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Hybrid mattresses are easily one of the most popular mattress types. We've slept on over 60 of them to find the best ones.
Avocado;Leesa/Business Insider
Hybrid mattresses combine the benefits of springs and foam mattresses, offering the perfect mixture of breathability and support. The best hybrid mattresses provide an outstanding balance of comfort and support so you can enjoy uninterrupted, restful sleep.
I've tested over 60 hybrid mattresses and interviewed several experts for this guide. Our top pick in this guide and our best mattress overall is the Lessa Sapira Hybrid. It dissipates heat well, has an average firmness that caters to most sleep positions, and is one of the most comfortable beds I've slept on. Our budget pick, the Allswell Supreme Hybrid Mattress, has average firmness and is good for couples, but it sleeps hot and doesn't have the dynamic feel of the Leesa Sapira.
Our best hybrid mattress recommendations, tested and reviewed
Best overall: Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress - See at Leesa
Best budget: Allswell Supreme Hybrid Mattress - See at Walmart
Best luxury: Saatva Classic Mattress - See at Saatva
Best for side sleepers: WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress - See at WinkBeds
Best for back sleepers: Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress - See at Helix
Best for stomach sleepers: Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress - See at Awara
Best organic: Birch Natural Mattress by Helix - See at Birch
Best cooling mattress: Avocado Green Mattress - See at Avocado
Best for heavy people: Big Fig Mattress - See at Big Fig
Best overall
I love the Leesa Sapira Hybrid because its average firmness provides pressure-point relief no matter my position. It kept me from overheating and soothed my chronic lower back pain. If you want other options, check out our best mattress for back pain guide.
The $1,500 Leesa Sapira Hybrid has four layers of CertiPUR-US certified foams, including a hole-punched breathable layer and a pressure-relieving memory foam layer. The responsive pocket springs lend stability and durability. They also give the mattress outstanding edge support and motion isolation. I barely noticed when my wife or dog moved around in the night.
From the minimal motion transfer and strong edge support to the comfortable feel that will suit most sleep styles, the Leesa Sapira is simply excellent.
Jaclyn Turner/Business Insider
If you experience recurring back pain, I recommend getting someone to help you set up this heavier mattress. You might also consider splurging on the $199 white-glove delivery and mattress removal. Fortunately, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid was odor-free out of the box, virtually unheard of with beds-in-a-box.
Allswell is a Walmart brand that specializes in affordable bed and bath products. The Allswell Supreme is the brand's most expensive bed at nearly $500, but it's also the best. I've tested the original Allswell and the Luxe, and both are great options, but they don't have the targeted pressure point relief of the Supreme, which does a better job of contouring to your body.
The Allswell Supreme has three layers of CertiPUR-US certified foams (from top to bottom): a soft Euro top, graphite and copper gel-infused memory foam for heat dissipation, and pressure-relieving foam. The individually wrapped coil base is designed for motion isolation and breathability and features a reinforced edge for better support.
The mattress has great motion isolation and edge support, suggesting it would be optimal for couples. I also liked that the average firmness worked well for every position I slept in.
The Allswell Supreme Hybrid Mattress tends to trap heat, sometimes making sleeping on it uncomfortable. If you tend to overheat like me, you might consider adding a cooling mattress topper. Or keep it as-is if you usually get cold at night.
The Saatva Classic Mattress offers a luxury experience at a mid-range price. It's made with quality materials and comes with free in-home set-up and old mattress removal. Plus, you can try it for 365 nights. If you decide to keep it, it's covered by a lifetime warranty.
The Classic's top layer is a 3-inch Euro pillow top featuring an organic cotton cover that remains cool to the touch. Below is a layer of thin memory foam with zoned support where you need it most. Next, individually wrapped pocket coils contour to your body's curves to offer optimal spinal alignment and pressure relief. The base features thicker coils for airflow and durability. The mattress has excellent edge support thanks to the border of high-density foam.
I tend to overheat. Yet, while testing the Saatva Classic, I stayed pretty cool. It comes in Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. I tested the Luxury Firm, which was too firm for side sleeping. Yet, I sank in just enough to keep my spine neutral while sleeping on my back. The Plush Soft is a better option for most side sleepers.
Senior home editor Jaclyn Turner, a back sleeper, slept on the Saatva Classic for nearly two years. She loved the gentle support and plush pillow top, though there was a break-in period.
The Classic failed our bowling ball test and had higher-than-average vibrometer readings, but based on my subjective experience, the motion isolation is average. I didn't feel jostled when pets or people moved around on the bed.
