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Written by
Logan Foley
For many sleepers, a hybrid mattress represents the best of both worlds. Hybrids combine the contouring comfort layers of all-foam or all-latex beds with the coil systems of traditional innersprings. The result is a balance of pressure relief, responsiveness, edge support, and temperature regulation that other mattress types rarely match. Not surprisingly, hybrids have become increasingly popular in recent years.
How any given hybrid performs depends mostly on its specific design. Models with memory foam comfort layers often excel at alleviating pain and isolating motion, whereas latex hybrids tend to feel bouncier and sturdier along the surface. Coil thickness also matters, and many hybrids feature “zoned” support cores that exert more coil strength along the perimeter to reinforce the edges against sinkage. To help you navigate the wide selection of hybrid models in the market, our expert testing team picked what they consider the best hybrid models based on the performance criteria above.
Our top hybrid picks are described in detail below. The Sleep Foundation testing team found that these mattresses epitomize the many appealing aspects of hybrids. Our team also took other factors into account, such as durability and sticker price, since these considerations will also influence many shoppers’ decisions. If you are unfamiliar with hybrid beds, scroll down to read our in-depth guide to hybrid mattresses. We cover what hybrid beds are made of, who hybrid beds are best for, and other common questions that relate to hybrid beds.
| Choose a hybrid if: | Skip a hybrid if… |
|---|---|
| – You like the bouncy feel of a coil-based mattress – You are a side sleeper and/or need at least moderate pressure relief – You weigh over 230 pounds and want a sturdy mattress – You like having multiple brands and models to choose from |
– Your top priority is deep contouring – You want the utmost in motion isolation – You need a mattress that is lighter and easier to move – You are shopping on a limited budget but still want multiple options to choose from |
If you’re looking to start 2022 off with a bang, and better sleep is on your list of resolutions, you’ve come to the right spot. A new mattress is one of the most impactful elements in your sleep environment. Our product experts have reassessed our ratings and recommendations for the new year so that you’re seeing the freshest data available.
Best Overall
The Dreamcloud mattress brings a handful of features to the table that make it an attractive option among our list of the best hybrid mattresses. These features include a pressure-relieving design and customer-friendly warranty and return policies.
What It’s Made of
Comfort on the Dreamcloud starts with its polyfoam-filled quilted cashmere blend top. This quilted cover adds an element of luxury that makes the mattress feel all the more inviting. Underneath the cover, the comfort system is built with a layer of gel-infused memory foam and a layer of polyfoam. That support core is constructed of individually-wrapped coils. The coils hedge against excessive sink into the mattress and are arranged into five zones to give necessary support to heavier parts of the body. A bottom layer of polyfoam sits under the coils to add further stability and cut down on potential noise from the coils.
How It Performed
Memory foam is a leading material for cushioning the high-impact parts of the body, which helps make the Dreamcloud a good fit for side sleepers who have pressure points near their hips and shoulders. The memory foam layer also brings significant motion isolation to the Dreamcloud, helping it reduce disturbances for people who share a bed. Most sleepers report few issues with heat retention on the Dreamcloud, which likely is thanks to the gel-infused foam and ventilation in the support core.
With a medium firm (6) feel, the Dreamcloud can provide comfortable sleep for a wide swath of sleepers. Customers have more than enough time to check the mattress out for themselves during an extended 365-night sleep trial, and over the longer term, the Dreamcloud comes with a lifetime warranty that includes coverage for defects in materials and workmanship.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“During testing, we found that the DreamCloud Mattress provides a very balanced feel. The comfort layer is slightly firmer than the average foam hybrid bed, making it easy to shift around the surface.”
Best Value
If you’re in the market for a hybrid mattress but have a limited shopping budget, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a great option. While the price-point for this mattress falls well below average for a hybrid model, high-quality materials and strong performance across the board elevate the Signature Hybrid to the same level as many of its more expensive competitors.
