What Is a Hybrid Mattress? [2024 Guide]

A hybrid mattress has both a foam or latex base layer and a bottom layer with durable metal coils. It combines the airflow and support of a traditional innerspring mattress with a foam mattress's softness, resulting in a more responsive experience.

When buying a new mattress, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the various options available. What are the pros and cons of a traditional innerspring mattress? What’s all the hype about memory foam? If you’re unsure where to start, a hybrid mattress may be right for you.

A hybrid mattress combines an innerspring mattress and a foam mattress, with an inner metal coil construction topped with comfort layers. Hybrid mattresses offer a more responsive experience by combining:

• Airflow and support of a traditional innerspring mattress
• Softness of a foam mattress

The key factor that distinguishes a hybrid mattress from other types of mattresses is its differing layers. Therefore, a mattress that does not have a mix of soft upper layers and a bottom innerspring layer cannot be considered a true hybrid.

According to a 2023 survey conducted by KeyBanc Capital Markets,  it’s estimated that only 18% of consumers currently sleep on a hybrid mattress. That number, however, is expected to change dramatically. Separately, a recent study found that the global market for hybrid mattresses is projected to grow by a staggering $1.42 billion by 2026. So why are hybrid mattresses becoming so popular?

Here, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of a hybrid mattress — and compare them to other types of mattresses available — so you can determine if a hybrid is the right choice for you. 

Key Takeaways

1. Hybrid mattresses are a compelling, versatile choice that suits a broad range of body types and sleep preferences by combining the best features of both innerspring and foam mattresses. 
2. Their construction is made of a top comfort layer — often composed of materials such as memory foam, latex, polyfoam, or a blend — as well as a bottom layer with metal coils in varying size and density. 
3. In addition to standard hybrid layers, Purple hybrid mattresses include the unique, patented GelFlex® Grid, offering adaptive support and comfort.
4. A hybrid mattress offers many benefits, including durability, pressure relief, and motion isolation. 

What Is A Hybrid Mattress Made Of?

Hybrid mattresses have multiple comfort layers, offering support and motion isolation for side, back, combination, and stomach sleepers. 

Hybrid mattresses include the following:

• Top comfort layer: This layer provides a firmer or softer comfort profile. The material can vary but is generally made of polyfoam, memory foam, latex, or a blend of materials.
• Responsive coils: This bottom layer is typically composed of coils — a series of metal springs designed to support and respond to the body’s movement. Coils are typically made of varying sizes and density to offer better support, airflow, and body alignment.

From its comfort-focused top layer to the supportive coils, these responsive mattress layers combine to make a uniquely dynamic mattress with the most-loved components of all styles.

What Is a Purple Hybrid Mattress Made Of?

In addition to essential layers found in standard hybrid mattresses, Purple’s unique line contains the following layers for added comfort and support:

1. SoftFlex cover: A breathable, stretchy, antimicrobial cover that optimizes the GelFlex® Grid and keeps the mattress fresh.
2. GelFlex® Grid: A supportive and instantly adaptive hyper-elastic polymer grid that dissipates body heat and relieves pressure.
3. Edge support foam: A foam layer that surrounds the GelFlex® Grid, increasing support and durability, preventing sagging at the edges and making it easier for users to get in and out of bed. 
4. Comfort foam: A layer of adaptive foam that changes the comfort profile of the mattress, contours the body, and provides additional pressure relief overall.
5. Edge-to-edge coils: Pocketed coils — coils that are individually wrapped to avoid tangling — that provide dynamic support, keeping the spine in alignment and allowing for better air circulation.

Choosing a quality mattress that’s right for you is essential, and that’s why Purple has created a diverse collection of options. Each selection ensures sleepers of all kinds sleep more deeply and wake up rejuvenated.

How Much Does a Hybrid Mattress Cost?  

A hybrid mattress generally costs more than an innerspring or foam mattress. For example, the cost of a queen hybrid mattress generally starts at around $1,000 and can go as high as $10,000. In comparison, queen memory foam mattresses can start as low as $500 — because they’re usually made of just one material.

Hybrids offer the best features of both mattress types — and require various materials to do so. Ultimately, the price of your mattress will be determined by:

• Size 
• Materials 
• Construction

Pro Tip: Determining the best time to buy a mattress can help you find a fair price for a high-quality model. 

How Long Does a Hybrid Mattress Last?  

A hybrid mattress lasts anywhere from seven to 10 years, depending on your care routine and upkeep, as well as the quality of the mattress and its components. Hybrid mattresses are durable and long-lasting due to their inner coil structure. This added support layer reduces the likelihood of your mattress sagging over time.

Pro Tip: Proactive care, like using a mattress protector and vacuuming regularly to remove dust and mites, can help prolong the lifespan of your mattress. 

Pros and Cons of Hybrid Mattresses

While a hybrid mattress has many benefits, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and preferences when weighing your options. Explore the pros and cons of hybrid mattresses below to see if they are the right choice. 

Hybrid vs. Memory Foam Mattress

The main difference between hybrid and memory foam mattresses is that hybrids contain coil systems and foam mattresses do not. Typically, hybrid mattresses use pocketed coils, but it isn’t unusual to find hybrids with Bonnell, offset, or continuous wire coils.

Similarly, foam mattresses provide less pressure relief, whereas hybrid mattresses feel more supportive, with coils pushing back against your body.

Other key differences include:

Hybrid vs. Innerspring Mattress

The main difference between hybrid and innerspring mattresses is their comfort layers. While hybrid and innerspring mattresses use coil support bases, hybrid mattresses have thicker comfort layers (usually two inches thick or more) made of different types of foam.

Other key differences include: 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a Hybrid Mattress Good for Back Pain?  

A hybrid mattress may be good for back pain. However, additional studies are currently underway to provide conclusive evidence. Currently, there seems to be no definitive evidence that hybrid mattresses can alleviate or cure back pain. 

While a hybrid mattress’s spring coil foundation layer is designed to provide support and help keep your spine aligned, its ability to positively impact back pain largely depends on the quality of the mattress build and components used. 

Does a Hybrid Mattress Require a Box Spring? 

Typically, a hybrid mattress does not require a box spring. Instead, a platform, foundation, or adjustable base works well for hybrid mattresses, but proper, consistent support that will handle the weight of your mattress is crucial. To ensure optimal comfort, check your individual model’s requirements. 

What Are the Negatives of a Hybrid Mattress?  

While there are many benefits of a hybrid mattress, some of the negatives include:

• Heavier weight due to the metal coils of the innerspring base
• Potential for unwanted noise if not set up correctly
• Additional cost due to additional materials required

Which Is Better: Innerspring or Hybrid? 

Determining which type of mattress is right for you ultimately depends on your sleep preferences, lifestyle, and goals. Innerspring models offer the most support for those who prefer a firmer mattress, whereas hybrid mattresses are a great option for those looking for moderate firmness and comfort. A hybrid mattress is an excellent middle ground that appeals to a broad range of sleepers.

What Is the Point of a Hybrid Mattress?

Hybrid mattresses offer a compelling solution for those seeking a comfortable and supportive sleep experience. By combining the best features of innerspring and memory foam mattresses, hybrids strike a balance between support and comfort, making hybrid mattresses ideal for various body types and sleep styles — one that’s not overly soft or rigidly firm.

Innerspring coils provide a sturdy foundation, while the foam layers contour to the body and relieve pressure. The ability to isolate motion can help light sleepers get undisturbed sleep, making hybrids an excellent choice for couples. 

By weighing your preferences and understanding your lifestyle and goals, you can choose the perfect mattress that helps you create a healthier sleep routine — so you can wake up well-rested and ready to take on the day.