What Is a Hybrid Mattress?
A hybrid mattress - or combination mattress - is a multi-layered mattress that combines springs and foam layers for the best of both comfort and support. They're a good option if you love the bounce and support of a pocket sprung mattress, with the comfort of foam. They also suit people who often switch sleeping positions during the night. In this guide, we explore the key characteristics and potential benefits of hybrid mattresses, and what makes them unique.
What are the benefits of this type of mattress?
Hybrid mattresses are designed to offer a balance between comfort and support. By combining a foam layer with pocket springs, they aim to provide pressure relief, body-contouring comfort, and responsive support - varying according to what materials are used in their construction.
1. What these mattresses feel like to sleep on
Most hybrid mattresses include a top layer made from either memory foam, cooling gel or latex. This layer adapts to the shape of your body which can help distribute your weight more evenly.
Combined with the supportive pocket springs underneath, the comfort layer gives the mattress a softer, more contouring feel when compared to a traditional sprung or standard memory foam mattress. This combination may appeal to sleepers who prefer cushioning comfort without losing the responsiveness of springs.
2. What they can do for aches and pains
Whether you're tired and achy from a long day, or you suffer from joint pain, a hybrid mattress could provide you with pressure relief and targeted support. That's because they feature both layers of body contouring foam and responsive pocket springs - both features designed to reduce aches, pains and general discomfort.
3. Firmness options
Hybrid mattresses are highly versatile mattresses, and they're available in all sorts of firmness options.
| Firmness rating | Feels like |
|---|---|
| Softer | Deeper sink-in, cushioned surface |
| Medium | Balanced softness and support |
| Medium-firm | Firmer support with cushioning |
| Firmer | Stable support, often used for back care |
Firmness is a personal preference, but understanding the different levels can help narrow down the most suitable type of hybrid mattress for your needs. More information is available in our guide to firmness.
4. How combination mattresses provide support
Hybrids feature hundreds - even thousands - of individual pocket springs that provide top-to-toe support for every part of your body. Pocket springs deliver plenty of support for heavier areas such as the hips, and more gentle support for lighter areas.
5. Cooling features
Many hybrid mattresses include built-in cooling technologies designed to regulate temperature during sleep. Common examples include breathable covers, cooling gel and even charcoal bamboo memory foam. But hybrid mattresses can incorporate any number of temperature-regulating features to maintain a cooler sleeping environment.
6. Sleeping positions
Hybrid mattresses are designed to accommodate all sleep positions: back, side and front. The foam layers add cushioning comfort for hips and shoulders, which may be particularly beneficial for side sleepers. At the same time, the pocket springs provide consistent support across the mattress suitable for a range of sleeping positions. If you’d like to know more about sleeping positions, have a look at our sleeping positions guide.
7. Pocket springs and reduced roll-together
Unlike traditional sprung mattresses (often called open coil mattresses), pocket springs support each individual part of the body, rather than distributing weight across an entire row of springs. This allows hybrid mattresses to support each sleeper separately. As a result, sleepers stay in their own zone, instead of shifting toward the centre of the bed.
8. Less motion transfer
Hybrid mattresses combine foam and pocket springs, which work together to reduce motion transfer. When one person needs to get up in the night or switch sleeping position, they're less likely to disturb the other sleeper than when using a traditional sprung mattress. Pocket springs are designed to react to the specific weight and pressure applied to each individual spring, so the other springs won't move.
9. Edge support
Many hybrid mattresses come with built-in edge support as standard. This is typically created using a firmer foam encasement known as "foam encapsulation". The reinforced outer edge support provides additional usable sleeping space and helps reduce the risk of rolling off the bed.
10. Sleep quality
Hybrid mattresses provide features such as increased sleeping space, reduced roll-together, and edge support, which can help minimise sleep disturbances. These factors may contribute to a more restful sleep for both individuals and couples.
11. Caring for a hybrid mattress
Compared with traditional mattresses, hybrid mattresses are easier to keep in great condition. Many hybrids are single-sided, eliminating the need to flip them over. They often include removable, washable covers which can make it easier to maintain cleanliness and freshness over time.
