Hybrid Vs. Innerspring Mattress: Which Is Best?

October 22, 2021 | Casper Editorial Team

In researching different types of mattresses, you’ve come across hybrid mattresses and innerspring. But what’s the difference between a hybrid vs innerspring mattress?

While hybrid and innerspring mattresses both share a coil system for the base, hybrid mattresses combine layers of foam for comfort whereas innerspring mattresses have a thin layer of cushioned material. Innerspring mattresses tend to be a firmer mattress compared to hybrids because of their internal coil structure, however, are not necessarily more supportive.

In fact, it’s quite the contrary: hybrid mattresses, which combine innersprings’ architecture with plush mattress layers give sleepers dreamy levels of comfort that are both supportive and snuggle-worthy.

Here, we’ll examine how each mattress type functions, and help you decide which is the right fit for you.

Casper’s hybrid mattresses are made with a combination of resilient springs for lift and sinking prevention and layers of breathable foam for cozy comfort. You get the best of both worlds with a hybrid mattress.

What is a Hybrid Mattress?

Most non-wire mattresses today may exclusively use memory foam, latex foam, or gel foam to give their mattresses cozy comfort. 

Hybrid mattresses, on the other hand, fuse the veteran ergonomics of innerspring mattresses with the plushness of modern wireless mattress design. They’re engineered to offer the stability of innerspring mattresses, without compromising on comfort with:

  • Foundation layer – Unlike innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses do not require a box spring for back support. Instead, their foundational layer consists of two or so inches of padding for stability and comfort.
  • Core layer – This section constitutes the bulk of a hybrid mattress, and is typically seven to eight inches thick. It combines the structure, lift, and airflow of coil wreaths with foam’s supple and figure-hugging hold.
  • Comfort layer – The most sensible layer of your mattress, the comfort layer sits just beneath your body while you sleep. Hybrid mattresses may use memory foam, latex, or cooling gel to modulate the sleeper’s experience from the top down. Typically, they just use a foam comfort layer.

Benefits and Considerations of Hybrid Mattresses

So, are hybrid mattresses good? By combining the stability of an innerspring mattress and the pliability of a foam mattress, hybrid mattresses are more readily adaptable to many different kinds of lifestyles and comfort levels than the traditional mattress model. They’re especially advantageous when it comes to:

  • Partner sleeping – Hybrid mattresses can be an excellent option for partners or bedmates who favor different postures during sleep. Their enhanced weight distribution properties allow both partners to sleep comfortably in bed together—with no one “hogging” more comfy zones than the other. 
  • Bed frame versatility – Because the structure of a hybrid mattress is completely internal, there’s no need for box spring support. Hybrid mattress owners can use metal or slatted bed frames, platform beds, or even just the floor to buttress their mattress. However, minimalists who opt for the final option may find their mattress’ airflow inhibited.

The versatility and structural nuance of hybrid mattresses may mean that they come with a higher price tag, but their durability and longer lifespan may save sleepers money in the long run.

What is an Innerspring Mattress?

Innerspring mattresses have been around since the mid-19th century when upholstery coil springs were first used in the construction of carriage seats of the original horse-powered vehicle—the horse and buggy. 1They have been the traditional mattress that most people are familiar with.

Since then, four main kinds of coils have been developed:

  • Bonnell coils
  • Pocket coils
  • Offset coils
  • Continuous coils

Each variety of coil has a unique ability to respond to added weight and pressure, but all innerspring coil technology has one paramount purpose: to provide full-body support while you’re sleeping. 

While innersprings provide the mattress’ foundation—the scaffolding—two additional layers are added to the mix to make the mattress comfortable for sleep:

  • Foundation layer – This layer is found below the core structure, and is known as the box spring. The box spring’s pattern hews to the coil pattern of your innerspring mattress, fortifying the overall structure and enhancing overall shock absorption.
  • Comfort layer – This is the mantle of an innerspring mattress, which upholsters the surface to make it plush and comfortable for any sleep position.

In combination with the two layers, the coils in an innerspring mattress’ core layer allow more air to flow through the body of the mattress, which may provide relief for people who are prone to overheating in bed. 

Benefits and Considerations of Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses have a reputation for having a high firmness level compared to other types of mattresses. Compared to their modern counterparts, this tends to ring true, but it should be noted that the sturdiness of individual innerspring mattresses can vary considerably. It’s also important to note that a firm mattress doesn’t necessarily mean it has great support.

