What is a Hybrid Mattress?
You may be in the market for a mattress and wondering what to buy. Hybrid mattress account for 21% of all mattress out there, according to a 2022 statistic by the Better Sleep Council. So a lot of people out there want to know how long they can expect it to last!
A hybrid bed combines the best features of an innerspring mattress and other materials like memory foam, latex, polyfoam, or gel.
It's like the best of both worlds since the coil base provides great support and airflow, while the other layers (usually foam) offer pressure relief and body contouring.
The combination of materials works well for a wide range of sleepers because it gives you a balanced feel with both bounce and comfort. An added bonus is that a hybrid bed typically last longer than plain innerspring mattresses and provide more support and responsiveness than all-foam mattresses.
But you may be wondering how long do hybrid mattresses last compared to other types of mattresses. We'll cover that in detail here.
There are a lot of options to consider when buying a hybrid mattress. You can check out my guide on how to choose a hybrid mattress. I cover all the things you need to consider.
Or if you're ready to purchase one, you can take a look at my review of the 7 best hybrid mattresses out there. It will save you time and money!
How Long Do Hybrid Mattresses Last?
A new mattress is a big investment, and you want to know how long it's going to last you. On average a hybrid mattresses will last about 6-8 years, but of course the actual number will vary.
Compared to other types of mattresses, a hybrid is in the middle of the pack.
Mattress Type | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|
Latex | 10 - 20 years |
Memory Foam | 7 - 10 years |
Hybrid | 6 - 8 years |
Innerspring | 5 - 7 years |
Now, not all hybrid mattresses will age the same. There will be differences based on the quality of the mattress, sleepers weight, sleep habits, types of use, etc. If the mattress is used nightly it will certainly need replacing sooner than one used in a guest room.
But here's the breakdown of how long you can expect the typical budget and premium mattress made of high quality material will last.
For a queen hybrid mattresses here are the lifespans for different qualities:
Here are some brands and the expected lifespans of their hybrid mattresses. Be aware that these numbers can vary depending on things like usage, body weight, and maintenance. The options you purchase along with the mattress will affect the lifespan too!
Comparison of Mattress Types
It's worth taking a look at the different types of mattresses we just mentioned and understanding what they are. This will help you to understand if it's the right mattress for you and matches your expected lifespan of your mattress.
Innerspring Mattress
An innerspring mattress features a support core of metal coils surrounded by comfort layers of foam, fiber, or sometimes latex. The coils provide support and responsiveness, while the comfort layers offer cushioning. Construction varies by coil type and materials used in the comfort layers.
Quality innerspring mattresses typically last 7-10 years, with higher-end models featuring better materials and individually wrapped coils potentially lasting up to 12 years.
Memory Foam Mattress
There's a big difference between a hybrid and memory foam mattress. A memory foam mattress is made with special foam that molds to your body when you lie on it. The bottom layer is firm support foam, while the top layers are softer and react to your body heat, slowly wrapping around you like a hug.
This helps take pressure off your joints and keeps your spine aligned. Memory foam mattresses usually last about 8-12 years, with thicker, denser foam ones lasting longer. The foam density (how tightly packed it is) makes a big difference - higher density means it'll hold up better over time!
Latex Mattress
A latex mattress is made from the sap of rubber trees that's whipped into a latex foam. These mattresses feel bouncy and supportive, while still cushioning your body. There are both natural latex (from rubber trees) or synthetic latex (man-made), or a blend of both.
Latex mattresses are super durable! They typically last 12-20 years, with natural latex generally outlasting synthetic versions.
How To Make Your Mattress Last Longer
So now that we know generally speaking how long we can expect a hybrid mattress to last, let's look into some of the things that can affect the numbers in the ranges above. After all, we are all different shapes and sizes and have different sleep habits which will play their part in how long the mattress will last.
Consider Body Weight and Sleep Partner
Let's talk weight first. Heavier people(over 230 pounds) put more pressure on the comfort layers and coil systems, which can cause them to compress faster over time. But doesn't mean you can't buy a hybrid mattress. Just look for models that offer reinforced support.
And if there's two of you in bed, then the total weight load on the mattress increases. To prevent that "valley" in the middle of the mattress, look for hybrid mattresses with higher-quality zoned support systems.
Make Sure Your Mattress is Clean
Proper care will make your mattress last longer. Cleaning your hybrid mattress can make a big difference by keeping out allergens and dust that can accumulate and break down the materials in your mattress.
Consider a mattress protector to prevents spills, sweat, and skin oils from getting into the foam layers, where they can damage the foam and fabric.
And make sure that you occasionally vacuuming your mattress. Dust mites and allergens that can accumulate over time and not only affect your mattress but your quality of sleep. Don't be afraid to do a light cleaning with mild detergent for stains and occasional spills. Just make sure you take care of them right away!
Match Your Mattress with Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position can affect how your mattress wears over time. What kind of sleeper are you?
