Hybrid mattress vs memory foam – what the differences are, and which is best for you

If you’ve been looking to buy a new mattress, there’s a high chance that you’ve come across the hybrid mattress vs memory foam mattress debate. 

We know the importance of getting the best mattress for your money, and knowing how to choose the right mattress from a huge range of different materials, firmness and styles is tricky. The biggest debate we've found when testing mattresses for our reviews is between hybrid mattresses and memory foam mattresses. 

They are often pipped against each other, and this in part stems from the marmite nature of memory foam mattresses. You either love or hate them, but the hybrid mattress aims to be the crowd-pleaser that offers a middle ground to suit most styles of sleepers.

Hybrid versus memory foam mattress

To help you work out which mattress camp you fall into we’ve outlined everything you could possibly need to know about hybrid and memory foam mattresses. Including the differences between them, which one is better, and the Ideal Home top mattress picks we think will help improve your sleep. 

What is a memory foam mattress?

A 'memory foam' mattress is usually a mix of an all-foam base topped with a layer of memory foam.

Hybrid mattresses were invented in 2008, but memory foam’s history can be traced back much further. In fact, memory foam was first invented in the 1960s by NASA-funded researchers looking for a pressure-relieving material to use on spaceship seats. 

In the 1990s, the polyurethane foam was then used as the main material in a mattress - and the mattress world hasn’t looked back since. That’s because this material can use body heat to mould to the unique shapes and curvatures of the human body. This provides both support and comfort, especially as the mattress has the ability to remember your sleeping position for optimum comfort every single day. 

What are the benefits of a memory foam mattress?

• They’re extremely comfortable: One of the main reasons people love memory foam mattresses is because of how comfortable they are. That’s due to the fact that the memory foam material naturally contours to the body’s shape and curves, which reduces the pressure on your spine and joints, making for a more comfortable night’s sleep. 
• They reduce motion transfer: If you sleep in the same bed as a restless sleeper, a memory foam mattress could be the perfect option for you. That’s because the soft foam material keeps motion transfer to a minimum, unlike coil or spring mattresses. This means that you shouldn’t feel the bed move when the other person moves. 
• They’re great for side sleepers: Statistics show the majority of people sleep on their side, and memory foam mattresses are very well suited to these types of sleepers. The memory foam material will cradle you throughout the night, offering comfort and support at the same time. 
• They’re very quiet: Anyone who has ever slept on a coil bed will know that they can be very noisy, especially as it gets older. As a memory foam mattress is made from foam, it shouldn’t make any noise at all when you twist and turn during the night.

What are the cons of a memory foam mattress?

• They can feel claustrophobic: Although many people appreciate the fact that memory foam contours to their body shape, there are others who hate this feeling. For some, it can feel incredibly claustrophobic and uncomfortable. 
• They require off-gassing: If you buy a new memory foam mattress, don’t be alarmed if it smells for a few days. This is due to the volatile organic compounds within the mattress, and this smell is totally harmless. It’ll take a few days of off-gassing for these compounds to evaporate and for the smell to go away. So, you just need to be patient. 
• They can be very hot: Memory foam mattresses are notoriously bad at helping the body regulate its temperature, as the thick foam material traps body heat and keeps it there all night. This means that many people who run hot during the night find memory foam to be too hot for them. 

What is a hybrid mattress?

Although everyone has heard of a hybrid mattress, some don’t understand the intricacies of this mattress or what makes it so different from a memory foam mattress. So, let’s break it down. 

‘A hybrid mattress is a magical combination of a memory foam and sprung mattress, featuring an innerspring base and a memory foam top,’ explains Victoria Cedeno, Sleep and Brand Specialist at Zinus. ‘Marrying together the best of both worlds, a hybrid mattress can provide bouncy, durable support, as well as enveloping, contoured comfort.’ 

But while the innerspring base is normally the same for each hybrid mattress, the comfort layer on top doesn’t necessarily have to be memory foam. In fact, some brands offer hybrid mattresses with a comfort layer that’s made from latex, micro coils, polyfoam, or a mixture of two or more of these materials. 

The key difference between a memory foam mattress and a hybrid mattress is that a pure foam mattress doesn't have any springs inside it. 

Victoria Cedeno

Zinus’ Sleep and Brand Specialist Victoria is perfectly placed to comment on all things home and sleep. From the latest trends to top tips for encouraging good sleep health, the South Korean brand is already well-established in the USA and is looking to make its mark on the UK and EU markets.

What are the benefits of a hybrid mattress?

• They suit all sleeping positions: No matter whether you’re a side sleeper, you sleep on your back, you sleep on your front, or you sleep in all of the above positions, a hybrid mattress will suit you. That's because the bouncy coils in the main part of the mattress allow for all kinds of movement, keeping you supported throughout the night. 
• They’re good for joint pain: If you’re looking for the best mattress for back pain or general joint pain, a hybrid mattress could fit the bill. Rebecca Swain, sleep expert at Winstons Beds, explains, ‘Hybrid mattresses offer enough support and comfort so those suffering from hip pain won’t wake up abruptly throughout the night and won’t suffer from a stiff hip in the morning.’
• They’re durable: It’s important to know how often you should change a mattress, but one benefit of a hybrid mattress is that they tend to last longer than memory foam mattresses. That’s because the softness of the memory foam material causes it to sag much quicker, while the mixture of the coils and the comfort layer are able to withstand more use.

What are the cons of a hybrid mattress?

• They’re often more expensive: Rebecca explains, ‘Hybrid mattresses tend to be a bit more expensive, which can make them less appealing to customers.’  In fact, this high price tag can put people off and push them in the direction of memory foam instead. 
• They’re not great with motion transfer: Although hybrid mattresses offer a softer foam top, many people still find the coils in the bulk of the mattress to be a nuisance during the night. That’s because the bouncy coils struggle to absorb motion transfer, which means the mattress will sag and bounce when you or your partner moves. 

The final verdict: which one is better?

Now we’ve seen the pros and cons, do we have a winner in the hybrid mattress vs memory foam debate? Well, it really depends on how you sleep.

If you are a side and back sleeper, with a partner who tosses and turns all night a memory foam mattress is a better option. 

Meanwhile, if you are a front sleeper, or you run hot at night, a hybrid mattress is likely best for you. 

However, one size (or two!) doesn't fit all, so physically lie on mattresses to help you find your perfect composition or at least ensure your mattress has a good returns policy if it doesn't work out.

Hybrid mattress vs memory foam: our top picks

We have tried and tested all of these mattresses following a thorough testing protocol to help you make the right decision. These are just the highlight reels to give you a taste of the very best options we've tested

Best memory foam mattresses

Best hybrid mattresses

FAQs

Most mattresses will come with a sleep trial for you to work out how comfortable it is. If you're still on the fence at the purchasing point, be sure to check this out and take advantage of it. If the mattress isn't right for you, don't keep it.