Mattress ·

How to Choose Between a Hybrid Mattress vs. Memory Foam 

hybrid foam mattress

Choosing a new mattress can be a hard task if you're not familiar with all the varieties out there. Hybrid mattress, memory foam mattress, latex mattress, air mattress, innerspring mattress... So many to choose from!

Hybrid mattresses and memory foam mattresses are pretty common on the market. Each of these mattress types has its own good and bad sides that I'll talk about more here. You'll find out about the differences and similarities between them, as well as what kind of mattress will better suit your needs. Ultimately, you’ll be able to make an informed decision when you set out to buy your new mattress.

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam or viscoelastic foam is a material that is very suitable for mattresses because of its ability to both offer good body support but also conform to an individual’s body shape. According to a 2015 study, memory foam mattresses made from viscoelastic polyurethane and high-resilience polyurethane foams can even alleviate different kinds of back pain (the study used medium-firm memory foam mattresses).

Although there are different types of memory foam mattresses, most of them are made from a comfort foam layer placed over a high-density polyfoam support core. There are also memory foam mattresses that consist of other materials like specialty polyurethane foam and latex. This makes them more durable and better at temperature regulation.

Memory Foam Mattress Pros

  • Helps relieve pressure
  • Provides good body weight distribution
  • Provides adequate motion isolation

Memory Foam Mattress Cons

  • Can trap heat—not recommended for hot sleepers
  • Some people may not like the “sinking feeling” of the memory foam

Hybrid Mattress

As the name says, hybrid mattresses consist of several different mattress technologies like innerspring coils (found in traditional innerspring mattresses), pocket coils, and a thicker comfort layer found in memory foam mattresses and latex mattresses. 

All of these combined make for a durable mattress that allows for good pressure point relief and good edge support. A study conducted by the Oklahoma State University says how innerspring mattresses improve the quality of sleep and sleep efficiency while also helping to alleviate stress levels among the study participants.

Hybrid Mattress Pros

  • Thick comfort layer
  • Adequate pressure relief system
  • Great edge support

Hybrid Mattress Cons

  • More prone to motion transfer than memory foam mattresses
  • Can be noisier than memory foam because of the springs

Hybrid Mattress vs. Memory Foam Mattress: Which Is Better?

When it comes down to two types of really popular mattresses with highly developed technologies for relieving pressure from the body, motion isolation, edge support, and heat regulation, it's a tough call to say which is better. 

Both hybrid and memory foam mattresses are good mattresses, and they're both better at something than the other. Let's take a look at what these advantages are in more detail.

When Should You Choose a Memory Foam Mattress?

Memory foam mattresses have a lot of positive sides, like equal bodyweight distribution and pressure point relief, and are highly adaptable to the individual body shape. However, if they're not infused with cooling technology such as gel or copper, they can trap body heat and make it uncomfortable for hot sleepers.

If you already have a memory foam mattress and want to feel less hot during sleep, consider getting a bamboo mattress protector or a bamboo memory foam mattress topper, which can significantly improve temperature regulation.

When You're a Light Sleeper

You should choose a memory foam mattress if you're a light sleeper and you sense every move of your partner as you sleep. Memory foam mattresses are good at motion isolation since they can absorb movement and noise really well, which makes it less likely for you to wake up in the middle of the night. 

What's more, a memory foam mattress will make you feel like your mattress is hugging you because of its tendency to follow your body's specific contours.

When You're a Side Sleeper

A memory foam mattress is also a good idea if you tend to have a favorite sleep position, i.e., if you sleep only on one side. Side sleepers tend to put pressure on one side and its wider area of the body, with the shoulders and hips being most affected. 

Memory foam is a material that adheres to the body really well and helps side sleepers equally distribute their weight on the mattress and further away from the usual pressure points.

When Should You Choose a Hybrid Mattress?

Hybrid mattresses are also a popular mattress choice for a lot of consumers nowadays, predominantly because of their good edge support and good temperature regulation.

When You're a Hot Sleeper

Memory foam is not as good at breathability and regulating body temperature as hybrid mattresses. That's why if you're a hot sleeper, you should consider getting a hybrid mattress with a coil system that will enhance air circulation and help heat dissipate more efficiently.

When You Want a Firmer, but Bouncier Bed With More Stable Edges

Hybrid mattresses are known for their great edge support. This can be very alluring for people who tend to sleep on the very sides or edges of the bed. Some people just want to spend more time on their bed, use it as their workstation, put their laptop, books, brunch, and even their morning coffee on top of their bed, so hybrid fits the bill for them.

Conclusion

Basically, what it comes down to is what you want your mattress to be extra good at, although both will do a pretty good job. Memory foam is better for cooler climates, and hybrid models are good for hotter weather. Memory foam is good for most sleeping styles, especially for side sleepers, but stomach sleepers should opt for the extra firmness hybrid mattresses offer. When it comes to pressure relief, both the memory foam and the hybrid mattress do a great job.

As you were able to see, hybrid mattresses and memory foam mattresses can be different in terms of structure and certain qualities that they excel and are less good at. However, they seem to even out when it comes to sleep quality. Sleep efficiency seems to be a high spot for both of these mattress types, and with high-quality hybrid and memory foam mattresses, the difference comes in nuances.

Sources:



Back to Snooze