Side sleepers concentrate weight on shoulder and hip areas and create compression in those zones on your mattress. Back and stomach sleepers distribute weight more evenly, so they may unknowingly extend the life of the mattress.
The same is true for restless sleepers. By changing positions a lot, they might actually extend their mattress life by naturally shifting pressure across different areas of the mattress.
Look for hybrid mattresses that feature zoned support. These systems provide support specifically designed to provide targeted durability in high-pressure areas based on common sleep positions.
Whether you're a back sleeper, side, or stomach sleeper, there's a hybrid mattress out there for your sleeping style. Choosing the right mattress will make a difference in how long it will last!
Signs It Needs Replacing
Sometimes you can just immediately tell that it's an old mattress and needs to be replaced. When it's sagging or turning yellow, then it's a no brainer.
Other times the damage can be inside the mattress and you just can't see it. It may be that the coils are compressed or the memory foam layer is not doing it's job.
So let's take a look at these obvious and not-so-obvious signs.
Outward Signs Your Mattress Needs Replacing
When your hybrid mattress starts nearing the end of its useful life, it often shows visible signs that are easy to spot if you know what to look for.
Obvious sagging or indentations on hybrid memory foam mattresses deeper than 1-2 inches that don't recover when nobody's on the bed mean you're not going to get good support from your mattress.
The top of your hybrid mattress can tell you a lot. Is it torn? Are the edges frayed? Are there worn patches on the fabric? Any of these can mean that the inside material is beginning to deteriorate and that it may be time for a new mattress.
Do you notice that there's more movement in your bed when you toss and turn? This could mean that there's too much motion transfer and your mattress isn't working the way it should be.
Is the edge support of your mattress not what it used to be? If sitting on the side of your bed feels unstable and you might slide off, then you can't use the entire surface of the mattress. Another sign that it's time for a new one.
Are you a hot sleeper and notice that your mattress used to be cool but now you're waking up hot and sweaty? Well, if temperature regulation is not working then it's a sign that your hybrid mattress is past its prime.
Inside Your Mattress Makes a Difference
Do you wake up with back pain or soreness? You may not be getting the proper support and spinal alignment that you need during a good night's sleep.
Are you tossing and turning more frequently at night? You should be able to quickly find a comfortable position right when you get into bed. Your mattress may have broken down and lost the ability to properly support and memory foam contour that your body needs for good comfort.
Tips to Extend Your Hybrid Mattress Life
If you've recently bought a hybrid mattress, there are steps you can take to make it last as long as possible. After all, it's an investment that you want to get the most out of.
Cleaning Your Mattress
Simply keeping your hybrid mattress clean is one of the best ways to extend that six to eight year lifespan. Dust, skin cells, and other particles can work their way into the mattress and break down materials that lead to poor support and comfort.
We recommend gently vacuuming your mattress every three months using the right upholstery attachment.
Regular Mattress Rotation Makes a Difference
Modern hybrid mattresses should be rotated but never flipped. They are not like double-sided mattresses. Hybrids have the comfort layers on top and support coils on the bottom, so can't be flipped.
But rotating your mattress 180 degrees (head to foot) helps to even out the wear across the surface. Rotating it once every 3-6 months should do the trick.
Use a Protective Barrier
A mattress protector is an inexpensive solution to making your mattress last longer. Spills, sweat, and skin cells can get into your mattress and degrade the memory foam inside. Good mattress protectors will be waterproof but breathable. You won't even know it's there!
Spread the Weight Evenly
How weight is distributed across your hybrid mattress can have a big impact on how long it will last. So, if you can, sleep in different areas of the bed to prevent those compression spots.
Don't underestimate the importance of a sturdy base. Look into slatted bases, solid platforms and adjustable bases. They all have their advantages when used with a hybrid mattress.
Couples should consider a split design if one if heavier than the other. You can customize the support on each side and prevent it from wearing out faster.
Understanding Your Warranty Coverage
What's Covered
Many consumers misunderstand what mattress warranties actually cover. Typically, warranties protect against manufacturing defects, not the normal wear and tear that signals it's time for replacement.
Most hybrid mattress warranties specify coverage for sagging, but only beyond a certain depth (often 1.5 inches or more) when measured under specific conditions with no weight on the mattress.
Read the Fine Print
The fine print matters tremendously. Actions like removing the law tag, using an incompatible foundation, or failing to use a proper mattress protector often void warranties completely.
Additionally, warranties typically feature prorated coverage, meaning the longer you've owned the mattress, the less of the replacement cost the manufacturer will cover.
Wrap Up
Your hybrid mattress should last you at least 6-8 years. But to get even more years out of your investment, keep it clean, rotate it regularly, and use a good mattress protector.
Watch for those telltale signs like sagging or waking up with aches and pains. Take care of your mattress, and you'll get years of comfy, restful sleep.