Innerspring and foam mattresses have their downfalls. Coil bases can be too firm and noisy, while foam beds are known to restrict mobility and cultivate heat. Thankfully, hybrids create a happy medium by combining foam and coils in a particular order for optimal sleep.

In a hybrid mattress, you have the materials of innerspring and foam mattress, so you’ll also have a combination of both bed’s qualities as well. Most support and cooling effects come from the coil base, while the contouring pressure relief originates from the foam layers.

The foam layers minimize the coil’s noise and lengthen the lifespan of the core by offering cushion to the front and back of the springs. Since most hybrids have pocketed coil system, the support system and the foam layers work together to reinforce motion isolation.

These qualities make this bed great for heavy sleepers, those with limited mobility, and chronic pain sufferers.

In this article, we’ll go over our top five hybrid recommendations, how to choose the best hybrid for your lifestyle, and the differences between hybrids and other mattress types.

Best Hybrid Mattress

• Editors’ Pick: Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid
• Best Cooling Mattress: Zoma Hybrid
• Best Soft Mattress: Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid
• Best Budget Mattress: Vaya Hybrid

Mattress	Highlights	Price
MOST VERSATILE HYBRID MATTRESSThe AS3 HybridAmerisleep	Features plant-based memory foam and pocketed innerspring coils to offer comfort and responsive support.	$1349Learn More
BEST COOLING HYBRID MATTRESS FOR HOT SLEEPERSZoma HybridZoma	Restorative foams promote an uninterrupted night of sleep for more recovery.	$999Learn More
BEST SOFT HYBRID MATTRESSThe AS5 HybridAmerisleep	Thick, plush cushion with underlying responsive foam and coils to limit sinkage.	$1679Learn More
BEST BUDGET HYBRID MATTRESSVaya HybridVaya	Inexpensive yet quality materials create a balance between bouncy support and comfort.	$699Learn More
Boll & BranchMattress	Topped with breathable organic cotton comfort layer for ample comfort.	$2500Learn More
Nest BeddingAlexander Signature Hybrid	Dual-sided mattress with cooling memory foam.	$1599Learn More
Brentwood HomesCedar Natural	Eco-conscious design with reinforced handles and hand-tufting.	$2899Learn More
Avocado MattressAvocado	Mattress uses a mixture of eco-friendly and organic materials.	$1349Learn More
BearBear Hybrid Mattress	Featured innerspring coils transfers 28% more heat away from the sleeper.	$1390Learn More

Most Versatile Hybrid Mattress: AS3 Hybrid

MOST VERSATILE HYBRID MATTRESS

Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid

The AS3 Hybrid combines plant-based memory foam and a targeted pocketed coil system to offer sleepers cushioning comfort and responsive support. Plus, it’s comfortable for side, back, and combination sleeping.

• Warranty:20 Years
• Sleep Trial:100 Nights
• Shipping:Free

Get 30 percent off the AS3 Hybrid

With promo code AS300Get discount

Best mattress features

• Conforming Bio-Pur® foam and underlying pocketed coils create a responsive cushion.
• Castor oil replaces certain petrochemicals during production for a cleaner memory foam.
• Soft, breathable cover encourages airflow through the airy Bio-Pur® foam.

Recommended for…

• Side, back, and combination sleepers interested in a hybrid mattress.
• People who want a removable cover for a cleaner mattress.
• Single sleepers and couples who want a mattress that feels comfortable to most people.

Amerisleep’s AS3 Hybrid is our recommended hybrid mattress. It’s comfortable for side, back, and combination sleeping, and features plant-based memory foam—making it a healthier choice for both you and the environment.

The AS3 Hybrid features a soft, breathable cover to promote more restful sleep. The cover is also removable and washable to help preserve the life of the mattress.

The first layer of the AS3 Hybrid is 3 inches of Bio-Pur®, a plant-based memory foam. Bio-Pur® contours closely to your body to alleviate pressure and offer instant comfort. The thickness of this layer is perfect for side sleepers, as it allows for adequate pressure relief under the shoulders and hips.

Next is the AS3 Hybrid’s pocketed coil system. These pocketed coils promote airflow through the mattress, isolate motion, and offer targeted support—the coils are firmer under your torso for added support and softer under your shoulders and hips for deeper pressure relief.

The last layer of Amerisleep’s AS3 Hybrid is a 1-inch layer of durable poly-foam. This base layer gives the coils above a layer to rest on and improves the bed’s durability.

