The length of time a hybrid mattress will last depends on the specific type of hybrid, the quality of materials used, the amount of usage it receives, and the level of care and maintenance it has been given. In general, hybrid mattresses last for 10-13 years. Below we take a look at how long do hybrid mattresses last in more detail and explain how each of the factors listed above impacts the lifespan of the mattress.
How Long Do Hybrid Mattresses Last?
You can expect a hybrid mattress to last anywhere between 10-13 years. High-quality hybrid mattresses that are made from the best materials and are treated with care will last 13 years. While lower-quality hybrids will last closer to the 10-year mark. Below we take a look at how each of the following areas will affect the lifespan of a hybrid mattress.
- Type of Hybrid
- Quality of Materials
- Amount of Usage
- Care & Maintenance
- How to Maximize Lifespan of a Hybrid
Type of Hybrid
One of the most important factors determining the lifespan of a hybrid mattress is the type of materials used. A hybrid mattress is a mattress that combines more than one type of mattress material. And, they come in all shapes and sizes.
The vast majority of hybrid mattresses are made using an innerspring space on the lower section and a soft comfort layer on top. The comfort layer can be made from polyfoam, memory foam, or latex foam. The two mattress layers sit one on top of the other and a mattress cover incases the entire unit.
Polyfoam + Innerspring
Polyfoam is the cheapest option of the three types. And, it is the least durable. It is a cheaply manufactured comfort foam that is used in budget mattresses. If you are buying a hybrid mattress with a polyfoam comfort layer you should seek confirmation regarding the quality and durability of the foam before you part with your money. High-density polyfoams last much longer than low-density equivalents.
The best polyfoams are made to high standards and deliver many years of soft cushioning and comfort. A hybrid mattress with a high-quality polyfoam layer will last approximately 10 years. Low-quality foams and those that are not treated with care will begin to sag and show signs of wear after as little as 7-8 years.
Memory Foam + Innerspring
Memory foam is a great choice for a comfort layer on a hybrid mattress. It delivers tailored firmness, cradling support where needed, and has a slow response – meaning it gradually contours around the shape of your body.
Treated with care, memory foam is a durable material. And, a quality memory foam layer that is treated with care will last 10-11 years. Low-quality memory foam layers or those that are not maintained correctly will begin to lose their shape and support after about 8 years.
Latex Foam + Innerspring
Latex foam is the most durable of the three. It is a high-quality natural foam and delivers superb soft cushioning and bounce. Hybrid mattresses that have a latex foam comfort layer have the longest lifespan of all hybrid mattress models.
There are three types of latex foam available on the market – natural, synthetic, and blended. Aim for natural latex, this is the most durable of the three. Treated with care, you can expect a high-end latex hybrid mattress to last up to 13 years.
Quality of Materials
Material quality plays a critical role in determining the lifespan of a hybrid mattress. High-quality materials, treated with care will maximize the performance and durability of a hybrid mattress. There are three combinations of material set up for a hybrid mattress. Each of these types is made using an innerspring base and either a polyfoam, memory foam, or latex comfort layer. Below we look at the life expectancy of each based on material quality.
Polyfoam
Also known as polyurethane foam, this is the cheapest and lowest quality hybrid comfort layer of the three. Yet, it’s very common. This means choosing the best possible quality plays a key role when choosing a polyfoam hybrid mattress. The simplest way to compare the quality of polyfoam comfort layers is to take a look at their foam density.,
High-density polyfoam is more durable and will last longer than low-density foam. It may be a little more expensive but if you want a mattress that will last then it’s worth the investment. Polyfoam changes shape quickly when pressure is applied and does not have the same support or body-contouring properties compared to memory foam.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a specially engineered type of foam that slowly changes shape in response to pressure. It was first used by NASA in the 1960s to protect astronauts during lift-off. And, it’s an ideal material for making mattresses. Many hybrid mattresses come topped with a memory foam comfort layer.
It is a denser and harder-wearing fabric compared to polyfoam. And, it is usually more expensive. A good quality memory foam hybrid mattress can last up to 10-11 years. A poor-quality edition will need replacing after just 8 years. In terms of longevity and durability, good-quality memory foam is of higher density compared to cheaper, low-density foam.
If you want a memory foam hybrid that lasts many years – aim for high-density memory foam. Check out What Is a Memory Foam Mattress for more on memory foam and information on performance and expected durability.
Latex Foam
Latex foam is the hardest-wearing and most durable of the three types of foam. If you are looking for ‘how long do hybrid mattresses last’ and want a mattress that lasts many years, choose a latex hybrid. In terms of quality, there are three types of latex foam used to make mattresses – natural, synthetic, and blended.
Natural latex is the most durable and the most expensive. You can expect a hybrid mattress made using a natural latex comfort layer to last up to 13 years. Synthetic latex is made using a mix of petrochemicals that are engineered to look and feel like natural latex. However, this compound contains zero natural latex rubber.
