I am returning my Bear Elite Hybrid (Medium) mattress that I bought during the holidays, and I am slowly losing my mind trying to decide what to get as a replacement. I have searched the forums and r/mattress and have read tons of reviews on SLTD, but I havenāt seen anything that speaks to my annoyingly specific combination of needs. Iām hoping some of the experts (by profession or lived experience) will have recommendations that can guide me in the right general direction.
Important context/caveats: I have a joint hypermobility disorder and a severe chronic pain that causes frequent debilitating pain in my neck, upper trapezius/shoulders, and sacroiliac joints, so my mattress has to be simultaneously comforting (for pain) and supportive (to give my limbs a firm surface to rest on so my muscles can relax without my bones rearranging themselves). I think this is a little bit different than what is typically recommended for people with (normal) back pain.
Being disabled in this way also means I spend much more time in bed than other people, so itās important for my mattress to be durable and reasonably slow to form permanent body-shaped compressions.
Finally, I am aware that the best way to find a mattress match made in heaven is to try them out in person. Unfortunately, due to my disabilities and location, in-store/showroom/warehouse testing is not possible.
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The Bear Hybrid Elite was recommended to me as a replacement for a double-sided pillow top innerspring mattress Iād been using for 10 years. Iām returning it primarily due to lack of support and that in less than the trial window it has already formed major indentations and sagging where I sleep.
Sleeper Stats/Preferences:
- 5ā8ā, 210 lbs. - but more importantly, I am in bed between 12 and 18 hours every day so strong construction and durable support are crucial.
- 70% side sleeper, 30% back sleeper - but when Iām in bed resting but not sleeping, Iām always sitting or lying on my back.
- I sleep hot, but this is lowest on my list of priorities.
- Gentle cradling sounds nice but Iād take the feeling of laying on top of a mattress over the feeling of sinking in.
- Mattress must be compatible with an adjustable base (Iām on a Leggett and Platt Prodigy LBR.)
New Mattress Search Parameters:
- Queen-sized
- Must be compatible with adjustable base and able to withstand frequent use in an upright, flexed position.
- Must have solid return policy/trial window.
- Budget: IIRC, my Bear was around $1,200. I can go a little higher for something that meets all my needs and has a great return policy, but would prefer any recommendations be **under $2,500. **
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I know this is a long ask, Iām sorry. Iām not necessarily looking for brand or exact model recommendations - though I will accept them! The questions that would be most helpful to have answers to:
- Is there a particular mattress type or material combination that would be supportive for a heavy hypermobile body, comfortable for both back and side sleeping, flexible for use on an adjustable base, AND durable for a excessive sleeping and frequent sitting? Or am I asking for the impossible?
- What blend of materials would hold up best to having body weight concentrated in the middle of the mattress when Iām using my bed in an upright, more seated position, sometimes for extended periods of time?
- Iāve been looking at all-latex custom layer mattresses so that I could swap out layers as they age. Would I be better off with all-latex or a latex hybrid?
- What thickness would be best for my weight and use on an adjustable base? My base has a lumbar support beam that doesnāt go completely down so Iām worried Iāll feel this too much with a thinner mattress.
Iāve maxed out my trial window so Iām hoping to make a decision and a purchase in the next few days. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!
tldr; is there a mattress type that is more supportive than the Bear Elite Hybrid, compatible with an adjustable base, can stand up to frequent use in a flexed position, and durable when used 12-16 hours/day by a heavier person?