Leesa vs. Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress Comparison

Disclosure: By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattress Nerd may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read full disclosure statement.

In this mattress comparison, Mattress Nerd looks at two Leesa models with different price points and construction, the Leesa original and the Leesa Sapira Hybrid. Is a hybrid the combination you need or can the all-foam, more affordable mattress do the trick?

Product
Firmness
Score
Leesa Original mattress
Leesa Original Mattress
Medium-soft: 5.5/10
3.9/5
Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress
Medium-firm: 6/10
3.8/5
Leesa Original mattress
Product
Leesa Original Mattress
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5.5/10
Score
3.9/5
Product
Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Score
3.8/5

Leesa vs. Leesa Sapira Hybrid Overview

The Leesa is an all-foam mattress with great value for budget-conscious back sleepers. For the steeper price tag, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid combines the benefits of memory foam with those of innerspring coils and provides a step up for those who want extra support, coolness, versatility, and stability across the entire mattress surface.

Leesa best for…

Leesa Sapira Hybrid best for…

Back Sleepers

Hot Sleepers

Lightweight to Average-weight body types (<230 lbs)

Combination Sleepers

Budget-conscious Shoppers

Plus-size Back/Side Sleepers

Who Should Choose the Leesa Mattress?

  • Back Sleepers: You’ll find the support you need for your spine and neck, plus the contouring of your shoulders and tailbone.
  • Lightweight to Average-weight: This all-foam bed meets the needs of those weighing less than 230 lbs. If you’re a heavyweight sleeper, read our review of best mattresses for heavy people for a better match.
  • Budget-conscious Shoppers: There’s a notable price difference between these two models. More cost does not always equal more comfort. Think along the lines of sleeping position, body weight, temperature preferences, etc…

Who Should Choose the Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress?

  • Hot Sleepers: While both mattresses have top layers of perforated foam, which increases airflow, innerspring coil mattresses are known for superior cooling. That makes the Leesa Sapira Hybrid one of the best cooling mattresses.
  • Combination Sleepers: The construction of foam and coils creates a versatile mattress that accommodates many sleeping positions. This is a win for those who toss and turn. 
  • Plus-size Back/Side Sleepers: The high-density foam and coil base layers support bigger bodies, though it’s not recommended for stomach sleepers weighing over 230 lbs. 

Leesa vs. Leesa Sapira Hybrid: Top Similarities 

  • Customer Service: Both Leesa mattresses have the same free shipping policy in all 50 states, a 100-night trial, and a 10 year warranty.
  • Temperature Control: The Hybrid sleeps cooler because of the coil layer, but both mattresses do a good job of drawing body heat away.
  • Responsiveness: Both models are reasonably responsive, making it easy to change positions without waking.

Leesa vs. Leesa Sapira Hybrid: Top Differences 

  • Price Tag: The Leesa scores average in most categories, unlike the higher-performing Sapira Hybrid, but it’s the fan favorite when it comes to affordability. 
  • Construction: The Leesa is an all-foam mattress. The Leesa Sapira is a hybrid made from a variety of foam layers on top of innerspring coils.
  • Versatility: The more expensive Leesa Sapira Hybrid performed above average in almost every performance category. This translates to versatility in sleeping positions and body weights, whereas the original model is not recommended for those weighing over 230 lbs. 

Leesa vs. Leesa Sapira Hybrid: Firmness & Feel Differences

Leesa Original mattress
Leesa Original mattress
Leesa Sapira Hybrid
Leesa Sapira Hybrid

Though similar in firmness, these two Leesa models target different shopper needs. So think through each performance category and personal preferences before making a decision. 

What’s the Firmness Of the Leesa & Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattresses? 

The Leesa mattress received a 5.5/10 firmness score on the 1–10 mattress firmness scale which is considered medium-soft. The Leesa Sapira Hybrid is labeled medium-firm, the most popular firmness, scoring a 6/10. 

While big and tall sleepers (>230 lbs) won’t find the support needed on the original Leesa, those under 230 lbs will rest easily in any sleeping position. For heavyweight sleepers, the Sapira Hybrid performs better, except in the case of stomach sleepers, who should look at different mattresses that better elevate your hips.

What Do the Leesa & Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattresses Feel Like?

With the Leesa, think of a cross between the comfort of memory foam and the bounce of latex. Sapira Hybrid’s base of coils make it sleep cooler than the original. Both models are reasonably responsive to your movement–good news if you toss and turn.  This benefit does translate to felt movement across the bed, causing both models to score only average in isolating motion from a partner, child, or pet.  

What’s It Like to Sleep On the Leesa & Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattresses?

