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Finding the best mattress involves combining the right factors: support and feel, price, trial period, and personal preference. A hybrid mattress can be a winning part of this equation. Hybrid mattresses feature foam and innerspring coils, combining the best qualities of memory foam and spring mattresses.
“Memory foam is known for its pressure-relieving ability due to its slow response time,” said Craig Zettergren, MSPT, Dip. MDT, a physical therapist and regional vice president of FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers clinics. “Latex foam offers a firm yet supportive sensation. Pocket coils move independently of each other to provide resilient support. This unique combination of foams and coils helps to provide the most effective lumbar support for those experiencing back pain.”
The comfortable and supportive qualities of the best hybrid mattresses may help you get a good night’s sleep, even if back pain isn’t your primary concern. Our Reviews Team tested our recommended hybrid mattresses to ensure they’re worth the investment.
When testing hybrid mattresses, we looked for the following features:
The best mattresses in any category should be comfortable and supportive, offering pressure relief in multiple sleeping positions.
We looked for mattresses that balance bounce with motion isolation, making the surface easy to move around on without disturbing a sleeping partner.
The memory foam layer of hybrid mattresses can trap heat and cause night sweats, so we looked for models that incorporated cooling material and passed our cooling tests.
A mattress trial of 100 nights or more gives you three full months to test it out and return it if necessary.
During testing, the Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress stood out as a soft mattress that still provides adequate support in a variety of sleep positions thanks to the combination of a buoyant memory foam layer and a durable innerspring core. When we used our pressure map to measure build up, we were impressed by how well this mattress distributes weight and provides excellent pressure relief for back sleepers but may not be as comfortable for side sleepers.
Our testers also observed great motion isolation, which would make this model a good fit for couples sharing a bed. But while the Premier Hybrid scores well in motion isolation, we find it isn’t very responsive and scored low in the category of bounce. The low bounce score could affect combination sleepers, as it makes it difficult to switch positions throughout the night.
The Nectar Premier Hybrid has adding cooling capabilities, contributing to a perfect score for cooling. We used a temperature gun to measure the initial temperature of the mattress and then again after our tester spent five minutes laying on the mattress. We only observed a three degree increase, which is considered excellent cooling capabilities.
“I love that I’m fully supported and that my weight is evenly distributed. I don’t feel any extra pressure in any areas.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Nectar Premier Hybrid has a rating of 4.4 out of five stars from more than 1,700 customer reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers talked about how comfortable they’ve been sleeping since switching to this mattress, but a few reviewers said the bed was too soft for their needs.
“We are very pleased with our new mattress everything was very easy to put together and our sleep has greatly improved!”
— Diane W., verified buyer on 8/10/2024
“Hybrid is very comfortable for side sleepers. Have not slept better in years and would highly recommend.”
— Michael S., verified buyer on 8/7/2024
Learn more in our full Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress review.
Generally, testers felt more “in” than “on” the Helix Midnight Luxe because of the cushioned pillow top and high-density foam layers. When testers pressed down on the surface, the deeper layers rebounded quickly due to the innersprings, but the top memory foam layers took longer to rebound. We think the Helix Midnight Luxe strikes a good balance between soft and firm.
When lying on the mattress, testers felt embraced in a deep hug. The pillow top and memory foam layers give this mattress more sinkage than other hybrid mattresses, but testers still felt reinforced support from the innerspring coil layer.
We were impressed that the Helix Midnight Luxe can support multiple sleep positions (our testers were comfortable lying on their back, side, and stomach), but this may not be the case for every sleeper, based on their weight and personal preference.
Higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) sleepers may sink too deeply into the mattress when on their back or side, but the responsive, firmer surface below the pillow top may be the right amount of support for stomach sleeping.
While we like that this mattress does not limit you to one “best” sleeping position, the plush top may make it harder to switch positions, although our testers found it offered ample bounce, making it a good option for sleepers with mobility issues.
