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What is a Hybrid Mattress?

by Sleep Better Mattress Store

The Serta iComfort Hybrid CF1000 mattress with blue and beige bedding

At a Glance:

What is a Hybrid Mattress Made of?

Hybrid Mattress Construction

Hybrid Mattresses vs Other Mattress Types

Is a Hybrid Mattress Right for You?

Average Price of Hybrid Mattresses

Recommended Hybrid Mattresses

Why Trust Us?

Hybrid mattresses came onto the scene in the beginning of the 21st century. Before then, shoppers were only able to choose from classic innerspring mattresses or memory foam mattresses. The invention of the hybrid mattress opened a door to a whole new level of sleeping comfort. So, what is a hybrid mattress anyway? We are going to answer that question for you, plus some.

In our guide, we’ll cover the essentials of what a hybrid mattress is by explaining what it is made of, how hybrid mattresses are made, how hybrid mattresses compare to memory foam mattresses and innerspring mattresses, and which kinds of sleepers hybrids are best for. Finally, we will share some average mattress prices and conclude with showcasing three hybrid mattresses Utah sleepers can find from our elite selection at Sleep Better Mattress Store.

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What is a Hybrid Mattress Made of?

A hybrid mattress is made of a variety of materials that work together in layers to form a comfortable and supportive foundation. Hybrid mattresses take the best of innerspring mattresses and the best of memory foam mattresses and combine the features into one mattress. Here are common materials that hybrid beds may be made of:

  • Memory foam
  • Latex foam
  • Polyurethane foam
  • Gel
  • Innerspring coils

Of course, some luxury hybrid mattresses may include even more than the above material list. As you’ll see in our last section, there is a luxury mattress on the market that is made with alpaca, cashmere & silk fibers! 

Hybrid Mattress Construction

 The Serta Perfect Sleeper Renewed Sleep collection hybrid mattress with a graphic cutaway

Unlike innerspring mattresses and all-foam mattresses that are quite simple in design, hybrid mattresses have a unique design to create the most comfortable and supportive foundation possible. Each material is stacked on top of one another to create layers. Some layers are called transition layers and some layers are called comfort layers. The perfect mix and placement of these layers is what makes a hybrid mattress feel supportive, comfortable, cool, and breathable.

Types of Layers

Comfort layers are the layers that are at the top of the mattress, or closest to the body. The main goal of a comfort layer is to provide contour support to pressure points and to provide soft cushioning to lie on. Sometimes, this top comfort layer is infused with cooling gel or something similar to keep sleepers cool throughout the night. 

Transition layers are the layers that are placed between the core of the mattress (for support) and the comfort layers (which are the closest to the body). Hence the name ‘transition.’ Depending on what kind of mattress design that manufacturer wants depends on how thick and firm the transition layers are.

Support coils are either found in the center of a hybrid mattress or at the bottom of a hybrid mattress. These are like the coils found in everyday innerspring mattresses. The innerspring coils provide a sturdy foundation or base for the mattress and all the layers within.

Hybrid Mattresses vs Other Mattress Types

 A family smiling while testing out mattresses in a store

Are you curious about what sets hybrid mattresses apart from a memory foam mattress or a classic innerspring mattress? The answer resides in the makeup of the mattress and what types of materials are used (or not used).

Hybrid Mattress vs Memory Foam

Hybrid mattresses and memory foam mattresses may get confused with one another but there is a clear difference in these two types of mattresses. As we mentioned earlier, hybrid mattresses are made of a variety of materials: foams, gel (sometimes), and support coils. Memory foam mattresses, on the other hand, are made entirely of foams. 

✔ How to Choose

Memory foam mattresses are not as complex as hybrid mattresses, so they don’t offer as many benefits such as gel layers (for keeping cool) or support coils (for a little bounce). Memory foam mattresses are great for sleepers who want maximum pressure relief and who prefer to not feel movement from their sleeping partner but require more support than memory foam mattresses.

Hybrid Mattress vs Innerspring 

Unlike hybrid mattresses, which are made of multiple layers of different materials (including support coils), innerspring mattresses are only made of mattress springs. There are differences in the type of coils (size, gauge, shape, number) depending on the goal of the manufacturer. Ultimately, shoppers either get an innerspring mattress because of the affordable price point or the bounciness, which is easier for the elderly and individuals who might struggle to get in and out of bed.

✔ How to Choose

If you are looking for a classic and simple mattress type that is also easy on the budget, go with an innerspring mattress. Otherwise, if you want a more complex mattress that has better support and comfort all around, choose a hybrid mattress.

Related: 3 Top Beautyrest Mattresses for Quality Sleep

Is a Hybrid Mattress Right for You?

A young woman pondering against a yellow background  

Choosing the right mattress type is an important decision! After all, countless hours are spent laying on a mattress over a lifetime. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if a hybrid mattress is the right one for you.

Sleeping position. Are you a back sleeper, side sleeper, or stomach sleeper? If you are considering buying a hybrid mattress, it doesn’t matter! Hybrid mattresses are wonderful sleeping foundations for any sleep position.

