There have been some major advancements in mattress design in recent years, from materials that are more eco-conscious to those that pinpoint sleepers’ specific needs. One of the most significant improvements has been the hybrid mattress.
These mattresses use a combination of coil springs and different foams, promising an excellent night’s sleep. A consumer can even shop for the best hybrid mattress from their phone and have it shipped right to their door. But because hybrid mattresses can skew toward specific sleep styles, choosing the best one takes some research. The following selections should help steer shoppers in the direction of pleasant dreams with one of the best hybrid beds. Many of these models are top-rated hybrid mattresses from trusted, well-known brands.
- BEST OVERALL: Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
- RUNNER-UP: Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Zinus 12 Inch Support Plus Pocket Spring Mattress
- UPGRADE PICK: Leesa Hybrid Mattress
- BEST FOR BACK PAIN: The WinkBed
- BEST FOR STOMACH-SLEEPERS: Layla Hybrid Mattress
- BEST FOR SIDE-SLEEPERS: Brooklyn Signature Hybrid
- BEST FOR BACK-SLEEPERS: Purple Hybrid
- BEST PILLOW TOP: Helix Midnight Luxe
Types of Hybrid Mattresses
The best hybrid mattresses use a combination of layers to help sleepers stay comfortable, cool, and, most importantly, asleep. These layers each have a specific job to do, the combined efforts of which result in a wonderful symphony of slumber. The following types of layers are used in the best hybrid mattresses.
Memory Foam
Memory foam—a polyurethane-based material with excellent elasticity—takes the shape of the sleeper’s body. In a matter of minutes, the foam fully conforms as it absorbs body heat, and the material “hugs” the sleeper. An oft-cited issue with memory foam is that it traps body heat and isn’t instantly comfortable as soon as you lie down. A hybrid memory-foam mattress with coil springs often has additional airflow features such as aeration holes and contouring to allow air to flow through the layers for a cooler experience.
Latex
A comfort layer of latex foam also contours to the body, but to a lesser degree than memory foam. Most latex compounds used in mattresses are naturally sourced, meaning they’re organic. They don’t off-gas (a smelly release of gases formed by the breakdown of volatile organic compounds) as some memory foams might. Since latex is far more breathable than memory foam, it doesn’t trap body heat nearly as much. Folks that run hot in the middle of the night will appreciate the cooler material.
Gel
If you’re picturing a waterbed, you’re way off base. The gel in a hybrid mattress isn’t a layer of squishy goo; it’s infused into one of the foam layers to promote a deeper, more comfortable night’s rest. The polyurethane-based gel absorbs body heat, helping the sleeper stay cool throughout the night. Some memory-foam hybrid mattresses have gel pods, while others infuse gel directly into the foam; both do an excellent job of maintaining a comfortable temperature. Though gel absorbs heat, it’s not particularly good at dissipating it, so the best hybrid mattresses will use a layer below the gel to enhance airflow.
Innerspring System
Hybrid mattresses still use springs (also called coils), but they’re individually wrapped and function independently as opposed to the interconnected wire frame in conventional mattresses. The body needs support to sleep comfortably, and innersprings provide that support, working in conjunction with the other layers to provide contour at the same time. Springs also offer airflow under the foam layers, providing a significantly lower temperature throughout the night, and they help minimize movement so folks can climb into bed without disturbing sleep partners. However, they do require the support from a good foundation to prevent sagging of the mattress.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Hybrid Mattress
There are quite a few things to consider when shopping for the best hybrid mattress. Your preferred sleeping position can play a part in the decision, as well as the materials the mattress consists of. Fortunately, many mattresses come with a sleep trial period, so you can return it if it doesn’t suit your sleep style.
Sleep Trial Period
Sleep trial periods allow users to keep a mattress for a set amount of time before deciding if they want to keep it. Because trial periods are of different lengths—typically about 100 nights from reputable manufacturers—make sure the mattress you choose offers a trial long enough to make an informed decision. As long as you’re within the time frame allowed, most manufacturers will come to pick your mattress up with no cost to you. That’s a great benefit, as mattresses don’t fit in flat-rate shipping boxes.
Sleeping Position
While most hybrid mattresses are in general quite comfortable, some models excel for particular sleeping positions. The factors that are important to a side-sleeper, like a thick foam layer, may find a stomach-sleeper gasping for air during the night.
Also, consider that not all hybrid mattress designs are the same. The distribution of gel and coil springs will make a difference for folks who sleep on their back or side, as they offer varying levels of support.
