Memory Foam vs. Hybrid Mattresses – Which Is Best for You?

Shopping for a new mattress can be puzzling, especially with all the terminology in the mattress industry. On this journey, you probably ran into memory foam and hybrid mattresses, but which is the right choice for you?We’re here to help you figure it out with this guide! Let’s get into it.

What Is a Memory Foam Mattress?

As a viscoelastic foam created by NASA, memory foam was first used for aircraft seats. Today, memory foam is the most popular mattress material. 

Memory foam mattresses are made from all-foam layers. The support is a high-density polyfoam core, while a softer memory foam comfort layer sits on top. Memory foam mattresses can also have other additional layers and materials. 

Memory foam mattresses contour the body, relieving pressure points, and they transfer less motion. It’s also naturally resistant to dust and other allergens, so it’s a great choice for hypoallergenic mattresses. However, memory foam beds tend to trap body heat and are prone to sag, and you’ll likely have to deal with off-gassing at first. 

Memory foam mattresses are an excellent budget-friendly option. 

Read more: Best Memory Foam Mattress

What Is a Hybrid Mattress?

Hybrid mattresses are made up of two mattress types. In this case, we’ll refer to those with a coil support core and a latex or memory foam comfort layer. 

Thanks to coil support, like in an innerspring mattress, hybrid mattresses offer support, edge support, and durability. A hybrid mattress can relieve pressure, but the sleep surface is bouncier and firmer. Also, a hybrid mattress usually has bad motion isolation, although pocketed coils can make this more bearable. 

Lastly, they tend to be less affordable because coils cost more to make.

Read more: Best Hybrid Mattress

Memory Foam Mattress vs. Hybrid Mattress – the Biggest Differences

There are some key differences in the foam vs. hybrid match, but the most important one is this – memory foam mattresses have only foam layers, while hybrid mattresses have coils. This can affect a lot of things in a mattress, as you’ll see next. 

Support

Coils in hybrid mattresses make them more supportive than the polyfoam core in memory foam mattresses. This doesn’t mean memory foam isn’t supportive, just that coils offer firmer support. This is especially important for heavier sleepers and others who need more support. 

All in all, both mattresses can keep your spine aligned, but hybrids can handle a little bit more. Also, their edge support is way better than that of a foam mattress because they have reinforced coils on the perimeter. 

Firmness

Mattress firmness is mostly subjective; memory foam and hybrid mattresses can have varying firmness levels. However, memory foam is usually on the softer side, while hybrid mattresses are firmer. 

Memory foam contours the body, and you’ll feel like you’re sinking into it. On the other hand, coils in a hybrid mattress can make the sleeping surface bouncier and firmer. 

Temperature Regulation

Hot sleepers, beware! The biggest problem with a traditional memory foam mattress is temperature regulation. This closed-cell material traps body heat, so you’ll be in a bit of a pickle if you sleep hot. 

Modern types of memory foam mattresses with gel foam or other cooling technologies can help, but the coils in a hybrid mattress definitely offer more breathability. If you need a cooling mattress, choosing options that let the air flow through the material is easier. 

Affordability

Are you looking for a budget mattress? If that’s the case, a memory foam mattress is the way to go. Sure, coils are great and all, but they also cost more to manufacture. 

This isn’t a rule; not every hybrid mattress will cost more than every memory foam mattress, but it’s the usual case. If you want the best bang for your buck, look for online stores and deals around holidays. 

Motion Transfer

Do you share a bed with someone? If so, you know how their tossing and turning can bother you and your sleep. 

A memory foam mattress is the best mattress type if you want zero motion transfer. This material is great for handling motion and making sure it doesn’t affect the other sleeper. 

However, hybrid mattresses are more dynamic. Coils are notorious for motion transfer, and even though this can be improved with some pocketed coils, the problem is still there. If you’re the type that wakes up at very little sound and jostle, memory foam is a better option for you. 

Durability

Look no further than hybrids if you’re aiming for a good mattress that will last a long time. In the durability test, hybrid mattresses win against memory foam. 

A memory foam mattress tends to sag over time because of its softness and construction. This can negatively affect spinal alignment and the quality of sleep. Hybrid mattresses have coils, which are sturdier. 

This doesn’t mean they won’t fall apart; it just takes them more time. It also means that hybrid mattresses can handle more pressure, making them a better option for heavy sleepers. 

Memory Foam Mattresses – Pros and Cons

Memory foam and hybrid mattresses have pros and cons. Here’s what you should know about the memory foam mattress. 

Pros

Pressure Relief

A memory foam pressure mattress is the way to go if you’re looking for a bed with fantastic pressure relief. The foam is known for the way it conforms to the body and the pressure points. 

The memory foam comfort system can relieve pressure from areas like hips, shoulders, and lower back. Side sleepers and those suffering from joint pain will love this memory foam mattress feature. 

