Your mattress is an investment. We’re not saying that simply on basis of cost, but also because a good, comfortable sleep (or lack thereof) will have an impact on your quality of life. Memory foam mattresses are very popular, but with hybrid mattresses upping their game, the memory foam vs hybrid mattress game just got a lot more interesting.
Memory Foam vs Hybrid Mattress
Construction
Memory foam mattresses are usually all foam, with the at least 2-inch thick comfort layer made of memory foam, while the lower layers are built from support foam. Originally developed for NASA in the ‘60s for use in shuttles and airplanes, the viscoelastic foam found several more uses. In the ’90s it became available as mattresses, and the memory foam name stuck!
Hybrid mattresses combine the use and construction of two different mattress types. The general combination is innerspring and foam, with springs forming the core layer padded by layers of foam, and memory foam taking the comfort layer.
USP — The Benefits
Memory foam mattresses are excellent for spinal support. The foam easily gives way to your body temperature and pressure. It is extremely comfortable, works well with spinal alignment, and its high motion isolation means that if you move around while sleeping, your partner won’t be disturbed. Memory foam can also be useful for those who snore or have sleep apnea.
Memory Foam USPs
- Great for spinal alignment
- Easy to maintain and long-lasting
- Increased motion isolation
- Useful for those troubled with snoring and sleep apnea
- Hypoallergenic
Hybrid mattresses want to make the best of the worlds of firmness and plush comfort. The memory foam layer brings cushy comfort, while the springs themselves stick to their firm and supportive instincts. Hybrids also offer better bounce, which works great for getting into and out of bed, and also, sex. That last part might sound weird at first, but several people actually do complain about the pressure-absorbing memory foam not being optimal for sex. Since the springs allow more space for air, comparable hybrids will usually be more breathable and thus offer lower risk of sleeping hot.
Hybrid Mattress USPs
- Offers better bounce
- Generally more breathable
- Reduces sleeping hot and sinkage associated with memory foam
- Support of memory foam and flexibility of innerspring
The Negatives
Now that we’ve covered the positives and USP of both, it’s time to look at the negatives. There’s not much to be troubled about, but here’s a short list anyway.
Memory foam
- Little to no bounce
- Low breathability
- Off-gassing, though the chemical smell goes away after some time
- Not the best choice for those who move around in their sleep
Hybrid Mattress
- Relatively higher motion transfer
- Usually very heavy and difficult to move
- Since the comfort layer is memory foam, it does have some same negatives of a memory foam mattress, although to a lower degree
Making the Right Choice
Now you’re armed with the knowledge of both mattress types, their pros, and cons. Try not to get caught in the memory foam vs hybrid mattress debate and find a mattress that feels right for you. Foam is preferable for those having trouble keeping their spine aligned, and also for those who weigh on the heavier side and would prefer the support. If you’d rather not sink into the mattress, hold sleeping cool dear, and prefer the bounce, hybrid and the larger choice it offers in layers can be the right fit for you.