Should You Get a Memory Foam or Hybrid Mattress? Here’s How To Decide

Memory foam mattresses and hybrids are two of the most common types of mattresses on the market today. They both have their own unique set of benefits. They might be different altogether, but they share some similarities in terms of performance and construction. 

If you are wondering which option is better, this post is right for you. 

In a hurry!

The matchup between hybrid mattresses and memory foam mattresses is almost a tie. Hybrids are better than memory foam mattresses in supportiveness, breathability, and edge support. 

But Memory foam mattresses are ahead in terms of quietness, motion isolation, and affordability. But we do say that hybrid mattresses are suitable for all weather conditions. In contrast, memory foam mattresses are better suited for colder climates. 

Try reading until the end and find the best mattress that suits your sleep requirements.

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What are Hybrid Mattresses?

A hybrid mattress is a combination of two different things, including foam layers and coil support. The core of this mattress is made from pocketed innerspring (check the top rated innerspring mattresses), and the top layer is made of comfort foam to provide incredible comfort.

What’s best about a Hybrid mattress? 

Softness and firmness are the most critical elements of mattresses. For that reason, innerspring mattresses are mostly very supportive and firm. The foam layer of a hybrid mattress mitigates the uneven feeling.

A hybrid mattress offers excellent bounce that is ideal for erotic nighttime activities. This is because of the coil support that makes this mattress bouncier. In addition, it helps relieve pressure from your sore muscles and gives you a comfortable good night’s sleep (also check 10 mattresses with great comfort). 

The best advantage of using a hybrid mattress is that this is a brilliant option for hot sleepers (check the top rated cooling mattresses for hot sleepers). So, a hybrid mattress is a superior breathable option if you live in a hotter climate or have a high body temperature.

The composition and materials of hybrid mattresses are different in each model. They may consist of fiber, micro-coils, latex, polyfoam, memory foam, and other combination components. Plenty of hybrid mattresses are designed to relieve pressure, cradle your body, and give you a supportive and comfortable night’s sleep.

You can also select a firmness level according to your sleeping position. For example, if you are a side sleeper (check the best selling mattresses for side sleeper), you need more firmness because more firmness keeps your shoulder and neck in a proper alignment. 

What do Hybrid mattresses lack?

Hybrid mattresses are quite an expensive option because they are a combination of inner springs and foams. Additionally, purchasing a breathable mattress cover or other bedding accessories will become more costly.

On the other hand, these mattresses are also heavier and bulky, making them tough to store and maneuver. Hybrid mattresses provide a great bounce but give you an irritating motion transfer. If you are sharing your bed with a partner who likes to move a lot, you feel annoyed throughout the night (check the top rated mattresses for couple). 

Sometimes, you can also feel some noise because the core of the hybrid mattress is made with coils that produce noise.

Pros

• The supportive coil system enhances temperature regulation and prevents you from overheating, so suitable for a hot sleeper. 
• A hybrid mattress has a combination structure that offers a bouncier surface.
• Most hybrid mattresses come with sturdy edges, so you can get complete support while sleeping on the edge. 
• Hybrid mattresses are supportive, easily handle the heavier weight, and are suitable for stomach and back sleepers (check 10 amazing mattresses for stomach sleeper). 
• Hybrid mattresses provide a balanced feel of support and comfort. 
• There are a good amount of options available in feel and construction.

Cons 

• The core layer of coils produces noise, which disturbs your sleep. 
• All models of hybrid mattresses are overpriced. 
• A steel coil and foam layer make it heavier and difficult to move and store. 
• Lacks motion isolation. 

What is memory foam?

Memory foam mattresses are viscoelastic foams. A memory foam mattress merges layers of other foams with memory foam. Generally, memory foam mattresses offer a soft feel that compresses with time when you apply pressure on them. However, these are more affordable, durable, quiet, and contour your body into a natural alignment.

What’s best about memory foam? 

The biggest advantage of memory foam mattresses is that they are specialized to offer spinal alignment and support. Thus, memory foam mattresses are a brilliant option for those with back problems (check 10 great mattresses for back pain).

They are quite durable as well as companies offer you lengthy warranties. On the other hand, memory foam delivers very little bounce. This is because of slow response and generally pressure absorption. In addition, a little bounce is a huge benefit to those who share their bed with a wriggly partner. 

A memory foam mattress is effortless to clean. Numerous models of memory foam mattresses are resistant to mites or dust, hypoallergenic, and additional airborne allergens. However, suppose your selection does not come with the hypoallergenic surface. In that case, you can separately purchase a breathable mattress topper, waterproof cover, and more accessories for additional comfort. 

Each memory foam mattress model differs from the other because of different types of foams and supports. Some are made from polyfoam, and others use latex foam during mattress construction. But all of them provide enhanced responsiveness, temperature neutrality, and durability.

What does memory foam lack?

Memory foam mattresses have an outstanding level of sinkage, and some people look for the sensation of laying on them. Unfortunately, this high level of sinkage makes a memory foam mattress uncomfortable. You will feel like enveloping your body. Some other people said that they become trapped in the memory foam mattress. 

An enormous lack of a memory foam mattress is that it is not a breathable option for you. It means that this mattress retains heat, and you will sleep hot. As a result, you will experience some sweaty and clammy feelings during sleep. Some advanced memory foam mattresses come with cooling surfaces to remove this issue. 

If your purchase doesn’t come with this advanced cooling memory foam mattress, you must purchase a breathable cooling mattress topper for sleeping cool separately. This purchase can be your additional expense. 

