What is a Hybrid Mattress?

August 23, 2021 | Casper Editorial Team

Fact checked by Vincent Wang, MS CPE

A hybrid mattress is a multi-layer bed that combines memory foam, latex, or gel along with an innerspring system. Sleepers can experience both the pressure relief of the foam layers and the sturdy feel of a classic spring mattress. Talk about the perfect blend!
 
Let’s dive into the hype around these beds and how they’re changing the (sleeping) game.

Shop our most advanced mattress – the Wave Hybrid has hyper targeted support and cooling features to help you ache less and sleep cooler.

What Are the Components of a Hybrid Mattress?

Let’s take a look under the covers at the components of these hybrid beds and what makes them unique:
 

  • Pillow top: Available on a small number of hybrids, the 1-to-2-inch pillow top is sewn on top of the comfort layer to provide additional cushioning.
  • Comfort layer: This is the layer that you rest on, made of cushioned components like memory foam, latex, and cool-inducing gel. This is typically 3 to 4 inches of body-hugging material. 
  • Support core: The support core forms the bulk of the mattress height at 7 to 8 inches. Pocket-wrapped coils and springs provide spinal support.
  • Base layer: Usually made of foam, this 1-inch layer at the base provides padding, sturdiness, and stability.

Compared to their all-foam counterparts, hybrid mattresses provide superior longevity, breathability, and responsiveness. Keep reading to learn about our award-winning hybrid mattresses so you can figure out your perfect match.

Casper’s Original Hybrid Mattress

The Casper Original Hybrid was developed by our sleep labs to achieve this hybrid appeal. Bouncy support and pillowy comfort are built into the bed’s four support foundations.


  • 1.5” open-cell foam:  A soft, breathable foam that contains thousands of perforations allow hot air to escape.
  • 2” Zoned Support layer: A three-zone foam layer that contours to the hips and shoulders and aligns the spine.
  • 7” Foundation: A duo-layer of pocket coil springs and base foam provides end-to-end edge support.

If you want a high-quality hybrid mattress at prices that won’t keep you up, the Casper Original Hybrid may be the way to go. We engineered our hybrid mattress with AirScape™ breathable perforated foam that’s designed to allow airflow and keep things cool under the covers. 

And since we know that not every body part needs the same type of support, we also created a transition layer with three targeted zones of Zoned Support™ for cushion where you need it most, like your hips, waist, and lower back. Finally, our resilient base layer of springs is designed with a firm border that’s built to provide the support you need. 

Not only is the Casper Original Hybrid made to deliver top-notch comfort, it’s also affordable. It’s no wonder the original Casper Hybrid is our most popular mattress! Read our thousands of five-star reviews to learn even more reasons why the Casper Original is the best bed for better sleep.

Casper’s Nova Hybrid Mattress

For sleepers want to feel like they are sleeping on a supportive cloud, the Casper Nova Hybrid might be the right choice. Our most popular mattress blends soothing comfort with enhanced support for a better night’s rest.

  • 1” open-cell foam:  A breathable top layer of premium AirScape™ foam that contains tiny pores to allow hot air to escape.
  • 1.5” memory foam: A second AirScape™ layer with three ergonomic zones that helps to relieve pressure points in the body.
  • 2” Zoned Support Pro layer: A foam layer with seven support zones and contoured cuts to support hips and shoulders and align the spinal cord.
  • 7” Foundation: A duo-layer of resilient coil springs and base foam provides airflow and end-to-end edge support.

After a long day, the Nova Hybrid can give your back muscles a well-deserved break. Even better, its AirScape™ 2 technology includes two layers of perforated foam designed for airflow overnight. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the cool, soft luxury of the Nova Hybrid?

Additionally, the Casper Nova Hybrid comes with Zoned Support™ Pro that divides the mattress into seven ergonomic zones engineered to keep your spine aligned. Plus, hundreds of resilient springs provide the perfect cushion and bounce.

