What’s the Best Hybrid Mattress for You? Here’s the Sleep Doctor’s Take

As you shop for a new mattress, there are a number of factors to consider. For instance, which mattress type is right for you? Some prefer the firmer feel of an innerspring mattress, while others are better off with the cushioning, contouring feel of memory foam. Both options have their pros and cons, but thankfully, you don’t actually have to choose between them if you find the best hybrid mattress for your sleep needs.

Hybrid mattresses combine multiple mattress components, which might include innerspring coils, memory foam, latex, and more. Ideally, a hybrid mattress will offer you the best of all possible worlds. This approach to mattress design has really taken off in recent years, with many of the top mattress products embracing the hybrid ethos. There are so many hybrids out there, in fact, that it can prove difficult to determine which one is right for you. Luckily, the Sleep Doctor’s already done the hard part for you.

Michael Breus, Ph.D (aka, the Sleep Doctor) partnered with the team at Mattress Advisor to compile a list of the 10 best hybrid mattresses based on a comprehensive review process. With the help of their combined expertise, we’ve outlined a few of our favorites, and also provided some guidelines for picking the mattress best-suited to your sleeping position, comfort preferences, and budget.

We’ll start with a roundup of 10 highly recommended hybrid mattresses.

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

Best Overall:  

• Expert Pick: Saatva
• Best for Side Sleepers: Casper Wave Hybrid
• Best for Athletes: Bear Hybrid
• Best Luxury Hybrid Mattress: DreamCloud
• Best Organic Hybrid Mattress: Birch

Honorable Mentions: 

• Best Hybrid Mattress for Hot Sleepers: Layla Hybrid
• Best for Pressure Relief: Brooklyn Signature
• Best for Heavier Sleepers: Big Fig
• Best for Couples: Leesa Hybrid
• Best for Spinal Alignment: Nest Latex Hybrid

The team at Mattress Advisor performed hours of mattress testing at their lab in Raleigh, North Carolina to see which mattresses performed best in many different categories: firmness, pressure relief, and motion transfer, to name a few. All mattresses tested by Mattress Advisor are scored on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the perfect score, based on 14 different pieces of criteria related to the mattress materials, performance, and brand overall.  

Later in the article, we’ll explain what sets each of these hybrid mattresses apart. Before we get into that, however, let’s take a closer look at some of the chief considerations to make as you shop.

What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Hybrid Mattress

When it comes to buying a new mattress, there’s no one “right” answer. It all comes down to your body type, your sleep position, and what kind of comfort level you’re looking for.

Health Conditions that Hybrid Mattresses Benefit

Often, people who suffer from back and joint pain find the relief they need in a hybrid mattress. That’s because a hybrid can offer the soft, supple comfort of a foam mattress, combined with the supportiveness of innerspring coils. But really, when it comes to back pain, the primary concern isn’t mattress type so much as mattress firmness level. A study done by the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that medium-firm mattresses helped to reduce clinically-diagnosed back pain, shoulder pain, and spine stiffness. A firmer mattress will be better for evenly distributing your body weight, keeping the strain off your joints and pressure points.

Learn more about finding the best mattress for back pain for you.

Something else that’s worth mentioning is that hybrid mattresses tend to be good options for hot sleepers. This includes women who are going through menopause, and who find that hot flashes and night sweats make it challenging to get a decent night’s sleep. Where all-foam beds tend to retain body heat, hybrids tend to sleep cooler. This is because hybrid beds usually integrate cooler materials like coils into the mattress, which help to disperse heat better than foam, according to a study done by the bedding company Leggett & Platt and the Kansas State University Institute of Environmental Research. 

Why the Sleep Doctor Recommends Hybrid Mattresses

“While everyone is different, a hybrid mattress gives the consumer the best opportunity at finding the materials that work well for them. They get to take advantage of the benefits of two types of technology for their sleep!” says Dr. Michael Breus, Ph.D. 