12. Eco-friendly features
Many hybrid mattresses are made with environmentally conscious materials and design choices. These may include vegan-friendly construction, chemical treatment-free design or components that are recyclable at end of life. Features like these can make a hybrid a healthier, greener alternative to traditional mattresses.
13. Delivery and installation
Many hybrids are delivered rolled up and vacuum-sealed in a box. This type of packaging, often referred to as "bed in a box", can make it easier to move the mattress through tight spaces, such as narrow hallways or staircases, and so simplify the setup process at home.
Hybrid mattresses vs memory foam
Hybrid mattresses and memory foam mattresses share some similar features but differ in structure and feel. In a hybrid mattress the sprung base supports your body, whilst the comfort layer provides cushioning. Memory foam mattresses are known for moulding to your shape, also providing comfort and support.
Here are the main differences between hybrid and memory foam mattresses:
- Hybrid mattresses have more comfort layer options. Conversely, memory mattresses typically only include a memory foam comfort layer.
- Hybrid mattresses feature a sprung base. While memory foam mattresses can include springs, they may also use a high-density foam base instead.
Memory foam mattresses are loved by many, and remain a highly popular mattress type.
Can this type of mattress support back care?
Yes, hybrid mattresses can help support a healthier spinal posture due to their combination of responsive pocket springs and body-contouring foam layers.
Every pocket spring reacts independently to your unique shape and body weight. That means they can deliver more or less support - depending on the body area. The result is the right amount of support where you need it.
Those with ongoing or chronic back pain may wish to explore orthopaedic hybrid mattresses which are expertly made to ensure a healthy sleeping posture and high levels of back support.
Do hybrid mattresses retain heat?
In general, they shouldn't. In fact, hybrid mattresses are often designed with features intended to reduce heat build-up and promote airflow. Below are some examples of hybrid mattress materials and construction methods that may contribute to a cooler sleep:
| Hybrid mattress feature | How it keeps you cool |
|---|---|
| Cooling comfort materials | Designed to reduce heat build-up |
| Pocket springs | Promote airflow through the mattress |
| Climate-control covers | Designed to regulate surface temperature |
| Air vents and mesh borders | Support ventilation and fresh air circulation |
Of course, it's worth noting that there are many different types of hybrid mattress and some can feel warmer or cooler than others. Not all include temperature-regulating features, and the effectiveness of these may vary.
One common cooling feature is gel-infused foam. This is typically added to the upper comfort layers of the mattress to help draw heat away from the body and promote a cooler sleep surface. In some cases, it may be combined with breathable fabrics or moisture-wicking covers to support overall temperature regulation.
People who tend to sleep warm may want to look into the specific materials and design features of each hybrid mattress to better understand which options are most likely to meet their needs.
How long do combination mattresses last?
The lifespan of a hybrid mattress can vary depending on its construction, materials, and how well it is maintained. With proper care, they can last for many years. However, comfort and support may gradually decline over time, and these changes may not be immediately noticeable.
Signs that a mattress may be reaching the end of its lifespan include visible sagging, discomfort during sleep, or waking with aches and stiffness. Regular care, such as rotating the mattress (if recommended) and using a protective cover, can help extend its longevity. As a general guideline, experts recommend replacing your hybrid mattress every seven years - to ensure optimal support, hygiene and quality.
For more information, see our guide on when to consider replacing your mattress.
Do these mattresses come in a box?
Yes, many come in a box - but not always. Often, hybrid mattresses are vacuum-sealed and rolled up. They can then be placed in a box for extra protection during transportation. This makes them easier to deliver and more convenient to set up at home.
Often referred to as "bed-in-a-box", these types of mattresses are no different to mattresses that are delivered flat. Once unboxed and unwrapped, they gradually expand to their full size, which can take anywhere from a few hours to 72 hours, depending on the materials and room conditions.
Hybrid mattresses offer a balance of cushioning comfort and supportive springs, making them a popular choice for a wide range of sleepers.Different models may include features like memory foam or gel-infused layers, which can influence how the mattress feels and performs. If you'd like any further information, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
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