The firmness level of any given spring mattress may depend on the following factors:

  • Wire thickness
  • Coil height
  • Number of coils
  • The design and “turns” of the coil pattern
  • The type of steel used
  • Method of construction
  • Type of insulation

Another point of consideration is that every innerspring mattress needs to be paired with a box spring. If you decide to sleep without one, you’ll impair the function of your innerspring coil design, which can lead to sagging and structural atrophy.

One benefit of innerspring mattresses is they’re often budget-friendly, even if this means they don’t provide as much relief. To extend the lifespan of an innerspring mattress, they should be flipped and rotated every six months to ensure all springs are bearing equal weight. 

Core Differences Between Hybrid and Innerspring Mattresses

The main factor in the innerspring vs hybrid mattress debate is that while the former exclusively uses coil technology to provide structure, the latter combines both coil and other ergonomic interventions to construct the body of the mattress.

Hybrid mattresses are designed to meet the needs of different kinds of sleepers, and their versatility enables engineers to take more liberties within the realm of mattress design.

Innerspring vs Hybrid Mattresses: Comfort

While comfort layers in innerspring mattresses are sparse, hybrid mattresses have the latitude to lay them on thick. The Casper Dream mattress, for instance, “zones” its topmost layers of foam to provide proper support through the night. 

Innerspring vs Hybrid Mattresses: Spinal Alignment

The stiff support of a traditional innerspring mattress can provide sleepers with lower back pain some relief. However, hybrid mattresses are both supportive and responsive, providing structural and comfortable support.

Some hybrid mattresses, such as Casper’s Wave Hybrid mattress, are specifically designed to provide relief for your body. By strategically placing gel pods in the core foam, the Wave Hybrid forgives the natural curvatures of the neck, shoulders, and pelvis to provide maximum comfort during sleep—and minimal soreness when waking up.

Innerspring vs Hybrid Mattresses: Thermoregulation

Studies conclude that the optimal temperatures for adults to get quality shut-eye ranges between 60 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. 2But no matter how hawkish you are about your thermostat, your bed is a microclimate all its own—and the type of mattress you choose can be the difference between sweat-stained sheets and sleeping bliss.

The coiled structure of innerspring mattresses allows for ample air flow that can cool sleepers throughout the night. However, hybrid mattresses do that, and then some.  

Hybrid mattresses like the Snow use perforations on the surface of the foam as entry and exit portals that circulate air and body heat during the wee hours. The hybrid style also allows for functional additions, like HeatDelete™bands, which dissipate heat for up to 12 hours.

In this way, shape-conforming materials like traditional memory foam don’t have to compromise on adequate ventilation.

Should I Choose Hybrid or Innerspring?

If you’re on the market for a new mattress and are weighing your options between innerspring and hybrid mattresses, these are the main points of consideration to take into account:

  • Comfort – While innerspring mattresses tend to become more forgiving with time, this tends to be a sign of degradation or spring damage, rather than built-in softness. If you are experiencing this type of degradation, it’s a common sign you need a new mattress. Contrarily, there’s no need to break in a hybrid mattress—softness is elemental to the design, throughout every layer.
  • Quality – Innerspring mattresses have a storied heritage, and there are undoubtedly some high-quality innerspring mattresses on the market. Nevertheless, to maintain its performance over time you will need to perform some routine mattress rotating and flipping to ensure your mattress springs keep their bounce.
  • Budget – Innerspring mattresses tend to be less expensive overall, and can be a great option if you’re not set on staying in your current place of residence. While they aren’t as supportive as hybrids when it comes to sleep hygiene, you can cushion your sleep experience by purchasing a suitable mattress topper for a boost of comfort. 

Overall, hybrid mattresses tend to be comfier and more supportive than innerspring mattresses. When deliberating between a hybrid mattress vs innerspring mattress, your verdict may come down to budget and whether you’re ready to invest in your sleep hygiene and the overall well-being it supports.

For the Best of Both Worlds, Nod Off with Casper

Whatever your lifestyle, or your sleep style, choosing a Casper mattress will always be an upgrade.

Casper’s engineers have created five hybrid mattresses to choose from our mattress company:


Each mattress type was designed to provide two non-negotiables for the body at rest: stability and comfort. Ready to take the plunge into a comfortable hybrid bed? Shop our hybrid mattresses for today.

Sources: 

  1. The Mattress Underground. Mattress Support Cores – Innersprings. https://www.themattressunderground.com/mattresses/support-cores/innersprings/#bonnell-coils
  2. Sleep Advisor. What’s the Best Temperature for Sleep? https://www.sleepadvisor.org/best-temperature-for-sleep/