What It’s Made of
The Signature Hybrid is available in three firmness levels: medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (8). Medium soft and medium firm models begin with adaptive foam quilted into the cover, followed by a comfort layer of TitanFlex. This proprietary material offers a balance of cushioning and latex-like responsiveness. A dense polyfoam transitional layer rounds out the comfort system. Firm models feature the same components, but the top two layers are thinner and the transitional layer is thicker to create a more supportive feel.
All versions of the Signature Hybrid are constructed with pocketed coil support cores. Each coil moves independently from the others, resulting in great stability for the mattress without too much motion transfer. Coils along the perimeter are reinforced to prevent deep sinkage when you get in and out of bed. The entire mattress is encased in a breathable knit cover.
How It Performed
Performance for the Signature Hybrid depends largely on the selected firmness level. The medium soft model was most popular among the side sleepers on our testing team who weigh up to 230 pounds, as well as back sleepers under 130 pounds. Medium firm models earned the most favorable ratings from back and stomach sleepers in the range of 130 to 230 pounds. Lastly, the firm Signature Hybrid fared best with back and stomach sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds.
Regardless of firmness, sleepers should expect a fair amount of responsiveness from this mattress. The TitanFlex cushions the body to a noticeable extent but also feels bouncy, making it relatively easy to move across the surface. The perimeter coils also minimize sinkage for the mattress, especially those with medium firm or firm feels. Steady airflow through the coils helps the Signature Hybrid sleep cool.
The Signature Hybrid is available in 14 different sizes, including a split California king for couples with adjustable beds and several options for RV owners. In addition to an affordable price-point, the Signature Hybrid qualifies for free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Each order comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a rare thing in the online mattress industry: an affordable hybrid that performs well across most categories. Each firmness level is distinct and most of us found at least one option that offered enough support.”
Best Luxury
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Birch mattresses
If you’re looking for a high-end mattress that’s made with organic materials, the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is a good place to start your search. In addition to its eco-conscious construction, the hybrid bed has a sophisticated design that should feel comfortable for sleepers who enjoy a medium firm (6) bed with a luxurious feel.
What It’s Made of
The bed features a plush Euro-top quilted with organic cotton, followed by multiple layers of organic wool and cashmere that provide comfortable contouring. Next is a layer of proprietary Pulse material, a specialized latex that contours with the body while also providing strong support. Beneath is a coil system with a zoned design that optimizes the bed’s support and pressure relief performance.
How It Performed
Side sleepers should find this mattress quite comfortable. The contouring provided by the comfort layer will cradle the hips and shoulders, while the support from the Pulse latex and coil system prevent the lower back from sinking in too deep. Back sleepers will also find excellent support from this bed, with just enough cushion to cradle the spine and other pressure points. Hot sleepers should not overheat in this bed, thanks to the breathable wool and cotton layers and the air circulation between the coils.
Birch ships for free throughout all 50 states. Customers have 100 days to try out the mattress and may return the bed for a full refund after a required 30-day break-in period. The bed comes with a 25-year warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The surface of the Birch Luxe is exceptionally plush, but not too soft. The side sleepers on our team found the perfect amount of cushion and support when they tested the bed.”
Most Comfortable
For sleepers who prefer a hybrid mattress that is firm as well as responsive, the Saatva Classic is a first-rate choice. The bed comes in three different firmness options to cater to different sleep preferences. With coils in both its support core and comfort system, the Saatva is an innovative take on the traditional innerspring that provides a good balance of support, pressure relief, and bounce.
What It’s Made of
The Saatva has a sharp-looking design with a Euro-top and moisture-wicking organic cotton cover. The Euro-top contains soft foam that adds cushioning to the mattress and lightens the impact on pressure points. A foam layer beneath includes a lumbar pad to promote spinal alignment, followed by a layer of pocketed micro-coils that enhance the bed’s responsiveness. The support core features recycled-steel hourglass coils encased in high-density foam around the perimeter to ensure solid edge support.
