Independent testing recognizes our premium hybrid mattress for exceptional cooling performance and pressure relief.
Bear Mattress is proud to share that the Bear Elite Hybrid has been named "Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain" by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) in its 2026 roundup of the best mattresses for back pain. The recognition highlights the mattress's ability to deliver outstanding temperature regulation while helping support healthy spinal alignment and pressure relief for sleepers experiencing back discomfort.
NCOA's comprehensive review evaluated leading mattresses using hands-on testing and objective performance metrics, including cooling, pressure relief, accessibility, edge support, and overall comfort. The Bear Elite Hybrid stood out by combining advanced cooling technologies with balanced support for virtually every sleep position.
Read the full National Council on Aging article here.
Why NCOA Selected the Bear Elite Hybrid
According to NCOA, the Bear Elite Hybrid earned its title because it "stayed cooler than any mattress we tested."
The organization noted that effective temperature regulation is especially important for older adults and anyone who sleeps hot, since cooler sleeping environments are associated with higher-quality sleep. NCOA also found that the Bear Elite Hybrid's ability to relieve pressure while maintaining support made it an excellent choice for sleepers dealing with back pain.
Among the features NCOA highlighted:
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Exceptional cooling performance
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Copper-infused comfort foam that helps transfer heat away from the body
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Individually wrapped coils that promote airflow
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Strong pressure relief across side, back, and stomach sleeping positions
Proven Cooling Performance
One of the most impressive findings from NCOA's testing was the Bear Elite Hybrid's ability to minimize heat retention.
After heating the mattress surface to simulate body temperature, testers measured only a 3.5-degree Fahrenheit increase after five minutes, outperforming every other mattress included in the evaluation.
NCOA attributed this performance to the Bear Elite Hybrid's thoughtfully engineered design:
“The Bear Elite Hybrid’s construction is likely key to its ability to stay cool. It’s made using a mix of individually wrapped coils below a layer of copper-infused foam. The individually wrapped coils promote airflow and breathability, and the copper transfers heat.”
Designed to Help Relieve Back Pain
Cooling wasn't the only category where the Bear Elite Hybrid excelled.
NCOA reported that the mattress delivered above-average pressure relief in every sleeping position, which can help distribute body weight evenly while reducing pressure buildup around common pain points.
During testing, one evaluator noted:
“My body feels equally supported. My entire body sinks into the mattress but not too much in one area. I’m not feeling pressure buildup in any specific area.”
That combination of contouring comfort and responsive support may help sleepers maintain healthier spinal alignment throughout the night—a key consideration for those managing chronic back pain.
Independent Recognition Reinforces Our Commitment to Better Sleep
This NCOA award adds to a growing list of independent recognitions for the Bear Elite Hybrid from leading sleep experts and testing organizations. The mattress continues to earn praise for delivering premium cooling technology, balanced support, and exceptional comfort for a wide range of sleepers.
At Bear Mattress, every product is designed with recovery and restorative sleep in mind. The Bear Elite Hybrid reflects our mission by combining innovative materials with thoughtful engineering to help customers wake up feeling refreshed.
