I’m a huge fan of hybrid mattresses. I test a lot in my role as Senior Sleep Editor at Tom’s Guide, and the good ones really do give you the best of both worlds. You get the cushioning support of foam or latex, as well as the bounce and improved airflow of springs.
They’re usually a safe bet for someone like me, who’s prone to overheating. I’m a certified sleep coach, and I often advise hot sleepers to consider a hybrid over all-foam. They’re also a better choice for anyone who likes a more traditional mattress feel: you tend to lie on top of the mattresses that contain springs, rather than sinking into them.
Right now, I’m sleeping on a Saatva Classic - and I can confirm that it’s still the best hybrid mattress I’ve ever tested. But mattresses are subjective, and what’s right for me might not be for you. So here’s a ranked list of the best hybrid mattresses that my team have tested, since we started reviewing mattresses five years ago. Most of them also feature in our best mattress guide, which gives you a further indication (if you needed one) of just how good they are. Read on for my top recommendations - and I’ve found the best Black Friday mattress deal for each hybrid, too, to help you get them at the lowest possible price.
The 4 best hybrid mattresses in the world today
Compare Black Friday deals on the top-ranked hybrid mattresses
The best hybrid mattress deals this Black Friday 2024
- Amazon: Linenspa, Zinus and more
- Bear: 40% off with code: TOM40 - lowest price
- DreamCloud: 50% off great-value hybrid mattresses
- Helix: 27% off + $330 free gifts with code: TOMS27 - lowest price
- Macy’s: big discounts on older stock
- Nectar: 50% off + an extra $100 when you spend $1,000
- Saatva: $400 off top-class luxury hybrids
- Walmart: Allswell mattresses from $194
Hello and welcome
Claire Davies, Senior Sleep Editor, Tom's Guide
Good morning - thanks for joining my live guide to the best hybrid mattresses you can buy over Black Friday. I’m continually asked to recommend hybrid mattresses - I’m a qualified sleep coach, and my job as Senior Sleep Editor at Tom’s Guide means I’ve slept on a lot of different options.
So, seeing as lots of people are looking to buy one in the Black Friday sales, and there are a lot of deals around, I thought I’d guide you, live, through the next week of deals. My goal is to help you choose the right hybrid mattress for your needs and budget - and to save money while you’re at it. Let’s go!
5 pro tips for buying a mattress online
Gone are the days where you had to go to a mattress store and lie self-consciously on the showroom beds. Now, you can order a mattress at the tap of a button, and it'll arrive rolled and boxed on your doorstep.
However, there are some things you should know before buying a bed from the world wide web. Here are my top tips on how to buy a mattress online...
1. Consider your sleep position
Your mattress needs to be soft or firm enough to suit your dominant sleeping position. For example, the best mattresses for side sleepers are usually softer than mattresses for stomach sleepers, because people who sleep on their front need firmer support.
2. Pick the right firmness
Not only does your preferred sleeping position determine how firm your mattress should be, but your body weight helps determine it, too. For example, lightweight sleepers (those who weigh under 130lbs) will need something softer than average weights, or people who weigh over 250lbs.
3. Think about your sleep issues
Look for a mattress with features designed to solve any issues you might face. If you sleep hot, try one of the best cooling mattresses. If you're constantly disturbed by the movements of a restless partner, buy a mattress with better motion isolation.
4. Choose the right material
Memory foam mattresses are great for pressure relief and cushioning comfort, while hybrid mattresses combine the softness of foam with the breathable support of an innerspring mattress. Meanwhile, eco-conscious shoppers can go for a durable latex mattress. These are usually hybrid options - we've rounded up the top-performers in our best organic mattress guide.
5. Look for a sleep trial
The majority of mid and higher-range mattresses come with a sleep trial, which allows you to sleep on them for a number of nights. The average is 100 nights, but some go up to a whole year.
Read more: How to buy a mattress online.
3 reasons why the Saatva Classic is my #1 hybrid mattress
Claire Davies, Senior Sleep Editor
As both a sleep editor and a certified sleep coach, with over half a decade's worth of mattress review experience, I've tested a myriad of mattresses — from budget-friendly options to luxury high-end models. I've been sleeping on the Saatva Classic for the last few weeks, and it's exceptional. Not only is it the best hybrid mattress I've ever slept on, it's the best mattress I've slept on, period. Here are three reasons why.