Our Reviews Team was impressed with how strong and stable the edge of the mattress was. Good edge support allows you to sleep near the edge of the bed without feeling like you’re falling off, especially if you like to spread out on your mattress. Our testers also felt stable when sitting on the edge, and they were able to stand easily.
The Helix Midnight Luxe combines our favorite hybrid mattress features: a plush, cushioned surface with reinforced support from innerspring coils. Our testers loved how the soft pillow top, contouring memory foam, and supportive innerspring coils worked well with all sleep positions.
“I love the soft pillow top on the Helix Midnight Luxe. It’s so comfortable, even for me as a stomach sleeper. And I felt no pressure building up.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Helix Midnight Luxe has a rating of 4.4 out of five stars from more than 6,200 customer reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers praised its comfort, but a few negative reviews mentioned that the mattress quickly developed a dip or felt softer than anticipated.
“Over a month of sleeping every night and getting truly exceptional sleep. The mattress is comforting and supportive. There are no pressure points or morning aches no matter if I’m sleeping on my back, sides, or stomach, or stretched out or curled up.”
— Jeffrey B., verified buyer on 7/2/2024
“I have absolutely loved going to bed since I got this mattress. I don’t have any of the pain I used to have, and I find it very comfortable in all sleeping positions.”
— Michael S., verified buyer on 7/2/2024
“Very easy set up. The most comfortable mattress I have ever owned. Will definitely be getting my daughter one when she heads off to college.”
— Mark F., verified buyer on 7/2/2024
Learn more in our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review.
We like that you can choose from three firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm. Our testers tried the medium Bear Elite Hybrid, a true medium-firm mattress (6.5 out of 10) with proper support and pressure relief. When our testers lay on their back, the mattress contoured to their lower back and comfortably filled in the gap between their back and the mattress. See visual results of this below—one tester used a pressure pad on the Bear Elite Hybrid to map out any areas of pressure buildup when lying on their backs. Blue indicates no pressure, so the Bear Elite scores perfectly in pressure relief.
This mattress has zoned support, meaning the innerspring coils are designed to support different areas of the body. The coils near the center of the mattress are more flexible and responsive to support the lower back area. The Bear Elite Hybrid is great for most sleeping positions but excels for back sleepers.
We think higher-weight sleepers will feel supported and get the right amount of pressure relief on their back and side. But the medium option may not be firm enough for higher-weight stomach sleepers. If you’re looking for a firmer mattress, we recommend choosing the firmest Bear Elite Hybrid option or a different mattress like the Titan Plus.
Our testers never felt stuck on the surface, and the bouncy, responsive mattress helped them change positions. The quilted cover creates a comfortable, plush surface, but it may be harder for some to stand up from a seated position on the mattress.
The Bear Elite Hybrid looks and feels like a high-quality, luxurious mattress. Its surface is beautifully designed with plush grooves and patterns resembling clouds. The mattress cover contains CELLIANT, a material shown to increase blood flow and oxygen levels in the skin during a clinical trial involving participants who wore clothing containing the fabric.
“I feel gently cradled in this mattress in all sleeping positions. The fact that there’s no pressure building up in my hips is amazing.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Bear Elite Hybrid has a star rating of 4.6 out of five, with more than 3,800 customer reviews on the brand’s website. Many people praised its comfort and say it has reduced or eliminated aches and pains at night. A few negative reviews mentioned that the mattress did not expand properly when it was removed from the box.
“This mattress is amazing! There was a break-in period of a couple weeks, but I’ve been sleeping better and feel well-supported on this mattress. My recoveries and overall sleep quality have improved. My body temperature has been more consistent throughout the night, which means fewer interruptions from waking up hot. I’m a side-sleeper and wake up refreshed and relatively pain-free. I’m glad I made the switch to Bear!”
— Joseph A., verified buyer on 7/1/2024
“I sleep through the night. After two years of aching in the morning, this is sweet relief.”