The WindBeds EcoCloud is the top pick in our guide to the best mattresses for side sleepers because it has a medium-soft feel ideal for keeping your spine aligned while sleeping on your side. Yet, it still has the support needed for petite-to-average stomach and back sleepers.
The EcoCloud by WinkBeds combines sustainable OEKO-TEX-certified latex with individually wrapped coils. The responsive top latex layer lends good bounce to the mattress. Below are individually wrapped pocket springs featuring zoned support for maximal pressure relief and spinal alignment where you need it most. Firmer springs around the bed's periphery give it excellent edge support. The cover is made of organic cotton and wool for breathability.
For several extra nights, I slept on the EcoCloud while waiting for more mattresses to come in to test. I was drawn to the impressive pressure relief while sleeping on my side. While I recovered from marathon training, the mattress offered an outstanding balance of comfort and spinal alignment so I could fall asleep quickly. Unfortunately, it felt like it trapped heat while I was on it, and the heat lingered after I got up, making it one of the hottest mattresses I've tested.
Still, the top-notch edge support and motion isolation of the EcoCloud make it a smart option for couples.
Best for back sleepers
The Helix Dusk Luxe Hybrid Mattress is ideal for back and stomach sleepers looking for a bed that balances comfort and support. This medium-firm mattress's thoughtful design prioritizes pressure relief, temperature regulation, and spinal alignment.
Senior home editor Jaclyn Turner tested the Dusk Luxe and found it offers impressive support that contours to the body while maintaining optimal spinal alignment. The robust construction keeps you from sinking in too much, especially in the lower body. This makes it perfect for back and stomach sleepers, while side sleepers, particularly petite individuals, may find the mattress too firm.
The Helix Dusk Luxe has excellent cooling capabilities. Thanks to the optional GlacioTex cover, the mattress efficiently dissipates heat. Turner found within two minutes of getting up from it, the bed's surface quickly returned to room temperature, eliminating any hot spots.
The Helix Dusk Luxe has a medium-firm feel that will appeal to back and stomach sleepers who like to rest on top of their mattress rather than sink in.
Jaclyn Turner/Business Insider
The Helix Dusk Luxe has a sophisticated construction, including a choice between a cooling GlacioTex or quilted Tencel cover, three foam layers, individually wrapped pocket coils, a durable foam base layer, and an optional ErgoAlign layer for zoned support. We recommend the ErgoAlign layer for those seeking additional pressure relief, such as back pain sufferers, as it offers targeted support where you need it most.
The Helix Dusk Luxe is just one of more than 25 mattress options across three collections, with mattresses for all types of sleepers. Helix's personalized quiz simplifies the options to help you identify the best option for you. The brand provides a 100-night sleep trial, and if the initial firmness doesn't meet your expectations, they will send you a free mattress topper.
The main drawback of the Dusk Luxe is its subpar edge support, with about 3.5 inches of sinkage. Yet, Turner said she didn't feel like falling off the bed, and it didn't compromise her overall sleep experience.
Firmer mattresses tend to better align stomach sleepers' spines. The firm, comfortable feel of the $1,000 Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress makes it ideal for stomach sleepers.
I can sleep in any position but gravitated to my stomach while testing the Awara. During the 14-day testing period, I didn't experience any soreness. The Euro-top made of plush organic wool offers extra comfort. Next is a layer of Rainforest Alliance-certified Dunlop latex. The bottom layer is individually wrapped coils and provides support and durability.
The edge support and motion isolation were just average. The Awara barely failed our motion isolation test, yet you may like how bouncy the bed is.
Another great option for stomach sleepers is the Saatva Classic in luxury firm, which is about $800 more but features impressive edge support, pleasant bounce, and free white-glove delivery.
Best organic
The Birch Natural Mattress by Helix is the best organic hybrid mattress because it's made of natural, organic materials and is Greenguard Gold-certified. The cover is made of breathable GOTS-certified cotton.
Three layers of organic wool provide fire protection, comfort, and temperature regulation. Next, a layer of eco-Institute-certified Talalay latex is bouncy, supportive, and responsive, adjusting well to the contours of your body. The base layer of individually wrapped coils aids in the bed's outstanding motion isolation and edge support.
The Birch by Helix provides impressive pressure relief and is made with cotton, wool, latex, and other sustainable materials.