Amerisleep’s AS3 Hybrid also offers great edge support. Amerisleep wraps the layer of coils in foam edging, ensuring you’ll never slip off the edge of the bed.

Amerisleep offers a 100-night sleep trial with each mattress, giving you over three months to test your new bed. If you like it, perfect! If you find it’s not a fit after breaking the mattress in, you have the option to return for a full refund.

Amerisleep offers a lengthy 20-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and sags greater than 0.75 inches. For the first 10 years of the warranty, Amerisleep will repair or replace your mattress at no charge. For the latter 10 years, Amerisleep will replace your mattress at a 50% discount.

Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress for Hot Sleepers: Zoma Hybrid

BEST COOLING HYBRID MATTRESS FOR HOT SLEEPERS

Zoma Hybrid

Designed for recovery, comfort, and breathability, the Zoma Hybrid has a three-zoned technology that alleviates pressure points while also supporting your back.

• Warranty:10 Years
• Sleep Trial:100 Nights
• Shipping:Free

Get $150 off the Zoma Hybrid

With promo code WIN150Get discount

Best mattress features

• Gel memory foam layer has conforming cutouts that double as air passages.
• The latex-like feel of Reactiv™ keeps a sleeper from sinking in too deep and experiencing discomfort.
• The coils resist sagging along with wear and tear, thanks to the firm foam base.

Recommended for…

• Athletes and active people seeking deeper sleep for greater daily performance.
• Sleepers suffering from chronic pain and interested in a bouncy mattress that offers relief.
• People who have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.

Our second hybrid recommendation is an excellent choice for athletes, people with chronic pain, and anyone who wants a night of uninterrupted sleep. The Zoma Hybrid maintains a cool temperature and absorbs motion to prevent an early awakening, while its foam top and pocketed coils balance pressure relief with full-body support.

The four layers of a Zoma Hybrid are encased in a soft, breathable AirCloth cover.

The hybrid’s first layer is 2 inches of gel memory foam with Triangulex™ technology. The triangular cutouts in the mattress’s head and foot increase contouring and breathability. The areas with cutouts provide more pressure relief, keeping your legs and shoulders from growing stiff. The back area remains cutout-free to provide consistent support.

Next is a 2-inch layer of springy Reactiv™ foam, a material that responds to your movements. Reactiv™ provides support no matter what your sleeping position is and keeps you from sinking too deeply into your mattress.

The bed’s main support comes from its 7-inch layer of pocketed coils. These coils react individually to your movements because of the fabric surrounding each coil, preventing motion from rippling across the mattress. An inch of firm foam supports the coils and maintains the mattress’s structure.

Firm foams surround the coil layer, doubling as protection and edge support. No need to worry about rolling over the side.

Every Zoma mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial that goes into effect once your mattress has been delivered. Should you decide that a Zoma Hybrid isn’t the right bed for you, the company will offer a full refund.

Zoma includes a 10-year warranty that covers defects and faulty workmanship. For example, if your hybrid sags beyond 0.75 inches, Zoma will repair or replace it for free.

Best Soft Hybrid Mattress: AS5 Hybrid

BEST SOFT HYBRID MATTRESS

Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid

Amerisleep’s softest and thickest mattress is also one of their most supportive, with a responsive transition layer and buoyant coils ensuring a sleeper doesn’t sink too far into their hybrid mattress.

• Warranty20 Years
• Sleep Trial:100 Nights
• Shipping:Free

Get 30 percent off the AS5 Hybrid

With promo code AS300Get discount

Best mattress features

• Soft, breathable cover and airy foam and coils ensure a cool sleeping surface.
• Active Flex transition layer responds to movements, limiting sinkage.
• Top cushioning layer of Bio-Pur® foam is made with plant-based materials for more sustainability.

Recommended for…

• Side sleepers looking for a soft mattress to cushion their shoulders and hips.
• Smaller sleepers under 130 pounds interested in a plush mattress for pressure relief.
• Heavier sleepers hunting for a soft mattress that can still support their weight.

When it comes to beds that are luxuriously soft, you can’t choose a better mattress than the AS5 Hybrid from Amerisleep. The mattress has a thick top layer of adaptable cushion that’s bolstered by responsive underlying foam and bouncy coils.

A soft, breathable cover encases the four layers of the 14-inch tall AS5 Hybrid.

The top layer is 3 inches of Bio-Pur® foam, a material that is more eco-friendly, breathable, and responsive than traditional memory foam. Bio-Pur® foam conforms to the body to relieve pressure, yet is responsive enough to regain its original shape within seconds.

