What is a hybrid mattress?
Hybrid mattresses (or 'combination mattresses') have been developed over several years to bring together the benefits of both memory foam mattresses and pocketed sprung mattresses. They're the perfect combination of the firm feel of a sprung mattress but with the added luxury of that cushion-soft support that you get from memory foam.
What is a hybrid mattress made from?
Pillow Tops
Some hybrids start with a dreamy-soft pillow-top layer:
These are usually just a couple of centimetres thick, but they give you that cloud-like feeling as you sink into your mattress at the end of a busy day.
They’re either sewn or attached by ties onto the top of the mattress - like a stitched in mattress topper!
Some detachable options can be removed for washing, making them super-hygienic and getting rid of the need to buy a separate mattress topper.
They don’t affect the firmness rating of your mattress, but simply give it a softer, deeper, and more luxurious feel, often filled with luxury materials like cashmere or silk.
Not all mattresses have a pillow-top layer, but there is always the option of adding your own if you want via a luxurious mattress topper.
The comfort layer
This is the layer that you sleep on, so it needs to deliver plenty of cushioned support. The comfort layer is usually made of materials such as memory foam or latex. It’s designed to mould to the shape of your body so that you’re properly supported all night long.
Other reasons why hybrid mattresses have a comfort layer are because:
If you do tend to wriggle around when you sleep, that movement is not transferred through the mattress to disturb your partner - the dampening effect stops vibrations and movement.
By moulding itself to the shape of your body, the layer works to keep you in the ‘neutral’ position, keeping your spine aligned and posture supported. This helps to avoid aches and pains and can make a world of difference if you suffer from back problems.
Comfort layers can also incorporate cooling gel layers. Memory foam can sometimes feel a little warm, however, a cooling gel layer counteracts this and allows you to regulate your body temperature more efficiently, giving you a more restful night’s sleep. Latex mattresses also help counteract this heat retention.
The sprung core
This provides a firmer feel and a stable sensation, making up the bulk of the mattress. The most common sprung matrix in modern hybrid mattresses is a grid of individually pocketed springs in a fabric pocket, allowing them to work independently. The entire matrix also works in harmony, which again distributes and dissipates any movement or vibrations throughout the mattress.
The key factor with a sprung core is that it allows the mattress to ‘breathe’. The air circulates freely around the central core, keeping the temperature down and minimising the chance of bacteria, dust mites and allergens from appearing. This makes hybrid mattresses healthier and suitable for those who suffer from allergies or respiratory conditions like asthma.
The base layer
At the bottom is a base layer, which is usually made up of dense foam. This stabilises the structure of the mattress and provides an additional layer of padding.
This layer structure makes hybrid mattresses exceptionally efficient, comfortable, and adaptable. They are usually single-sided, so they’re easy to maintain. They are often delivered boxed and rolled, so they’re super-easy to position in the room of your choice. Silentnight's Just Sleep Mattresses, for example, are all rolled and boxed for your convenience.
Hybrid mattresses come in a full range of sizes from single mattresses up to super-king mattresses. They’re also available at prices that suit all budgets. If you love the feel of a memory foam mattress but want that core firmness that you get from a sprung mattress, a hybrid is the perfect choice.
Are hybrid mattresses good for you?
Hybrid mattresses provide exceptional comfort and cushioned support, and the upper comfort layers of memory foam ensure that your spine is kept in a neutral position. This prevents pressure points from affecting your hips, shoulders, and lower back, and keeps your spine level. The result is a more restful night’s sleep. Hybrid mattresses tend to be suitable for back, front and side sleepers, depending on the firmness and whether a pillow-top layer is included in the design.
With our UK mainland free next-day delivery service, you can get a hybrid mattress as early as tomorrow.
Which hybrid mattress is best?
The best hybrid mattress is one that provides you with the best levels of support and comfort. You’ll need to factor in your sleeping position, your height, and your weight so that you choose the correct mattress firmness. You can find out more about the different levels of firmness in our handy guide.
If you suffer from night sweats, then a combination mattress that incorporates a cool gel layer may be the best option. No matter which one you choose, you’ll get all the benefits of both memory foam and pocketed sprung mattresses – all rolled into one!
For more information about what is a hybrid mattress, check out our handy guide.
Memory foam vs. hybrid mattress: which is right for me?
A thick layer of high-density foam, memory foam mattresses do not contain springs to support your body. Instead, memory foam contours to your body shape and cushions your joints, relieving pressure at your heaviest areas. Memory foam mattresses are perfect for those who love a 'sink in' feeling when getting into bed, as this type of mattress will slowly compress, encompassing your body in comfort.
For those who prefer a more supportive sleep, but still want to experience pressure-relieving comfort, hybrid mattresses contain innerspring systems that target your pressure points independently, while a soft top layer will still have you feeling comforted. Hybrid mattresses are perfect if you want to keep your spine aligned and body supported while you sleep, but still benefit from the comfort of memory foam.
For more help on which type of mattress is best for you, read our guide on Pocket-sprung Vs Memory Foam Vs Hybrid: Which Mattress Is Best?
What is the average cost of a hybrid mattress?
Our hybrid mattresses begin in price at around £150, ranging up in price to £1999. As you can see, there is a big difference in price at either end of the scale, however, the price of your hybrid mattress will depend on your individual needs and the size you choose – a king-size hybrid mattress will likely cost more than a single one!
At MattressNextDay we carry combination mattresses in a range of prices, so there is sure to be something that suits your budget perfectly. We always try to get the best deals for you, so you won't find cheaper anywhere else, and remember to take advantage of our award-winning free next-day delivery service!