Your Sleeping Position

Something else to think about is your sleeping position. Do you tend to lay flat on your back? Curl up on your side? Lie face down on your stomach? As Dr. Michael Breus mentions in his article about sleep position, there really isn’t one perfect position that works for every sleeper across the board or bed. Sleep position varies from person to person based on their unique physical characteristics. Some people actually adjust their sleeping position through the night, alternating between their side, back and stomach; we refer to these folks as combination sleepers. Knowing your starting sleep position is really the first step toward finding the best mattress.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers tend to experience the most pressure on their joints, which makes it important for them to find an option with pressure relieving qualities. We’d recommend a medium firm hybrid with an added comfort layer, which will contour to the shape of the body and ease the burden on the shoulders and hips. The Sleep Doctor points to the Casper Wave Hybrid as a great choice for side sleepers, because it’s soft foam layers cradle your pressure points, and its medium-firmness ensures proper support. As mentioned above, medium firm mattresses aid in relieving shoulder pain, which is usually where the most pressure collects when lying on your side. 

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers, on the other hand, are prone to sinkage; they may find that they fall a bit too far into their mattress, and wish for something a little more supportive. For these sleepers, we’d recommend something just a bit firmer, preferably without that cushioning comfort layer. The Saatva’s luxury firm or firm models would offer sturdy support best for back sleeping.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping can actually cause a number of health issues, according to the Sleep Doctor. Resting on your stomach can be hard on your head and neck, causing neck pain, and it can cause a curvature to form in your spine, which leads to back pain and stiffness. But, if you’re a dedicated stomach sleeper, you can still find a mattress that supports your sleep position. Like back sleepers, stomach sleepers benefit from hybrids that are higher on the firmness scale. This ensures you get enough support to keep your hips and chest from sinking. Alternatively, consider a hybrid bed made with latex, which pushes back against the body and provides the needed support. The Sleep Doctor points to the Brooklyn Signature as an ideal choice for stomach sleepers; it’s foam layers cushion your neck, and the coils prevent any sagging or sinking.

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers usually frequent many sleep positions throughout the night, which is why they need a versatile mattress. Latex also works well for combination sleepers, who tend to be most comfortable when they have a “bouncy” mattress that adjusts to the movements of their body. A mattress with more bounce is also easier to move around on, which benefits combination sleepers who want to switch positions effortlessly without sinking into the bed. The Sleep Doctor stressed spine alignment for combination sleepers, which ensures you get the support you need no matter the position you land in. Because of this, Dr. Breus highlights the Nest Latex Hybrid as a good pick for combination sleepers in need of lumbar support.

Mattress Firmness

One more thing to think about as you buy a new mattress is the firmness level. The average mattress offers a medium-firm feel, which tends to be great for side sleepers. If you sleep on your back or on your side, it may be worthwhile to try something just a bit firmer and more supportive. Also note that there are flippable mattresses, which provide two different firmness options in one. And, a number of the leading mattress brands come with customizable firmness levels, letting you pick your comfort level at the time of purchase.

Learn more about the best firm mattresses for your sleep needs.

The 10 Best Hybrid Mattresses, According to the Sleep Doctor 

Now you’re equipped with everything you need to know about hybrid mattresses, and the benefits they offer. Keep each of these shopping considerations in mind as you review the Sleep Doctor’s selections for the 10 best hybrid mattresses on the market today. No matter your body type or sleep position, we think you’ll find something on this list that fits your needs and delivers a restful night’s sleep.

1. Expert Pick: Saatva Classic

We’ll start with Saatva’s flagship mattress product, which in many ways sets the bar high for hybrid mattresses everywhere. The Saatva is made with five premium materials: Quilted euro pillow top, individually wrapped coils, an all-foam encasement, a memory foam comfort layer, and a durable steel coil base. Together, these materials offer hotel-level quality and ample support.

Let’s dig deeper into Saatva’s impressive dual coil system. Most hybrid mattresses contain some sort of coil system, but Saatva’s is next level. A layer of comfort coils work together with a base layer of coils to offer you extreme durability and reinforced support. The comfort coils respond to your movements for easy transitions, and the support coils prevent sagging by ensuring maximum strength. 

But wait: There’s more to be said about the Saatva. Consider its three different firmness levels, letting you pick whether you want something plush, firm, or luxury firm. Customizable firmness is hard to come by and gives you the upperhand in determining your mattress’s feel. The Sleep Doctor recommends the luxury firm or firm options for back sleepers, while the plush model suits side sleepers nicely. Contemplate the free white-glove delivery and setup that allows you to sit back and relax, while the Saatva team does the heavy mattress lifting for you. As far as hybrid mattresses go, the Saatva knocks it out of the park– and if you’re still hesitant to purchase a mattress online, the 120-day trial period gives you ample time to try out the bed.

