Original

I will have had my Bear original (called the Bear Pro previously) for 5 years in August. There are two individuals ~6’ 225# sleeping on it. I’m starting to wonder how much longer it will last as I have a hard time staying asleep on my side or back now.

My general advice if you have the budget for it is to buy the luxury model from mattress brands (Big Fig, Titan, etc) that are tailored toward heavier people. The higher-end models of these mattresses typically come with pillow tops or cooling covers, so you get tons of support without winding up on something uncomfortably firm. These mattresses are typically medium-firm(ish) and will last a long time. What Bear did you wind up getting? The original foam model and the Elite hybrid were solid when I tested them. Glad you're sleeping better!

I think you are correct. It's anecdotal, but the two different-manufacturer mattresses I've bought in the last three years are 3-4" taller than the ones I bought in 2000, and they're actually less comfortable. I'm currently sitting on a new Dreamcloud hybrid and have a Bear memory foam now in my spare bedroom. Both required a thick topper. Both are now so tall that I have to buy sheets with 18" deep pockets. I'm guessing the problem is the bed-in-a-box. Next time I'll get a loan and buy a showroom brand in-store for 5x the price.

Yup but it’s not really that overpowering but this is pretty normal for boxed mattresses

Max 48 hours in a well ventilated space.

You could consider the Bear Original for a budget mattress. It's within budget, sleeps fairly cool, and the medium-firm feel works well for side sleepers around your weight. Well, CopperFlex 12" from Brooklyn Bedding is a good option too, just avoid super soft beds that sag fast.

Hip pain usually comes when the bed is either way too firm or not giving enough cushion around the hip. You could look into Plank Firm if you want a flatter supportive feel or Bear Original if you need something that eases hip pressure without eating up a ton of space.

went through the exact same thing last year and actually looked into that Bear Original after my sleep clinic suggested a memory foam mattress. From what I found, it sleeps a bit cooler from the cooling gel memory foam which was a big deal for me cause I run hot at night and $550 for a queen isn’t bad either! Also I checked on the website the box it comes in is like 42" x 19" x 19" just in case this helps and I'm pretty sure they will take it to your door. not 100% sure on tho