Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers 2024
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Buying Guide for Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers may deal with troublesome pressure points more than any other type of sleeper. Most of these pressure points build up in their hips and shoulders since they bear the brunt of the body’s weight. If left alone, the pressure points tend to escalate into stiffness and pain. The best mattresses ease pressure points so that a side sleeper feels rejuvenated.
Hybrid mattresses can be an ideal choice for side sleepers. The bed has thick foam layers that let the shoulders and hips sink in, relieving pressure. And the supportive coils prevent excess sinkage, maintaining neutral spine alignment.
Best Mattress Overall
1. Zoma Boost
- Price Range: $1749 - $2748
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
- Athletes and active individuals
- People seeking enhanced pressure relief and cooling
- Advanced support system tailored for athletic recovery
- Gel memory foam for pressure relief and cooling
- Triangulex™ technology for targeted support and comfort
When it comes to achieving a balance between support and plush comfort, the Zoma Boost mattress stands out as a top choice. This mattress is designed to cater to a variety of sleeping positions, ensuring that whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper, you find the perfect comfort level.
You can enjoy a restful sleep without waking up overheating due to its advanced cooling technology. We found the Zoma Boost to be particularly effective in providing pressure relief, making it an excellent option for those who experience discomfort in their hips and shoulders.
- Targeted Support and Pressure Relief: The Zoma Boost features zoned support layers that provide targeted relief to different areas of your body.
- Edge Support: The mattress offers reinforced edges, providing stable support even at the edges.
- Cooling Gel Foam: Infused with cooling gel to regulate temperature and provide a comfortable sleeping surface.
- Reactiv™ Foam: Offers responsive support and helps with motion isolation.
- Supportive Base Foam: Provides durability and stability.
Our testers were impressed by the balanced comfort and support offered by the Zoma Boost mattress. One user mentioned, “The mattress provides just the right amount of firmness without being too hard. It’s perfect for relieving pressure on my shoulders and hips, especially when I sleep on my side.”
The mattress’s cooling cover was another highlight, keeping our testers comfortable throughout the night.
Best Mattress for Hip Pain
2. Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid
- Price Range: $1499 - $2648
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
- Individuals with hip pain
- Combination sleepers (back, side, and stomach)
- Couples with different firmness preferences
- Balanced foam and pocketed coil design
- Bio-Pur® memory foam for cooling and comfort
- Zoned support system for targeted pressure relief
The Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid mattress stands out as an exceptional choice for those seeking relief from hip pain. Combining the best of both worlds, this mattress offers the supportive feel of pocketed coils with the plush comfort of memory foam.
Our team found this mattress particularly effective in distributing weight evenly, reducing the risk of developing aches and pains.
- Pressure-Relieving Memory Foam: The Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid features a top layer of memory foam that conforms to your body’s shape, providing targeted relief for pressure points.
- Responsive Pocketed Coils: These coils respond to your movements, offering support and stability without the feeling of being “stuck.”
- Breathable Design: The Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid is equipped with cooling technologies that help regulate temperature, keeping you comfortable throughout the night.
- Cover: Made from a soft, breathable fabric that promotes airflow and helps keep the mattress cool.
- Comfort Layer: Contains Bio-Pur® foam, a plant-based memory foam that provides cushioning and pressure relief.
- Transition Layer: Features Affinity foam with HIVE® technology, designed for zoned support and comfort.
- Support Core: Consists of individually wrapped pocketed coils that enhance support and minimize motion transfer.
- Base Layer: Made of durable foam that provides a stable foundation and enhances the mattress’s longevity.
Our testers praised the Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid for its comfortable and supportive feel. One tester noted, “The mattress has a perfect medium firmness that cradles my hips while keeping my spine aligned. I wake up without any soreness, which has been a game-changer for my hip pain.”
The combination of memory foam and pocketed coils provides a balanced sleep surface that adapts to different body types and sleeping positions.
Best Value Mattress
3. Vaya Hybrid
- Price Range: $849 - $1598
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Those who enjoy a medium-firm mattress
- Affordable hybrid design with foam and coil support
- Open-cell foam for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and easy to move
It has become popular among savvy shoppers for offering a superior sleep experience at an affordable price. Our testers found that it provides a balanced mix of comfort and durability, thanks to its adaptive foam and individually wrapped coils. This combination ensures a comfortable yet supportive feel, accommodating various sleep preferences.
