Memory foam mattress toppers are a popular, cost-effective way to soften firm beds, but they're not the only way to boost the comfort of your mattress. Hybrid mattress toppers are a relatively new invention, but they've already taken the bedding world by storm. But which one is best for your sleep? In this memory foam mattress toppers vs hybrid mattress toppers, we'll help you decide.
Some of the top brands behind this year's best mattresses have started offering hybrid mattress toppers, including Saatva and Brooklyn Bedding. However, you might be wondering what hybrid mattress toppers are and if they can beat the classic comfort of a memory foam bed topper. After all, most of the bed toppers featured in this year's best mattress toppers guide have an all-foam construction.
Luckily, we're here to break down the key differences between memory foam vs hybrid mattress toppers, tackling price, design, comfort and support, plus temperature regulation. If you think a memory foam or hybrid topper is right for you, we've also rounded up the best topper deals to shop in this month's mattress sales.
Memory foam vs hybrid mattress toppers: Overview
If you're shopping for a new mattress topper, you've almost certainly come across the most popular type: the memory foam topper. The best memory foam toppers are usually around two to four inches thick and consist of a a breathable cover containing a single layer of memory foam.
On the other hand, hybrid toppers (often called micro-coil toppers) have a slightly more sophisticated design, similar to the best hybrid mattresses. They usually have two or three layers, with the key layer being a tier of micro coils. Micro coils are coils that are designed to be smaller and more flexible than coils or springs found in mattresses. The other layer(s) usually consist of memory foam, with the top layer being softer and the bottom layer being denser and more supportive. Like memory foam toppers, they usually come with a cover.
Memory foam vs hybrid mattress toppers: Price
The beauty of mattress toppers are that they are much cheaper than buying a brand new mattress. However, bed toppers span a range of budget, and prices can differ depending on the quality, design, thickness, and materials.
Overall, memory foam bed toppers tend to be cheaper than memory foam mattress toppers. While you can get premium memory foam mattress toppers from brands such as Tempur-Pedic and Puffy, plenty of the best cheap mattress toppers under $50 are made of memory foam.
Hybrid mattress toppers, on the other hand, are a relatively new, innovative invention and so are naturally much more expensive. Their price range is similar to that of latex mattress toppers, which use premium, sustainable materials. For example, the average price of a queen-size memory foam bed topper is $299, which is much cheaper than the average price of a queen-size hybrid topper at $473.
Memory foam vs hybrid mattress toppers: Design and materials
As mentioned above, memory foam mattress topper have a relatively simple design that typically consists of a single layer of memory foam covered in a breathable fabric, such as cotton or quilted knit. Usually, the covers are removable and washable, but some are non-removable and can only be spot cleaned.
As memory foam is prone to trapping heat, most memory foam toppers are infused with cooling substances such as gel, copper, or graphite. Usually, memory foam toppers are two to four inches thick, but you can get thicker and thinner designs, too.
The key difference between a hybrid and a memory foam mattress topper is the inclusion of micro-coils. These flexible, small coils add support and airflow to a mattress topper, and are usually sandwiched between a top layer of comfort foam and a bottom layer of high-density foam. Due to the additional layers, hybrid mattress toppers tend to be thicker than memory foam toppers, between three and four inches thick. Like memory foam topper, hybrid topper usually have a cooling cover.
Memory foam vs hybrid mattress toppers: Support and Comfort
The main selling point of a memory foam mattress topper is its ability to soften a bed that's too firm. While you can get a firm memory foam mattress topper, these are harder to find and still may not provide enough support for some sleep styles (such as sleeping on your front) and body types (such as plus-sized bodies). However, if you're a side sleeper with a lightweight to average build, a memory foam mattress topper can provide the deep pressure relief and plush comfort you need.
On the other hand, hybrid toppers offer much more support thanks to their stable high-density foams and ultra-supportive micro-coils. These coils are designed to offer enhanced lumbar and edge support for stomach and back sleepers, along with plus-sized people. Due to their flexibility, micro-coils also offer body-contouring support and can adapt to your movements - perfect for combination or restless sleepers.
Memory foam vs hybrid mattress toppers: temperature regulation
While memory foam is notorious for trapping heat, most memory foam mattress toppers now feature cooling technology, such as gel-infused or perforated foam and and cooling covers. In fact, some of the best cooling bed toppers on the market feature memory foam.
On the other hand, hybrid toppers not only feature cooling covers and breathable foam, but they also feature the air-circulating micro-coils for a breathable boost and additional airflow. Add a heat-dissipating cover and gel-infused foam and this kind of topper is ideal for hot sleepers.
Memory foam vs hybrid mattress toppers: Which to buy
Buy a memory foam mattress topper if...
✅ You're on a tighter budget: Memory foam toppers tend to be much cheaper thank hybrid mattress toppers, with only premium foam toppers matching the prices of hybrids.
✅ You're a side sleeper: Memory foam toppers are ideal for providing cradling comfort to key pressure point when side sleeping, including hips and shoulders.
✅ You want to make a firm mattress softer: A memory foam topper is ideal for adding softness to a mattress that's too hard.
Buy a hybrid mattress topper if...
✅ You need firmer support: Micro-coils are known for offering enhanced lumbar and edge support, perfect for heavy bodies that need extra support and stability.
✅ You're a back, stomach, or combination sleeper: Micro-coils are flexible and supportive, offering enhanced lumbar support to back and stomach sleepers and responsiveness to restless sleepers.
✅ You sleep hot: With the additional airflow provided by ventilating micro coils, hybrid mattress toppers promise to provide excellent cooling.