How It Performed
Customers can opt for a soft (3), medium firm (6), or firm (8) option to suit their preferences. The mattress is also available in 11.5-inch and 14.5-inch profiles, so the Saatva is viable for a wide swath of sleepers. The firm feel is best suited to sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds, especially those who sleep on their backs or stomachs.
Saatva offers free White Glove delivery within the contiguous U.S. This includes in-home setup and old mattress haul-away at no extra charge. The bed comes with a 180-night sleep trial, though this includes a $99 return shipping fee. The warranty covers defects for a period of 15 years.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“We found that the Saatva Classic offers outstanding contouring and pressure relief for areas like the shoulders, hips, and spine. The bed also runs slightly cooler than the average hybrid, since it has coils in the comfort system in addition to the support core.”
Best for Side Sleepers
Helix has an extensive line of hybrid mattresses designed for specific types of sleepers in terms of position and body type. The Helix Midnight is one of the brand’s most popular offerings thanks to a balanced medium firm (6) design that cushions and contours to the body while providing sturdy overall support.
What It’s Made of
The construction of the Helix Midnight starts with a 100% polyester cover that is smooth, soft, and retains little heat. Below the cover, the comfort system includes two layers of foam. The top layer is Helix’s formulation of memory foam, known as Memory Plus Foam. It compresses to accommodate pressure points but with slightly more bounce and less heat buildup than traditional memory foam.
Beneath the memory foam is a layer of transition polyfoam. This material is firmer, working along with the support core to keep sleepers from sinking too far into the bed.
The support core of the Helix Midnight also has two layers, the larger of which is made with pocketed innerspring coils. As in other hybrids, these coils improve edge support and responsiveness while transferring less motion than old-fashioned coils. A thin layer of high-density polyfoam serves as a shock-absorbing base for the coils.
How It Performed
The mattress works well for side sleepers over 130 pounds and most back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds. The memory foam contours evenly to reduce pressure for these sleepers without sinking too much. Reinforced coils along the perimeter limit sinkage when you get in and out of bed. We also found the coils promote enough airflow to help the mattress sleep cool despite memory foam beneath the surface.
An affordable price-point makes the Helix Midnight a compelling choice for shoppers who want a well-made yet affordable hybrid option. Shoppers wanting a step up can opt for the pricier Helix Midnight Luxe, which includes an extra layer of gel-infused foam and a zoned design to the innerspring coils.
The Helix Midnight comes with a 100-night risk-free sleep trial and is protected by a 10-year warranty covering mattress defects.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Our testing team was impressed with the pressure relief offered by the Helix Midnight. The surface felt quite plush and should be comfortable for many types of sleepers, especially for people who sleep on their side. Given its quality construction, the bed is a good value for hybrid shoppers.”
Best for Back Pain
The WinkBed earns high marks for its overall performance and truly stands out when it comes to edge support. While it offers a sturdy feel, it also delivers notable pain and pressure relief and the ability to meet the needs of sleepers of most body weights and sleeping positions.
What It’s Made of
A central element of the WinkBed’s design is its coil-on-coil construction. The bottom set of coils are in the support core. These pocketed springs are taller and organized to give the mattress a stouter feel around the edges and in other key support zones.
The top coils are micro-coils that form part of the mattress comfort system. Because they are individually-wrapped, each micro-coil retains a significant independent range of motion, allowing them to react directly to the pressure of the body. As a result, these coils can cut down on motion transfer and provide greater spinal support.
The other component of the comfort system is gel-infused polyfoam that is quilted into a pillow-top cover. The foam steps up the bed’s pressure relief and motion isolation, while the gel-infusion combined with the airflow around the coils works to prevent excess heat buildup.
How It Performed
Customers can choose a WinkBed in either a Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), or Firm (7) level, meaning that there’s a WinkBed to match sleepers of almost any sleeping position or weight. People over 300 pounds can also look into the WinkBed Plus, a hybrid built for heavier people that employs latex in place of micro-coils.
