What is a Hybrid Mattress?
When it comes to looking for a new mattress, the sheer number of options on the market has increased dramatically over the years. No longer are we restricted to a simple sprung mattress. From innerspring and memory foam to water beds and pillow tops, these days the options are endless. However, navigating through mattress terminology to find the best mattress for you can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you’re buying your new mattress online.
This is where the hybrid mattress comes in.
So, what does hybrid mattress mean? Essentially, hybrid mattresses combine the benefits of several different types of mattresses to create the ultimate sleep surface. Hybrid mattresses mean you don’t have to choose between memory foam or innerspring mattresses – you can have the luxury of both, along with a whole host of other benefits.
In this article, we will answer, “what are hybrid mattresses” and provide you with the information you need to decide whether hybrid mattresses are the right mattresses for you.
What are the components of a hybrid mattress?
Before hybrid mattress technology was developed, there were two main components used in mattress development: innerspring mattresses and memory foam mattresses. Innerspring mattresses are the oldest and most common type of mattress, while memory foam is a more recent material created by NASA in 1966.
Both innerspring and memory foam have their advantages, but when they are combined in mattress layers, they create a beautifully comfortable and supportive sleep surface known as a hybrid mattress. This type of quality mattress not only lasts longer but can improve sleep quality for a truly good night’s sleep.
Hybrid mattresses are usually comprised of:
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Foundation Layer
This is usually a layer of foam around an inch or so thick that creates stability and a robust foundation for the mattress.
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Support Core
This core is made up of a 6-inch-thick layer of pocket springs that provide tailored support for different sleeping positions.
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Comfort Layer
This layer provides the ultimate comfort, some hybrid mattresses incorporate advanced memory foam technology in this layer to avoid overheating during the night.
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Pillow top
The final mattress layer tends to be a soft and breathable pillow top that can improve sleep quality.
By blending the advantages of supportive innerspring with the comfort of memory foam, hybrid mattresses are a quality mattress that can last longer, improve sleep quality, and give you the support you need for a good night’s sleep.
What is the difference between a hybrid mattress and a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are two of the top-selling types of mattresses on the market. Both have their advantages, so it is important to know the difference before deciding between them.
Memory foam was developed by NASA in 1964 as a more supportive and comfortable alternative for airline seats. Memory foam is great for providing enhanced pressure relief for joints and pressure points, isolating motion so that you or your partner aren’t disturbed by movement and superior comfort due to its ability to contour to the body.
Hybrid mattresses utilize these benefits of memory foam technology, however, the main difference between a memory foam mattress and a hybrid mattress is the core.
The core of a hybrid mattress consists of a supportive innerspring that allow for breathability and ease of movement, while the core of a memory foam mattress tends to consist of a high-density polyfoam. This polyfoam means it is easier to overheat and it can be a lot more difficult to shift positions during the night.
What is the difference between a hybrid mattress and a gel mattress?
Gel memory foam mattresses have similar properties to standard memory foam mattresses, with the added benefit of gel technology. The gel is infused into the memory foam, or a gel layer is added to the mattress layers during production.
Gel memory foam can provide a cooler sleep surface than a standard memory foam mattress, and there are hybrid mattresses that incorporate this gel technology into their mattress layers. Again, the main difference between gel mattresses and hybrid mattresses is the core, with the hybrid mattress featuring innerspring while the gel mattress will usually feature a high-density polyfoam.
How long do hybrid mattresses last usually?
The National Sleep Foundation recommends replacing a mattress every seven years or so, though this can vary depending on the quality of the mattress.
A quality mattress such as a hybrid mattress can usually last longer than other types of mattresses because the combination of pocket springs and memory foam creates a solid and robust sleep surface that is designed to last. Hybrid mattresses are believed to have a lifespan of around ten years, though with proper care it is possible to extend their lifespan even further.
Are hybrid mattresses good for back pain?
A firm hybrid mattress or specifically designed orthopedic hybrid mattress can alleviate back pain by relieving pressure on the joints and pressure points. The pocket springs provide the ultimate support and ensure the correct spinal alignment while the memory foam contours to the body and helps to reduce back pain and promote a healthy sleep posture.
What is the average price of a hybrid mattress online?
Searching for a hybrid mattress online will bring up lots of different options. It’s important to select a mattress from a reputable and reliable provider, so make sure to do research on your mattress and its guarantees and warranties before buying. The average price for a double hybrid mattress online is between £699 - £1,000. While hybrid mattresses tend to be at the upper end of the price scale, this is because they are of higher quality, provide a better night’s sleep, and last longer than their counterparts.
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