Memory Foam vs. Hybrid- The Top Things to Consider

Which Mattress Type is Best for You?

Shopping for a mattress can be challenging when you don’t know quite what you need, and it gets even more difficult if you don’t know the terminology.

When you’re searching for a new mattress, we’re sure you’ve seen them advertised as memory foam and hybrid as they’re two of the most popular types of mattresses being sold today. With so many great options among them, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Mattress shopping can be overwhelming and it does seem that every mattress coming out nowadays has attractive features that promise to provide a better night’s sleep. If you need a bed that will support your back, there are several that promise that. If you want a mattress that keeps you cool, that technology is booming. Regardless of your physical needs, sleep position, and comfort preferences, you’re sure to find something in the mattresses available on our site. So how do you choose?

To help you make your decision, we’ll talk about the differences between memory foam and hybrid mattresses, which one is right for your specific needs, and how they can be better suited for some sleepers as opposed to others.

Together with the help of BedPlanet.Com, let’s find out which type of mattress is best for you. First off, it’s crucial to know exactly what we are talking about with these two types of mattresses. So, what exactly are memory foam and hybrid mattresses?

What is a Memory Foam Mattress? 

Memory foam mattresses are made of a polymer called polyurethane along with other materials unique to the specific mattress. This material was actually developed for NASA but has since become a staple in furniture and mattress construction because it absorbs a lot of weight and movement.

Memory foam typically has a soft feel that slowly compresses under pressure. This translates to feeling like you slowly sink into the mattress until it reaches a stopping point where the support kicks in.

Memory foam mattresses also don’t have any springs. You might see them with different layers of foam like comfort foam, memory foam, a transition layer with Zoned Support, or durable support foam, but you won’t find springs. Tempur-Pedic is one of the most popular and well-known memory foam mattress brands on the market.

What is a Hybrid Mattress? 

A hybrid mattress is just what it sounds like- a combination of the two basic styles of mattresses innerspring and memory foam.

These mattresses aim to provide the best of both worlds with pocketed coils in the core of the mattress with a layer or layers of memory foam and/or support foam on top.

What Are The Differences Between Memory Foam And Hybrid Mattresses?

As you can see, the main difference between hybrid and memory foam mattresses is that hybrids do contain a type of coil. This one design change makes the mattresses different in quite a few ways.

For example, hybrid mattresses are typically going to cost and potentially weigh more than their memory foam counterparts. This is not always the case, but coils can add some cost to the mattress. Obviously, the brand that you go with will also play a huge role when it comes to price.

The coils also provide some additional benefits. They add a level of support that can handle heavier weights than a memory foam mattress can without starting to sag. They also provide increased support for back sleepers and many customers think they’re some of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Hybrid mattresses also tend to be more breathable because of the space between the coils which offer better airflow. This can make them less hot than a memory foam mattress. However, it should be noted that several memory foam mattresses, especially those from Tempur-Pedic, have been made with cooling technology to remedy that problem.

Lastly, coils can make the mattress more durable when compared to lower quality memory foam mattresses, which can begin to sag over time.

Now, let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of each type.

The Benefits Of Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses have a lot to offer and can be perfect for quite a few people. There are definitely strong benefits to selecting a memory foam mattress:

• Memory foam offers impressive pressure relief & contouring- This makes it a great option for side sleepers. It cushions your joints and decreases pressure on the heavier parts of the body that sink the most like your shoulders and hips. It forms to your body while filling in any gaps, which helps keep your spine straight.
• Quiet movement- While hybrid mattresses aren’t necessarily loud, springs creak over time and can make some noise. Whenever you move on a memory foam mattress, it’ll be quiet.
• Low motion transfer- Memory foam is known for canceling movement. When you share a bed this can be a great feature because movements won’t wake the other person up during the night.

The Drawbacks Of Memory Foam

There are some drawbacks as well just like there are for all mattresses. Keep these issues in mind when looking at mattresses:

• Can trap heat- Pure memory foam can trap heat. When you sleep, this heat can come back at you, causing you to feel hot. However, some foam mattresses combat these issues like the cooling options from Sealy and Tempur-Pedic.
• Can sag over time- Memory foam is a very soft material, and as a result over time, you may leave an impression on the mattress where it sags. If you want a memory foam mattress, you’ll likely be better off choosing something with high-density memory foam. These heavier, higher-quality mattresses will hold up better over time.
• You might feel stuck- Because memory foam absorbs movement so well, it can be difficult to roll around. You might feel like you are stuck in the mattress. However, some memory foam mattresses can be faster to respond. If you like the feeling of sinking, this isn’t a big issue. If you roll around a lot and what the mattress to help you with that, it can be more of a problem.

The Benefits Of Hybrid Mattresses

There are also great benefits to a hybrid mattress. These are the most notable advantages of hybrid mattresses:

• Hybrid mattresses are very breathable- Because these mattresses are made with spaced-out coils, there’s plenty of airflow through the mattress and this keeps the mattress from holding onto too much heat.
• They are quite supportive- Coils can handle heavier weights and also offer the support needed for back sleeping and stomach sleeping. If you have back issues or like a responsive, firm mattress, this feature is likely to be great for you.
• They offer a balance of comfort and support- Simultaneously, the top layer of foam provides that soft feeling you want when you first lay down. This means hybrid mattresses can be both comfortable and supportive, making them good mattresses for combination sleepers (i.e. those who change from stomach to side to back).
• Long-lasting & durable- Coils are a very durable material and can stand up to many more years of use. Sagging shouldn’t be an issue for a long while.