Next is a layer unique to Amerisleep’s AS5 mattresses, 2 inches of Active Flex. This transition foam helps the bed react to your movements without affecting the mattress’s soft feel, ensuring your back won’t bow too far into the mattress.

Last is the support core comprised of 8 inches pocketed coils and an 1-thick foam base. The pocketed coils are arranged to provide a softer feel in the mattress’s head and foot, while the midsection coils focus on providing back support. Foam surrounds the coils, creating edge support so it’s easier to move out of bed.

As we mentioned previously, ever Amerisleep mattress comes with free shipping and returns, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 20-year limited warranty.

Best Budget Hybrid Mattress: Vaya Hybrid

BEST BUDGET HYBRID MATTRESS

Vaya Hybrid

Vaya keeps its design simple and affordable with a top layer of conforming comfort foam and motion-isolating coils on a firm foam base, all wrapped in a breathable fabric cover.

• Warranty:10 Years
• Sleep Trial:100 Nights
• Shipping:Free

Get $300 off the Vaya Hybrid

With promo code CM300Get discount

Best mattress features

• Aerated foam coils, and cover fabric help a person sleep cool and undisturbed.
• CertiPUR-US® foam certified free of harmful materials and low on VOCs.
• Pocketed coils provide corner-to-corner support, ensuring your edges will not soften.

Recommended for…

• Bargain hunters who enjoy finding hidden gems when it comes to comfort and support.
• People living on a limited budget who need to replace an old mattress.

The Vaya Hybrid is our top recommendation for a budget-friendly mattress because of the way the design balances comfort, support, and durability with affordability. The structure promotes a cool night’s rest, so it’s a great way for hot sleepers and people in warmer climates to sleep well without exceeding their spending limits.

The bed has three layers, encased in a ventilated fabric cover.

The first layer is 2 inches of Vaya Comfort Foam, a contouring material that adapts to a sleeper’s movements and positions. The responsiveness of Vaya Comfort Foam is why the brand recommends their beds for all styles of sleepers. Vaya Comfort Foam is also CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning it’s met an independent party’s production criteria and has been verified free of potentially toxic materials.

Next is 8 inches of pocketed coils. The coils provide edge-to-edge support, so you won’t feel as if you’re about to roll over the side of your mattress. Finally, a 2-inch thick foam base promotes a longer-lasting mattress.

The Vaya Hybrid includes free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial with free returns, and a 10-year warranty.

Boll & Branch Mattress

BOLL & BRANCH MATTRESS

Boll & Branch Mattress

This five-layered hybrid feels cool and luxurious, thanks its foam and micro-coils.

• Warranty:10 Years
• Sleep Trial:100 Nights
• Shipping:Free

Best mattress features

• Wool cover and graphite infusion makes it easy for heat to escape through the mattress’s top.
• Micro-coils provide contouring support for a healthy spine alignment.
• Wool-blend cover was humanely sourced, for an eco-friendly, breathable cover.

Recommended for…

• Combination sleepers.
• Shoppers seeking an eco-friendly hybrid mattress with a luxurious feel.
• Individuals seeking back pain relief.

Boll & Branch’s luxury hybrid has a resilient and durable construction in five layers. Air circulation between the layers generates a cool sleep environment— perfect for overheating sleepers.

The humanely-sourced, wool blend cover sustains resilient air circulation, making this bed eco-friendly and breathable.

The graphite-infused comfort layer has air channels built into the soft material, cultivating airflow and deep compression for heat and pressure point relief. The transition layer has similar characteristics to the comfort layer, but it’s firmer, providing the user with mobility

In the next layer, micro-coils give the user full ergonomic support for better spinal alignment. These steel coils cultivate airflow and allow personalized support to your body.

The core base layer is comprised of individually foam-encased coils for noiseless movement and minimal motion transfer. Thicker gauges (gauge is the measurement of coil thickness) reinforce the perimeter for better edge support.

Boll & Branch’s mattress rates as a six on the firmness scale. It has a stable sleep surface perfect for combination sleepers or those looking for sciatica relief.

Boll & Branch offers free white glove delivery, including home assembly and mattress removal to the contiguous US.

Boll & Branch provides customers with 100 nights to try their mattress. If you love the way it helps you sleep, you can commit to the purchase by simply letting the trial period expire. If you’re unsatisfied in any way, you can return the bed for a full refund within the sleep trial period— no hidden fees, no hassle. All you have to do is make arrangements with Boll & Branch for the pick up.

