Quick Answer: Memory foam mattresses use all-foam construction with dense polyurethane cores for deep contouring and motion isolation. Hybrid mattresses combine pocketed coils with foam comfort layers for better airflow, edge support, and responsiveness. Choose memory foam if you value pressure relief and minimal partner disturbance; choose hybrid if you sleep hot or prefer a more buoyant feel. At Mattress Miracle in Brantford, our Restonic ComfortCare Queen ($1,125) offers quality hybrid construction with 1,222 individually wrapped coils.
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In This Guide
What Is a Memory Foam Mattress?
A memory foam mattress is constructed entirely from foam layers. The comfort system uses viscoelastic polyurethane foam, originally developed by NASA for aircraft cushioning. Beneath that sits a high-density polyfoam support core. No coils. No springs. Just foam, layered in varying densities.
The defining characteristic is how the material responds to body heat and pressure. When you lie down, the foam softens and moulds to your contours. When you get up, it slowly returns to shape. This creates what sleepers often describe as a "hugging" or "cradling" sensation.
Most memory foam mattresses on the market today use multiple foam layers. A typical construction includes:
- Comfort layer: 2-4 inches of memory foam (3-5 lbs density)
- Transitional layer: 1-2 inches of polyfoam or convoluted foam
- Support core: 5-7 inches of high-density base foam
At Mattress Miracle, we carry the Restonic ComfortCare line, which includes quality foam construction at accessible price points. The ComfortCare Queen at $1,125 uses CertiPUR-US certified foams with 1,222 individually wrapped coils, though Restonic also offers all-foam options in their broader lineup.
The Density Factor
Not all memory foam performs equally. Lower-density foams (under 3 lbs per cubic foot) feel softer initially but break down faster. Higher-density foams (4+ lbs) last longer and provide more consistent support, though they can feel firmer and retain more heat. This is why two "memory foam" mattresses at different price points can feel dramatically different.
What Is a Hybrid Mattress?
A hybrid mattress combines two distinct technologies: a pocketed coil support core and a substantial foam comfort system. The coils provide structure, airflow, and bounce. The foam layers provide pressure relief and contouring.
The coil layer typically measures 6-8 inches and uses individually wrapped pocket coils. Unlike older innerspring designs where coils connect to each other, pocket coils move independently. This reduces motion transfer while maintaining responsiveness.
Above the coils sits the comfort system. Hybrids vary more than memory foam mattresses in their upper layers. You will find hybrids using:
- Memory foam (traditional or gel-infused)
- Latex (natural or synthetic)
- Polyfoam (various densities)
- Microcoils (miniature springs in the comfort layer)
- Natural fibres (wool, cotton, silk)
Our Restonic Tiffany Rose at $2,995 uses Talalay Copper Latex over 1,188 coils. The Revive Reflections ET at $2,395 offers a flippable dual-sided design with 1,200 coils. These represent the premium end of hybrid construction, though quality entry-level hybrids exist as well.
Brantford Winters and Mattress Feel
Here in Brantford, our winters regularly drop below -10 degrees Celsius. One local customer, Mike from the West Brant neighbourhood, told us he switched from an all-foam mattress to a hybrid last January. "The foam felt like concrete when I first got into bed," he said. "The hybrid warms up faster because the air moves through it." While foam softens as it absorbs body heat, some sleepers find that initial contact uncomfortably firm during Ontario's cold months.
Memory Foam vs Hybrid: Side-by-Side Comparison
Let us look at how these two construction types compare across the factors that matter most to Canadian mattress shoppers.
| Factor | Memory Foam | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | All-foam layers (comfort + support core) | Foam comfort layer + pocketed coil support core |
| Feel | Deep contouring, "hugging" sensation | Balanced contour with responsive lift |
| Cooling | Tends to retain heat (varies by foam type) | Better airflow through coil layer |
| Motion Isolation | Excellent, minimal partner disturbance | Good, though some bounce transfers |
| Edge Support | Average, may compress when sitting | Stronger, reinforced perimeter |
| Response Time | Slower, creates "stuck" feeling for some | Faster, easier to change positions |
| Weight | Lighter, easier to move | Heavier due to steel coils |
| Typical Price (Queen) | $800 - $2,000 | $1,100 - $3,000+ |
| Expected Lifespan | 7-10 years (varies widely by quality) | 8-12 years (coils add durability) |
ā Scroll to see full table
It is worth noting that the distinction between these categories has blurred in recent years. Some mattresses marketed as "memory foam" actually contain thin coil layers. Some "hybrids" use foam cores with only minimal coil content. The labels matter less than the actual construction. That is why we always recommend lying on a mattress before purchasing, when possible.
