What Is a Hybrid Mattress? Pros + Cons [2026 Buying Guide]
What does “hybrid mattress” mean?
- Hybrid mattresses are made with a traditional innerspring or coil system along with padding materials like memory foam, gel, or latex.
- People like hybrid mattresses because they offer the stability of innerspring mattresses and the comfort and pressure relief of other mattress types.
- With responsive pressure relief, edge support, motion isolation, and breathability, hybrid mattresses are especially good for combination sleepers.
Hybrid mattresses have grown in popularity over the past few years, with the global market for hybrid mattresses projected to grow by a staggering $1.83 billion by 2028.1 But what is a hybrid mattress, and what sets it apart from a traditional mattress?
We’ll break down everything, from the construction of hybrid mattresses to their pros and cons, so you can choose the best mattress for your sleep needs.
What’s a Hybrid Mattress Made Of?
A hybrid mattress combines an innerspring mattress and a foam mattress by using an inner metal coil construction topped with comfort layers. Hybrid mattresses offer a more responsive experience by combining the airflow and support of a traditional innerspring mattress with the softness of a foam mattress.
Purple Restore® and Rejuvenate™ Hybrid Mattresses take this a step further by replacing traditional heat-trapping foam layers with the GelFlex Grid® for better airflow and comfort.
“Generally, a hybrid consists of coils as a base layer with foam on top to provide additional support plus pressure relief.
Purple’s hybrid (or “tribrid”) mattresses include coils as a base layer with foam on top of the coils and on top of the foam, Purple’s GelFlex Grid® to provide an unmatchable combination of support and pressure relief.” — Tyler Wright, Senior Product Manager of Mattresses at Purple
Hybrid mattresses offer a harmonious blend of comfort and support designed to cater to various sleep preferences. At the heart of a hybrid mattress are several layers that contribute to the total mattress thickness:
- Base layer: The bottom base layer is usually made of foam or other durable materials to provide stability and support for the rest of the mattress.
- Responsive coils: These coils typically consist of metal and offer bounce, support, and quick response to movement. They also contribute to excellent airflow, helping to regulate temperature throughout the night.
- Transition layer: The transition layer provides a buffer between the coils and the top comfort layer. Transition layers may feature zoned support, meaning they have varying levels of firmness to provide targeted pressure relief.
- Comfort layer: The top layer of the mattress is a comfort layer, often made from materials like memory foam, latex, GelFlex Grid®, or polyfoam. This top layer contours to your body, relieving pressure points.
This combination of plush comfort layers and supportive coils ensures that side, back, stomach, and combination sleepers can all find their ideal sleep position.
How Much Does a Hybrid Mattress Cost?
The cost of a hybrid mattress can vary significantly based on factors like brand, materials, and construction quality. Generally, you can expect to invest between $2,400 and $4,000 for a queen size hybrid mattress.
Purple offers several high-quality hybrid mattresses shipped in a convenient bag to help you find an option that fits your budget and comfort preferences.
Full | Queen | King/California king | |
Restore® | $2,249 | $2,399 | $2,999 |
RestorePlus® | $3,149 | $3,299 | $3,999 |
RestorePremier® | N/A | $3,999 | $4,699 |
With pocketed coils and the GelFlex Grid®, Purple’s Restore Hybrid collection helps you sleep cooler while offering precise relief for your hips and shoulders.
Tip: If you’re on a budget, the best time to buy a mattress is usually around holidays like President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Many online stores have their own sales events throughout the year.
Check out our sale page for deals on Purple products.
How Long Do Hybrid Mattresses Last?
While a hybrid mattress should last anywhere from seven to 10 years, how long a mattress lasts depends on your care routine and upkeep, as well as the quality of the mattress and its components. Hybrid mattresses are durable and long-lasting thanks to the added support of their inner coil structure, which reduces the likelihood of your mattress sagging over time.
Purple mattresses come with a 10-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects. In addition to following the warranty guidelines, making sure you have the correct base or bed frame for your mattress can help keep it in good condition.
