Side-by-side mattress testing · 144+ comparisons published
Updated May 2026
Category
Bear
Helix
Comfort
8.8/10
9.2/10
Support
8.5/10
9.3/10
Value
8.5/10
8.5/10
Cooling
9/10
9.3/10
Motion Isolation
9/10
9/10
Edge Support
8/10
8.8/10
Durability
8.5/10
9/10
Quick Specs Comparison
Spec
Bear
Helix
Price (Queen)
$998
$1,099
Type
Hybrid
Hybrid (14+ models)
Firmness
6/10
Quiz-matched
Cooling
Celliant cover
GlacioTex cover
Trial
120 nights
100 nights
Warranty
Lifetime
15 years
Key Advantages
Why Choose Bear
- $101 cheaper at Queen size
- Celliant cover promotes muscle recovery
- Lifetime warranty vs 15 years
- 120-night trial — 20 nights longer
Why Choose Helix
- Sleep quiz matches you to ideal model
- GlacioTex cooling outperforms Celliant
- 14+ model options for every sleeper
- Zoned lumbar support for back pain
Lab Verdict
Cooling was a wash — both mattresses landed within half a degree of each other after 60 minutes of body heat. Helix isolated motion better for couples (0.09g vs. 0.13g on the Bear). Pressure mapping put both beds well under the 32 mmHg capillary-closure threshold for side sleepers. Perimeter compression was nearly identical — neither bed is the obvious pick on edge support alone. Combo sleepers will get more rebound from the Bear (36% bounce vs. 28%).
| Metric | Bear | Helix | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling (60-min Δ°F) | 2.7°F | 2.4°F | Helix |
| Motion isolation (g) | 0.13g | 0.09g | Tie |
| Edge sinkage | 2.2" | 2.1" | Helix |
| Shoulder pressure (mmHg) | 27 mmHg | 26 mmHg | Helix |
| Response time (s) | 0.5s | 0.6s | Bear |
| Off-gassing | 1 days | 1 days | Tie |
Median of 3 trials, 68°F climate-controlled lab. DH/KW / DH · scoring vv2.1.