Hybrid mattresses have become more popular in recent years and you might be thinking about replacing your existing mattress with a hybrid. Since hybrid mattresses are more expensive than most other mattress types, you naturally want to be sure it is the right choice before you commit to buying.
It is wise to always do your research first. In this article, we cover all you need to know about hybrid mattresses before making that all-important decision about your next mattress. So continue reading to help you decide if a hybrid mattress is right for you.
What is a Hybrid Mattress?
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of innerspring and foam mattresses. They are extremely versatile, and the use of a wide range of materials means they can meet the needs of most sleepers.
The mattresses blend the breathability and bounce of innerspring mattresses with the conformity of foam mattresses. They have innerspring support cores and foam comfort layers on the top. Some hybrid mattresses have an additional foam layer below the innerspring core for improved longevity.
The most common innerspring system used in hybrid mattresses is the pocketed coil system where each coil is in its own compartment. This reduces motion transfer, which is further reduced by the comfort system on top. The comfort system is made with polyfoam, memory foam, latex, or a foam combination. It is usually at least three inches thick. You can also find hybrids that have micro coils between the core and comfort layer.
A hybrid mattress aims to offer you the best of both mattresses. They have the responsiveness and firmer edge support of innerspring mattresses while providing you with a contouring top layer for pressure relief.
What Are the Different Types of Hybrid Mattresses?
While the core of a hybrid mattress will always contain springs, different manufacturers may use different coil systems. As mentioned, most often the core will have pocketed coils, and sometimes different size coils are used for improved zone support. You may also find hybrids made with Bonnell, offset, or continuous coil systems, but these are not very common.
The type of foam used for the comfort layer will make a difference in how the mattress feels. Memory foam comfort layer will contour the body and effectively prevent pressure points from forming. A polyfoam layer will provide you with a firmer surface while still moderately contouring the body. Mattresses using latex have a more responsive feel and contour the body. Sometimes a combination of different foams is used for best support and contour.
If the hybrid mattress has been made with micro coils, these will be between the innerspring core and the foam comfort layer. They are tiny metal coils used to provide sleepers with enhanced breathability and support.
Cost and Longevity of Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are among the most expensive and longest-lasting mattresses, except for natural latex mattresses. The prices of hybrid mattresses in Canada start from around $650 for a twin and $1,200 for a queen-size mattress. Top-end hybrid mattresses can cost as much as $3,000 for a queen.
The prices for hybrid mattresses vary more than for other types of mattresses because of the range of materials used. For example, a mattress with a latex comfort layer will typically cost more than a mattress with polyfoam. The number and type of coils used in the innerspring core and the thickness of the comfort layer will also affect the price. If the mattress uses cooling technologies, that will increase the price further.
However, the average lifespan of hybrid mattresses is longer than most other mattresses. The only exception again is latex. You can expect a hybrid mattress to last around ten years on average, but there are some hybrid mattresses available with even longer life spans. So while you will pay more for a hybrid, you will get more years out of it, too.
You can help your hybrid mattress last as long as possible with proper maintenance, which includes cleaning it regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to look after your mattress for maximum durability. You can also protect your mattress with a mattress protector to increase its longevity.
How to Choose the Right Hybrid Mattress for You
When you choose a new mattress, you need to consider your personal needs and sleeping preferences. To make a well-informed decision, consider factors such as your preferred sleeping position, your body type, and your budget. Below, you will find a detailed look at these factors to help you choose the right hybrid mattress for you.
Your Preferred Sleeping Position
When you are selecting a new mattress, consider your primary sleeping position. Different sleeping positions require different levels of support from the mattress to maintain correct spinal alignment and prevent pressure points.
If you prefer to sleep on your side, choose a mattress with a thicker comfort layer. This will allow your hips and shoulders to sink in slightly to keep your spine in alignment and relieve pressure points.
Back sleepers need a mattress that prevents the hips and shoulders from sinking in too much and conforms to the lower back. So if you mostly sleep on your back, choose a mattress with a firmer or thinner comfort layer. Hybrid mattresses with zoned coils can provide additional support for your lumbar region.
Stomach sleepers also require a firmer surface and will often find hybrid mattresses with a memory foam comfort layer too soft. Your spine will often be better supported by a polyfoam or latex comfort layer. The key is to find a mattress that keeps your head and neck in alignment with your spine.
Your Body Type
Hybrid mattresses will feel and perform uniquely for each sleeper based on body type and weight. What may be comfortable for one person can be too hard or soft for you. If you are a petite person, weighing under 60 kg (130 pounds), you need a softer comfort layer for the best pressure relief.
