The best of both worlds
For some people, innerspring mattresses feel too stiff or bouncy, while memory foam mattresses can feel too hot or squishy. Hybrid mattresses, which combine varying layers of foam, gel, latex, or bamboo with a base of innerspring support, may offer the temperature regulation of a cooling mattress with the convenience of a boxed bed. “A hybrid mattress is essentially the best of both worlds. You get the traditional feel of a bouncy mattress with the cushion of memory foam on top,” says Logan Foley, a certified sleep science coach and managing editor at Sleep Foundation. The best hybrid mattresses, therefore, can be a great compromise for couples with different sleep needs, like side-sleeper support or back pain-relief. You can even find them in organic mattress versions.
Because of their blended construction, most hybrid mattresses land in the medium range of firmness. Generally speaking, more springs (aka coils) mean more support and greater firmness. But bounciness can be a real issue for even the best mattresses. More foam generally means less motion transfer, so you won’t feel your partner’s every move. Pocketed coils—springs that are individually wrapped in fabric and then stitched together, like those used in the DreamCloud mattress—also help isolate motion, Foley says. And they can help hybrid mattresses sleep cooler than all-foam mattresses because they promote airflow between the components.
What to look for when buying the best hybrid mattress
The most important feature to consider is whether a mattress offers you the right balance of firmness and softness. In general, back and stomach sleepers need a more supportive mattress, while side sleepers could use a little more cushioning. Most people in the industry use a 10-point scale to rank firmness, Foley explains, though even that is subjective. One reviewer’s hard-as-a-rock mattress is another’s way-too-soft bed. Try to ascertain whether the reviews you’re reading are from people with a similar body shape and size as yours and whether they used a similar foundation (box spring, platform bed, or adjustable frame) as you.
Firmness isn’t the whole story, however. People tend to sleep either hot or cool, so you’ll want to get a feel for whether the mattress tends to retain or dispel heat (and whether you’ll need additional products, such as cooling mattress pads and cooling blankets). Other considerations when shopping for a mattress include whether the mattress offers firm edge support for sitting and how well it isolates motion. Thankfully, most manufacturers offer a free trial period of around 90 to 120 nights (and sometimes up 365 nights), so you can sleep on a mattress before making a final decision. Some also have showrooms where you can compare different models side by side.
If cleaning your mattress is important to you (and it should be) be sure to find out what kind of thermal insulation a mattress has before purchasing it.
How we chose the best
To choose the best hybrid mattress for different sleeping priorities, we focused on expert analysis and hundreds of customer reviews, weighing each mattress’ ability to deliver on comfort, durability, ease of setup, and more. We compiled our research to determine this list of best hybrid mattresses:
Best overall: Saatva Classic
Best for back pain: The WinkBed Luxury Firm
Best cooling mattress: Casper Wave Hybrid Snow
Best for couples: Nest Sparrow Signature Hybrid
Best firm mattress: Leesa Hybrid
Best latex mattress: Saatva Latex Hybrid
Best plush mattress: DreamCloud Premier Rest
Best for side sleepers: Helix Midnight
Best splurge mattress: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Medium Hybrid
Best for active people: Bear Hybrid
Best organic mattress: Avocado Green
Best for the guest room: Layla Hybrid
Best for plus-size sleepers: Helix Plus
Best-reviewed mattress on Amazon: Olee Sleep Omega Hybrid
Best value: Zinus Cooling Copper Adaptive Hybrid
Best overall hybrid mattress
Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic uses CertiPur-US foam layers, which are certified to be low in volatile organic chemical (VOC) emissions and free from ozone depleters, phthalates, formaldehyde, and heavy metals. The mattress coils are made from recycled steel, and the cover is made from organic cotton with a botanical antimicrobial treatment to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. Saatva’s LumbarZone technology provides the most support in the center third of the mattress, where you need it most.
This classic model is available in a choice of three firmness levels (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm) and in two different heights (11.5 or 14 inches), making it customizable for almost any sleeper. Reviewers say it sleeps cool, so there’s no need for a cooling mattress pad, and it’s great for relieving back pain and achy joints. With more than 2,000 five-star reviews—many of which drop phrases like “heavenly” and “the best mattress I’ve ever had”—it’s safe to say Saatva’s Classic has a large fan base. Though the mattress feels like luxury, it’s available at a lower price point than many of its competitors.