With so many firmness options available, most people can find a suitable WinkBed model regardless of their weight or preferred sleep position. All versions of the mattress excel at edge support thanks to reinforced perimeter coils. The coils circulate air throughout the interior, which also helps the mattress sleep very cool.
For all models, WinkBeds provides a 120-night sleep trial to test out the bed and includes a lifetime warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“If you’re looking for a hybrid bed that buffers you from the movements of a restless sleep partner, the WinkBed is a great option, thanks to its Euro-top design and polyfoam layers. This model also feels very cool, which we think hot sleepers will appreciate.”
Best for Couples
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The GhostBed Flex is a hybrid designed with balance in mind. The result is a mattress that offers noticeable contouring without sacrificing stability. A responsive surface that’s easy to move across, strong edge support, and foam layers that absorb motion make the Flex a good option for both solo sleepers and people who share their bed with someone else.
What It’s Made of
The Flex’s cover is composed of proprietary Ghost Ice fabric woven with fibers that make it feel cool to the touch. This material is intended to capture body heat and release it from the sleep surface. the pillow-top surface is cushioned with adaptive foam that makes the surface initially feel plush when you get into bed. Thicker-gauge coils line the perimeter for added reinforcement when you sleep near the edges or get on and off the mattress.
How It Performed
Both memory foam comfort layers are infused with cooling gel for added thermoregulation, while the coils circulate air and maintain a steady interior temperature. These components make the mattress an excellent choice for hot sleepers or people who reside in humid locales.
GhostBed provides free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. Each purchase includes two GhostPillows at no extra charge. Your order will be backed by a 101-night sleep trial, which includes a mandatory 30-night break-in period, and a manufacturer’s warranty that covers structural defects for up to 25 years.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“We’ve tested many hybrid beds with excellent pressure relief, but the GhostBed Flex ranks higher in this performance category thanks to its plush quilted cover. Even with foam comfort layers, the surface is surprisingly easy to move around on.”
Best Cooling
SleepFoundation readers receive 2 free pillows, a sheet set and a mattress protector (up to a $325 value) with a purchase of a mattress
Mattresses made with foam comfort layers can run too hot, but the Bear Hybrid uses proprietary cooling technology to reduce heat retention. A cooling fiber blend and gel infusions in the mattress are designed to absorb and dissipate excess body heat.
What It’s Made of
A top layer of gel-infused polyfoam gives the surface a plush initial feel. Next is a polyfoam comfort layer that adapts to your body and alleviates pressure buildup in your joints. A polyfoam transitional layer helps keep weight evenly distributed and limits sinkage to maintain healthy spinal alignment. This layer also acts as a cushion between the comfort system and the coil support core.
Pocketed coils in the support core help lift heavier areas of the body to keep the spine aligned. Each coil moves independently from those around it. This cuts down on motion transfer and offers targeted support, and airflow through this layer helps regulate temperature. A base layer of polyfoam completes the 14-inch profile. The mattress is encased in a fabric cover made from a blend of cooling Celliant and polyester.
How It Performed
Thanks to the thicker comfort layers and medium firm (6) feel, our side-sleeping testers between 130 and 230 pounds found the Bear Hybrid very comfortable. Back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds equally appreciated the balance of pressure relief and support. Couples may prefer the mattress’ bouncy feel for sex, which should also allow them to move across the surface without too much effort. Airflow through the coils helps keep couples cool, and the thicker comfort layers absorb most noise.
Along with the affordable price-point, Bear offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and a generous 365-night sleep trial. Bear Hybrid purchases come with a lifetime warranty, covering structural defects.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Bear Hybrid features proprietary cooling technology to limit heat-trapping. Our side and back sleeping testers loved the balance of pressure-relieving comfort layers and a medium firm (6) feel.”