Temperature and Sleeping Cool
One of the most significant differences between memory foam and hybrid mattresses is temperature regulation. This matters particularly for hot sleepers, and for anyone living through humid Ontario summers.
Why Memory Foam Sleeps Warmer
Traditional memory foam is viscoelastic. It softens in response to body heat and pressure. This property that allows contouring also creates heat entrapment. The foam envelops your body, reducing air circulation around your skin.
Manufacturers have developed various solutions:
- Gel infusion: Gel beads or swirls intended to absorb and dissipate heat
- Copper or graphite infusion: Conductive materials that pull heat away
- Open-cell structure: Foam with deliberately created air channels
- Convoluted (egg crate) layers: Shaped foam that increases surface area
These help. But physics still applies. Dense foam traps more heat than coil systems with open air channels.
How Hybrids Stay Cooler
The pocketed coil layer in a hybrid mattress functions as a ventilation system. Air flows through the spaces between coils, carrying heat away from the body. This does not make hybrids cold, but it prevents the heat buildup that bothers some foam mattress sleepers.
Dorothy, our sleep specialist at the Brantford showroom, notes: "We see the cooling question constantly during July and August. Customers who have been sleeping on older memory foam mattresses often describe waking up sweaty. When they try a hybrid with good coil airflow, the difference is immediate."
That said, not all hybrids cool equally. A hybrid with thick memory foam comfort layers and a tight cover can still sleep warm. The coil layer helps, but the materials touching your body matter most.
Durability and Long-Term Value
Predicting mattress lifespan involves uncertainty. Individual body weight, sleep habits, foundation support, and environmental factors all play roles. However, some general patterns emerge when comparing construction types.
Memory Foam Lifespan Factors
All-foam mattresses develop body impressions over time. Lower-density foams compress permanently within 3-5 years. Higher-density foams (4+ lbs) resist this longer, often maintaining support for 7-10 years.
The primary failure mode for foam mattresses is softening. The comfort layer loses resilience. What felt supportive becomes a trough. This happens gradually, making it hard to notice until back pain appears.
Signs your foam mattress is reaching end of life:
- Visible body impressions that do not recover within an hour of getting up
- Increased back or hip pain upon waking
- Feeling like you are sleeping "in" the mattress rather than "on" it
- Edges collapsing when you sit to put on shoes
Hybrid Lifespan Factors
Hybrids fail differently. The coil system provides structural integrity that foam alone cannot match. Even when comfort layers compress, the coil layer maintains support. This often extends usable life to 8-12 years.
Coils can fail too. Broken springs, squeaking, or sagging indicate the support core is degrading. Quality hybrids use thicker-gauge steel and reinforced edge coils to prevent this.
Brad, who has been fitting mattresses at our West Street location since 2005, observes: "We see customers with ten-year-old hybrids that still feel decent. With all-foam mattresses, the drop-off tends to happen faster, especially for heavier individuals. The coils just hold up better over time."
The Foundation Matters More Than You Think
Regardless of construction type, your mattress foundation affects longevity. A sagging box spring or inadequate slat spacing causes premature compression. For foam mattresses, use a solid or slatted foundation with slats no more than 3 inches apart. For hybrids, ensure the base provides uniform support across the entire surface. An improper foundation voids most warranties, so check manufacturer requirements.
Which One Should You Choose?
No mattress type is universally better. The right choice depends on your specific situation, preferences, and physical needs.
Choose Memory Foam If:
- You sleep with a partner who moves frequently. The motion isolation of all-foam construction minimizes disturbance.
- You have chronic pressure point pain. The deep contouring of memory foam distributes weight away from shoulders and hips.
- You prefer sleeping "in" rather than "on" your mattress. The cradling sensation appeals to some sleepers strongly.
- You are a lighter individual (under 150 lbs). You may not activate coil systems fully; foam provides more consistent feel at lower weights.
- You need to minimize noise. All-foam mattresses are silent. No squeaks, no creaks.
