Hybrid Mattress Vs Memory Foam

When it comes to choosing a new mattress it’s easy to be overwhelmed by choice. After all, there are an awful lot of options out there, from sprung mattresses of various types to latex rubber mattress designs, mattresses with soft pillow tops and mattress toppers to help change the feel of your bed.

Two increasingly popular mattress types are hybrid mattresses and memory foam mattresses, each of which offer versatility to suit most sleepers. It can, however, be hard to choose between the two and then, once you’ve finally done so, the work’s not over. You’ll still need to dig deep into the many options available within those mattress types. By the time you’ve made your purchase, well, you’ll be ready to sleep for a week.

To help take some of the stress out of choosing between a memory foam mattress and a hybrid mattress, we’ve put together an easy guide to the pros (and the cons) of each. We’ll look at how each mattress type is constructed and what benefits they offer for different types of sleeper, bringing you one step closer to making that all important purchase.

Hybrid Mattress vs Memory Foam Mattress: Where to Start When Choosing a Bed

There are all kinds of things that you’ll want to consider when it comes to mattress shopping, so where to begin?

How do you sleep at night?

Undoubtedly the most important question when it comes to selecting a new mattress is ‘what do you need from a bed?’ The obvious answer to this question is comfort, but what is it that you specifically require to be comfortable? Things to think about include:

• Your sleeping position: while back sleepers are recommended a medium-to-firm mattress, side sleepers can usually tolerate a softer bed. Front sleepers, meanwhile, should look for the extra support offered by a firm mattress
• Your aches and pains: those with bad backs, sore necks and joint problems are likely to need the cushioning support of a mattress with good pressure relief
• Your body temperature: do you run hot or cold at night? This may impact your choice of mattress. Many beds now offer temperature regulating technology, helping you to find a comfortable sleep temp with no need for extra blankets or open windows

Do you share a bed?

If you sleep with a partner you’ll, of course, need to consider their needs too. If you have very different sleeping postures or body types it can be tough to find a mattress you both love. However, there are a variety of options to consider, including zip-and-link mattresses, which allow you to enjoy the convenience of two comfort levels in a shared bed. If you or your partner move around a lot at night you’ll probably benefit from a mattress that offers reduced motion transfer too. This feature reduces the roll you might feel when your other half moves about at night.

What’s your budget?

There’s no two ways about it. A new mattress is a big investment. Which makes it all the more vital that you make the right decision. It’s important to research before you spend big to find the best mattress for your pocket as well as for your comfort. The good news is that at Bensons for Beds we help you to find the ideal mattress for your needs using our in-depth knowledge and our cutting edge sleeppro® technology. Not only that but we also offer a generous 40 Night Comfort Guarantee. So if your new bed’s not right you’re not stuck with it for good.

Is a Hybrid Mattress Right For You?

You may have heard of the hybrid mattress, or combination mattress, but you might be less clear on what one of these beds actually is and what its benefits are. Let us explain…

What is a hybrid mattress?

Created to give sleepers the best of both worlds, hybrid mattresses combine a sprung base with a comfort layer, usually made up of memory foam or latex. Gel foams, which offer temperature regulation, are increasingly a feature of the hybrid bed too. Most often, a hybrid mattress will feature pocket springs, and often these are made up of a variety of sizes of spring for targeted support in different areas. Rarely, however, other spring types, such as offset or continuous coil springs, will be used.

The benefits of a hybrid mattress

The blend of technologies found in a good hybrid mattress mean that you can enjoy the best of both worlds. The sprung base of this mattress type gives great support that will help to minimise the risk of spinal pain and problems. Meanwhile, the cushioned upper portion of a hybrid bed will provide fantastic pressure relief, taking the strain so that knees, shoulders and hips are cushioned and comfy.

Highly responsive, thanks to its internal coil system, a hybrid mattress offers great ease of movement, so you won’t need to struggle to turn over and reposition. Getting out of bed can be easier too, making these beds a good choice for older people who may struggle with mattresses that are too sinky soft.

The best hybrid mattress, like this eve Hybrid Duo Plus mattress, will feature reliable edge support, meaning you won’t lose comfort at the border of your bed. It will also offer a good combination of mini and full height pocket springs for even weight distribution, whatever your body type.

Are there any downsides to a hybrid mattress?

Frankly, a hybrid mattress offers very few cons. Most people feel comfortable with the familiar reliability of a sprung mattress, and that extra layer makes for an easy gateway to the most modern of mattress technologies.

For some people though, especially couples who have very different body types, a sprung mattress can cause issues with motion transfer. And some may worry about the noise of springs as a mattress gets older. In addition, like all spring mattresses, a hybrid mattress can be heavy. However, with their one-side up design, there’s no need to flip them. Even better, some hybrid mattresses, like the Tempur Hybrid Supreme mattress, won’t need rotating either.

Is a Memory Foam Mattress Right For You?

