Best King Size Hybrid Mattress

Last Updated On August 22nd, 2023
Best King Size Hybrid Mattress

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If the last time you bought a new mattress was more than 10 years ago, you may be unfamiliar with the newfangled hybrid mattresses. Despite their name, they’re nothing like hybrid vehicles, although sometimes they are confused for “eco-friendly” or organic mattresses. In this case, “hybrid” refers to a combination of two popular mattress types in one: memory foam and innerspring coils. Hybrids were made to mitigate the drawbacks of both mattress types.

Memory foam tends to trap heat, which can be a problem because memory foam also contours so closely to the body. Overheating in bed can lead to other sleep issues. Because of the coil base, an innerspring mattress allows much more air to flow through the mattress, decreasing the risk of overheating.

Bouncy Comfort & Durable Edge Support

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But the coils of an innerspring are also prone to bottoming out after only a few years, leading to poor support and even back pain. That’s where memory foam comes in–it relieves pressure build-up that could be caused by the springs.

King size hybrid mattresses are perfect for couples with ample living space who need the cooling, conforming feel of a hybrid. And modern-day hybrids are built with individually-wrapped coils for even better pressure relief and support.

Let’s discuss our new hybrid lineup, along with all the benefits of hybrids, who they’re right for, and how to tell if a king size hybrid mattress is best for you.

Amerisleep King Size Hybrid Mattresses

Quick Guide: A 30-Second Summary

Best King Size Hybrid Mattress Overall Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid
Best Soft King Size Hybrid Mattress Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid
Best Natural King Size Hybrid Mattress Amerisleep Organica

We recently released a line of hybrid mattresses to complement our well-established foam mattress lineup. We took our three bestselling mattresses and revamped them as hybrids with pocketed coils, and as always, CertiPUR-US® certified foams.

The AS3 Hybrid offers a balanced feel that suits most sleeping styles, with a weightless medium feel that helps sleepers feel buoyed and comfortable.

Mattress Highlights
  • Plant-based memory foam top layer
  • Fabric cover delivers mildly icy comfort
  • Pocketed coils limit motion transfer
Recommended For
  • Most sleeping styles
  • Couples who want a responsive mattress
  • Hot sleepers

Amerisleep took their bestselling foam mattress and turned it into a hybrid, so even those who like the feel of coils can enjoy this customer favorite. A true medium, the balanced softness and support of the AS3 Hybrid will appeal to couples, side sleepers, and combo sleepers.

The top layer of the AS3 Hybrid is 3 inches of Bio-Pur®. The name gives you a glimpse into how the foam is made. This foam contains plant-based oils to replace some of the petroleum-based oils, reducing the off-gassing odor so common to traditional memory foam. Bio-Pur® bounces back in seconds, so you won’t ever feel trapped on this soft comfort layer.

Beneath the Bio-Pur® are 8 inches of coils. Because each coil is wrapped in foam or fabric to limit motion transfer and keep you from sinking uncomfortably into the mattress. A 1-inch thick base foam holds it all together and deters sag.

The AS3 Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial, free shipping and returns, and a generous 20-year warranty that covers sagging.

Save $450 on the Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid with our discount code
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Plushness is prized in many king mattresses, with sleepers seeking cloud-like feels. For a bed that feels like a soft dream, we recommend our AS5 Hybrid.

Mattress Highlights
  • Thick top of eco-friendly cushion
  • Responsive middle foam deepens comfort
  • Pocketed coils lift the sleeper's body
Recommended For
  • Side sleepers
  • Various body builds, from petite to heavy
  • Hot sleepers

The AS5 Hybrid is the perfect mattress for a loyal side-sleeper and plus-size sleepers (230 pounds or more) seeking a softer bed. The AS5 Hybrid is the only hybrid in our collection with the Active Flex layer, adding extra support to ensure you won’t sink down too far in the plush comfort layers.

Underneath a stretchy cover sits 3 inches of Bio-Pur®, a plant-based foam made using castor oil. In Bio-Pur®, a portion of petrochemicals are replaced with castor oil, reducing off-gassing and increasing the mattress’s breathability.

Beneath the responsive Bio-Pur® foam sits 2 inches of Active Flex. This layer reacts as you move, supporting you and making sure you never feel the 8-inch coil base on the bottom. Thanks to the Active Flex layer, you’ll almost feel as if you’re floating on the AS5 Hybrid.

Eight inches of pocketed coils make the mattress more comfortable than ever while flexing as you or your partner change positions throughout the night.