Whether you’re a side sleeper or someone who frequently changes positions, the Vaya Hybrid offers the flexibility and support needed for a restful night’s sleep.
- Affordable Price: The Vaya Hybrid offers high-end features at a fraction of the cost of other mattresses in its category, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Balanced Support: The hybrid design combines the best of both worlds, providing the comfort of foam and the support of coils, ideal for a wide range of sleepers.
- Soft Cover: Breathable fabric that helps keep you cool and comfortable.
- Comfort Layer: Plush Vaya Foam provides pressure relief and contouring.
- Support Layer: Individually wrapped coils for responsive support and minimal motion transfer.
- Base Layer: Durable foam ensuring stability and longevity of the mattress.
The Vaya Hybrid offers a unique blend of comfort and support, providing a balanced feel that adapts to various sleeping positions.
We found its combination of foam and coils delivers a medium-firm feel that suits a wide range of sleepers. Users appreciate its ability to relieve pressure points while offering enough support to keep the spine aligned.
Best Cooling Mattress
4. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Price Range: $532 - $1132
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Hot sleepers
- People who want firmness options
- Advanced cooling technology with CopperFlex™ and TitanCool™
- Hybrid construction with individually encased coils
Our team of testers was particularly impressed by its ability to maintain a refreshing sleep surface throughout the night. The Aurora Luxe’s hybrid design combines foam and coils, providing a balanced feel that caters to various sleep preferences.
Furthermore, Brooklyn Bedding offers a generous 10-year warranty, ensuring that users can sleep soundly knowing their investment is protected.
- Pressure Relief and Support: The hybrid design provides the perfect balance of foam and coils, ensuring pressure relief and support for side sleepers.
- Durable Construction: High-quality materials and robust construction make the Aurora Luxe a long-lasting investment.
- Cooling Cover: The GlacioTex™ cooling cover is cool to the touch and helps regulate body temperature throughout the night.
- Gel-Infused Foam: The top layers of gel-infused foam provide additional cooling and contouring support.
- TitanCool™ Technology: This advanced cooling technology helps maintain an optimal sleep temperature.
- Individually Wrapped Coils: The core of the mattress features individually wrapped coils that provide targeted support and reduce motion transfer.
- High-Density Foam Base: The base layer of high-density foam ensures durability and long-lasting support.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe offers a unique blend of cooling comfort and support, providing a refreshing and balanced sleep experience.
We found its combination of cooling technologies and hybrid design delivers a medium-firm feel that is particularly well-suited for side sleepers. Users appreciate its ability to relieve pressure points while keeping them cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Best Mattress for Couples
5. Nest Bedding Sparrow Signature Hybrid
- Price Range: $1226 - $2452
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Split CK 1-side, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King
- Couples with different firmness preferences
- Sleepers who value customizable firmness
- Energex™ foam for bounce and pressure relief
- Reinforced edge support for durability
- Cooling cover and phase-change material for temperature regulation
Our team of testers spent weeks evaluating this mattress, and their findings highlight why it’s a fantastic choice for couples. We were particularly impressed by how well the mattress absorbs movement, ensuring that even the most restless sleeper won’t disturb their partner.
With its superior motion isolation, customizable firmness options, breathable design, durable construction, and eco-friendly materials, it delivers on all fronts.
Tailored for Side Sleepers: Our research and analysis led us to select this mattress for its impressive ability to cater specifically to side sleepers. The mattress’s design ensures optimal alignment and pressure relief.
Exceptional Motion Isolation: The mattress absorbs movement effectively, so partners can sleep soundly without disturbing each other.
Customizable Firmness Options: The Sparrow Signature Hybrid offers customizable firmness levels, allowing each sleeper to adjust their side of the mattress to their preferred comfort.
- Quilted Cover: Soft and breathable, providing a plush surface feel.
- Comfort Layer: Gel-infused memory foam for pressure relief and cooling.
- Transition Layer: Adaptive foam that adds support and reduces motion transfer.
- Support Layer: Pocketed coils for targeted support and enhanced airflow.
- Base Layer: High-density foam for durability and foundational support.
Our team of testers found the Sparrow Signature Hybrid to offer a plush yet supportive feel, ideal for side sleepers.
The pillow-top cover and Energex™ foam create a soft surface that cradles the body, relieving pressure points on the hips and shoulders.
The pocketed coils provide responsive support, preventing the sensation of sinking too deeply into the mattress.