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5
• Firmness: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm
• Warranty: 15-year Limited

Saatva Classic, $1,299 for a Queen, saatva.com (Click to see exclusive offer)

2. Best for Side Sleepers: Casper Wave Hybrid

In a lot of ways, you might say that the Casper Wave Hybrid is a textbook example of a hybrid mattress design. Its innerspring system offers durability and support, while a memory foam layer keeps you cushioned and cozy. There’s even a latex layer to provide the bouncy feel that combination sleepers crave. 

And yet, where the Casper Wave Hybrid really shines is side sleeping. That’s because of its excellent spinal alignment — it scored an impressive 9 out of 10 in Mattress Advisor’s test. This means the Wave Hybrid can help you maintain a neutral spine posture as you lay on your side, making it more likely that you’ll wake up feeling refreshed, absent any creakiness or stiffness. Even better, the Casper’s pressure-relieving memory foam layer excels in cradling your hips and shoulders for maximum pain relief and helps avoid pressure build up. 

As an added bonus, this mattress is a great option for couples, delivering motion transfer that keeps both partners sleeping soundly. And with the added durability of the pocket-coil system, you can rest assured knowing this mattress will last you for years.

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5
• Firmness: Medium
• Warranty: 10-year Limited

Casper Wave Hybrid, $2,595 for a Queen, casper.com (Click to see exclusive offer)

3. Best for Athletes: Bear Hybrid

Do you lead an active lifestyle? Whether you play on a team or you just like spending time at the gym, you know that regular physical activity can take a toll on your body. If that’s the boat you’re in, the Bear Hybrid was made with you in mind. This hybrid mattress is actually intended to promote sleep while expediting muscle recovery in athletes. And bonus: these same qualities make it a good choice for women going through menopause.

The mattress is made with both springs and foam, but what really sets it apart is the presence of Celliant technology. This actually converts the heat from your body into infrared energy, which helps muscles bounce back from a long day’s exertion. 

Another standout feature of the Bear Hybrid is its spine alignment. Our reviewers were so impressed with how well the Bear maintained a neutral position that they gave it a near-perfect score. This is great news for active individuals in need of back pain relief, or who just want a bed that promotes a healthy posture. 

To top it off, the Celliant infusion means the mattress sleeps cooler. Not only is this a good option for active people to consider, but it’s also an outstanding example of truly innovative, forward-thinking mattress design.

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5
• Firmness: Medium-firm
• Warranty: 20-year

Bear Hybrid, $1,390 for a Queen, bearmattress.com (Click to see exclusive offer)

4. DreamCloud: Best Luxury Hybrid Mattress

Ready to lie down in the lap of luxury? Give the DreamCloud a try. This mattress is designed with six premium layers, including dense foam and sturdy innerspring coils. A cashex cashmere blend starts off the mattress, and provides a decadently soft feel. As if that wasn’t enough, a euro top made of comfort foam follows suit, conforming to your body for hotel-style comfort. And with a layer of low motion transfer foam and an edge shield coil system, its innovative construction is intended to give your spine the support that it needs while also cradling your body for that comfy cozy feel. The low motion foam limits motion transfer, so you can sleep uninterrupted despite any movements from the other side of the bed, and the coil system provides incredible edge support and breathability. Because of this, the DreamCloud checks off a lot of boxes: It sleeps cool, works well for couples, and relieves pressure points.

A universal fit is yet another perk that comes with the DreamCloud. Because this mattress’s lux design provides maximum support and comfort, all sleep positions would sleep well on this bed. The DreamCloud also utilizes high-quality materials that increase the bed’s durability, lending it to support sleepers of all body types as well as seniors.

On top of all that, it also offers a great value. Its price point is much less than other beds within the luxury mattress space, and it’s augmented with a year-long sleep trial period and a lifetime warranty. In other words, you can enjoy this high-end mattress without having to pay a top dollar.

