How we test hybrid mattresses
For this guide, my Insider Reviews colleagues and I tested several hybrid mattresses. In addition to spending many nights sleeping on them, we put each through several tests (listed below) consisting of real-world and technical measurements. We also examined recommendations from other reviewers, to measure how hybrid mattresses performed in their testing. Some mattresses performed well across all metrics; some didn't do as well in certain tests but weren't deal-breakers. We will be refining our testing methods as we continue to test new options for future updates.
What we looked for:
Motion transfer: Have you woken up due to movements caused by a sleeping companion? A mattress with good motion isolation can help prevent this. Our motion transfer test involves putting a 12-ounce can of liquid in the middle of the bed. I then drop a 20-pound weight from about four feet above the mattress so that it lands 12 inches from the can. If the can falls over, then the bed doesn't have very good motion transfer isolation. If the can remains upright after a few tries, then the motion isolation is excellent.
Sleep temperature: Though hybrid mattresses tend to breathe better and are thus cooler than all-foam options, there's still significant variance in how well they dissipate heat. To test this, I simply noted how the bed felt when I returned to it after using the restroom in the night. I also paid close attention to how hot it felt throughout the night.
Firmness: Currently, there is no standardized way to measure mattress firmness, which is unfortunate since this is a major consideration for many shoppers. And, you can't always trust the firmness claimed by a bed manufacturer. Based on my testing experience and reading countless reviews, I established a basis for what an average firmness is. My main mattress is average by most accounts. So, I compare the firmness of any new mattresses to what I usually sleep on. I've also found that if it's firmer, I have trouble sleeping on my side. If it's too soft, stomach sleeping is uncomfortable.
Maneuverability: Your mattress needs to be easy to move if you want to rotate it regularly to increase its lifespan or if you move frequently — there's no need to flip over a hybrid mattress since the coils remain at the bottom. I test maneuverability by taking the bed from one room to another and rotating it many times. I note the amount of effort I must expend.
Edge support: If you sleep with someone who crowds you or if you sit on the side of your mattress to put on your socks and shoes, edge support is crucial. I test edge support by seeing how close I can lie on the edge of the bed without falling off. I also sit on the side and note how much give the mattress has.
Sleeping position: Your sleeping position has a major bearing on what mattresses feel comfortable to you. Between my wife and me, we have the three main positions covered — back, stomach, and side. Our experiences on a mattress provide insight into which sleepers will most benefit from it.
We also look closely at whether there's white-glove service or in-home delivery (free or for a fee), the trial period and whether there are fees associated with returning the mattress, type of foundation needed for best performance, and the warranty length. Remember, everybody has their own preferences and needs when it comes to sleep — some things we mention in our guide is somewhat subjective — so being able to try out a mattress is a must.