Tip: Proactive care, like using a mattress protector and vacuuming regularly to remove dust and mites, can help prolong the lifespan of your mattress.
Hybrid vs. Memory Foam vs. Innerspring Mattress
There are big differences between hybrid and memory foam mattresses that can affect your sleep experience. For example, memory foam has a softer sink-in feel for greater motion isolation, but hybrid mattresses tend to offer more balanced pressure relief and support overall.
Hybrid and innerspring mattresses also have several differences, as the firm construction of an innerspring mattress can be less comfortable, especially for side sleepers. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you should pay attention to when deciding between these mattress types.
Hybrid | Memory foam | Innerspring | |
Coil system | Advanced pocketed, Bonnell, offset, or continuous wire coils | No coil system | Less advanced pocketed, Bonnell, or continuous wire coils |
Pressure relief | More supportive thanks to coils | Less pressure relief with poor edge support | Supportive but less comfortable |
Comfort layers | Thick foam comfort layer at least 2” thick | Thick foam comfort layer for motion isolation and softness | Thin or no comfort layer |
Usability | Can only use one side because of comfort layers | Can only use one side because of comfort layers | Can be flipped to use either side |
Hybrid Mattresses Pros and Cons
Hybrid mattresses offer many benefits, but it’s important to consider your sleeping preferences when weighing your options. Explore the pros and cons of a hybrid mattress to see if it’s the right mattress type for you.
Benefits | Considerations |
Breathable design prevents overheating | Heavier than other mattress types |
Responsive pressure relief | Higher price range than memory foam or innerspring |
Edge support for greater stability | Certain types of foam can trap heat |
Versatile comfort options for all sleep styles | |
Durable | |
Motion isolation | |
Promotes proper spinal alignment |
Benefits
Thanks to their blend of coils and foam layers, hybrid mattresses offer a unique combination of comfort and support. This innovative design delivers several key benefits:
- Breathability: The coils promote airflow, helping regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. Some models even incorporate cooling materials like latex or gel in the comfort layers for enhanced temperature control.
- Responsiveness: Targeted coils provide excellent pressure relief and support for personalized cradling of your body’s contours.
- Edge support: Enjoy maximum sleeping space with robust edge support that prevents sinkage and provides a stable feel.
- Versatile comfort options: Whether you’re a side, back, or stomach sleeper, hybrid mattresses offer a wide range of comfort levels to accommodate different sleep styles.
- Durability: Hybrid mattresses typically have a lifespan of seven to 10 years with proper care and maintenance.
- Motion isolation: The even weight distribution of the coils helps absorb movement, reducing disturbances for light sleepers and partners.
Thanks to these attributes, hybrid mattresses are great for combination sleepers, but they appeal to a wide range of sleeper types.
Considerations
While hybrid mattresses offer many advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
- Weight: The coils and comfort layers can make hybrid mattresses heavier than other mattress types, which may present challenges during setup or moving.
- Higher price range: Hybrid mattresses tend to be more expensive than traditional innerspring or all-foam options, but the quality and performance may justify how much you spend on a mattress.
- Potential to trap heat: Certain types of foam used in some hybrid mattresses can actually trap heat, which can be uncomfortable if you already tend to sleep hot. Pay attention to the foam type and mattress construction if you need a cooling mattress.
Is a Hybrid Mattress Right for You?
What’s a hybrid mattress good for? Consider purchasing a hybrid mattress if you:
- Prefer bounce and responsiveness
- Tend to sleep hot
- Value edge support
- Toss and turn during the night
- Require extra support for your body
- Are willing to invest in a premium mattress
When choosing a hybrid mattress, the main factors to consider are your body type, sleep position, desired firmness, and budget. Hybrid mattresses come in a wide range of options, so whether you’re looking for a hybrid mattress for side sleepers or need a mattress that supports combination sleepers, you should be able to find one that meets your needs.
What Is the Best Hybrid Mattress?
When deciding which hybrid mattress to buy online, consider Purple. In addition to typical hybrid comfort and coil layers, Purple hybrid mattresses feature a unique top layer: the GelFlex Grid®.