Pros

• A memory foam mattress conforms to your body, redistributes body weight, and relieves pressure from your sore muscles like the shoulder or hips (also check the best selling mattress toppers for hip pain). 
• It absorbs motion, which can help share the bed. 
• Memory foam mattress gives you a great hugging sensation because of a trait of close-conforming. 
• Many models are hypoallergenic and resistant to dust, mites, and airborne allergens. 
• They are providing incredible spinal support and other alignments.
•  Companies give you a lengthy warranty due to its durability.

Cons

• Memory foam mattresses do not regulate airflow and produce heat. 
• The construction of memory foam mattresses sags quickly due to the soft material that leaves an impression in the memory foam. 
• They come with a very little bounce or slow response, which gives you the feeling that you have become stuck in the mattress. 
• Memory foam mattresses are unsuitable if you are sleeping on your stomach (also check the top rated mattress toppers for stomach sleepers). 

Hybrid vs. Memory Foam Mattress – Side-by-Side Comparison

Now that you are entirely familiar with hybrid and memory foam mattresses, it is time to compare them side-by-side.. 

Features	Hybrid Mattress	Memory Foam Mattress
Supportive	Good	Bad
Breathable	Good	Bad
Noise	Bad	Good
Edge Support	Good	Bad
Motion Isolation	Bad	Good
Affordability	Bad	Good

A Hybrid Mattress Is More Supportive Than The Memory Foam

Support definition is not the same for everyone because everyone has their own sleeping position. But hybrid mattresses are more supportive if you sleep on your stomach or back. It is because of the coil support system. 

Coils can easily handle heavier weights as compared to memory foam mattresses. Apart from that, memory foam mattresses are made from polyfoam or other latex foam mattresses. These mattresses are more supportive compared to hybrid mattresses.

Furthermore, memory foam typically relieves pressure from your sore muscles and provides a proper alignment to your shoulders and hips. It also contours your body and gives you a comfortable and supportive sleep. 

Thus, a hybrid mattress is more supportive and comfortable due to a combination construction, including a top foam layer and a core coil system. 

Breathable – Hybrid Mattress Is The Winner

Breathability is an essential property of mattresses. Many companies make mattresses with a breathable top surface. This breathability regulates the airflow and keeps you cool and comfortable during sleep.

All the hybrid mattresses are breathable because of their innerspring coil systems. Air circulates between these metal coils and offers you a cooling surface of the mattress. Meanwhile, a memory foam mattress is thoroughly made with different foams that retain heat and keep you hot throughout the night.

However, if you want to purchase a memory foam mattress, you can purchase a breathable mattress topper separately. It is an additional expense, but it gives you a comfortable and cool good night’s sleep (check 10 mattress toppers with great comfort). 

So, if you don’t want to do any other expenses, a hybrid mattress is a great option. 

Memory Foam Is Quite As Compared To Hybrid Mattress 

Hybrid mattresses start to squeak with time. But, you will not feel this issue with a memory foam mattress because a memory foam mattress is made with all foam. And hybrid mattress comprises an innerspring or coil system. 

Additionally, those coils produce noise and give you uncomfortable sleep. If you are sharing your bed with your partner, and one of you moves at night, it will make noise and disturb your sleep (also check the best selling sturdy bed frames for active couple).

Consequently, a memory foam mattress is a winner in terms of noise because it does not make any noise and gives a comfortable and supportive good night’s sleep.

Edge Support – Hybrid Mattress Is The Winner

The memory is also known as polyurethane or viscoelastic foams. They don’t have any coil or innerspring system. And the hybrid mattresses are made with a foam layer, plus a coil system with sturdy edges. 

All types of sleepers can enjoy their sleep, whether they are sleeping on the edge of the mattress or in the center. On every side, you will find a supportive surface while sleeping on the hybrid mattress.

Moreover, if you choose a memory foam mattress, you will not find any edge support. Instead, a memory foam mattress gives you a surface with any sagging feeling.

Memory Foam Offers Superior Motion Isolation

The hybrid mattresses transfer motion due to the core coil system. If you share your bed with a partner who likes to move a lot at night, then a hybrid is not a good option. 

Whereas memory foam is ultimately foam, it can absorb motion and give you a comfortable sleep. It doesn’t matter if you have a bedmate or not. No one will disturb your sleep when you sleep on the memory mattress.

Therefore, polyfoam or memory foams are better in the trait of motion isolation plus noise control. But the coils systems produce noise and transfer motion.

Memory Foam Is more Affordable Than Hybrid

Another significant advantage of having a memory foam mattress is that it is the most affordable option compared to a hybrid mattress.

The hybrid mattress comprises two different things, including a supportive coil system and a foam layer. This combination makes it the most expensive option. However, it is costly but highly breathable, supportive, and durable. 

Memory foam is a fully foam-made mattress; there is no internal system but different layers of foam like latex or polyfoam, etc.

Are hybrid or memory foam mattresses better for back pain?

For back pain, memory foam often provides more targeted pressure relief by cradling the contours of the body. However, some hybrids provide excellent back support too, especially if they have targeted back support zones. Overall, medium-firm options of either can suit back pain.

Which type of mattress sleeps cooler, hybrid or memory foam?

Hybrid mattresses tend to sleep cooler overall due to better airflow through the coil layer. Newer memory foams have more advanced cooling properties but can still retain some heat. Adding a cooling topper or cover can help a memory foam sleep cooler.

Final Thought 

Hybrid and memory foam mattresses both have a score over one another. Hybrids are supportive, breathable, and offer better edge support. In contrast, memory foam mattresses are quiet, affordable, and isolate motion effectively. It is entirely up to you to decide which factors are more important to you (also check the best mattress in the world).