— Constance, verified buyer on 6/28/2024
“I was afraid the mattress was going to be too soft for my liking at first, so we got the medium. I felt it took the mattress about two weeks to fully expand and get to its full firmness, and now it’s been perfect. Both of us are combination back and side sleepers. We’ve had it for two months.”
— Amber E., verified buyer on 6/20/2024
Learn more in our full Bear mattress review.
The first thing our testers noticed about the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid cooling mattress was how cool the material felt to the touch. “You can tell the fabric is ventilated,” they said. “It’s soft and has a luxurious-looking diamond pattern.”
We use a temperature gunⓘ A device that measures temperatures through the thermal radiation left behind on a surface to read the mattress’s surface temperature before and after a tester lays on it for five minutes. A temperature difference of 5–10 degrees is considered an excellent score. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid showed a difference of just 5.3 degrees, indicating it does a great job dispersing heat and promoting airflow.
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid cooling mattress also impressed our testers with its supportive feel and comfortable surface. It’s one of the only mattresses we’ve tested that isolates motion while being bouncy. This makes it a great choice for couples who want a bed that’s easy to move around on without disturbing their sleep partner.
Each Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid is handmade, and you get to choose from three comfort levels to match your preferences: sleep position, body type, and weight. We tested the medium option, rating it a true medium-firm (6.5 out of 10 on the industry firmness scale). Side sleepers may prefer the softer version, while stomach sleepers may want the firmer one.
“The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid feels extremely cool to the touch. I can tell the cover is breathable and ventilated.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has a star rating of 4.2 out of five, with more than 70 customer reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers said it’s a comfortable mattress, but some said its firmness level didn’t meet their expectations.
“This is my second Leesa mattress. I decided to upgrade the memory foam mattress that I bought about ten years ago for this hybrid. It is very, very comfortable.”
— Susan C., verified buyer on 7/7/2024
“We have had the mattress for over a month now and what a great purchase. It is our first king so the space is amazing but the comfort and cooling is just incredible on this mattress. Highly recommend!”
— Spencer B., verified buyer on 6/26/2024
Learn more in our full Leesa mattress review.
Although the company claims this mattress is medium firm, our testers think the Emma Hybrid Comfort is on the firmer side. Our Reviews Team rated its firmness as 7.5 out of 10. When lying on their backs on the mattress, testers felt like they stayed on the top of the mattress instead of sinking in. The top foam layers gently cradled testers, but they barely felt any hug or sinkage.
Firm mattresses are ideal for stomach sleepers since they generally keep your hips and lower back from sinking into the mattress and out of alignment with the spine. Our testers felt the most comfortable and supported in this position with the Emma Hybrid Comfort.
While the mattress is probably too firm for lower-weight (less than 130 pounds) and average-weight (130–250 pounds) side sleepers, we think higher-weight side sleepers will feel supported. Higher-weight sleepers may get the right amount of pressure relief and support without the mattress feeling too firm because they typically sink into the mattress more.
The mattress was responsive and supported our testers’ movements whenever they switched positions. The responsive, bouncy surface can help sleepers change positions throughout the night, but it may be too firm once they settle into the position.
Surprisingly, the mattress has good motion isolation despite how firm and bouncy it is. Our testers reported feeling some movement but nothing too disruptive. If you need a firmer, responsive mattress, you won’t have to sacrifice motion isolation with this mattress.
We consider the Emma Hybrid Comfort an affordable hybrid mattress. It’s the lowest-priced queen mattress from our top picks and has a generous one-year trial period. Our testers noticed the mattress stitching and materials are lower quality than other mattresses we tested, but overall, we think this mattress is a good deal.
“It’s firm but lacks support in the curve of my spine when I lay on my back. I felt more comfortable on my stomach. It’s easy to move around on this mattress.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Emma Hybrid Comfort has a star rating of 4.6 out of five, with 99 customer reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers reported being happy with their purchase and said it’s a comfortable mattress. The majority of negative reviews mentioned customer service issues.