This innovative material provides unparalleled pressure relief, conforming to your body’s contours while offering exceptional support and breathability. In fact, sleepers reported a 4x improvement in pressure relief when sleeping on a Purple Restore Collection mattress compared to their original mattress.2
Take a look at the differences between Purple’s hybrid options to discover which is best for you:
Layers | Height | Price (queen) | |
Restore® | 2” GelFlex Grid®, edge support foam, comfort foam, responsive coils, SoftFlex cover with antimicrobial finish | 11.5” | $2,399 |
RestorePlus® | 3” GelFlex Grid®, edge support foam, ultra comfort foam, 3-zone responsive coils, SoftFlex cover with antimicrobial and moisture-wicking finish | 13” | $3,299 |
RestorePremier® | 3” GelFlex Grid®, edge support foam, ultra Comfort Foam, CoolFlex™ coils, SoftFlex cover with antimicrobial and moisture-wicking finish | 13” | $3,999 |
- Restore®: This mattress offers all the benefits of the GelFlex Grid® plus an adaptive comfort foam layer, responsive edge-to-edge coils, and an antimicrobial treatment to help the cover stay fresh.
- RestorePlus®: Building upon the core benefits of the Restore® mattress, the RestorePlus® offers enhanced pressure relief, improved cooling, and superior edge support through a combination of the GelFlex Grid®, zoned coils, and advanced cooling technologies.
- RestorePremier®: The RestorePremier® mattress elevates the RestorePlus® using ultra comfort foam to individually top the coils, offering ultimate pressure relief and enhanced cooling.
If you’re looking for a high-quality hybrid mattress, these options from Purple could be just what you need.
Enhance Your Sleep With the Best Hybrid Mattresses From Purple
So, what is a hybrid mattress? It’s an innovative blend of comfort and support that combines the best aspects of innerspring and foam mattresses. In a recent study, sleepers reported 4x improvement in pressure relief when they switched to a Purple mattress.*
Disclaimer: Survey results from a 2025 SleepScore Labs study with subjects sleeping on a Purple Restore Collection mattress for 4 weeks compared to their original mattress.
Hybrids are some of the best cooling mattresses because they promote better airflow, and may provide more back support. By understanding the components and benefits of hybrid mattresses, you can make an informed decision about your next sleep investment.
If a hybrid mattress seems right for you, be sure to check out the great options available from Purple. With the cooling and supportive GelFlex Grid®, as well as edge-to-edge coils that provide targeted support, Purple hybrid mattresses provide comfortable options for all sleep styles.
FAQ
Hybrid mattresses combine the best features of innerspring and memory foam mattresses to strike a balance between support and comfort, making them ideal for various body types and sleep styles — one that’s not overly soft or rigidly firm. The innerspring coils provide a sturdy foundation, while the foam layers contour to the body and relieve pressure.
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.
If you’re looking for the best hybrid mattress for back pain, consider the Purple RestorePremier®, which offers responsive pressure relief and cooling support thanks to the GelFlex Grid®.
The main disadvantages of a hybrid mattress are its weight and price. Hybrid mattresses tend to be heavier than regular mattresses, which can make them harder to set up and move. They may also be too heavy for some bed frames. The higher price is also a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Hybrid and innerspring mattresses both have coil support systems, but their feel and comfort levels differ significantly. Hybrid mattresses feature thicker foam comfort layers to reduce pressure points and minimize motion transfer. Innerspring mattresses have thinner comfort layers, resulting in a bouncier, firmer feel with more noticeable motion transfer.
Typically, a hybrid mattress uses a platform, foundation, or adjustable base instead of a box spring. Proper, consistent support that will handle the weight of your mattress is crucial. To ensure optimal comfort and durability, check your individual mattress’s requirements.
Choosing between a hybrid or memory foam mattress ultimately comes down to personal preference. Hybrid mattresses tend to offer more targeted pressure relief and support with less sinkage and better cooling.
Memory foam also offers good pressure relief and motion isolation at a lower price, but can trap heat and cause users to feel “stuck” in the mattress.
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