Jaclyn Turner/Business Insider
The $1,400 Birch Natural Mattress is firmer than average, which will appeal more to back and stomach sleepers. However, for an upgrade, you can add the Plush Organic Mattress Topper, giving the bed a softer feel. As a predominantly side sleeper, the plush topper made the mattress much more comfortable.
My thin, 6-foot-5-inch teenager slept on the mattress long-term. They also appreciated how the topper helped soothe their growing pains, though the bed tended to get uncomfortably hot during warmer nights.
Before bedtime, I measure the surface temperature of every mattress I test using an infrared thermometer. I take another temperature reading in the morning and repeat it two minutes later. Comparing these readings shows me how cool the bed stays and how well it dissipates heat. The Avocado Green Mattress was better than most mattresses at staying cool and among the best at dissipating heat, decreasing by 15.3 degrees Fahrenheit within two minutes of my getting up from it.
The cooling, eco-friendly materials are what set Avocado Green apart. The organic cotton and wool cotton cover gives the bed breathability, fire resistance, moisture-wicking, and anti-microbial properties. The next layer is a rubber foam made of GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex. The responsive latex offers impressive pressure relief by contouring to your body. Individually wrapped pocket coils make up the base. They're divided into seven ergonomic zones for more pressure relief and spinal alignment.
The Avocado Green comes in Plush, Medium, and Firm feels. Plush and Medium are more expensive as they have extra latex layers. I found the Medium was ideal for sleeping on my side. As soon as I lay down, the latex contoured to my body. The Green has average edge support and motion isolation, but the bounce is quite pronounced.
With its 1,100-pound capacity and firmer-than-average support, the Big Fig Mattress is the perfect bed for heavier people. Three CertiPUR-US certified foam layers promote edge support, durability, and airflow. The bed's bottom layer consists of pocket coils for durability and support, and the cover is made of cooling materials.
While I generally sleep on my side, I preferred sleeping on my back and stomach while testing the Big Fig. Heavier people who sleep on their side may still appreciate the Big Fig since they will sink in more than I did, which will keep their spine aligned.
I was just as comfortable lying on the edge of the Big Fig as in the middle. The edge support was among the best I've experienced. The Big Fig also balanced bounce and motion isolation, two characteristics rarely found in the same mattress. The motion-dampening properties were good in my subjective experience, though the bed failed the bowling ball test. The outstanding bounce is ideal for sex.
What to look for in a hybrid mattress
A long home trial period is a must when shopping for a hybrid mattress.
James Brains/Business Insider
Sleeping on a mattress for several nights can help you determine if it is right for you. A long home trial period is crucial when considering which bed to buy. Consider your sleep preferences, position, medical conditions, and body size when choosing a bed.
Back sleepers: Peña-Hernández suggests that back sleepers try mattresses with a medium firmness because they help maintain the spine's natural S-curvature.
Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers tend to benefit from firmer mattresses.
Side sleepers: For pressure-point relief, side sleepers generally want a softer-than-average mattress.
Peña-Hernández recommends mattresses at least 12 inches thick for heavier individuals to get the necessary support. Firmer beds also tend to be better in this instance. People under 130 pounds will benefit from a softer mattress that allows them to sink in more, keeping the spine aligned.
If you have a history of scoliosis, respiratory diseases, sleep apnea, or allergies, Peña-Hernández recommends talking with your doctor when buying a bed. "For example, patients with COPD may benefit from adjustable beds because elevating the head of the bed can sometimes facilitate easier breathing," Peña-Hernández said.
We use a laser thermometer to measure the heat dissipation properties of mattresses.
James Brains/Business Insider
In addition to sleeping on each mattress for at least 14 nights, I put all the beds in this guide through a series of objective tests. Each mattress I tested was a queen size unless otherwise noted.
I mostly sleep on my side with a little back and stomach sleeping. I'm 6 feet tall and weigh 230 pounds. I tend to sleep hot and have chronic lower back pain.
In addition to testing, I talked to Peña-Hernández; Mark Goetting, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine specialist at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine; and Marilyn Li, MD, an allergist at the University of Southern California.
The home trial policy, comfort, and support are the most important factors when shopping for a hybrid mattress.