A 10-year limited warranty comes with every mattress purchase. It will protect the buyer from material defects and faulty workmanship.

Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid

NEST BEDDING ALEXANDER SIGNATURE HYBRID

Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid

With three foam layers and pocketed coils, Nest’s signature hybrid has quite the luxurious feel to it.

• Warranty:Lifetime
• Sleep Trial:100 Nights
• Shipping:Free

Best mattress features

• Thermic Phase Change Fabric and Energex™ foam keep the mattress surface cool.
• Quantum Edge pocketed support coils lift the sleeper.
• Three foam layers have all met CertiPUR-US®’s health and safety requirements.

Recommended for…

• Hot sleepers interested in a foam hybrid with phase-change fabric.
• Side and petite sleepers looking for a plush mattress.
• Stomach and back sleepers, along with plus-size people, seeking a luxury firm mattress.

The Alexander Signature mattress has three layers of CertiPUR-US® certified foam: Energex™ foam, SmartFlow Support Foam, Base Support Foam.

The top layer is a gel memory foam material topped with soft quilted Thermic Phase Change Fabric, providing pressure relief and temperature neutrality.

Below, Energex™ foam is very latex-like, making the bed bouncy. Even though this layer is considered another comfort layer, it also has supportive qualities so you can move around on the bed without feeling “stuck.”

The transitional layer contains three pounds of SmartFlow Support foam. It acts as a buffer between the comfort and coil layers in case the user falls through the first initial layers.

The base layer is made of eight inches of Quantum Edge pocketed support coils and 1 inch of Core Support Foam with a density of three pounds. Both layers ensure the mattress has a long lifespan and quality support. The individually wrapped coils isolate motion and increase airflow throughout the entire bed.

The sleeping surface has a deep bounce, while the reinforced edge support stops you from rolling off the bed.

The Alexander hybrid comes in three different firmnesses— plush, medium, and luxury firm— which means this bed can cater to all sleep styles.

You have 100 nights to try out the mattress, during which you’re required to complete 30 days of the trial. You can exchange your bed for a different model or firmness. You’re expected to sleep on your expected mattress for 30 days more days before initiating an exchange or return.

As long as the bed is in good working order, Nest Bedding will repair or replace defective mattresses at their discretion. Just keep in mind, the warranty doesn’t cover mattress misuse or normal wear and tear. Stains, tears, burns, and bed discoloration will void the warranty.

Brentwood Home Cedar Mattress

BRENTWOOD HOME CEDAR MATTRESS

Brentwood Home Cedar Mattress

With natural latex, organic cotton and wool, and even coconut shell husk buttons, the Cedar Mattress is a good choice for any eco-friendly shopper.

• Warranty:25 Years
• Sleep Trial:365 Nights
• Shipping:Free

Best mattress features

• Cotton, latex, and wool keep the surface cool, while the bottom stays chilled thanks to the airy coil support.
• More than a thousand springs are arranged to offer five zones of support.
• Natural latex, wool, and cotton are held together without potentially harmful adhesives.

Recommended for…

• Eco-friendly shoppers interested in a natural hybrid mattress.
• Sleepers who want a mattress backed by a generous warranty.
• People who want zoned support for more comfortable rest.

As an organic and eco-friendly company, Brentwood Home uses GOLS certified latex, natural wool from New Zealand, imported coconut shell husk buttons, and GOTS certified cotton. Instead of being held together with adhesives or glues, the Cedar mattress is tufted together with wool yarn and hand-finished with coconut husk buttons.

The organic cotton cover amplifies breathability and moisture-wicking properties. The New Zealand Joma wool below the cover adds extra moisture-wicking, air circulation, and comfort. Together, these two materials do an excellent job regulating temperature.

The organic Dunlop latex layer lies beneath the Joma wool cover. This layer is aerated, meaning it has small holes in its surface, allowing air to flow through the mattress and pulls heat away from the sleeper. This material is firmer than the layer above, which helps the sleeper with mobility and creates a bounce.

Below the pillow-top, luxurious, silky alpaca wool fibers make up another comfort layer in the mattress. This alpaca wool is naturally hypoallergenic and fire-resistant.

Another layer of organic latex transitions between the comfort and support layers. This layer has a three-zoned, groove cut design that relieves your head, lumbar region, and feet of pressure for enhanced comfort.

Below the zoned latex layer is a 5-zoned, pocketed coils system with 1414 supportive springs organized to give customized support to the head, shoulders, lumbar, hips, and feet. These sections relieve pressure and provide better contouring. Meanwhile, the perimeters are reinforced to ensure you don’t fall off the bed while changing sleep positions.