Best Pressure Relief
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Due to its unique flippable design, the Layla Hybrid mattress offers owners two firmness levels in one mattress: medium soft (4) and firm (7). This flexible design accommodates a diverse range of sleepers, ensuring optimal support and pressure relief for most people regardless of body type or preferred sleep position.
What It’s Made of
The mattress is constructed with a comfort layer on either side consisting of low-density, copper-infused memory foam that aids in keeping the surface of the bed cool, while the pocketed coil support layer allows air to freely circulate, which further prevents heat build-up. The bed also features a reinforced perimeter, ensuring sleepers can comfortably use the entire sleep surface without experiencing a feeling of “roll-off.”
How It Performed
Individuals of all sizes and sleep positions experience good spinal alignment on the Layla Hybrid thanks to the zoned polyfoam transitional layer on each side, which supports the heavier areas of the body, such as the hips and shoulders, while cushioning the head and neck. The firm side is more popular among heavier sleepers, who experience better spinal alignment and support for their hips and shoulders with a thinner comfort layer, while sleepers below 230 pounds appreciate the deep pressure relieving cradle of the medium side.
Layla offers free shipping for customers who reside in the contiguous U.S. and backs the mattress with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“After testing out the Layla Hybrid, we think this is an excellent choice for side sleepers. The thick memory foam on the soft side is great at easing pressure off the shoulders and hips. We also recommend the bed for couples, since it prevents motion from rippling across the bed.”
Each sleep expert on the Sleep Foundation team brings years of experience and expertise to our hands-on mattress evaluations. For our list of the best hybrid mattresses, we called on testers with varying body types, primary sleep positions, and firmness preferences. This ensures our ratings and recommendations represent most people regardless of how much they weigh, which position they favor most, and which kind of sleep surface they like best.
Due to the ever-growing number of hybrids entering the marketplace, we’ve personally tested dozens of individual mattress models to bring you these top picks. Our testers take turns lying on each mattress to see how firm or soft it feels, and how closely it conforms to the body. We also rely on special sensors and mapping tools to evaluate mattresses for performance areas like temperature neutrality and pressure relief. After tabulating our ratings for different categories, we’re pleased to present our findings – but we’ll continue to revisit our results and evaluate new mattresses to make sure our best hybrid selections are accurate and up to date.
But the appeal of hybrids can extend far beyond just those people thanks to the diverse ways that the comfort system of these mattresses can be constructed. With numerous hybrids on the market, most sleepers can find one that fits their needs.
Effective mattress shopping requires identifying your priorities and the mattresses that best align with them.
Hybrids tend to provide notable bounce. This is one of their most consistent characteristics along with above-average edge support and temperature regulation.
On the other hand, hybrids may not offer as much contouring or motion isolation as some other mattress types. Their price tag can also be out of reach for some shoppers.
Even though there are similarities between hybrids, not all of them have the same performance. Learning about the key factors that influence satisfaction with a mattress can help you decide on your priorities and pick out the hybrid that best fits them.
The feel of a hybrid can vary based on the details of how its interior layers are constructed. Nevertheless, some common characteristics help explain what it’s like to sleep on a hybrid.
There are two required elements for a mattress to be a true hybrid:
While the comfort system can be made of many different types of materials, the support core must be coil-based. The “springless hybrids” that are marketed by some manufacturers may be quality mattresses, but they are not true hybrids.
All hybrids have two common elements, but the way those components can be constructed creates diversity among the hybrids on the market in terms of price, feel, and performance.
A hybrid support core may utilize one of several different types of coils.
Pocket Coils
Also known as individually-wrapped or fabric-encased coils, pocket coils are made by covering each coil in cloth and then stitching the cloth together. This method of linking the coils gives them a greater ability to isolate motion and tailor to the body. Because of these features, pocket coils are by far the most commonly used in modern hybrids.