Test results for the main attributes we tested:
Attribute
Leesa Sapira Hybrid
Allswell Supreme
Saatva Classic (Luxury Firm)
WinkBeds EcoCloud
Helix Dusk Luxe
Awara Natural Hybrid
Birch by Helix
Avocado Green (Medium)
Big Fig
Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest)
5
5
7
5
6
6
7
5
7
Motion isolation (1 awful to 10 best)
7
7
5
6
7
5
10
5
6
Edge support (1 awful to 10 best)
7
7
10
7
5
5
10
5
10
Heat dissipation (1 traps heat to 10 stay
7
3
7
3
7
6
5
9
6
Trial period (nights)
100
90
365
120
100
365
100
365
120
Warranty (years)
10
10
Lifetime
Lifetime
15
Lifetime
25
25
20
Here are the main attributes we look for and how we test them:
Comfort: I take notes daily detailing my experiences on the mattresses as I sleep on them. I pay attention to how firm the bed is, what position is most comfortable, any pain I experience, how well my spine stays aligned, pressure point relief, and how well I sleep, both my subjective experience and objectively measured using my Garmin Forerunner 945's sleep tracking application.
Heat dissipation: Using a laser thermometer, I measure the surface temperature of the mattress first thing in the morning and two minutes after I get up. The initial reading tells me how hot the bed gets. I can see how fast the heat dissipated by subtracting the second reading from the first. The first readings ranged from 84 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit, with a median of 89.3. The median temperature drop from the first to the second reading was 11.9 degrees, ranging from 6 to 15 degrees.
Motion isolation: When lying on the bed, I note how much I can feel movement as pets and family members move around. I also perform the bowling ball test, where I drop a bowling ball from 4 feet above the bed to land 12 inches from a soda can. If the can falls over, the mattress has questionable motion isolation. If the can stays upright, the motion isolation is great. I also use a vibration meter app to record the vibrations on the other side of the bed when I drop the bowling ball.
Trial and warranty: Sleeping on a mattress is the only way to know if it's right for you, so a long, risk-free home trial is crucial. All the mattresses in our guide have at least a 90-night trial. A strong warranty is also important since a bed is an expensive purchase. The models in our guide offer warranties of at least 10 years.
Edge support: Whether lying or sitting on the edge of your bed, you want to feel supported. Without good edge support, your mattress may feel smaller than it is. To test edge support, I sit on the bed's edge and measure how much it sinks. I also lie on the edge and slowly roll until I fall off. Based on these tests, I can compare the edge support of one mattress to another.
Setup: I've tested over 100 mattresses, including over 70 beds-in-a-box. The setup is the same for most of them. I note nuances, including the intensity of the "new bed smell" and whether it dissipates by bedtime. I also look at in-home setup availability and pricing.
Motion isolation is a must if you share a bed with someone.
James Brains/Business Insider
What is a hybrid mattress?
This guide distinguishes hybrids from traditional innerspring mattresses by defining them as beds constructed of foam and individually wrapped coils, also known as "pocket springs." Any type of foam, including latex and memory foam, can be used.
Are some mattress materials more likely to cause allergic reactions?
Li said that dust mites are the most common source of allergic reactions to bedding. She also sees allergic reactions caused by dyes and preservatives used in textiles. Formaldehyde is one of the most common preservatives that people are sensitive to.
How long before you can sleep on a hybrid mattress?
You can sleep on most hybrid mattresses immediately, even if they are delivered to your door in a box. However, based on my experience unboxing over 70 mattresses, I recommend unboxing your mattress in the morning to give it time to expand and air out before bedtime.
How long does a hybrid mattress last?
Examining the warranty is a good way to assess how long a mattress lasts. Based on expert interviews, 10 years is a reasonable lifespan for a mattress. This is especially true with hybrids, which are more durable than all-foam beds.
What are the negatives of a hybrid mattress?
The biggest negatives of hybrid mattresses are that they are more expensive and heavier than memory foam beds. They may lack memory foam's "sinking in" feeling, which some sleepers have grown to love. If the hybrid lacks pocket coils, it may have poor motion isolation.
Which one is better: memory foam or hybrid?
This is a matter of personal preference. Memory foam mattresses are more affordable and better if you like the "sinking in" feeling. Hybrid mattresses tend to provide more support, especially for heavier individuals. They are also more durable.
Can I get a quality hybrid mattress in a box?
Yes. Most mattresses in this guide come in a box, including our top pick. Check out our best mattress-in-a-box guide for more recommendations.
Best overall: Leesa Sapira Hybrid MattressWe think the combination of foam and pocket springs in the Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress makes it the best hybrid for most people.
