What is a Hybrid Mattress?

Hybrid beds are becoming popular for their soft comfort and bouncy support. Unlike traditional beds, hybrid mattresses are made from foam materials and a coils system. Now, sleepers can experience the cradling comfort of foam mattresses without experiencing a sinking feeling.

In this article, we’ll look at the features of a hybrid mattress. We’ll also discuss some of the benefits of purchasing a hybrid mattress to ensure it’s the right fit for you.

Layers of a Hybrid

A hybrid mattress is a bed that combines foam layers with an innerspring system. Authentic hybrid mattresses should have a comfort layer at least 2 to 3 inches thick.

Typically, hybrids have a top memory foam layer, but you may also see others with a poly-foam, gel, or latex foam comfort layer.

The top layer of a hybrid mattress is where you’ll experience the most cushioning. Foam comfort layers conform to the body, relieving pressure points and tension in heavier areas like the shoulders and hips. More luxurious hybrid mattresses may include a pillow top layer with two extra inches of padding to offer more comfort.

Some hybrid beds may include a transitional layer made with an inch of high-density poly-foam. This layer acts as extra cushioning for the body and padding between the comfort and support layers. The transitional layer in hybrid mattresses is more responsive than other mattresses, so it may add a bit of bounce to your bed.

Next is the support core layer, made with 6 inches of pocketed coils to reduce sound and restrict motion transfer. The final layer features a supportive base to provide your bed with structural support.

Benefits of a Hybrid Mattress

Hybrid mattresses are known for their solid structural support and their body-hugging comforts. With a hybrid bed, sleepers can experience the pressure relief of the foam layers and the sturdy feel of a traditional spring mattress. Next, we’ll highlight some of the best qualities of hybrid mattresses.

Edge Support

Hybrid beds have a stiff, sturdy foam around the perimeter, offering excellent edge support. With durable edges, you’ll be able to sit on the corners of your bed without worrying about sagging or sinking.

Responsiveness and Pressure Point Relief

One of the most significant advantages of purchasing a hybrid mattress is they combine the comfort of the most popular mattress types; memory foam and innerspring beds.

Some sleepers find the sinking qualities of memory foam to be uncomfortable. Others may need a plush sleeping surface with significant pressure point relief.

Hybrid beds have a bouncy feel and are helpful for those who may have trouble climbing in and out of bed. Additionally, the comfort layers are made with high-density foam to cradle sensitive body parts.

Cooling Features

The good thing about hybrid mattresses is they have an open structure in the coil support layer. This provides sleepers with more airflow throughout your bed to create a cooler sleeping environment. Contrast this to other mattress types, such as memory foam, that absorb body heat.

Some hybrid mattresses may include cooling foam like plant-based memory foam or gel memory foam. See our guide to memory foam vs hybrid mattresses.

Motion Isolation

Hybrid mattresses have a pocketed coil system that allows coils to move individually when pressure is applied to the bed (and carry every little movement you make across the mattress).

Since pocketed coils compress individually, they are much better at motion isolation than traditional interconnected coils. Mattresses with motion isolation reduce motion transfer from one side of the bed to the other. Another benefit is the pocketed coils reduce noise when you move around at night.

Disadvantages of a Hybrid Mattress

Like any mattress type, there are some drawbacks to purchasing a hybrid bed. Hybrid beds are a newer mattress model, so there is little information on the long-term benefits of these mattresses. Next, we’ll discuss the disadvantages of hybrid beds.

Uncertain Lifespan

Since the hybrid bed is a newer mattress type, most experts do not know how long it will last. On average, a hybrid may last about six to seven years. However, coil-based mattresses, like a hybrid, are prone to sagging as the coils lose support.

So, your bed may have a shorter lifespan. As more hybrid mattresses are released, we may see their life span increase.

Expensive Price

It’s no secret; hybrid mattresses are pretty expensive to purchase. Mid-price hybrids may cost around $1,200, while higher-priced models cost $2,000. Omit, the average price for a queen-size hybrid mattress is $2077. We want to advise you to steer clear of budget-priced hybrid mattresses.

Though these beds are more affordable, they may not offer the best support. Not to mention, some retailers will list a mattress as a hybrid with a discounted price, but the product may not feature the qualities of an authentic hybrid bed.

Who Should Buy a Hybrid Mattress?

Hybrid mattresses may not be the best option for everyone, but some people may benefit from the qualities of a hybrid bed. This next section will look at the different kinds of sleepers who may enjoy a hybrid bed.