If you’re a back sleeper who weighs less than 230 lbs., you’ll be pleased with the top layer of comfort in both the original Leesa and Leesa Sapira Hybrid.  Both models have a contouring memory foam layer that cushions without making you feel stuck in your mattress. This cocktail of materials gives stomach sleepers weighing less than 230 lbs. the body contouring needed to keep your hips elevated–super important for maintaining a neutral spine. 

On the Leesa, our pressure map indicated collection near the shoulders for side sleepers. The foam and coil pairing in the Sapira Hybrid contributed to its higher score for pressure relief. Combination sleepers, those who toss and turn, will be content with the original, but might prefer the hybrid’s responsiveness and superior edge support, making it easier to change positions. 

The Leesa & Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattresses By Body Type

Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)

Average-weight shoppers don’t need to worry too much about sleeping position. Both the Leesa and Sapira Hybrid work well for back sleepers–firm support cushioned by the top foam layers. For stomach sleepers, both models support the chest while elevating the hips just enough to keep that nice “S” curve of your spine. Side sleepers might prefer the hybrid due to its superior pressure relief. Combination sleepers will be content with either mattress.

Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)

The high-density foam in the Leesa’s base won’t support heavyweight sleepers. Sinkage causes the tail bone of back sleepers to dip too much. The same is true for the hips of stomach sleepers, which need to instead stay elevated.  Side sleepers will feel discomfort in their shoulders and hips. In contrast, the pocket coils in the Sapira Hybrid are a good fit for back and side sleepers in this weight category, though not true for stomach sleepers.

Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)

Lightweight sleepers shouldn’t find their sleeping position to limit their choice between these models. Both performed well in testing for those under 130 lbs. The original Leesa’s high-density foam base will keep your spine straight all night. If you upgrade to the more expensive Sapira Hybrid, its pocket coil system will aid with spine alignment too. 

Differences In Mattress Construction 

Leesa Original construction
Leesa Original construction
leesa original hybrid construction
Leesa Sapira Hybrid construction

The all-foam Leesa Original measures 10” in height. The Leesa Sapira Hybrid delivers an 11” profile mattress with added layers of foam and pocket springs that increase support, versatility, cooling, and durability.

Leesa Mattress Materials 

Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress Materials

Quilted Cover (soft Twill) 

Quilted Cover (seamless fabric)

Comfort Layer (2” hole-punched polyfoam, cooling and responsive) 

Comfort Layer (1.5” hole-punched polyfoam, cooling and responsive) 

Transition Layer (2” contouring memory foam)

Transition Layer (1.5” contouring memory foam)

Support Layer (6” high-density foam)

Support Layer (1” high-density foam)

 

Coil Layer (6” pocket springs)

 

Base Layer (1” high-density foam)

Cover

Both models have a seamless, quilted mattress cover that is Leesa’s gray and white trademark colors.

Comfort Layers

The top layer of the Leesa is 2” of hole-punched polyfoam designed to keep you cool. This exclusive material also mimics the responsiveness of latex. The Leesa Hybrid has the same material on top but is not quite as thick as the original.

Support Layers

Both the Original and Hybrid have a contouring memory foam layer that serves as a transition before you hit the support foam layer. While the Hybrid’s is a tad thinner, it pulls ahead when we get to what lies beneath. The Leesa, at its base, is 6” of high-density foam. The Sapira Hybrid’s 6” of innerspring coils are surrounded by 1” of high-density foam, causing this bed to excel at durability. 

Leesa vs. Leesa Sapira Hybrid Pricing

Size

Leesa Prices

Leesa Sapira Hybrid Prices

Twin

$849.00

$1349.00

Twin XL

$899.00

$1399.00

Full

$1099.00

$1699.00

Queen

$1299.00

$1999.00

King

$1599.00

$2299.00

California King

$1599.00

$2299.00

Leesa & Leesa Sapira Hybrid Performance Ratings & Differences

Firmness / Feel 

Both models, the Leesa and Leesa Sapira Hybrid, have exclusive polyfoam on top that mimics the bounce of latex, plus memory foam, which creates a soft, comforting feel without causing you to feel “stuck.”

The difference in firmness level comes from the bottom layers, which differ between the models. The all-foam Leesa is a good value for shoppers weighing less than 230 lbs, but won’t be a supportive mattress for heavyweight sleepers. The pocket coils in the Leesa Hybrid mattress accommodate plus-size back and side sleepers, but not stomach sleepers. Side sleepers: we did note pressure collection in the shoulders while testing the Leesa Original.  