1. It soothed my aches and pains
After my pregnancy, I experienced aches and pains in my lower back and hips. Since sleeping on the Saatva Classic, those pains have now been reduced - thanks to its excellent pressure relief and lumbar support.
2. I always feel supported
The Saatva Classic has superb edge support, meaning my family and I have more space to use up every inch of the mattress without feeling as if we're dipping or about to fall off the edge.
3. It keeps me cool at night
As someone with a tendency to overheat at night, I need a mattress that's breathable and won't retain heat. Thankfully, the Saatva mattress has a breathable, moisture-wicking organic cotton cover and airflow-boosting springs to keep me cool.
Read more: Saatva Classic review
Save $400 on the best hybrid mattress
Claire Davies, Senior Sleep Editor
So... you've heard my reasons for why I recommend the Saatva Classic so highly. If you're interested in trying it, it comes with a year-long trial, so you can make sure it's right (there's a $99 return fee if you don't like it though, so bear that in mind).
There's a $400 discount on all sizes of the Classic for Black Friday. That's an average deal - I've seen these prices in every major sale this year, so don't feel you have to rush to buy it right now. I'm sure it'll cost the same in the President's Day mattress sales in Feb, for example. But if you're keen to try it now, this is the biggest saving you'll find.
Three reasons to replace your mattress - instead of a getting topper
Frances Daniels, Sleep Staff Writer, Tom's Guide
Cards on the table: I love a good mattress topper. They're cost-effective, add extra comfort or support, and can prolong the life of your exisiting mattress. All in all, they save you from buying a new mattress — or, at least, they save you from buying a new mattress for the next few years.
However, sometimes you have to admit that you can't literally cover up your bed's issues with a mattress topper. Here are three reasons to replace your mattress instead of buying a new topper:
1. Your mattress is over 10 years old
All mattresses need to be replaced at some point, and by that we mean at least every decade. So, unless you have an organic latex bed (which can last up to 25 years), it's likely that your mattress is past its expiration date and should be replaced ASAP.
2. Your mattress isn't supportive enough
All mattresses start to sag over time, leading to an uneven and unsupportive sleep surface. No topper will fix a dip that is more than two inches deep
3. Your mattress is damaged
If your mattress is ripped or badly stained, this could lead to deterioration of materials. In some cases, stained and unclean mattresses lead to mold or mildew and can even trigger allergies.
Read more: Mattress topper vs new mattress: Which one do you need?
A-Z of Black Friday mattress sales
There are plenty of Black Friday mattress sales to browse this weekend, if you're looking to buy a new hybrid mattress. Here's a quick list of the biggest and best sales:
- Amazon: budget mattresses from $80
- Amerisleep: $500 off all mattresses
- Avocado: up to 20% off organic mattresses
- Awara Sleep: up to 50% off
- Bear: 40% off + two free pillows with code TOM40 at checkout
- Beautyrest: up to $1,000 off mattresses and adjustable bed sets
- Casper: 30% off for Black Friday
- DreamCloud: 50% off - from $299
- Helix: 27% off + free bedding with code: TOMS27 at checkout
- Layla: up to $200 off + two free pillows
- Leesa: 30% off mattresses + two free pillows
- Macy’s: big discounts on older models
- Naturepedic: 20% sitewide sale + two free pillows
- Nectar: 50% off memory foam and hybrid mattresses
- Nolah: 35% off sitewide sale + two free pillows
- Puffy: up to $1,350 in savings with code: EARLYFRIDAY
- Purple: up to $100 off for Black Friday
- Saatva: $400 off luxury mattresses - back to best price
- Siena: from $199 - 50% off our best cheap mattress
- Stearns & Foster: save up to $600 + $300 Visa gift card
- Tempur-Pedic: Big discounts on quality mattresses
- Titan: sitewide 30% off sale
- Walmart: Allswell, Zinus + more affordable brands
- Winkbed: $300 off mattresses
What is a hybrid mattress - and should you choose one?