Couples

Most couples will enjoy the comfort of a hybrid mattress. These beds have significant motion, and you should be able to move around without disturbing your partner. For couples, a mattress with good motion isolation may help improve sleep quality. Hybrid beds also come in several different sizes, including queen, king, and Cal king, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

Hot sleepers

Hot sleepers will feel a lot cooler on a hybrid mattress. Memory foam beds have a reputation for absorbing body heat. On the other hand, hybrid beds have an open structure so that more air can circulate throughout your mattress.

Plus-Size Sleepers

Plus size sleepers typically need a thicker mattress with enhanced support to sleep comfortably. Hybrid beds are an excellent option for these sleepers since they are usually pretty firm and are about 14 inches thick.

Not to mention, hybrid beds have sturdy surfaces and will keep heavier individuals from sinking too far into their mattresses.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Hybrid Mattress

When purchasing a new mattress, it is important to consider your personal preferences, but you also need to consider your sleeping style. Having a good understanding of your body type and sleeping position will make it easier to choose the best mattress.

Additionally, you want to consider utilizing a sleep trial and warranty just in case you change your mind about your new mattress.

Body Type

Your weight determines how much you push down on the mattress, with a greater weight placing more pressure on a bed. Plus size and medium sleepers need a firmer mattress to support their body weight and prevent sinkage. In contrast, lighter sleepers require a plush sleeping surface to contour their curves and relieve tension on sensitive body parts.

Sleeping Position

Before purchasing a new mattress, you’ll need to think about your preferred sleeping position. While you are sleeping, your body is working to repair itself. Your sleeping position plays an integral role in the quality of sleep you are getting. Your mattress type will also help support your sleeping style so you can achieve a good night’s rest.

Back Sleepers

Back sleep is the least popular sleeping position, but it is the healthiest. When you lie flat on your back, it’s easy to keep your spine in alignment and evenly distribute your body weight. Sleeping in this position will prevent any potential aches in the neck or back.

Back sleepers will need a firm sleeping surface to maintain proper spinal alignment. A medium-firm mattress is also a great choice since some beds may feature targeted back support.

Side Sleepers

Side-sleep is a more popular sleeping position than back sleep. It is considered a healthy sleeping position as it may reduce heartburn and snoring, making it a better sleeping position for people with sleep apnea or acid reflux.

However, side-sleeper do run the risk of putting immense pressure on their shoulders and neck. For this reason, side sleepers require a plush sleeping surface to keep pressure from building up on their sides and neck. They may even want to look at mattresses for shoulder pain that offer targeted cushion.

Stomach Sleepers

Sleeping on your stomach is not a healthy sleep position, and we do not recommend it. Stomach sleep provides the least back support of all sleeping positions and increases pressure on the spine. So it’s likely you’ll wake up with a bit of back pain.

If you sleep in this position, it may be a good idea to transition to a different position. However, if you cannot sleep in any other position, you will need a firm mattress to keep your pelvis from sinking too far into your bed.

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleeper switch position 2 to 3 times a night. Combination sleep can be a healthy sleeping position. For instance, if a sleeper switches between back sleep and side sleep throughout the night, they are less likely to experience sleeping interruption. However, if stomach sleeping is one of the positions you transition to, you might wake up with some back pain.

Combination sleepers need a bed to support all of the sleeping positions. A medium-firm mattress is usually a good choice for combination sleepers.

Sleep Trial

A sleep trial is the length of time a mattress company gives you to try out a mattress at home. When you purchase a new mattress, it’s a good idea to take advantage of your sleep trial. It typically takes about 30 to 90 days to get adjusted to a new bed. Most companies offer a sleep trial of 90 days or more, so you’ll have ample time to get used to your mattress.

Warranty

Warranties are a set timeframe when mattress brands promise to repair, place, or refund your mattress based on certain conditions. Common defects covered include sagging of a certain depth, burst coils, and damage to the foam or fabric cover that goes beyond expected wear and tear. Most mattresses come with a 10-year warranty, though some companies may offer extended warranties lasting 20 years to a lifetime guarantee.

Conclusion

A hybrid bed is an excellent choice for plus-size sleepers and couples. The firm surface keeps sleepers from sinking into their bed while also preventing premature sagging. However, it’s worth mentioning that hybrid beds are an unaffordable option for most sleepers.

If you are looking to buy a hybrid bed, it’s best to do your research to ensure you get a “true hybrid bed.” Some mattress companies may call a bed a “true hybrid mattress” and mark it at a lower cost. So, it’s a good idea to look for details on a mattress’s construction before you make your purchase.