If you thought a soft mattress was unsupportive, think again! The innovative layer design of the AS5 Hybrid is proof you can enjoy a good night’s rest on a soft mattress without bottoming out or waking up with back pain.

Just like all of our mattresses, the AS5 Hybrid comes with free shipping, free returns, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 20-year prorated warranty. We will cover all repairs and replacements during the first 10 years. In the second half of the warranty period, you will be responsible for a portion of the costs.

Save $450 on the Amerisleep AS5 with our discount code
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While all of our mattresses contain eco-friendly materials, the Organica has the highest concentration of natural materials.

Mattress Highlights
  • Cooling cotton and wool coverings
  • Buoyant latex foam eases pressure
  • Pocketed coils with reinforced edges
Recommended For
  • Side, back, combo sleepers
  • Sleepers with synthetic sensitivities
  • Hot sleepers

The Organica is our eco-friendly alternative to memory foam hybrid mattresses. With a top consisting of latex foam layers covered with organic wool and cotton, and responsive coils ready to contour to your body as you move throughout the night, the Organica delivers comfort that suits most sleep styles.

The surface of the Organica has GOTS-certfied organic cotton, a gentle material that is soft on delicate skin and absorbs sweat and excess heat for a cool, dry feel. Underneath is a layer of organic wool, acting as an eco-friendly fire barrier to establish a fiberglass-free mattress and a touch of extra cushion.

The primary comfort of the Organica comes from its two layers of Talalay latex foam, with the top layer more swift to conform and offer pressure relief. The second layer of latex delivers buoyancy to minimize unwanted sinkage, keeps sleepers lifted on the mattress.

Next is 8 inches of pocketed coils to round out the support layer. The coils support your back and act as shock absorbers as you or your partner move on the mattress. Because of this layer, you won’t wake up because of a restless sleeper.

A 1-inch base layer acts as the foundation for everything above it, preventing sag and keeping the surface even.

We ship all our mattresses for free to the contiguous 48 states. Each mattress comes with a 20-year warranty, 100-night sleep trial, and free returns if you decide to send the mattress back. We do ask you to try out your bed for at least 30 days before initiating a return.

Save $450 on the Amerisleep Organica with our discount code
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What is a Hybrid Mattress Made Of?

Memory foam and innerspring mattresses are two of the most popular mattress types available today. But a hybrid combines both of these to offer even more benefits to the sleeper.

Foam

To be considered a true hybrid, a mattress must contain 2-3 inches of foam. In contrast, an innerspring mattress usually only has 1-2 inches of foam in the form of a quilted pillow top. The pillow top layer is often poly-foam or even just cotton filling, and wears out after only a few years. A more common choice for the comfort layer is memory foam or latex foam.

Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, is made with petrochemicals, giving it that elastic, soft texture that springs back when you touch it. It contours closely to the body instead of pushing up against it like traditional innersprings do. Unlike innerspring coils, memory foam is also quiet and isolates motion transfer, so you won’t be awakened by a restless partner.

A high-quality memory foam layer should spring back quickly so you never feel “trapped” in the mattress.

Latex is a natural alternative to memory foam. It feels soft and plush, but it’s a little more responsive. Latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree. The manufacturing process is eco-friendly, so beds made with latex appeal to the environmentally-conscious crowd. Latex is incredibly durable, too—some all-latex beds can last up to 15 years. If you’re allergic to latex, synthetic latex is an option as well, but it’s not as common in hybrid mattresses.

In a hybrid, foam isn’t just a component of the top comfort layer. It’s often used as a transition layer, too, which “buffers” between the springy, coil core and the pressure-reliving comfort foam. This layer is typically a firm poly-foam, but latex or memory foam could be used as well.

Innerspring Coils

Without the coil system in the base, a hybrid is just another foam mattress. Because pillow top mattresses made with coils are known to sag, mattress brands improve the quality of hybrids by using wrapped coils (also known as Marshall coils). Each coil is wrapped or “pocketed” in fabric or foam. This practice ensures each coil responds individually to movement and weight—so there’s no sagging or loss of support.

Edge Support

While memory foam mattresses are popular and comfortable for most, they lack something called edge support. Most people don’t consider edge support a priority when mattress shopping because it doesn’t really add to the overall comfort of the bed. But for some people, it’s a nice feature because it makes getting in and out of bed easier. Most hybrids have built-in edge support in the form of a stiff foam surrounding the mattress or a hand-sewn, tufted edge.

Why Should I Buy a King Size Hybrid Mattress?