Alison Barretta, Freelance reviewer and writer
A hybrid mattress features a mix of materials (usually foam and springs) and they're popular among people who want a balance of cushioning and support. They tend to cost more than all-foam or innerspring mattresses, and sometimes come in different forms - for example: models with Euro or pillow tops offer sink-in softness and a luxurious look. There are also cooling mattresses with advanced temperature-regulating materials, and options with zoned coils for targeted support – a feature most often found in mattresses designed to help back pain.
Hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds – the contouring of foam minus the sinkage, and the responsiveness of springs, but with a slightly softer touch than an innerspring bed. They're also known for their longevity and can last up to 10 years.
Consider a hybrid mattress if you're a:
- Back or stomach sleeper, and want a firm mattress
- Combination sleeper who needs a responsive surface
- Larger body who would benefit from more support
- Hot sleeper – hybrids sleep cooler thanks to the springs
- Someone who relies on strong edges to get out of bed
- Sprawler who likes to take up every inch of the sleep surface
- Back pain sufferer - you'll want a hybrid with zoned coils
Read more: What is a hybrid mattress and are they any good?
DreamCloud price drop alert!
You'll have seen the 12-inch DreamCloud Hybrid mattress at number two in my list of the best hybrid mattresses, at the top of this page. This model replaced a 14-inch version earlier this year, and I've been counting the days for a big Black Friday deal on the older model...
Well folks, that time has come!
The original 14-inch DreamCloud Hybrid has just had a big price drop in Amazon's Black Friday sale. This weekend you can buy a queen DreamCloud Hybrid for $600, which is $65 cheaper than last month's price at Amazon. We reviewed it and ranked it second in our best mattress of 2024 guide, right behind the luxury innerspring hybrid Saatva Classic which is over $1,000 more expensive, at $1,695 for a queen at Saatva. It's a fantastic mattress.
Read more: DreamCloud's cheapest mattress for back pain drops to $349 in new Amazon Black Friday sale
Hybrid vs memory foam mattresses
- Memory foam beds excel at pressure relief and motion isolation
- Hybrids are generally more supportive, bouncier, and cooler
- Hybrids are typically pricier than memory foam mattresses
One of the first things to consider when buying a new mattress is what it's made from. For a body-hugging sensation a memory foam mattress is a sound choice, but if you need more support and airflow, a hybrid of foam and springs will be a better option.
The obvious difference between memory foam and hybrid mattresses is their construction. Memory foam mattresses are made exclusively of foam, whilst hybrids use foam and springs. Hybrids are typically pricier than all-foam mattresses as the former includes more materials.
Memory foam mattresses are known for their excellent motion isolation as there are no springs for the movement to travel. They're also a great choice for anyone with joint pain as the foams will evenly distribute body weight, relieving pressure points in the shoulders, hips, and knees. However, some people may find it difficult to move around and feel 'stuck.' Not everyone likes feeling hugged by their mattress.
Most hybrid mattresses will make you feel as if you're floating atop the surface. The reactive flex of the springs provides a stronger foundation with push-back support for your weight. (Most of the best mattresses for heavy people are hybrids.) The springs of a hybrid can also help with airflow, edge support, and ease of movement. On the other hand, hybrids may not limit movement as well as foam mattresses.
Read more: Memory foam vs hybrid mattress: Which one should you buy?
Looking for a Saatva alternative? Try the Helix Midnight Luxe
Nicola Appleton, Sleep Deputy Editor, Tom's Guide
I recently re-reviewed the Helix Midnight Luxe - a hybrid mattress specially designed with side sleepers in mind - to see whether it still deserves the number one spot in our best mattress for side sleepers guide. Spoiler: it does. And in fact, its performance in our tests led to an increase in its pressure relief score from 4.5 to 5 out of 5 stars.
Pressure relief is an important metric for side sleepers, because you have a lot of pressure points (like your shoulders and hips) in contact with your mattress when you sleep in this position. But I also found the Midnight Luxe to be just as comfortable and supportive when I slept on my back. Overall, if you're predominantly a side or back sleeper, or a combination sleeper who shares a bed or experiences back pain, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent mattress to consider.
Read more: Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review
Saatva Classic vs Helix Midnight Luxe: which one should you choose?
