Everything You Need to Know About Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses made using memory foam were introduced to the public in 2008. They were developed as a result of complaints from customers that coil and foam systems alone didn’t provide the level of comfort needed for sound, uninterrupted sleep.

Hybrid mattresses combine the support, strength and bounce of conventional innerspring mattresses with the softness and comfort of foam, latex or gel sleep systems. Many sleepers find these combinations to be ideal for consistently getting a good night’s rest and awakening relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the day.

What Makes Hybrid Mattresses Unique?

Hybrid mattresses combine the best features of at least two other types of sleep systems to give sleepers a mattress with a comfortable, more personalized feel. The combinations and configurations of the materials used in hybrid mattresses differ among the various manufacturers. Most hybrids, however, include metal coils similar to those found in traditional innerspring mattresses. The individual coils provide added support, and are wrapped in fabric pockets, which helps to reduce both the noise from squeaky springs and motion transfer caused by restless sleeping partners. The The Hybrid Infinity Cool Luxury is a good example of a hybrid mattress from Sit ‘n Sleep’s extensive mattress inventory.

Hybrid mattresses also have one or more comforting layers of memory foam, latex or polyurethane that are added to relieve pressure on the back, neck, shoulders and hips for a more restful night’s sleep. The coil springs within a hybrid mattress give it the “bouncy” feel and level of support of a traditional innerspring mattress, as well as a more defined shape than a typical foam or gel mattress. The pocketed coils in the base layer of most hybrid mattresses provide a sleeping surface that’s flat and even, which make hybrids a good choice for people who prefer to sleep on their sides.

There are also mattresses on the market called semi-hybrids. These have been designed to reduce motion transfer while relieving pressure on the sleeper’s body. They’re usually a combination of a pillow top cover for comfort and a coil base for support.

The Pros and Cons of Hybrid Mattresses

Features of hybrid mattresses, including the type and amount of foam or gel used, the number and thickness of the individual layers and the coil support system can vary, depending upon the mattress brand and model. As is true for most things, hybrid sleep systems have benefits as well as a few minor drawbacks. Here are some of the plusses and minuses of a typical hybrid mattress:

Pros

• Outstanding Comfort. A hybrid mattress’s soft top layer is normally made from polyethylene foam, gel or latex that gently cradles the body and conforms to its natural contours. The combination results in the sleeper’s body weight being more evenly supported and distributed across the surface, which helps reduce the pain of aching joints and sore, stiff muscles.
• Excellent Body Support. Because most hybrid mattresses include coil springs, they offer good body support, which helps to reduce pain for people with severe back, neck or joint problems. Exceptions are hybrid mattresses made entirely from synthetic foams.
• Exceptional Value. Hybrid mattresses offer superior comfort and durability, and are priced lower than many memory foam or gel mattress of the same size. Although some hybrid mattresses may seem expensive at first glance, when properly cared for hybrid mattresses can have greater useful lives than their innerspring counterparts, which can make them more economical in the long run.
• Versatility. Box spring bases aren’t required for hybrid mattresses, which make them a good choice for platform beds or today’s increasingly popular motorized adjustable bedframes. A hybrid mattress matched with an adjustable bed base results in a combination that provides the ultimate in sleeping comfort while making it possible to read, watch TV or use your laptop to catch up on work while in bed.
• A Cooler Night’s Sleep. The top comfort layers in gel and latex hybrid mattresses (but not memory foam) diffuse heat away from the sleeper’s body. The result is a cooler and more comfortable night’s sleeping experience.
• Edge Support. Most hybrid mattresses have superior edge support systems that provide a useable sleeping surface area larger than that of a traditional mattress with poorly supported edges.

Cons

• Weight. Hybrid mattresses are typically heavier than innerspring or foam mattresses, which can make them more difficult to turn or move.
• Chemical Odor. Some hybrids are prone to off gassing, which is a term used to describe the smell given off by chemicals in new carpeting, upholstery, paint and some mattress foams. The smell is temporary and usually goes away within a few days or weeks.
• Break-In Period. All mattresses take time to break in. Break-in times for hybrids are typically slightly longer than other mattress types.
• Heat Retention. Although they’re in the minority, some find sleeping on a hybrid mattress with a top layer of memory foam to be on the warm side. This can vary depending upon the thickness of the memory foam layer, the sleeper’s body weight and the mattress’s level of support.

Is a Hybrid Mattress the Right Choice For You?

A mattress can be a significant investment. You spend about a third of your life on your mattress, so it makes sense to shop carefully. Sit ‘n Sleep carries an extensive selection of hybrid mattresses from name brand manufacturers in a full range of sizes and comfort levels.

To find out if a hybrid mattress is the right choice for your unique sleeping situation, stop by one of Sit ‘n Sleep’s mattress superstores conveniently located throughout Southern California. You’ll be able to test the various brands and types of hybrid mattresses, and our knowledgeable sleep consultants will simplify the sometimes confusing mattress selection process.

Our onsite sleep consultants will answer your questions and address any concerns you may have regarding hybrid mattresses. They’ll also help you choose a sleep system that’s best for you based on your body size, type and weight, preferred sleeping position and any health issues you may have such as orthopedic ailments or allergies. Our sleep consultants are on duty seven days a week and will be pleased to assist you with all your sleep-related needs from mattresses and bedframes to bedroom accessories and linens.