The Drawbacks Of Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses do have some drawbacks as well. Consider these if you think a hybrid mattress could be a good option for you:

• More costly- While not all hybrid mattresses cost more, this is typically the case. However, many top-brand mattresses of superior quality are priced high. This can be a factor whenever you’re purchasing a mattress. If you’re worried about hitting a budget, you might want to look into our financing options here.
• More motion transfer- Even with the top layer of foam, hybrid mattresses transfer more motion than an all-foam mattress. If you or your partner move around a lot during the night, it’s likely that you’ll feel it much more with a hybrid mattress.
• Heavier & more cumbersome- In general, hybrid mattresses weigh more because of the metal springs it has. This can make it more difficult to move. This is usually only an issue when you’re setting up the mattress or moving to a new home, but it’s worth mentioning.

Who Should Choose A Memory Foam Mattress?

So, what type of person would be served best by a memory foam mattress?

• If you want to sleep “in” their mattress- With memory foam you’ll really “sink into” your mattress. If you like that feeling of it enveloping you, a memory foam mattress could be the way to go. These provide that sleeping in your mattress sensation as opposed to resting on top of it.
• You are a side sleeper-. If you are primarily a side sleeper, a memory foam mattress could be an excellent choice because they offer superior pressure relief. While lying on your side on a memory foam bed, there shouldn’t be undue pressure on your hips or shoulders. Together with a good supportive core, these layers in the mattress work to keep your spine straight and you comfortable.
• You want to save money upfront- Memory foam can be less expensive. For those with a smaller budget, a memory foam mattress could be a reliable choice. The brand will affect this, however, so keep that in mind.
• You sleep with a partner- If you share a bed and either one or both of you move around a lot, memory foam is always a good option. This material is great at isolating motion, so you shouldn’t disturb one another.

Who Should Choose A Hybrid Mattress?

What type of person will get the most out of a hybrid mattress?

• You like to sleep on top of your mattress- If you don’t want to sink into your mattress, a hybrid could be right for you. With these, you’ll sleep more on top of your bed and it should also be easier to move around thanks to the responsive coils.
• You are a hot sleeper- If you have trouble getting too hot at night, a hybrid mattress could be a good solution. Hybrids promote airflow, and this helps regulate the temperature of the mattress. While there are cooling memory foam mattresses, those also tend to cost more. So, you could avoid a larger price tag by opting for a hybrid instead.
• You are looking for a long-term investment- A hybrid mattress could cost you more, but it could also last longer than a memory foam mattress. Coils are durable and tend to stand the test of time while some memory foam mattresses can sag. If you want a mattress to last you a good amount of time, a hybrid could be the way to go. They are also some of the best value mattresses in the long-term.
• You are a larger person or have extra support needs- Coils provide a firmer, more substantive amount of support. Unlike memory foam, coils can support much heavier weights. If you need the best mattress for a larger person or just need some more support because of back or joint issues, a hybrid mattress is worth looking into.
• You switch positions at night- Hybrids are known to be both supportive and comfortable thanks to the combo of springs and memory foam. This gives them a balance that can work for a variety of sleeping positions. If you change positions while sleeping, you should get both the support needed for stomach and back sleeping and the comfort required for sleeping on your side.

Overall

If you keep all this in mind, the choice between memory foam and hybrid mattresses should be a bit easier. They both have a lot to offer, but they truly suit different types of people.

Memory foam is soft and is often described as feeling like “sleeping on a cloud.” Some people really want that and find it more comfortable than a mattress with springs. However, there are others who want that firm feeling and need the additional support of coils. Those people would be better served by a hybrid mattress.

It’s really up to your personal preference and your body’s needs to decide which type of bed feels better for you. Many manufacturers provide both types in a variety of comfort level options. In fact, Tempur-Pedic, the leading memory foam mattress brand, offers hybrid options. You can even find hybrid cooling options from them. This is great for those leaning toward the benefits of a hybrid but who want that soft memory foam feel.

When it comes to support, we’ll call it a tie. While hybrids offer both comfort and support through the combination of springs and foam, modern foam mattresses work hard to do the same with sturdier core foams. These days, foam mattresses are constructed with high-density foam bases that provide comparable support and spinal alignment. Plus, as stated there are various comfort levels available in both types from ultra-firm to ultra-soft, and everything in between.

It’ll be up to you to decide which type of mattress is best for you. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are both very popular options and both offer different benefits. Ultimately, it will come down to whether you think you need the additional benefit of springs or would rather enjoy the feeling of cloud-like comfort you get from a memory foam mattress.

If you’d like to look at the best mattresses of these types be sure to check out The Top 4 Sealy Hybrid Mattresses and The Best of Tempur-Pedic. These articles can help you to learn more about the best mattresses available for both types. There are also several reviews of the top mattresses available from Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, and Stearns & Foster.

If you’re interested in memory foam or hybrid mattresses you can look at all their product pages and collections for more information, and if you have any questions we’d be glad to help. You can reach out over the phone or through email at info@bedplanet.com. We know that sleep is important to you, and it's crucial to us. Allow us to help you find the perfect mattress for your needs so that each and every night is the best night of sleep.

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