There are three main mattress types: innerspring, memory foam, and hybrid. In this article, our mattress experts compare the three to help inform you while you search for the best mattress for your needs. Each mattress has its own unique features so it’s essential to know how each functions and how they are built.
Last Updated: February 28, 2024
Innerspring Mattress vs. Hybrid Mattress
An innerspring mattress is what most traditional mattresses are known to be, coils for support with some layers of comfort materials. A hybrid takes on this coil feature though it also has a good amount of memory foam on top of the coils as a fusion between the two other mattress types. Here is a direct comparison between the two mattress types:
| Innerspring Mattress | Hybrid Mattress |
|---|---|
| Support comes from the coils or the innersprings. They can be individually wrapped or be a tied-coil system. The coils in an innerspring are almost the entire thickness of the mattress in height. | Support is derived from coils, and individually wrapped coils are almost always used in hybrids. The coils in a hybrid are shorter in height to accommodate multiple layers of memory foam. |
| Comfort is provided by the combination of the coil system and layers of polyurethane foam, natural materials like cotton and horsehair, or thin layers of memory foam. | Comfort is almost exclusively supplied from the memory foam used in hybrid mattresses. The top of the hybrid is where multiple layers of memory foam are located for comfort. |
| Innerspring mattresses can feature some memory foam, though much less than in a hybrid mattress, usually less than 2″ thick. This isn’t the case in every innerspring, but memory foam is used in many models. | The memory foam used in hybrid mattresses is a key feature so more of it is used when compared to the amount in an innerspring. Typically, at least 3″ of memory foam is included. |
| Some innerspring mattresses are constructed to offer two sides for flipping the mattress. Not all, and not many, but this feature does still exist. | Hybrid mattresses are exclusively one-sided and cannot be flipped. The technology that went into their creation was intended to make flipping the mattress unnecessary. |
Memory Foam Mattresses vs. Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses use the same types of foam as memory foam mattresses, but a less amount to make space for the coils. Memory foam mattresses increased in popularity in the last 25 years. The popularity is due to how memory foam conforms to the body. Here is a comparison between a memory foam bed and a hybrid mattress:
| Memory Foam Mattress | Hybrid Mattress |
|---|---|
| An all-memory foam mattress provides support by including different foam densities. Because you “sink in” to the mattress, your support is achieved through the foams conforming to your body. | Support comes from the coils in a hybrid mattress primarily. The coils are designed to provide a stable surface for the memory foam. |
| Comfort in a memory foam bed comes from the conforming memory foam. Less dense foams provide added comfort in the upper portion of the mattress. | Comfort in a hybrid bed comes mainly from the memory foam layers at the top of the mattress. However, because they’re paired with coils you can find different foam densities which give you more comfort options. |
| From top to bottom, a memory foam mattress is entirely made from memory foam layers. Different types are combined to achieve various densities, but it’s constructed entirely from foam with a cover. | The top of a hybrid mattress features memory foam, but the lower portion is innerspring coils. It’s made to be a fusion of both main mattress types. |
| Memory foam mattresses are almost exclusively built to be one-sided. The foams are meant to be from top to bottom differing types designed to have one sleep surface. | Despite hybrid mattresses featuring innersprings, they are not designed to flip. They are exclusively one-sided beds. |
Pros of an Innerspring Mattress
- Sturdy support – The basis for all mattresses for the last hundred years.
- Typically last 10 years or more.
- Normally more affordable than other mattress types.
- Great for people who sleep hot.
- Can get them made from all-natural materials.
Cons of an Innerspring Mattress
- Too much motion transfer if not individually wrapped coils.
- Not as much pressure relief as in other mattress types.
- Can be pretty heavy if you try to move it without help.
- Not ideal for all side sleepers.
Pros of a Memory Foam Mattress
- Conforming comfort which conforms to your entire body.
- Can be used to reduce neck and back pain.
- Great for reducing motion transfer.
- Excellent pressure relief.
Cons of Memory Foam Mattress
- Often sleep hotter than other types of mattresses.
- Higher prices than either other types most often.
- Not good for people who sleep on their stomachs.
- Odors coming from the foam can often be offputting.
- Can give you a sinking feeling that might be uncomfortable.
Pros of a Hybrid Mattress
- Often include cooling materials which help with sleeping hot.
- Great support and comfort combination.
- Faster response in the comfort materials than the other two types.
- Really good pressure relief.
- All the benefits of innerspring and memory foam mattresses in one.
Cons of a Hybrid Mattress
- A LOT of options, and choosing one can be overwhelming.
- Higher price tag than an innerspring, the same, or a bit higher than a memory foam.
- Not ideal for larger body-sized side sleepers.
- The memory foam may give off an odor that is unpleasant.
Common Features for All Mattress Types
- All three mattress types will work on an adjustable base, a platform bed, or a box spring/foundation.
- Non-flippable options – Each mattress type has options for mattresses that do not require flipping.
- Foam layers – Nearly every standard mattress manufactured currently features at least one type of foam.
- All types are available in all the standard sizes – King, Cal King, Queen, Full, Twin XL, and Twin.
Innerspring Mattress Unique Features
- Pillowtop mattresses, and eurotop mattresses, are always innerspring models.
- Taller coils: The coils in innerspring mattresses are larger than the ones used in hybrid mattresses.
- Unique coil styles – The options for coil types in innerspring mattresses are larger than the ones used in hybrid mattresses.
- Natural material options: Innerspring beds can be built from entirely natural materials. For instance, silk, cashmere, wool, cotton, bamboo, horsehair, and latex.
- Tufting – The tufts, or the raised portions on top of the mattress, are unique to innerspring beds.
- Edge Support – All innerspring models have some sort of edge support system to help keep the outer portion of the mattress sturdy over time.
Memory Foam Mattress Unique Features
- The foam adapts and responds to your unique shape, weight, and sleep position.
- You will likely not experience any motion transfer in a memory foam bed.
- Removable covers are easily cleanable.
- Relieves excess pressure on high-pressure points like the hips and shoulders.
- Built entirely from memory foam.
Hybrid Mattress Unique Features
- Combines both memory foam and an innerspring system to get the benefits of both styles in one mattress.
- Manufacturers use individually wrapped coils usually. This is the best support system to combine with memory foam comfort.
- Not too much memory foam so you don’t get that sinking feeling.
Need More Information?
If you need more help choosing the right mattress, you can read our Mattress Buying Guide, or take our sleep quiz below.
You can contact one of Gardner White’s experts at (248) 481-2208, chat with one online, or visit one of our local Michigan stores.
About the Author, Dave Higgins