Best Luxury Mattress
6. Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid
- Price Range: $1649 - $3398
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
- Luxury mattress seekers
- Side sleepers who prefer a plush feel
- Ultra-plush feels with soft Bio-Pur® memory foam
- Hybrid construction with pocketed coils for support
This premium mattress combines the plush comfort of Bio-Pur® foam with the robust support of pocketed coils, ensuring you experience a restful and rejuvenating sleep.
The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid excels in providing pressure relief, especially crucial for side sleepers who often struggle with hip and shoulder discomfort. Its advanced cooling technology helps maintain a comfortable sleep temperature, so you won’t overheat during the night. Additionally, the high-quality, eco-friendly materials used in its construction make this mattress both durable and sustainable.
Unmatched Luxury and Comfort: This mattress is specifically designed to provide the plush feel that side sleepers often crave while ensuring proper support.
Pressure Relief and Motion Isolation: Our team of testers was impressed by the AS5 Hybrid’s ability to alleviate pressure points, thanks to its advanced foam layers.
- Luxurious Cover: Made from breathable fabrics to enhance airflow and keep you cool.
- Bio-Pur® Foam Comfort Layer: Provides exceptional pressure relief and responsiveness.
- Active Flex Transition Layer: Enhances responsiveness and prevents excessive sinking.
- High-Density Foam Base: Adds durability and stability, maintaining shape and support.
Our team of testers described the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid as offering a luxurious, cloud-like feel. The plush Bio-Pur® foam provides a soft, cradling sensation that contours the body’s curves, particularly beneficial for side sleepers who need extra cushioning for their hips and shoulders.
One reviewer noted, “Sleeping on the AS5 Hybrid feels like a perfect blend of plush comfort and sturdy support, making it ideal for side sleepers seeking a luxurious sleep experience.”
Best Mattress for Heavy People
7. Big Fig
- Price Range: $1,499 – $2,699
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: No
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, and Split King
- Heavy sleepers
- Couples looking for a sturdy mattress
- Designed specifically for heavier individuals
- Durable construction with high-density foam and coil support
The Big Fig mattress is acclaimed for its exceptional support and durability, specifically designed to cater to the needs of heavier individuals.
Beyond providing robust support, the Big Fig mattress excels in durability, making it a standout choice in the market. The reinforced edge support ensures stability and prevents sagging, which is crucial for long-term use.
We were particularly impressed by the mattress’s ability to minimize motion transfer. This feature is especially beneficial for couples, as it ensures undisturbed sleep by absorbing movement effectively.
Exceptional Support and Durability: Our research and analysis led us to select this mattress for its outstanding support and durability and it is designed to withstand greater weight without compromising on comfort or performance.
Enhanced Edge Support: Our testers appreciated the consistent support across the entire mattress surface, making it easier to get in and out of bed.
Superior Motion Isolation: The robust coil system and high-density foams work together to absorb movement, ensuring undisturbed sleep.
- Quilted top with ThermoGel cooling technology regulates temperature.
- High-density gel-infused latex foam offers pressure relief and responsiveness.
- Support core includes high-density polyfoam layers and a robust coil system.
- Pocketed coils provide targeted support and motion isolation.
- Reinforced edge support enhances durability and stability for heavier sleepers.
The Big Fig mattress is designed with heavier sleepers in mind, offering a firm yet comfortable feel. Our testers noted the mattress provides excellent support, preventing any sinking or sagging that can occur with other mattresses.
The high-density foam and robust coil system work together to distribute weight evenly, ensuring a stable and supportive sleep surface. One tester remarked, “The Big Fig feels incredibly supportive and sturdy, which is exactly what I need for my heavier build. I wake up feeling well-rested and without any aches or pains.”
Best Mattress in a Box
8. Zoma Hybrid
- Price Range: $749 - $1698
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
- Back pain sufferers
- Athletes and active individuals
- Sleepers seeking a balance of comfort and support
- Hybrid design with foam and pocketed coils
- Zoned support for targeted pressure relief
- Triangulex™ technology for cooling and comfort
The Zoma Hybrid mattress is recognized for its exceptional blend of comfort, support, and convenience. It offers the added benefit of easy delivery and setup, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a hassle-free sleep solution.
The Zoma Hybrid combines innovative materials and design to provide a balanced sleeping experience, particularly beneficial for side sleepers.
