Hybrid mattress

The hybrid mattress might get all the buzz, but there's a good reason for it beyond strong branding and flashy marketing – they provide a fantastic night's sleep.

The trick to the not-so-humble hybrid mattress is the great sleep experience and the combination of pocket springs and generous foam layers, creating a feel that is best for both worlds. If you love the support of springs and the comfort of foam, a hybrid is for you.

Quality Pocket Springs

The backbone of any great hybrid lies in its spring system. Pocket springs are the best technology because they are individually wrapped in fabric sleeves and move independently, contouring precisely to your curves while minimising motion transfer across the bed.

More pocket springs generally mean better support and less sagging over time, although anything over 2,000 is a bit overkill. A typical hybrid mattress will have between 800 and 1,500 springs, which is a perfectly acceptable count for most people.

The only time we'd recommend more than 2,000 springs is if you are heavy and want a firm mattress that'll never have any give.

Check out these hybrids as a starting point:

High-Density Foams

Memory foam contours closely, creating a body-hugging sensation that relieves pressure points but is quite soft. Latex has a more responsive bounce while still conforming gently, and while both can feature in the uppermost comfort layer, latex has the edge if you want a soft yet responsive sleep surface.

Here are some great latex mattresses (all double):

• Silentnight Lift Rejuvenate 1600 Latex Mattress (medium soft).
• Silentnight Lift Replenish 2000 Latex Mattress (medium).
• Giltedge Beds Hampshire 2000 Mattress (medium firm).

Density isn't just about how the foam feels - it also measures its durability, with higher densities offering greater longevity and support.

Most high-density foams support 1.5 lbs per cubic foot for polyfoam and 4-5 lbs for memory foam – most manufacturers don't publish these figures, so you'll have to ask.

Cooling Features

While hybrids generally sleep cooler than all-foam beds, thanks to the inherent airflow around pocket springs, some go the extra mile with additional cooling tech.

Breathable outer covers made from moisture-wicking natural materials like cotton, wool, and bamboo help move heat away from the mattress surface, although graphite and gel infusions are even better.

Memory gel is a fantastic technology, and you can find hybrid mattresses at all price points – here are a few to get started (all double):

• Giltedge Beds Energise 2000 Hybrid Mattress (medium soft).
• Sleepeezee Jessica 1800 Pocket Gel Mattress  (medium).
• Giltedge Beds Asteria Hybrid Mattress (medium firm).
• Sleepeezee Pocket Gel Balance Plus Hybrid Mattress (firm).

Open-cell foams have a more open structure to promote airflow - if you're a hot sleeper, it's worth seeking out a hybrid that incorporates a few of these innovative cooling features.

Edge Support

You've likely experienced that roll-off feeling when you get too close to the edge of some all-foam beds. A well-constructed hybrid with reinforced coils around the perimeter prevents this, ensuring you can use the full surface area without dipping at the sides.

Firmer foams and higher coil counts along the edges maximise stability and durability here. Some mattress brands even advertise specific edge support systems, showing they've put thought into this oft-overlooked area.

Firmness Level

Firmness is subjective, but hybrids typically fall between 5 and 8 on the 1-10 scale, from soft to firm. Side sleepers often prefer a softer hybrid around 5-6 for pressure relief at the hips and shoulders. Back and front sleepers generally need a firmer 7 to 9 for spinal alignment.

Most folks find a happy medium with a 5-7 rating that balances contouring and support. If you weigh more than 220 lbs, get a firm mattress for longevity, and if you weigh less than 140 lbs, you might want a medium-soft mattress.