If you’re a fan of foam mattresses but you prefer them to have an extra bounce, a hybrid might be the right choice for you. Maybe you’re a devoted memory foam fan, but you tend to sleep hot. A hybrid has 2-3 layers of foam on top of pocket springs. The space between the coils allows air to move through quickly, keeping heat build-up out of your mattress.

Hybrids are rising in popularity right now because they work well for couples, heavier people (weighing 230 pounds or more), and sleepers who need the pressure relief of foam but not the heat that comes with it. Now that there are so many different firmnesses and technologies, anyone can find a hybrid to fit their lifestyle, sleeping position, and budget. This pro and con table should help you decide if a king size hybrid is right for you.

ProsCons
Pressure relief of memory or latex foamKing size may be too large for some living spaces
Wrapped coils limit motion transfer and noiseHybrids are heavy
Zoned support systems keep your spine aligned as you sleep, no matter your positionMore expensive than other mattress types because they contain a mix of high-quality materials
The average lifespan is 7-10 yearsCoils may be too bouncy/responsive for some

Things to Know Before Committing to a New Mattress

Before you go out and buy the first hybrid king size mattress you find on sale, consider your long-term comfort and the mattress’s durability. A mattress can be quite a hefty investment for many people, and even after 10 or so years, it may start to break down. The key is to find a mattress that will last at least those 10 years so your sleep quality is never compromised.

First, you need to know your dominant sleeping position: side, back, stomach, or a combination of the three. How you sleep affects how your mattress feels to you, and everybody is different. That’s why we offer three different hybrid mattresses to complement the most popular sleeping positions.

Then you should think about any health problems you have which could be exacerbated by the wrong mattress. Lots of mattresses today are marketed for these very issues, including lower back pain, sleep apnea, snoring, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), and acid reflux.

Which Sleeping Position Do You Prefer?

Around 60 percent of the US population likes to sleep on their sides, but only 14 percent prefer their backs, and 16 percent prefer sleeping on their stomachs. Overall, most of us are combination sleepers, switching between our favorite position and one or two others. Finding a mattress that will support you in whatever position you’re in is key to a good night’s rest.

Side Sleeping

Sleeping on the side is one of the healthiest positions. It opens up the airways for better breathing, so it’s a great option for people who struggle with snoring. As long as side sleepers choose a supportive pillow, they may even experience minimal neck or back pain.

Side-sleeping presents some risks, as well. Because side sleepers often sleep with their arms under their heads, they can experience numbness, or pins and needles. A mattress with just enough cushioning can prevent limb numbness and misalignment. That’s why many of the best mattresses for side sleepers are medium in firmness and offer plenty of cushioning.

Most hybrid mattresses with a responsive comfort layer and excellent zoned support should work well for side sleepers. We do not recommend innerspring mattresses for side sleepers, though, because the plush Euro top or pillow top doesn’t provide sufficient cushioning.

Back Sleeping

Sleeping on the back keeps the spine neutral, maintaining its natural S-curve and reducing the risk of waking with back pain. Back sleepers are also less susceptible to wrinkles, unlike side sleepers. But sleeping on the back can lead to hip pain if you’re on a too-soft mattress. That’s one reason why back sleepers should choose a firm or medium-firm mattress.

Back sleeping may not be the best position for you if you suffer from sleep apnea or snoring. Snoring, in particular, is caused by the soft tissues collapsing in the back of the throat, leading to the vibrating noise that disrupts so many people’s sleep. A firm mattress keeps the body from sinking down too far, creating that “stuck” feeling and leading to breathing problems.

Can a back sleeper be comfortable on a hybrid? Yes! Hybrids with memory foam may have a reputation for being plush and soft, but many brands, including ourselves, offer hybrid memory foam mattresses in different firmness levels. Regular innerspring beds tend to sag quickly, and as a result, back sleepers risk lower back pain or misalignment. The best hybrid mattress ensures the spine stays neutral and the sleeper is lifted and supported.

Combination Sleeping

Though we all have a “favorite” sleeping posture, most of us move from one position to another all night. It’s the body’s way of keeping circulation going and preventing numbness or pressure build-up. Combo sleepers need equal amounts of cushioning and support, so a hybrid mattress will work well for their needs. Some hybrids come with the risk of sagging, but if the coils are wrapped (and they usually are), this maintains the mattress’s integrity and keeps the surface even.

