What is a Hybrid Mattress?
One of the top questions we get concerns a “type” of a mattress, specifically “What is a Hybrid mattress?”, “Why are hybrids better than a regular mattress?” and most commonly, “How is a hybrid mattress any different from a regular mattress?”.
These questions have straightforward answers, but to be a little less biased and more informed, I researched what the industry leaders say to their questions. As a result, there were some very interesting opinions on the topic.
What is a Hybrid Mattress?
A hybrid mattress was initially meant to describe a spring mattress made by a manufacturing company that constructed mainly all-foam mattresses (with no springs for support). A good example would be Tempurpedic mattresses. Originally an all-foam company, but with their company’s growth, they sought ways to upgrade their products and found that adding springs brought a completely different feel and support to their proprietary foams.
How is a Hybrid Mattress any different from a Regular Mattress?
Several years ago, the difference between a Hybrid mattress and a Regular Innerspring mattress could be explained as a Hybrid would have more specialty foam in the support layers of the mattress than a regular innerspring. However, technology and trends have made the rule incorrect. Nowadays, both hybrid and traditional mattresses both contain layers of specialty foams in equal amounts.
Why are Hybrids better than regular mattresses?
Initially, because of the changes in manufacturers that had added inner springs to their mattresses and called them by different names, customers were given the impression that they must be better than a regular mattress. However, that was mostly a marketing ploy. Adding springs to an all-foam design did add a different feel, so there was a need for the name Hybrid. However, the expectation of a Hybrid being better was all ploy.
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably very confused. None of what my research says gives a definitive answer to what a hybrid is a mattress. That’s because there isn’t a difference. Short of calling it only a marketing ploy, I will give you some differences that make sense.
Hybrid mattresses:
- Have a smooth top ticking, otherwise known as the cover. Most regular mattresses have a cover with quilting with multiple dimples. These dimples help to tighten the ticking (cover) and add to the firmness or plush feel of the mattress. A Hybrid mattress has a relatively smooth cover and relies on the properties of the foams to add to the feel of the mattress.
- Tend to be plusher than a regular mattress. The firm of a hybrid design would be considered a plush in traditional mattresses by your average customer.
- Are steered towards the contemporary shopper looking for the latest in technology. Since Hybrids are marketed as the “in” thing, they are known for having the newest support. All things being equal, though, you could find the same tech in a regular innerspring mattress, just not as marketed.
No doubt, from the tone of this article, you can tell that the word Hybrid does not impress the author.
In truth, it doesn’t. I have done enough research and have dealt with many mattresses, and the differences between a Hybrid and a Regular mattress are nominal at best. I prefer to fit our customers to a mattress that works to support the best and not look for a mattress design over function. Although some customers fit into a hybrid way better than a regular mattress just because they tend to be plusher, we find that out by fitting them to a mattress, not relying on the description. There is one type of customer that will always fit a hybrid better, though, the customer that is ultra-sensitive to feeling the quilting underneath while they lay down. The minute we hear someone say something about the quilting, we must steer them towards a much smoother top of a hybrid.
If you would like more information on mattresses and mattress construction for further research, here are a few links to other articles you might find helpful:
- Lets Talk Mattress Foundations
- Finding Your Perfect Sleep Posture
- 3 Reasons Why Latex is a Better Material for Mattresses