For an entire year, you can sleep on the Cedar bed before deciding if it’s for you. It’s a completely risk-free trial in the confines of your bedroom. If you don’t like it, you can return the mattress for a full refund.

Just like most companies, Brentwood Homes’ prorated warranty ensures the replacement or repair of your mattress if the product has any manufacturing or material defects. Remember to take the bed out of the box within two weeks of delivery, or you will void the warranty.

Avocado Green Mattress

AVOCADO GREEN MATTRESS

Avocado Green Mattress

Natural latex, organic wool and cotton, and upcycled steel coils make up this green mattress. Shoppers can add on a latex pillow top for extra cushion.

• Warranty:25 Years
• Sleep Trial:365 Nights
• Shipping:Free

Best mattress features

• GREENGUARD Gold, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, and MADE SAFE® Not-Toxic.
• Heat and moisture-wicking cotton and wool help latex foam stay cool.
• Five zones of ergonomic support from the pocketed coils, so it’s soft and firm as needed.

Recommended for…

• Sleepers who want a strong, all-natural latex mattress likely to last quite a number of years.
• Sleepers who want a buoyant comfort layer with coils, so they feel on top of the mattress.

The Avocado mattress is another eco-friendly and organic mattress. It comes in two firmnesses. The standard version is firmer and consists of upcycled steel, organic cotton, natural latex, and New Zealand wool. Meanwhile, the addition of a pillow-top creates a softer option.

The Avocado Green’s organic cotton cover is hand-tufted, featuring hand needled rosette buttons. The natural fibers make the cover soft and breathable, wicking away moisture for cooler nights.

You can add a Euro-top filled with two inches of GOLS certified Dunlop latex foam for an additional cost. The extra layer caters to back and side sleepers, as well as athletes.

The supportive layer features 1,414 individually wrapped, steel coils for zoned ergonomic support. This means the mattress will give you customized pressure relief to the head, shoulders, lumbar, hips, and feet. Because the springs react individually, there is minimal motion transfer.

The perimeter coils have a thicker gauge to reinforce the bed’s edge.

Hand tufting holds the layers together instead of glues and adhesives, which means the bed doesn’t have chemical additives. And on top of all its organic certifications, the Avocado Green Mattress has a GREENGUARD gold certification, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®: Class 1 certification, and the MADE SAFE® Not-Toxic Certification.

You get a one-year trial with every Avocado mattress purchase. The Avocado Green Company is sure you’ll love their product; however, if you don’t, you can get a refund.

Avocado Green will arrange to have the bed donated to a charity and issue you a refund— no restocking or return fees.

The 25-year warranty protects against material and workmanship faults for the entire period. To keep the warranty valid, the mattress must be kept on a solid, supportive foundation. A mattress protector will protect the bed from stains, discoloration, and burns, which will void the warranty.

Bear Hybrid Mattress

BEAR HYBRID MATTRESS

Bear Hybrid Mattress

Bear goes beyond gel infusions and airy foams to create a cooling mattress. The Celliant® not only wicks away heat but also converts it into rejuvenating infrared energy.

• Warranty:20 Years
• Sleep Trial:100 Nights
• Shipping:Free

Best mattress features

• Cooling gel foam feels soft and luxurious, while maintaining a neutral surface temperature.
• Second layer of comfort foam adapts to any sleep position and body type.
• Pocketed coils make up most of the mattress and give the bed its durable support.

Recommended for…

• Athletes and sporty people who want a bouncy mattress.
• People who tend to sleep hot and want a cooling mattress that encourages extra recovery.

Made with environmentally friendly materials, Bear Mattress combines luxury-quality comfort and cooling technologies in its hybrid to promote a healthier sleep environment.

The Bear Hybrid Mattress cover has an infrared yarn technology textile with a quilted and hand-tufted design to promote health. The infrared technology in the Celliant® cover cultivates recovery by stimulating extra blood circulation, which promotes cell recovery.

Hypersoft cooling gel foam lies below the Cellient® cover, creating a luxurious pillow-top. The cloud-like feel alleviates pressure points while it wicks away heat and moisture from the body.

The second comfort layer comprises of premium comfort foam that adapts to all body types and sleeping positions. The foam responds slowly for deep contouring and aids the above layer in providing pressure relief to the sleeper. This layer cushions sensitive areas along the shoulders and hips, letting the body focus on recovery, making the mattress especially attractive to athletes.