As for firmness, combination sleepers usually prefer a medium, medium-soft, or soft mattress. If you’re a combo sleeper who switches to sleeping on the back or stomach often, go for a medium hybrid mattress.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping isn’t recommended because it often causes back and neck pain. The midsection carries a lot of weight (no matter how fit you are), and when you lie on your stomach, all that weight pulls the spine downward. Stomach sleepers also have to turn their heads to the side to breathe, and if the spine is already bowed upward, this will cause serious neck strain.

To avoid these issues, we suggest teaching yourself how to sleep on your side. If you think you’re stuck in the stomach sleeping habit for a while, sleep on a firm or medium-firm mattress (nothing softer than medium-firm). Hybrids are slightly firmer than memory foam mattresses because of the coil support layer. The coils also add some extra responsiveness, ensuring you don’t sink down too far and throw out your spine. Look for a hybrid with zoned support that will target your pressure points and contour to your body where you need extra cushioning.

Do You Have Any Sleep Disorders?

Best-King-Size-Hybrid-Mattress

Considering your sleeping position is a good place to start. In fact, most mattresses are marketed to specific sleeping positions, so some might argue that’s all you need to know before you invest in a new bed. But if you have any lingering health issues that seem to interrupt your sleep or even cause sleep deprivation, the wrong mattress is all it takes to make those problems worse.

Thanks to bed in a box brands and the plethora of online mattress options, finding the best mattress to meet your physical needs isn’t as difficult as it used to be.

Snoring

In a survey conducted last year, 29 percent of respondents said snoring affected their sleep—second only to insomnia, which affected 37 percent of participants. Other factors negatively impacting sleep were shift work, chronic pain, sleep apnea, Restless Legs Syndrome, and narcolepsy.

Snoring is unique among these sleep disorders because it doesn’t just affect the person snoring—it can cause the snorer’s partner to lose out on sleep, too. The loud sound emitted from the nose and throat can lead to sleep deprivation, a problem with both short and long-term consequences.

There is no mattress that can “cure” snoring, or any other health problem, for that matter. But a high-quality mattress can alleviate some of the issues that make snoring—and your sleep quality—worse, such as poor neck support.

If you deal with snoring (or your partner’s snoring), a medium, medium-firm or firm mattress is best. A hybrid king size mattress can fit both of you comfortably, and the support coils will ensure little to no sagging.

Sleeping Hot

Sleeping hot is pretty common, but certain mattress types can make it unbearable. Memory foam, while popular for its contouring and pressure relief, is known for trapping heat. Hybrids solve this issue because of the coil base layer, which allows air and heat to move through the mattress easily.

Many memory foam mattresses are infused with cooling materials such as gel, graphite, or copper to dissipate heat. In fact, the comfort layer of many hybrids is gel memory foam, making an already-cool mattress even more breathable. Look for a hybrid with cooling foams and textiles, such as organic cotton, Tencel, or bamboo.

Back Pain

If you’ve been sleeping on the same mattress for 5-10 years, you may not even notice how it’s impacting your sleep. In fact, many people get used to an uncomfortable sleeping position because their mattress has developed an indent where their body naturally rests. This can lead to back pain.

When it comes to sleep quality, back pain perpetuates a negative cycle. Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source It makes it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep, and then the resulting sleep deprivation makes the pain worse. If you seem to sleep better on a different bed, maybe in a hotel room or even on your couch, switching out your mattress for a newer one could help the pain.

A hybrid mattress has a good balance of support and cushioning, something people with back pain need from their mattress. The best mattress for back pain should have pocketed coils for motion isolation and contouring, as well as zoned support for your back, shoulders, and hips. Support for these areas can lead to more restorative sleep.

What’s Your Budget?

The average king-size hybrid mattress costs around $2,000. It’s spendier than the average memory foam or innerspring bed, but that’s because it’s made with a mixture of high-quality materials (both steel coils and memory or latex foam).

If you’re looking for a softer hybrid, that can cost even more because a plush mattress has more layers—more layers of foam bumps up the price. Consider all your needs and how much you’re willing to spend. Remember that no matter how much the mattress costs, it should come with a sleep trial and warranty as a guarantee of its value.

What Size Do You Need?

A king size hybrid mattress fits the bill for many couples with master bedrooms or large living spaces. The most popular choice for many couples is a queen size mattress, but they only leave each person with 30 x 80 inches of space (60 x 80 inches total). If you or your partner are restless, this doesn’t leave much breathing room.

King size mattresses measure 76 x 80 inches—giving each person 16 more inches than a queen size bed offers. To use one, you should make sure your bedroom is at least 12 feet by 12 feet. This will leave enough space for any furniture as well as walking room.