What we like about the Saatva Classic mattress:
- Free white-glove delivery and setup means no lugging a heavy mattress upstairs
- 180-night home trial
- 15-year warranty
What we don’t like about the Saatva Classic mattress:
- Saatva charges a $99 fee to refund or exchange
Best hybrid mattress for back pain
The WinkBed Luxury Firm
With its proprietary lumbar support, edge support that prevents sagging, and pressure-relieving quilted Euro-top, customers give the Luxury Firm version of the WinkBed more than 6,000 five-star reviews. “We … couldn’t be happier. I have had back problems since I was a teen, and [now] I wake up pain free each morning,” writes one reviewer. Foley agrees that it’s a great pick for people with back pain. “It’s a mattress with great spinal support,” she says. Not only that, but it boasts high-density CertiPur-US foam, individually pocketed coils, and a cover made from Tencel, a fabric derived from eucalyptus, to keep sleepers cool. That should give you sweat-free slumber, but if you need more relief (say, if you’re dealing with hot flashes), try one of these cooling blankets.
What we like about the WinkBed Luxury Firm mattress:
- Comes in four firmness levels
- 120-night home trial
- Lifetime warranty
What we don’t like about the WinkBed Luxury Firm mattress:
- This mattress leans more toward a traditional innerspring feel, so it might be too bouncy for side sleepers or those whose partners move a lot during the night.
Best cooling hybrid mattress
Casper Wave Hybrid Snow
The Casper Wave Hybrid Snow clocks in a full six degrees cooler than its predecessor, the Casper Wave Hybrid. Its top three layers are designed to help with temperature regulation. The cover is infused with material that collects and releases heat, so the mattress always feels cool to the touch. Beneath that is a layer of perforated foam coated with cooling gel, and below that is another layer of foam with six horizontal bands that pull heat away from the body. Suffice to say, you’re not sweating on this cooling mattress. Below all the cooling elements is a layer of memory foam with gel pods that hit at the waist and lower back to provide spinal support. The base layer contains pocketed coils for even more support. You can feel good about laying your head here: The cover incorporates recycled bottles, all of the foam is CertiPur-US certified and free of harmful chemicals, and there’s almost no off-gassing smell.
What we like about the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow mattress:
- Excellent motion isolation
- Sleeps cool
- 100-night home trial
- 10-year limited warranty
What we don’t like about the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow mattress:
- The edge support could be better
- It’s better for back sleepers than side sleepers
- The price is steep (and higher than any others on our list)
Best hybrid mattress for couples
Nest Sparrow Signature Hybrid Memory Foam
The Nest Sparrow is available in three firmness levels (Plush, Medium, and Firm). But the real appeal is that the king-size mattress in this line allows users to specify a different firmness level for each half of the bed. So if you prefer things softer but your partner likes a firmer feel, neither of you has to compromise. It’s made with four layers of CertiPur-US foam and pocketed coils designed to ensure edge support, and it offers excellent motion isolation, so you won’t feel it every time your partner rolls over. If you decide that you’d like a different level of support, you can swap out the inner layer of foam without having to get a whole new memory foam mattress. You can also rotate, flip, or replace the inner layer at any time to help extend the life of your mattress. Bonus: The cover—made with gel foam and infused with phase-change materials—helps keep you cool.
What we like about the Nest Sparrow Signature mattress:
- Adjustable and replaceable foam segments mean you don’t have to replace your mattress as often.
- 365-night home trial
- Lifetime warranty
What we don’t like about the Nest Sparrow Signature mattress:
- Each mattress is built to order, so delivery can be slow
Best firm hybrid mattress
Leesa Hybrid
Made with over 1,000 pocket coils and denser foam than many other hybrids, the Leesa Hybrid offers firm support. Perforations in the memory foam aid airflow and help you stay cool, and the soft, cotton-blend cover wicks away moisture and keeps you comfortable. The pocket springs provide added support, including at the edges. You can buy this boxed bed from Leesa directly, but it’s also available from retailers like Amazon and Walmart, so you may be able to find a good deal on it.
