What Is a Hybrid Mattress? And Which One Should You Buy? We Asked an Expert—and Tested The Best Ones
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We used to go to a furniture superstore, lie down on a few mattresses to test the firmness, tie the chosen one to the roof of the car and then struggle to maneuver it into the bedroom. Then, along came the bed in a box, which made buying a mattress way easier. But there was one problem: A giant block of memory foam isn’t the most supportive sleep option. Mattresses aren’t one size fits all, and companies are starting to take notice. Luckily for us all, there are now hybrid mattresses, which feature multiple forms of support.
But what is a hybrid mattress, anyway? And is it worth buying? Wonder no more. Not only did I speak to a mattress expert to get the nitty gritty on what makes hybrids unique—and how they differ from memory foam mattresses—I also tapped eight PureWow editors to test the best hybrids on the market. Below, find everything you need to know.
The Best Editor-Tested Hybrid Mattresses At a Glance
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Meet the Expert
Ellen Ireland is a mattress expert and full-time writer at Healthy Americans, a research-based resource dedicated to improving health and wellness (particularly sleep health). She has years of experience covering various types of mattresses and has a deep knowledge of sleep disorders and sleep technology. Her work focuses on making the science of better rest accessible to everyone, with a special emphasis on improving slumber through better mattress choices.
What is a Hybrid Mattress?
A hybrid mattress features multiple forms of support, usually combining memory foam, gel and innerspring coil technology (a new type of coil that’s individually wrapped to retain its tension and create more balance). As Ireland explains, "Hybrid mattresses typically feature a top memory foam layer, but some models might also include poly-foam, gel or latex foam for that extra cushioning." The goal is to give you the pressure-relieving benefits of foam, paired with the support and bounce you’d expect from a spring mattress. She also notes that "authentic hybrid mattresses should have a comfort layer at least 2 to 3 inches thick.” This ensures you’re getting the full benefits of the hybrid design—especially if you’re someone who prefers a soft yet supportive surface.
Do These Mattresses Need A Box Spring?
A common misconception is that any bed with coils needs a box spring, which to be honest, is an added cost we’re not all that excited about. Good news: Hybrid mattresses don’t need a box spring. They can be put directly on a frame or “you can use one on top of a box spring if you prefer the added height," per Ireland.
What's Better, Memory Foam or Hybrid Mattresses?
When it comes to memory foam versus hybrid mattresses, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your sleep style and preferences. While hybrid mattresses offer more airflow and bounce, thanks to their coil layer, memory foam is better suited for folks who need malleable support. "Hybrid mattresses provide a more balanced feel compared to the deep, sink-in sensation of memory foam," Ireland explains. It’s also worth noting that memory foam tends to trap more heat, whereas hybrids typically have better cooling properties due to their open coil structure. (But more on that below…)
What are the Benefits of a Hybrid?
1. Versatility for Different Sleep Positions
Because hybrid mattresses encompass multiple support systems, they work for nearly everyone’s sleep style. "They combine the soft, pressure-relieving qualities of foam with the sturdy support of coils," says Ireland. This makes them an excellent option for a variety of sleepers—whether you’re a side sleeper looking for contouring support around your hips and shoulders or a back or stomach sleeper who needs proper spinal alignment.
To that end, there’s a lot of room for personalization. "Many hybrids come with options for different foam types and firmness levels, so you can choose the right one based on your preferences," she notes. This means that whether you prefer a softer, plush surface or a firmer mattress that offers more structured support, hybrids can be tailored to your comfort needs. Plus, the versatility of materials—like memory foam, gel, or latex—adds even more customization, allowing you to pick the features that matter most to you (like cooling capabilities or enhanced pressure relief).
2. Better Airflow and Cooling
If you’re one of the millions of hot sleepers who have to sleep with one leg out of the covers, Ireland says you’ll be happy to know these beds “have better airflow because of the coils," so they don’t absorb heat as much as their foam counterparts. The open structure of the coil system allows for more air to circulate through the mattress, helping to keep you cool throughout the night. Plus, unlike heat-trapping memory foam, hybrids help to disperse heat and wick moisture away from the surface. In fact, many feature cooling technologies like gel-infused foam or breathable covers to take temperature regulation up a notch.
