What is a Hybrid Mattress?
“Hybrid” means a combination of two or more contributing elements. What exactly does that mean in the case of mattresses, and what does this mean for you? What are the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid mattresses, and how do you know if one is the right choice?
Let’s take a look at the qualities that make up hybrid mattresses and what to consider if you’re thinking of buying one.
What is a Hybrid Mattress?
Hybrid refers to a mix of both innerspring coils and memory foam. A hybrid mattress has enough coils inside to stay supportive with the addition of memory foam for a luxurious feel, and the added benefit of contouring to your body.
What are the Components of a Hybrid Mattress?
Innerspring mattresses rely on a set or series of metal coils (springs) inside. These coils are what give an innerspring mattress its bounciness and structure. Innerspring mattresses tend to be firm and supportive, but sometimes they can produce noise and absorb less motion between sleepers than memory foam.
Memory foam mattresses made their debut several decades ago and quickly became popular as a softer alternative to innerspring mattresses. Memory foam, which was invented by NASA in the 1960s, is warmed by your body’s heat to conform to your shape.
Tempur-Pedic was the first to turn memory foam into mattresses, and many other manufacturers have since followed. The result is ultra-plush and great at absorbing motion between sleepers. However, they may be too conforming for some people, like stomach sleepers, who need the extra support offered by other types of mattresses.
A Hybrid Mattress has Both Coils and Memory Foam
A hybrid mattress takes the best parts of coils and memory foam and combines them to create a mattress that’s both supportive and plush. The coils in a hybrid mattress provide plenty of support, while the memory foam layers allow the mattress to conform to your body. The right hybrid mattress will feel like the perfect combination of support for your posture and cushion for your joints.
A Hybrid Mattress has Layers
Hybrid mattresses are specially layered to give sleepers the best benefits of both coils and memory foam. Typically, these layers will include:
- A base layer, usually made of metal coils arranged for maximum support and stability
- A support core of individually wrapped coils or supportive foam
- A comfort layer of memory foam and/or cooling gel
- A pillow top for additional comfort
When combined, these layers offer all the support of an innerspring mattress with the plush comfort of memory foam. Hybrid mattresses contain varying amounts of each elemental layer to provide different amounts of support or cushioning. Using our scientific bedMATCHⓇ system can help you find the right mattress for your unique sleep needs.
The Advantages of a Hybrid Mattress
By combining the best qualities of both innerspring mattresses and memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses come with many built-in advantages.
Durability
The coils in a hybrid mattress provide them with more stability and durability. This means your mattress will keep its shape longer – and will last longer overall.
Adaptability
No matter your sleep position, a hybrid mattress can help support you. Your pressure points will be supported, and you’ll still have plenty of support for your back.
Depending on your body’s needs, hybrid mattresses offer some of the best support and comfort for your entire body.
Cooling
Hot sleepers can enjoy the plush feel of memory foam while remaining cool, thanks to the cooling gel found in most hybrid mattresses. The coils under the foam provide outstanding air flow for further optimized cooling while you sleep.
The Disadvantages of a Hybrid Mattress
Despite their many advantages, hybrids aren’t necessarily for everyone. Here are a few reasons why someone may not choose a hybrid mattress.
Bed Frame Type
A standard metal bed frame might require a separate mattress foundation to support the hybrid mattress. The majority of hybrid mattresses will also be compatible with adjustable bases. Ask one of the Sleep Professionals™ at Mattress Warehouse whether the hybrid mattress you want is compatible with your existing bed frame.
How Long Does a Hybrid Mattress Last?
The average lifespan of most mattresses is 7-10 years. Hybrid mattresses are no different. The higher the quality of the mattress, the longer it’ll last, and mattresses that are well-cared for also last longer. Properly caring for your mattresses can include covering it with a mattress protector in case of spills or stains.
Do You Need a Box Spring with a Hybrid Mattress?
Most hybrid mattresses don’t need a box spring if the bed frame is supportive enough. Platform frames and slatted frames are very popular for hybrid mattresses because they provide enough support:
- Platform beds are usually built lower to the floor and feature a solid base for your mattress without the need for a box spring.
- Slatted beds have connected wooden slats that fit inside an open bed frame to hold the mattress.
You may like the height that a box spring gives you. Putting your hybrid mattress on top is fine. Otherwise, make sure your hybrid mattress has the support of a platform or slats. The experts at Mattress Warehouse can guide you through the best bed frame options for your new hybrid mattress.