Other Hybrid Mattresses We Researched
To compile our list of the best hybrid mattresses, we considered a wide range of options. Here’s why a few didn’t make the final cut:
- WinkBed – The luxury firm model of the WinkBed mattress offers a medium-firm feel and a solid zoned coil support system, along with a gel-infused Euro pillow top. However, we found it lacking in motion isolation, which makes it less ideal for couples. It’s also more expensive than other mattresses with similar features and has a slightly shorter trial period of 120 days (although it comes with a lifetime warranty).
- Brooklyn Bedding Mattress – This medium hybrid mattress is bouncy and responsive, but it received only average scores for motion transfer and edge support. While it’s a good choice for back sleepers, heavier stomach sleepers and those who need sturdy edge support should consider other options.
How We Tested the Best Hybrid Mattresses
There are a lot of factors that go into a good hybrid mattress, but we prioritized four performance categories in particular: support, breathability, motion isolation, and pressure relief.
Support
Support describes a bed’s ability to keep the spine aligned, so it really is the most important consideration. Support and firmness are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same thing. Firmness is how a mattress feels when you lie on it, and that’s subjective depending on body type and sleep style. Support keeps the body in healthy alignment all night long so you wake up without aches and pains.
In a hybrid mattress, the coils provide the majority of support, lifting areas of deeper compression for a more balanced feel. This support layer also helps distribute body weight more evenly, which enhances pressure relief and comfort. According to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, hybrid mattresses can be particularly beneficial for lower back pain due to the combination of back support from innerspring coils and comfort from foam layers.
At Mattress Clarity, we assess support by testing mattresses in various sleep positions, focusing on spinal alignment. Our team includes testers from different weight categories, and we also use tools like pressure maps to visually analyze how evenly weight is distributed.
Breathability
Sleep temperatureis one of the most important contributors to overall sleep quality — good and bad. Hybrids do a better job of promoting airflow than all-foam beds because all of those coils leave plenty of room for air to escape. We assess breathability with subjective and objective tests. Our testers evaluate how they feel on a mattress and whether they can feel the bed warming beneath them. We also use a thermal gun to measure the temperature increase after a set period of time.
Motion Isolation
Foam mattresses are known for their excellent motion isolation, but hybrid mattresses can perform surprisingly well in this area as well. Individually wrapped coils move independently, absorbing energy rather than transmitting it across the mattress. The foam layers above act as additional buffers. While motion isolation is crucial for couples, it's also an important indicator of overall mattress quality. Dr. Raj Dasgupta explains that a mattress's ability to minimize motion transfer is a key factor in its overall performance.
To test motion isolation, we use a series of methods. Our visual tests involve placing glasses of water on the mattress to observe how much movement on one side affects the other. We also conduct partner tests to get a subjective sense of how motion is transferred across the mattress.
Pressure Relief
Hybrid mattresses typically offer excellent pressure relief. The combination of contouring foam and adaptive coils works together to evenly distribute body weight, reducing stress on joints. To evaluate this, we use a pressure-sensing mat that provides a color-coded visual display, highlighting areas where pressure tends to build when lying on a mattress. This allows our testers to identify pressure points on each mattress and assess which ones do the best job of alleviating them. Additionally, team members from various weight categories test the mattresses in both back and side sleeping positions.
What Else Is Important When Buying a Hybrid Mattress?
Zeroing in on the best hybrid is really a matter of considering your own sleep needs and preferences. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Sleeping Position
Different sleep positions place pressure on various parts of the body, and this can guide you toward hybrids with the right firmness for your sleep style. The goal is to maintain spinal alignment while cushioning pressure points. Hybrids excel in this area by combining supportive coils with contouring foams.
- Side sleepers benefit most from a medium to medium-soft hybrid with thicker comfort layers. Plusher top layers and zoned support can also help alleviate pressure point pain.
- Back sleepers typically do well with hybrids that have a medium-firm feel. These mattresses are soft enough to support the lumbar zone for gentle back support, and research indicates that medium-firm beds can help alleviate back pain.
- Stomach sleepers require a firmer mattress to keep the hips properly elevated and prevent the lower back from arching excessively. Research shows that stomach sleeping is linked to spinal pain, so selecting a hybrid with the right firmness can make a significant difference.
Edge Support
Edge support is a key difference between hybrids and all-foam mattresses. While stable edges are particularly important for certain sleepers—such as couples who need more sleep space and individuals with mobility issues who find it challenging to get in and out of bed—they’re a consideration for all types of sleepers. Dr. Raj Dasgupta explains that a mattress with reinforced edges helps prevent sagging, ensuring the mattress maintains its shape for a longer period.
Hybrids usually offer strong edge support because of their coils. Plus, many models are made with reinforced coils around the perimeter.
Price
Hybrids are generally more expensive than all-foam mattresses due to their materials and construction. It's reasonable to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for a queen-size hybrid, although promotional pricing and sales often allow you to find a high-quality mattress for under $1,000.
On the positive side, hybrids tend to offer better longevity. A well-made hybrid can last 8 to 10 years, primarily because the coil layers enhance durability and help prevent premature sagging.
