Best Hybrid Mattresses in Canada

Best for Active Couples — The Summerhill

Hybrid Mattresses Explained: Construction and Materials Used

When you’re trying to choose the best hybrid mattress in Canada, it helps to know what’s actually inside the bed. A hybrid mattress combines a coil support core with comfort layers made of materials like memory foam, polyfoam, or latex. The idea is simple: use several materials in one mattress to balance comfort and support while minimising the drawbacks of each.

In most hybrids, the base (support) layer is made of coils. Different coil systems can change how the mattress feels, how well it isolates movement, and how long it lasts. The most common types include:

• Pocketed (encased, individually wrapped) coils. Each coil is wrapped in fabric, and the fabric sleeves are stitched together. This design keeps the coils connected but allows them to move independently. As a result, pocketed coils:
  

1. absorb motion well (great for couples);
   
2. offer targeted, contouring support because each coil reacts separately to your body weight and shape.

• Offset coils. Offset coils are linked to each other with small metal pieces. They flex more easily than traditional Bonnell or continuous coils and can provide a more adaptive feel. Motion isolation is decent, though still not as good as with pocketed coils.

• Bonnell coils. These have a classic hourglass shape and are tied together into a single network. Bonnell systems:
  

1. tend to feel bouncier and less contouring;
   
2. are usually found in more basic or budget-friendly mattresses, which is why they’re less common in modern hybrid designs.

• Continuous coils. Made from a single piece of wire shaped into many coils, these systems are very durable but:
  

1. feel quite springy;
2. transfer more motion across the bed. If you come across a hybrid mattress with a continuous coil core and you’re sensitive to movement, it’s usually better to keep looking.

Coil Gauge and Coil Count: What Really Matters

When comparing hybrid mattresses, it’s not just what coils are used but also how they’re made. Two key specs to check are:

• Coil gauge (thickness)
  Coil gauge tells you how thick the wire is. The lower the number, the thicker and sturdier the coil. Most mattress cores range roughly from 12 gauge (very thick and firm) to 18 gauge (thinner and softer).
  

1. Lower gauge = firmer, more solid support and typically better durability.
   
2. Higher gauge = softer, more flexible feel but usually less robust over time.

• Coil count (number of coils)
  Coil count indicates how many coils are in the support layer. Many hybrid mattresses use around 800 - 1,200 coils in a queen size. A higher coil count can mean more precise support and better pressure relief, but only if the coils are thick enough. Very thin (high-gauge) coils won’t offer strong support, even in large numbers.

In short, when you’re evaluating the coil system in a hybrid mattress, coil gauge is generally more important than coil count. Aim for a sturdy gauge paired with a quality coil type (ideally pocketed coils) to get a mattress that feels supportive, reduces motion transfer, and stays comfortable longer.

Some hybrid mattresses can seem too bouncy to some users, especially those who love memory foam. However, if the bed uses pocketed coils as the support system, this issue might be eliminated.

Common Comfort Layer Materials in Hybrid Mattresses

The most popular option these days is undoubtedly foam. It is favored for its gentle hug and pressure-relieving properties. However, you can come across different types, each of which has its special properties:

• Memory foam. Classic memory foam responds slowly to applied pressure and envelopes around your body. This material can adjust to one’s curves quite well, which aids even weight distribution and helps reduce pressure points. However, regular memory foam tends to trap body heat and can make you wake up all sweaty. That’s why many hybrid mattresses use either gel-infused or open-cell foam for the comfort layers. Both types allow for improved thermoregulation. And when combined with the breathable innerspring core, they can keep you pleasantly cool during the night without sacrificing pressure relief.
• Polyfoam. Polyfoam is a bit bouncier than memory foam. Because it has a slightly faster response, it doesn’t allow for too much of that quicksand feeling. Polyfoam is often used as a transition layer between the memory foam comfort layer and the supportive base. It can nicely balance out the construction and give a hybrid mattress a bit of an extra bounce while still allowing for enough cradling.