“I love how simple it was to set up, I love how I feel during and after I’ve rested, and I love that it comes with a removable/washable cover.”
— Deondre S., verified buyer on 6/29/24
“I was extremely nervous about purchasing a mattress online. It came boxed, very secure. The company kept me informed when it was arriving. I have had it for several months now and love it. It is firm which I like. I have zero complaints. Couldn’t beat the price either. Believe me, I looked and looked.”
— Christina, verified buyer on 6/5/2024
“This mattress is extremely comfortable, not to mention half the price as most other mattresses of this quality.”
— Ray, verified buyer on 6/4/2024
Learn more in our full Emma mattress review.
We think higher-weight stomach sleepers will feel supported sleeping on their back, side, or stomach on the Titan Plus. The firm, high-density foam combined with the responsive innerspring coils makes switching between positions easy. The Titan Plus is likely too firm for lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) back and side sleepers, but we think lighter-weight stomach sleepers should find this mattress offers good support for proper spinal alignment. Similarly, average-weight sleepers may find this mattress works if they’re back and stomach sleepers.
The best way to know whether a mattress supports your sleeping position, body weight, and personal preferences is to try it out yourself. Our Reviews Team offers recommendations based on personal testing and research, but we can’t guarantee what will support every sleeper.
For such a firm mattress, we like its soft and quilted surface. Our testers were gently cradled by the soft surface, but the quilted material made it somewhat difficult to move around. Fortunately, the strong innerspring coils give the mattress a nice bounce to help support movement. This bounce made it easy for testers to adjust to a seated position and stand up from the mattress edge.
The mattress is too firm to absorb movement, which may be a deal-breaker for sleepers easily disturbed by their partner getting in and out of bed or switching positions. Its high-density foam and innerspring coils offer extra support without sagging. The top comfort layer also contains gel memory foam designed to help sleepers stay cool.
“The Titan Plus feels very firm, and I don’t sink into it like I do on other mattresses. It’s also really bouncy.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Titan Plus has a rating of 4.7 out of five stars, with more than 2,600 customer reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviews confirmed that it’s comfortable for higher-weight sleepers. People have mixed opinions about the performance of the cooling materials.
“At last my husband can get a decent night’s sleep without feeling like he’s going to roll off the side. It’s also comfortable for me, firm yet yielding. Comforting.”
— Cecilia P., verified buyer on 6/30/2024
“Best mattress I’ve owned. Very firm and comfortable. Also nice and cool. I wish it had handles to make it easier to maneuver.”
— Cameron B., verified buyer on 6/30/2024
“I have loved my new Titan mattress so far. I needed something firmer because I was waking up with back [pain] every morning, but ever since we got the Titan I’ve been waking up feeling great! It’s very firm but also has a nice soft top layer that makes it comfortable to lay on. I have no regrets, and it is worth every penny.”
— Nathan R., verified buyer on 6/19/2024
Learn more in our full Titan Plus mattress review.
The Birch Natural hybrid mattress contains 100% natural latex. All Birch mattresses are made from natural materials like wool and Talalay latex. Natural latex can help prevent microbe buildup and repels dust mites, making it a hypoallergenic mattress material. Talalay latex is a breathable material that helps prevent the Birch mattress from trapping body heat.
We immediately noticed the cool, smooth surface of the Birch Natural during testing. Our testers were cradled by the mattress when lying on their back and felt more on top than sinking into it. The mattress conformed to the testers’ lower back while keeping it supported. We think most back sleepers will feel comfortable and supported on the Birch Natural mattress.
While a medium-firm mattress is ideal for back sleepers, it may be too firm for lower- and average-weight side sleepers who need a mattress that sinks more deeply in the hip and shoulder area.
The mattress is responsive and has a nice bounce to help boost mobility. It also has a stable, strong edge that doesn’t make you feel like you’ll fall off when you’re lying close to the edge. When a tester rolled close to the edge, it pushed them back to the center.
