Written by Sosha Lewis, Senior Staff Writer
The Bear Star Hybrid is a luxurious, plush mattress that made me want to take it home with me after testing. The bed’s outstanding pressure relief, support, and motion isolation particularly stood out.
This hybrid mattress should appeal to couples, back sleepers, hot sleepers, and people with limited mobility, just to name a few. As a medium-firm bed, the Bear Star Hybrid works well for a range of sleeping positions and body types.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
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Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Performance Ratings
How the Bear Star Hybrid Compares
Here at Sleep Advisor, we’ve tested over 150 different mattresses. The Bear Star Hybrid outperforms the average mattress in overall performance, pressure relief, support, motion isolation, cooling, and performance for couples, and is right on par with our average rating for bounce. It’s also several inches taller than the average mattress we test.
| Test | Bear Star Hybrid | Average |
| Overall | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 13″ | 11″ |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Price (Queen) | $1,998 | $1,695 |
| Pressure Relief | 5 | 4.3 |
| Support | 5 | 4.5 |
| Motion Isolation | 5 | 3.9 |
| Cooling | 4.5 | 3.9 |
| Bounce | 4 | 4 |
| Edge Support | 3.5 | 3.9 |
| Couples | 4.5 | 3.9 |
Watch Our Bear Star Hybrid Video Review
Editor’s note: We are working on updating our video review. For the latest findings, please refer to our written review.
Who I Recommend the Bear Star Hybrid For:
- Back sleepers – A medium-firm bed like the Bear Star Hybrid is usually a solid choice for back sleepers. This mattress is firm and supportive enough to maintain lumbar support and spine alignment, yet the foam layers still give back sleepers enough contouring and relief.
- Hot sleepers – While this mattress didn’t feel cool to the touch when I tested it, it still has great temperature regulation. The gel foam and individually wrapped coils disperse heat, which should keep you cool throughout the night.
- Couples – Scoring high on motion isolation, cooling, support, and responsiveness, I think this mattress is a great choice for couples. Further, a medium-firm mattress like this one usually appeals to various sleeping positions, which can be helpful when you and your partner don’t sleep in the same position.
Who I Don’t Recommend the Bear Star Hybrid For:
- Memory foam fans – Although the Bear Star Hybrid does have foam layers, its base is made of edge-to-edge coils, which creates a responsive, bouncy feeling. If you prefer a traditional memory foam bed with less bounce, here are our favorite memory foam beds for 2024.
- Heavyweight stomach sleepers – Our heavyweight mattress tester felt like his hips sunk too deep into this mattress, misaligning his spine. If you’re a heavyweight stomach sleeper, the Bear Star Hybrid might not be firm enough. Instead, check out our picks for the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Customer Reviews of the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
Coming in at approximately 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 1,300 reviews on Bear’s site, a potential downside customers noted of the Bear Star Hybrid mattress is that some users may find it too firm, but it is praised for its strong support and cooling properties, promoting a comfortable sleep environment.
Testing the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, we gather as much information as possible when testing a mattress to give you a comprehensive review. When testing the Bear Star Hybrid, I used a temperature gun to measure the bed’s cooling properties, a seismograph to test motion isolation, a pressure map to measure pressure relief, and a medicine ball to gauge the mattress’s responsiveness.
Because I’m an average-weight sleeper, my colleague tested the Bear Star Hybrid for heavyweight sleepers. This additional testing helped me better understand how this bed works for different body types.
For more on our testing methodology, visit our product review process page.
Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 6.5/10
At Sleep Advisor, we rate mattress firmness (how soft or hard a bed feels) on a scale of 1-10. I rated the Bear Star Hybrid mattress a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which means it’s a true medium-firm bed. Medium-firm mattresses are usually a crowd pleaser; they cater to a wide range of sleepers in different weight categories, along with suiting various sleeping positions.
How Does the Bear Star Hybrid Feel?
The Bear Star Hybrid offers a welcoming plushness because of its upper gel foam layers. For a more plush bed, the Bear Star Hybrid is still pretty responsive. It was easy for me to move around on the mattress.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
According to Bear representatives, there is no weight limit.