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5
• Firmness: Medium-firm
• Warranty: Lifetime

DreamCloud, $1,399 for a Queen, dreamcloudsleep.com (Click to see exclusive offer)

5. Best Organic Hybrid Mattress: Birch

Are you looking for a mattress that leaves a minimal environmental footprint? Take a look at the Birch, a hybrid, made with all-natural materials. The foams that it uses are all certified as non-toxic, and the wool is organically sourced from New Zealand. These materials are carefully assembled by hand, with a commitment to overall quality. Maybe it’s worth noting that the Birch is backed with a 25-year warranty, so clearly it’s a product they’re confident in.

The Birch is also durable, and works well for couples who share a bed together. Great spine alignment makes it a good fit for side sleepers. And it offers outstanding edge support, which keeps you in the middle of the mattress and allows you to sit on the edge and still feel supported. One potential caveat: It’s not the best for hot sleepers due to its wool design.

• Mattress Type: Hybrid 
• Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5
• Firmness: Medium-firm
• Warranty: 25-year

Birch, $1,499 for a Queen, birchliving.com (Click to see exclusive offer)

6. Best Hybrid Mattress for Hot Sleepers: Layla Hybrid

One great option for hot sleepers is the Layla Hybrid, which offers an innerspring core that’s padded on either side with memory foam. That memory foam is infused with copper, which can help alleviate inflammation and joint pain. And the mattress offers two firmness options to choose from: If you don’t like the plush side, just flip it over and try the firmer one. 

But the big draw here is that it’s a mattress that’s made to sleep cool. While a lot of foam beds struggle with heat retention, the Layla Hybrid features a copper-infused memory foam layer that helps absorb excess body heat. Also, its hybrid design makes for a cooler bed overall, because the coils allow more room for heat to escape. These innovative features are made to help you avoid the night sweats, and to keep you cool all night long. Sleeping cool has also been proven to improve your sleep by preventing any disruptions caused by overheating. 

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Customer Rating: 5 out of 5
• Firmness: Dual-firmness; soft and firm
• Warranty: 10-year

Layla, $1,599 for a Queen, laylasleep.com (Click to see exclusive offer)

7. Best for Pressure Relief: Brooklyn Signature

Joint pain and pressure can make it difficult for you to get comfortable or to fall asleep at night. Thankfully, a good mattress can offer some relief. The Brooklyn Signature is an especially good option for people in need of pressure relief thanks to the incredibly high marks it received in the Mattress Advisor pressure relief test (a 9.5 out of 10). Its combination of foam and coils provides just the right balance of supple support and overall comfort. The individually-wrapped coils ensure proper support, while still responding to your movements. 

Some additional reasons to think about a Brooklyn Signature bed: It’s designed to be a universal mattress, which means it works well for side sleepers, stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and combination sleepers alike. It allows you to choose from three different firmness levels so you can handpick your mattress’s feel. One drawback: So-so motion isolation properties make this a lackluster option for couples.

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5
• Firmness: Plush, Medium, and Firm
• Warranty: 10-year Limited

Brooklyn Signature, $999 for a Queen, brooklynbedding.com (Click to see exclusive offer)

8. Best for Heavier Sleepers: Big Fig

Before you toss out your old mattress, make sure you find a new one that matches your body type. For plus-sized sleepers, it’s especially important to look for a mattress that’s made with you in mind and offers the support you need. The Big Fig is actually a bed that’s just for heavier sleepers, right down to the custom-made foundation that it comes with.

When it comes to the Big Fig’s coil layer, the Sleep Doctor was impressed with how the Big Fig uses 50% more coils than average innerspring mattresses on the market and features a high-density foam layer for premium edge support. This means it provides more durability and a supportive feel. which is crucial for heavyweight sleepers. 

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Warranty: 20-year

Big Fig, $1,699 for a Queen, bigfigmattress.com (Click to see exclusive offer)

9. Best for Couples: Leesa Hybrid

Couples have specific needs from a mattress, like motion isolation for uninterrupted sleep, responsiveness to make it easy to move around, and a firmness level that works for both partners. Hybrid mattresses are already attractive to couples, because the combination of foam and coils strike a nice balance between comfort and support, not to mention hybrid mattresses are usually more durable than all-foam beds. The Leesa Hybrid excels in all of those areas, so it’s no surprise it’s a popular choice among twosomes. 