Casper’s Wave Hybrid Mattress

The Wave Hybrid gets some bonus points by adding gel and latex. This power combination cradles sleepers in a decadent, heat-free sleep.

  • 1” Comfort foam: This hypersensitive, plush soft foam seals in the final layer of comfort.
  • 1.5” Latex: Latex provides that cushiony bounce while fitting seamlessly in the center of the comfort layer.
  • 1.5” memory foam: A comfort layer that helps to relieve pressure.
  • 1.5” ZonedSupport™ Max layer: A tri-zoned layer with gel pods that provide targeted support where you need it most.
  • 7” Foundation: A duo-layer of pocket coil springs and base foam provides end-to-end edge support.

When it comes to regulating temperature, the Wave Hybrid goes above and beyond. AirScape™ 3 provides three soothing layers of foam engineered to prevent overheating, while cooling gel helps keep you and your mattress at a comfortable temperature.

Additionally, its one-of-a-kind Zoned Support™ Max provides continuous ergonomic zones engineered to help optimize your spinal alignment. On top of that, the mattress includes gel pods designed to support the waist and lower back and hundreds of springs to add rebound and lift.

Hybrid Mattress vs. Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are often buzzed about in the mattress world. Combining layers of foam, these beds react to body heat and pressure to mold to the curves of your body. The viscoelastic material absorbs excess motion, allowing you to melt into the mattress.
 
For sleepers who want the benefits of both foam and spring, hybrid mattresses unite memory foam and a foundation of pocket-wrapped coils. The springs provide that “jump on the bed” feel that people love in a spring mattress while the foam envelops you with that cloud-like embrace.
 
 

Who Should Get a Hybrid Mattress?

Hybrid mattresses are great options for just about everyone. Since they combine the coziness of all-foam with the resilience of traditional spring mattresses, many different types of sleepers can find their perfect fit.

For example, side sleepers can enjoy the right balance of softness and support in their favorite sleeping position. If you have a hard time getting out of bed, the firm border is designed to give you a boost. And for those who tend to have night sweats, the cooling technology built into hybrid mattresses may help regulate your temperature. 

To really maximize comfort for every sleeper, make sure you’re also choosing the right pillow sizes and height for your sleeping position.

How Long Do Hybrid Mattresses Last?

Hybrid mattresses typically last around 7 to 10 years — possibly longer if properly cared for. A good rule of thumb is to replace your mattress every 10 years. At Casper, we provide a 10-year limited warranty to ensure you have a sound sleep year after year.

Do You Need a Box Spring With a Hybrid Mattress?

Unlike a traditional mattress, hybrid mattresses do not need a box spring and can be set on slatted platform beds. If you desire more height, however, you can opt to set the mattress on a box spring. For more customization, adjustable bed frames can be used to shift the mattresses and move your head and feet to where they can get comfy.

Is a Hybrid Mattress Good for Back Pain?

A key component to preventing back pain is to align your spine and maintain good posture. A mattress that is too firm or not firm enough won’t support your spine at your neck and lower back. A gap between your body and the mattress means these areas lack support.
 
Hybrids can go a long way in taking care of your back pain. The targeted foam layers can help cushion these spinal points, raise the hips, and relax your muscles and ligaments. The springs provide that nice bounce-back for enhanced support, while gels can enhance your overall sleep quality.
 
 
Diagram showing how a hybrid mattress aligns the spine and alleviates pressure

How much does a hybrid mattress cost?

A quality queen-size hybrid bed mattress costs $1,650 on average, with high-end models reaching as high as $4,000.

At Casper, we believe your best sleep ever shouldn’t need that high-end price tag. A queen size Casper Hybrid provides a comfortable sleep for as little as $1,695. For those who want a more decadent, luxurious sleep, the ultra-cool, five-layer Wave Hybrid is available for $2,895.

With their blend of comfort and support, hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds. Ready to go hybrid? Discover what it means to have your most comfortable sleep with the Casper Original Hybrid, the Wave Hybrid, or the Nova Hybrid today.