You only need to buy a mattress every seven to 10 years. When the time comes to replace yours, carefully weighing your options is definitely worth your while. Choosing the right one will help you ensure you're getting the best possible night's sleep.
When shopping around, you'll see many models labeled "hybrid." But what does hybrid mattress mean, exactly, and how is it different from other types of mattresses?
Find answers to these questions below, along with tips for buying a hybrid mattress.
What Is a Hybrid Mattress?
A hybrid mattress is essentially a mattress that combines traditional innersprings with another material (or materials), such as foam, wool or cotton. For many sleepers, the multi-layered design is the best of all worlds, offering maximum comfort, support, pressure-point relief and breathability.
What Is a Hybrid Mattress Made Of?
A hybrid mattress is made of one or two supportive layers of innersprings, such as traditional springs and smaller pocketed coils wrapped in fabric. Above and in between the springs are layers of other materials for plushness and comfort, which might include memory foam, gel, latex, cotton or wool.
What Is a Hybrid Mattress?
A hybrid mattress is essentially a mattress that combines traditional innersprings with another material (or materials), such as foam, wool or cotton. For many sleepers, the multi-layered design is the best of all worlds, offering maximum comfort, support, pressure-point relief and breathability.
What Is a Hybrid Mattress Made Of?
A hybrid mattress is made of one or two supportive layers of innersprings, such as traditional springs and smaller pocketed coils wrapped in fabric. Above and in between the springs are layers of other materials for plushness and comfort, which might include memory foam, gel, latex, cotton or wool.
Hybrid Mattress Benefits
Though traditional innerspring mattresses aren't as popular as they used to be, the metal coils offer crucial support for sleepers. Then there are all-foam models, which are extremely plush but don't always offer adequate support or breathability.
To elevate the comfort of innersprings without sacrificing any of the support, hybrid mattresses combine the springs with other materials. Aside from memory foam, this might include gel-infused foam, wool or latex.
Additionally, coils offer pressure-point relief, whereas an all-foam model might make your hips and shoulders sink in too much. They also reduce motion transfer, meaning the mattress is less likely to bounce and shake (potentially disturbing your sleeping partner) when you get in and out of bed.
Benefits of hybrid mattresses:
Supportive
Pressure point relief
Ideal firmness level
Breathable
Minimal motion transfer
Comfortable for most sleepers
Neither too soft nor too firm, this type of mattress also boasts an ideal firmness level that works for most sleepers. Some hybrid mattresses even have ergonomic zones that offer different levels of support for the shoulders, back, hips and legs.
Hybrid Mattress Benefits
Though traditional innerspring mattresses aren't as popular as they used to be, the metal coils offer crucial support for sleepers. Then there are all-foam models, which are extremely plush but don't always offer adequate support or breathability.
To elevate the comfort of innersprings without sacrificing any of the support, hybrid mattresses combine the springs with other materials. Aside from memory foam, this might include gel-infused foam, wool or latex.
Additionally, coils offer pressure-point relief, whereas an all-foam model might make your hips and shoulders sink in too much. They also reduce motion transfer, meaning the mattress is less likely to bounce and shake (potentially disturbing your sleeping partner) when you get in and out of bed.
Benefits of hybrid mattresses:
Supportive
Pressure point relief
Ideal firmness level
Breathable
Minimal motion transfer
Comfortable for most sleepers
Neither too soft nor too firm, this type of mattress also boasts an ideal firmness level that works for most sleepers. Some hybrid mattresses even have ergonomic zones that offer different levels of support for the shoulders, back, hips and legs.
Other Types of Mattresses
The two other most common mattress types include foam and innerspring. Here's what to know.
Foam
Foam mattresses are often made of memory foam, which conforms to the body and eliminates some motion transfer. They can also be made of regular foam or gel-infused foam, which is a bit more bouncy and won't reduce motion transfer. And some are made of a combination of foams.
Hybrid vs. Foam Mattress
Compared to a hybrid mattress, foam is a less expensive option. But without any coils, it's not as supportive. Foam is also not the most breathable material, so it might trap heat, which isn't great for hot sleepers and folks prone to night sweats. Foam isn’t as resilient long-term as a hybrid.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses were the tried-and-true style of the 20th century — and until a few decades ago, they were pretty much the only available option. This type of mattress is relatively basic, consisting of metal springs within a quilted fabric encasing. Some innerspring mattresses may feature pillow tops, which add a couple of inches of cotton tufting for enhanced plushness.
