Hybrid vs Memory Foam Mattress: How to Choose Firmness, Thickness and Size

Choose a hybrid mattress if you want some bounce, easier movement, firmer edges and more airflow; the pocket coils under the foam do that. Choose an all-foam or memory foam mattress if you like a close, contouring feel and want to feel your partner move as little as possible. Then match the firmness to how you sleep: plush to medium for side sleepers, medium to firm for back sleepers, and firm for stomach sleepers. Most adults are comfortable on a mattress 10 to 12 inches thick.

Neither type is better for everyone. Here's how the construction changes the feel, how to choose firmness and thickness, and which sizes are available, including short queen and RV king.

The short version

• Hybrid: foam comfort layers over individually wrapped pocket coils. Responsive, easier to change positions on, better airflow, and usually more support at the edges.
• All-foam: layers of memory foam, polyurethane foam or both. Contouring, quiet, good at keeping motion on one side of the bed, and lighter to move.
• Combination sleepers, hot sleepers and people who sit on the edge of the bed often lean hybrid.
• Side sleepers who want pressure relief and light sleepers who share a bed often lean foam.

What's inside each type

Hybrid

A hybrid has a support core of pocket coils, each spring wrapped in fabric so it can move on its own, topped with one or more foam layers. The coils give lift and spring back quickly, and the gaps between them let air move through the mattress. Because each coil moves separately, a pocket coil hybrid also limits motion transfer better than an old-style connected innerspring.

Memory foam and all-foam

Memory foam softens with body heat and slowly molds to your shape, which spreads pressure across the shoulders and hips. Polyurethane foam is springier and is often used for support layers. Many foam mattresses combine the two. Product listings usually name the foam type, so read it: a mattress described as polyurethane foam will feel more buoyant than one built around memory foam.

Feel, motion and temperature

The biggest difference is how you move on the bed. On memory foam, you sink in a little and the foam takes a moment to recover, which some people find cozy and others find hard to roll over in. On a hybrid, you sit more on top of the bed and changing positions takes less effort.

Foam can hold body heat. Manufacturers counter that with gel-infused foam and cooling treatments on the cover fabric, and some of the listings below mention those features. A hybrid's coil layer adds airflow by design.

Firmness by sleep position

• Side sleepers: plush to medium, so shoulders and hips can sink in while the waist stays supported.
• Back sleepers: medium to firm, enough support to keep the lower back from sagging.
• Stomach sleepers: firm to extra firm, so the hips don't sink below the shoulders.
• Combination sleepers: medium is the usual middle ground, and a responsive hybrid makes turning easier.

Body weight matters too. Heavier sleepers usually feel a mattress as softer than lighter sleepers do, so they often do well one step firmer and a little thicker. Couples with different preferences can look at a split California king, which is two mattresses side by side.

How thick should it be?

• 6 to 8 inches: kids' beds, bunk beds, daybeds and guest rooms.
• 10 to 12 inches: most adults on a standard bed frame.
• 13 to 16 inches: plusher builds with thicker comfort layers, and heavier sleepers who want more depth.

A thicker mattress raises the height of the bed, so check your sheets' pocket depth and how the new height works with your nightstands.

Sizes, including short and RV sizes

• Twin: 38 by 75 inches. Twin XL: 38 by 80 inches.
• Full: 54 by 75 inches. Full XL: 54 by 80 inches.
• Queen: 60 by 80 inches. Short queen: 60 by 74 inches, common in RVs and campers.
• King: 76 by 80 inches. Short king: 72 by 75 inches. RV king: 72 by 80 inches.
• California king: 72 by 84 inches. Split California king: two 36 by 84 inch mattresses.

Measure your RV platform before ordering; layouts vary by model and year. And note that several of our mattress listings have a size menu, so the size named in the title is only one of the options.

Mattresses to compare

A medium hybrid for most sleepers

The 11-inch medium foam hybrid mattress pairs polyurethane foam with pocket coils, according to its listing, which also notes compatibility with adjustable bases and CertiPUR-US certification. Its size menu runs from twin to California king and includes short queen (60 by 74), short king (72 by 75) and RV king (72 by 80).

Hybrids with gel memory foam, from extra firm to ultra plush

The copper infused gel memory foam hybrids combine gel memory foam with pocket coils, and their listings note a cooling treatment applied to the fabric, adjustable base compatibility and the same wide range of sizes, including the RV sizes. Choose by firmness: the 13-inch medium hybrid for back and combination sleepers, the 13-inch extra firm hybrid for stomach sleepers and anyone who wants a very firm surface, and the 15-inch ultra plush hybrid for side sleepers who want to sink in.

All-foam options

The 9-inch medium euro top foam mattress is built from convoluted layers of polyurethane foam under a euro top, according to its listing, and comes in sizes from twin to California king, including split California king. For a kids' room, guest bed or daybed, the 6-inch medium memory foam mattress has a stretch knit cover infused with aloe vera, per its listing, and comes in twin, full and queen.

Fine-tuning the feel

If a mattress you already own is a little too firm, a topper is an easy adjustment. The 3-inch gel memory foam mattress topper is listed with a medium comfort level, a removable machine-washable cover and straps to hold it in place, in full and king sizes.

You can see every model in foam, spring and hybrid mattresses, more options in mattress toppers, and frames to go with them in beds. Shopping by mattress size? See twin, full, queen and king bed frames.

Delivery and returns

We ship to the contiguous U.S. and to Canada (not to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico). U.S. orders are usually processed in 1 to 5 business days and delivered in about 4 to 10 business days, with tracking by email and free shipping on orders over $120. Canadian orders usually arrive in 4 to 13 business days including processing, with free shipping over $500. The mattresses above are listed as compressed and rolled in a box. Returns are accepted within 30 days for items that are unused and in their original condition and packaging, and a mattress can't be rolled back into its box once it's opened, so settle on size and firmness before you order. If you're unsure, email help@FurniFindUSA.com or message us on WhatsApp at +1 484-459-6889 first.

FAQ

Is a hybrid or memory foam mattress better for back pain?

There's no single answer. Look for enough support to keep your spine in a neutral line for your sleep position, usually medium to firm for back sleepers. If you have ongoing pain, ask your doctor what they recommend.

Do hybrid mattresses sleep cooler than memory foam?

Generally, yes. The coil layer lets air move through the mattress. Gel foams and cooling cover treatments help all-foam and hybrid beds alike.

What is the difference between a short queen and a regular queen?

A short queen is 60 by 74 inches, six inches shorter than a standard 60 by 80 inch queen. It's a common size in RVs and campers.

How thick should a mattress be?

For most adults, 10 to 12 inches. Choose 6 to 8 inches for kids' beds and bunk beds, and 13 inches or more for a plusher feel.

Can I use a hybrid mattress on an adjustable base?

Many can. Check the listing: the hybrids in this guide are listed as compatible with adjustable bases.