Remember that moving a big mattress can take some extra hands, and hybrids can be pretty heavy. Make sure you have at least one other person to help you set it up.

Mattress SizeDimensions (IN)Dimensions (CM)
California King72 inches by 84 inches183 cm by 213.5 cm
King76 inches by 80 inches193 cm by 203.5 cm
Olympic Queen66 inches by 80 inches167.5 cm by 203.5 cm
Queen60 inches by 80 inches152.5 cm by 203.5 cm
Full XL54 inches by 80 inches137 cm by 203.5 cm
Full54 inches by 75 inches134.5 cm by 190.5 cm
Twin XL38 inches by 80 inches96.5 cm by 203.5 cm
Twin38 inches by 75 inches96.5 cm by 190.5 cm
Small Single38 inches by 75 inches76.2 cm by 190.5 cm
Crib27.25 inches by 51 inches69.2 cm by 129.5 cm

Does the Mattress Come with a Sleep Trial?

Sleep trials were invented when mattresses in a box became popular. Instead of settling on a mattress after only laying on it for ten minutes, you now have the option to try a mattress in your own home for three months or more. If you decide the mattress isn’t right for you, you can send it back for a full refund. Most companies will even pick up the mattress for you, so the whole process is risk-free.

If possible, always choose a mattress with a sleep trial, especially if you’ve never tried a hybrid before. A “customer satisfaction guarantee” is a common replacement for sleep trials, but not an equal one. Instead of getting 90-120 days to try out the mattress, you only have about 30 days, and some return policies even stipulate there can be no signs of use to get a full refund.

Along with a sleep trial, your mattress should come with a generous warranty. A 10-year warranty is the industry standard, but some last 20 years or more. Warranties should cover sagging (usually 1 inch deep or more), manufacturing defects such as broken zippers, torn foam, or bent coils, or other damage not caused by poor use.

What Foundation Should You Use?

After you decide on your perfect mattress, you need somewhere to put it. We don’t recommend just throwing it on the floor, because that will restrict airflow that can whisk away heat and sweat. If moisture is allowed to accumulate, it can potentially lead to mold or mildew.

The mainstay mattress foundation is a box spring, but they aren’t the best option for memory foam hybrids or latex mattresses because they can cause premature sagging. Other options include platform bases, adjustable bases, metal bed frames, or slatted wood frames. A hybrid mattress works well on any base, but we recommend contacting the mattress company to see if it would be okay to use with a box spring. Typically, box springs are only suitable for innerspring beds.

FAQs

How long does a hybrid mattress last?

A high-quality hybrid mattress should last 7-10 years with proper maintenance. Always use a mattress protector to shield your mattress from damage that could void the warranty, such as stains, spills, dust mites, or bed bugs. An encasement covers all six sides of the mattress and can be easily removed for washing. It makes more sense to pay a small price for a mattress protector than to have to replace your mattress because it’s been damaged.

Is a hybrid mattress better than memory foam?

It depends on what you’re looking for in a mattress. If you need more airflow and breathability, a hybrid could be the answer thanks to the coil base. But maybe you don’t need the extra responsiveness of a hybrid. In that case, plant-based or gel-infused memory foam can keep you cool, too.

How do you break in a hybrid mattress?

While it may seem counterintuitive, a hybrid mattress can be rolled and compressed in a box for delivery without any damage to it. After it arrives, you should let it expand for at a few hours until the edges and corners have fully “formed.” This can take up to 24 hours, but you don’t have to wait that long if you’re ready to try out your new bed. Remember it can take your body up to 21 days to adjust to a new mattress.

The Best Hybrid Mattress For You

Trying to figure out the best mattress for your needs, as well as your partner’s, can be overwhelming. Though online mattress shopping has made it easier, it’s still difficult to decide which size and mattress type will work best.

Hybrid mattresses are a mixture of something familiar (innerspring beds) with a more modern material (memory foam). Both the coil base and the memory foam layers of a hybrid work together to bring you pressure relief, motion isolation, and overall, a good night’s rest. A king size hybrid is the ultimate sleeping experience for any couple who has the space.


About the author

Mitchell Tollsen is a graduate student and a freelance writer who’s contributed to the Early Bird blog for three years. Mitchell’s always been fascinated by the science of sleep and the restorative processes our bodies undergo when at rest. The self-titled “Sleep Expert” is always looking for ways to improve his shut-eye, and throughout the years has implemented numerous lifestyle changes and tried dozens of sleep-promoting gadgets to determine the best ways to truly get better rest.

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