After configuring your sleep configuration with the best pillows, cooling sheetsand maybe even a white noise machine or natural light alarm clockmaybe it’s time to take the plunge and upgrade your mattress. Now the big question: plush memory foam or bouncy hybrid?

The debate between memory foam and hybrid is worth it: although there are a few others types of mattressesmemory foam and hybrid tend to be the main competitors, as each offers a unique feel and a lot of comfort. But a few key factors, like your sleeping position, temperature preferences, and budget, can make the choice a no-brainer. “Taking your time to find the right mattress can make a big difference in your sleep quality and overall well-being,” says Cara Dobbertin, DPT, a physical therapist at Practitioner. So, before you drop a paycheck, here’s everything you need to know about choosing between memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses.

What is memory foam?

Image: Catherine Clark

Memory foam mattress are known for that characteristic sinking feeling: you press down and they mold around your hand (or body) to create an impression. Made from synthetic materials, memory foam is ultra-contouring and ridiculously soft, providing the feeling of being cradled into your sleep. This cushiony feeling is especially noticeable because memory foam mattresses don’t have the structural support of a box spring, but instead rely on multiple layers of dense foam to bolster your sleeping body.

Memory foam has a few key benefits. First, it’s particularly good at isolating motion, meaning 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, this could help you avoid waking up in the middle of the night, says Michael Breus, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and sleep medicine expert at Sleep doctor. Memory foam also excels at pressure relief, so if you constantly wake up with sore hips or shoulders, this type of mattress can help relieve the pain.

Not everything is dreamy in the land of memory foam. The big thing to keep in mind? Memory foam retains heat, which is essential for creating the comfortable feeling everyone is looking for. As your body temperature softens the foam, it remains trapped in the dense material. So if you’re already losing sheets on a regular mattress, memory foam isn’t for you.

Soft foam can also be difficult to move (in mattress lingo, it lacks reactivity), these memory foam mattresses “are ideal for people who sleep in one primary position, especially those who sleep on their side or back,” says Dobbertin. On the other hand, many stomach sleepers may find that the memory foam lacks support and their hips sink too deep, causing discomfort.

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

What is a hybrid mattress?

Image: Catherine Clark

Hybrid mattresses combine the supportive bounce of an innerspring base with a plush layer of memory foam or latex. They’re essentially the “best of both worlds” option, offering a vibrant, lightweight feel. “Softer, more malleable materials provide a lot of pressure relief, while maintaining spinal alignment and support thanks to the more resilient coils,” says Dr. Breus.

“Hybrid mattresses tend to suit almost everyone. They come in a variety of firmness levels, hold up relatively well, and are easier to move than some heavier materials like latex,” adds Dr. Breus.