion isolation score wasn’t great. If one partner is a light sleeper, that could pose an issue for restful nights.

Other Performance Factors to Consider

Beyond performance features, there are other factors to consider in a mattress. The Sleepopolis team runs a few additional tests for the most well-rounded take on the beds we review.

Sex

To calculate our sex score, we average the scores from our responsiveness, cooling, and edge support tests. The Bear Star hybrid did quite well with 4.5 stars. It has excellent responsiveness, which will make it easy for couples to maneuver on the mattress, and it shouldn’t trap heat too excessively. Plus, its strong edges will keep couples from feeling like they need to keep to the center of the bed.

Noise

Mattress tester Carter Coughlin tested the noise level on the Bear Star Hybrid by pressing on it, jumping on it, and rolling all over it. No matter what he did, the mattress stayed completely silent. That earned it 5 stars, so it’s a good choice for light sleepers who are easily disturbed by noise at night.

Base Compatibility 

Carter also evaluated the Star Hybrid’s compatibility with the adjustable base in our testing studio. The 13-inch hybrid pulled its lowest score here — a 1 — because it was far too stiff. “The structure of the mattress is too thick to properly fold with the ergonomics of the base,” explained Carter.

Durability

We assess durability in a mattress by considering material quality, especially in the support layer, along with edge support and the length of the warranty. In the Star Hybrid, we found the materials to be of good quality, and we appreciated the third-party certifications. The hybrid construction boosts durability, and the strong edge support is another good sign. The mattress is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, which is an indication that the brand expects it to perform well without issues for a reasonable timeframe. We anticipate that the Star Hybrid will last for 7 to 10 years or so.

Bear Star Hybrid Performance Scores

TestProduct ScoreAverage Score
Firmness7/106.7/10
Pressure Relief Side33.5
Back Pressure Relief34
Motion Isolation3.74
Responsiveness54.1
Cooling43.9
Edge Support 4.64
Bounce Height16.516.3
Bounce Rating5 – HighModerate
Sinkage53.7
Sex Score4.5TBD
Noise54.5
Trial Period44.2
Warranty54.6

Bear Star Hybrid Sleeping Position and Body Weight

Since sleeping and body weight affect mattress performance, we’ve broken down how the Bear Star Hybrid is likely to perform for different sleepers.

Before we dive into our recommendations, though, we want to recognize that people come in all shapes and sizes, and people of every size deserve a mattress that works for their body type. We use the weight categories light, average, and heavy to more easily categorize sleepers based on how mattresses will perform for their body type, as most mattresses are designed for the group we call “average” (130 to 230 pounds).

As a general takeaway, lighter sleepers don’t require as much support as average-weight sleepers, and mattresses will tend to feel firmer to them. On the other hand, heavy sleepers tend to need more support than average-weight sleepers and sink into the mattress more. As far as sleeping positions go, side sleepers likely need a softer mattress while stomach sleepers usually need a firmer, more supportive one. Back sleepers are usually somewhere in the middle.

Is the Bear Star Hybrid a Good Mattress for Light Sleepers (Under 130 pounds)?

  • Light Back Sleepers – The mattress lacks the contouring necessary to keep this group comfortable, so it’s likely going to feel far too firm.
  • Light Side Sleepers – These sleepers will experience the same issue, with pressure on the hips and shoulders from the firmer feel and lack of contouring.
  • Light Stomach Sleepers – Fans of a firmer surface may find this works for proper hip elevation, but it could be too firm for comfort in the chest.
Stomach-sleeping on the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
Our tester Kenny Timper stomach sleeping on the Bear Star Hybrid mattress.

Is the Bear Star Hybrid a Good Mattress for Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 pounds)?

  • Average-Weight Back Sleepers – These sleepers should be very comfortable, especially if they prefer a lifted sensation.
  • Average-Weight Side Sleepers – This group will probably find the mattress is a touch too firm for comfortable cushioning around the hips and shoulders.
  • Average-Weight Stomach Sleepers – The firm support is ideal for proper hip elevation, so these sleepers can expect comfortable alignment.

Is the Bear Star Hybrid a Good Mattress for Heavy Sleepers (over 230 pounds)?

