Hybrid Mattresses

Best Hybrid Mattress UK (2024)

Last updated: 31.10.2023 Reading time: 10 Min.

Not sure which mattress material to decide on?

We know - it can be a difficult decision to make! 🤯

This is where hybrid mattresses, which combine two or more materials, are so handy!

But how do you choose a good hybrid mattress, and what are the best hybrid mattresses in the UK?

We're here to help you get the best night's sleep.

So let's get started. 🥳

best hybrid mattresses

The best hybrid mattresses in the UK

Great For Hot Sleepers

Simba Hybrid

The Simba Hybrid mattress is a high-quality pocket-sprung mattress with multiple layers of foam. With 10 year guarantee.
  • Simbatex & Aerocoil springs
  • 25 cm (10 inches)
  • Medium-firm 

Tell me more about the Simba Hybrid

The Simba Hybrid is an award-winning hybrid pocket sprung foam mattress by Simba Sleep. 

This is a medium-firm mattress that's an excellent choice for a wide range of sleepers but is particularly suited to side sleepers. 

The Simba mattress is supportive enough to prevent a build-up of tension but also soft enough to allow your body to sink in where necessary.

This allows for optimal spinal alignment. 

The Simba Hybrid mattress comes with an antibacterial hypoallergenic cover, which is removable and machine-washable.

The Simba comes with free delivery, a 200-day risk-free trial period, and a 10-year guarantee. 

Reasons to buy

200-night sleep trial

10-year guarantee 

Excellent support for side sleepers 

Washable cover 

Reasons to avoid

May be too soft for larger builds

Value For Money

Hypnia Essential Hybrid Mattress

The Hypnia Essential Hybrid is as comfortable as top-rated competitors.
  • Pocket springs, Cloud-zoned foam layer & memory foam layer
  • 25 cm (10")
  • Medium-firm

Tell me more about the Hypnia Essential Hybrid mattress

The standout feature of the Hypnia Essential Hybrid mattress is its unique blend of layers, which provide excellent comfort and support.

The mattress is composed of pocket springs with 5 support zones, offering targeted support and effective motion absorption.

It also has a Cloud-zoned and memory foam layer for body-contouring support that adapts to pressure points.

The Hypnia Hybrid is comfortable in most sleeping positions, but particularly for side and back sleepers.

It also offers low-motion transfer, so we'd recommend it to couples and restless sleepers. 

One downside is the non-removable cover, though using a mattress protector can help extend its lifespan and cleanliness.

Reasons to buy

200-night trial period 

15-year guarantee

Just as comfy as pricier competitors 

Reasons to avoid

The cover is not removable 

Not the best delivery experience 

EXTRA 5% OFF WITH
SH5Click to copy code

60% OFF HYPNIA ESSENTIAL HYBRID£ 299.99

Best Trial Period

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid

The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress is a 5-layered premium mattress.
  • Memory foam & pocket springs
  • 28 cm (11 inches)
  • Medium-firm

Tell me more about the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid

The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid is a premium mattress from the same company that makes the Nectar memory foam mattress.

It combines high-quality memory foam with full-size pocket springs (called ActiveEdge coils), each measuring 15 cm (5.9 inches).

This is an orthopaedically designed mattress with medium-firm support to help eliminate back, neck, and shoulder pains.

The mattress offers enhanced breathability to help keep you cool and refreshed all night long. 

It also has low motion transfer and great edge support, making it an excellent choice for couples.

Reasons to buy

365-day trial period

Lifetime warranty

Excellent motion isolation for couples

Reasons to avoid

Extra deep sheets required 

Too firm for lightweight side sleepers

The cover is not removable 

Best For Back Sleepers

Emma NextGen Premium Mattress

The Emma NextGen Premium Mattress offers excellent 7-zone support.
  • Halo memory foam, Airgocell foam & pocket springs
  • 25 cm (9.8 inches)
  • Medium feel

Tell me more about the Emma NextGen Premium mattress

The Emma NextGen Premium mattress includes pocket springs for improved airflow and support, a 7-zone design for adaptive support, and a Halo memory foam that responds to your body's shape. 

While the mattress promotes enhanced airflow, our tester observed that its breathability might not suffice for particularly hot sleepers.

Unfortunately, the foam layers on our test mattress didn't fully expand,  causing some springs to be felt when pressure was applied.

However, Emma's customer service team promptly resolved the issue by sending a new Emma NextGen Premium mattress. 

The mattress also has limited edge support, meaning you may experience a roll-off feel if you sleep on the edge of your bed.