Convenient Delivery and Setup: The mattress arrives compressed in a box, making it easy to maneuver and set up in any room without the need for professional assistance.
Cooling Technology: The Zoma Hybrid features advanced cooling technology that helps regulate temperature throughout the night.
- Breathable Cover: Enhances airflow and keeps you cool.
- Triangulex™ Memory Foam: Offers targeted pressure relief and adaptive support.
- Pocketed Coils: Provide targeted support and reduce motion transfer.
- High-Density Foam Base: Adds durability and stability.
It delivers a balanced feel that combines plush comfort with responsive support.
Our team found the mattress to be particularly accommodating for side sleepers, thanks to its Triangulex™ memory foam layer that conforms to the body’s curves, providing targeted pressure relief.
The pocketed coils add a slight bounce and ensure proper spinal alignment.
Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
9. Helix Midnight Luxe
- Price Range: $1373 - $2873
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Short Queen, RV King
- Side sleepers with shoulder pain
- Couples seeking motion isolation
- Premium quilted pillow top for added comfort
- Excellent motion isolation for couples
It is renowned for its exceptional support and pressure relief, making it the top choice for those struggling with shoulder pain.
Combining advanced foam layers with a robust coil system, the Helix Midnight Luxe offers a perfect balance of comfort and support. Its innovative design ensures that side sleepers experience reduced pressure on their shoulders and hips, promoting better spinal alignment and a restful night’s sleep.
Targeted Pressure Relief: The mattress features a blend of memory foam and high-grade polyfoam, strategically layered to alleviate pressure points, especially around the shoulders.
Optimal Support for Side Sleepers: The hybrid design, combining foam layers with a pocketed coil system, ensures that side sleepers receive the necessary support without compromising on comfort.
- Soft, Breathable Cover: Made from Tencel® and polyester for enhanced airflow and moisture-wicking.
- Memory Plus Foam Comfort Layer: Offers excellent pressure relief and body contouring.
- High-Grade Polyfoam Transition Layer: Provides additional support and responsiveness.
- Individually Wrapped Pocketed Coils: Enhance motion isolation and targeted support.
- Dense Foam Base Layer: Adds durability and stability for long-lasting comfort.
The Helix Midnight Luxe offers a luxurious, medium-firm feel that is ideal for side sleepers dealing with shoulder pain.
The top layers of Memory Plus Foam and high-grade polyfoam cradle the shoulders, reducing pressure points and promoting proper alignment.
Our testers appreciated the combination of softness and support, with one noting, “The Helix Midnight Luxe feels incredibly comfortable. My shoulders sink just enough into the mattress to relieve pressure, but I still feel well-supported throughout the night. It’s made a noticeable difference in my sleep quality and shoulder pain.”
Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
10. Amerisleep Organica
- Price Range: $1049 - $2348
- Made in USA: Yes
- Motion Isolation: Yes
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
- Eco-conscious shoppers
- Latex mattress enthusiasts
- Natural and eco-friendly materials, including organic latex
- Breathable wool and cotton cover
The Amerisleep Organica is celebrated for its sustainable design and exceptional comfort, making it the best choice for those seeking a latex mattress. Combining organic materials with advanced sleep technology, the Organica offers a perfect blend of support, breathability, and eco-friendly construction.
This mattress is particularly ideal for side sleepers who value natural materials and are looking for a comfortable, pressure-relieving sleep surface.
Eco-Friendly Materials: The mattress is made from certified organic materials, including organic cotton, organic wool, and natural latex, making it a top choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Durable and Long-Lasting: The use of organic and natural materials not only enhances its lifespan but also maintains its supportive and comfortable properties over time.
- Organic Cotton Cover: Soft, breathable, and gentle on the skin.
- Organic Wool Layer: Provides natural temperature regulation and moisture-wicking.
- Natural Dunlop Latex Comfort Layer: Offers responsive support and excellent pressure relief.
- High-Density Foam Support Core: Adds stability and durability for long-term use.
- Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Made from organic and natural materials.
The Amerisleep Organica offers a plush, yet supportive feel that is perfect for side sleepers. Our testers described the mattress as having a gentle, cushioning top layer that conforms to the body, providing exceptional pressure relief for the shoulders and hips.
The natural latex layer offers a buoyant feel, allowing for easy movement and preventing the sensation of being trapped in the mattress.