Though very few people maintain the same position all night long, it’s wise to find a mattress that caters to your preferred sleeping position—typically, the position you’re in when you first fall asleep.
Material
Hybrid mattress materials can be confusing. One smart thing to look for in the best hybrid mattresses is a CertiPUR-US certification, which means the mattress is organic, low in VOCs, and low in harmful flame retardants that mattress manufacturers used in the past.
Often, choice in material comes down to comfort. If you often find yourself waking up in the middle of the night because you feel hot, a latex-based mattress would serve you the best. If you love the cozy feeling of a mattress enveloping your body, then a memory foam material is the way to go.
Contouring
The way a mattress contours to the body can impact slumber quality, particularly for side- and back-sleepers. Look for a mattress that adjusts to take the shape of your body, cradling low-sinking areas like your hips and shoulders while supporting your waist and the backs of your legs.
Proper contouring can mean the difference between waking up refreshed or tossing, turning, and waking up with aches and pains. Much of this support is provided by individual coil springs, which is a significant reason why contouring ability is better in newer mattresses than older models with interconnected springs.
Density and Firmness
Your body may react differently to the varying levels of firmness. Some folks with bad backs and those who primarily sleep on their stomachs tend to prefer firm mattresses. Side-sleepers may enjoy the cozy feeling of sinking into a soft mattress as it conforms around them.
Firm mattresses help distribute weight, as the sleeper isn’t likely to sink lower in some spots than others, reducing pain at pressure points. However, if a mattress is too firm, it can actually cause aches and pains at the contact points, resulting in poor sleep.
Soft mattresses conform to the sleeper and provide a snug feeling, but that can make it a bit of a challenge to get out of bed. Also, a too-soft mattress can exacerbate back pain for some sleepers.
Edge Support
Ever sat on the edge of a bed to tie your shoes and felt like you were going to slide right off? That’s poor edge support in action! And anyone who sleeps with a bed hog (be it a human or an oversized canine companion) knows that getting pushed toward the edge of the bed can be downright anxiety-inducing. It’s hard to fall asleep if you feel like you’re on top of an impending landslide.
To find a mattress with proper edge support, look for extra springs along the perimeter. This will provide the confidence you need to doze off, even if Fido keeps inching closer and closer.
Warranty
With so many great mattresses on the market now, manufacturers rely on their warranties to make their products stand out. Several offer 10-year warranties, while others offer coverage against defects in materials (broken springs, for example) or craftsmanship (torn seams and the like) for the lifetime of the mattress if you’re the original owner.
These warranties don’t cover discomfort or normal sagging that develops through routine use. They do, however, cover defects in the materials or craftsmanship. Should the mattress break or fail, you’ll be glad you chose a company with a long warranty period.
Budget
Mattresses are considered fairly big-ticket purchases, and since hybrids use so many high-end materials, they can be pricier than their conventional counterparts. That said, hybrids can run as low as a few hundred dollars and reach well over $2,000. While you probably shouldn’t buy the cheapest mattress you can find, you needn’t break the bank either. One great way to save money on a mattress is to buy it directly from the manufacturer. Several mattress-in-a-box companies cut the middleman out to offer significant savings on high-quality mattresses.
Shopping Guidelines for Specific Issues
As you read hybrid mattress descriptions, look for qualities that relate to your specific sleep issues.
- Pressure relief distributes weight evenly, reducing pressure.
- Temperature regulation refers to a cooling design or materials that help keep you cool.
- Motion isolation purports to minimize tossing-and-turning disruptions.
Our Top Picks
The following top picks take all of the key factors detailed above into consideration. Keep reading to find the best hybrid mattress for your sleep needs and preferred position.
Photo: casper.com
The Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress can do it all. It employs both perforated, breathable foam and gel pods to keep you cool while also providing extra support. The individual coil springs allow airflow through the layers. The foam around the shoulders is softer than other areas, allowing for pressure relief for the upper body. This five-layer mattress also features a thin coating of gel over the top layer, keeping sleepers as cool as possible and providing a refreshing surface. This mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.
Product Specs
- Mattress height: 13 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US certified
Pros
- Zoned back support
- Gel-cooling technology
- Mix of soft top cushioning with the support of coils
Cons
- Too soft for stomach sleepers
- Expensive
Get the Casper Wave hybrid mattress on Amazon or at Casper.
