What is a Hybrid Mattress

Hybrid mattresses are all the rage. But are they really different from regular innerspring beds? Read on to see if they're a good match for you.

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What Is a Hybrid Mattress?

A hybrid mattress uses two or more support materials. Most hybrids have innerspring coils with a memory foam top. The result is a bed that has the bounce of innerspring with the pressure relief of foam.

This best-of-both-worlds approach sounds great, but aren't all innersprings technically hybrid beds?

It's true that all innerspring beds use some form of padding on top of coils. The difference is that hybrids have thicker layers of foam or other materials on top.

What you get is a mattress feel that lands right in between memory foam and innerspring. For example, it hugs the body less than a memory foam mattress, but more than a traditional innerspring.

Here's a closer look at how they are constructed:

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1. Comfort Layers
   The top layers of the mattress target comfort. Each manufacturer uses its own blend of comfort materials. You'll usually find one or more layers of:
   
   • Memory foam
     
   • Latex
     
   • High-density foam
     
   • Gel

2. Support System
   The bottom part of the mattress is made up of coils or springs. Higher-end models have individually wrapped coils that cut down on motion transfer.

Are Hybrid Mattresses Good?

Hybrid mattresses can give some people a Goldilocks "just right" experience. But what if you actually like all-foam or innerspring mattresses? Hybrids aren't for everyone. Read our list of pros and cons to see if it could be right for you.

Pros

• Good contouring and pressure relief
  
• Breathable for a cooler sleep
  
• Easy to move on

Hybrids give you the support of innerspring mattresses with the pressure relief of foam. Because of the coils, you'll also sleep cooler than you would on a memory foam mattress.

Sinking into a memory foam mattress feels great until you try to shift positions. You're less likely to have that "sunken in" feeling with a hybrid mattress.

Cons

• Don't get full benefit of each support material
  
• Broad term makes shopping more confusing
  
• More expensive than innerspring and memory foam

Hybrids will only give you some benefits of each support material. For example, you'll feel less motion on a hybrid than you would on an innerspring. But it won't compare to the great motion isolation of an all-foam bed.

The term "hybrid" can make shopping difficult since it can be applied to so many beds. Hybrids are also one of the most expensive mattress types. (Learn more about how much to spend on a mattress.)

Which Sleep Position Is Best for a Hybrid Mattress?

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Almost any sleeping style can feel good on a hybrid bed. Read on for factors to keep in mind when shopping for your sleep position.

Back Sleepers
If you're a back sleeper, you'll need a medium-firm mattress that contours to the lower back. A hybrid mattress provides enough support to take pressure off your upper back and hips.

Make sure the mattress strikes the right balance of support and cushion for your body. Too much softness gives your spine an unnatural curve while sleeping. But too much firmness is bad for your pressure points.

Stomach Sleepers
If you're a stomach sleeper, you'll need a firmer mattress that prevents your stomach and hips from dipping out of alignment. A hybrid could be a good option for you if you like the feel of memory foam, but need that extra support.

Side Sleepers
If you're a side sleeper, you'll need a softer mattress that conforms to the body. Your hips and shoulders need proper cushioning to align with your spine.

When looking for a hybrid mattress, make sure its support layers are soft and thick enough to let your body adequately sink in.

What to Look for in a Hybrid Mattress

Choosing any mattress comes down to:

• Personal preference
  
• Sleeping positions
  
• Your partner (if you have one)

Read on for all the factors you shouldn't miss when shopping for a mattress.

Firmness
The bottom eight inches of the mattress is what provides the support, according to Michael Breus, Ph.D., from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Do you want firm or medium-firm support? Very firm support means thicker or lower gauge coils. If you prefer more "bounce," look for a mattress with higher gauge coils.

Comfort
The top three to four inches of your mattress is the comfort layer. If you are a side or back sleeper, you want some softness to take the pain off your pressure points. If the mattress is too firm, you'll wake with aches and pains.

Type of Coils
If you sleep with a partner, consider a mattress with pocketed coils. This helps with motion isolation when your partner moves in bed, which means a better night's sleep for you.

Quality Foam
A mattress is an investment—you want it to last as long as possible. Look for high-density foam or latex to give your mattress a long life.

How Long Do Most Hybrid Mattresses Last?

On average, you can expect to get 7–10 years out of your mattress. If you choose a latex top, you may get even more time. But just how long it lasts comes down to a few factors:

• Use
  Your mattress lifespan depends on how often you use it and how much weight you put on it.

• Care
  Clean up spills right away, vacuum the surface, change sheets regularly, and avoid moisture to extend your mattresses life.

• Maintenance
  Rotating your hybrid mattress helps even out the wear and tear. A good rule of thumb is to rotate it 180 degrees every 3–6 months.

Bottom Line

When shopping for a hybrid mattress, focus on materials that provide the support, temperature, and longevity you need. Try several out in person or buy one online with a long trial period to find the best new mattress for you.