What is a hybrid mattress?

A hybrid mattress is normally made using a Bonnell spring system that is topped with memory foam, either standard or gel-infused, latex or high-density foam. There are other types that are made from pocket spring systems or other support types depending on the customers’ requirements.

A hybrid mattress aims to incorporate all the top features of the best support core and combine them with different premium mattress tops. This gives the mattress superior functionality and the very best mattress benefits. They offer breathability and a luxurious sleep surface.

Hybrids offer sleepers a contouring surface for pressure relief, responsiveness for ease of movement, and firmer edge support, making it a popular choice for a wide range of sleep styles.

These mattress types offer a cushioning sleep surface, a comfortable resistance and bedder edge and corner supports. The construction of the mattress makes it perfect for any sleep position.

Let’s look at how these mattresses are constructed, what they are made out of and how this makeup benefits sleepers. We are also going to look at price, durability, and what to look for if you feel this is your perfect sleep solution.

Construction of a hybrid mattress.

A hybrid is made by combining two distinct systems that ordinarily stand on their own as a complete mattress. This is usually a spring support core with different options or combinations of topping.

The innerspring support structure is used for most hybrid types because it offers the best foundation to keep your spine in line during the night. Some mattresses may have a spring-on-spring system like pocket over Bonnell which will provide a great deal of support, comfort and breathability.

The innerspring, traditionally known as the Bonnell core, is made with hourglass-shaped springs that are all connected to form one support unit. This base is used because of its excellent support properties. Usually a spring unit like this will not have the luxury sleep layers which is why the hybrid bed type is so popular.

There are some manufacturers that make their own types but don’t have the spring support. Some are full foam units that have various foam layer densities and hardnesses and also qualify to be called a hybrid.

Hybrid Mattress Types

The mattress will offer different benefits depending on the top layer of foam and you can expect the following from them:

Memory foam: Memory foam cushions the body and helps ease pressure point pain.
High-density foam: This topping will be slightly firmer than memory foam but will still provide a comfortable sleep surface
Latex: Latex foams have a bounce to them for sleepers that enjoy a more responsive type of sleep
Cooling gel: This is a memory foam type, with the inclusion of cooling gel beads.

Typically, the support core of a hybrid mattress is made of pocketed coils, sometimes

Hybrid vs. Foam vs. Innerspring Mattress

The comfort level of the hybrid is very much the same feel as a full foam unit but gives better breathability. This is a benefit that hot sleepers will enjoy. Full foam units will get very hot in summer.

An all-foam construction uses a support core made from reconstituted foam and is then layered with various layers of different hardness and density foams that provide s a comfortable and supportive sleep surface. The surface as a full foam unit is generally one that eliminates partner disturbance.

A bonnell spring unit is usually best for a supportive sleep and more often than not the budget-friendly option.

How Much Does a Hybrid Mattress Cost?

A queen-size hybrid mattress can cost as little as R6000.00 to about R10-15 K. There are quite a few models in a price range much higher than this though so be sure to check the difference in features and benefits. The latex top types tend to be the most expensive.

The cost of a these will generally be higher than your average mattress because the focus is on luxury sleep that has the best support system. It is the high-quality materials that go into the mattress that increase the cost. It is also because the mattresses have more than one principal mattress support type that has an influence on the price.

How Long Does a Hybrid Mattress Last?

There is quite a big misconception when it comes to the lifespan of a mattress. People often take the warranty period as the expected lifespan of the mattress. This is not the case. The expected lifespan of any mattress is around 6-8 years. There are some spring-on-spring systems that do not last that long, they tend to become unstable after a few short years because of the make-up.

There are other factors that will determine the lifespan, these are things like whether there are two sleepers or solo sleepers. Active sleepers tend to wear out a mattress sooner than those who sleep in a static position. Mattress care and rotating as recommended can increase longevity.

How to Choose a Hybrid Mattress

The best hybrid mattress will depend on your sleep preferences. With quite a few options available there are many factors to consider before making your purchase. Things like your body type, sleep position, aches and pains or any other sleep issue should be discussed with the bed retailer.

Body Type

All of the different types will have its own features and benefit you in a different way. The options available should cater to your weight, body type, sleep position and comfort level preference. This will determine which type is best for you.

Weights

Under 100kg: The memory foam option will be the best as it will provide the cushioning not provided by the body.
People between 100 and 130 kg: This category will best be suited to a high-density type.
People over 130 kg: Heavier sleepers will enjoy a latex top because it helps keep the body aligned during sleep.

Sleeping Position

Sleep positions play a very big role in your mattress selection, many models out there are made specifically to suit a specific position. Every bed will give different experiences for each of us and that will be decided by how we feel when lying on the bed in our favoured position.

Side sleepers: This sleep position often needs a thicker sleep surface top which gives a good level of comfort in order to provide an area that will cushion your pressure point areas. Side sleepers will have a supported spine during sleep when using a spring-based system.
Back sleepers: Back sleepers favour a firmer sleep surface. It is the best surface to keep your lumbar area in line if you sleep like that. If the mattress is too soft your back will sink too much which could cause problems for your lower back.
Stomach sleepers: As with back sleepers, stomach sleepers benefit from medium to firm surfaces. The same effect, backwards, that would happen to back sleepers will

Firmness

We rate mattress firmness on a scale of 1 to 10. Where 1 is super soft, and not sleepable for most individuals, and 10 would be similar to sleeping on the floor. Also not suitable for most of us. Anywhere between 3 and 7 is considered a suitable sleep surface that will cover most people and their preferred comfort level. Medium to medium-firm seems to be the most popular choice.

Body Pain

If you suffer from body pain then the hybrid type of mattress is most certainly the one to look out for. Most of the mattresses offer a cushioning surface which will help ease pressure point pain. The support of the spring system will also help reduce, if not eliminate, lower back stiffness. This mattress helps in both scenarios.

For example, the support structure keeps the spine in line. If the mattress is too soft it will cause your back to bow upwards a mattress that is too firm will cause the opposite. Both are bad for you as your lower back muscles will work overtime to try to keep your spine in the correct position causing lower back pain on waking.

Your Bed Budget

Your mattress is a big investment and people are often drawn to many of the sales and promotional gimmicks in the market. The reality is that these beds on special never really address your specific requirement. Also bear in mind that the incorrect mattress can impact your quality of life negatively. So it is wise to take the plunge and spend a bit extra so that you can reap the full rewards of this bed type.

Why You Should Consider a Hybrid Mattress.

Not only will you enjoy a luxurious sleep but your body and mind will have the best opportunity to recover, grow and prosper. The consequences of poor quality sleep are extensive and can be quite severe in some cases. There has never been a better time to invest in your health and well-being than now. Hopefully we have answered the question, what is a hybrid mattress