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Memory Foam vs Hybrid Mattresses

Robb Collins

Updated: July 26, 2024
When you’re shopping for the best mattress, one of the first things you need to do is choose which style of mattress you want. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are two popular choices. Each has its own special benefits. They might look similar and perform in comparable ways, but there are important differences you should think about before you choose to buy one.

To help you figure out which type is the best mattress for you, we’ll explore the key differences between memory foam and hybrid mattresses. We’ll look at their features and how they perform so you can decide if one of these popular options is right for your needs.

Trying to Decide? You can always take our personalized quiz to find your best mattress!

What Is a Memory Foam Mattress?

Memory foam (also known as viscoelastic foam) was first made by NASA to use in airplane seats. It’s now very popular for making mattresses because it helps to relieve pressure, which allows your body to rest comfortably in the same position for as long as possible – something really important when you’re spending up to nine hours lying in bed. Memory foam is different from other types of foam because it takes more time to return to its original shape when compressed; this property makes memory foam a great for mattresses, because it closely cushions your body, it offers needed support, and it does not provide as much upward pressure on your sensitive spots.

A cross-section of a memory foam mattress, highlighting its multiple layers. From the top down, there is a thin, blue cooling layer, followed by a thicker yellow foam layer, and several layers of varying shades of gray foam below, each designed with different textures and densities to provide support and comfort. On the left side, the image is labeled with the text "MEMORY FOAM," suggesting a focus on the composition and benefits of the foam layers used in the mattress. The color scheme is soft, using shades of gray, yellow, and blue against a neutral background.

Most memory foam mattresses have two main parts: a soft top layer of memory foam and a strong bottom layer of regular foam. The other differences between memory foam mattresses come from what there is between these two main layers, as well as what special features each layer has. For instance, the best memory foam mattresses also use other materials to make them last longer, such as latex or other special types of foam. These premium materials can help the mattress respond better when you move, or help you stay cool by dissipating heat.

Memory foam mattresses are great because they hug your body and help spread out your weight. This means you’re less likely to develop sore spots, which also means less tossing and turning (and waking up your partner). This makes them a favorite for people of all body types and sleeping styles. 

However, the original memory foam mattresses were also notorious for trapping heat. This is a negative reputation that still haunts memory foam mattresses, even though the leading companies have come up with many new technologies, like cooling gel foam and aerated layers, to help their memory foam mattresses sleep cool. Other cooling features to look out for include copper-infused foam, phase-change material, and cooling covers.

You can find memory foam mattresses in different levels of firmnes. There’s bound to be one that will fit your sleep needs perfectly. If you don’t know where to start, opt for a “medium-firm” mattress, which is a firmness that is generally preferred by the widest range of body types and sleep styles. 

Memory foam mattresses are very popular and you can find them online. In Canada, you can expect to find a well-made, well-priced, queen-size memory foam mattress for prices between $499 (Try: Juno – “Canada’s Best Value Mattress”) and $1,299 (Try: Douglas Summit – “Canada’s Best Memory Foam Mattress”).

What Is a Hybrid Mattress?

A hybrid mattress is a type of bed that combines a foam top with an innerspring core. They are similar to the innerspring mattresses of the past, but are topped with more cushioning foam. We think this is the recipe for the best mattress: the cushioning feel of memory foam that hugs your body and the strong support of coils.

Hybrid mattresses can have many different types of arrangements, but nearly all of them share these three same elements:

  • A Pillow-Top or Euro-Top: Higher-end luxury hybrid mattresses will often feature a pillow-top or euro-top, which is a layer of cushioning materials stitched directly onto the top of the mattress, offering extra plushness where you lie.
  • Comfort and Transition Layer(s): These layers directly beneath the top layer comprise cushioning materials like memory foam, latex, and cooling gel; they are usually around 3 to 4 inches thick and embrace the contours of your body. Higher-end models might also feature micro coils.
The image shows a cross-section of a hybrid mattress. It features a top layer of blue memory foam, beneath which lies a grey foam layer. The main support structure consists of a large section of individually wrapped coil springs, depicted in dark grey. These springs are designed to offer targeted support and reduce motion transfer across the mattress. The image is labeled "HYBRID" on the left side, emphasizing the combination of foam and spring components in the mattress design. The background and text colors use a subdued palette to complement the clean presentation of the mattress layers.
  • Support Core: At 7 to 8 inches, the support core is made up of metal coils/springs which constitute the majority of the mattress’s height. Higher end mattresses will have coils of different thicknesses arranged in zones to promote spinal alignment.

Our Logan & Cove hybrid mattresses are very popular and you can order online. As a mattress-in-a-box, these hybrids ship directly to your home (for free) and include a 365-night sleep trial and 15 year warranty. Prices for a queen sized Logan & Cove mattress runs between $999 for the Logan & Cove Choice hybrid mattress and $1,299 for the Logan & Cove Frontier hybrid mattress. As a luxury mattress, Logan & Cove includes premium features such as:

Comparing Memory Foam vs Hybrid Mattresses

When choosing a new mattress, you might wonder whether a memory foam or hybrid mattress is the better option. Both types offer unique benefits and can cater to different sleeping preferences. In this comparison, we’ll look at the features, advantages, and potential drawbacks of memory foam and hybrid mattresses to help you decide which one is right for you.