Side Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | Lightweight side sleepers may find that there is some pressure buildup around their shoulders and hips since this is a medium-firm mattress. I suspect you’d prefer a softer mattress if you’re a lightweight side sleeper. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | I enjoyed this bed on my side. There was no real pressure buildup, and I didn’t sink too far into the mattress. There was also a nice amount of contouring. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | Our heavyweight mattress tester said the Bear Star Hybrid is a decent option for side sleeping because of the plush layers on top. He found that it relieved pressure in his shoulder and hip areas. |
Back Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | The Bear Star Hybrid should be a good option for lightweight back sleepers since it is firm enough to maintain spinal support, yet it still has enough plushness to feel cozy. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | Since this mattress is medium-firm, it provided nice comfort. Also, the coils were great for spinal alignment when on my back. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | Our heavyweight tester said his hips sank just the right amount when on his back. He noticed good lumbar support and contouring. |
Stomach Sleepers
| Body Type | Weight Range | Tester Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers | Less than 130 pounds | Lightweight folks should feel supported by this mattress when sleeping on their stomach. |
| Average-Weight Sleepers | 130-230 pounds | I liked this mattress while on my stomach. My hips didn’t dip and my lower back’s alignment was not compromised. |
| Heavyweight Sleepers | More than 230 pounds | Our heavyweight tester found this bed was not quite supportive enough under his hips, which isn’t great for spine alignment and overall comfort. |
Pressure Relief
5/5
I used a pressure map to test the Bear Star Hybrid’s pressure relief and the bed exceeded my expectations, earning a score of 5 out of 5. A mattress’s ability to alleviate pressure, especially in sensitive areas like the shoulders and hips, is important for many sleepers and is particularly notable for people who experience joint pain.
As you can see in the images featured here, my pressure map was only green and blue when I lay on the mattress. These colors indicate very little, if any, pressure buildup, meaning the bed is doing an excellent job relieving pressure. The bed’s foam provided enough cushion but the coils didn’t let me sink too far into the mattress.
Learn More: Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief
Is the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Good for Pain Relief?
Yes, I think the Bear Star Hybrid could be good for pain relief. Its responsive foam layers are designed to relieve pressure in sensitive areas.
| Back Pain | The Bear Star Hybrid excels in pressure relief, lumbar support, and contouring, so it should do well for people with back pain. Read more about mattresses for back pain here. |
| Hip Pain | If you experience hip pain, this mattress may be a good choice because of its ability to relieve pressure. However, if you’re a lightweight stomach sleeper, the bed might be too firm for pain relief, and if you’re a heavyweight stomach sleeper, you may not feel sufficient hip support. Read more about mattresses for hip pain here. |
| Shoulder Pain | Again, this mattress is designed to relieve pressure and its hybrid design should support and cushion your shoulders. If you’re a lightweight side sleeper, though, I think the mattress will be too firm to provide enough shoulder pain relief. Explore more mattresses for shoulder pain here. |
Support
5/5
This bed’s support system comes from an innerspring unit made up of edge-to-edge coils that are individually wrapped for more independent movement, which also assists with motion isolation.
To evaluate support, I considered how well my spine felt supported, which can vary among sleeping positions, but this bed did not disappoint. The Bear Star Hybrid earned a 5 out of 5 for support. When testing this mattress, I felt very supported on my back, stomach, and side. The individually-encased coils that sit at the base of the bed kept my spine aligned and my hips from sagging.
Motion Isolation
5/5
Motion isolation occurs when a bed prevents the transfer of movement so that two people are less likely to disturb each other throughout the night. Motion isolation is particularly helpful for couples who share a bed and people who are easily disturbed while they sleep.
I tested the Bear Star Hybrid’s motion isolation using a seismograph, which is an app that can pick up motion disturbances. As you can see in the seismograph reading, it detected very little movement, which is why I gave it a perfect score here.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
4.5/5
To test cooling, I used a temperature gun to record the bed’s temperature before lying on it, and after five and 10 minutes of lying on it. The mattress was initially 76.4 degrees Fahrenheit, increased to 79.3 degrees after five minutes, and ended at 79.1 degrees after 10 minutes.
This bed’s temperature increased less than 4 degrees, which could have easily earned it a score of 5 out of 5, but the bed’s “cooling cover” didn’t feel cool to the touch. One thing to consider is that this bed had been sitting under a light for several hours before I tested it. This light may have impacted the coolness of the cover, but I felt it in several locations and it didn’t feel cool. Therefore, I knocked the cooling score down to 4.5.