3. Motion Isolation with a Bounce
If you’re a light sleeper who shares a bed, you already know how annoying it can be when your partner’s movements wake you up. But according to Ireland, "The individually wrapped coils in hybrid mattresses reduce motion transfer, so you're less likely to feel your partner tossing and turning." Even better, hybrids still offer a bit of bounce, making it easier to get in and out of bed. One issue with memory foam mattresses is the lack of sturdy edge support, causing the sides of the bed to sink when you sit or lie on them. Hybrid mattresses solve this problem: "The coil base offers a firmer structure around the perimeter, providing excellent edge support," Ireland says. Not only is this a significant advantage over memory foam, which can sometimes feel like you’re stuck in one spot, but it’s also helpful if you like to sit on the edge of your bed.
4. Durability and Longevity
Another upside to the combination of materials is that they tend to last longer than traditional foam mattresses. "The coil support layer helps hybrids maintain their structure over time, so they don’t sag as quickly as memory foam mattresses might," Ireland explains. It’s what makes hybrids a solid investment for a mattress that can stand the test of time—especially if you choose a high-quality model.
What are the Negatives of a Hybrid?
1. Higher Price Tag
Due to their complex construction, hybrid mattresses tend to be more expensive than memory foam options. "You’re paying for the advanced engineering, which can make them pricier than single-material mattresses like memory foam," per Ireland. On average, a decent hybrid mattress can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,000, whereas memory foam mattresses, especially in the budget range, can be closer to $500.
2. Heavier and Harder to Move
Again, because of the range of materials, hybrids can be bulky and heavy. "The inclusion of springs, plus additional layers of foam, makes them significantly heavier than their all-foam counterparts," she says. Not only can this make them more challenging to maneuver, especially if you’re trying to move or rotate the mattress by yourself, but the added weight might be something to consider (if you’re hauling it up five flights of stairs).
3. Potential for Sagging Over Time
Although they offer a good mix of support and comfort, hybrids can be prone to sagging over time—especially if the coils lose their tension. "Coils tend to weaken after years of use, which can cause dips in the mattress," Ireland warns. This sagging can reduce the lifespan of the mattress, and once the coils lose their spring, it can affect the mattress's support. (In contrast, memory foam mattresses are less likely to sag as quickly, especially those made with high-density foam.)
4. Less Contouring and Sink-In Feel
A disadvantage for anyone who loves the ‘hugging’ sensation of memory foam, hybrids might feel a bit firmer—"they have more bounce because of their coils," Ireland notes. This means they don’t contour to your body as closely as memory foam, which provides that deep sink-in feel. If you prefer to be cradled by your mattress, memory foam might be a better choice. Hybrids, on the other hand, provide a more balanced feel—so you’ll still get some contouring, but without the deep, slow "sinking" effect that memory foam offers.
The Best Hybrid Mattresses, Tested by PureWow Editors
How We Tested Each Hybrid Mattress
PureWow editors, staffers and friends put some of the buzziest hybrid mattresses to the test. We also scoured thousands of reviews online and ultimately narrowed our selections to make sure each met the following requirements:
1. Saatva Classic Mattress
Beloved by PureWow Senior Editor Dana Dickey, this mattress earned 94 points in a PureWow100 review for its combo platter of body-supporting elements and cooling capabilities. “Its construction is engineered to provide support where your back needs it most—and it has a top layer made of breathable organic cotton and three-inch pillow-top cushiness, so I’ve never overheated.” First, the mattress is designed to be hip- and spine-supportive at the base with high-density foam rails that prevent you from feeling slurped down into it. Then, it comes with three firmness levels to choose from—and the five-layer construction features an extra-quilted top for the lumbar region with 1,300 pocketed coils of chiropractor-approved foam.
