Mattress Review
Bear Star Hybrid
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Price Range: $974 – $2,078
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Highlights
- Sleeps exceptionally cool despite its multiple foam layers
- Solid edge support
- 120-night sleep trial
Drawbacks
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may need a firmer mattress
- Co-sleepers may feel some of their partner’s movements
- Average pressure relief may not be sufficient for sleepers with aches and pains
Sleep Doctor’s Take: Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Star Hybrid Mattress balances the contouring of foam with the resilience and support of pocketed coils. Celliant fibers and HydroCool phase change material in the Euro-top are designed for temperature neutrality, as is a layer of Serene foam infused with cooling gel. This mattress is well suited for hot sleepers and those who sleep on their side or back.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress: An Introduction
Bear launched in 2015 and sells a range of sleep products, including mattresses, bed frames, pillows, and weighted blankets. The Bear Star Hybrid is part of a mattress lineup that includes the flagship all-foam Bear Original as well as the Elite Hybrid and the Pro Hybrid. The company also has a kids mattress called the Bear Cub.
The Bear Star Hybrid is medium firm (6) on our 10-point firmness scale. The quilted cover and topmost layer of Serene foam contain cooling elements designed to prevent heat retention, while the pocketed coil support core gives the bed a responsive feel. The Star Hybrid performed well in several of our team’s performance categories, including temperature neutrality, edge support, and ease of movement.
How We Review
Our testing team assesses every mattress we review using our thorough testing methodology. It details the rating criteria for our performance categories, which allows our testers to evaluate mattresses using a five-point scale. This helps us provide precise ratings so you can choose the best mattress.
What’s It Like to Sleep on the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress?
The Bear Star Hybrid Mattress strikes a nice balance between contouring and sturdy support. The cover’s Celliant fibers and phase change material are designed to pull heat away from the body, which makes it a good choice for hot sleepers.
The top layer is made of Serene foam. Created by Virginia-based Carpenter Co., Serene foam is similar to memory foam in its conforming ability, but it has billions of microscopic air capsules that are engineered to promote airflow and breathability.
The Bear Star Hybrid also features pocketed coils with reinforced edge support so that sleepers can use the entire mattress surface, making it easy to change positions and get out of bed.
Bear Star Hybrid Pros and Cons
Pros
- Euro-top designed for a plush and cool sleep surface
- Serene foam layer provides moderate pressure relief
- Support core includes a reinforced perimeter and breathable coils
Cons
- 13-inch profile may be too thick for the pocket depth of some sheets
- May not be firm enough for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
- Mid-range price tag is higher than some budget-friendly mattresses
Sleeping Positions, Body Weight, and Firmness
The Bear Star Hybrid is medium firm (6) on our 10-point firmness scale. Mattresses of this firmness suit a range of sleepers, conforming fairly well to the body while avoiding the sink of softer models. A mattress’ firmness, along with your body weight and sleep position, influence how comfortable a bed feels.
Our testing team includes sleepers of various body types and sleep position preferences. Their diverse perspectives helped us evaluate the Bear Star Hybrid and provide accurate ratings across performance categories. We found that the Bear Star Hybrid performed well for side and back sleepers of any body weight and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds.
Bear Star Hybrid Sleeper Ratings
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Over 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Back Sleepers | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Stomach Sleepers | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers on our team found a great deal of comfort on the Bear Star Hybrid. Generally, side sleepers need a mattress that cradles the shoulders and hips to allow for proper spinal alignment. The medium firm (6) feel provided sufficient comfort and support, though some side sleepers under 130 pounds said they would have been more comfortable on a softer bed.
Back Sleepers
The mattress performed best for back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. For optimal comfort, back sleepers need a mattress that supports the hips and prevents them from sinking too far into the bed. Back sleepers under 130 pounds and over 230 pounds found the Star Hybrid comfortable, but some preferred a firmer option, such as the Bear Original.
Stomach Sleepers
The Bear Star Hybrid was not as well suited for the stomach sleepers on our team. While testers under 230 pounds found an acceptable level of support, those over 230 pounds said they needed a firmer bed like the Bear Original Hybrid. A firmer mattress helps support the midsection to keep it from sinking too far into the sleep surface.