Bounce
4/5
Mattress bounce or responsiveness is helpful for people with limited mobility, combination sleepers, and sexually active couples because a bouncier bed makes it easier to move around.
When testing the Bear Star Hybrid, I was pleasantly surprised with how bouncy and responsive it felt. Given the bed’s thick foam layers, I wasn’t sure how responsive it would feel, but when I dropped a 10-pound medicine ball from shoulder height, it caught a little air before settling back into the mattress.
I could move around on the mattress easily and didn’t feel like I was stuck or sinking. That said, my movement was not seamless, so I took off one point.
Edge Support
3.5/5
A mattress has great edge support if you can sit or lie at the edge of the bed without feeling like you’ll slide or fall off. Edge support is particularly helpful for people with limited mobility who need assistance getting in and out of bed. Couples who like to spread out to the edges of their bed while sleeping also value good edge support.
I tested this by sitting and lying at the edge for a minute each.
I would say the Bear Star Hybrid has average edge support. There was considerable sinkage when I was sitting on the edge, which could make it difficult for anyone with mobility or knee issues to get up. I did, however, feel very secure when I was lying near the edge of the bed.
Due to how much sinkage I noticed when sitting, I gave this bed a 3.5 out of 5 for edge support.
Accessibility
3/5
Our accessibility category looks at whether the mattress or brand have any standout qualities for sleepers. This bed has excellent responsiveness, which makes it a suitable option for folks with limited mobility. Additionally, the mattress includes handles, which is a helpful feature because it makes the bed easier to move.
However, the trial and warranty are industry-standard, and it’s only available in a single firmness. For these reasons, I gave it a 3 out of 5 here, which is average.
Customer Service
3.5/5
Bear’s customer service earned a score of 3.5 out of 5 because they do well in some areas and lack in others. For instance, it is easy to communicate with brand representatives online if you have questions about a product. Further, the Bear Star Hybrid comes with a lifetime warranty and free shipping and returns.
One drawback I noticed is that the bed’s sleep trial is only 120 nights while other brands offer as much as 365 nights. Additionally, while the company does offer white glove delivery and old mattress removal, this service is only available for an additional $100.
Performance for Couples
4.5/5
I rated the Bear Star Hybrid a 4.5 out of 5 for its performance for couples and here’s why. The bed has fantastic motion isolation, which is important when sharing a bed with your partner. It’s also extremely supportive, a factor to consider when a mattress is holding the weight of two people instead of one. Additionally, the mattress is pretty bouncy and responsive, a pro for sexually active couples. Finally, the Bear Star Hybrid has various cooling qualities, and couples typically prefer good cooling because sharing a bed tends to make people sleep hotter.
All of that being said, this mattress has average edge support (3.5 out of 5), a drawback for some couples. If you like to spread out from your partner and sleep near the edge of the bed, you may not feel supported enough by the Bear Star Hybrid, so I took off a half-point here.
Preference-Based Features
Eco-Conscious Materials
For those looking for an eco-friendly brand, the Bear Star Hybrid has been awarded the GREENGUARD Gold Certification, which means it has passed the world’s strictest emission standards.
Adjustable Base Compatible
The Bear is made to be compatible with different foundations, including an adjustable base. The company also makes its own adjustable bases that you can purchase with your mattress.
Explore our picks for the best adjustable bases.
Fiberglass-Free Construction
If you’re concerned about fiberglass in your mattress, you should be safe with the Bear Star Hybrid. This bed has a fire barrier, but it doesn’t include any fiberglass.
Handcrafted in the USA
Bear mattresses are assembled in the United States, which could be a great advantage for those looking to buy American-made products.
Construction: What’s Inside the Bear Star Hybrid?
This 13-inch mattress is topped with a cooling, moisture-wicking, quilted cover. For an extra fee, you can purchase the Celliant Infused Cover.
Some reported benefits of this textile are body temperature regulation and faster muscle recovery, though we encourage you to do your own research as their is no conclusive evidence yet of Celliant’s capabilities.
- Below the cover is a gel foam layer that contributes to the mattress’s cooling and pressure-relieving capabilities.
- Next, you’ll find a responsive foam layer that helps relieve pressure. This layer also assists with airflow, which helps to keep you cool while you sleep.
