By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattressnut may receive a commission fee to support our work. See our affiliate disclosure.

Hybrid vs Innerspring Mattresses: Side by Side Analysis to Help You Decide

People with back pain have two options to choose from when it comes to mattresses. They can go for hybrids or innerspring mattresses. Hybrids are better when conforming, while innerspring is better for breathability. But they both have their pros and cons.

This comparison will reveal an in-depth analysis to conclude which mattress comes out on top (also check 10 amazing mattresses on the market).

Hybrid vs. Traditional Innerspring Mattresses – Which is Superior?

What are Hybrid Mattresses?

A hybrid mattress combines the responsive, supportive layer of coils and a plush conforming feel of premium memory foam mattress. Additionally, hybrid mattresses evolved into innerspring mattresses that give you a perfect balance of support and comfort.

hybrid vs innerspring mattress differences

Many manufacturers mix two different materials to make a hybrid mattress. Still, an actual hybrid mattress must have a supportive coil base with a 2-inch or more foam layer on top for comfort (check the top rated hybrid mattresses).

What’s best about Hybrid Mattresses?

Bounce and the edge support is the biggest advantage of sleeping on a hybrid mattress. Edge support permits you to sleep on the edge of the bed without losing support. The coils of a hybrid mattress provide a more responsive sleeping environment due to bounce.

Furthermore, the thick layer of its comfort foam relieves pressure from your sore muscles. A combination of coils and a thicker top establish fantastic motion isolation.

So, hybrid mattresses are an excellent choice for couples. In addition, if you are sharing your bed with your roommate, a hybrid mattress reduces motion transfer, and you will not disturb others’ movements during sleep.

The hybrid mattress is suitable for all types of sleepers or combination sleepers. So, whether you are sleeping on your stomach or back or prefer to sleep on your side, choose accurate firmness and enjoy a good night’s sleep (check 10 great mattresses for stomach sleepers).

Another appreciated benefit of using a hybrid mattress is that it comes with an airy design. The standard coil base regulates the air between these coils and removes collected moisture and heat. This gives you a top cooling layer of comfort. Thus, hybrid mattresses are also a brilliant option for hot sleepers.

What do hybrid mattresses lack?

The hybrid mattresses are heavier mattresses than all mattresses except latex mattresses. As a result, it is difficult to maneuver and store. Additionally, the core supportive coil system also makes noise after some time, which irritates you during sleep.

The hybrid mattresses are likely sagging because of coils. After a little time, the coils wear down, and the hybrid mattress becomes a sagging mattress about a full inch, giving you sore muscles in the morning.

On the other hand, hybrid mattresses are also a costly investment but are available in all sizes. However, they contour your body and give you a comfortable and supportive sleep. As you increase layering in your hybrid mattresses, it becomes more pricey for you (check 10 good mattresses under 2,000 dollars).

Pros

  • The top comfort layer relieves pressure from sore muscles and gives you a supportive and comfortable sleep (also check 10 top rated mattress toppers for pressure points).
  • It has an airy design that regulates air between the coil, removes moisture and heat, and keeps you cool during sleep.
  • A sturdy foam around the coil layer gives you excellent edge support, so feel supportive if you are lying on the edge of the mattress.
  • Each coil is wrapped to distribute your body weight equally and reduce motion transfer, so it is ideal for couples who like to move around during sleep.
  • You can enjoy versatile comfort according to your sleeping position: suitable for all types of sleep or combination sleepers with customized firmness.

Cons

  • Hybrid mattresses are costly because of their different materials and layers.
  • The center layer of coils also produces some irritating noise after some usage.
  • It is also difficult to carry or move from one room to another because they are much heavier mattresses.
  • The core layer of coils minimizes, leading to sagging that gives you sore muscles in the morning.

What are Innerspring Mattresses?

hybrid vs innerspring mattress pros and cons

Before memory foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses were introduced and became a popular type of mattress. The most prominent feature of the innerspring mattress is its bounce and springiness because of the coil layer.

Furthermore, this supportive coil structure is covered with a thin layer of foam on top. The coil count and gauge impact the feel and cost of an innerspring mattress.

What’s best about Innerspring Mattresses?

The innerspring mattresses consist of thin comfort layers that make the mattress firmer. Firmness always varies from person to person. All are having their sleeping position. Some like to sleep on their side, back, or stomach (check the best selling mattresses for side sleepers). Others are combination sleepers. But firm mattresses are not suitable for petite sleepers.

The best advantage of having an innerspring mattress is that they are lightweight, so you can easily move from one place to another (check the top rated mattresses for light people). Additionally, it is made from fewer foam materials, making it budget efficient.

The thin foam layer of the innerspring mattress enhanced its breathability. More breathable mattresses ensure sweat-free good night’s sleep. However, if you don’t feel it is cooler, you can purchase a breathable topper separately for maximum comfort.

To enhance its lifespan, you can also use a boxspring. The box spring prevents it from sagging off prematurely. Different manufacturers use different coils, such as continuous. Offset, pocket, or Bonnell. All kinds of coils vary in features, so be careful when purchasing your innerspring mattress.

What do Innerspring mattresses lack?

The biggest drawback of the innerspring mattress is that the inside coils create a firm topper that cannot conform to your body completely. This firmer surface is not suitable for all types of sleepers. It can give you sore muscles when you wake up in the morning.

Moreover, the thin layer of comfort doesn’t do an excellent job of keeping out dirt, dust, pollen, cells of dead skin, and other allergens. There is plenty of room inside the coils for debris to accumulate and settle. Therefore, it is not recommended for allergy-sensitive sleepers.