Leesa; Vicky Leta/Business Insider
Pros: Average firmness works well for most sleepers, impressive edge support and motion isolation, great heat dissipation, made with CertiPUR-US certified foams by a B Corp-certified company
Cons: Heavy and hard to move
I love the Leesa Sapira Hybrid because the average firmness provided pressure-point relief no matter my position. It kept me from overheating and helped soothe my chronic lower back pain. If you are looking for other options, check out our best mattress for back pain guide.
The $1,700 Leesa Sapira Hybrid has four layers of CertiPUR-US certified foams, including a hole-punched breathable layer and a pressure-relieving memory foam layer. The responsive pocket springs lend stability and durability. They also give the mattress outstanding edge support and motion isolation. I barely noticed when my wife or dog moved around in the night.
If you experience recurring back pain, I recommend getting someone to help you set up this mattress since it's one of the heavier ones. You might consider splurging on the $199 white-glove delivery and mattress removal. Fortunately, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid was odor-free out of the box, virtually unheard of with beds-in-a-box.
Leesa donates a mattress to a family in need for every 10 it sells. Plus, it is B Corp-certified, meaning the company has demonstrated high social and environmental performance.
Side sleepers with back pain who are looking for a softer feel might consider the Puffy Lux Hybrid instead. It's backed by a lifetime warranty.
Best budget: Allswell Supreme Hybrid MattressAt under $800, the Allswell Supreme Mattress has a surprisingly dynamic feel that keeps your spine aligned while you sleep.
Allswell
Pros: The medium firmness appeals to all sleeping styles, great edge support and motion isolation, made using CertiPUR-US certified foams
Cons: No showroom availability, heavy, sleeps hot
Allswell is a Walmart brand that specializes in affordable bed and bath products. The Allswell Supreme is the brand's most expensive bed at nearly $800, but it's also the best. I've tested the original Allswell and the Luxe, and both are great options, but they don't have the targeted pressure point relief of the Supreme, which does a better job of contouring to your body.
The Allswell Supreme has three layers of CertiPUR-US certified foams (from top to bottom): a soft Euro top, graphite and copper gel-infused memory foam for heat dissipation, and pressure-relieving foam. The individually wrapped coil base is designed for motion isolation and breathability and features a reinforced edge for better edge support.
The mattress has great motion isolation and edge support, suggesting it would be optimal for couples. I also liked that the average firmness worked well for every position I slept in.
The Allswell Supreme Hybrid Mattress tends to trap heat, making sleeping on it uncomfortable at times. If you tend to overheat like me, you might consider adding a cooling mattress topper to the mattress. Or keep it as-is if you usually get cold at night. If you are looking for other options, check out our best cooling mattress topper for hot sleepers guide.
Best for side sleepers: Casper Nova Hybrid MattressThe soft, comfy feel of the Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress makes it ideal for side sleepers.
Casper; Vicky Leta/Insider
Pros: The softness and pressure relief are terrific for side sleepers, impressive heat dissipation, good edge support, made with eco-friendly materials
Cons: May not be supportive enough for back or stomach sleepers, poor motion isolation, new bed smell is slow to dissipate
In our best mattress guide, the Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress is best mattress for side sleepers and people looking for soft mattresses. Thanks to its plush feel, we also think it will serve petite and older individuals well.
The cover is made of recycled plastic bottles. Three layers of CertiPUR-US certified foams help make the mattress breathable and offer targeted pressure relief around your hips and shoulders. A fourth, high-density foam layer forms a border around the supportive, breathable springs to provide edge support.
The edge support is excellent whether you're lying or sitting down on the side of the bed. And the focus on breathable materials translates to a cool feel that kept me from overheating at night.
While testing the mattress, I awoke refreshed each morning. I appreciated how well the mattress cradled my body and relieved my pressure points. It's my favorite Casper mattress.
The Nova Hybrid may not be supportive enough for back and stomach sleepers. The poor motion isolation makes this a less-than-ideal bed for couples.
Side sleepers might enjoy the soft Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress, which dissipates heat well and has a similar price, around $2,300.
Best for back sleepers: DreamCloud Premier Hybrid MattressThe DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress is soft enough for side sleepers yet firm enough for back sleepers.
dreamcloud
Pros: Impressive edge support and motion isolation make it ideal for couples, long risk-free home trial, lifetime warranty, good heat dissipation, made with CertiPUR-US certified foams, side handles make it easy to maneuver
Cons: May be too soft for stomach sleepers
Aside from being a little too soft to provide adequate support for most stomach sleepers, the $1,200 DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress is excellent in all other areas we assess.