Despite this, the mattress was still comfortable and provided a great night's sleep. 

Reasons to buy

200-night trial period 

10-year guarantee

Machine-washable cover

Reasons to avoid

Limited edge support 

The mattress didn't expand fully during our test 

May be too warm for some sleepers

EXTRA 5% OFF WITH
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

30% OFF EMMA NEXTGEN PREMIUM MATTRESS£ 314.30

Best Guarantee

Nectar Hybrid

The Nectar Hybrid mattress combines memory foam with micro-coils for enhanced breathability.
  • Memory foam & micro coils
  • 25 cm (10 inches)
  • 365-day trial period
  • Great for side sleepers 

Tell me more about the Nectar Hybrid

The Nectar Hybrid is a thick hybrid memory foam mattress that combines the benefits of the Nectar memory foam mattress with an additional layer of springs. 

It is a medium-firm mattress that offers a good balance of comfort and support.

Surprisingly, though, this mattress is slightly softer than its pure memory foam counterpart, making it better suited to lighter-weight individuals and side sleepers. 

The mattress also has enhanced breathability features, making it well-suited to heavier sweaters and hot sleepers.

The Nectar Hybrid mattress comes with free delivery & returns, a 365-day trial period, and a lifetime guarantee.

Reasons to buy

Lifetime guarantee

CertiPUR-US certified 

Great support for lightweight people & side sleepers 

Reasons to avoid

Might be too soft for stomach sleepers 

What is a hybrid mattress?

What happens if you have one good thing and add it to another good thing?

You get something even better. 😉

And that pretty much sums up hybrid mattresses.

A hybrid is a mattress composed of two or more materials, creating an end product that's even better than its individual components.

You'll generally find a foam layer above a pocket sprung layer as the bare minimum.

The materials selected for hybrid mattresses are often complementary. 💘

hybrid mattress layers
This is the standard composition of a hybrid mattress.

This means that one material is introduced to make up for the downfalls of another material. 👍

By way of illustration:

  • Two of the most common materials in hybrid mattresses are memory foam and pocket springs.
  • Memory foam offers cushioning support, but it can be too uncomfortable to move on and sleep too hot.
  • Pocket springs, in contrast, are very comfortable to move on (though they could be too bouncy) and sleep much cooler.
  • If a hybrid mattress combines these two materials, you'll get the perfect result - a bed with all the benefits of memory foam and pocket springs but with none of the downfalls.

The perfect example of this is the Nectar Hybrid mattress, which blends memory foam and pocket springs.

BUY NECTAR HYBRID£ 499

Who are hybrid mattresses suitable for?

We love hybrid mattresses and can recommend them for:

  • People of any body size or weight.
  • People of any age.
  • People with any sleep position preference.

This level of suitability may be a lot to expect from a mattress. 😳

But since hybrid mattresses combine multiple materials, they are generally more suitable to a greater variety of people than single-material mattresses.

Happy girl in bed
Hybrid mattresses are great for a variety of sleepers.

Here is a quick overview of who hybrid mattresses may be suitable for.

People who like sleeping on top of their mattress

Hybrid mattresses offer a sleeping surface that's a little firmer. 🧱

They also give you the feeling of sleeping on top of your bed rather than in your bed, as is common with memory foam mattresses.

If you don't like sinking into your bed too much but don't want to go for a pure pocket sprung mattress, then a hybrid like the Simba mattress is the right choice for you.

FREE HYBRID PILLOW WITH HYBRID MATTRESS£ 599

restless leg syndrome
Restless sleepers or those with conditions like RLS will be comfortable on hybrid mattresses.

Restless sleepers

Hybrids are great for restless sleepers. 💃

  • Memory foam mattresses can be uncomfortable for restless sleepers as you tend to sink into the foams too much.
  • Spring mattresses can sometimes be too bouncy for very restless sleepers.

A hybrid mattress offers the perfect solution as you'll get minimal sinkage with less bounce, allowing you to move freely and comfortably all night long.

Hot sleepers

Pure spring mattresses offer the most breathability and are the top choice for heavy sweaters or hot sleepers. 🥵

But hybrid mattresses like the DreamCloud Luxury are also a great choice because they contain springs!

BUY DREAMCLOUD£ 499

Pocket springs have enhanced breathability
Mattresses with springs enhance airflow.

The spaces between the springs create natural ventilation channels. 💨

This keeps the air flowing more freely and allows for enhanced airflow.

