After dialing your sleep setup best pillows, cooling platesand maybe even a white noise machine or alarm clock with natural lightIt may be time to take the leap and upgrade your bed. Now the big question: plush memory foam or flexible hybrid?

The memory foam vs. hybrid debate is a worthwhile one: although there are a few more bed typesmemory foam and hybrid tend to be the top contenders, as each offers a unique feel and plenty of comfort. But a few key factors like your sleeping position, temperature preference, and budget can make this choice a no-brainer. “Taking the time to find the right mattress can make a huge difference in your sleep quality and overall well-being,” says physical therapist Cara Dobbertin, DPT. enforcer. So, before you drop off your paycheck, here’s everything you need to know to choose between memory foam and hybrid mattresses.

What is Memory Foam?

Image: Catherine Clark

Memory foam mattresses They are known for this signature stinging sensation; You press and they form around your hand (or body) to create an impression. Made from synthetic materials, the memory foam is ultra-shaping and extremely soft, providing a feeling as if you were being held in a lap while you sleep. This cushioned feeling is even more pronounced because memory foam mattresses lack the structural support of a coil base, instead relying on multiple layers of dense foam to support your sleeping body.

Memory foam has several important benefits. The former is particularly good at motion isolation; So if someone moves on one side of the bed, you won’t feel it on the other side. If you sleep with a restless partner, it may help you avoid waking up in the middle of the night, says clinical psychologist and sleep medicine specialist Michael Breus. Sleep Doctor. Memory foam is also excellent at relieving pressure; So if you’re constantly waking up with hip or shoulder pain, this type of mattress can help relieve the pain.

Not everything is dreamy in the land of memory foam. The biggest thing to keep in mind? Memory foam retains heat, which is essential for creating that body-hugging feeling everyone is after. As your body heat softens the foam, it becomes trapped inside the dense material. So, if you find yourself already shedding sheets on a regular bed, memory foam is not for you.

Soft foam can also be difficult to move around (on the bed tongue sensitivityDobbertin says these memory foam mattresses are “ideal for single-main position sleepers, especially side or back sleepers.” On the other hand many stomach sleepers They may find that the memory foam lacks support and that their hips dig in too much, causing discomfort.

We’ve tested nearly 500 mattresses in our quest for solid, restorative sleep, and these memory foam mattresses regularly top our best-in-the-office lists:

What is a Hybrid Mattress?

Image: Catherine Clark

hybrid beds Combine the supportive bounce of the coil base with a soft memory foam layer or latex. These are essentially the “best of both worlds” option and offer a vibrant, elevated feel. Dr. “You get plenty of pressure relief from softer, more malleable materials, but maintain spinal alignment and support from more flexible coils,” Breus says.

“Hybrid mattresses can work for just about anyone. They’re available in a variety of firmness levels, last relatively well, and can be moved more easily than some heavier materials like latex,” adds Dr. Breus.