Benefits of Side Sleeping
Side sleeping is perhaps the healthiest sleeping position. Its benefits include:
- Improved breathing. Sleeping on your side prevents the collapse of soft tissues at the back of your throat. When these tissues block your windpipe, they cause snoring or symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Reduced acid reflux. Stomach acid cannot flow as easily up the esophagus while lying on your side, compared to other positions.
- Less pressure on the heart, specifically when you sleep on your right side. Sleeping on the left side of your body presses the heart against your chest cavity.
Why a Hybrid Mattress?
A hybrid mattress combines the support of an innerspring with contouring foams. Usually, a hybrid mattress is topped with memory foam, but you can find latex or poly-foam hybrids.
Because a true hybrid has at least 2 to 3 inches of foam, they are an excellent choice for a pressure-relieving bed. The foam can also conform to you providing full-body support, and preventing spinal misalignment.
A hybrid mattress improves upon a foam mattress’s design with its breathable coil support. A traditional foam mattress does not always promote airflow, trapping body heat that can cause you to sleep hot. Air can circulate around the springs, wicking away accumulated heat to reduce sleep disturbances.
Hybrid mattresses do come with a couple of drawbacks, the biggest of which is the price tag. They are one of the more expensive mattress types on the market. Most quality models cost more than $1,000. Shoppers on a tighter budget may find hybrids in a box fit their price range.
And while hybrids do have more cooling features than a traditional foam mattress, they aren’t immune to overheating. It’s possible one made with a lower-quality foam can absorb too much heat and disturb your sleep.
Other Types of Mattresses
A hybrid mattress isn’t your only choice when it comes to choosing a mattress. You can also consider a memory foam, latex, or innerspring mattress. Not all mattresses are well suited for side sleepers, so we will look at them from most suitable to least.
Best: Memory Foam
Memory foam is poly-foam processed to be sensitive to heat and pressure. So when you lie down on a memory foam mattress, it responds to your body heat and weight, which is why memory foam conforms so well to your body.
By molding to your body, memory foam eases and prevents the pressure points that can build up from a lack of support. It’s an excellent choice for side sleepers who benefit from a mattress that relieves pressure in their shoulders and hips.
A traditional memory foam bed does possess one drawback, and that is a tendency to retain too much body heat. Traditional memory foam is such a dense material that it is difficult for air to move through and carry off heat. The heat build-up in it, causes the mattress to grow warm enough to disturb a person’s rest.
To counteract memory foam’s natural heat retention, many manufacturers mix in cooling agents such as gels, copper, graphite, charcoal, and titanium. Conductive materials help move heat away from your body. Other companies replace specific petrochemicals with plant-based oils during production to create a more breathable memory foam.
Good: Latex
Latex is often compared to memory foam. Both are materials that conform to a person’s body for pressure relief. However, the two are not identical. Latex tends to feel cooler, firmer, and more responsive than memory foam.
Are you considering a latex mattress? Be sure to check if it’s made with natural or synthetic latex. Natural latex foam is whipped from rubber tree sap. Synthetic latex imitates natural latex through a combination of organic compounds.
Natural latex is usually considered a better choice since it’s more durable. A natural latex mattress may last as long as 15 years, while a synthetic latex mattress is unlikely to last more than a handful of years. However, synthetic latex can be a good option for anyone with a latex allergy.
If you’re a side sleeper considering a natural latex mattress, you might want to invest in an added pillow top. Otherwise, latex’s natural firmness can prevent you from achieving a good night’s rest.
Poor: Innerspring
Many people consider an innerspring mattress the traditional bed. Innersprings are more than a century old, and their design has remained mostly consistent. Innerspring beds possess a coil support system sandwiched between thin layers of foam and fabric.
The popularity of innerspring mattresses has declined over time. Where once they were the only type of mattress a store might stock, now there’s a variety of alternatives to choose from instead. That said, many people continue to choose innerspring mattresses because they are affordable and familiar.
While innerspring mattresses can be a good choice for many, we do not recommend them for side sleepers. A side sleeper needs to have a mattress that provides full-body pressure relief and space for the heavier parts of their body to sink in. Otherwise, they risk waking up with a bad back or stiff joints.
Innersprings usually lack the thick comfort layers required for adequate pressure relief, and many owners have registered complaints about this trait. If you want a bed with a bouncy yet conforming feel, a hybrid mattress is the better choice.