This makes hybrids much cooler and more comfortable than pure memory foam mattresses.

People needing orthopaedic support

Memory foam mattresses can be fantastic for people needing orthopaedic support, but they can often be too soft. ☁️

A hybrid mattress that combines memory foam and pocket springs is the perfect solution.

Mattress spinal alignment
A good mattress will allow for optimal spinal alignment.

Sleepers can get the necessary support and stability from the springs, but still enjoy the body-contouring orthopaedic qualities of memory foam. 🤗

The Emma NextGen Premium is an excellent option if you're looking for that typical memory foam feel.

EXTRA 5% OFF WITH
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

30% OFF EMMA NEXTGEN PREMIUM MATTRESS£ 314.30

Couples

Since hybrid mattresses are suitable for so many different types of people, they're also a great choice for couples. 👩‍❤️‍👨

Since men and women often have vastly different body sizes and sleeping preferences, finding the right mattress for couples can be a nightmare.

Couple in bed
Couples need a mattress that suits both partners.

But hybrids are so well-made that you're likely to find one that works for both partners!

They're also one of our top mattress choices for sex!

Try the Simba Hybrid mattress as one of our top picks!

FREE HYBRID PILLOW WITH HYBRID MATTRESS£ 599

Criteria to consider when purchasing a hybrid mattress

There are several key criteria to consider before purchasing your new hybrid mattress.

Mattress quality

Hybrid mattresses are generally more expensive than single-material mattresses, but this doesn't mean you should look for the cheapest option. 🙅

As with all mattresses, you need to focus on getting the highest quality mattress you can afford.

Price performance ratio
Always go for the highest quality you can afford.

The quality of your mattress, after all, affects the quality of your sleep - and the quality of your sleep affects the quality of your life! 🥳

How do you determine quality?

A good factor to consider is mattress density. 👍

The higher the density of the mattress, the higher the quality.

  • For foam mattresses, consider the actual density of the foams (stick to a minimum of 40 - 50 kg/m3).
  • For spring mattresses, consider the number of springs used (don't go for less than 350 springs for the smallest size).
  • For hybrid mattresses, consider both the density of the foams and the number of springs used.

Higher-quality mattresses also last much longer.

Density quality indicator

You can expect a good mattress to keep you comfortable for at least 10 years.

This is why most quality mattresses also come with a 10-year guarantee!

Some, like the Nectar Hybrid, even come with a lifetime guarantee. 🤩

BUY NECTAR HYBRID£ 499

But, we'd still recommend changing your mattress every ten years.

Mattress firmness

Most hybrid mattresses offer a medium-firm feel, but there is still some variance here.

Some may be softer, and some may be firmer. 🌩🧸🧱

Mattress firmness indicator

The right degree of firmness largely depends on personal preference, but your build, weight, and preferred sleeping position also influence what degree of firmness is best for you. ⚖️

Here is a general guideline:

  • Lighter-weight people and side sleepers generally do better on softer mattresses.
  • Average-weight people and combination sleepers generally do better on medium-firm mattresses.
  • Heavier-weight people and pure back sleepers or front sleepers generally do better on firmer mattresses.

If you're a combination sleeper and of average weight, then a hybrid is the perfect choice for you. 🥰

The Simba Hybrid is a great medium-firm option.

FREE HYBRID PILLOW WITH HYBRID MATTRESS£ 599

Firmness according to sleeping position

But if you're looking for something softer or firmer, you'd need to double-check that the mattress you're considering meets your firmness preferences.

Mattress size

The most common UK mattress sizes include:

  • Hybrid mattress single: 90 x 190 cm (3’ x 6’3”)
  • Hybrid mattress small double: 120 x 190 cm (4' x 6'3")
  • Hybrid mattress double: 135 x 190 cm (4’6” x 6’3”)
  • Hybrid mattress king-size: 150 x 200 cm (5’ x 6’6”)
  • Hybrid mattress super-king-size: 180 x 200 cm (6’ x 6’6”)

So how do you know which size is right for you?

UK mattress sizes

Deciding on the right mattress size will depend on:

  • Whether you sleep alone or with a partner.
  • Your budget.
  • The size of your bedroom.

Larger sizes are always preferable for the most comfortable sleep, but you can do just as well on a smaller mattress. 💤

Couples shouldn't go smaller than a double-size mattress, though we'd recommend a king mattress.

If you're looking for the most luxurious mattress size, you can choose an emperor bed. 👑

The only hybrid mattress in a box we've found in the emperor size is the Otty Hybrid.