When shopping for a hybrid mattress that uses foam for the comfort layers, pay attention to its density. Measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF), it determines how the material feels and how it can withstand regular use. Higher density results in a slightly firmer feel and promises increased durability. Memory foam density varies depending on the brand. Anything below 3.5 PCF is considered low-grade memory foam and might not be the best option if you want a more durable bed. As for polyfoam, the numbers are a bit different. 1.8 PCF (and lower) is considered to be of low density, which can be fine for a transition layer. However, if the polyfoam is used in the comfort layers, it should be at least 2 PCF (preferably). Another important memory foam characteristic is the ILD, or the Indentation Load Deflection. This is what determines how firm or soft the material feels. The higher the ILD of the comfort layers, the firmer your mattress would be. For memory foam, the numbers range between 8 and 20. Now, you can also find good hybrid mattresses that use latex for the comfort layers. Latex can be either natural or synthetic (1) (or sometimes the combination of the two). This material is quite responsive and offers bouncy pressure relief. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea due to its natural bounce, but latex can conform closely to one’s body and help with proper spinal alignment without making you feel stuck in your bed (as memory foam sometimes does). Depending on the production method, there are Dunlop and Talalay latex. Dunlop is typically a bit firmer on one side. It is denser than Talalay, as the latter is quite airy and a bit softer.  If you want to buy a latex + innerspring hybrid, check the ILD of latex. Ranging between 15 and 40 (or higher), it determines the firmness of this material. Typically, anything below 21 is considered soft; the ILD of 24 to 34 means a medium or medium-firm feel; and anything over 34 is firm. Also read: Best Mattresses in a Box in Canada

One of the biggest advantages of hybrid mattresses is how they combine solid support with pressure relief without sacrificing motion isolation, edge support, and sleeping cool.

How to Pick the Best Hybrid Mattress in Canada: Buyer’s Guide

• Comfort layers. Since different models use various materials and their combinations (2), you need to determine which one would be the most suitable for you. Do you want a combination of sturdy support and gentle cradling? Then an innerspring + memory foam combo would suit your needs. If you prefer a bouncy feel and want resilient pressure relief, choose a coil + latex ensemble. There are models that combine all of the above: coils, latex, and foam. Such mattresses can offer a rather balanced feel for those users who are looking for something in between. 
• Coil gauge and foam ILD. As these numbers can determine how your bed would feel and how long it will serve you, coil gauge and foam (or latex) ILD deserve your attention. Remember that lower coil gauge means thicker and more durable coils. As for the ILD, the higher it is, the firmer the material would feel.
• Size. This factor will affect the price of your new bed. Typically, the bigger the mattress, the more expensive it would be. Queen is the most popular choice for partnered sleep as it offers enough space for 2 average-sized adults. If you are a solo sleeper, Full should be enough, even leaving some extra legroom for you (or some space for your pet, because why not?). King is a good option for couples who like to sprawl in bed. There are also split versions of King and Cal King, which allow for 2 different comfort levels for each side. This option is ideal for partners who have different firmness preferences.
• Firmness. To feel comfortable and to maintain the health of your spine, it’s crucial to pick an appropriate firmness level of the mattress according to your sleeping position. Side sleepers require softer beds, back sleepers need medium to medium-firm mattresses, and stomach sleepers are advised to sleep on firm or extra-firm surfaces. Another important aspect is your weight. If you are a petite user (less than 130 pounds), you will need a softer mattress for each sleeping position as the weight of your body might not be enough to sink into the comfort layers. This can cause painful pressure points. Naturally, if you are a larger user (over 250 pounds), you need a firmer bed for any sleeping position described above to enjoy proper support and weight distribution. 
• Price. Here’s the deal: hybrid mattresses are quite pricey when compared to regular foam or innerspring beds. If your budget is rather limited, you may settle for a simple model with fewer comfort layers. More luxurious options often have a padded Euro pillow-top for extra cushion and that chic touch.
• Cooling. Generally, hybrid mattresses don’t tend to sleep hot thanks to the unobstructed air circulation between the coils. However, if you are a hot sleeper, you may want to avoid memory foam hybrids, as this material can trap heat (especially if you are heavier and would sink deep into the comfort layers). For an ultimate cooling effect during sleep, you may consider a latex hybrid or a combination of coils and gel-infused memory foam. Another option is charcoal infusion, which might also have a slight cooling effect. More advanced models may also use open-cell foam that tends to be rather breathable. “Cooling mattresses work by lowering heat retention along the surface. They also wick away moisture from your body and promote airflow,” said Logan Foley, an Editorial Director at Sleep Foundation.
• Trial and return policy. Sometimes your body needs time to get used to the new bed. Just like that, some materials take time to adjust to your body and its curves. Depending on the model, it may take you up to 30 days to get used to your new mattress. That’s why a long sleep trial and a fuss-free return policy are a must. Most manufacturers allow for at least 100 days to test their product. But not all brands have a good return policy. Some arrange for the mattress pick-up for free, others need you to pay for return shipping. It may be a good idea to check this info before making a purchase, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of mattress would be perfect for you.
• Motion transfer. If you share your bed with a partner, motion isolation would come in handy. Generally, hybrid mattresses tend to absorb shock quite well, especially if we are talking about the combination of pocketed coils and memory foam. Latex models are a bit bouncier, so if one of you is an extremely sensitive sleeper, it’s probably best to stick with memory foam.