What Is a Hybrid Mattress? And Which One Should You Buy? We Asked an Expert—and Tested The Best Ones

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 seven PureWow editors to test the best hybrids on the market. Below, find everything you need to know.

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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.

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.

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.

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…)

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.)

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.

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: 

• Sleep improvement: Whether there was a noticeable difference in sleep quality (aka less tossing and turning) 
• Materials: It features a combination of materials, including memory foam, gel and innerspring coil technology 
• Firmness: Firmness falls between 6-9 on the firmness scale (level one being the softest, and 10 being hard as a rock)
• Thickness: It’s at least 7 inches thick—with a minimum 2-inch top layer—to offer enough loft for a comfortable night’s rest.
• Trial Period and Returns: It had a minimum 30-day return policy that offers enough time to break it in. Plus, if anything happens to the mattress