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.
Latex is made from the sap of a rubber tree. Over generations, people have learned how to tap the trees without having to cut them down. This means that it is one of the most eco-conscious and sustainable ways to create bedding.
After the latex is harvested from the rubber tree, it is treated to create foam. The two most common ways of treating latex for bedding is Dunlop and Talalay. The result is a high response and heavy piece of foam that can be used for bedding. By changing the density, the latex can be more or less responsive.
Those that are used to a memory foam feel (a slow response) will be surprised to know that most latex is highly responsive, meaning that although it will react to ones body, it has a natural bounce. Some sleepers prefer this, though others not so much.
Recently, there has been an explosion in latex bedding with the higher demand for eco-conscious foam alternatives. Though latex is natural, there are some that mix it with memory foam. For those that are looking for pure latex bedding, be careful to do your research on the entire bed.
Pros: High response, differing firmness options.
Cons: High expense vs memory foam, some don't like the latex responsive feel.
Overall Score:
Hybrid: 9.8/10
Latex: 9.7/10
Comfort:
Hybrid: 9.8/10
Latex: 9.4/10
Softness:
Hybrid: 9.8/10
Latex: 9.4/10
Cooling:
Hybrid: 9.2/10
Latex: 8.5/10
Hypoallergenic:
Hybrid: 9/10
Latex: 9.4/10
Odor:
Hybrid: 9.2/10
Latex: 8.5/10
General Support:
Hybrid: 9.2/10
Latex: 8.5/10
Eco-Conscious:
Hybrid: 8.9/10
Latex: 9/10
Price Value:
Hybrid: 8.4/10
Latex: 8.4/10