Hybrid vs. Innerspring Mattress
Compared to hybrid mattresses, innerspring models are more affordable. However, they're often not as comfortable, and in the absence of fabric-wrapped coils and other soft layers, the metal springs can be noisy. This type of mattress is also somewhat bouncy and doesn't resist motion transfer well.
Our Decision-Making Guide for Buying the Right Mattress can help you choose the right option for your needs and preferences.
Other Types of Mattresses
The two other most common mattress types include foam and innerspring. Here's what to know.
Foam
Foam mattresses are often made of memory foam, which conforms to the body and eliminates some motion transfer. They can also be made of regular foam or gel-infused foam, which is a bit more bouncy and won't reduce motion transfer. And some are made of a combination of foams.
Hybrid vs. Foam Mattress
Compared to a hybrid mattress, foam is a less expensive option. But without any coils, it's not as supportive. Foam is also not the most breathable material, so it might trap heat, which isn't great for hot sleepers and folks prone to night sweats. Foam isn’t as resilient long-term as a hybrid.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses were the tried-and-true style of the 20th century — and until a few decades ago, they were pretty much the only available option. This type of mattress is relatively basic, consisting of metal springs within a quilted fabric encasing. Some innerspring mattresses may feature pillow tops, which add a couple of inches of cotton tufting for enhanced plushness.
Hybrid vs. Innerspring Mattress
Compared to hybrid mattresses, innerspring models are more affordable. However, they're often not as comfortable, and in the absence of fabric-wrapped coils and other soft layers, the metal springs can be noisy. This type of mattress is also somewhat bouncy and doesn't resist motion transfer well.
Our Decision-Making Guide for Buying the Right Mattress can help you choose the right option for your needs and preferences.
What to Consider When Buying a Hybrid Mattress
Thinking about buying a hybrid mattress? Here's what to consider when browsing options.
Materials
The first thing to look for when buying a hybrid mattress is what materials they’re made of. In addition to one or two layers of pocketed coils, the best options will feature additional comfort layers, such as wool, foam, cotton or latex.
Wool is naturally temperature-regulating, so it'll help you stay cool if you overheat and warm if you get too cold. It also has moisture-wicking abilities to help draw sweat away from your body, plus it's antimicrobial, so it won't harbor odor-causing bacteria.
Firmness
Mattresses vary in terms of how firm or soft they are. While people have different preferences, medium-firm models (about a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale) tend to be the best option for most sleeping positions.
Sleeping Style
Whether you sleep on your back, side or stomach, a hybrid mattress is generally a good choice. The supportive yet comfortable design should be a good fit for most people, no matter what position they sleep in.
Temperature Preferences
The individually wrapped coils in hybrid mattresses encourage airflow to prevent heat from getting trapped. Wool also has natural thermal-regulating abilities to keep you from getting too warm or hot at night.
Size
Standard mattress sizes include twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king. Queen is the most popular option for adults and couples. But those who like to sprawl out or prefer a more luxurious sleeping experience often choose kings, and taller people may go with a Cal king.
Price
Hybrid mattresses typically cost more than all-foam and traditional innerspring models. Though you don't need to get the most expensive option, a high-quality hybrid mattress is likely a worthwhile investment.
Delivery
When you buy a mattress, it might be delivered and placed in your room of choice. Some companies will also remove your old mattress as part of their full-service delivery offering.
Like foam mattresses, some hybrids come as a "mattress in a box." This means they arrive in compressed packaging and will take a day or two to expand to their full size and shape.
Need to get rid of your old mattress? Here's How to Donate, Recycle and Dispose of Mattresses.
Trial Period, Return Window and Warranty
Be sure to check the trial period, return window and warranty before buying anything. Many brands allow you to try out a mattress for 30 to 90 days, and if you don't like it, they'll remove it from your home, no questions asked.
Wondering what else is out there? See our article Types of Beds: What Frame and Mattress Are Right for You?
What to Consider When Buying a Hybrid Mattress
Thinking about buying a hybrid mattress? Here's what to consider when browsing options.
Materials
The first thing to look for when buying a hybrid mattress is what materials they’re made of. In addition to one or two layers of pocketed coils, the best options will feature additional comfort layers, such as wool, foam, cotton or latex.