BUY OTTY HYBRID£ 449.99

Risk-free trial periods

While we like hybrid mattresses, they won't be suitable for everyone.

That's why we always recommend purchasing an online mattress that comes with free delivery, a risk-free trial period, and free returns. 🙌

Why does this matter?

Trial periods give you the opportunity to try the mattress in the comfort of your own home for a set period of time. ⏰

It can take up to three weeks to get used to a new mattress - especially if your new choice is vastly different to your old mattress!

Risk-free trial period

If, after the trial period, you still don't think the mattress is right for you, you can send it back - free of charge - and receive a full refund. 💰

Different mattress brands offer different trial periods.

For example:

While you don't necessarily need a whole year to decide if a mattress is right for you, we love that many brands offer great trials and put their customers first!

BUY DREAMCLOUD£ 499

Many great brands also offer an old mattress removal and recycle service, so they'll take away your old one when they deliver your new one.

What do hybrid mattresses cost?

Hybrid mattresses are generally more expensive than all-foam mattresses. 💷

But, you should be able to get a good hybrid mattress from £500 for the smallest size.

Some budget retailers, like Happy Beds and Silentnight, also offer great options at more affordable prices.

save with discount codes
We love a good discount code!

Hybrid mattress discount codes

Most bed-in-a-box mattress brands offer frequent discounts, and we'd highly recommend you buy your hybrid mattress with a discount code. 🥳

This can get you up to 50% off!

You'll find all the best coupons on our discounts page.

For your convenience, we'll also advertise special deals throughout this article. 👍

Different materials used in hybrid mattresses

Each hybrid mattress is unique, but certain materials are used more often than others.

Let's take a quick look at the most common mattress materials found in hybrids.

Different mattress materials

Memory foam

Memory foam is one of the best materials for body-contouring orthopaedic support and motion-free sleep.

Even the world-renowned Tempur mattresses rely on NASA-approved memory foam [1]. 🚀

Memory foam is best characterised by its memory imprint.

When pressure is applied, the foam becomes softer and allows the body to form an imprint.

Look at the demonstration in the images below:

nectar mattress with hand

nectar mattress memory imprint

This responsiveness ensures that the foam moulds perfectly to the body's contours, allowing for maximum comfort. 🤗

Due to its high adaptability and pressure-relieving properties, memory foam is often used for orthopaedic purposes.

As a downside, memory foam tends to be quite soft and retains more heat than other materials.

This makes it unsuitable for very hot and restless sleepers. 🥵

Advantages and disadvantages of memory foam

All-foam beds are also generally softer than hybrid beds.

If you want the benefits of memory foam without the downsides, then a hybrid is a good choice.

The Nectar Hybrid is one of our favourite hybrid memory foam mattresses!

BUY NECTAR HYBRID£ 499

Latex

Latex foam is a natural material made from tropical rubber trees, though you'll now find both natural and synthetic latex options. 🌴

Natural latex is a great eco-friendly choice, but it's often much more expensive.

Latex is breathable and provides a cooling effect, making these mattresses ideal for hot sleepers. ❄️

Advantages and disadvantages of latex mattresses

Latex is also naturally anti-mite and antibacterial, making it a great choice for anyone suffering from allergies. 🤧

Comfort-wise, it's very similar to memory foam, with good relief of pressure points and good motion isolation.

On the downside, latex mattresses can be pretty heavy, cumbersome to care for, and quite expensive.

Some mattresses include a combination of latex, memory foam and pocket springs providing the benefits of latex but at a more budget-friendly price.

The Hypnia Supreme Hybrid mattress has a memory foam pillow top with a natural latex layer and supportive pocket springs.

EXTRA 5% OFF WITH
SH5Click to copy code

60% OFF HYPNIA SUPREME HYBRID£ 349.99

Pocket springs

Pocket springs are usually found at the core of hybrid mattresses, providing stability, firmness, and good pressure relief.

Spring mattresses are often recommended for back support. 🦴

spring mattress edge support
Mattresses with springs generally offer good edge support.

They have excellent edge support, meaning you can use the entire width of the mattress.

They're also a great choice for hot sleepers.

This is because the spaces between the springs allow for natural ventilation channels, enhancing airflow and overall breathability. 💨

This keeps the mattress cooler and more comfortable.

Advantages and disadvantages of pocket spring mattresses

Most hybrid mattresses will contain at least one layer of pocket springs.

The Simba Hybrid is one of our favourite hybrid mattresses with 2500 pocket springs!