Support. Is getting the right amount of support important to you? Hybrid mattresses are known for supporting and cradling the body to reduce pressure and pain. With that being said, if too much support is a problem for you (i.e., you experience pressure points or spinal misalignment from a surface that’s too firm), a hybrid may not be the best choice.

Heat. Do you sleep hot? Many hybrid mattresses are designed with a gel-infused layer to keep the body cool throughout the night so you can get a good night’s rest without sweating. Be aware that some cheap hybrid mattresses may trap more heat than higher-quality hybrid mattresses.

Price. Hybrid mattresses are most often more expensive than memory foam mattresses and innerspring mattresses. Because a hybrid mattress is more complex, has more materials, and takes longer to manufacturer, they usually have a higher price point. 

Related: What is the Best Position to Sleep?

Average Price of Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattress prices vary greatly based on brand, quality, size, and overall design. Here is the average price of a hybrid mattress (queen size) compared to the average prices of memory foam mattresses (queen size) and innerspring mattresses (queen size). 

Innerspring: ~$$900

Memory foam: ~$800

Hybrid: ~$1,500

Recommended Hybrid Mattresses

Below are some top-rated hybrid mattresses that are currently on the market today. We have featured one hybrid mattress for each price category: budget, mid-tier, and luxury.

Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress: SleepBetter Kanab Queen Hybrid Mattress

Front view of the Sleep Better Kanab collection queen-size hybrid mattress

The from hybrid mattress from SleepBetter is made with gel-infused memory foam, high-density quilt foam, and 1” upholstery grade comfort support foam. When it comes to support coils, there are two perimeter rows of 9” 13-gauge-pocketed coils for a boost of support. With medium mattress comfort, this is a great middle-of-the-line mattress for those who want a comfortable yet supportive foundation. When this mattress ships to your home, it comes in a box, so it is easy to setup right away.

Who is it for: This is a great mattress for anyone who wants the benefits of a hybrid mattress on a budtet.

Recommended Mid-End Hybrid Mattress: Serta® iComfort® Hybrid CF1000 Hybrid Medium Queen Mattress  

 The Serta iComfort CF1000 queen size hybrid mattress on an adjustable base

Our mid-tier hybrid mattress choice comes from the Serta iComfort Hybrid CF1000 line. Within this mattress are layers of Carbon Fiber Memory Foam and EverCoo Fuze Gel Memory Foam—double the cooling power and technology to ensure every night is sweat-free. The medium comfort level from this mattress is ideal for providing support to the back and neck. In addition, iComfort’s exclusive 1025 iComfort® Hybrid Support System with BestEdge Foam Encasement offer superior balance from edge to edge and better motion isolation for less disruption from movement.

Who is it for: This mid-tier mattress from Serta is best for those who want a high-quality hybrid mattress from a reputable brand. The reinforced base is also ideal for supporting couples.

Beautyrest Black® Hybrid CX-Class Tight Top Plush Queen Mattress

The Beautyrest Black Hybrid CX-Class queen-size hybrid mattress

Our last mattress on the list—the Beautyrest Black Black® Hybrid CX-Class tight top plush hybrid mattress—is certainly a luxury hybrid mattress. From first glance, its dark and bold exterior tells you that this mattress isn’t just any basic mattress. Within the mattress are eight layers of comfort and support:

  • 1" AirCool Memory Foam
  • 1.5" AirCool Memory Foam
  • BlackICE cooling layer
  • 5" Self-Response Latex
  • 1.5" AirCool Memory Foam
  • 1" Comfort layer made with Alpaca, Cashmere & Silk Fibers
  • 8" Zoned T3 Pocketed Coil Technology
  • 1.5" Energy Foam.

The BlackICE layer featured plant-based technology, making this mattress a ‘greener’ option than most mattresses. By expertly placing all of these layers in the perfect places, you will receive a mattress that is supportive, breathable, comfortable, and cool all while helping to reduce motion throughout the night with the T3 Pocketed Coil system. This Beautyrest model is certainly a luxury mattress with a luxury feel.

Who is it for: This luxurious mattress is certainly for those who want the best of the best, regardless of price. Overall, this is a better choice for side sleepers who want a plush surface to lie on.

Why Trust Sleep Better Mattress Store?

The Sleep Better Mattress Store sticks to what they know best - the right mattress for you. With a specialized SleepCast mattress fitting system, they take the guessing game out of finding a new mattress by using technology to identify painful pressure points unique to you. With expert advice backed by technological solutions to sleep, they ensure everyone who shops at Sleep Better can go home to - Sleep Better. Complete with Haul Away services and white-glove delivery services, your best night’s sleep is one visit away.

Shop Hybrid Mattresses at Sleep Better Mattress Store

At the Sleep Better Mattress Store, we provide quality mattresses for a better night’s sleep.

Shop mattresses online or visit us today at our mattress store in Santa Clara. In the meantime, browse our website to shop by mattress brands and check out our bedroom furniture selections to upgrade your bedroom decor. More available than ever, our experts at Sleep Better Mattress Store are always happy to help answer “what is a hybrid mattress” and any other questions you might have  whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!

Learn More: The Best Queen Mattress-in-a-Box Beds