Hybrid Mattresses vs. Memory Foam: What’s Right for You?
With so many mattress types out there, it’s not surprising that you might be overwhelmed by choices when shopping for a new mattress.
You may be torn between memory foam vs. hybrid, but which is actually the right mattress for you?
We’ll answer that question below, examining each type's key differences.
We’ll also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid and memory foam so you can confidently pick your ideal mattress.
What is a Hybrid Mattress?
Traditional memory foam mattresses are made of a single layer of memory foam, while hybrid mattresses combine different materials in one mattress.
These may include memory foam, poly-foam, latex, micro-coils, or fibre.
Hybrid mattresses generally contain a base layer of pocket springs and often a transitional layer of poly-foam, topped with memory foam.
These layers create a durable, breathable, and supportive sleep surface.
Some hybrid mattresses may use a top layer of latex, gel, or gel-infused memory foam, which helps disperse body heat.
The different layers of hybrid mattresses tend to make them heavier and more expensive than other types, but we’ll look at the pros and cons in more detail later.
The Base Layer
This is the foundation on which a good night’s sleep is built!
The base, or support layer, comprises hundreds of pocketed springs, which provide stable support and airflow through the mattress.
The Transitional Layer
This layer is like the filling in a sandwich.
It’s generally a layer of poly-foam that provides extra cushioning and padding between the base and top layers.
Depending on the mattress, this part can have up to four foam layers.
However, memory foam and latex transition layers are common, and some hybrid models use micro-coils instead of poly-foam.
The Comfort Layer
This top layer comprises memory foam, latex, or gel.
The comfort layer moulds to the shape of your body for supreme comfort, and a good hybrid mattress should have a top layer at least two inches thick.
Advantages of Hybrid Mattresses
Because hybrids consist of layers of different materials, they are suitable for a wide range of people, especially front and back sleepers.
Let’s take a deeper look at the advantages of hybrid mattresses vs. memory foam.
A Cooler Night’s Sleep
Traditional memory foam can get quite warm, which isn’t ideal if you can’t sleep because it is too hot.
Memory foam is made of synthetic, non-breathable materials, so it doesn’t just absorb your body heat; it reflects it at you.
Hybrid mattresses are better at eliminating heat because the small gaps between the pocketed springs in the base layer allow air to flow through the mattress.
Hybrids sometimes have a cooling top layer of gel-infused memory foam designed to dissipate heat and moisture.
So, with better airflow and the addition of cooling gel, hybrid mattresses ensure you don’t spend a hot and uncomfortable night, especially in warmer climates.
Can Ease Back Pain
Because they’re made up of different materials, hybrid mattresses can be more comfortable and supportive for those suffering from back pain.
However, this varies depending on the type of back pain and the individual.
The memory foam layer moulds to the contours of your body and works with the spring layer to support your spine, hips, and shoulders.
Your body weight is evenly distributed as you sleep, helping to reduce and prevent back pain.
Reduced Motion Transfer
Good news for your sleeping partner!
If you’re a restless sleeper who moves constantly at night, a hybrid mattress can reduce that motion transfer to your partner.
This is because each spring is in an individual pocket, meaning they can move separately without causing so much disturbance in the rest of the mattress.
It won’t totally alleviate motion transfer because there are still springs, but it does greatly reduce mattress movement compared to a traditional spring mattress.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are great for many reasons, but there are a couple of drawbacks to bear in mind.
Heavier Than Memory Foam
Because of the steel spring system, hybrid mattresses can be heavier than memory foam.
This can be a drawback when it comes to setting up or moving your bed.
Can Be Costly
Hybrid mattresses generally cost more on average than memory foam mattresses due to the mix of materials used and their more complicated construction.
What is a Memory Foam Mattress?
You can thank NASA for inventing memory foam (also known as viscoelastic foam) for use in their aircraft seats.
Memory foam was a game-changer in the mattress market, providing a comfortable and supportive alternative to traditional sprung mattresses.
Each memory foam mattress can differ, but they’re generally made up of a high-density poly-foam core surrounded by a memory foam comfort system.
There may be additional materials in the mattresses, such as latex or gel.
There are three types of memory foam mattresses on the market: traditional, open-cell, and gel.
-
Traditional:
You’re probably already familiar with these. Traditional memory foam mattresses are highly supportive and can be hot for some people.
-
Open-Cell:
You could call this memory foam 2.0, as open-cell memory foam mattresses were created to combat the heat retention problem.
They did this by allowing better air circulation and cooling through use of built-in pockets inside the mattress.
