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Memory foam mattress toppers are a popular, cost-effective way to soften firm beds, but newer hybrid mattress toppers are already taking the bedding world by storm.
But which one is best for your sleep? We'll be helping you decide in our guide to memory foam mattress toppers and hybrid mattress toppers, comparing everything from cost and construction to comfort and cooling.
Some of the top brands behind this year's best mattresses, including Saatva and Brooklyn Bedding, have started offering hybrid mattress toppers of foam and microcoils. However, most of this year's best mattress toppers have an all-foam construction and generally cost less.
Whether you think a memory foam or hybrid topper is right for you, shop in this month's mattress sales for deals on either type.
Memory foam vs hybrid mattress toppers: Overview
Memory foam mattress toppers are the most popular type. They're usually around two to four inches thick and often include a cover. More advanced models offer a dual-layer design, ergonomic support, or specialist cooling features, as you'll find in our guide to the best memory foam toppers.
Hybrid mattress toppers (often called microcoil toppers) have a slightly more sophisticated design, similar to the best hybrid mattresses. They have multiple layers, including a tier of flexible micro coils for support, pressure relief, and airflow. The other layers consist of softer comfort foam and dense support foam. Like memory foam toppers, they usually come with a cover.
Memory foam vs hybrid mattress toppers: Price
The beauty of mattress toppers is that they are much cheaper than buying a brand new mattress. However, bed toppers span a range of budgets, and prices can differ depending on the quality, design, thickness, and materials.
Memory foam bed toppers tend to be the more affordable option, although you can find premium offerings from brands such as Tempur-Pedic and Puffy. The best cheap mattress toppers under $50 are made of memory foam.
Hybrid mattress toppers, on the other hand, are a relatively new, innovative invention that uses more materials. Thus, they're more expensive. Their price range is similar to that of latex mattress toppers, which are costly for their premium, sustainable materials.
To put it in perspective, the average price of a queen-size memory foam bed topper is around $299, which is much cheaper than the average price of a queen-size hybrid topper at around $475.
Do mattress toppers come with a trial period, like mattresses do? Many do include at least 30 nights for you to try your new topper, but some brands (notably Tempur-Pedic) consider them personal items and won't accept returns for toppers.
Memory foam vs hybrid mattress toppers: Design and materials
Memory foam mattress toppers generally have a simple design that consists of a single layer of memory foam covered in a breathable fabric, such as cotton or quilted knit. The covers are often removable and washable, but some are non-removable and can only be spot-cleaned.
As memory foam is prone to trapping heat, most memory foam toppers are infused with cooling substances such as gel, copper, or graphite. Memory foam toppers are two to four inches thick, but you can find thicker and thinner designs, too.
The key difference between a hybrid and a memory foam mattress topper is the inclusion of microcoils. These flexible, small coils add support and airflow to a mattress topper and are usually sandwiched between a top layer of comfort foam and a bottom layer of high-density foam.
Due to the additional layers, hybrid mattress toppers tend to be thicker than memory foam toppers, between three and four inches. Like memory foam toppers, hybrid toppers usually have a cover.
Memory foam vs hybrid mattress toppers: Support and Comfort
The primary purpose of adding a memory foam mattress topper is to soften a bed that's too hard. However, firm memory foam mattress toppers exist for beds that are too soft, but they're harder to find and still may not provide enough support for stomach sleepers or plus-sized bodies.
However, if you're a side sleeper with a lightweight to average build, a memory foam mattress topper can provide the deep pressure relief and plush comfort that's missing from your current mattress.
Hybrid toppers offer much more support thanks to their stable high-density foams and ultra-supportive micro-coils. These coils are designed to offer enhanced lumbar and edge support for stomach and back sleepers, along with plus-sized people.
Due to their flexibility, micro-coils also offer body-contouring support and can adapt to your movements, which is perfect for combination or restless sleepers.
Memory foam vs hybrid mattress toppers: temperature regulation
Most memory foam mattress toppers now feature cooling technology, such as gel-infused or perforated foam and covers that are cool to the touch. These touches are meant to counter memory foam's propensity to trap heat.
Meanwhile, hybrid bed toppers use breathable foams and air-circulating micro-coils. Add the heat-dissipating cover and this kind of topper is ideal for hot sleepers.
Memory foam vs hybrid mattress toppers: Which should you buy
Buy a memory foam mattress topper if...
✅ You're on a tighter budget: Memory foam toppers tend to be much cheaper than hybrid toppers, although premium foam toppers can be quite costly.
✅ You're a side sleeper: Memory foam toppers are ideal for providing cradling comfort to key pressure points when side sleeping, including hips and shoulders.
✅ You want to make a firm mattress softer: A memory foam topper adds instant softness to a mattress that's too hard. (Firm memory foam toppers exist, but they're rare and never decidedly firm.)
Today's best memory foam mattress topper deals
Buy a hybrid mattress topper if...
✅ You need firmer support: Micro-coils are known for offering enhanced lumbar and edge support, perfect for heavy bodies that need extra support and stability.
✅ You're a back, stomach, or combi sleeper: Micro-coils are flexible and supportive, offering stronger mid-section support to back and stomach sleepers and more responsiveness for restless sleepers.
✅ You sleep hot: With the additional airflow provided by microcoils, hybrid mattress toppers promise to provide excellent cooling.
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