  • Heavy Back Sleepers – This group will probably benefit from the firmer feel, with just enough sinkage and sufficient alignment.
  • Heavy Side Sleepers – This group should fare reasonably well, with enough support to keep the spine straight and the shoulders and hips lightly cushioned.
  • Heavy Stomach Sleepers – It’s possible that hip dipping could be an issue here, so a mattress with more support may be the better choice for dedicated stomach sleepers.
Back-sleeping on the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
Our product tester Kenny back sleeping on the Bear Star Hybrid mattress.

My Final Thoughts About the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress

Here’s who’s likely to find the Bear Star Hybrid a good fit, and who may want to look elsewhere.

Who I Recommend the Bear Star Hybrid For

  • Average and heavyweight back sleepers should be really comfortable and supported, especially if they prefer a more lifted sensation.
  • Combination sleepers should have no issues switching positions.
  • Budget shoppers can get a great deal on this mattress and enjoy a few premium features at the same time.

Who I Don’t Recommend the Bear Star Hybrid For

  • Those with an adjustable base will do better with a more flexible mattress.
  • Couples, if one partner is a light sleeper, may want a mattress with better motion isolation.

Bear Star Hybrid Pricing and Sizing

While the Bear Star Hybrid is frequently on sale, here’s a look at what the bed costs in all available sizes at full retail.

SizePrice
Twin$1712.00
Twin XL$1855.00
Full$1998.00
Queen$2141.00
King$2570.00
Cal King$2570.00

Bear Star Hybrid Policies

Before you buy a mattress, it’s important to check the fine print.

WarrantyLimited lifetime warranty
Sleep Trial Period120-night trial
Shipping/ReturnsFree shipping to the contiguous U.S.
UnboxingThe mattress arrives compressed in a box at your door. It’s easier to move and set up with two people.
Full-RiseThe mattress begins to inflate immediately after unboxing. It needs a full 24 to 48 hours to fully decompress.
Customer ReviewsThis bed earned 4.7 stars on the Bear website based on over 1,400 reviews.

Bear Star Hybrid vs. Competitor

If you’re on the hunt for a quality hybrid mattress, here’s how the Bear Star Hybrid compares to other popular models.

Bear Star Hybrid vs Helix Midnight

The Helix Midnight is another affordable hybrid combining memory foam and coils. It’s a true medium-firm at 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, and it outperformed the Bear Star Hybrid in motion isolation and pressure relief during testing. We found the Star Hybrid the better option if you’re interested in cooling ability, edge support, and responsiveness.

  • Price: Both mattresses are priced affordably, but the Midnight is more of an entry-level model. A queen is $1,374 before regular sales pricing, which brings it down to just under $1,100.
  • Sleeping position: During testing, we found the medium-firm Midnight a great match for back sleepers in all weight classes. It’s also suitable for lightweight side sleepers. The Star Hybrid has a firmer feel that works better for stomach sleepers.
  • Cooling: We rated the Midnight’s cooling ability’s 3.5 out of 5 stars, so the Bear Hybrid is the slightly better pick here (especially with the upgraded cover). Still, very hot sleepers may want to consider a mattress with active cooling technology.
  • Body weight: We found the Bear mattress to be a good fit for heavyweight back and side sleepers. The Helix is a little softer, but still a good fit for back sleepers and some side sleepers in this weight class.

Read more in our full Helix Midnight mattress review

P1037886

Helix Midnight Mattress

P1037886
The Helix Midnight has a medium support level and bounce that should appeal to a wide range of sleep preferences. The Midnight also does an exceptional job of isolating motion, making it a great choice for couples that move around at night.
Sleepopolis Score
4.3 / 5

Product Details

Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Sleep Trial
100 nights
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$

Our Recommendation

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5 / 5

Other Models From Bear

There are other mattresses in Bear’s lineup. Let’s see how the Star Hybrid stacks up.

Bear Star Hybrid vs Bear Original Mattress

The Bear Original is the brand’s value bed, a memory foam mattress with no coils in its construction. During testing, we found both mattresses have a 7 out of 10 firmness that works well for back sleeping.