Photo: amazon.com
This Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress deserves recognition for its innovative design and could potentially be considered the best plush hybrid mattress. The five-layer mattress features two layers of springs separated by a layer of foam, with an additional foam layer topped off with a quilted pillow-top layer. The foam layer is soft but durable thanks to an infusion of carbon fibers. Also, the top foam layer has graphite in it to pull heat away from the mattress, maximizing air flow through the layers. It also offers excellent edge support, keeping sleepers securely in bed through the night. Tuft & Needle provides a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.
Product Specs
- Mattress height: 12 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold
Pros
- Soft comfort layer and micro coils are excellent for side sleepers
- Good temperature regulation because of carbon and coils
- Impressive edge support
Cons
- May be too soft for larger, heavier sleepers
Get the Tuft & Needle hybrid mattress on Amazon or at Tuft & Needle.
Photo: amazon.com
For those who want a great mattress without spending a grand, Zinus created their 12-inch Support Plus Pocket Spring Hybrid Mattress. This affordable mattress uses a 7.5-inch layer of individual coil springs, four layers of memory foam, and a soft quilted cover. It’s considered a firm hybrid mattress, making it a good choice for stomach and back sleepers. It’s CertiPUR-US certified to be free of ozone depleters, formaldehyde, and chemical flame retardants, and the mattress is also infused with soothing green tea and charcoal to reduce odors and moisture. The Support Plus doesn’t have a sleep trial, but this affordable hybrid mattress does come with a 10-year warranty.
Product Specs
- Mattress height: 10, 12 or 14 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, full, queen, king
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US
Pros
- 2 height options
- Affordable price
- Good motion isolation for a hybrid
Cons
- No sleep trial
- Lacks side support
Get the Zinus hybrid mattress on Amazon or at Zinus.
Photo: leesa.com
For shoppers looking for a luxurious hybrid mattress dropped off at their front door, they need look no further than a best-rated hybrid mattress from Leesa. This mattress features premium foams for cooling and contouring, as well as pocket springs to provide excellent support. The comfort layer of foam features punched holes to allow body heat to escape and cool air to enter without losing the bounciness users want in a mattress. It features five layers for maximizing comfort, including a 6-inch pocket spring base and four layers of foam. It’s CertiPUR-US certified, so there are no harmful materials or off-gassing to worry about, and it has a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.
Product Specs
- Mattress height: 11 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US
Pros
- Release of pressure at high pressure points while still providing support
- Responsive surface prevents sleepers from getting stuck
- Excellent motion isolation
- High breathability
Cons
Get the Leesa Sapira hybrid mattress on Amazon or at Leesa.
Photo: winkbeds.com
Although the WinkBed is an all-around excellent mattress, those troubled by back pain will be especially appreciative of its unique design and four firmness levels. The individually wrapped coil system and foam provide plenty of support, as well as top-of-the-line edge support, thanks to a greater number of coil springs around the perimeter than other mattresses typically have. For temperature control, the pillow top is infused with gel to pull heat away from the body. The WinkBed, which comes in four levels of firmness (Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus), has a lifetime warranty, and it comes with a longer-than-average sleep trial of 120 nights.
Product Specs
- Mattress height: 13.5 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Certifications: None
Pros
- 4 firmness options
- Excellent edge support from coils
- Simple firmness exchanges
Cons
- Les pressure relief for side sleepers
Get TheWinkBed at WinkBeds.
Photo: laylasleep.com
Stomach-sleepers, rejoice. This flip mattress comes with two firmnesses: one side is firm while the other is soft, making it an ideal choice for any sleep position (stomach-sleepers tend to prefer firmness). Layla accomplishes this by sandwiching the coil springs in the middle of the mattress and adjusting the thicknesses of the foam layers on each side of the springs. They’ve also solved edge support issues by increasing the coil springs on all four sides. This five-layer mattress also does an excellent job of isolating movement, regardless of which side you have it flipped to. It comes with a 10-year warranty and a 120-night sleep trial.
Product Specs
- Mattress height: 13 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US
Pros
- Flippable design gives 2 firmness options
- Firm side prevents hips from sinking into the mattress
- Excellent edge support
Cons
- Subpar temperature control
Get the Layla hybrid mattress at Layla.
Photo: brooklynbedding.com
Side-sleepers should consider the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid because it comes in three different firmness levels; firm, medium, and soft—ideal for side-sleepers looking to dial in their best night’s sleep. This five-layer hybrid uses a 6-inch layer of individually wrapped coils for support and airflow, and four layers of foam, including a gel-infused layer to help pull heat away from the mattress. There’s a 10-year warranty and a 120-night trial, so if side-sleepers find that one firmness doesn’t work for them, they can swap it out for another.