Choose Hybrid If:
- You tend to sleep hot. The coil airflow provides meaningful cooling benefits.
- You change positions frequently during the night. The responsive surface makes movement easier.
- You use the edge of your bed for sitting. Reinforced coil perimeters provide better edge support.
- You weigh more than 200 lbs. Coil systems provide better long-term support for higher body weights.
- You want easier bed-making and sheet changes. The responsive surface resists the "quicksand" effect that makes corner-tucking difficult on foam.
The Restonic Options at Mattress Miracle
For those considering hybrid construction, we recommend evaluating these models in person:
- ComfortCare Queen ($1,125): 1,222 individually wrapped coils, CertiPUR-US foams, excellent entry-level value
- Revive Reflections ET Queen ($2,395): 1,200 coils, flippable dual-sided design (medium one side, firm the other)
- Tiffany Rose Queen ($2,995): 1,188 coils with Talalay Copper Latex, antimicrobial properties, luxury pressure relief
Each represents a different price tier while maintaining Restonic's coil quality standards.
Quick Decision Checklist
- Prioritize motion isolation? Lean memory foam.
- Prioritize cooling? Lean hybrid.
- Under 150 lbs? Either works; foam may feel softer.
- Over 200 lbs? Hybrid likely serves you better long-term.
- Side sleeper with shoulder pain? Try both, but foam often wins.
- Combination sleeper? Hybrid's responsiveness helps.
- Budget under $1,000? Quality foam options exist; hybrids start higher.
Test Both Types at Our Brantford Showroom
The best way to know which mattress type suits you is to experience both. At Mattress Miracle, we have memory foam and hybrid models available to test, including the full Restonic lineup with actual coil counts and specifications.
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario N3R 3V9
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
We offer white glove delivery throughout Southern Ontario, including Hamilton, Burlington, Mississauga, Toronto, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, London, Barrie, and Oshawa. Our team includes Brad, Dorothy, and Talia, each with years of experience matching customers to the right mattress construction.
Call (519) 770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Do hybrid mattresses last longer than memory foam?
Generally, yes. The coil support core in hybrids typically maintains structural integrity longer than foam support cores. While quality all-foam mattresses last 7-10 years, hybrids often remain supportive for 8-12 years. However, individual lifespan varies based on body weight, usage patterns, and foundation quality. Higher-density foam mattresses can outlast budget hybrids.
Can I use my existing box spring with a hybrid mattress?
Older box springs with actual springs are not recommended for modern mattresses, including hybrids. They create uneven support and can damage the coil system. Use a firm foundation or platform bed instead. If your "box spring" is actually a rigid foundation (no springs), it may work. Check the warranty requirements for your specific mattress.
Are hybrid mattresses better for back pain than memory foam?
Neither type is automatically better for back pain. The key factor is proper spinal alignment, which depends on firmness and your body type. Some back pain sufferers prefer the consistent support of foam. Others need the pushback that coils provide. If you have chronic back pain, we recommend testing mattresses in person and consulting with your healthcare provider.
Do memory foam mattresses always sleep hot?
Traditional memory foam does retain heat, but modern formulations have improved significantly. Gel-infused foams, open-cell structures, and copper or graphite additives all help dissipate heat. Some newer memory foam mattresses sleep surprisingly cool. That said, hybrids generally have an advantage for hot sleepers due to coil airflow.
Where can I compare memory foam and hybrid mattresses in Brantford?
Visit Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street in Brantford. We carry both memory foam and hybrid options, including the Restonic ComfortCare, Revive Reflections ET, and Tiffany Rose lines. You can test different constructions side by side and discuss your specific needs with Brad, Dorothy, or Talia. We recommend spending at least 10-15 minutes on each mattress you are considering.
Sources
- Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Pena A, et al. "Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain." The Lancet. 2003;362(9396):1599-1604. doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14792-7
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. "Effect of different mattress designs on sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment." Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267. doi.org/10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- Jacobson BH, Wallace T, Gemmell H. "Subjective rating of perceived back pain, stiffness and sleep quality following introduction of medium-firm bedding systems." J Chiropractic Medicine. 2006;5(4):128-134. doi.org/10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60145-1
- Caggiari G, Talesa GR, Toro G, et al. "What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality?" J Orthopaedics and Traumatology. 2021;22(1):51. doi.org/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5