Bonnell Coils
A basic hourglass-shaped spring system, each coil in a Bonnell system is connected directly to the internal lattice structure that holds them all together. This means that the coils are less flexible and are more affected by the compression of nearby coils. Though they have a lower cost, Bonnell coils transfer more motion and offer less support.
Continuous Wire Coils
Continuous wire coils look a great deal like Bonnell coils and have a similar performance. The primary difference is that all of the springs are actually fashioned out of one single piece of wire.
Offset Coils
Offset coils give individual springs more flexibility by not connecting the coils themselves to the interior structure. Instead, they are attached by a small piece of metal. While the increased range of motion gives offset coils better motion isolation than Bonnell coils, they are not as effective as pocket coils in this regard.
Most hybrid comfort systems involve one or more types of foam that can play a central role in the overall mattress performance.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is known for its deep body conforming and slow response to pressure. Sleepers will get the sensation of being ‘hugged’ by their mattress, which relieves pressure. While usually hybrids mattresses have limited memory foam layer thickness, some hybrid models feature the deep-conforming of all-memory foam mattresses. Another effect of the conforming is great motion isolation. Motion hardly transfers across the surface of memory foam, making it a great option for couples and light sleepers.
It depends on the firmness of the mattress as a whole, but memory foam is generally suited for side and back sleepers. If you sleep on your stomach but still love the feel of memory foam, we recommend you opt for a firmer memory foam model hybrid model.
The biggest drawback of memory foam is that it tends to trap a lot of body heat, making for less temperature control. Nonetheless, since coil support cores allow for a lot of airflow throughout the mattress, this is often balanced in hybrid mattresses. Another potential drawback is the ‘stuck’ feeling some sleepers tend to get when trying to move around a bed with memory foam
Polyfoam
Polyfoam conforms to the sleepers body like memory foam, but is more responsive to pressure. This leads to slightly less pressure relief, but greater ease of movement and temperature control. Polyfoam isolates motion well, but not as well as memory foam.
Like memory foam, polyfoam hybrids generally suited to side and back back sleepers, while the firmest models with thin polyfoam can work for stomach sleepers. Polyfoam hybrids are generally the most affordable types of hybrids.
Polyfoam shares the same drawbacks as memory foam, but to a lesser extent. Polyfoam hybrids are generally a good all-around budget option.
Latex
Latex hybrids are some of the most luxurious mattresses on the market. Latex conforms moderately to the sleepers body, relieving some pressure, but not as much as memory foam. What makes latex stand out is its responsiveness. Latex has a nice bounce to it, which makes it easy to maneuver around the mattress. Latex is also known for its great temperature neutrality and durability — as latex hybrids are generally the most cool and long-lasting beds.
Since latex comes in multiple firmensses, they should be suitable for sleepers of any position or weight. If you’re heavier or sleep on your stomach, we recommend you look for a firmer model.
The one big drawback of latex is its price point. Latex hybrids are significantly more expensive than many types of beds. Also, if you have chronic pain issues or are just a huge fan of the deep conforming of memory foam, latex may not be the way to go.
A hybrid gets its name from the fact that it includes elements of both foam and innerspring mattresses. One way to help decide whether a hybrid is right for you is to consider its pros and cons in relation to those other mattress types.
| Memory Foam Mattresses | Hybrids | Innersprings | Latex Mattresses | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support Core | Polyfoam | Innerspring Coils | Innerspring Coils | Latex |
| Comfort System Profile | Significant | Minimal to Significant | Minimal or None | Significant |
| Comfort System Material | Memory foam | Memory foam, polyfoam, latex, and/or micro-coils | Fabrics (cotton, polyester) | Latex |
| Pressure Relief | High | Medium to High | Low | Low to Medium |
| Responsiveness / Ease of Movement | Low | Medium to High | High | High |
| Motion Isolation | High | Medium to High | Low | Medium |
| Temperature Regulation | Low | Medium to High | High | High |
| Durability | 6-8 years or longer | 6-8 years or longer | 5 years | 8 years or longer |
| Price Point | Medium to High | Medium to High | Low | High |
Most Queen hybrid mattresses cost between $1,200 and $2,000. That said, there are hybrids available, including in our list of top picks, with a retail price below $1,200. In addition, promotions and discounts frequently make even more expensive hybrids accessible at a lower price point.