Our Performance Ratings
Our testing team rated the performance of the Bear Star Hybrid using a five-point scale. A score of 5 denotes excellent performance, while a score of 1 means that the mattress performed poorly.
Pressure Relief
Rating: 3/5
With its combination of Serene foam and pocketed coils, the Bear Star Hybrid gives the balance of comfort and support we expect from a hybrid. Our testers found that the comfort system offers cushioning while the support core provides sturdy support that prevents deep sinkage. This helps keep a sleeper’s spine aligned while relieving pressure on joints.
Temperature Neutrality
Rating: 4/5
The Bear Star Hybrid excels at temperature control compared to other hybrid mattresses. Our testing revealed that the mattress sleeps cool thanks to several construction materials engineered for temperature neutrality. The tiny air capsules in the Serene foam layer and the cover’s Celliant fibers and phase change material are designed to regulate heat. The pocketed coils in the support core also promote breathability and airflow.
Motion Isolation
Rating: 3/5
The Bear Star Hybrid Mattress isolates motion well for a hybrid model. Unlike all-foam beds, hybrids tend to be more responsive due to the addition of coils in the support core. Our testers found that this mattress does have some bounce, but the Euro-top helps shield sleepers from most vibrations.
Edge Support
Rating: 4/5
A reinforced perimeter in the support core gives the Bear Star Hybrid stellar edge support. Many all-foam beds compress at the edges, limiting the amount of usable surface area. But a strong layer of coils around the perimeter of this hybrid mattress gives it a sturdy border. Our testers found that this enhanced edge support allowed them to sleep right up to the bed’s edge without feeling like they might roll off.
Durability
Rating: 3/5
The average lifespan of a hybrid mattress is 6 to 8 years. Proper use and care can influence how long a bed lasts, as can a person’s body type and sleep position. We estimate the Bear Star Hybrid will meet the average lifespan because of its high-quality materials and robust construction.
Ease of Movement
Rating: 4/5
We found that the medium firm feel of the Bear Star Hybrid easily facilitates movement. Our testers noted that the mildly responsive surface and coil support core with a reinforced perimeter made it easy to change positions and get in and out of bed.
Sex
Rating: 4/5
The Bear Star Hybrid earned high marks in this category because of its responsive surface, sturdy perimeter, and strong temperature regulation. The Serene foam in the topmost layer also helps with traction and makes the mattress virtually silent.
Off-Gassing
Rating: 3/5
Most mattresses compressed and shipped in a box need time to off-gas once removed from their packaging. Off-gassing involves the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have a distinct odor but are considered harmless in small amounts. The Bear Star Hybrid produces moderate off-gassing and should be placed in a well-ventilated area. Our testers noticed that the chemical-like smell dissipated within a few days.
What Is the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Made Of?
Sleepers will quickly notice the Bear Star Hybrid’s plush Euro-top cover, which includes Celliant fibers and HydroCool phase change material. Both materials are designed to provide a cool sleep surface while wicking away moisture and dispersing heat.
The bed’s comfort system contains a layer of conforming yet breathable Serene foam that contains gel infusions engineered to keep the uppermost layer of the mattress cool. This sits atop a layer of polyfoam designed to add responsiveness to the otherwise conforming sleep surface.
The Star Hybrid’s support core contains individually pocketed coils that move independently to reduce motion transfer. The mattress is bolstered by a reinforced perimeter for added edge support. The bottom layer of high-density polyfoam provides a sturdy base.
All of the foams used in the Bear Star Hybrid are certified by CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold, indicating that they adhere to safety standards and are free of potentially harmful substances.
| Mattress Construction Layers | Details |
|---|---|
| Cover Material | Euro-top with Celliant and HydroCool Phase Change Material |
| Comfort Layers | Gel-Infused Serene Foam Polyfoam |
| Support Core | Pocketed Coils High-Density Polyfoam |
How Much Does the Bear Star Hybrid Cost?