Mattress TypeProsConsBest for …Price Range
(Queen Size)
Foam Mattress
  • Great pressure-point relief
  • Excellent motion isolation
  • Hugging feeling
  • Mattresses without cooling foam may overheat
  • Quicksand feeling that restricts some sleepers
  • May have “off-gassing”
  • Light sleepers
  • All sleep styles, but especially stomach sleepers
  • Sleepers with pain points
$499 to $10,000
Hybrid Mattress
  • Pain relief
  • Excellent temperature regulation
  • Ease of movement
  • Excellent edge support
  • Heavier
  • Higher cost
  • Covers aren’t machine-washable
  • Couples
  • All sleep styles, but especially side sleepers
  • Hot sleepers
  • Sleepers who use the edge of the bed
  • Pressure relief and ease of movement
$999 to $10,000

Why Choose a Memory Foam Mattress?

Memory foam mattresses are great for relieving pressure. Here’s why you might want one:

  • You like a hugging feeling: Memory foam contours to your body. This can help reduce pain in areas where pressure and discomfort typically build up, making it perfect for people with aches and pains.
  • You wake up easily: Memory foam stops movement and noise from travelling across the mattress, so your sleep won’t be disrupted when your partner moves during the night.

Why Choose a Hybrid Mattress?

If you want the best of both worlds, a hybrid mattress is right for you.

Hybrid mattresses offer a balanced sleep surface by pairing together the most-loved elements of both foam mattresses and traditional innerspring mattresses. With a hybrid mattress, you’ll enjoy the cushioning and pressure relief of premium memory foam while being fully supported by breathable and motion-isolating steel coils.

Here’s why you might want one:

  • Motion isolation without feeling restricted: The coils in our hybrid mattresses combine with the multizonal  support to make you feel supported, and also easier to move on. If you enjoy the pressure relief feel of an innerspring bed but want more comfort, a hybrid mattress is a good choice.
  • You’re a hot sleeper: The coils in hybrid mattresses allow air to flow through, which helps keep the bed cooler. This is great for people who tend to get hot at night. Our premium-grade cover integrates CryoFusion™ cooling nanofibres. The surface feels supple and cool to the touch and when combined with our signature cooling gel foam it will gently cushion your shoulders, hips, and knees while wicking away excess body heat during the night.
  • You often sit on the edge of the bed: Hybrid mattresses have strong edges, so you can use the whole bed without feeling like you’re going to roll off. This is helpful if you often sit or sleep near the sides of the bed.

READ MORE: What is a hybrid mattress?

Our Hybrid Mattress Lineup

Hand-crafted luxury. Delivered right to your door.

BEST SELLER
12" Height

Logan & Cove Choice

Our classic hybrid mattress. Pairing premium foam and 5 zones of coils for balanced, full-body support.

Plushness
Pressure-Point Relief
Cooling
Support

Starting from

C$799 Shop Now
POPULAR UPGRADE
13.5" Height

Logan & Cove Frontier

Upgrade to our premium hybrid mattress for more cooling, plushness, support, and pressure-point relief.

Plushness
Pressure-Point Relief
Cooling
Support

Starting from

C$999 Shop Now
365-Night Trial

365-NIGHT

SLEEP TRIAL

Proudly Made in Canada

MADE

IN CANADA

Free Shipping & Returns*

FREE SHIPPING

& RETURNS*

15-Year Warranty

15-YEAR

WARRANTY

*Shipping fees may apply for some remote regions.

Is Memory Foam or Hybrid Better for Back Pain?

A 2021 study found that medium-firm mattresses are best for back pain. These mattresses provide both comfort and support, helping to relieve back pain effectively.

The image illustrates a firmness scale for mattresses, indicating a medium-firm rating of 6.5. It visually represents this with a horizontal bar segmented into different shades, progressing from soft to firm. The medium-firm section, highlighted and marked with a speech bubble showing "6.5". The scale likely helps consumers understand the 2021 study found that medium-firm mattresses are best for back pain.

Our research shows that hybrid mattresses with lots of springs and memory foam layers are great for people with back pain. In a 2023 survey of Logan & Cove mattress owners, 88% of participants with back pain said their mattress helped reduce their discomfort. Our medium-firm mattresses have a multi-zonal support system with cooling gel memory foam and pocketed coils. This design conforms to your body, adjusts as you move, and provides the support needed for good spinal alignment.

Which Lasts Longer: Memory Foam or Hybrid?

The lifespan of a mattress depends on how well you take care of it and the quality of its materials. Cheaper foams break down faster than high-quality memory foam or latex foam. Both hybrid and memory foam mattresses can last up to 10 years if made with good materials and supported with an approved bed frame or base. 

At Logan & Cove, we’re confident in the craftsmanship and exceptional quality of our products. That’s why we offer a 15-year warranty, one of the most generous in the industry. 

Every Logan & Cove mattress is Made in Canada. With a rich history spanning 30 years, our family-run facilities manufacture each mattress using state-of-the-art sewing and quilting machinery alongside traditional hand-finishing techniques. This meticulous craftsmanship culminates in a premium hybrid mattress that we take great pride in producing – and one that you will undoubtedly take pride in owning.

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