The cashmere cover of the DreamCloud mattress is designed to give a softer feel. Four CertiPUR-US certified foam layers cradle your body, offer pressure relief, and dampen motion transfer. In addition, the individually wrapped coil base helps reduce motion transfer while promoting airflow and adding edge-to-edge support.
The edge support was excellent, and the bed passed my motion isolation tests. These factors make the DreamCloud Premier perfect for couples sharing a bed. I prefer sleeping on my side, and the mattress was exceptionally comfortable for that while back sleeping also felt great.
In our tests, the DreamCloud Premier proved excellent at heat dissipation. It had one of the most significant drops in temperature after I got up from it.
With the impressive 365-night risk-free trial period, you can try the DreamCloud long-term and return it if it isn't right. A lifetime warranty covers the bed if you decide to keep it.
Best for stomach sleepers: Awara Natural Hybrid MattressStomach sleepers will appreciate the firmness of the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress.
Awars; Vicky Leta/Business Insider
Pros: Made of eco-friendly materials, above-average heat dissipation, handles on all four sides for easy maneuverability, lifetime warranty, long home trial
Cons: Heavy, side sleepers may find it too firm, average edge support
Firmer mattresses tend to do a better job of keeping the spines of stomach sleepers aligned. The firm, comfortable feel of the $1,100 Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress makes it ideal for stomach sleepers.
I can sleep in any position, but I gravitated to my stomach while testing the Awara. During the 14-day testing period, I didn't experience any soreness. The Euro-top made of plush organic wool offers extra comfort. Next is a layer of Rainforest Alliance-certified Dunlop latex. The bottom layer is individually wrapped coils and provides support and durability.
The edge support and motion isolation were just average. The Awara barely failed our motion isolation test, yet you may like how bouncy the bed is.
Another great option for stomach sleepers is the Saatva Classic in luxury firm, which is about $500 more but features impressive edge support, pleasant bounce, and free white-glove delivery.
Best latex: Birch Natural Mattress by HelixThe eco-friendly latex of the Birch Mattress by Helix offers supportive contouring.
Birch; Vicky Leta/Business Insider
Pros: Made of eco-friendly materials, Greenguard Gold-certified, outstanding motion isolation and edge support, above-average firmness that will appeal to back and stomach sleepers
Cons: No white-glove delivery, may be uncomfortable for side sleepers without the pillow top (available for an additional cost), so-so heat dissipation
Latex is one of my favorite bedding materials. It's bouncy, supportive, and responsive, adjusting well to the contours of your body.
The Birch Natural Mattress by Helix is the best latex mattress because it's made of natural, organic materials and is Greenguard Gold-certified. The cover is made of breathable GOTS-certified cotton.
Three layers of organic wool provide fire protection, comfort, and temperature regulation. Next, a layer of eco-Institute-certified Talalay latex offers pressure-point relief. And the base layer of individually wrapped coils aid in the outstanding motion isolation and edge support of the bed.
The $1,450 Birch Natural Mattress is firmer than average on the firmness scale, which will appeal more to back and stomach sleepers. However, for an extra $499, you can add the Plush Organic Mattress Topper, giving the bed a softer feel. As a predominantly side sleeper, I found the plush topper made the mattress much more comfortable.
My thin, 6-foot-5-inch teenager slept on the mattress long-term. They also appreciated how the topper helped soothe their growing pains, though the bed tended to get uncomfortably hot during warmer nights.
Best cooling: Tuft & Needle Hybrid MattressThe Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress was one of the best at staying cool and dissipating heat in our tests.
Tuft and Needle
Pros: Plush feel is perfect for side sleepers, stays cool and dissipates heat well, Greenguard Gold certified, good edge support and motion dampening
Cons: May be too soft for stomach and back sleepers
When testing the best cooling mattresses, the Tuft & Needle Hybrid was among the best at dissipating heat and staying cool. I even had to add an extra blanket to stay warm.
The softer-than-average firmness is ideal for side sleepers, offering an impressive balance of support and pressure point relief. As a side sleeper, I had excellent sleep stats each morning, including restful, sustained sleep.
While most hybrids just have one layer of coils, the $1,500 Tuft & Needle has two. An adaptive graphite foam layer is located above the 1-inch-thick top pocket coils. These layers are designed to cool. A soft, pressure-relieving adaptive foam layer is situated below the top coils. A thicker layer of pocket coils comes next for added support. On the bottom is a durable foam layer. A soft, breathable knit cover envelopes the bed. The foams in the Hybrid are CertiPUR-US certified, and the bed is Greenguard Gold certified.