Memory foam mattresses are incredibly popular and it’s easy to see why. However, foam may not be the right choice for everyone…

What is a memory foam mattress?

Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, has any number of applications, having started life as cushioning for the seats in NASA’s space-going crafts. Now most often used in upholstery, and especially in mattresses, memory foam is a technological marvel. A variety of memory foam-type materials exist, with some incorporating copper,gel or other treatments, such as the Temperature+ treatment used in the Slumberland Clima Airstream Memory mattress. Memory foam mattresses of this type do an excellent job of compensating for changes in your body temperature for an always cosy sleep.

The benefits of a memory foam mattress

Memory foam mattresses offer a number of benefits, chief among them being their pressure relieving abilities. Ideal for side sleepers, a memory foam mattress cradles the body, softly holding those joints that can often ache after a night pressed into the bed. Additionally, foam gives a slightly encompassing feel, which is perfect for those who love to get truly snuggled in at night. And thanks to that aforementioned cool technology,there’s no need to worry about becoming too warm while being encompassed by your mattress.

Great for couples with a weight discrepancy or who move around a lot at night, memory foam doesn’t transfer movement. So when you move your partner will barely feel it, meaning a better night’s sleep if he rolls about a lot or if she often gets up in the night.

Another benefit of memory foam is its convenience. One of the more affordable mattress types, thanks to mattress-in-a-box type products, memory foam mattresses are usually lighter in weight than sprung mattresses and therefore easier to manoeuvre into place and flip or turn as needed. And if your budget won’t quite stretch to a whole new mattress? A memory foam mattress topper is an affordable alternative.

Are there any downsides to a memory foam mattress?

If memory foam isn’t quite right for you, even the best memory foam mattress out there probably isn’t going to suit. However, thanks to ever-evolving technology many of the misgivings that people have about memory foam – such as overheating - have been addressed and solved.

It’s true, for example, that the sinkage and ‘hugging’ sensation of memory foam isn’t going to be for everyone. Yet many modern memory foam mattresses are designed for freedom of movement. Take the TempurSensation Elite mattress, made with NASA-grade Tempur material. This oh-so-comfortable mattress incorporates Dynamic Support Technology to give you great support while still allowing for moving and turning without a struggle.

Natural Latex Mattress, Sprung Mattress and More: What Other Options Are Out There?

Thanks to the constant innovation of sleep scientists and bed designers we’re now absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to mattresses. So if memory foam or hybrid mattresses containing memory foam and similar materials don’t float your bedtime boat, you still have plenty of options to choose from…

Latex mattresses for natural support

Made using natural rubber, latex mattresses have long lost their medical connotations. Now a popular choice for those looking for pressure relief combined with reliable support, a latex mattress also offers similar levels of performance to memory foam when it comes to reducing motion transfer. Made of a highly durable material, latex mattresses are built to last and thanks to their firm support are a great choice for heavier people. Latex is also known for it's natural breathable qualities.

Latex is often used in hybrid mattresses, like the Staples and Co Restore Latex Ortho 2000 mattress, which combines the responsiveness of springs with the ultra-firm support of latex. Combined with other technologies in this way, latex can prove an excellent choice for those with back issues.

Spring mattresses for traditional comfort

Sprung mattresses (or spring mattresses) have come a long way in the last few years and nowadays you’ll rarely have to worry about lumpy, broken springs and creaking noises when you roll over. Whether you opt for a swanky 1000 spring pocket sprung mattress or an affordable continuous coil mattress you’ll enjoy something that’s built to last well. You’ll also have peace of mind that you’re sleeping on tried and tested mattress tech.

In addition to being highly durable and supportive, the newest sprung mattresses offer clever features like the double-sided all season design of this Slumberland Duo 1000 2-in-1 mattress, with its anti-allergen Pro-Bio treatment and dynamic edge support.

Orthopaedic mattresses for extra support where it’s needed

For some people, support that’s a little firmer is just what the doctor ordered. Whether you’re experiencing spinal or other musculoskeletal problems or simply like to sleep on the firmer side of the bed, an orthopaedic mattress could meet your needs. Designed to offer minimal sinkage and maximised spinal alignment, mattresses like the Silentnight Backcare Extra Firm mattress are often recommended to those with back, joint or muscle pain, athletes and elderly people.

Though most often made using springs, some orthopaedic mattresses are constructed in memory foam or latex or, in many cases, will have a hybrid design.

Hybrid Mattress Vs Memory Foam: Whichever You Choose Start Your Shopping Journey at Bensons for Beds

Choosing a mattress starts with research and who better to help you delve into the world of beds than the highly trained and helpful team at Bensons for Beds? Not only can we help you to find the ideal mattress comfort level for you but we’re tried and true bed experts. So if you have questions or need recommendations we’ll be happy and able to help.

In addition to your local showroom, where you’ll be able to try out a wide range of memory foam and hybrid beds, we’re also available online and by phone to help you unravel the mystery of the mattress.