We liked how easy it was to stand up from a seated position on the edge. Unlike other mattresses, our hands didn’t sink into the surface, which made it easier for us to get a strong grip.
Birch offers a variety of mattress removal and setup options. You can choose to remove your old mattress, adjustable base, and foundation. In-home setup is also available for a new mattress, adjustable base, and foundation. Removal and set-up costs depend on the services you choose.
“The Birch Natural isn’t nearly as plush as the Bear Elite Hybrid, but it does a good job conforming to my body without creating pressure. I feel comfortable lying on my side, with just a bit of pressure on my shoulders but not my hips.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Birch Natural has a star rating of 4.6 out of five, with more than 1,900 customer reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers praised its comfort, while negative reviews mentioned dips in the mattress.
“Since sleeping on my new Birch, my neck and back pain have subsided and I’m taking less trips to the chiropractor. Love it! Highly recommend.”
— Shawn R., verified buyer on 6/12/2024
“We love our new Birch mattress, the perfect combination of firmness and softness. It’s so comfortable, and I appreciate that it’s made with natural materials. I took my time buying a new mattress and compared several before buying Birch.”
— Mary H., verified buyer on 5/7/2024
For more information, see our Birch Natural mattress review.
The WinkBed hybrid mattress has four firmness options: sofer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus. We like this customization for couples looking for a mattress that accommodates both sleepers’ preferences. Our Reviews Team tested the luxury firm option (6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale), which is the most popular firmness option, according to the brand.
The WinkBed surface felt cool to the touch and didn’t warm up when multiple testers lay on the mattress to mimic a couple sharing the bed. The mattress cover and pillow top are made with cooling materials designed to absorb moisture and repel body heat. This breathable, cooling design may help hot sleepers and couples stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.
When lying on their back, our testers felt gently cradled. They sunk into the mattress slightly, and the firmness of the innerspring coils supported their back. The mattress supported our testers in most sleeping positions, although the luxury firm option may not be supportive enough for higher-weight stomach sleepers.
Our Reviews Team was impressed with this mattress’s support and pressure relief. It evenly distributed our testers’ weight when they lay on their back, and the pressure map showed no areas of pressure buildup. A little pressure did build up when one of our testers switched to their side, but it was nothing significant.
We were worried that the plush pillow top would make changing positions and moving around difficult, but our testers could easily switch positions with the help of the mattress’s supportive bounce.
The WinkBed is another hybrid mattress with both a responsive bounce and good motion isolation. Our testers could easily push up to a seated position and felt stable when sitting near the mattress edge.
We like that WinkBeds offers a unique exchange program to help you find the right fit for both you and your partner. If you don’t like the mattress firmness you initially chose, you can exchange it for a different option for $49.
“I thought it was less stressful to switch positions on The WinkBed mattress compared to other mattresses. I didn’t feel stuck in the mattress at all, and it was easy to flip over to one side.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The WinkBed has a star rating of 4.8 out of five, with more than 8,700 customer reviews on the brand’s website. Most reviewers said it’s a comfortable mattress that has helped improve their quality of sleep.
“This bed is incredible and far better than we thought any ‘bed in a box’ could be! WinkBeds support for delivery was fantastic, as FedEx said the shipment was lost… but thankfully it wasn’t! I felt like they were there to support me, and were incredibly kind. […] I would definitely get WinkBeds again.”
— Lindsey P., verified buyer on 7/3/2024
“We’re blown away by this bed and sleeping like babies every night! We have a king, and we can’t feel each other moving. Perfection!”
— Sarah T., verified buyer on 6/30/2024
Learn more in our full WinkBeds mattress review.
Our Reviews Team has dedicated more than 1,000 hours to researching the mattress industry, consulting at least 10 health care professionals, and testing roughly 40 brands and 130 unique mattress models for quality and comfort. We’ve also interviewed 16 older adults who recently purchased a mattress and surveyed more than 3,200 recent mattress buyers to understand their experiences shopping for a new bed.
