Did you know that 35.9 million mattresses are sold each year in the United States? If you’re one of the millions of Americans looking for a new mattress and are overwhelmed by all the choices, don’t panic!

If you’ve been thinking about making the switch to a hybrid mattress but aren’t sure exactly what to look for, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn what hybrid mattresses are, their benefits, and what to look for when you’re shopping for one.

What Is a Hybrid Mattress?

A hybrid mattress is a combination of two or more different support structures. The general goal of hybrid mattresses is to reap all the benefits of innerspring and foam beds and at the same time, reducing their cons.

By combining foam layers with an innerspring, a hybrid aims to give you a great night of sleep. A hybrid gives you pressure relief from memory foam and support from an innerspring mattress.

Hybrid Mattress Benefits

Hybrid mattresses have several benefits. They are designed to give you the best qualities that different mattresses have to offer all in one bed. Hybrid mattresses are known to be pressure-relieving, supporting, and cooling.

Another great thing about hybrid mattresses is that they isolate motion. This is particularly beneficial for people who share a bed. You won’t have to worry about your partner’s movements waking you up in the middle of the night.

Layers of a Hybrid Mattress

To truly be considered a hybrid mattress, a mattress must have a comfort layer and a support layer. Some hybrids have an additional third layer, called the transitional layer. Each layer is explained below.

Comfort Layer

The comfort layer plays a big part in how a hybrid mattress feels. Usually, hybrid comfort layers are made from latex, poly-foam, or memory foam. These materials contour well around the curves of a body, resulting in great pressure relief.

The comfort layer is always located beneath the mattress cover, so you’ll never see it. Some hybrids come with extra cushioning, where a pillow top is sewn onto the top of the mattress.

Transition Layer

Certain hybrid models include a transition layer. These can be made from materials like memory foam, latex, or poly-foam. This layer can add extra padding or bounce to a mattress. It might also have cooling features, which helps hot sleepers get better rest.

Transition layers might also include special technology to distribute body weight more evenly. If any of these benefits sound appealing to you, look for a hybrid mattress with a transition layer.

Support Layer

This layer is usually made up of pocketed coils that rest on top of a thin foam base. The coils are separate from one another, which provides enhanced support and minimizes motion transfer.

If you’re looking for a sturdy, long-lasting bed the support layer is really important. You want to find a hybrid mattress with a support layer that makes up half of the mattress. The support layer in a mattress supports both you and the actual mattress. That means you might experience back pain and the mattress can wear out quickly if the support layer is too thin.

Hybrid Firmness Levels

Hybrid mattresses come in a full range of firmness levels, so how do you know which firmness is right for you? It usually depends on your body type and the type of sleeper you are.

Generally, side sleepers need the softest support while stomach sleepers need the firmest. Type of sleeping position is the number one factor in determining your mattress firmness level, but body type also matters. People who are lightweight typically prefer softer mattresses while heavier sleepers prefer firm support.

Best Hybrid Mattress Bases

Because of the way they’re made, hybrid mattresses are heavy. That means you can’t just put them on any old base. The best bases to use with a hybrid mattress are platform beds, a mattress foundation, or an adjustable base.

An important thing to note is that you should never use a box spring with a hybrid mattress. The spring network within box springs is too weak to support the weight of a hybrid. A lot of hybrid manufacturers stipulate that their warranties are void if a hybrid is used with a box spring.

How Much Should a Hybrid Cost?

The price of hybrid mattresses varies greatly. Because they’re more costly to manufacture, they’re one of the more expensive mattresses on the market.

A mid-priced hybrid mattress will cost around $1500. You can find budget options for much cheaper, but be aware of the quality as the price drops. A hybrid mattress under $500 may not offer much support or last very long.

On the other end of the spectrum, hybrids can cost over $3000. These models may have luxury features and incorporate additional sleep technologies. If you have the money to spend, they can be a great option. But if not, it’s not necessary to spend that much money to get great sleep.

Ready to Choose Your Hybrid Mattress?

Now that you’ve read through this hybrid mattress buying guide, are you ready to choose the right hybrid for you? Keep in mind what type of sleeper you are and what specific benefits you’re looking for from your mattress.

Let Nest Bedding help you get the best sleep of your life with our high-quality mattresses. Our team of experts is here to help with all your bedding needs.