Hybrid mattresses feature a combination of materials designed to provide support and comfort for all sleepers. Because they are intended for general use, universal mattresses do not take into account the specific needs and preferences of certain sleepers. Therefore, it is important to research a mattress’s composition to ensure it meets your needs.
Springs, polyurethane foam, and natural or synthetic latex are used in varying proportions in these mattresses to ensure a comfortable, high-quality sleeping experience. What features should you look for before purchasing this type of mattress? What are the different types of fabrics and materials used for the fillings and covers of hybrid mattresses? Find everything you need to know about so-called universal or hybrid mattresses here to help you find the mattress that best suits your needs.
Hybrid Mattresses: Description
Hybrid mattresses are available on the bedding market under the name "universal mattress." This category of mattresses combines different materials with the goal of appealing to as many people as possible (hence the term "universal"). The hybrid composition of these mattresses seeks to strike a balance between firmness and softness. A hybrid mattress can also be made from a single material arranged in layers of varying densities and thicknesses.
Hybrid mattresses vary in price and quality depending on:
- the thickness of their constituent layers;
- the number of layers within them (5 or 7 layers, for example);
- the pressure-relief zones or pressure points supported by the mattress;
- whether or not there are two sides: one for summer and one for winter (reversible mattresses).
Given its universal properties, the hybrid mattress does not take into account specific needs (such as a firm feel) or health issues that require specialized mattresses.
The Different Materials Used in Universal Mattresses
The materials used in hybrid mattresses are:
- natural or synthetic latex;
- High-Resilience (HR) foam;
- pocket springs;
- memory foam;
Latex is used in the upper layers of the universal mattress. Together with the filling and the ticking, it ensures a plush feel. In addition, thanks to its honeycomb structure, it helps regulate temperature and provide ventilation in the mattress while the sleeper is asleep. Latex and synthetic foams are used to promote independent sleeping zones and motion isolation. The combination of these two materials helps support different pressure points and weight-bearing areas (head, shoulders, back, legs, etc.).
Pocket springs are used to provide greatersleeping independence than traditional springs can offer. Pocket springs are individually encased in fabric pockets. This suspension system also helps the mattress “breathe.” The number of pocket springs (ranging from 400 to over 3,000, depending on the mattress) determines both the number of support points provided by the mattress and its price.
Features of Hybrid Mattresses
Density
The density of hybrid mattresses varies depending on the combination of materials used in their construction. Thus, a universal mattress made with high-density natural latex will not have the same characteristics as a hybrid mattress made exclusively from synthetic foams. The second factor that influences the density of hybrid mattresses isthe thickness of the layers used in the mattress’s design. Before choosing a mattress density, you should therefore first determine your needs by considering your weight, preferences (firmness), and any potential health concerns (osteoarthritis, rheumatism, etc.).
Home
The feel of a mattress refers to how it feels when you lie on it: softness, firmness, support, etc. The feel is determined by the filling and the cover. The filling is the layer that sits on top of the mattress core. It is also called the padding. The cover is the outer layer that encloses the entire mattress.
In hybrid mattresses, latex is very often used in the upper layers to provide a soft or firm feel, depending on its density. The cover, meanwhile, can vary in terms of the material used or the quilting pattern. Sheep’s wool is preferred for cold climates due to its thermal insulation properties, while plant-based materials such as organic cotton, linen, coconut fibers, or bamboo fibers are preferred for mattresses designed for hot climates or for people who sweat heavily at night. Plant-based materials such as cotton have high absorbency (which is why they’re commonly used in household linens).
Finally, some mattresses may be made with synthetic polyester fiber covers. In this case, you should check the temperature-regulating properties of the material used to ensure the mattress will provide you with comfort in the future.
Air Circulation, Ventilation, and Temperature Control
Just as with density, the combinations of materials used in a hybrid mattress do not all provide the same level of ventilation. The combination of pocket springs and natural latex offers optimal ventilation. Natural latex has elastic properties anda cellular structure that allow for good ventilation. Synthetic foams, on the other hand, tend to raise the temperature of the sleeping surface and contribute to increased body heat and sweating.
Sustainability
Polyurethane foams have a short lifespan (less than 5 years). Innerspring mattresses also age poorly and quickly. Natural latex alone can last more than 10 years. As a result, combining these different materials results in mattresses with an average lifespan of 7 to 8 years.
The Packaging of Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses may be sold in stores in a rolled-up form to make them easier to transport. The mattress is compressed and rolled by machines to prevent damage to the foam and other components. This packaging format was introduced not only to make it easier to move and handle the mattress before and during delivery to the customer, but also to reduce logistics costs (storage, transportation, etc.) and, ultimately, the final price.
In conclusion, the universal mattress offers advantages in terms of cost and ease of use. Kipli offers a universal mattress that combines two layers of natural latex with different densities (15 and 5 cm, respectively). In 2020, this product was voted “Product of the Year” by a panel of 15,000 consumers. Kipli’s decision to use only natural latex meets the needs of bothenvironmentally conscious consumers and those with sensitivities and allergies, as natural latex is inherently hypoallergenic, dust-mite-resistant, and antibacterial.