Each mattress undergoes a rigorous 36-page testing procedure to score its different characteristics, including firmness, support, and other aspects most shoppers consider. We choose the best hybrid based on the scores of the relevant criteria. See how we tested the most important considerations for this review below.
Firmness
Like most mattress brands in the industry, we use a one-to-10 scoring method when testing firmness, with 6.5 being the true medium firm. Our testers rate this by lying on the surface and comparing the feel to other mattresses we’ve tested. Material density and coil strength influence firmness the most.
Hybrid mattresses tend to feel firmer than all-foam mattresses and softer than traditional innerspring mattresses. We like hybrid mattresses that come in several firmness levels, so people can choose one that matches their sleep position, weight, body type, and comfort preferences.
Pressure relief
We rate pressure relief on a scale of one to five, with five being the most pressure-relieving. We consider how it feels and use a pressure map with sensors to visualize pressure points around the body accurately. Blue and green pressure map results show great pressure relief, while yellows, oranges, and reds indicate pressure build-up. Pressure relief is important for any mattress, so we typically only include mattresses in our best lists that have good pressure relief.
Support
We score support on a scale of one to five, with five being the most supportive. Mattresses with strong support contour and push into the curves of your body, particularly the lower back or midsection. Not only do we feel support during testing, but we can also visualize it through pressure map results. Maps with mostly white space at the lower back show how the mattress isn’t making contact with the area, which means the mattress isn’t supportive. More support usually means better pain relief, so we prioritized hybrid mattresses with higher support scores.
Edge support
We score edge support on a scale of one to five, with five being the strongest. Our team tests this by sitting and lying on the edge to determine how safe it feels and measuring how far it sinks. For example, if a short 11-inch mattress’s edge sinks about 2 inches, it may feel weak because it collapses under body weight. Edge support is important for couples to maximize their space and people who need more stability for mobility issues or support getting in and out of the bed.
Cooling
We use a temperature gun to determine how well a mattress disperses body heat. If the mattress heats up more than 15 degrees, it’s considered a poor score. If it only heats up 5–10 degrees, it’s considered a good or excellent score. The feel of the material under our body is also factored into the score, with one indicating a poor score and five indicating good cooling technology.
Hybrid mattresses are usually cooler than memory foam mattresses because the coils allow breathability in the interior layers. But the memory foam in the top layers can trap heat unless it’s infused with cooling technology, like gel. When choosing the best hybrid mattresses, we preferred models that scored well on our cooling tests.
Motion transfer
Motion transfer is scored on a scale between one and five, with five being the most motion-isolating. To score this, one tester lies on one side of the mattress while another changes positions while lying on the other side. We score this feature by how much movement we can feel across the mattress. If we don’t feel movement, the mattress dampens motion well, scoring a five out of five.
We prefer hybrid mattresses with good motion isolation, but they can be difficult to find because the coil layer is naturally bouncy. We may recommend a mattress with average motion isolation if it scored well in other categories.
Bounce
Our team scores bounce on a scale between one and five, with five being the bounciest. We test this by dropping a 10-pound weighted ball on the mattress surface, recording how many times it bounces, and analyzing the sound of its landing. The ball will bounce multiple times on bouncier mattresses before cradling into the surface, while others thud onto the material, indicating low bounce.
Bouncy hybrid mattresses are easier to move around on but may have poor motion isolation, so we like to highlight mattresses that offer a balance of both.
Functional support
Our team developed this unique score to understand how well a mattress accommodates mobility issues, like difficulty moving around or getting up from the bed. We combined firmness (30%), support (30%), bounce (10%), and edge support (30%) to create a score between one and five, with five being the most helpful for movement in bed.
We prefer hybrid mattresses with high functional support scores, but may recommend a mattress with a lower functional support score if it performed exceptionally well in other areas.
To learn more about our testing, review our sleep methodology.
Our research and testing are ongoing, so our reviews evolve over time. We test new mattresses monthly to give you the most up-to-date information possible. Check back regularly for updates.