FREE HYBRID PILLOW WITH HYBRID MATTRESS£ 599

Some hybrid mattresses also feature other spring systems, like continuous coil systems, but we always prefer sticking to pocket coils.

These are much better quality and much more comfortable to sleep on. 😴

High-resilience cold foam

Cold foam is a type of polyurethane foam (also known as poly-foam) commonly used as the support foam or base layer of high-quality mattresses.

This is because cold foam offers great stability, support, and enhanced durability.

It's rare to find pure cold foam mattresses, but most hybrid mattresses have a cold foam support base. 😊

Should you buy a hybrid mattress?

We love hybrid mattresses.

They're an excellent choice for a wide range of sleepers, guaranteeing a great night's sleep. 😴

We'd recommend hybrid mattresses to:

  • People who like sleeping on top of their mattresses.
  • Restless sleepers.
  • People wanting a good combination of comfort and support.
  • People who sweat easily or feel hot at night.
  • Couples.

We'd suggest you opt for a high-quality hybrid mattress with a good risk-free trial period so you can test it out and send it back for a full refund if you're not 100% satisfied. 🤞

Don't forget to read our full hybrid mattress reviews for all the need-to-knows.

Here is a quick recap of some of our favourite UK hybrid mattresses:

Frequently asked questions

  • How long do hybrid mattresses last?


    If you opt for a high-quality hybrid mattress with high-density foams and a good number of springs, you can expect your new mattress to last 8 - 10 years.

    While some mattresses will last longer, you may experience sagging and decreased support after this time.

    This is also why most quality mattresses come with a 10-year guarantee!

    We'd suggest you change your mattress every ten years.

  • How do I protect my hybrid mattress?


    Many hybrid mattresses come with removable and machine-washable covers.

    This is great for hygiene purposes, as it means you can pop the cover in the wash now and then.

    But, we'd still recommend you invest in a waterproof mattress protector.

    A good mattress protector will safeguard your mattress against stains, spills, dirt, and bacteria.

    Mattress protectors also elongate the lifespan of your mattress!

  • Can I use a mattress topper with my hybrid mattress?


    If your hybrid mattress is just a tad too firm for you, you could invest in a mattress topper for added comfort.

    Memory foam toppers like the Panda bamboo topper are excellent for enhanced comfort!

    But you could also look at hybrid mattress toppers like the Simba topper, which offer the perfect hybrid feel with a touch more comfort.

  • Do hybrid mattresses squeak?


    No quality spring mattress should squeak - and neither should your hybrid!

    If you're sleeping on a mattress where the springs start squeaking, it's a telltale sign that you may need to replace your mattress!

  • Are hybrid mattresses bouncy?


    Hybrid mattresses contain springs, so they tend to be more bouncy than pure foam mattresses - especially memory foam mattresses!

    But they won't be as bouncy as pure innerspring mattresses either.

    A good hybrid mattress should offer a comfortable level of bounce that won't be too disrupting. 

  • Are hybrid mattresses certified to be safe?


    Unfortunately, you won't be able to find any wholly natural or organic hybrid mattresses.

    But, you can find hybrid mattresses with foams that are CERTIPUR-certified [2]

    Some even carry the OEKO-Tex Standard 100 [3] certification.

    Looking at certifications ensures that the foams used in the mattress are free from harmful chemicals.

    All quality British hybrid mattresses comply with local regulations and are fully fire retardant.

  • What bed frame should you use for hybrid mattresses?


    Hybrid mattresses are a little easier to manage than memory foam mattresses, and you can choose any bed frame that suits your budget, be it a divan base or slatted frame.

  • Is a hybrid mattress better than a memory foam mattress?


    You may be caught in the hybrid mattress vs memory foam mattress debate.

    One mattress isn't necessarily better than the other, but they are suited to different types of sleepers.

    • Choose memory foam if you're of lighter weight, prefer to sleep on your side, like softer mattresses, don't feel hot too quickly, and like a snug and comfortable sleep.
    • Choose hybrid mattresses if you're of average weight, a combination sleeper, like medium-firm mattresses, sleep hot or feel more restless, and like a comfortable and supportive sleep.

    We'd always recommend choosing a mattress with a risk-free trial period so you can find the one perfect for you!

  • References

Nicky

Nicky

Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

Nicky is an experienced writer and editor with numerous qualifications. As a certified sleep coach, her interests lie in understanding how sleep problems arise from hormonal and environmental issues, particularly as part of stress and anxiety management.

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