What we like about the Leesa Hybrid mattress:
- Leesa is a certified B Corp. and donates a bed to a child in need for every ten sold
- 100-night home trial
- 10-year warranty
What we don’t like about the Leesa Hybrid mattress:
- Motion transfer can be an issue
Best latex hybrid mattress
Saatva Latex Hybrid
Latex, made from the sap of rubber trees, is naturally hypoallergenic and deters dust mites, mold, and other common allergens. It’s also naturally cool and breathable, so you can snuggle under the down comforter without overheating. The Saatva Latex Hybrid begins with a durable base constructed of organic cotton and wool, which prevents the higher layers from shifting. Thick, pocketed coils topped with a three-inch layer of latex provide five zones of support that deliver a firm feel. It’s all topped with breathable organic wool batting and an organic cotton cover that features an antimicrobial treatment to prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria.
What we like about the Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress:
- Free white-glove delivery and setup
- 180-night home trial
- 15-year warranty
What we don’t like about the Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress:
- May be too firm for lightweight sleepers
Best plush hybrid mattress
DreamCloud Premier Rest
This mattress comprises seven layers, including four layers of CertiPur-US foam; a support layer constructed with 8.5-inch, individually wrapped coils; and a pillow top and cover made of two more layers of memory foam wrapped in a luxurious cashmere blend. The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a good choice for side sleepers—it feels soft and plush without giving you the sense you’re sinking into the mattress.
What we like about the DreamCloud Premier Rest mattress:
- Sleeps cool
- 365-night home trial
- Lifetime warranty
What we don’t like about the DreamCloud Premier Rest mattress:
- The layers stack up to a 16-inch mattress, so you’ll need deep-pocketed bedsheets
Best hybrid mattress for side sleepers
Helix Midnight
Using proprietary memory foam—all CertiPur-US certified—the Helix Midnight is specifically designed to offer exceptional pressure relief for shoulders and hips when you lie on your side. Tall, individually wrapped coils add medium-firm support while minimizing motion transfer, and the quilted pillow topper provides extra comfort. You’ll avoid night sweats with this mattress, thanks to the soft, Tencel cover, which is naturally breathable and cooling. “As a side sleeper, my shoulder pain disappeared after sleeping on this mattress for only a week,” writes one user. “The mattress is soft where I want it to be but firm too. Highly worth the investment.” Another great option for side sleepers: Nectar’s memory foam mattress.
What we like about the Helix Midnight mattress:
- Minimal motion transfer
- 100-night home trial
- 10- to 15-year warranty
What we don’t like about the Helix Midnight mattress:
- Each mattress is handmade, so you may notice irregular stitching
Best splurge mattress
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Medium Hybrid
You’ll have no problem finding a hybrid mattress online, but Tempur-Pedic’s Tempur-Adapt is one of the few hybrid mattresses that’s available in physical stores. Test the mattress in any of Tempur-Pedic’s 50 showrooms and in many other department and furniture stores. Its two layers of dense foam create a slow, body-hugging sensation, while more than 1,000 coils make it springier, so you’ll have an easier time shifting positions. The cover is made with high-performance cooling yarns, so you won’t overheat. It’s a pricier mattress than most—the only one on this list that costs more is Casper’s Wave Hybrid Snow, which is also a fantastic choice if you’re going to splurge—but you’re paying for quality. While you’re shopping, be sure to check out our favorite lightweight comforters.
What we like about the Tempur-Adapt mattress:
- Uses more durable foams than many other brands, so it should last a long time
- Free white-glove delivery and setup
- 90-night home trial
- 10-year warranty
What we don’t like about the Tempur-Adapt mattress:
- Fairly expensive compared to competitors
- Not compatible with a traditional box spring foundation
Best hybrid mattress for active people
Bear Hybrid
An upgrade from the company’s previous version, the 2022 Bear Hybrid is an innerspring-leaning hybrid. In fact, the company replaced the earlier version’s 2.5-inch micro coils with eight-inch pocketed coils for more supported slumber. Combined with four layers of foam, a quilted pillow top for pressure relief, and improved edge support, the bed offers a hotel-like feel. The cover is made from Celliant infrared yarn, a blend of natural minerals that the company says promotes blood circulation and tissue oxygenation for muscle recovery and a deeper, more rejuvenating sleep.
