Choosing a new mattress can feel a little overwhelming. From memory foam and pocket springs to hybrid designs, there are plenty of different mattress types available, and each offers a slightly different feel and level of support.
Understanding how each mattress is constructed can make it much easier to find the right option for your sleep style. In this guide, we explain the difference between memory foam, pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses, including their benefits and who they may suit best.
What is a hybrid mattress?
A hybrid mattress combines two or more different support and comfort technologies within one mattress. Most commonly, this means combining a sprung base with layers of foam, such as memory foam.
The idea is to bring together the benefits of both constructions. The springs provide responsive support and structure, while the foam layers contour around the body for added cushioning and pressure relief.
Because of this combination, hybrid mattresses can be a great choice if you like the supportive feel of a sprung mattress but still want the softer, body-hugging comfort associated with memory foam.
Our Zoned Hybrid Deep Memory Foam Mattress, for example, combines memory foam with pocket springs and is particularly suited to side sleepers looking for a balance of cushioning and support.
What is a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam is designed to soften and contour in response to body heat and pressure.
Rather than creating the bouncier sensation associated with springs, memory foam moulds around the body to create a cushioned, cradling feel. This can help distribute pressure more evenly across the mattress.
Memory foam may suit sleepers who enjoy a close, supportive feel or want extra cushioning around areas such as the shoulders and hips.
At Soak&Sleep, our memory foam range includes the Cooling Memory Foam Mattress, designed to combine adaptive support with cooling comfort, as well as the Deep Memory Foam Mattress for a generously cushioned feel.
Foam vs spring mattress: what is the difference?
The biggest difference between a foam and spring mattress is how each responds to your body.
Memory foam mattresses tend to contour closely around your shape, creating a softer and more enveloping feeling.
Sprung mattresses have a more responsive construction. The springs compress as pressure is applied and return to shape when you move, giving the mattress a more traditional bounce.
Neither is necessarily better than the other. The right choice depends largely on how you prefer your mattress to feel.
You might prefer memory foam if you:
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Enjoy a cushioned, contouring feel
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Want pressure-relieving comfort
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Prefer less bounce from your mattress
A pocket sprung mattress may suit you if you:
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Prefer responsive support
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Like a more traditional mattress feel
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Share your bed and want independently moving springs
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Prefer the breathability offered by a sprung construction
And if you want qualities from both, a hybrid mattress can provide a useful middle ground.
What is a pocket sprung mattress?
A pocket sprung mattress contains individual springs, each enclosed within its own fabric pocket.
Unlike interconnected spring systems, each pocket spring is able to move independently. This allows the mattress to respond more closely to the shape and movement of your body.
Pocket sprung mattresses can be particularly useful for couples, as the independent movement of each spring can help reduce how much movement is transferred across the mattress when one person changes position during the night.
They also tend to offer a more traditional, responsive mattress feel.
For those who prefer natural materials, our Wool 2000 Pocket Spring Mattress combines 2,000 pocket springs with temperature-regulating wool for comfortable, responsive support.
Open coil mattress vs pocket sprung mattress
While both open coil and pocket sprung mattresses use springs for support, their construction is quite different.
An open coil mattress uses a network of interconnected springs. Because the springs move together, pressure or movement on one part of the mattress can sometimes be felt elsewhere.
With a pocket sprung mattress, each spring sits inside its own individual fabric pocket and moves independently.
This means pocket sprung mattresses can generally adapt more closely to the body and minimise movement between different areas of the bed.
For sleepers sharing a mattress, this independent movement can make pocket springs an appealing option.
Pocket sprung vs memory foam vs hybrid: which should you choose?
When deciding between the three, think about the type of comfort you naturally prefer.
Choose memory foam if…
You enjoy a mattress that gently moulds around the body and provides a cushioned, pressure-relieving feel.
Choose a pocket sprung if…
You prefer responsive, traditional support and like the feeling of sleeping on rather than sinking into your mattress.
Choose a hybrid mattress if…
You want a balance between the two. A hybrid combines the responsive foundation of springs with the cushioning properties of foam, making it a versatile option for many sleepers.
Your preferred sleeping position can also influence your decision. Side sleepers, for example, may appreciate additional cushioning around the shoulders and hips, while back and front sleepers may prefer a more supportive feel.
Ultimately, mattress comfort is very personal, so it is worth considering both construction and firmness when making your decision.
Don’t forget about mattress firmness
Mattress type and mattress firmness aren’t the same thing.
Two mattresses with similar constructions can still feel very different depending on whether they are medium, medium-firm or firm.
Your ideal firmness will depend on factors including your sleeping position, body weight and personal preference. Soak&Sleep’s mattress collection includes medium, medium-firm and firm options, allowing you to choose the combination of construction and comfort that works best for you.
Find the mattress that’s right for you
Whether you love the contouring comfort of memory foam, the responsive support of pocket springs or want the best of both worlds from a hybrid mattress, understanding the different constructions is a useful first step towards finding your perfect sleep setup.
Explore our mattress collection to compare memory foam, pocket sprung, hybrid and natural-filled mattresses and find the right level of comfort and support for you.