Wool is naturally temperature-regulating, so it'll help you stay cool if you overheat and warm if you get too cold. It also has moisture-wicking abilities to help draw sweat away from your body, plus it's antimicrobial, so it won't harbor odor-causing bacteria.
Firmness
Mattresses vary in terms of how firm or soft they are. While people have different preferences, medium-firm models (about a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale) tend to be the best option for most sleeping positions.
Sleeping Style
Whether you sleep on your back, side or stomach, a hybrid mattress is generally a good choice. The supportive yet comfortable design should be a good fit for most people, no matter what position they sleep in.
Temperature Preferences
The individually wrapped coils in hybrid mattresses encourage airflow to prevent heat from getting trapped. Wool also has natural thermal-regulating abilities to keep you from getting too warm or hot at night.
Size
Standard mattress sizes include twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king. Queen is the most popular option for adults and couples. But those who like to sprawl out or prefer a more luxurious sleeping experience often choose kings, and taller people may go with a Cal king.
Price
Hybrid mattresses typically cost more than all-foam and traditional innerspring models. Though you don't need to get the most expensive option, a high-quality hybrid mattress is likely a worthwhile investment.
Delivery
When you buy a mattress, it might be delivered and placed in your room of choice. Some companies will also remove your old mattress as part of their full-service delivery offering.
Like foam mattresses, some hybrids come as a "mattress in a box." This means they arrive in compressed packaging and will take a day or two to expand to their full size and shape.
Need to get rid of your old mattress? Here's How to Donate, Recycle and Dispose of Mattresses.
Trial Period, Return Window and Warranty
Be sure to check the trial period, return window and warranty before buying anything. Many brands allow you to try out a mattress for 30 to 90 days, and if you don't like it, they'll remove it from your home, no questions asked.
Wondering what else is out there? See our article Types of Beds: What Frame and Mattress Are Right for You?
Frequently Asked Questions About Hybrid Mattresses
Frequently Asked Questions About Hybrid Mattresses
Find answers to frequently asked questions about hybrid mattresses below.
Who are hybrid beds best for?
Hybrid beds are best for most types of sleepers. This includes those who doze on their sides, backs and stomachs, as well as people who crave pressure relief or run hot at night.
Are hybrid mattresses firm or soft?
Due to the combination of supportive springs and plush materials, a hybrid mattress is usually somewhere in the middle on the firmness scale. As noted, medium-firm models tend to be the best for most sleepers.
Does a hybrid mattress need a box spring?
Most mattresses on the market today don't need box springs — including hybrids. While older mattress styles may have needed the extra support, a bed frame with a slatted foundation will typically suffice. But some people like to have a box spring simply for the extra height.
Do you flip hybrid mattresses?
Generally speaking, hybrid mattresses don't need to be flipped. In fact, those with ergonomic zones are specifically not supposed to be flipped, as it would result in the wrong level of support for each section of your body.
Is a hybrid mattress worth it?
For many people, a hybrid mattress is well worth the investment. Though prices are a little higher than other types of mattresses, the support, pressure relief, motion isolation, breathability and overall comfort can't be beaten.
What is the best hybrid mattress?
The best hybrid mattress is the medium-firm Eco Mattress from Parachute. The sustainable design features a wool pad on the bottom, followed by pocketed coils, a wool insulator pad, another layer of fabric-encased micro-coils, a wool comfort layer and finally, a soft organic cotton cover.
Check out the Eco Mattress and other bedroom essentials from Parachute today!
Read Next:
Bedroom Essentials for Your At-Home Oasis
New Home Checklist: Essential Things to Buy or Upgrade When Moving In
Mattress Size and Dimensions Guide
Guide to Mattress and Bedding Protectors
Bed Frame Ideas: How to Choose the Best Bed Frame for Your Room
External Sources:
Shin M, et al. The effects of fabric for sleepwear and bedding on sleep at ambient temperatures of 17°C and 22°C. Nat Sci Sleep. 2016;8:121-131. Published 2016 Apr 22. doi:10.2147/NSS.S100271
Wang J, et al. Quantitative and sensory evaluation of odor retention on polyester/wool blends. Textile Research Journal. 2019;89(13):2729-2738. doi:10.1177/0040517518801183
Caggiari G, et al. What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. J Orthop Traumatol 22, 51 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5