Better yet, the dual-coil design allows for more airflow, and according to Dickey: “I’ve previously enjoyed the feel of memory foam mattresses but found them hot. The Saatva Classic has a top layer made of breathable organic cotton and three-inch pillow-top cushiness, so I’ve never overheated.” She also appreciated that “it’s crafted with a nice firm bumper of high-density rails around the bed so that they don’t droop, as is the case with too many memory foam mattresses…I wake up feeling more refreshed, and frankly, I drift off to sleep faster, since I’m not tossing and turning to feel comfortable.”
2. Casper Wave Hybrid Snow Mattress
As a home editor, it’s my job to test and review mattresses. And with pocketed micro coils, layers of targeted foam and gel-filled pods, this one from Casper won me over for a few reasons. First, because it’s great for side- and back-sleepers who need support without sinking in. The two base layers of gel and foam give it a Goldilocks feel; soft under my shoulders but firmer around my hips, waist and lower back (so I don’t wake up feeling achy). Plus, the pocketed micro-coils pay particular focus to spine alignment, and I can really feel the support of the foam beneath my lower back. (It’s somehow bouncy yet adaptable at the same time—perfect for anyone who truly wants a blend of foam and springs.)
The real showstopper, however, is that it includes Casper’s signature HeatDelete Bands, which are designed to remove excess body heat at a higher rate than their previous models. Not only does that mean I sleep six degrees creating cooler sleep for 12+ hours (per the brand), but the QuickCool Cover top layer makes it feel cool to the touch when I crawl in. All in all, it’s made a noticeable impact on my night sweats, and I no longer look like I came from a sauna session when I wake up.
3. Purple Rejuvenate Premier Mattress
There’s something about the hotel-like quality of a pillow-top mattress that makes crawling into bed after a long day feel extra luxurious. And if there’s one mattress that lives up to its $6,000+ price tag, it’s this one from Purple. I tested it during a stay at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton, and all I can say is—it’s the most comfortable thing this tuchus has ever touched. The construction, which lives up to five-star hotel accommodations, features a whopping 18.5 inches of moldable latex, supportive foam and edge-to-edge coils. But what makes it unlike anything else on the market is the Purple GelFlex Grid. It not only adapts as you move, so it’s supportive in every position, but the grid also holds 30 patents for its cushioning technology.
What I loved most about the feel was how it’s bouncy, like an innerspring, yet adaptive, like memory foam. The hyper-elastic gel instantly flexed to support all of my sleep positions—again, I’m a side--sleeper—and the pillowy Euro-top is the personification of plush. It genuinely feels like you’re lying on a cloud. Add to that the fact that it stays nice and cool, thanks to a proprietary temperature-neutral material that naturally draws heat away from the body. Even my mom, who has severe night sweats, stayed cool and dry the entire trip. That coupled with the comfort is worth every penny if you’re serious about getting a good night’s rest.
4. Nolah Evolution Mattress
Yet another hybrid I can’t get enough of? This plush pillowtop from Nolah. It features nine impressive layers of comfort, and if you’re someone who prefers a marshmallowy feel, you’ll appreciate its ‘plush’ option, which ranks as a 4.5 on the firmness scale (also available in ‘luxury firm’ and ‘firm’ feels). And what really makes it stand out from the heard is its two-inch, cooling quilted Euro topper. Not only does it genuinely live up to its cloud-like promise, but it also feels breathable and temperature-regulating (thanks to the cooling graphite woven in).
Plus, as if the two-inch pillowtop’s curve-hugging design wasn’t enough, it also has eight inches of pocketed coils for responsive pressure relief and targeted support. It’s great for side-sleepers like me, where the layer of graphite-infused foam offers a sturdy foundation that keeps my hips aligned. And what I appreciated most was how this hybrid had a bouncier, more innerspring-like feel—since I often find memory foam to be too dense.
5. Zinus Green Tea Mattress
Don’t let the budget-friendly price tag of this mattress fool you; it’s a quality hybrid that expertly combines four layers of foam and gel to provide supreme softness and heat dissipation (after its had some decompress). In fact, people love the mattress so much, that it’s racked up a 4.5-star rating with more than 74,000 reviews on Amazon. According to Jillian Quint, PureWow Editor-in-Chief, “I was blown away at how cool this mattress sleeps,” which is thanks to the layers of green tea-and-charcoal-infused memory foam. Not only does it work overtime to increase thermoregulation, but it also comes with a breathable knit cover that helps to wick away sweat. “We got it for a kids' bunk bed in a small room with very little airflow. I was concerned about my hot-as-a-radiator son burning up on the top bunk, but this guy keeps him cool as a cuke, even on warm nights,” Quint says.