Hybrids can have greater price variance than some other mattress types because of the different ways that the comfort system and support core can be constructed. Factors that can influence the price include:
As you read about comfort systems in hybrids, you may come across technical descriptions of the density and indentation load-deflection (ILD) of foam layers.
Foam density is a way of describing how heavy and compact the material is. It is determined by weighing a cube of foam that is one foot long on each side, forming a measurement called pounds per cubic foot (PCF).
Besides just affecting its weight, density can also impact durability and performance. Most important for customers to know is that a higher-density foam is less prone to wearing out. It can also offer a slightly firmer feel, although density is not perfectly correlated with firmness.
Customers should look for higher-density foams, especially in the comfort system, if they:
Looking at PCF numbers can be confusing because different types of foams naturally have different densities. Polyfoam has a wider range of densities depending on the part of the mattress in which it is being used.
| Type of Foam | Density Range |
|---|---|
| Memory foam | 3-5 PCF |
| Polyfoam (comfort system) | 2-4 PCF |
| Polyfoam (transition foam) | 1.5-3 PCF |
| Polyfoam (support core) | 1-2 PCF |
ILD is a method for quantifying how easily a material compresses. It is measured by seeing how much force must be applied to a foam before it compresses to a specified level.
ILD Table
| Firmness Category | ILD Measurement | Best for… |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | 10-12 | People under 130 pounds |
| Medium | 12-14 | Side sleepers under 230 pounds |
| Medium firm | 14-16 | Most sleepers |
| Firm | 16-18 | Most stomach and back sleepers; people over 230 pounds |
Knowing the ILD of a material can give insight into its firmness but with two caveats:
Most hybrid mattresses should last for at least six years. The typical lifespan is six to eight years, but in some cases, they may continue performing at a high level for longer than that.
Hybrids typically last longer than innersprings. Their lifespan is comparable to foam mattresses and airbeds but shorter than most all-latex mattresses.
As with any mattress type, the durability of a hybrid will depend on its interior construction. If the hybrid is thoughtfully designed and then filled with high-quality materials, it will be far more likely for its useful life to extend beyond the normal range.
Use and maintenance of a mattress can affect durability as well. More weight can put greater strain on a mattress, so couples and people with a higher body weight may find that a mattress does not last as long. To promote the longevity of your mattress, consider the following tips:
As you prepare to seek out your ideal hybrid mattress, there are a few final considerations and useful pieces of information that can make you an informed and empowered shopper.
Coil count is a way of quantifying the total number of springs in a mattress. For most shoppers, this data point, especially viewed by itself, can be more misleading than helpful because the number of coils alone doesn’t tell you anything about their type, thickness, or quality. Don’t assume that a higher coil count means a higher-quality innerspring support core.
The gauge is the thickness of the coils. In counter-intuitive fashion, a higher gauge means a thinner coil. Most innerspring cores have coils with a gauge from 13 (thicker) to 18 (thinner). Lower gauge coils tend to provide a firmer, steadier feel and usually hold up better over time.
The support core may not have the same gauge of coils throughout. For example, lower gauge coils may be used around the perimeter for edge support or placed in a zoned arrangement to bolster the bed under certain parts of the body.
Some materials, most notably foams, can put off a noticeable smell when they are first set up in your home. The smell comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated during foam production. These VOCs are not a health risk, but they can be bothersome.
Off-gassing tends to be worse with lower-quality foams. All-foam mattresses normally off-gas more than hybrids.
Even when the smell is bad, it typically goes away within a few hours if your bedroom is well-ventilated. At worst, it should not last more than a few days.