  • Price: If budget is a primary consideration, the Original is the better choice. A queen is priced at $855, but discounts and sales pricing bring that number down by several hundred dollars.
  • Sleeping position: Both mattresses have the firmer feel that works well for back and stomach sleepers, especially in the average-weight range. 
  • Cooling: During testing, the Original demonstrated good cooling ability. Both mattresses can be upgraded to a cooling cover as well, which is worth considering if you’re a naturally hot sleeper. 
  • Body weight: Heavier sleepers will be better off on the Star Hybrid than the Bear Original, which lacks the support necessary for proper spinal alignment.

Read more in our full Bear Original mattress review.

bear original

Bear Original Mattress

bear original
We appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it a good option for anyone struggling with back pain. The optional Celliant cover also does a great job of keeping the mattress cool.
Sleepopolis Score
4.5 / 5

Product Details

Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$

Our Recommendation

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Stomach Sleepers
This mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers as its firm support promotes spinal alignment.
Hot Sleepers
This bed features extra cooling technology, making it great for hot sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed should be comfortable for anyone struggling with hip pain since it contours the hips and keeps them supported.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7 / 5

Bear Star Hybrid vs Bear Elite Hybrid

The Elite Hybrid is Bear’s most popular model, a 14-inch hybrid with a choice of firmness level. We tested the medium feel, which is a little firmer than average at 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. That makes it comparable to the Star Hybrid.

  • Price: The Elite Hybrid is a premium offering and the full retail price for a queen is $2,427. But the brand’s regular sales bring that price way down. At time of writing, a queen was $1,699, so it’s not much more than the Star Hybrid. If you’re looking to save money on a good hybrid, the brand also offers the Bear Pro Hybrid, which comes in under $1,000 during sales.
  • Sleeping position: We liked the upgraded Bear Elite for back sleepers of all weights. The contouring pillow top is a nice balance to the firmer feel for average-weight side sleepers as well. But stomach sleepers are likely to fare better on the Star Hybrid or opting for the firmer model of the Elite.
  • Cooling: The Elite Hybrid comes standard with phase change material for a cool-to-the-touch feel, so it’s the better choice for hot sleepers. 
  • Body weight: There’s more contouring in the Elite model, and the firmness options make this a more flexible bed for different weight classes. Plus, it has zoned support to ensure alignment.

Read more in our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. 

P1019432 1

Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

P1019432 1
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
Sleepopolis Score
4.6 / 5

Product Details

Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$

Our Recommendation

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Hot Sleepers
This bed features extra cooling technology, making it great for hot sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed should be comfortable for anyone struggling with hip pain since it contours the hips and keeps them supported.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers, as it provides them support and easy mobility.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Love it! I absolutely love this mattress and the adjustable frame. It’s helping my back issues so much. I highly recommend this mattress to anyone with back pain
Elise M., Bear customer
Average Customer Rating
4.5 / 5

Our Review Process

At Sleepopolis, our team of certified sleep science coaches personally test each mattress. We start by unboxing the mattress to figure out how difficult (or easy) it is to get the mattress from the box to the bed. Then, we spend time lying on the bed in different positions, taking time to assess it on our backs, stomachs, and sides. Next, we perform our Sleepopolis tests, using specialized tools to measure qualities like motion transfer, bounce, and pressure relief. Our last step is to open up the mattress and take a look at each layer. These steps allow us to give our final verdict on the mattress.

FAQs

Is the Bear hybrid a good mattress?

The Bear Hybrid is a good mattress based on our tests. It’s firmer than average, with excellent responsiveness, good cooling ability, and strong edge support. But it doesn’t isolate motion very well, which is worth keeping in mind if you share your bed with a restless partner.

What are the negatives to a hybrid mattress?

Hybrid mattresses don’t always isolate motion well, and they tend to cost more than all-foam beds. The innerspring coil layer can also add weight, which makes hybrid mattresses harder to move and set up.

What is the highest-rated hybrid mattress?

At Sleepopolis, the DreamCloud Original is the highest rated hybrid with 4.8 stars out of 5. It has a great balance of support and comfort, along with luxurious upgrades and a reasonable price point.

Is Bear a good mattress brand?

Bear mattresses have a good reputation for their firmer feel, cooling ability, and excellent value. The Bear Star Hybrid in particular offers premium upgrades with a budget-friendly price tag.