Plus, it includes thick layers of memory foam—which are available in a 6-, 8-, 10- or 12-inch thickness—and features pocketed coils for support with a super-soft feel. This makes it great for anyone with a unique sleeping style, from stomach sleepers who roll all over the place to side sleepers who dig their hip into the mattress. (Not to mention that you can’t beat the price of $220 for a Queen.)
6. Cocoon By Sealy Chill Mattress
As a part of Sealy’s new Cocoon collection, this hybrid mattress was designed with hot sleepers in mind. It features a premium stretch-knit cover infused with Phase Change Material (PCM), which is a technology that absorbs and dissipates excess heat to keep you cool throughout the night. Under the cooling cover, however, there are also three other layers of memory foam, coiling and support, making for a Goldilocks feel that’s firm yet adaptable. According to PureWow Assistant Commerce Editor, Natalie LaBarbera, “I was happy to find that Cocoon by Sealy's ‘perfect blend of soft and firm’ description was pretty accurate.”
It features a supportive layer of memory foam that conforms to your body, while the individually encased coils provide a sturdy base with just the right amount of bounce. Per LaBarbera, “If you're looking for a hybrid mattress with cooling technology at a price point that won’t make you short circuit, this could definitely be the match for you…it feels slightly cooler than other mattresses I've had in the past, but in my experience, how hot I get through the night depends more on which sheets and other bedding I'm using…Overall, though, my sleep quality (along with the condition of my body when I wake up) has definitely improved with this mattress.”
7. Avocado Green Mattress
Sticking with the theme of cooling mattresses: latex is a naturally breathable material that provides excellent airflow—and it has inherent resilience, which prevents it from trapping heat like generic memory foams. That’s why former PureWow editor Nicole Briese gave this hybrid a 95-point score in her review: “It’s a 100 percent organic mattress with three standout features: a hybrid Dunlop latex rubber foam innerspring, which is naturally antimicrobial, a breathable cotton cover and its wool filling, which is known to wick away moisture and be flame-retardant.”
Beyond that, however, the mattress also features 1,459 individually wrapped support coils, which target seven ergonomic zones. “From the very first night I slept on this mattress, I knew my days of hip agony were over. I put my full weight on my side and waited for the familiar stabbing to come—but none did,” Briese adds. It’s available in firm, medium and plush feels and the latter includes an ultra-plush box-top construction that’s ideal for side sleepers: “The medium-firm cush of the Avocado Green [offered] a just-right level of support for my aching sides… with the addition of the pillow top, the firmness rating is lowered, which Avocado says makes it ideal for side sleepers.”
FROM $1,399; $1,189 AT AVOCADO
8. Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid Mattress
Finally, this mattress is made with a combination of Tuft & Needle's signature foam and high-quality pocketed springs, so it’s designed to evaporate motion from your partner. It has a medium-firm feel that’s great for couples who need to compromise between plush and firm. “I move around A LOT in my sleep. Like...a LOT. And my husband said he doesn't feel me moving around at night anymore, and I definitely don't feel him,” one Chicago-area couple in their 30s explained in a PureWow100 review. “This is a HUGE perk, and while I miss rolling into my husband all night long, it's nice to be on opposite sides of the bed not even knowing the other person is there.” The mattress also features a 2-inch layer of Micro Diamond Memory Foam, which draws heat away from the body, and it’s all wrapped up with a removable, machine-washable cover.
“The support and pressure is excellent. My husband still prefers a firmer mattress. But as a 35-year-old nurse who's lugging around a 40-pound 2-year-old when I'm not at work, my back always hurts, and I feel very much at peace and not in pain while on the bed. I was previously sleeping on some pretty terrible mattresses, and you can definitely tell the difference in the support.”
FROM $995; $796 AT TUFT & NEEDLE
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