More Sleep Positions
Not everyone sleeps on their side, though side sleeping is a popular position. There are a fair number of people who prefer sleeping on their back or stomach instead. Some people switch between two or all three sleeping positions during the night.
Back Sleeper
Back sleeping has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it is an excellent position for maintaining spinal alignment. Your body weight is distributed across your body instead of focused on a few key spots. A good mattress for back sleeping should have a medium-firm to firm feel to encourage neutral alignment.
However, back sleeping has been linked to developing or worsening sleep apnea and acid reflux:
- For sleep apnea, the reason is that when you lie flat on your back, gravity pushes down on your throat’s soft tissues.
- For acid reflux, it’s the lack of gravity that’s the problem. Lying flat allows your stomach contents to flow up your esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
If any of these conditions are a concern for you, you might want to pair your mattress with an adjustable base. Sleeping with your upper body elevated, like an adjustable bed lets you do, can reduce symptoms.
Stomach Sleeper
Many sleep experts refer to stomach sleeping as the least healthy sleeping position. Lying on your stomach carries an increased risk for chronic back and neck pain.
When you sleep on your stomach, gravity tends to press down on your belly and push it deeper into your mattress. Your stomach sinking into the bed causes your spine to overextend, misaligning your back. Additionally, stomach sleepers have to twist their heads to the side to breathe throughout the night, which leaves your cervical spine (the spine in your neck) at an unnatural angle for hours on end.
We recommend switching to back or side sleeping if you’re a stomach sleeper. If you find yourself rolling onto your stomach while you sleep, try surrounding yourself with firm pillows to hinder your movements.
Is lying on your stomach the only way you can fall asleep? Then we suggest choosing a firm mattress to limit sinkage, keeping your belly on top of the bed. Slipping a pillow under your abdomen can further decrease your chances of waking up with a sore back.
Combination Sleeper
Combination sleepers can switch between two or even all three positions during the night. If you fall asleep in one position and wake up in another, you’re likely a combination sleeper.
We suggest a medium feel mattress for combination sleeping, to best support all sleep positions. Combination sleepers should also shop for a responsive bed with motion isolation to prevent sleep disturbances.
A hybrid is a good choice for combination sleepers. The bounce from the coils keeps a person on top of the mattress, limiting any sinkage that could cause them to feel stuck.
Additional Buying Considerations
While your sleeping position and preferred type of mattress are important considerations, you have more to think about when you’re mattress shopping. You should also consider how your body weight might affect what your ideal firmness is. Also, you will want to review the attached policies of any mattress you plan to buy.
Mattress Firmness and Body Weight
We’ve already discussed how sleeping position affects what firmness option is right for you. Another factor you should consider is your body weight. Body weight affects how much pressure you put on a mattress, changing how it feels to you. Firmer mattresses need more pressure to feel soft, while soft mattresses offer less resistance.
Do you weigh more than 230 pounds? Then you might want a firmer mattress for a heavy person. Firm mattresses tend to withstand more pressure better than a softer mattress, remaining supportive and preventing your spine from bowing into the mattress. Side sleepers who are overweight should shop for a mattress with a medium feel.
However, it’s not impossible to find a mattress that’s both soft and supportive enough for a plus-sized person. It can take some careful shopping to find one with responsive transition layers that limit sinkage, but many find the soft feel worth it.
Do you weigh less than 130 pounds? A softer mattress might be your best choice for a good night’s rest. Since smaller sleepers place less pressure on a mattress, even a medium mattress can feel too firm. A softer bed can conform better to the body for pressure relief.
If you weigh between 130 to 230 pounds, you are considered average weight. Your weight shouldn’t affect how your mattress feels too much, so your focus should remain on finding the right firmness for your sleeping position.
Sleep Trial, Warranty, Return Policy
A quality mattress should always include a sleep trial and a warranty. A sleep trial can give you the certainty that you chose the right mattress and the security of being able to return the bed if it’s not for you. A warranty protects you from manufacturing defects, saving you from buying a new bed before you’re ready.
Sleep Trial
A sleep trial is the home trial period companies offer to test out a mattress after buying. A sleep trial is a common staple of the online mattress industry, since you may not have a chance to try a mattress before purchasing it. Some online brands have select brick-and-mortar stores, but many do not live close enough to take advantage of their showrooms.
Most sleep trials last 90 to 120 days, although a few companies let you try out a mattress for a whole year. If the mattress isn’t right for you, the mattress company will allow you to return the mattress for a full refund.