Motion Transfer

As mentioned before, memory foam has almost no motion transfer! This is why couples love it, and you’ll likely love it, too, especially if you’re a light sleeper. The foam material is great at covering up all the tossing and turning! 

Noiseless

Another big plus for memory foam is its ability to absorb sound. Memory foam is practically noiseless without the squeaky coils of an innerspring mattress. This is another reason why all-foam models are great for couples and light sleepers. 

Cons

Traps Heat

The biggest problem you’ll run into with this material is temperature regulation. Memory foam models tend to trap heat. That’s because memory foam is a closed-cell material; the heat stays because air can’t flow through the material. 

Hot sleepers should look for more breathable mattress options like innerspring mattresses. However, modern times come with modern solutions. If you really want that memory foam feel, you can find versions like gel memory foam or copper-infused memory foam. These advanced materials handle heat way better. 

Sagging

Because it’s usually soft and made from foam, a memory foam mattress isn’t very durable and can sag over time. Sagging can negatively affect spinal alignment and sleep quality. The softer a memory foam mattress is, the less durable it will be. 

Off-Gassing

Lastly, a memory foam mattress tends to off-gas because it’s not made from organic materials. Off-gassing is a process that happens when you first open your mattress, and it mostly happens to beds-in-a-box. All the gasses need to be aired so you can sleep comfortably. These beds can contain VOC (volatile organic compounds), which aren’t harmful to adults but can be very irritating.

Hybrid Mattresses – Pros and Cons

Hybrid mattresses aren’t perfect either! Here’s what you should expect from this type. 

Pros

Support

The biggest plus for hybrid mattresses is the firm support that usually goes along with great comfort. The coil system from innerspring mattresses offers support, which means you’ll get great edge support. These are the reasons why many hybrid mattresses are great mattresses for heavy sleepers. 

Breathability

The construction of a hybrid mattress makes the material breathable. The coils support in a mattress doesn’t trap heat, unlike the memory foam mattress. Even the memory foam hybrid mattress lets some air flow through the material, so you should go for this option if you sleep hot. 

Durability

The construction of hybrid mattresses also means that they’re made to last a long time. Coils are more expensive but sturdier and can handle more pressure. If you’re looking for a long-term investment, look no further than hybrids. 

Cons

Bad Motion Isolation

Even though the coil support has perks, it also means that the hybrid mattresses tend to transfer motion. If this is a big problem for you, you can try looking into options with pocketed coils, which can definitely improve the experience. 

However, keep in mind that it won’t be perfect, like with memory foam. Also, motion transfer increases in hybrid models over time because coils deteriorate. 

Weight

One thing you should know about hybrid mattresses is that they can get pretty hefty. The construction of these mattresses, with the coil support core and foam, makes them very heavy. If you know you’re going to move around, flip the mattress from time to time, and do other similar things, keep in mind that it’ll be a bit harder to do. 

Price

Last but not least, hybrid beds aren’t exactly the cheapest option you can go for. Sure, prices can vary, and you can get them on deals, but they’re usually on the pricier side. This is because the coils cost more to make than foam, making hybrid mattresses more expensive. They can get even pricier if you decide to go for latex foam combinations. 

Why Should You Get a Memory Foam Mattress?

Memory foam mattresses have a lot of benefits, but some people will like them more than others. 

They’re an excellent choice for side sleepers because this sleep position simultaneously needs spine alignment and softness. The foam contours the body and relieves pressure from points like the hips and shoulders, which are problematic for side sleepers. 

Because memory foam offers great pressure relief, back pain sufferers will love sleeping on an all-foam mattress. People with less body weight could also love sleeping on this soft foam material. 

Memory foam is also great for couples who like a softer mattress or those looking for a budget mattress. Another reason it’s great for couples is that it’s excellent at motion isolation and practically noiseless. 

Why Should You Get a Hybrid Mattress?

Hybrid beds are an excellent combination of support and comfort. This makes them great for a lot of different sleepers. 

The sturdy support makes most hybrid mattresses an excellent choice for heavy sleepers and those who like a firmer and bouncier mattress. Also, the construction makes the bed breathable, which means that hot sleepers will love it. 

A hybrid mattress can be a good choice for all sleeping positions, but stomach sleepers and combination sleepers will especially love it. Heavier side sleepers could also love a thick comfort foam layer hybrid mattress. And finally, if you’re looking for a long-term investment and have some extra cash, a hybrid mattress is the one for you. 

Final Thoughts

So, what do you think? Do you prefer memory foam or hybrid models? In a nutshell, the decision between a memory foam mattress and a hybrid mattress comes down to your personal preferences and the way you sleep. Both memory foam and hybrid beds can be a good choice!

We hope this article helped you figure out what mattress you need! Good luck with finding your next mattress.