Choosing the right mattress is a key step for anyone on the road to a reliably good night's kip. But when it comes to two of the most popular types of mattresses (memory foam and hybrid mattresses), there are certain similarities you’ve probably noticed. There are also some distinct differences too.
Both mattress types have their own set of advantages and potential downsides. And understanding the differences between them is handy when it comes to choosing the best mattress for your needs. So, we had our clever sleep boffins create this info-packed guide. Neat, eh?
Scroll on to discover how our mattresses measure up in the battle of memory foam vs. hybrid.
what you need to know about memory foam mattresses
So, memory foam mattresses have been popular since what seems like forever ago now. And it is kind of is forever ago! The very first memory foam mattresses came out way back in 1991! Before some of you were even born, we have no doubt!
But memory foam has come a long way since those early days. And for many, a memory foam mattress is the epitome of sleep comfort. Learn more about the different aspects to this popular mattress technology below.
memory foam mattress construction and materials
Memory foam mattresses are mostly made using a viscoelastic foam that is responsive to both heat and pressure. This type of material moulds to the shape of your body, providing you with a customised support and pressure relief system all night long.
the pros of memory foam mattresses
In a nutshell, here are the top three reasons people really love memory foam:
- Great pressure relief: A memory foam mattress contours to your body, essentially giving you a great big hug all night long. This helps to ease those pesky pressure points, especially in the shoulders, hips, and back.
- Superior motion isolation: Do you share a bed with a real wriggler? The dense foam used in our memory foam mattresses is an expert at absorbing movement and could be just what you’re after. Foam mattresses are a great choice for couples as it helps to minimise the number of times your sleep is disrupted due to your bed companion’s wriggling around!
- Super sumptuous support: Memory foam provides consistent support all night long. Not only does this help keep your spine aligned properly, it should also help to improve sleep comfort all night long too!
the cons of memory foam mattresses
Just like all things in life, there are some drawbacks to choosing a memory foam mattress over a hybrid one. Here are three common complaints:
- Bad rep for heat retention: In the past, memory foam mattresses have earned a bit of bad reputation as being very hot. This is because memory foam can retain heat, which has the potential to make it uncomfortable for hot sleepers. But this reputation needs a rethink. As we’ve said, memory foam has come a long way. And the award-winning memory foam used in our mattresses is 5 times more breathable than standard memory foam. Plus, all of our mattresses feature carefully placed additional drill holes that can channel heat away from your body while you sleep. And, our wunderflip premium memory foam mattress has a very special Adaptive® fabric treatment that goes a step further with temperature regulation. This treatment also supports moisture wicking to ensure you stay cool, dry, and comfy all night long.
- They can be a bit smelly: When you’re buying a brand new memory foam mattress, it can emit a bit of a chemical smell. This is normal and is known as off-gassing. The good news? The smelliness should clear up within a few days.
- Limited bounce: As memory foam conforms by nature, it’ll be less bouncy in bed. And this isn’t everyone’s ideal when it comes to a mattress.
what you need to know about hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are one of the newer mattress types. The first hybrid mattress came out in 2008 – that’s 17 years after our much loved memory foam ones. And they’re given the name hybrid with good reason – they’re made with a hybrid mix of ingredients.
Most hybrids feature a combo of springs and foam, and some have other materials – such as latex - in the mix too. Read on to learn more of that need-to-know info on the subject of hybrid mattresses.
hybrid mattress construction and materials
Hybrid mattresses combine the support of innerspring coils with the comfort of foam layers. They typically feature a base layer of pocketed coils topped with one or more layers of memory foam, latex, or other materials.
the pros of hybrid mattresses
Here are three of the main reasons that you may prefer a hybrid mattress to a memory foam one:
- Balanced support: By combining springs and foam, a hybrid mattress provides a great balance of support and comfort. And it’s this blend of materials that often appeals to a wider range of sleepers.
- Temperature regulation: The springs in your mattress help to promote a better airflow. This, in turn, helps to regulate the temperature of your bed while you’re sleeping as it keeps the sleeping environment cooler.
- Bounce and responsiveness: Unlike memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses have springs inside. This helps to keep your mattress feeling beautifully bouncy and responsive which many of us do prefer thanks to it being a more traditional mattress feel.
the cons of a hybrid mattress
And here are some of the drawbacks to be aware of if a hybrid mattress is a front runner for you:
- They’re fairly heavy: When compared to memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses can be heavier and more difficult to move. This shouldn’t put you off unless you’re a serial house mover or bedroom swapper, though.