Choosing a hybrid mattress is a lot like choosing an innerspring or memory foam mattress. Consider factors like your favorite sleeping position, your weight, any aches or pains that bother you at night, and whether you sleep solo or with a partner or pets.
Finding the right mattress for your sleeping position is key to waking up refreshed and pain-free. Hybrid mattresses, with their blend of support and comfort, cater to a wide range of sleepers.
In general, higher-weight people are more likely to perceive a mattress as too soft, so a firmer mattress is ideal. On the other hand, lower-weight people are more likely to think a mattress is too firm, so a softer mattress is ideal.
Hybrid mattresses strike a good balance, combining supportive coils that can handle heavier weights with comfort layers that adapt to different body types. This makes them a versatile option for various weight ranges. Explore the best mattress for heavy people to find one tailored to your needs.
These are just guidelines. Other factors can affect your comfort, including your personal preferences.
If you wake up with aches and pains in your lower back, shoulders, or hips, choose a supportive hybrid mattress with a comfort layer and pressure relief. Our testing scores can help you find models that excel in these categories. A soft mattress can be supportive, and a firm mattress can relieve pressure, so don’t judge a mattress by firmness level alone.
Also consider how easy it is to move around on a mattress, as smaller movements tend to be less painful. Our functional support score can help you evaluate a mattress from this perspective. Mattresses that are easy to move around on tend to be bouncy and made with material that quickly springs back to its original shape.
If you share your bed with a partner or pets, you’ll appreciate a hybrid mattress with good motion isolation. Otherwise, you may be bounced awake every time they get in and out of bed. A temperature-controlled mattress can also come in handy by dissipating the body heat of your fellow sleepers.
A mattress is one of life’s major expenses, but it’s worth investing in better sleep. If you’re on a budget, try to wait for a sale. Mattresses go on sale around major holidays, with some discounts reaching 50% off or higher. Most mattress companies offer financing, but watch out for predatory interest rates.
Finally, make sure your new mattress comes with the customer service you expect. Boxed mattresses can weigh 100 pounds or more, so consider a white-glove delivery option if you want professionals to do all the heavy lifting. A 100-night trial is the industry standard, but some people prefer a much longer 365-night trial. Read over the return policy to make sure there are no hidden fees, and look for companies that offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty.
A hybrid mattress combines a traditional innerspring mattress with a foam mattress. The bottom or middle layer consists of coils, while the top comfort layer is made of memory foam or latex foam. Hybrid mattresses may also include a pillow top.
Hybrid mattresses are popular because they offer more support than a foam mattress and more contouring and pressure relief than an innerspring mattress. They also maintain the bounce of an innerspring mattress, but the foam improves motion isolation.
People who like the cool, ventilated feel of an innerspring mattress may not like the heat-trapping layers of foam on a hybrid mattress, but some models do a good job of dissipating heat to keep you comfortable.
Mattress coils typically come in four types, but every hybrid mattress we’ve ever tested has only used one type: pocketed coils, also known as individually wrapped coils or Marshall coils.
We’ll give a brief overview of the other types of coils to explain why pocketed coils are so popular.
Pocketed coils provide support and contouring while limiting motion transfer, which is a major disadvantage of other types of coils. Different size pocket coils can also be used in different areas of the mattress if more or less support is needed. Finally, pocketed coils can be compressed and rolled, making them suitable for box shipping.
When shopping for a hybrid mattress, you may also see coils described in terms of gauge. A smaller number indicates a thicker, sturdier wire. Higher-weight sleepers may want to consider a thicker wire.
Here’s a quick look at the different types of foam you may encounter when shopping for a hybrid mattress:
The best hybrid mattresses strategically layer different types of foam to create a cooling, contouring, and supportive mattress. Mattress brands often create their own blends of foam, so you may see other terms like DuraDense (Helix), AirFoam (Nolah), or ActiveLift (Nectar) being used to describe the foam layers of a hybrid mattress.
