When mattress shopping, you may have come across models called 'hybrids' – but what does 'hybrid mattress' mean and are they good beds? To answer those questions: a hybrid mattress features a mix of materials (usually foam and springs) and they're popular among sleepers who want a balance of contouring and support.
Further proof of how much people trust hybrids is that they make up a bulk of our overall best mattress guide. For as great as hybrid mattresses are, they're not the right choice for all sleepers. Keep reading for the core characteristics of hybrids, their pros and cons, and a selection of the best hybrid mattresses across all price points.
Hybrids tend to cost more than all-foam or innerspring mattresses, but you can find mattress sales all year long. Discounts peak during major holidays, including the upcoming Presidents' Day mattress sales.
What does hybrid mattress mean?
A hybrid mattress contains foam and springs. It has a base layer for stability, a support core of wrapped coils or springs, a layer (or few) of foam (latex, memory, or gel-infused), and a breathable cover. In most cases, hybrid mattresses have stronger springs around the perimeter for edge support.
You'll find specialty hybrids, as well. 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 beds with zoned coils for targeted support – a feature most often found in the best mattresses for back pain.
Hybrid mattresses tend to cost more than those made exclusively from foam or innersprings, but you can find reliable budget-friendly options from Allswell and Linenspa. Meanwhile, DreamCloud, Helix, and Brooklyn Bedding boast solid mid-range builds while Awara, Birch, and Avocado are excellent choices if you're shopping for organic hybrids. For luxurious hotel-quality mattresses, browse Saatva and Beautyrest.
Are hybrid mattresses good?
Wondering if this is the right mattress type for you? Consider a hybrid mattress if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Back or stomach sleepers who want a firm mattress
- Combination sleepers who need a responsive surface
- Larger sleepers who can benefit from more support
- Hot sleepers – hybrids sleep cooler thanks to the springs
- Sleepers who rely on strong edges to help get out of bed
- Sprawlers who like to take up every inch of their sleep surface
- Back pain sufferers, particularly hybrids with zoned coils
The easiest way to remember the pros of a hybrid mattress is that it has 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.
What are the drawbacks of hybrid mattresses?
Hybrid mattresses can accommodate many types of sleepers, but they're not right for everyone. Consider alternatives to a hybrid mattress if you relate to the following:
- You're a side sleeper who craves maximum contouring
- You're a smaller sleeper who wants a softer bed
- You share a bed with a restless partner and need good motion isolation
- You don't want to hear creaking as the springs degrade over time
- You want to sink into your mattress
Of course, there are exceptions. For instance, the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress is our favorite bed for couples thanks to its excellent motion isolation, and the Helix Midnight Hybrid mattress is one of the coziest side sleeper mattresses around. It helps to read reviews from experts and everyday shoppers – and mattress trials allow you to get a feel for a hybrid at little to no risk to you.
Hybrid mattresses vs. memory foam mattresses
What are the differences between a hybrid mattress and a memory foam mattress? Their construction, for one – hybrids rely on a support core of coils whereas memory foam beds use a high-density polyfoam core. All-foam beds are generally softer and more contouring while foam-spring hybrids have a firmer, more responsive surface.
When it comes to cooling, hybrids do a better job than memory foam mattresses. Foam is prone to trapping heat but coils allow air to flow more freely. Edge support is another advantage hybrids have over their all-foam counterparts; reinforced springs help prevent the center from premature sagging, a common issue with memory foam.
On the flip side, memory foam mattresses absorb movement better than most hybrids, so they're often recommended for sleepers who share a bed with a restless partner. Noise is another factor – over time, as the coils of a hybrid degrade, they'll begin to creak. Memory foam doesn't have that problem.
Hybrid and memory foam models make up our overall best mattress rankings. Each type has its advantages, and the right one will depend on your unique situation.
