Hybrid Mattresses: Explained

The history of the first mattress goes back millions of years, and you can see they’ve come a long way. While those original mattresses were nothing more than leaves and debris, today’s hybrid mattress combines features from the traditional coil mattress and memory foam.

If you are researching a new mattress and no one’s explained the hybrid mattress to you, you’re in luck. Let’s examine the features and uncover why you might want to look at one.

What is a Hybrid Mattress?

Simply put, a hybrid mattress combines a spring coil mattress with many layers of foam. This extra foam on top provides you with extra cushion and comfort. It can accommodate a wide variety of sleeping positions as well as a variety of sleeping types. It isn’t for everyone, so read on to learn more about its features.

It is good to know that any mattress today can be considered a true hybrid if it has a pocketed coil support layer and a foam comfort layer.

What’s Inside?

If you look inside one, you’ll find innerspring coils and foam. This means you have the comfort of memory foam with the support of coils. Your mattress combo leads to a bed that has bounce, offers support, and provides pressure relief.

It’s important to note when shopping that the number of foam layers will vary by mattress. So be sure and ask and also try the beds out.

Think of your hybrid mattress as one with two support systems for added comfort.

Will I Like a Hybrid Mattress?

The most important feature of your new bed is what it will feel like. You’ll find that generally speaking, a hybrid mattress is supportive but also provides you with exceptional pressure relief. This is due to memory foam.

You should also be able to find a hybrid mattress in various types, from medium to firm and even medium-firm. For example, if you have back pain, you want to steer toward the medium-firm bed.

You won’t feel the pocketed coils inside the mattress, but you will benefit from them. They will provide some bounce and give to your mattress while the memory foam cradles your body comfortably.

You might feel like you are sinking into a comfortable top layer supported by the coil bottom.

How Many Layers are Inside?

All hybrids must have foam and coils, while some hybrids may have transition layers inside.

Let’s uncover the secrets of the hybrid mattress:

• For many, the comfort layer is the most important layer because it makes the mattress feel so good. A regular innerspring mattress isn’t covered in memory foam layers, so it isn’t quite as cushiony. The memory foam molds to the sleeper’s body, but because there are springs underneath it, sleepers won’t feel “trapped” in the foam. So you don’t see the comfort layer on most hybrids, but you will see it on a pillow-top mattress.
• Some hybrid mattresses may have a transition layer that is made from some foam. This makes the mattress more bouncy and cushiony. This layer might also contain cooling features that are especially helpful for people who sleep hot.
• The support layer is where you find the pocketed coils. Because they are separate, the mattress won’t squeak like a regular spring mattress. You also may not notice motion transfer as you would in a traditional mattress.

Like all mattresses, the layers are variable depending on the quality and the manufacturer.

Benefits of a Hybrid Mattress

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you should consider these features of the hybrid mattress:

• It is supportive. The pocketed coil support provides the perfect spot for your back and spine. The mattress can help you prevent chronic pain.
• The hybrid is highly responsive. Because it’s made from foam and coils, it’s both springy, responsive, and cozy.
• It relieves pressure on your body. The memory foam on top provides pressure relief and conforms to the curves of your body.
• While most foam mattresses trap heat, the hybrid mattress doesn’t. The coils allow for air circulation, which keeps the foam from overheating.
• The hybrid has little motion transfer. The independent coils won’t transfer motion across the mattress if you are sleeping with a partner.

Final Thoughts

A hybrid mattress may be just right for you if all foam or traditional innerspring mattresses don’t feel quite right. You can see from the features listed here, that a hybrid mattress is a good option for many.

Do your research, try some mattresses out, and you’ll soon find the bed of your “dreams.”

At Mattress Outlet, we can help you find the perfect mattress with just the right mattress features for night after night of solid, comfortable sleep.

Photo by Fred Kleber on Unsplash