A hybrid mattress typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000 in a queen size. The Bear Star Hybrid falls in the center of that range, with high-quality materials and elements designed for cooling making it a good value at that price-point.
| Sizes | Price | Dimensions | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | $1,298 | 38″ x 75″ | 13″ | 60 lbs. |
| Twin XL | $1,398 | 38″ x 80″ | 13″ | 60 lbs. |
| Full | $1,498 | 54″ x 75″ | 13″ | 80 lbs. |
| Queen | $1,732 | 60″ x 80″ | 13″ | 110 lbs. |
| King | $2,132 | 76″ x 80″ | 13″ | 140 lbs. |
| California King | $2,132 | 72″ x 84″ | 13″ | 140 lbs. |
| Split King | $2,796 | 38″ x 80″ (2 pcs.) | 13″ | 120 lbs. |
Which Bear Mattress Is Right for You?
In addition to the Star Hybrid Mattress, Bear offers a variety of other models. The Bear Original is a firm all-foam model that performs well for back and stomach sleepers. It’s also a good option for budget-conscious shoppers.
Bear also offers two other hybrid models. The Bear Pro Hybrid primarily caters to sleepers over 230 pounds, though our testers also found it to be an excellent choice for back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. The Bear Elite Hybrid allows you to choose your preferred firmness level — medium (5), medium firm (6), or firm (8) — giving it broad appeal.
Bear Mattresses at a Glance
| Model | Firmness | Mattress Type | Height | Base Price (Queen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Original | Firm (7) | Foam | 10″ | $998 |
| Bear Pro Hybrid | Firm (7) | Hybrid | 10″ | $1,298 |
| Bear Star Hybrid | Medium Firm (6) | Hybrid | 13″ | $1,732 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8) | Hybrid | 14″ | $2,111 |
Discounts and Coupons
The Bear website provides seasonal savings opportunities and a closeout section for deeper discounts. The company often includes complimentary products with a mattress purchase and offers product bundles at reduced prices. Bear also provides year-round discounts to health care workers, teachers, first responders, and military personnel.
Where Can You Buy the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress?
You can buy the Bear Original through the company’s website or from a brick-and-mortar retail partner. It is available to try in person at several Brooklyn Bedding locations in Arizona, as well as mattress retailers such as SleePare and Our Sleep Guide at select locations across the U.S.
| Buying Information and Customer Policies | |
|---|---|
| Availability | The Bear Star Hybrid Mattress is only available in the United States. You can purchase it on Bear’s website as well as at Brooklyn Bedding and partner showrooms nationwide. Orders placed on the Bear website ship to all 50 states. |
| Shipping | Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S. Orders shipped to Alaska and Hawaii incur a shipping charge. The mattress is shipped compressed in a box and wrapped in plastic. You can sleep on it directly after unboxing, but full decompression may take 24 to 48 hours. |
| Additional Services | Bear offers White Glove service for an additional fee. You can choose to have your mattress set up by professionals, your old mattress removed, or both. Bear donates or recycles your old mattress or base. |
| Sleep Trial | Bear provides a 120-night sleep trial with a required 30-night break-in period. Customers can return the mattress during the trial period for a full refund or exchange. |
| Warranty | The Bear Star Hybrid Mattress is covered by a limited lifetime warranty. It covers defects in materials and workmanship, including permanent indentations of at least 1.5 inches. It does not cover standard wear and tear. Bear will replace your mattress at no cost if an eligible defect is found. Other terms and conditions apply. |
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress FAQ
Our testing team found that the Bear Star Hybrid’s medium firm (6) feel performed best for side sleepers over 130 pounds. The balance of softness and support conformed to the hips and shoulders of these sleepers without creating pressure points.
In general, hybrid mattresses provide more bounce and temperature regulation than all-foam beds. Their sturdy construction appeals to sleepers who frequently shift positions or those looking for a mattress with strong edge support and a breathable design.
The Bear Star Hybrid Mattress is made in the United States. Bear Mattress is headquartered in Hoboken, New Jersey, and beds are made to order at the company’s Arizona factory.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Sleep Products
Katie is a writer, editor, and researcher based in Englewood, Colorado. With a doctorate in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she has written and edited for Peterson’s and Innerbody Research as well as been a writing professor. Katie is passionate about helping consumers make more informed choices.
- POSITION: Side sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Dolphin
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