Since hybrid mattresses often have both substantial comfort layers and support cores, they tend to have a higher-profile, or height, than other types of mattresses. The profile of a mattress doesn’t affect the comfort of a mattress in of itself, but taller mattresses have more room for layers, giving them more potential for increased support and conforming.
One thing people should consider when shopping for higher-profile mattresses is sheet size mattress that are twelve or more inches often require deep-pocketed sheets, as normal ones have the potential to slip off. Additionally, those with issues getting in an out of bed may prefer a taller mattress, although since many people use bed frames of varying heights, this isn’t always a factor.
Hybrid mattresses combine a thick polyfoam, memory foam, or latex comfort system with a coil support core. This coil core can be similar in design to an innerspring, but the most common and popular models now use pocketed coils — fabric-wrapped coils that can compress individually for improved support and durability as well as reduced motion transfer.
Intended to marry the best qualities of foam and innerspring beds, hybrid mattresses tend to perform well in important areas like support, temperature regulation, and pressure relief. However, the wide variety of hybrid design does mean that individual mattresses can perform very differently. Most people can find a hybrid mattress that fits their needs, but not all hybrids are a good choice.
While the average price of a Queen size hybrid mattress is between $1,200 and $2,000 thanks to their complex designs, there are many budget-friendly and luxury-priced hybrid mattresses available as well. There is more price variation among hybrid mattresses than most other mattress types. Customers should prepare to set their budget based on the thickness, construction, materials, and additional features they’re interested in. As with other mattress types, it is also possible to buy hybrid mattresses at a lower cost through online discounts and promotions or by waiting for a sale.
A well-made hybrid mattress is quite durable, with an average lifespan of 6 to 8 years so long as it is properly maintained. Compared to other mattress types, they are significantly more durable than innersprings but have a similar lifespan to foam and airbed mattresses, with only all-latex beds ranking above them in durability.
Hybrid mattresses with a pocketed coil support core are a better choice for durability than an innerspring design, and latex comfort systems tend to last much longer than those made from polyfoam or memory foam. The way you use your mattress and how much weight it carries each night will also impact its lifespan.
Many leading mattress-in-a-box brands include hybrid models in their lineups, and some exclusively sell hybrids. Over the past decade, the popularity of hybrids has enjoyed a major uptick among mattress shoppers. This can largely be attributed to the design of these beds, which combines the cushioning and pressure relief of comfort layer materials like memory foam and latex with the unparalleled support of steel coils. The result, for many, is a “best of both worlds” sleeping experience.
If you’re interested in purchasing a hybrid in a box, keep in mind these models tend to be more expensive than other mattress types. You’ll most likely pay between $1,200 and $2,000 for a hybrid model in a queen size. In most cases, the hybrid will be compressed for shipping and delivered to your doorstep. Those who would rather not set up the new mattress on their own should browse brands that offer free White Glove delivery, during which the couriers will assemble the mattress in a room of your choice and – in some cases – remove your old mattress at no extra cost.
Hybrids combine the thick, pressure-relieving comfort layers of foam and latex mattresses with the coil systems of innersprings, so many of the cons associated with hybrids are shared by these other mattress types. For example, memory foam hybrids – like all-foam mattresses – may absorb body heat to a bothersome degree and sink too much along the edges. Latex hybrids, on the other hand, may not contour closely enough to alleviate comfort for people with pain or pressure points in certain areas.
Another potential disadvantage of hybrid models is pricing. The average hybrid costs between $1,200 and $2,000 in a queen size. This makes them more expensive than the average all-foam or standard innerspring mattress, and on par with all-latex models.
Certified Sleep Coach
Logan has extensive experience testing sleep products and producing sleep content. She is also a Certified Sleep Science Coach.
Certified Sleep Coach
Logan has extensive experience testing sleep products and producing sleep content. She is also a Certified Sleep Science Coach.
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