When shopping for a new mattress, you can’t simply choose what is popular. Each of us is unique in our sleep patterns and body types and, therefore, needs to choose a mattress that caters to our individual needs. Before making any mattress decisions, shoppers must educate themselves on the different options out there.
One mattress type to consider is the hybrid mattress—a versatile option that has seen rapid success in the mattress market. In this article, we’ll break down everything shoppers need to know about hybrid mattresses, how to decide whether it is the right option for you, and, if so, how to choose one.
Recommended Hybrid Mattresses
These are some of the most recommended hybrid mattresses available:
In the past, mattresses seemed to fall into two categories: foam and innerspring. Only recently have hybrid mattresses begun to gain popularity—and unsurprisingly so, as they offer the best of both worlds.
Hybrid mattresses feature two support systems: foam and springs. They are made of a combination of layers that blends premium poly foam, memory foam, gel, or latex with an innerspring or coil layer. The best hybrid mattresses replace old-school innersprings with individually-wrapped pocket coils. These coils are better at targeting pressure points, supporting the body, and isolating motion.
Here are the layers you are likely to find in a hybrid mattress:
The best hybrid mattresses feature a luxurious pillow top layer, which provides hotel-quality comfort and a plush cushioning sensation. Not all hybrid mattresses have a pillow top.
This is the mattress’s top layer that determines the sensation of comfort. It may be firm or plush, springy, or body-contouring. This layer is made of high-quality foam or latex and may be infused with cooling gel.
A second dense foam layer acts as a cushion between the comfort layer and the coil layer, preventing sleepers from feeling each coil as they sleep.
Usually the thickest layer of a hybrid mattress, coils provide structured, responsive support to every zone of the body. This layer also acts as a built-in ventilation system, pushing hot air out.
This is a thin foam layer that pads the bottom of the coil layer and acts as a sturdy foundation for the mattress.
The coil layer keeps the spine in shape, while foam layers cushion pressure points and keep the hips lifted.
Hybrid mattresses are especially suitable for side sleepers, who exert the most bodyweight in their hips and shoulders. Pocket coils adapt to each pressure point to deliver the perfect amount of support. At the same time, the body-contouring foam provides a soft cushion.
The coil layer in a hybrid mattress helps to circulate air so that body heat moves through and out the sides of the bed rather than getting trapped.
Foam mattresses can feel solid and dense, whereas hybrid mattresses are more buoyant with a slight bounce. This is a good choice if you don’t like the feeling of melting into your mattress.
Individually-wrapped pocket springs offer the best motion isolation. Even couples who share a full size hybrid mattress will be able to sleep soundly.
Every type of mattress has its advantages. However, because hybrid mattresses feature two different kinds of support systems, sleepers benefit twice as much.
Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers | Combination Sleepers |
Pressure Relief | Edge Support |
Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers | Couples | Motion Isolation |
Edge Support |
Hot Sleepers | Combination Sleepers | Back Pain | Joint Pain |
Pressure Relief |
High foam density means better support and better motion isolation. However, it also means that it feels heavier and may be prone to trapping heat. Look for a hybrid that offers a compromise between these two extremes, such as a latex hybrid mattress, which is dense but cool.
This refers to the amount of support you feel when sleeping on a mattress. Firmness is typically measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the most plush (like being embraced by a cloud) and 10 being the most firm (like sleeping on, rather than in, your mattress).
A higher coil count means a sturdier and longer-lasting bed. One of the best hybrid mattresses 2022 is Saatva’s king hybrid mattress, which features a total of 1,088 pocket coils in its double-layer “coil-on-coil” design.
The gauge, or thickness, of the coils determines how supportive the coils are. A higher gauge provides more cushion, while a lower gauge means firmer support.
Are you more into memory foam or latex? Do you need an extra cooling component like gel? A hybrid mattress combines latex, gel, or memory foam with an innovative innerspring system to maintain the sturdiness of a spring mattress, while still offering pressure relief from the foam layers.
One great thing about hybrid mattresses is that they are suitable for all sleeping positions, particularly side sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers tend to take up more space, so they should choose a king hybrid mattress. Hybrid mattresses with zoned support may also be a good way for these sleepers to access enhanced support in the lumbar region.
Hybrid mattresses come in a full range of firmness levels, thanks to customizable foam comfort and support layers. Firmer mattresses are recommended for back and stomach sleepers, which a more supple mattress is better for side sleepers.
Choosing a mattress with a long trial period is always a good idea when purchasing a mattress online. It is especially important when purchasing a hybrid mattress, as they take longer to break in than foam mattresses.
When cared for, hybrid mattresses last for about ten years, so you should look for a mattress brand that offers at least a 10-year warranty.
Hybrid mattresses tend to cost more than average foam mattresses because of their advanced construction and materials. That said, budget-friendly hybrid mattress brands do exist. There are also sometimes great sales to look out for on premium mattresses, including this unique type.
Hybrid mattresses are a great all-around mattress option for sleepers who want the comfort of foam and the support of springs. Browse the hybrid mattress reviews on our site to discover all the best hybrid mattresses 2021!