What we like about the Bear Hybrid mattress:
- Free of fiberglass, and both Greenguard Gold and CertiPur-US certified
- 365-night home trial
- Lifetime warranty
What we don’t like about the Bear Hybrid mattress:
- At 14 inches high, this mattress may require deep-pocketed sheets
- Some customers have reported difficulty with the company’s return process
Best organic hybrid mattress
Avocado Green
Organic mattresses are a great option for people with allergies or chemical sensitivities, and they’re great for the planet too. The Avocado Green uses organic latex, wool, and cotton in its construction and is Greenguard Gold certified. It’s needle-tufted by hand, so it doesn’t use any toxic adhesives. It also uses wool as a fire retardant. Avocado owns its entire supply chain, so it’s able to ensure the materials are of the highest quality and doesn’t rely on third-party availability. Beyond its organic cred, the mattress provides a great night’s sleep. With over 1,400 coils in three different thicknesses arranged in five different zones, the Avocado Green mattress offers considerable support for back and stomach sleepers. And on top of all that, it sleeps cool.
What we like about the Avocado Green mattress:
- Available in a wool-free vegan version
- 365-night home trial
- 25-year limited warranty
What we don’t like about the Avocado Green mattress:
- May be too firm for side sleepers
Best hybrid mattress for the guest room
Layla Hybrid
The Layla Hybrid offers two firmness levels in the same mattress. The soft side provides the cushioning and pressure relief that side sleepers need, with the company ranking it a four on a 10-point firmness scale. The firm side, ranked a seven on the same scale, adds a little more support. No matter who’s coming to visit, one side should be just right for them. The soft cover has a zipper for easy removal and cleaning, a must when you’re entertaining guests. Below that is a layer of copper-infused gel memory foam for a cool night’s sleep. Next is a layer of foam with deep channels to promote airflow, and in the center is a layer of over 1,000 coils (in the queen size) for support and motion control.
What we like about the Layla Hybrid mattress:
- You get two free memory foam pillows with every purchase
- 120-night home trial
- 10-year warranty
What we don’t like about the Layla Hybrid mattress:
- Users say the mattress is heavy and can be difficult to flip
Best hybrid mattress for plus-size sleepers
Helix Plus
With hundreds of extra-large coils, four layers of durable high-density foam, and a reinforced perimeter for edge support, the Helix Plus is built to support heavier-weight sleepers while still cushioning pressure points and providing zoned lumbar support. Its Tencel cover promotes airflow and keeps you cool all night long. While we love all Helix mattresses, we’re especially pleased to see this option can support a combined weight of 1,000 pounds, or 500 pounds on each side.
What we like about the Helix Plus mattress:
- The company offers discounts to teachers, students, military families, and first responders
- 100-night home trial
- 10- to 15-year warranty
What we don’t like about the Helix Plus mattress:
- Might be too firm for side sleepers
- You must try the mattress for 30 days before returning or exchanging
Best-reviewed hybrid mattress on Amazon
Olee Sleep 10-inch Omega Hybrid Mattress
The Olee Sleep Omega Hybrid Mattress garners an average of 4.6 stars from more than 11,500 Amazon reviewers, more than 8,800 of whom rated it five stars. The mattress starts with a layer of 198 pocketed coils and is topped by a layer of high-density foam to reduce heat, a layer of Duraflex foam for better elasticity, and a layer of cooling gel to prevent you from getting hot. A quilted cover tops it all off. The company says the mattress is designed to relieve pressure, especially along the spine. Satisfied customers say it feels like an expensive mattress with a firm feel, decent edge support, and motion isolation. Best of all, a queen size sells for under $300.
What we like about the Olee Sleep Omega Hybrid mattress:
- Affordable
- Reviewers report speedy delivery
- CertiPur-US certified
What we don’t like about the Olee Sleep Omega Hybrid mattress:
- Amazon permits refunds only within the first 30 days
Best value hybrid mattress
Zinus Cooling Copper Adaptive Hybrid
The Zinus Cooling Copper Adaptive Hybrid was built with hot sleepers in mind. The top layer of memory foam is infused with copper and green tea to promote a cool sleep all night long, and it’s wrapped in fabric the company says senses moisture and wicks it away. That sits atop a layer of high-density foam and, at the base, a layer of individually wrapped coils. Choose between a 10- and 12-inch height. At just $450 for the 10-inch queen size, it’s hard to go wrong with Zinus’s mattress.
What we like about the Zinus Cooling Copper mattress:
- All foams are certified by CertiPur-US
- 100-night trial
- 10-year warranty
What we don’t like about the Zinus Cooling Copper mattress:
- Some users note difficulty with initial inflation of the bed
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Sources:
- Logan Foley, a certified sleep science coach and managing editor at Sleep Foundation