- At the base of the mattress sits a layer of individually wrapped coils that provide support, durability, airflow, and responsiveness.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
The Bear Star Hybrid mattress comes compressed in a box, which makes it easier to move from your doorstep to the bedroom. If you’re setting it up yourself, make sure to place the mattress on your foundation of choice before removing the packaging. This way, the mattress will unroll and decompress on the foundation.
You can sleep on it right away, but it may take up to 48 hours for the bed to expand and reach its full size. Until then, it might not perform at its best. Any off-gassing odor you may notice should also be gone by the time the mattress decompresses.
Certifications
- Eco-Friendly Certifications – This product has a GREENGUARD Gold certification that reflects the product’s ability to meet some of the world’s most rigorous emissions standards. On top of that, the foams in this bed are CertiPUR-US® certified. CertiPUR-US® is a third-party program that ensures the foams meet rigorous health and safety standards. This means they don’t contain harmful substances like ozone depleters, PBDEs, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. They should also have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
Noteworthy Updates
The Celliant cover in the Bear Star Hybrid is now optional and costs extra. Also, this bed is now fiberglass-free.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
| Shipping | Free shipping is available within the United States, excluding Puerto Rico. The company ships its products through FedEx. |
| White Glove Delivery | White glove delivery is available for an additional fee of $100. The service includes the removal of your old mattress. |
| Trial | Bear gives you 120 nights to try out this new mattress before you decide if you want to keep it. |
| Warranty | This mattress has a lifetime warranty. |
| Return Policy | Returns are free, but you can only return the mattress within your sleep trial. In other words, after 120 nights, you won’t be able to return the bed for a full refund. |
Bear Star Hybrid Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
| Twin | 38” x 75” x 13” | $1,498 |
| Twin XL | 39” x 80” x 13” | $1,598 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 13” | $1,698 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 13” | $1,998 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 13” | $2,298 |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” x 13” | $2,298 |
| Split King | 76” x 80” x 13” | $3,196 |
Bear Star Hybrid FAQs
Is the Bear Star Hybrid mattress good for back pain?
Yes, I’d say the Bear Star Hybrid mattress should be good for back pain. This hybrid bed provides both comfort and spine alignment, helping to relieve pressure and keep your back straight.
What firmness level is the Bear Star Hybrid?
I rated the Bear Star Hybrid a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which means it is a medium-firm mattress.
Does the Bear Star Hybrid mattress need a box spring?
The Bear Star Hybrid needs a solid base that can support its weight and that of the person using it. For this reason, the company doesn’t recommend using a box spring. Instead, you can use a platform bed, a solid bed frame, or an adjustable base.
Bear Star Hybrid vs. Other Mattress Brands
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| Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | |
| Rating | |||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Who I Recommend the Helix Midnight For
- Average-weight sleepers
- People with back pain
- Hot sleepers
Check out our full Helix Midnight mattress review
Who I Recommend the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid For
- Side sleepers
- People looking for a thinner mattress
- Sleepers with back pain
Read our Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid review.
Bear Star Hybrid vs. Other Bear Models
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| Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | |
| Rating | |||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | |||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Who I Recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid For
- People looking for edge support
- Lightweight sleepers
- Stomach sleepers
Read our Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review.
Who I Recommend the Bear Original For
- Those who prefer all-foam beds
- Couples
- Sleepers who enjoy more sinkage
Read our Bear mattress review.
My Verdict of the Bear Star Hybrid
After testing the Bear Star Hybrid mattress, I recommend it to couples, hot sleepers, and back sleepers of all weights. This bed’s individually wrapped coils provide great support and stability, while the gel and responsive foam layers add to the mattress’s softness. This mattress scored well in pressure relief, bounce, support, motion isolation, and cooling.
However, the Bear Star Hybrid might be too firm for lightweight side sleepers yet too soft for heavyweight stomach sleepers. I also wasn’t as impressed with this bed’s edge support.
If you’re in the market for a luxury, medium-firm, hybrid mattress, I’d try the Bear Star Hybrid. I’m still dreaming about this mattress after having tested it! And with the 120-night sleep trial, you can always return the mattress if it’s not the right fit for you. All in all, the Bear Star Hybrid earned an overall score of 4.2 out of 5.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sosha Lewis
Senior Staff Writer
About Author
Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleep Advisor. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach