Hybrid vs. Innerspring Mattress: What's the Difference?

When shopping for a new mattress, manufacturers and retailers use "hybrid" and "innerspring" to classify their mattresses. The term "hybrid" has become a popular marketing label, but it refers to a distinct combination of materials that offer a different experience compared to traditional innerspring mattresses.

Innerspring mattresses have been a staple in bedrooms for decades. They're constructed with metal pocketed coils or springs at the base, providing support and durability. The coils are usually topped with layers of foam or padding for added comfort.

A hybrid mattress also features a core of metal coils but includes additional layers of latex or foam to enhance comfort and support. The idea behind the hybrid design is to combine the best features of innerspring and foam mattresses. While both types of mattresses use metal coils for support, hybrids typically have more substantial foam or latex layers, providing greater pressure relief, motion isolation, and often better cooling properties than traditional innerspring mattresses.

When choosing a mattress, look beyond "hybrid" and "innerspring" and focus on the interior construction. Pay close attention to the coil count and zoning in the innerspring unit, which will impact the mattress's support and durability. Next, consider the volume and type of foam and padding used on the innerspring unit since these comfort layers will directly impact your comfort and pressure relief. Other factors like edge support, cooling, motion isolation, tufting versus quilting, and the materials used for the cover can also affect your sleeping experience. Of course, at Avocado, we believe you should also consider health and sustainability as it relates to the materials used — natural, organic, and renewable materials as opposed to synthetic materials derived from petrochemicals.

Most of our certified organic Avocado mattresses fall into the hybrid and innerspring categories. We use organic and renewable materials and high-coil count innerspring units to ensure our mattresses provide exceptional comfort and support. (Avocado has been the highest-rated innerspring mattress on Consumer Reports® since 2018.) We do, however, also offer one adult and one crib mattress option for those seeking an Avocado organic mattress made without an innerspring unit:

By understanding the key differences between hybrid and innerspring mattresses, you can make a more informed decision that best suits your comfort and support needs.