Choose the Saatva Classic mattress if...
✅ You want to customize your mattress: The Saatva gives you the option to pick from three different firmness options, so you can tailor your mattress to your preferred sleeping position and body weight.
✅ You sleep hot: The Saatva uses very little foam, meaning that the mattress sleeps cool and keeps even hot sleepers comfortable. If you want the same effect from the Helix, you’ll need to pay more and upgrade to the GlacioTex cover.
✅ You want a more traditional feel: The Saatva feels more like a traditional innerspring mattress – you’ll sleep on top of it, rather than sinking in. But thanks to that quilted pillow top, it still provides hotel levels of comfort.
Choose the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress if…
✅ You share your bed with a restless partner: Motion isolation on the Helix is fantastic, with even the lightest of sleepers unlikely to be disturbed by any movement through the night.
✅ You want more cushioning: You won’t sink into the Helix as you would with an all-foam mattress, but there’s more cushioning and foam layers than you’ll find on the Saatva.
✅ You’re a side sleeper who sometimes sleeps on their back: Although the Helix is specifically designed for side sleepers, it’s a medium firm mattress. This slightly firmer feel means it can support combination sleepers who move from back to side.
Read more: Helix Midnight Luxe vs Saatva Classic
Welcome back
Julia Sagar, Sleep Content Director
Good morning! I'm joining you today to live-blog all things hybrid mattresses. I'll deep-dive into the best Black Friday deals on the best hybrid mattresses, explore some alternative recommendations to Senior Sleep Editor Claire Davies' top picks higher up, share buying advice to help you choose the right option, and more...
Should you buy now - or wait until Black Friday?
It's an excellent question. Over the last few years, I haven't seen many new mattress deals on Black Friday itself - and I would bet good money that there won't be any from the big-name mattress brands this Friday. I also don't think there will be any exciting new offers at any of the major retailers on the day, either.
However! Walmart's Black Friday sale officially launches tomorrow - and at least one budget mattress I've had my eye on has gone up slightly in price since last week, so I do expect to see some cheaper mattresses there tomorrow. Whether prices will fall lower than they were last week, or even this year, I'm less confident - but if I was looking for a cheaper mattress, I'd wait for Monday. Amazon's mattress prices have been pretty stable for the last week or so, so you're unlikely to miss a bargain by waiting an extra day.
If you're hoping for a better deal on one of the best hybrid mattresses though, it's a pretty safe bet that their prices won't change now. The likes of Saatva, DreamCloud, Helix, and so on tend to fix their prices a week or two out from Black Friday, and roll them through to Cyber Monday - sometimes longer. One or two brands (hello, Nectar) launch a cheeky flash sale a few weeks before Black Friday, with the cheapest prices of the year...and then don't bring those prices back... But either way, the deals are now likely to be as good as they're going to get.
Price check: putting Walmart to the test
Right. I've just been talking about Walmart launching its Black Friday sale tomorrow, November 25... Let's do an experiment. Here's a quick spot check of four hybrid mattresses - will any of them drop further in price on Monday? Let's see...
Day 3: Welcome back
Frances Daniels, Sleep Staff Writer
It's Day 3 of our best hybrid mattress live blog, and I'm signing on to share with you the latest Black Friday deals, buying advice, and recommendations.
Stay tuned for some jargon-busting explainers, the best discounts on top-rated hybrid beds, as well as top tips for navigating the Black Friday sales.