Starting with Leesa’s proprietary Avena foam, the Leesa Hybrid contours to your curves while keeping you cool. The perforated foam and layer of pocketed coils allow for maximum airflow and breathability, which is important for couples who don’t want to wake up hot and sticky after cuddling with their partner. Next comes the recovery foam layer, which is to thank for this bed’s excellent responsiveness. This foam bounces back against your movements, making it effortless to switch positions. The Leesa Hybrid almost scored a perfect 10 in responsiveness, but that’s not all it has to offer.

Because the Leesa uses superior technology, it also dominates in motion isolation. The base layer features active pocket-spring coils which limit motion transfer by stabilizing the foam layers above. Also, the medium-firmness level and excellent spine alignment score (a perfect 10!) make the Leesa Hybrid suited for all sleep positions.

Other worthy features include Leesa’s social mission. With every 10 mattresses sold, Leesa donates one to those in need. You can sleep even better on your Leesa knowing you’re supporting a company that gives back.

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Warranty: 10-year Limited

Leesa Hybrid, $1,699 for a Queen, leesa.com (Click to see exclusive offer)

10. Best for Spinal Alignment: Nest Latex Hybrid

What do we mean when we talk about spinal alignment? Basically, we’re talking about the mattress’ ability to promote a healthy and neutral posture, particularly among side and stomach sleepers. We know how important spine alignment is thanks to the Sleep Doctor, who stresses the importance of spine alignment for both a healthy back and healthy sleep. This is a critical consideration as you seek a comfortable night’s rest, and a morning without aches and pains.

The Nest Latex Hybrid performs very well in this category. And that’s not all. It also offers you three firmness levels to choose from; get a plush mattress, a firm mattress, or something in between. Its latex foam construction makes it a good pick for eco-friendly shoppers, and also for those who have allergies. And, it’s all backed by a lifetime warranty so you can rest assured knowing you’re well-protected.

• Mattress Type: Hybrid (with latex)
• Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5
• Firmness: Plush, Medium, and Firm
• Warranty: Lifetime

Nest Hybrid, $799 for a Queen, nestbedding.com (Click to see exclusive offer)

Final Thoughts on How to Choose the Right Hybrid Mattress for You

For that perfect blend of comfort, extra support, and temperature regulation, hybrid mattresses offer just what you’re looking for. As you consider the options, make sure you’re clear about your own sleep position and comfort preferences. No matter what you’re looking for, we think you’ll find it in one of these outstanding hybrid selections.

Sources for this Article

Avocado Green. 2020. “Support: Our Innerspring Unit.” https://service.avocadogreenmattress.com/hc/en-us/articles/360024056791-Tell-me-more-about-the-innerspring-support-unit-How-many-coils-are-there-What-gauge-are-they-

Birch Living. 2019. “Wool Integrity NZ Brand Partner License” Helix Sleep. https://birchliving.com/storage/pdfs/Wool_Integrity_Cert.pdf

Comfort Option. 2018. “Cooling Technology, For Your Best Night’s Sleep.” https://www.comfortoption.com/mattress-engineering#kulkote-cooling

Hungs, Marcel. 2010. University of California Center for Sleep Medicine. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0661/5815/files/Pilot-Sleep-Study-Dr.-Marcel-Hungs-2009-2010.pdf?3161

John Hopkins Medicine. 2020. “Choosing the Best Sleep Position.” Health Wellness and Prevention (blog). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/choosing-the-best-sleep-position

Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2009. “Changes in back pain, sleep quality, and perceived stress after introduction of new bedding systems.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine (Vol. 8, Issue 1), March 8, 2009. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2697581/#:~:text=Jacobson%20et%20al%2C29%20in,efficiency%20with%20medium%2Dfirm%20bedding

Leggett & Platt. 2020. “Open Coil” Kansas State University Institute of Environmental Research. https://beddingcomponents.com/open-coil#:~:text=Much%20of%20their%20success%20is,University%20Institute%20of%20Environmental%20Research.

Selnick, Matthew. 2018. “Embrace.” Program of Industrial Design Capstones. https://jdc.jefferson.edu/idcapstones/26 

 

The post What’s the Best Hybrid Mattress for You? Here’s the Sleep Doctor’s Take appeared first on Your Guide to Better Sleep.

from Blog | Your Guide to Better Sleep https://ift.tt/2PBOtY9
https://ift.tt/39Wcbr7