A good-quality hybrid mattress may last seven to 10 years or longer, according to industry guidelines. Hybrid mattresses made of lower-quality materials may last only a few years. A mattress that’s used every night will also wear out faster than one that’s only used on occasion.
Yes, hybrid mattresses may sag if the foam layers collapse or the wires weaken. Based on the hundreds of customer reviews we’ve read, sagging is rare but frustrating and can happen within a few weeks or a few years of owning a hybrid mattress. Look for companies that offer a lengthy trial period (four months to a year) if you’re concerned about sagging and a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty.
You can try to make a hybrid mattress last longer by rotating it at least once every six months so that the head of the bed is now the foot of the bed. This changes the compression pattern and can extend the life of the materials. Don’t flip a hybrid mattress—the spring layer isn’t designed to be slept on directly, and you won’t get the same level of comfort or support.
Using a foam mattress topper can also help extend the life of the mattress, and it’s easy to replace when it gets worn out. Dirt and sweat can eventually wear holes into the mattress, so use a waterproof mattress cover to protect it.
If you haven’t purchased a hybrid mattress yet, consider buying from a company that assembles mattresses after they’re ordered, like Helix or WinkBeds. This ensures the mattress is compressed and rolled only for a short period of time. Otherwise, it’s possible for hybrid mattresses to be compressed and stored in boxes for months or years, which may weaken the materials and shorten their lifespan.
| Queen cost before discounts | $2,196 | $2,373 | $2,305 | $1,499 | $1,319 | $1,249 | $2,123 | $1,799 |
| Firmness | Medium | Medium | Soft, medium, or firm | Medium | Medium-firm | Firm | Medium | Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | 15 years | Limited lifetime | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | 25 years | Limited lifetime |
| White-glove delivery option* | Yes ($149+) | No | Yes ($100–$200) | Yes ($159–$199) | No | No | Yes, ($119–$398) | No |
*Shipping and setup of new mattress and removal of old mattress
When choosing the best hybrid mattress, consider the following:
We recommend using the entire trial period to allow your body to adjust to the mattress.
The Nectar Premier Hybrid is our top hybrid mattress pick, followed by the Helix Midnight Luxe for side sleepers and the Emma Hybrid Comfort if you want a lower-priced hybrid mattress. What is best for our testers may not be best for you, which is why we’ve tested and rated a variety of hybrid mattresses to help you choose.
Hybrid mattresses offer the benefits of both innerspring and foam mattresses. The top foam layers cushion and contour your body, which can help relieve pressure and pain. The innerspring coils near the bottom layer make the mattress slightly bouncier and more responsive than an all-foam mattress, while the foam layers above the innerspring help absorb movement so sleepers won’t be disturbed by their partner. Generally, hybrid mattresses last longer than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid mattresses often have poor motion isolation due to the bouncy nature of the innerspring coil layer. Additionally, the top layers of memory foam can trap heat and cause night sweats. Our testing process allows us to identify hybrid mattresses that perform better than expected in these categories.
Yes, hybrid mattresses may help prevent back pain. The foam layers help relieve pressure by contouring your body, while the innerspring layer adds a strong, firm foundation to support your back and keep your spine in alignment.
Many of the top hybrid mattresses also appear on our list of best mattresses for back pain, including the Helix Midnight Luxe. Still, the right mattress for you depends on your sleeping position, weight, and personal preferences. Always consult your doctor about the right mattress for chronic back pain or other medical conditions.
You can put a hybrid mattress on a box spring, but it’s not strictly necessary. Box springs are specifically designed for innerspring mattresses, but hybrid mattresses don’t need the extra coils from a box spring.
Check the brand’s manufacturer guidelines and warranty to see if the hybrid mattress has specific base requirements. Typically, you can also use a platform bed frame, solid foundation, or slatted base for your hybrid mattress. Many hybrid mattresses are also compatible with adjustable beds.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
