Today, we’re sharing everything you need to know about this mattress type, how to choose the best hybrid mattress for you, and six brands that could be your prince or princess charming. “If we don’t have a comfortable mattress providing us adequate support, we won’t get good-quality sleep, which has a cascade of effects,” adds Doug Cary, Ph.D., a physiotherapist and sleep posture researcher based in Australia. “There is no system in the human body that is not affected by lack of sleep.” “If a mattress is too soft, it can feel comfortable in the short term, but it will restrict movement during the night, which can restrict circulation to muscles, and it will be uncomfortable in the long term (like sitting on a bean bag chair),” he explains. If a mattress is too hard, on the other hand, “it will compress the soft tissues of the body (like sitting on a rock-hard chair).” The right hybrid mattress will strike a nice balance between these two: feeling comfortable yet supportive. Any new mattress can be an adjustment at first, so give it a few nights before gauging how the firmness feels to you. “Keeping the body still in one position restricts blood circulation, which disturbs muscle function, causing stiffness and pain,” Hedge explains. “Movement is important for spreading skin pressure over different body regions and promoting good circulation.” A hybrid mattress’ spring layer should allow for easy movement, while its plush layer should minimize any bed squeaking as you adjust position. He’s found that it’s possible to train yourself to have better sleep posture (and offers a free program to help), but it will be more difficult if you’re sleeping on the wrong mattress. Medium-firm mattresses tend to be best for promoting healthy sleep positioning, and many hybrid mattresses fit into this category. The hybrid also comes in four firmness levels (soft, firm, extra firm, and plus for heavier sleepers) and has a lifetime warranty. It’s made from conventional poly foam, though; for a small sustainable perk, its spring coils are made from recycled material. This mattress has a cushy feel, well suited for side sleepers seeking a softer bed. It’s made of a combination of polyurethane foam and memory foam (we’d prefer to see natural latex, but Casper at least tests its foam for emissions).