A synthetic latex mattress is of lower quality but is much cheaper than a natural latex hybrid. Treated with care a synthetic latex hybrid mattress will last up to 10 years. Blended latex is a mixture of the two types. It combines both natural and synthetic latex.
In terms of quality it falls somewhere between the two and you can expect a blended latex hybrid mattress to last anywhere from 10-12 years. Check out What Is a Latex Mattress for more on types of latex foam and how they affect mattress quality.
Amount of Usage
The amount of usage a hybrid mattress receives will directly affect its lifespan. In general, most mattresses are slept on every night – whether by a solo sleeper or a couple. And, we tend to spend 8 hours each day in bed.
This would be considered standard usage. Anything beyond this will shorten the mattresses’ expected lifespan. And, anything below this will extend its years of service. For example, a hybrid mattress used in a guest bedroom that is only slept on occasionally can be expected to last much longer.
Body Weight
Another ‘usage’ factor that should be considered is body weight. The more weight that is placed on the mattress the greater the strain on the innerspring base and on the comfort layer above. In general, individuals weighing over 230 pounds can expect their weight to bear an increased strain on the mechanics of the mattress, And, in time this will shorten the lifespan of a hybrid mattress.
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Care & Maintenance
If you want to get the most from a hybrid mattress and extend its lifespan you need to take care of it. Applying proper care and maintenance will ensure you get as many years as possible from your hybrid. Mattresses that are not taken care of will show premature signs of aging and will need to be replaced before they reach their expected lifecycle.
Refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines for a basic overview of how to care for your mattress. This will include specific instructions that should be followed to protect the mattress, keep it in good shape, and maximize its performance over the years. And, see below for our top tips on how to take care of a hybrid.
How to Prolong the Lifespan of a Hybrid Mattress
Concerned about how long do hybrid mattresses last? Well, if you want to maximize the lifespan of a hybrid – follow the tips below. Aside from the specific maintenance guidelines outlined by your mattress manufacturer, here are some good practice steps you can take to ensure you enjoy your hybrid for many years to come.
Rotate the Mattress Regularly
Rotation is key. Rotating a mattress regularly changes the pressure points on a mattress surface. Without rotating a mattress – it will experience body weight in the same locations every night. This means these areas are under constant pressure, while other regions of the mattress remain underutilized.
Rotating a mattress means turning the surface area 360 degrees so the head region becomes the foot region and vice versa. Note, you can NEVER FLIP a hybrid mattress. The spring support base must always remain on the underside. And, the comfort foam layer must always remain on top.
Use a Mattress Protector
Another great way of protecting a hybrid mattress is to use a mattress protector. This is a protective waterproof layer that sits between the mattress surface and your bed sheet. It prevents spills and bodily fluids from reaching the mattress surface.
Keep the Mattress Clean
If you want to maximize the lifespan of a hybrid mattress, keep it clean! A dirty, grimy mattress will reach the end of its lifecycle before a clean and fresh one. Dirty mattresses look bad, smell bad, and can harbor nasty microbes. Avoid eating in bed and keep pets outside the bedroom!
Don’t Jump on the Bed
This sounds simple, but it’s very important. Don’t jump on the bed. As tempting as it may feel, jumping on a hybrid mattress can cause serious damage. They are not designed to sustain an individual’s entire body weight concentrated on the area of two footprints.
And, if you’re enjoying some extracurricular activity in bed – treat your hybrid with care. It will return the favor. For more on how to care for and increase the lifespan of a hybrid mattress, check out our top tips for Hybrid Mattress Maintenance.
Pros & Cons of a Hybrid Mattress
Now that we have covered ‘how long do hybrid mattresses last‘ – it would be remiss not to explain what a hybrid mattress is and what are the pros and cons. A hybrid mattress is simply a mattress that combines two mattress technologies into one. They are made by placing a traditional innerspring on the lower section and a thick foam comfort layer on top.
They give the best of both worlds the strong stability and responsiveness of a spring base with the cradling comfort and soft cushioning of a traditional spring mattress. Hybrids are one of the most popular mattress types on the market and come with a whole host of benefits. For more, check out our full guide to the Pros & Cons of a Hybrid Mattress.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JOSH HARDY – Senior Editor
Josh is senior editor at Mattress Comfort Guide. He is an industry expert with over 30 years of experience in the bed and mattress industry. Josh is a native of Albuquerque and is a graduate of the University of New Mexico. He holds an M.S. in Project Management and a B.S. in Earth & Planetary Sciences.
He has worked in both the retail and manufacturing industries where he has held consultancy roles on mattress design and technologies. Josh has a particular interest in how different mattress types complement body size and sleeping position, and deliver optimal lumbar support. Josh is a keen sports fan and when he’s away from the office he likes to play basketball and catch the New Mexico Lobos games with his two sons at the Pit.