Warranty
Most mattress warranties cover the first 10 years of ownership, as per industry standard. If a mattress comes with a warranty with less than 10 years of coverage, it may signify the bed was made with low-quality materials.
Other companies may include warranties that stretch for 15, 20, or 25 years. These warranties are typically prorated. A prorated warranty means that after a set time, you will pay part of the costs to repair or replace your mattress.
Return Policy
Most high-quality mattresses made today include a sleep trial, which replaces the standard return policy. However, if you’re choosing a budget mattress, you might have to settle for a shorter return policy.
Be sure to read through the return policy carefully, as some may come with conditions. A company may only accept back a mattress that’s been unopened or arrived damaged. Others may charge you a restocking fee, docking a percentage of what you originally paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you flip a hybrid mattress?
We do not recommend flipping a hybrid mattress. A hybrid mattress has a layered design with the comfort foams on top and support coils at the base. Flipping the mattress can flatten the comfort layer and reduce the mattress's support.
If you want to even out wear and tear on your hybrid, try rotating it every three to six months.
What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?
We recommend soft to medium mattresses for side sleeping. Side sleepers usually need more pressure relief than back or stomach sleepers, and a bed with more cushion can typically mold better to the body. Foam and hybrid mattresses are a good choice for side sleepers, while we suggest staying away from innerspring mattresses.
What is the best foundation for a hybrid mattress?
There’s a wide variety of bed frame options available for a hybrid mattress. Wooden slatted foundations, platform beds, and traditional panel beds are all excellent bases.
While it is an expensive choice, you might want to consider purchasing an adjustable bed base for your hybrid mattress. Adjustable beds can make it easier to cope with health conditions such as:
- Sleep apnea
- Acid reflux
- Restless legs syndrome
- Lower back pain
Another benefit of an adjustable bed is customizable comfort. You can sit up to read by pressing a button, and resume lying down by pushing it again. Some higher-end models include massage features, a perfect way to unwind after a long day.
Is a memory foam or hybrid mattress better?
Whether a hybrid or a memory foam mattress is the better bed is something only you can answer. Both types have their pros and cons.
If you’re shopping on a tight budget, a memory foam mattress may be your ideal choice. You can find plenty of memory foam mattresses for under $1000, while few quality hybrids cost less than $1,000.
It’s also possible that a memory foam mattress is naturally more durable than a hybrid mattress. Memory foam mattresses seem to be less likely to sag with care and can last a decade. A hybrid’s coil support may lose its effectiveness within six or seven years.
A memory foam hybrid can feel like a standard memory foam mattress. However, you will often notice more bounciness when you lie down on a hybrid. Many people prefer to feel lifted when they sleep. Others might enjoy the slight sink and hug-like feel of a memory foam mattress.
Hybrid mattresses usually feature edge support, while most memory foam mattresses have edges that yield under pressure. The firmer foams that make up a bed’s edge support can make it easier to get in and out of bed. However, edge support shrinks the mattress’s sleeping surface.
How many years should you keep a mattress?
How long a mattress will last can depend on what type of mattress it is. The expected lifespans for each mattress type are:
- Innerspring: 5 to 6 years
- Hybrid: 6 to 7 years
- Memory foam: 7 to 10 years
- Natural latex: Up to 15 years
We recommend checking if your mattress is still comfortable once it’s eight years old. If not, it’s time to shop for a new mattress. Signs that your mattress should be replaced include:
- Lumps, tears, or sagging
- Not getting a good night’s rest, even if you sleep a full 8 hours
- An increase in allergy symptoms when you wake up
- A funky smell, often the result of mold or mildew
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A hybrid mattress is a great choice for most side sleepers. The responsive coils will evenly support the body and keep the spine aligned. The foam eases pressure points that could cause a painful awakening.
If you’ve never tried a hybrid before and are hesitant if it’s right for you, shop for one with a sleep trial. You will be given a few months to decide if it’s your next mattress or if you need to look elsewhere.
This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.
Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Sarah Anderson is a sleep, health, and wellness writer and product reviewer. She has written articles on changing and improving your sleep schedule, choosing the right mattress for chronic pain conditions, and finding the best pillow for you. Sarah Anderson has her Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University in Journalism and Mass Communications. Prior to working for Zoma, she wrote for a variety of news publications. Sarah's work has been featured on Bustle, PureWow, and other publications.
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