Product Specs
- Mattress height: 11.5 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, short full queen, short queen, king, short king, Cal king, split Cal king, Olympic queen, RV king (3 sizes)
- Certifications: None
Pros
- 3 firmness levels for a more-customized feel
- Cooling power of gel-infused foam
- Many size options
- Hyperelastic foam layer relieves pressure at the shoulders and hips
- Affordable price
Cons
Get the Brooklyn Signature hybrid mattress on Amazon or at BrooklynBedding.
Photo: purple.com
The Purple Hybrid uses a layer of hyper-elastic polymer, which the company calls the GelFlex Grid, to relieve pressure points in the hips and shoulders, keep the spine aligned, and provide support for back sleepers. This layer also helps promote airflow in, what we think, is a best hybrid cooling mattress. The individual coils help improve that airflow while also providing motion isolation. Unlike memory-foam mattresses, the GelFlex Grid adapts to the body immediately, allowing folks to doze off right away. It’s CertiPUR-US certified, comes with a 10-year warranty, and includes a 100-night sleep trial.
Product Specs
- Mattress height: 11 inches
- Available sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US
Pros
- Contours well to the body’s curves
- Impressive breathability
- Provides the right amount of cushioning and support
Cons
- GelFlex takes some getting used to
Get the Purple hybrid mattress at Purple.
Photo: amazon.com
A choice between 2 pillow tops lets the user choose how to be cradled off to sleep.
This plush hybrid mattress features two pillow-top options—Tencel or GlacioTex. The Tencel cover offers breathability, while the GlacioTex cools by pulling heat away from the sleeper. The layers underneath the pillow top include zoned lumbar to address back pain and layers of cushioning, contouring foams. The coils provide zoned support with softer coils at the shoulders and hips and firmer near the lower back. Finally, its medium feel provides a balance of support and cushioning for all sleep positions.
Product Specs
- Mattress height: 14 inches
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US
Pros
- Choice of covers
- Lumbar support through the coils
- Medium feel with excellent cushioning and response
- Good breathability and cooling
Cons
- Tall profile maybe too tall for some bed frames
Get the Helix Midnight Luxe hybrid mattress at HelixSleep.
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Our Verdict
The Casper Wave hybrid mattress has a combination of comfort and support features that we like to see in a hybrid mattress. The zoned support can relieve stress at high-pressure points, and the fact that it has excellent cooling technology makes for a comfortable sleep year-round. Not far behind is the Tuft & Needle hybrid mattress with its two layers of coils that enhance breathability and relieve pressure on each curve of the body.
How We Chose the Best Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are a popular type of mattress that work for sleepers of all sizes and sleep positions. Consequently, narrowing the field wasn’t easy. We looked at the composition of the mattresses’ layers, including the density and quality of the foams and height of the coils. The layers’ cooling features such as infused gel, gel pods, and aeration holes also played a big role in the final mattress decisions. These additional features can prevent overheating, letting the heat escape through the foam and into the coils, where it can further dissipate.
Additional support features such as edge, zoned, or lumbar support were also factored in, especially when we considered comfort for side sleepers and sleepers with back pain. Finally, we searched for models that balanced comfort and breathability with quality and price.
The Advantages of Owning a Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses offer the support and cooling of an innerspring mattress with the comfort of memory foam, a combination that will provide a great night’s rest, keeping sleepers cool and comfortable.
Most of the best hybrid mattresses can ship straight to your door and include risk-free sleep trials, allowing you to test out the product to see if it suits your sleep style and issues. If you don’t love the mattress within the trial period, the company will have it picked up. You won’t deal with pushy salespeople, complicated delivery windows, or packing it back up yourself. This is a major advantage over store-bought mattresses that generally require returns within the first 30 days or you lose your money.
- Hybrid mattresses provide an excellent combination of support, firmness, and temperature regulation.
- Sleep trials allow shoppers to choose exactly the right mattress.
- Manufacturers will ship the mattress to your door and pick it up if you don’t like it.
FAQs
Find answers to the most common questions people have about hybrid mattresses. If you’re still uncertain, most manufacturers featured above have online chat options to help clear things up.
What is a hybrid mattress?
Hybrid mattresses use a combination of foam (such as latex or memory foam) and individually wrapped coil springs to provide support and comfort.
Are hybrid mattresses better than foam?
Potentially. They provide more support but sacrifice the plush comfort of an all-foam mattress.
How long does a hybrid mattress last?
Most manufacturers offer 10-year warranties with their hybrid mattresses. This also happens to be about the length of their comfortable and usable lifespan.