- Hybrid mattresses aren’t as good at motion isolation: The individually wrapped springs in eve’s hybrid mattresses are very good at motion isolation. But they’re not as good at it as our memory foam mattresses. So, if your partner is the cause of all your sleep disruptions and motion isolation is your main goal in a mattress, a memory foam one might be a better choice.
- Cost: Hybrid mattresses generally tend to come hand in hand with a higher price tag when compared to memory foam mattresses. And this is true of our eve hybrid mattresses, albeit only marginally.
memory foam vs. hybrid mattresses: which should you choose?
The right choice for you when considering memory foam vs. hybrid mattresses will ultimately depend on what you like, want, and need! Let your personal preferences and individual sleep needs be the driving force in your mattress dilemma. Here’s a couple of key reminders:
If pressure relief and motion isolation are most important to you, a memory foam mattress might be the better option. Memory foam is pretty dandy for side sleepers as well as people with joint pain or pressure point woes.
And if a cooler sleep experience and a bouncier, supportive mattress tops your list of wants and needs, a hybrid mattress may be the right choice for you. This type of mattress is usually a great alternative for those who sleep hot as well as those who appreciate a bit more responsiveness/bounce back in their mattress.
You’ll need to think about factors such as your sleeping position and temperature preferences, as well as any specific comfort needs you have before you make your final decision. And another thing we should point out is that taking advantage of our 200 night trial period could help you to better determine which type of mattress is the right fit for you without those “what if I don’t like it?” worries.
At the end of the day, both memory foam and hybrid mattresses come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. And by taking the time to understand the key differences between the two and assessing your personal snoozing requirements, you’ll be well-places to make an informed decision.
memory foam vs hybrid mattresses: faqs
Before you dash off to buy the hybrid or memory foam mattress that’s best for you, we wanted to address a few FAQs. If any of these have been bugging you, you’re in luck!
Are memory foam mattresses good for all sleeping positions?
Memory foam mattresses are great for side sleepers thanks to their exceptional pressure-relieving capabilities. But that doesn’t mean they’re not a good choice for other sleeping positions too. Foam mattresses are also good at providing support for those sleeping on their backs or tummies too. So long as the mattress has the right firmness level for your sleep position, you’ll be fine. And with our wunderflip mattress collection with adaptable comfort you can tailor your firmness to your preferences and needs! Neat, eh?
Do hybrid mattresses last longer than memory foam mattresses?
The longevity of a mattress depends on its quality and how well it's maintained. In general, both high-quality memory foam mattresses and hybrid ones can last between 7-10 years providing you look after it as instructed by the manufacturer – at eve, that’s us. And something else you might like to know, all of our mattresses come with 10-year warranty! This means that your new mattress is protected against any manufacturing issues for an entire decade. Not bad!
Can memory foam mattresses cause back pain?
In short, no – but there’s more to it than that. Our memory foam mattresses have been designed to support the spine and alleviate pressure points, whatever your sleeping position. And having a well-aligned spine while you sleep can actually help to reduce back pain. But, if you choose a mattress that is too soft or too firm for your body type and preferred sleep position, it may not give you the support you need which could lead to back pain. If you’re worried about choosing the wrong mattress firmness, our wunderflip is just what you need. Too hard? Flip it over to the softer side. Too firm? Time to see if the softer side is a better fit!
Do hybrid mattresses need a box spring?
Our hybrid mattresses don’t need a box spring. Instead, you can choose whatever type of bed frame you like, including divan beds, slatted bases, and ottoman bases. We do recommend that the slats in your bed base be no further apart than 7cm if you want to get the very best support. Other than that, anything goes!
Can I flip my memory foam or hybrid mattress?
Most modern memory foam and hybrid mattresses – like our original mattresses - have a specific top and bottom and are not meant to be flipped. But, not our new wunderflip adaptable comfort mattresses! These can be flipped over as and when you like to switch up the firmness! That said, it’s worth mentioning we do recommend rotating all eve mattresses every now and again. This means turning the mattress from head to toe (as opposed to flipping it over). Doing so helps to promote more even mattress wear which should ensure your investment stays in tip-top condition for longer.
memory foam vs. hybrid mattresses: final thoughts
When it comes to deciding which is better: memory foam or hybrid, it’s best to let your own needs and wants sway you. Foam mattresses are great for comfort, support, and pressure points. Hybrid spring and foam mattresses are great for hot sleepers and lovers of bouncy beds. You do you. At eve, we don’t judge. Plus, we adore all of our hybrid and memory foam mattress creations equally, so we won’t be choosing sides. Until next time, eve sleep.