The responsive transitional foam’s open cell structure cultivates greater airflow and quick response time. This active layer is responsive to pressure. Although this may seem counterintuitive, it actually helps guide the user into the support layer below, making the sleeper’s transition into the layers smoother.

Pocketed coils make up the majority of the mattress’s height. The springs are bouncy and support all the layers above. As the foundation of the mattress, the coil system gives the mattress its longevity.

During the first ten years, a defective mattress will be repaired or replaced at the cost of Bear Mattress LLC. However, the customer will still be responsible for transportation and handling fees.

During the last half of the warranty period, the mattress will be repaired or replaced at a prorated rate of the original mattress. Transportation and handling fees are still the responsibility of the customer.

For 100 nights, you can try your new bear mattress without committing to the purchase. If you decide the mattress doesn’t suit your sleeping style, you can return the mattress hassle-free. All Bear Mattress asks is that you try the bed for 30 nights.

What Is A Hybrid Mattress?

Hybrids are a combination of foam and innerspring mattress materials— typically constructed with a coil foundation and foam comfort layers. The innovative design offers all the benefits of innerspring and foam beds without their associated downsides.

For example:

• Hybrid beds are less noisy than innerspring beds because the foam muffles the sounds.
• Memory foam allows hybrids to have better motion isolation than innerspring mattresses which only rely on springs for support.
• An innerspring base increases airflow, which decreases the chance for heat retention. Meanwhile, all-foam beds tend to trap heat.
• Hybrids maintain a bouncy sleep surface from their innersprings and cultivate deep compression and pressure-relieving benefits from the memory foam layers.

Basic Order of Hybrid Layers

Be aware, not every hybrid mattress will follow this order. This is a basic outline based on most hybrids’ construction, but layer order and materials will vary across brands.

1. Some hybrid mattresses will feature a pillow top, or a Euro-style comfort layer, sewn onto the sleeping surface. Several material options are used to create this layer: cotton, wool, fiber-fill, latex, poly-foam, or memory foam.
2. The comfort layer rests above the transition foam. This layer typically has cooling technology infused into the material and is meant to provide the sleeper with a comfortable sleep experience. Foam is a common material used in these layers because of its deep compression and heat-induced softness.
3. The transitional layer sits on top of the supportive core acting as a buffer between the base and top layers. Take note, not every hybrid mattress has this layer.

The transition layer is comprised of dense material supportive of a user’s weight. This unique quality stops a larger user from fall through the comfort layers and hitting the supportive layer. The transitional layer gives support and comfort.

1. The hybrid’s core consists of supportive pocketed coils and a thin layer of stabilizing polyurethane foam or polyfoam padding. This foam sits underneath the coils to cushion the springs. It gives the mattress better resilience and a longer lifespan.

Meanwhile, the supportive spring system comprises of pocketed coils to give a flat, supportive sleeping surface to encourage a neutral spine. Each spring responds individually to pressure to minimize motion transfer.

Guide To Choosing A Hybrid Mattress

Getting the perfect firmness is an involved process determined by your sleeping position, body type, and personal preferences. A mattress’s material affects how a bed feels and its firmness. To help you understand the pros and cons of the best mattresses of 2022, you’ll need a basic understanding of foam density, coil count and gauge.

In the following sections, we’ll teach you all you need to know about picking out your hybrid beds, including understanding how long your new bed how last.

Firmness

Most brands rank their mattresses using a firmness scale from one to ten, with one being the softest and ten being the firmest. Most mattresses are between 3-8 on this scale.

• The closer a bed falls to one, the softer the sleep surface. This firmness is best for more petite users because they don’t need as much support.
• If the bed falls nearer to a ten, then the bed has a firmer feel. A firm mattress best serves large statured or heavyweight people. A firm sleep surface allows minimal sinkage, which fosters deep, conforming compression.
• Medium-firm beds fall toward the center. These beds are best for those of average weight, side sleepers, combo sleepers, and couples.

Depending on your sleeping style and body type, you’ll need a certain firmness to feel the necessary support and comfort. Your mattress’ firmness and your sleeping style will either improve or worsen your posture. A misaligned spine can lead to health issues such as sciatica, lower back or neck pain, and osteoarthritis.

Sleeping Positions

Sleep position may affect your health, but there are ways to avoid the negative consequences of some sleeping styles by purchasing a bed with a firmness that will neutralize the effects.