While the Tuft & Needle Hybrid registered low vibrometer readings and felt like it did well stopping motion transfer, it failed the bowling ball test.
Side sleepers who experience back pain might consider the Bear Star Hybrid instead, which also does a great job of cooling.
Best for heavy people: Big Fig MattressThe firm feel and 1,100-pound capacity of the Big Fig Mattress make it perfect for heavier individuals.
Cons: May be uncomfortable for petite people and side sleepers, hard to move around
With its 1,100-pound capacity and firmer-than-average support, the Big Fig Mattress is the perfect bed for heavier people. Three CertiPUR-US certified foam layers promote edge support, durability, and airflow. The bed's bottom layer is comprised of pocket coils for durability and support, and the cover is made of cooling materials.
While I generally sleep on my side, I preferred sleeping on my back and stomach while testing the firm Big Fig. Heavier people who sleep on their side may still appreciate the Big Fig since they will sink in more than I did, which will keep their spine aligned.
I was just as comfortable lying on the edge of the Big Fig as I was in the middle. In fact, the edge support was among the best I've experienced. The Big Fig also managed to balance bounce and motion isolation, two characteristics that are rarely found in the same mattress. The motion-dampening properties were good in my subjective experience, though the bed failed the bowling ball test. The outstanding bounce is ideal for sex.
Best luxury: Purple Hybrid Premier 3 MattressThe gel polymer grid of the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 Mattress immediately contours to your body.
Purple
Pros: Excellent heat dissipation, great for all sleeping types, free white-glove delivery, outstanding pressure relief, bouncy
Cons: Poor motion isolation, heavy
The $2,600 Purple Hybrid Premier 3 works for a broad range of sleeping styles and does an impressive job of staying cool and dissipating heat. What sets Purple beds apart from other brands is the "Purple Grid," made up of hyper-elastic gel polymer grid.
Below the grid is a CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane support foam layer, and next is a durable, supportive pocket coil layer followed by a foam layer base. The cover is soft and breathable. When you first lie down on the Purple 3, the squishy feel of the grid is noticeable and takes some getting used to, but I immediately felt comfortable.
I preferred to sleep on my side while testing the Hybrid Premier 3, but I was also comfortable on my stomach. I like the responsiveness of the grid, which immediately relieves pressure where you need it most.
While the Purple 3 failed our objective motion isolation tests, my subjective experience wasn't bad. The bed has exceptional bounce, which couples may appreciate.
If price is no object, you might consider the $12,000 Duxiana Dux 6006 Mattress, which features a bedframe and interchangeable coil cassettes for customizing your feel.
What to look for in a hybrid mattressA long home trial period is a must when shopping for a hybrid mattress.
James Brains/Business Insider
You can tell if a mattress is right for you by sleeping on it for several nights. A long home-trial period is crucial when considering which bed to buy. When choosing a bed, you should also consider your sleep preferences, position, medical conditions, and body size.
Back sleepers: Peña-Hernández suggests that back sleepers try mattresses with a medium firmness because they help maintain the spine's natural S-curvature.
Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers tend to benefit from firmer mattresses.
Side sleepers: For pressure-point relief, side sleepers generally want a softer-than-average mattress.
Additionally, Peña-Hernández recommends mattresses that are least 12 inches thick for heavier individuals to get the necessary support. Firmer beds also tend to be better in this instance. People under 130 pounds will benefit from a softer mattress that allows them to sink in more and thus can help keep the spine aligned.
If you have a history of scoliosis, respiratory diseases, sleep apnea, or allergies, Peña-Hernández recommends talking with your doctor when buying a bed. "For example, patients with COPD may benefit from adjustable beds because elevating the head of the bed can sometimes facilitate easier breathing," Peña-Hernández said.
How we tested each hybrid mattressWe use a laser thermometer to measure the heat dissipation properties of mattresses.
James Brains/Business Insider
In addition to sleeping on each mattress for at least 14 nights, I put all of the beds in this guide through a series of objective tests. Each mattress I tested was a queen size unless otherwise noted.
I mostly sleep on my side with a little back and stomach sleeping. I'm also 6 feet tall and weigh 205 pounds. I tend to sleep hot and have chronic lower back pain.
In addition to testing, I talked to Mark Goetting, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine specialist at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, and Marilyn Li, MD, an allergist at the University of Southern California.