Leesa Performance By Sleeping Position:

Body Type:

BACK SLEEPERS

STOMACH SLEEPERS

SIDE SLEEPERS

Lightweight (< 130 lbs): 

5

4

Average-weight (130–230 lbs):

5

3

3

Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): 

2

1

2

Leesa Sapira Hybrid Performance By Sleeping Position:

Body Type:

BACK SLEEPERS

STOMACH SLEEPERS

SIDE SLEEPERS

Lightweight (< 130 lbs): 

5

4

5

Average-weight (130–230 lbs):

5

3

4

Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): 

3

2

3

1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent

Temperature

The foam in the top layer of both Leesa models is perforated to increase breathability. This helps draw body heat away. The Sapira Hybrid’s coil layer, another cooling feature, puts it on our top ten list for coolest mattresses. 

Motion Transfer

If you sleep with a partner or share the bed with pets or kids, you don’t want to awaken every time they move. The thick layers of foam in each of these models deliver average performance at motion isolation, so light sleepers can doze undisturbed.

Edge Support 

Mattresses with coils are known for excellent stability, all the way to the perimeter. If you need to sit on the edge to get in and out of bed slowly, or simply like to stretch out, edge support is a priority for you. Our testers in the Nerd lab felt stable sitting on the edge of the Sapira Hybrid. This is an area where the Leesa Original scored below average.

Pressure Relief 

At Mattress Nerd, we use a pressure map to get a picture of how pressure is distributed. For back and stomach sleepers weighing less than 230 lbs, the Leesa provides the balance of support and cushioning at pressure points.  For side sleepers, we did notice pressure collecting around the shoulders. Review your options in our list of best mattresses for side sleepers.

Scoring higher in the pressure relief category, the Sapira Hybrid is a good fit for most sleeping positions no matter your weight category. The only caution would be to plus-size stomach sleepers who should instead browse the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Pain Relief 

The Leesa Sapira Hybrid buys you a high-quality mattress that provides excellent support and above-average pressure relief, which means it helps maintain the natural “S” curve of your spine and shouldn’t cause sleepers any new pains. We did note some pressure accumulation at the shoulder area in the Leesa original, so we would not recommend this for those with existing shoulder pain.

Durability 

The Sapira Hybrid’s pocketed coils are long-lasting and the Leesa brand’s high-density foam is a notch above other brands, standing out in the durability category. 

Shipping, Returns, & Warranties 

Leesa offers free shipping to all 50 states…yes, that includes you, Hawaii and Alaska.  The company also backs their mattresses with a 10 year warranty. However, after trying it for 30 days, if unsatisfied, you can return it for a full refund during Leesa’s 100-night sleep trial period

It’s worth noting that Leesa makes returns even easier than most bed-in-a-box companies. Since they donate used mattresses to local charities, just contact the company and they’ll send someone to pick it up. No re-boxing is necessary and it goes to a good cause. 

Other Models Available

Product
Firmness
Score
Leesa Legend Mattress Hero
Leesa Legend Mattress
Medium-firm: 6/10
4.5/5
_wp_attachment_image_alt
Studio by Leesa Mattress
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
4.0/5
Leesa Legend Mattress Hero
Product
Leesa Legend Mattress
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Score
4.5/5
_wp_attachment_image_alt
Product
Studio by Leesa Mattress
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Score
4.0/5

Our Final Take

The primary difference comes down to the Sapira Hybrid’s coil base. Are you a plus-size sleeper who needs the support of coils? Do you toss and turn, needing versatility? Do you typically sleep hot? Do you need stability all the way to the edge of the mattress? If so, you’d be happier with the Sapira Hybrid or another mattress from our roundup of best innerspring mattresses. Otherwise, save some money and enjoy your new all-foam Leesa original.

Leesa & Leesa Sapira Hybrid FAQs

Is a hybrid or memory foam mattress better?

Not gonna lie…that’s a loaded question. The Leesa is an all-foam mattress that meets the needs of a variety of sleepers for a good price. But the foam/coil Leesa Sapira Hybrid might be worth the cost if you need coils for weight or edge support, extra cooling, or versatility.

Do Leesa mattresses come in a box?

Yes, both the Leesa Original and Leesa Sapira Hybrid are purchased online and arrive compressed in a box. Each model took us less than two minutes to unbox and both expanded quickly. But if you’d rather not deal with set-up or removal, white glove delivery is available for $150.

How long do Leesa mattresses last?

Leesa reveals the densities of their foams on their website–a smart move since their foams are more durable than the foams found in many mattresses. This means both the Leesa and Leesa Sapira Hybrid will likely last around 10 years before needing to be replaced.