Innerspring mattresses become sag faster as compared to other mattresses. And sagging mattresses are one of the significant reasons you woke up with sore muscles.

On the other hand, innerspring mattresses also decrease their durability. This happened due to creaking and squeaking issues. You can feel these issues if you share your mattress with a partner.

Pros

  • Innerspring mattresses are easily accessible and the most budget-efficient option for you (check 10 amazing mattresses under $1,000).
  • Innerspring coils regulate airflow between coils and give you a cooling and sweat-free sleep throughout the night.
  • They are made from fewer foam materials that make them lightweight, so you can easily move from one room to another.
  • The firm surface is suitable if you are having pain in your back (check 10 top quality mattresses for back pain). It provides outstanding support.

Cons

  • Innerspring mattresses become sag faster and give you sore muscles in the morning.
  • It comes with less durability due to creaking and squeaking issues.
  • An innerspring mattress is not recommended for allergy-sensitive sleepers because a thin layer doesn’t keep out dust, mites, and other allergens.

Hybrid or Innerspring Mattress – Side-by-Side Comparison

The main factor in the hybrid vs. innerspring mattresses post is that both use coil technology in their structure and give you different comfort layers.

For more clarity, we have categorized some differences that show you a side-by-side comparison.

Features Hybrid Mattress Innerspring Mattress
Comfort Yes No
Spinal Alignment Yes No
Thermoregulation No Yes
Pressure Relieve Yes No
Affordability No Yes

Comfort – Ultimate Winner is the Hybrid Mattress

A thick foam layer covered hybrid mattress core coils that provide incredible comfort (check 10 mattresses with great comfort). The best advantage of using a hybrid mattress is that it provides versatile comfort by offering different firmnesses and designs.

You can pick soft hybrids for petite and side slippers, medium feels for combination sleepers, and firm firmness supporting stomach, plus-size, and back sleepers.

Meanwhile, the innerspring mattress comes with a thin foam layer that makes the comfort layer firm. And firm firmness is suitable for those who are back sleepers.

The firm innerspring mattress supports your back and gives you a comfortable sleep. However, other sleepers need additional bedding accessories to confirm their bodies while sleeping.

Spinal Alignment – Hybrid Mattress is the Winner

The hybrid mattress is responsive and supportive, delivering comfortable and structural support. Some hybrid mattresses are designed to offer relief for your body. The manufacturer infused some gel in the core foam that contours your pelvis, shoulder, and neck for maximum support (check the top rated mattresses for shoulder pain).

While the traditional innerspring mattress comes with stiff support that relieves your lower back, however, innerspring mattresses have a thin comfort layer that cannot conform your spine into a natural shape.

You have to apply an additional plush mattress topper if your selection is an innerspring mattress to confirm your body.

Thermoregulation – Our Vote is for Innerspring Mattress

Hybrid and innerspring mattresses are made from a coil system, but the top comfort layers make them different. The top surface of the mattresses controls the temperature of the mattress.

Consequently, the hybrid mattress has a thick top foam layer that limits the airflow, but the core coil system helps circulate airflow. And, you can feel a cooling and comfortable sleeping experience. But if you are a hot sleeper, this is not a good option for you because of limited air circulation.

In the case of an innerspring mattress, that is a combination of inner coils with a thin foam comfort layer. This combination enhances the airflow and gives you a cooling feature in the innerspring mattress. So, hot sleepers can pick it with confidence for a sweat-free good night’s sleep.

Hence, our vote for thermoregulation goes to the innerspring mattresses. The thin comfort layer properly circulates the air and wicks heat to give the mattress a cooling surface.

Pressure Relieve – The Award Goes to Hybrid Mattress

The comfort layer plays a vital role in pressure relief. And the thick foam always contours your sore muscles and gives you a comfortable and good morning.

The hybrid mattresses are equipped with a thick comfort layer. The companies use latex or memory foam with at least 2-inch thick foam.

The inner mattress comes with a thin comfort layer of below 2-inch thickness. The manufacturer uses latex foam, memory foam, cotton, and polyurethane foam. And a thin comfort layered your mattress on a firm surface.

The firm surface is not suitable for all types of sleepers. Furthermore, it doesn’t contour your body in a better way. So the firm layer only contours the back sleeper spine. Other sleepers need additional conforming mattress toppers for comfortable sleep.

Therefore, a hybrid mattress helps to relieve pressure from your sore joints and provides a brilliant relief. And, you can sleep with comfort and support throughout the night.

Affordability – Innerspring Mattress is the Winner

Hybrid and innerspring mattresses offer great contouring, supportive, and comfortable features. But affordability is also the main category for side-by-side comparison.

Hybrid mattresses are manufactured with advanced technologies or systems that make them costly compared to other mattresses.

However, the innerspring mattresses are the traditional mattresses that were established before memory foam beds. The company uses innerspring and foam materials to construct it. That is the reason it is a lightweight mattress. This lightweight construction makes it most budget-efficient for you.

Final Thought

Hybrid mattresses are a better option compared to innerspring. They offer the best of both worlds, with memory foam comfort layers and innerspring base layers.

But these hybrids come with a hefty price tag, and you don’t find these options available from all brands. Innersprings are older mattresses that are readily available and come at a much lower price.

They also offer pretty good support, but they are not durable either. If you are looking for the best value for money and durability, hybrids are better, but if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, then innerspring mattresses are better (check 10 amazing mattresses under $500).