When shopping for a hybrid mattress, the home trial policy, comfort, and motion isolation are the most important factors to consider.
Test results for the main attributes we tested:
Attribute
Leesa Hybrid
Allswell Supreme
Casper Nova Hybrid
Birch by Helix
DreamCloud Premier Hybrid
Tuft & Needle Hybrid
Big Fig
Purple Hybrid Premier 3
Awara Natural Hybrid
Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest)
5
5
4
7
5
5
7
6
6
Motion isolation (1 awful to 10 best)
7
7
3
10
7
7
6
3
5
Edge support (1 awful to 10 best)
7
7
6
10
8
6
10
5
5
Heat dissipation (1 traps heat to 10 stay
7
3
8
5
6
10
6
9
6
Here are the main attributes we look for and how we test them:
Comfort: I take notes each morning detailing my experiences on the mattresses as I sleep on them. I pay attention to how firm the bed is, what position is most comfortable, any pain I experience, and how well I slept, both my subjective experience and objectively measured using my Garmin Forerunner 945's sleep tracking application.
Heat dissipation: Using a laser thermometer, I measure the surface temperature of the mattress first thing in the morning and two minutes after I get up. The initial reading tells me how hot the bed gets. I can see how fast the heat dissipated by subtracting the second reading from the first. The first readings ranged from 84 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit, with a median of 89.3. The median temperature drop from the first to the second reading was 11.9 degrees and ranged from 6 to 15 degrees.
Motion isolation: When lying on the bed, I note how much I can feel movement as pets and families move around on it. I also perform the bowling ball test, where I drop a bowling ball from 4 feet above the bed to land 12 inches from a soda can. If the can falls over, the mattress has questionable motion isolation. If the can stays upright, the motion isolation is great. I've also used a vibration meter app to record the vibrations on the other side of the bed when I drop the bowling ball during recent tests.
Trial and warranty: Sleeping on a mattress is the only way to know if it's right for you. This makes a long, risk-free home trial crucial. All of the mattresses in our guide have trials of at least 100 nights with no hidden charges if you decide to return your mattress. A strong warranty is also important since a bed is an expensive purchase. The models in our guide offer warranties of at least 10 years.
Edge support: Whether you're lying or sitting on the edge of your bed, you want to feel supported. Without good edge support, your mattress may feel smaller than it is. To test edge support, I sit on the edge of the bed and measure how much it sinks. I also lie on the edge and slowly roll until I fall off. Based on these tests, I can compare the edge support of one mattress to another.
Portability: While testing the mattresses, I have to move them frequently around the testing area. I pay close attention to how difficult this task is, if the mattress flops around, and whether or not there are helpful handles.
Setup: I've tested more than 50 mattresses, including over 40 beds-in-a-box. Setup is the same for most of them. I make a point of noting nuances, including the intensity of the "new bed smell," and if it dissipates by bedtime. I also look at in-home setup availability and pricing.
Hybrid mattress FAQsMotion isolation is a must if you share a bed with someone.
James Brains/Business Insider
What is a hybrid mattress?
For this guide, to distinguish from traditional innerspring mattresses, we consider hybrids to be beds constructed of foam and individually wrapped coils, also known as "pocket springs." Any type of foam can be used, including latex and memory foam.
Are some mattress materials more likely to cause allergic reactions?
Li stated that dust mites are the most common source of allergic reactions to bedding. She also sees allergic reactions caused by dyes and preservatives used in textiles. Formaldehyde is one of the most common preservatives that people are sensitive to.
How long before you can sleep on a hybrid mattress?
You can sleep on most hybrid mattresses right away, even if they are delivered to your door in a box. However, based on my experience unboxing over 40 mattresses, I recommend unboxing your mattress in the morning to give it time to expand and air out before bedtime.
How long does a hybrid mattress last?
A good way to assess how long a mattress will last is to look at the warranty. Based on expert interviews, 10 years is a reasonable lifespan for a mattress. This is especially true with hybrids, which tend to be more durable than all-foam beds.
What are the negatives of a hybrid mattress?
The biggest negatives of hybrid mattresses are they are more expensive and heavier than memory foam bed. They may lack memory foam's "sinking in" feeling some sleepers have grown to love. If the hybrid lacks pocket coils, it may have poor motion isolation.
Which one is better: memory foam or hybrid?
This is a matter of personal preference. Memory foam mattresses are more affordable and better if you like the "sinking in" feeling. Hybrid mattresses tend to provide more support, especially for heavier individuals. They are also more durable.