Stomach Sleeper

Stomach sleeping flattens out the natural curve in the spine, which creates an onslaught of stressful pressure and chronic pain. To maintain the spine’s natural curvature, stomach sleepers need a very firm mattress.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers need a firm mattress to maintain a flat sleeping surface. A soft mattress lack support and results in the back sleeper’s shoulders and feet being elevated above their hips. This v-shaped position places unnecessary stress on the spine and soft tissue, which could result in a back injury.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers require a softer mattress. While a back sleeper’s weight dispersed over a wider surface, keeping them on the bed’s surface, side sleeper’s weight is condensed on a single point. They need a soft bed to combat the pressure building up on their sides.

Combination Sleeper

Combination sleepers switch between two or more sleeping positions. Because they are constantly moving from one sleeping position to another, they need a medium firm mattress to fit their versatile needs.

Mattress Material

Materials will largely determine your satisfaction with your bed. Having a brief understanding of mattress materials will help you discern how the bed feels before giving it a try.

Memory Foam

As a resilient and dense material, memory foam softens when in contact with body heat, which encourages contouring. Memory foam mattresses are known for alleviating back pain by conforming to the body to encourage spinal alignment.

These beds cause the users to sink into the foam. Some people like the cradling feeling of foam, while others feel as though they are stuck in the bed. This mattress type is also known for its heat retention— a byproduct of the high-density construction.

Polyurethane Foam

Polyurethane foam is affordable and comes in many different densities, although the foam tends to have a higher density than memory foam. The foam’s open-cell construction provides airflow, making it the perfect cool support layer.

Gel Memory Foam

There are three ways gel can be incorporated into memory foam: gel-infused, swirl, and gel beads. Gel-infusions are more consistent throughout the entire layer. Gel swirls design isn’t as consistent throughout the layer. Lastly, Gel beads are sort of sprinkled throughout the mattress and normally are found on the surface of the layer. Gel technology allows the user to remain cool by cultivating temperature regulation by absorbing heat.

However, gel isn’t a guaranteed solution— they have limited heat absorption. Gel retains the heat instead of dispersing it. Once it has absorbed as much heat as they can, the gel will ned up heating the sleeper instead of cooling them.

Latex Foam

Latex foam is often whipped to produce air pockets. This manufacturing method produces a spongy-like material with thousands of pockets, responsible for cool nights.

A bed made of latex foam has bounce, which means this foam may appeal to those who prefer a coil mattress but also want the contouring abilities of foam.

Pocketed Coils

Unlike other coil systems, pocketed coils work individually for precise support. This technology cultivates motion isolation since the coils are not connected.

Pocketed springs are wrapped individually in foam or fabric to promote an enhanced hygienic sleeping environment. Additionally, pocketed springs foster good airflow, support, bounce, and responsiveness.

Hybrid mattresses sometimes contain smaller versions of pocket coils called micro-coils. These miniature coils contribute detailed support where the coil layer cannot. While the base of the mattress maintains a flat sleeping surface, the miniature coils are more comforting, filling space between your body and the bed and constricting where there is pressure.

Foam Density

Most foams in hybrid beds bear the direct weight of a sleeper; therefore, foam is at risk of wearing out quickly. The density of the foam can give a consumer an idea of its longevity.

Foam density is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). The lower the PCF, the lower the density and the quicker the material will wear out. The higher the PCF, the denser and more durable the material. Depending on the density of the foam, it is separated into three grades.

Foam Grade	PCF	Foam’s Qualities
Low (Conventional)	Memory Foam: 2.5 – 3.9 Poly-foam: 1.8 and below	Decent motion control Contouring Maintains its shape
Medium (HD)	Memory Foam: 4.0 – 5.4 Poly-foam: 1.8 – 2.5	Compromise between low and high-grade foams in motion control, contouring abilities, and shape reformation
High (HR)	Memory Foam: 5.5 and higher Poly-foam: 2.5 and higher	Excellent motion control Excellent contouring and adaptability Shape recovery can take 1 to several minutes

In memory foam mattresses, we suggest 3.5 PCF for a long-lasting comfort layer. In polyfoam comfort layers, we suggest 2 PCF.

Another unit of measurement you’ll want to look into is the Indentation Load Deflection, or the ILD, which is the amount of pressure needed to make a 4-inch indentation at the top of the mattress’s sleep surface.

The higher the ILD number, the firmer the sleep surface; likewise, the lower the ILD measurement, the softer the mattress. Often room temperature affects the ILD measurement, which is why foam and hybrid mattresses will have an ILD range instead of a specific number.