This does help with temperature regulation, but the mattresses can feel less supportive than traditional memory foam. -
Gel:
Gel is memory foam version 3.0!
The cooling effect is taken further by inserting gel-based microbeads into the foam.
This can be more comfortable and helps hot sleepers stay cool at night.
Advantages of Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses offer many potential benefits, especially if you have back pain or like to sleep on your side.
Let’s take a look at the advantages of memory foam vs. hybrid mattresses.
You might also like to look at our Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress article.
Can Help Back Pain
Like hybrid mattresses, memory foam can relieve and prevent back pain because it adapts to the contours of your body and cushions the spine.
However, it all depends on how severe the pain is and the individual.
Great for Restless Sleepers
While a hybrid mattress will reduce motion transfer, a memory foam one completely deadens it. There are no springs to transfer movement across the bed, so memory foam mattresses are a top choice for restless sleepers who share a bed.
You Sleep on Your Side
Memory foam mattresses give great support to those who sleep on their sides.
Side sleepers tend to put a lot of pressure on their hips and shoulders, and the contouring nature of memory foam alleviates this.
Disadvantages of Memory Foam Mattresses
Although very popular, memory foam mattresses have some drawbacks to consider.
Heat Retention
Yes, you guessed it! One of the top drawbacks for memory foam mattresses is the tendency to make people overheat.
This is fine if you are naturally cold or live in cold climates, but it can be a deal-breaker for those who tend to get hot at night or live in hot climates.
In our hybrid mattresses, we use gel technology to make our memory foam layers far more breathable for a cool night’s sleep.
It Can Have a Strong Chemical Smell
Due to the manufacturing processes, a new memory foam mattress can have a distinct chemical smell when it’s first unpacked.
This is known as “off-gassing”, and the smell should go away within a few days.
However, it can be very unpleasant for those sensitive to certain smells.
Can Inhibit Motion
Because of its “cuddly” tendencies, memory foam can feel oppressive and difficult to move around on as the body sinks into it.
Some people can find this sensation unpleasant.
Memory Foam vs. Hybrid Mattresses Overview
Mattress choice can be confusing. It comes down to individual preferences, needs, and sleep habits.
Whether you choose memory foam or hybrid, both options have distinct advantages and drawbacks.
Memory foam mattresses are ideal for prioritising contouring support, comfort, and motion isolation. This makes them a sound choice for restless sleepers and those who experience joint pain.
Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds: the support of pocket spring coils and the pressure relief of memory foam. They will suit those looking for a balance of springiness and comfort.
Who Should Get a Hybrid Mattress?
Just like memory foam, hybrid mattresses suit specific types of sleepers, and we have a range of hybrid mattresses to suit your needs.
Hot Sleepers
Those who easily overheat at night should try a hybrid mattress like the Cooleze™ Hybrid Deluxe.
Expertly designed to provide medium support with 1000 pocket springs, this mattress contours to your unique sleeping position, minimising disruptive motion transfer.
It also helps keep your body temperature cool, ensuring a deep, comfortable sleep.
If you want a softer hybrid mattress that also offers cooling features and is great value for money, the Cooleze™ Hybrid Original is a smart choice.
Designed to provide optimum support for your entire body while regulating your temperature throughout the night.
This soft to medium hybrid mattress is the perfect addition to your bedroom and a great value hybrid mattress in a box
Extra Support and Responsiveness
If you are looking for a hybrid mattress that offers superior body support and a good bit of bounce, then the eze™ Hybrid Max mattress is the one for you.
Featuring 2000 pocket springs, this medium support mattress has a pocket ‘box-top’ to minimise the roll-together effect for optimum comfort and edge-to-edge support.
This mattress won the prestigious Which? Best Buy Mattress 2023 award, so you can be sure it has undergone rigorous testing by experts.
Those Who Prefer a Softer Mattress
If you’re looking for a softer mattress but don’t want traditional memory foam, the award-winning eze™ Hybrid Ultra mattress is the answer.
A soft mattress with a firmness rating of 7.1 on a scale from 1 (very firm) to 10 (very soft) delivers optimum support, minimising motion transfer and keeping you comfortable in any position you sleep in, night after night.
This mattress won the award for Bestselling Pocket Sprung Mattress by Which? Best Buy, April 2024.
Our blog is packed with articles on sleep and mattresses, covering everything from getting a good night’s sleep in hayfever season, to how to check if you need a new mattress.
Why not check it out and learn something new about the fascinating world of sleep?
