Coil spring (also called innerspring) mattresses use metal coils to provide resistance and support. Contemporary bedding use pocket coil systems that are entirely independent from each other so there are less pressure points. The rule of these new pocket coil systems is the more coils that are used, the more independent movement and response is in mattress.
Older coil spring mattresses, however, have one frame with coils interconnected to one another. Although this provides good support across the entire surface, and a longer durability life, there are comfort concerns about these mattresses.
Additionally, most coil spring mattresses have memory foam, latex, or some other type of bedding to provide a soft surface to sleep on.
Pros: Durable materials, and newer pocket coil systems provide comfortable support.
Cons: Older coil spring mattresses can cause more back pain and irritate pressure points.
A hybrid mattress blends foam and pocket springs in one mattress. Usually this involves a more substantial foam layer than other mattresses that are marketed as innerspring.
A hybrid mattress offers a 'best of both worlds' type feel, where there is added support from the pocket coils and a comfortable, pressure point relieving surface.
Though there are latex and memory foam hybrids, the feel of them can be quite different because of the response of the latex vs the memory foam's slow response.
Pros: Best of both worlds with memory foam / latex and pocket coils provide ultimate comfort and support.
Cons: Beware of the foams being used as some hybrids still off-gas or sag because of lower quality materials.
Overall Score:
Coil Spring: 9.3/10
Hybrid: 9.8/10
Comfort:
Coil Spring: 9.2/10
Hybrid: 9.8/10
Softness:
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
Hybrid: 9.8/10
Cooling:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Hybrid: 9.2/10
Hypoallergenic:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Hybrid: 9.2/10
Odor:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Hybrid: 9.2/10
General Support:
Coil Spring: 9.3/10
Hybrid: 9.8/10
Eco-Conscious:
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
Hybrid: 8.9/10
Price Value:
Coil Spring: 8.4/10
Hybrid: 8.4/10