What is a Hybrid Mattress?

A hybrid mattress is a mattress that combines a spring system with an additional layer of memory foam, gel or latex to offer the strong support of a spring mattress combined with the additional comfort and pressure relief of a foam or gel layer on top.

As part of our series on the different types of mattresses, we take a deeper look at the construction, materials and the pros and cons of the hybrid mattress. 

What are the benefits of a hybrid mattress?

1) Combination comfort

While memory foam mattresses tend to densely mould around an individual, this feeling is not for everyone. 

The pocket sprung core of a hybrid mattress provides the feel of a traditional bed, including the bounce and spring, while the top layer of gel or memory foam provides a secure layer of comfort.

The top foam layers provide contoured support by moulding around your body as you sleep, combined with the height and support of the pocket sprung core which can create an effect of weightlessness which has been compared by some users to sleeping on a cloud.

2) Breathable comfort

The composition and density of memory foam mattresses can lead to an issue with breathability. Users can complain that the material holds in too much heat and reflects it back. The Hybrid mattress offers a solution to this, as the memory foam material makes up only the comfort layer of the mattress. In addition to this, the Hybrid mattress offers cool cell memory foam which channels additional warmth out and eliminates issues of overheating for a better night’s sleep.

3) Edge to Edge Support

Edge support refers to the level of support provided along the perimeter of a mattress. Foam mattresses can be lacking in defined edging. Hybrid mattresses, on the other hand, offer excellent edge support thanks to the structural pocket sprung system that makes up its core. They are supportive all the way out to the edges, increasing the surface area for sleeping to the outer limits.

4) Reduced motion transfer

An entirely memory foam mattress will offer the least amount of motion transfer, however, the foam layer of a hybrid mattress offers similar benefits and a reduced transferral of motion compared to a traditional pocket sprung mattress.

With the combination of a pocket sprung mattress and memory foam top, you get the even support of body weight provided by pocket springs, with the comfortable memory foam layer that limits sleep disturbance caused by movement in the night.

Traditional innerspring systems act as one unit, with all the metal springs interconnected. It’s not great for weight distribution or motion transfer since the springs all move as one. However, pocket-coil spring systems consist of individually wrapped springs, so any sinking or motion is isolated to wherever weight is placed. Therefore, hybrids with a pocket-coil core do a decent job at reducing motion — especially considering they’re designed to provide more bounciness.

5) Relief from aches and pains.

The combination of pocket-spring and foam technology in a hybrid mattress can offer relief from aches and pains through the support of the pocket-spring core and the contouring comfort of the foam layer, which provides relief to pressure points in key areas such as the neck, back, hips and shoulders.

Pros

• Combination of memory foam/latex layer and pocket sprung mattress provide the best of both worlds with comfort and support
• Cooler alternative: While memory foam is known to retain heat, hybrid mattresses often come with a cooling gel layer (like the DFI Beds Hybrid mattress with Cool Cell memory foam) which eliminates issues of overheating 
• Hybrid mattresses don’t need to be flipped or turned

Cons

• Cost: Hybrid mattresses can be more expensive than other mattress types, but the investment may be well worth it if you’re seeking a great night’s sleep
• Weight: With the combination of materials, hybrid mattresses can be heavy which makes them challenging if moving or positioning in the room.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the secure, moulding comfort of a memory foam mattress (without the associated heat retention), combined with the support of a spring mattress, a hybrid mattress is the one for you. While a hybrid mattress can be more expensive than a traditional mattress, it provides the perfect combination of comfort, support and motion isolation that will bring you a good night's sleep. 

Mattress Type FAQs

What is an orthopaedic mattress?

What is a coil sprung mattress?

What is a pillow top mattress?

What is a memory foam mattress?

What is a pocket sprung mattress?

Further Reading

Check out our Choosing the best mattress post to learn more about the different types of mattress and how to choose the right one for your specific needs