Although the term “hybrid” has only recently been introduced to the comfy world of mattresses the concept and construction that is now described as Hybrid has been around for much longer.
The simplest way to describe a mattress that falls into the category of “Hybrid” is:
A mattress which combines one or more foam-based sleeping surface (Such as Zero Gravity or Memory Foam) with a spring system designed to provide support.
The support that a sleeper gets from a mattress comes predominantly from the springs, and there are numerous different types of spring system.
Good quality Pocketed springs are the most popular and the most supportive types of springs as they will respond to the individuals body shape and sleeping position to give full body support.
On top of the springs there needs to be comfort layers – and above all else these comfort layers should be pressure relieving. In other words the top layers of the mattress should disperse the pressure points which would otherwise cause disturbed sleep.
Examples of a Hybrid mattress would be the Solstice 1000 Zero Gravity mattress or the state-of-the-art Mile 27 sports mattress with Pure Gel sleeping surface.
Who Benefits from a Hybrid Mattress?
It would be a shorter list if we were to describe who would not benefit as Hybrid mattresses tick the boxes for most sleepers.
1/ Couples: Mattresses have to have a degree of compromise from at least one person when they are shared, but because a Hybrid mattress is both pressure relieving and responsive the compromise should be small.
2/ Side Sleepers: People who sleep predominantly on their side create more pressure points – mainly at their shoulders and hips, so they benefit the most from the extra pressure relief from the Zero Gravity or Gel sleeping surface.
3/ People who need extra back support: Putting a pocketed spring unit beneath the sleeping surface undoubtably makes the mattress more supportive than an all foam mattress. The springs are designed to help the sleeping posture and support right into the lumbar region of the back.
So, with no real “down side” it is safe to say that a Hybrid Mattress will be a great investment for almost everybody – it’s the best of both worlds.