Canadians weighing 60-105 kg (130-230 pounds) should look for medium to medium-firm mattresses for a balance between support and contouring. Sleepers who weigh more than 105 kg (230 pounds) need a firm mattress that will prevent them from sinking too deep into the mattress.
Your Budget
How much you want and can spend on a new mattress is an important factor. You need to balance the price of the mattress with your needs. It may be worth stretching your budget a little to get a mattress that offers you the best support and contouring or you may get aches and pains from poor spinal alignment.
If you want to save money on a new mattress, look out for sales and discounts by manufacturers and retailers. Buying a new mattress at the right time could save you as much as 50% or more of the original price.
Reasons to Consider a Hybrid Mattress
Comfort
Because hybrid mattresses combine properties from innerspring and foam mattresses, they are some of the most comfortable mattresses available. The innerspring core provides responsiveness and support, while the foam comfort layer contours to your body shape.
Can Relieve Aches and Pains
Provided that you have picked the right hybrid mattress for you, it can help relieve aches and pains. Because the mattresses combine support with contouring, it provides good pressure relief and you may find your aches and pains eased.
You Can Choose from a Range of Firmness Levels
The level of firmness a mattress provides is generally rated on a scale from one to ten. The higher the rate, the firmer the mattress will be. You should note that very soft mattresses are most likely to be too soft for most Canadians and are usually recommended for petite sleepers only.
Zoned Support
Because hybrid mattresses often use different size coils in different parts of the mattress, they offer zoned support. This means that you have more support for heavier parts of your body such as your shoulders and hips, and lighter support in areas that weigh less.
They Can Help You Feel Cooler
If you often sleep hot, a hybrid mattress can help you feel cooler. The innerspring core provides good air circulation, which helps to regulate the temperature of the mattress thus preventing you from overheating. For maximum cool feeling, choose a hybrid mattress with cooling technologies and combine it with cooling pillows and sheets.
Suitable for All Sleeping Positions
Whatever position you sleep in most often, you can find a hybrid mattress that provides you with the support and contouring you need. While innerspring mattresses can feel too firm for side sleepers and full foam mattresses too soft for stomach and back sleepers, by combining the two, hybrids are good for any sleeping position.
There is Minimal Motion Transfer
Because hybrid mattresses have a foam comfort layer, there is far less motion transfer than you would get with a traditional innerspring mattress. This means that when you or your partner moves, the motion is not transferred across the whole mattress. For best motion isolation, choose a hybrid that uses individual pocket coils in its core.
Easy Maintenance
Hybrid mattresses are easier to care for than traditional mattresses. For example, with most hybrids, there is no need to flip them over because they are single-sided. However, they will often benefit from regular rotation. In addition, many hybrid mattresses have a cover that you can remove and wash, which will help your mattress maintain a clean, fresh feel.
Is a Hybrid Mattress Right for You?
A hybrid mattress is the right choice for you if you want the support and bounce of an innerspring mattress, but enjoy how a foam mattress contours your body. They are also great for active sleepers and couples because they minimise motion transfer while making movement easy. Most hybrid mattresses also have edge support to prevent you from rolling out of bed and to make getting in and out of bed easier.
A hybrid is often a better choice for hot sleepers than a full-foam mattress. Foam mattresses, except for latex, trap heat unless they use cooling technologies and make you hotter during your sleep. However, hybrid mattresses with memory foam or polyfoam can still feel hot for some sleepers despite the airflow in the innerspring core.
Conclusion
Hybrid mattresses are great for most people because they combine the pressure relief and contouring of foam mattresses with the support and responsiveness of innerspring mattresses. The range of materials and firmness levels available means most Canadians can find a hybrid mattress that matches their sleeping requirements and preferences.
If you want to try out a hybrid mattress but are still not entirely sure if it is the right choice for you, purchase one from a company that offers a sleep trial. There are plenty of mattress companies in Canada that let you test the mattress at home for an agreed period. If you are not happy with the mattress, you can return it and get a full refund, which can take out the stress of making a big investment in a mattress.
Frequently Asked Questions
While some manufacturers may market mattresses that combine latex and memory foam as hybrids, technically they are not. A true hybrid mattress is one that combines spring with foam.
Whether you find a hybrid or foam mattress better for you is subjective and depends on factors such as your sleeping preferences and body weight. However, some people consider hybrids to be better than memory foam mattresses because the innerspring core offers support, while the comfort layer contours the body.
Yes, hybrid mattresses are suitable for people who suffer from back pain. In fact, they may even help ease aches and pains in your back. Because hybrid mattresses combine support with contouring, they prevent pressure points and help maintain correct spinal alignment.
