Saatva Classic vs Bear Elite: Which hybrid mattress is right for you?

The Saatva Classic and Bear Elite Hybrid are both top-rated hybrid beds with customizable firmness options and luxury temperature regulation. While these two premium mattresses have a lot of similarities, there are some key differences between the Saatva Classic vs Bear Elite Hybrid. But which popular hybrid mattress should you buy? 

While Saatva Classic takes the No 1 spot among our top picks in our best mattress 2024 guide, the Bear Elite Hybrid has also impressed us. Both have hybrid designs to provide a balance between comfort and support, but who delivers most on quality: Saatva or Bear?

Fortunately, we have now reviewed and slept on both mattresses — testing them in key areas such as design, temperature control, and support —  to put together this honest, in-depth Saatva Classic vs Bear Elite Hybrid comparison piece. Plus, if you're looking to get these luxe mattresses for less, we predict that both will be significantly discounted in the upcoming Black Friday mattress sales.

Saatva Classic vs Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress: key differences

Saatva Classic vs Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress: Price & Trial

• Both come with lifetime warranties, but Saatva has a longer sleep trial 
• Regular sales take $300 to $400 off the Classic, with a queen usually $1,795
• A queen Elite Hybrid is usually $1,614, thanks to a standard 30% discount

Both the Saatva Classic and the Bear Elite Hybrid sit in the premium price tier, but regular sales mean you can save money (though you'll still be dealing with premium price tags). 

Regular Saatva mattress sales knock anywhere between $200 and $500 off, with the bigger price drops reserved for the bigger sizes. A queen is usually $300 to $400 off, with its MSRP going from $2,095 to $1,795 or $1,695. Also common are 15% off sales, which reduce a queen-size Classic to $1,781. 

Meanwhile, Bear Mattress typically hold 30-35% off sales on all their mattresses, so a queen is usually $1,614 to $1,499 (MSRP: $2,305). However, MSRPs tend to fluctuate, and we did see 40% off sales around major holidays this year.

In terms of extras, Saatva is known for providing top-of-the-line extras with every mattress purchase, including free white glove delivery, a 365-night sleep trial, and a lifetime warranty. However, it's important to consider the $99 fee if you want to return the mattress during the year-long trial.

Bear's sleep trial is shorter at 120 nights, but they do also offer a lifetime warranty, and both shipping and returns are free. Plus, you'll often get a free gift, such as pillows or a bedding bundle.

Saatva Classic vs Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress: Design & Materials

• Both mattresses are fiberglass-free hybrids with three firmness options
• The Classic offers two height options, with four layers, and is delivered flat 
• The Elite is 14" tall with five internal layers and is delivered in a box

Both the Saatva Classic and the Bear Elite have that comforting and supporting design found in this year's best hybrid mattresses. They use memory foam layers for comfort while coils and spring adds support, and contain breathable fiberglass-free materials. 

However, the Saatva is shipped flat and installed in your room of choice through complimentary white glove delivery, while the Bear Elite Hybrid is delivered to your doorstep in a box. 

The Saatva Classic stands at either 11.5 or 14.5 inches (it's your choice) and has four internal layers. The first layer is made of high-density foam for pressure relief and sturdy back support, followed by individually wrapped coils for a stronger, firmer feel. 

The base layer features a coil unit for enhanced airflow and to prevent sagging, protected by foam rails for edge support. These tiers sit under a breathable cotton cover complete with a Euro top surface for a soft, hypoallergenic sleep surface.

Meanwhile the Bear Elite Hybrid only comes in a 14" height, but comes with an additional internal layer. The first layer features antimicrobial copper-infused memory foam for body-contouring pressure relief, followed by transition foam to support the following layer of individually-encased coils for motion isolation, breathability and support.

The mattress also features reinforced edge coils for sturdier edge support (more on that later), while the bottom layer features high-density support foam for stability and durability. At the top, it's cover is a cooling hand-quilted Phase Change Material cover, which you can upgrade to an ultra-cooling Celliant Infused Cover.

Saatva Classic vs Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress: Comfort & support

• Both beds cater to all sleep positions thanks to customizable firmness levels 
• The Classic received a glowing review - but there was motion transfer
• The only flaw we saw in the Elite Hybrid was its weak edge support 

Both mattresses were a pleasure to test in our respective Saatva Classic mattress review and Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review, and their adjustable firmness levels mean they can be tailored to your sleep style. 

The Saatva Classic impressed us with its great balance of support and comfort, strong edge support, and breathable materials, while we loved the Bear Elite's back pain relief, great motion isolation and its ability to stay cool all night. 

However, both have one flaw. For the Saatva Classic, it was the weak motion isolation, with motion transfer detected despite the individually encase coils promising to prevent this issue. Meanwhile, the Bear Elite's edge support was inconsistent and weaker around the corner. 

Saatva Classic vs Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress: temperature regulation

• Both mattresses feature airflow-boosting coil tiers to enhance breathability  
• The Saatva Classic has a moisture-wicking organic cotton cover
• The Elite comes with two cooling options - PCM (standard) or Celliant (upgrade) 

The Saatva Classic kept our testers cool throughout the reviewing process thanks to its airflow-boosting coils and breathable cotton cover. 

Meanwhile, the Bear Elite Hybrid stayed cool al night thanks to the Celliant-infused cooling cover, which you can upgrade to for an additional fee. However, the standard model does feature a PCM cover, a fabric that is known for its heat-dissipating properties. 

Saatva Classic vs Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress: Which should you buy?

Buy the Saatva Classic mattress if... 

✅ You want strong edge support: The Saatva Classic's quality build high-desnity foam rails means the edge support is strong.

✅ You want a premium, non-toxic sleep: A fiberglass-free design, an organic cotton cover, and an anti-microbial treatment means this bed sleeps clean. 

✅ You want more generous extras: You have a whole year to try out this mattress, plus free white glove delivery means your old mattress will be removed free of charge.

Buy the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress if...

✅ You share a bed: The Bear Elite scored high in our motion isolation tests, so you won't feel a restless partner's movements. 

✅ You sleep hot: The breathable coils and cooling Celliant-infused cover will keep you comfortable all night.

✅ You have back pain: Individually encased coils provides deep pressure relief and excellent zoned support to the lower back.