Latex and memory foam are rated on different ILD scales. Memory foam comfort layers often fall between an ILD rating of 8-20; meanwhile, latex comfort layers go between 15 to 50 ILD and higher. Remember low ILD ratings in memory foam may result in close contouring but may cause sinking. High ILD measurements may mean the sleep surface is very firm and deficient of comfort.

The most popular ILD rating for memory foam is between 10 and 20. Latex beds with an ILD between 20-32 are also very popular.

Coil Count and Gauge

While coil count refers to the number of springs in the supportive layer, gauge measures their thickness. High coil count doesn’t mean high-quality. Springs provide better body support and increase the mattress’s lifespan if the correct coil count is used. Around 400 coils for a queen mattress is a good number— 480 in a king bed.

High-quality mattresses will have thicker springs. You can tell a quality mattress coil by the low coil count. Beds with thin coils run the risk of wearing out faster.

Warranties, Sleep Trials, and Return Policies

You can often judge how durable a mattress is based on the length of the warranty. If a company states that their mattress has a 20-year warranty, it’s because they have tested the bed’s longevity thoroughly.

Warranties

Since hybrid beds cost between $1,200 and $2,000, you’re going to want to make sure it’ll last you. Looking at the warranty closely will ensure that the company isn’t just slapping an estimated length of time on the mattress and calling it good. There are some basic things every mattress warranty should cover: sagging below a certain point (the average is 1 inch or deeper), and defects in the foam or cover due to manufacturing.

Companies selling innerspring mattresses will warranty against premature sagging, while a foam mattress company’s warranty usually covers deep indentations. A hybrid mattress will usually cover both sagging and indents, as well as burst coils or split foam.

The warranty should also discuss how the company handles warranty claims, as well as specifics regarding the time frame of the warranty. Shipping and handling costs, whether paid for by the company or the customer, should also be mentioned in the warranty.

Sleep Trials and Returns

Sleep trials are another tale-tell sign of a well-made mattress and good manufacturing processes. Sleep trials allow the customer to put the price of the mattress down as collateral to try the mattress in the comfort of their bedroom.

The period length for sleep trials can range between 30 days to an entire year. We highly suggest aiming for a 100-day trial period or more. One hundred days gives the customer time to adjust to the mattress’s support and firmness.

Before jumping into a purchase, you’ll want to look at the sleep trial as well as the warranty. Sleep trials should be marked risk-free and hassle-free (meaning you should easily be able to return the mattress for a refund during the sleep trial).

You probably don’t want to be charged with any shipping, transportation, recycling, donation, or restocking fees if you decide to return the mattress. Reading over the return policy will give you an understanding of what to expect during a return.

Pros and Cons of Hybrids

Pros	Cons
Good balance between conforming and responsive Quiet performance Good motion isolation Good air circulation Sleeps cooler than all-foam mattresses Great edge support Minimal sinkage	Expensive Off-gassing may occur Heavy and difficult to move Not for sleepers looking for extra firm beds

FAQs

What is the composition ratio of materials used in hybrid beds?

• The supportive core layer, located at the bottom of the mattress, stands seven to eight inches tall
• Transitional layer (optional) must be at least two to three inches thick
• Comfort layer should be at least two inches
• Cover should cover all six sides of the mattress

How do I know this mattress will support my weight?

All beds have a maximum weight limit they can bear. The product description should clearly advertise its weight capacity limits. If you cannot find it, ask a customer service representative.

What should I look for in a return policy?

As a customer, you want hassle-free service when trying to return a defective bed. A good company will help you donate an unwanted mattress. Looking into the return policy will help you know what to expect if you have to make a return.

What should I look for in a warranty?

We suggest getting a mattress with nothing less than a 10-year warranty since this is the industry standard. The warranty is a direct reflection of the company’s confidence in its products. That’s why we also advise searching for a warranty that covers sagging under an inch, which is often a sign of a durable mattress.

How much should I spend?

Unfortunately, hybrids are more expensive than other beds. This is due to the wider range of materials used in its construction. Hybrids typically cost between $1,200 and $2,000.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what materials make up the best hybrid mattresses and what to look for when choosing one. We’ve even given you a few recommendations for some high-quality hybrid beds.

Remember to take a good look at the foam density, warranty, and the coil gauge’s quality before making your decision. Taking the extra time to do this will save you from making a bad purchase.

Research Method

To write a quality and credible article, we considered over 40 leading mattress brands, read several dozen reviews and articles, and spent over 12 hours researching, writing, and editing.