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Memory Foam vs Hybrid Mattress: Which Is Best?

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There are a lot of mattress types out there. Whilst navigating your way through the different types, styles and materials, it’s easy to get bogged down with all the choice.

That’s why we’ve put together some simple guides on choosing the right mattress type for you. Next up: mattress hybrid vs memory foam. Which is best?

From construction and materials to comfort and support - we delve into the differences and benefits of each to help you make the right decision for your own sleeping needs.

Let’s get stuck in...


What are Hybrid Mattresses?


Let’s start with the basics. A hybrid mattress combines two or more different types of mattress elements in one.

For example, a hybrid mattress could be made up of:

  • An open coil base and foam comfort layer
  • A pocket sprung base and a memory foam top layer
  • Springs and different types of mattress foam (reflex, gel, memory foam)

Hybrid mattress construction


What are the Benefits of a Hybrid Mattress?


As the majority of hybrid mattresses are made of a mixture of springs and foam, they tend to be more breathable than some memory foam designs, as there is more space for air to flow.

Hybrid mattresses can offer great support and are particularly suited to heavier sleepers or stomach sleepers looking for the perfect balance of comfort and support.

Combining pocketed coils and foam can increase the durability of the mattress.

By combining different mattress elements in one, hybrid mattresses are great for solving common sleep problems such as overheating or lack of support as you can mix and match what you need from your mattress.

To sum up, hybrid mattresses are:

  • Breathable
  • Supportive
  • Durable
  • Diverse
  • Suitable for all sleeping positions


What is Memory Foam?


Memory foam softens on contact with body weight and warmth, providing a soft supportive feel that moulds to your individual body shape. The foam allows you to gently sink into the mattress.

Full memory foam mattresses do not have springs and are made up of layers of foam.

Memory foam mattress construction


What are the Benefits of Memory Foam?


Thanks to the foam’s ability to react to body heat and mould to your form, memory foam offers superior pressure relief for pressure points such as hips and shoulders. It also allows your spine to rest in its natural position for optimal alignment.

No wonder memory foam is used in medical and orthopaedic mattresses designed to relieve back pain and conditions such as arthritis.

Memory foam also provides motion isolation, so if you share your bed with a wriggly partner, you won’t be able to feel them tossing and turning in the night!

Finally, memory foam is long-lasting and you don’t get that sag that comes with innerspring mattresses as they age.

To sum up, memory foam mattresses:

  • Correct spine alignment
  • Relieve pressure
  • Provide soft comfort
  • And individualised support
  • Ideal for slide sleepers
  • Absorb movement
  • Are long-lasting
  • And hypoallergenic


Mattress Hybrid vs Memory Foam: What’s the Difference?


The main difference between hybrid and memory foam mattresses is…

Hybrid mattresses usually contain springs or coils and memory foam mattresses don’t.

This means that hybrid mattresses can be more expensive than foam as they contain more complex constructions. However, the benefits in terms of breathability, durability and enhanced support are worth it if it helps you achieve that perfect night’s sleep!


Which is Better: Hybrid Mattress or Memory Foam?


This depends entirely on your own, personal sleeping needs. Before making the decision, ask yourself these questions…

  • Do I often feel too hot in the night? If the answer is yes, you may want to choose a breathable hybrid (or a cooling memory mattress)
  • Are you a side sleeper? If yes, memory foam provides cushioning around joints
  • Are you a stomach sleeper? A firmer hybrid will help reduce the curvature of the spine
  • Do you require extra support? Heavier sleepers will need greater support, which hybrids can offer
  • How soft/ firm do you like your mattress? Memory foam tends to have a softer feel
  • Do you share a bed? Memory foam can reduce movement disturbance
  • Do you suffer from back pain? Orthopaedic memory foam is designed specifically to reduce discomfort


There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The fact that hybrid and memory foam mattresses come in all different styles and boast different features means you can usually find what you’re looking for in either.

If it’s just memory foam you’re after and you don’t like the bounciness of springs- go for foam. However, if you like a mixture, hybrids have a lot to offer.


Hybrid Mattresses are Best for…

 

  • Those who need extra support (larger people)
  • Stomach sleepers
  • Hot sleepers
  • Those who prefer the bounce of springs

Memory Foam Mattresses are Best for…

 

  • Side sleepers
  • Those who share a bed
  • Those who enjoy a gentle ‘sinking in’ feeling
  • Those on a tighter budget


    Next, we clear up some common questions...


    Are Hybrid Mattresses Good for Back Pain?


    Yes, if you choose wisely! It is possible to find a mattress that is both a hybrid and orthopaedic. Look for mattresses with a spring base and a thick, medical-grade foam top layer.


    Are Hybrid Mattresses Good for Side Sleepers?


    Sometimes. If you sleep on your side, opt for a hybrid mattress with a thick memory foam comfort layer for extra cushioning.


    Best Memory Foam Mattresses


    Think memory foam is for you? Here’s our selection of some of the best memory foam mattresses…


    Best Memory Foam Mattress for Hot Sleepers


    While memory foam mattresses of the past may have resulted in hot and sweaty nights, new sleep technology has resulted in memory foam that keeps things cool.

    The Coolmax Superior Memory Foam Mattress features a deep layer of temperature-sensitive foam which stores and releases excess body heat when you need it. The luxury quilted cover is infused with Coolmax cooling technology - breathable fibres which disperse heat and moisture.


    Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain


    The Classicpedic Ultra Memory Foam Mattress features a deep layer of high-density foam and a reflex base with strategically placed grooves for optimum lumbar support. The perfect combination of comfort and spinal support for those who suffer from back pain.


    Best Budget Memory Foam Mattress


    The Essentials Homestarter Memory Foam Mattress is ideal for spare bedrooms, student accommodation or those on a tight budget. Featuring three layers of foam (memory foam, reflex foam and re-engineered eco-foam) this mattress delivers on price without compromising on quality.

     

    Essentials memory foam mattress banner


    Best Hybrid Mattresses


    Looking for a hybrid? Explore our top picks for different sleeping solutions…


    Best Hybrid Mattress for Hot Sleepers


    The Zen 1000 Pocket Memory Foam Mattress comes with a breathable, washable Coolmax cover which wicks away excess body heat throughout the night. Combined with 1000 individually encased pocket springs, this mattress offers full-body support and a cool night’s sleep.


    Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain


    Featuring NHS grade medical foam, the Catherine Lansfield Medi Hybrid Mattress is designed for those with back or joint pain. 2000 pocket springs, hypoallergenic properties and climate control all add up to a supportive mattress for pain and allergy relief.


    Best Hybrid Mattress for Kids


    The CoolKids Pocket Sprung Hybrid Mattress combines pocket springs and cooling memory foam to help little ones get that all-important sleep. The memory foam top layer adds comfort, while the springs provide personalised support for a restorative sleep. The Coolmax cover is also machine washable.

    Kids memory foam mattress banner


    What is a Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress?


    Can’t decide? A memory foam hybrid mattress combines the best of both worlds. The support and breathability of pocket springs are topped with the luxurious comfort and contour of memory foam.

    Buy a mattress online to experience the comfort for yourself.

     

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