Read more: Best hybrid mattresses 2024
A recap of this week's best Black Friday hybrid mattress deals
Before put the spotlight on my favorite hybrid mattress deal of the week, here's a quick recap of the best Black Friday discounts we've seen so far, from A-Z:
- Amazon: budget mattresses from $80
- Amerisleep: $500 off all mattresses
- Avocado: up to 20% off organic mattresses
- Awara Sleep: up to 50% off
- Bear: 40% off + two free pillows with code TOM40 at checkout
- Beautyrest: up to $1,000 off mattresses and adjustable bed sets
- Casper: 30% off for Black Friday
- DreamCloud: 50% off - from $299
- Helix: 27% off + free bedding with code: TOMS27 at checkout
- Layla: up to $200 off + two free pillows
- Leesa: 30% off mattresses + two free pillows
- Macy’s: big discounts on older models
- Naturepedic: 20% sitewide sale + two free pillows
- Nectar: 50% off memory foam and hybrid mattresses
- Nolah: 35% off sitewide sale + two free pillows
- Puffy: up to $1,350 in savings with code: EARLYFRIDAY
- Purple: up to $100 off for Black Friday
- Saatva: $400 off luxury mattresses - back to best price
- Siena: from $199 - 50% off our best cheap mattress
- Stearns & Foster: save up to $600 + $300 Visa gift card
- Tempur-Pedic: Big discounts on quality mattresses
- Titan: sitewide 30% off sale
- Walmart: Allswell, Zinus + more affordable brands
- Winkbed: $300 off mattresses
My favorite deal — and it’s safe to buy now
My favorite deal — and it’s safe to buy now
There’s always an apprehension to buy ahead of Black Friday, just in case a better deal comes along on the big day or the following Cyber Monday. But how are you supposed to know if a deal is the best one yet?
Well, as a sleep writer at Tom’s Guide, I’ve been tracking mattress prices since last year’s Black Friday sales, and I can confidently say that good deals are out there — and they’re totally safe to buy now without the fear of missing out later.
One such deal is a 30% discount on the Leesa Legend Hybrid, which knocks a queen bed down to $1819 (original price was $2,599). I was recently lucky enough to try out this premium hybrid mattress as part of a mattress testing panel.My fellow testers and I agreed that the medium-firm mattress is a side sleeper’s dream, providing soft and cushioning pressure relief in those pesky side-sleeping pressure points (shoulders, hips, and knees) and love that memory-foam feel.
So, how do I know this is a good deal? Well, first of all, I have been waiting patiently for Leesa’s Black Friday deals to start. Leesa’s evergreen sale is 20% off, so it was great to see a 25% off early Black Friday deal — because I knew it was simply a stepping stone for their actual Black Friday sale. Lo and behold, Leesa have now rolled out their official 30% off Black Friday deal, which means a queen is $260 cheaper than if you had bought it in the generic 20% off sale a month ago.
Trust me, I’ve never seen a Leesa discount bigger than 30% off, so buying now does not mean you’ll be missing out on a better deal later.
Read more: Leesa Legend Hybrid mattress hands-on review
Memory Foam Hybrid vs Latex Hybrid: what’s the difference?
On Day 1 of this blog, Alison Barretta taught you what a hybrid mattress is — a mattress made from a mixture of springs and foam. However, there are two main types of hybrid mattress, and the main difference between them is the type of foam they use: memory foam vs latex.
So, here’s a little breakdown of the key differences between a memory foam hybrid and a latex hybrid, plus their benefits.
Memory foam hybrid mattresses: Most hybrid mattresses are memory foam hybrids, especially the best mattresses in a box. The top layer of these beds usually features a cradling tier of memory foam infused with cooling gel for both pressure relief and temperature regulation (memory foam has a tendency to trap heat).There’s also usually a transition layer before the tier of springs to promote support.
Latex: Latex foam is breathable, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic, and these many benefits mean that it’s a premium material. Most organic mattresses are latex hybrids, and often have a design that features recycled steel coils, a fiberglass-free flame barrier, and organic cotton and wool covers. However, bear in mind that latex mattresses can be incredibly expensive.
The benefits of a memory foam hybrid:
✅Body-hugging pressure relief: Memory foam provides body-huffing comfort that soothes pressure points,especially for side sleepers.
✅Cheaper than latex hybrids: Memory foam is a popular mattress materials found in hybrids spanning different budgets.
✅Great motion isolation: Memory foam hybrids have better motion isolation, meaning they can stop you from feeling the movements of a restless partner.
The benefits of a latex hybrid:
✅Natural temperature regulation: Latex is porous, meaning that it's naturally breathable and cooling.
✅Durable: While memory foam hybrids tend to last around 10 years, latex hybrids can last up to 25 years
✅Excellent quality: Latex is a premium material that’s hypoallergenic, clean, non-toxic, sustainable, eco-friendly, and durable.
Read more: Memory foam hybrid vs latex foam hybrid mattress: How to choose