Sealy Posturepedic Elite Hybrid Overview

Michael Magnuson

Founder of GoodBed, Leading Mattress Expert

Note: This is not a review. This is our plain-English explanation and overview of the new Sealy Posturepedic Collection of mattresses.

If you’d prefer to watch rather than read, check out our video above.

Summary: Sealy Posturepedic Elite Hybrid Collection

The Sealy Elite Hybrid Collection is a new line from Sealy that updates the outgoing Posturepedic Hybrid models with a new coil unit, new fabrics, and subtle changes to the comfort layers.

The Elite Hybrid Collection is divided into three rough subcategories: the Albany models, the Brenham models, and the High Point models. All of these use the same coil unit, but will add more comfort material and extra features as you step up from the Albany to the Brenham and High Point models. The High Point represents the relative “top-of-the-line” in the Elite hybrids.

Shared Features in All Models

MaxSupport Unit w/ the PrecisionFit Coil

All of the Sealy Elite Hybrid models use the same coil unit - the Sealy MaxSupport unit. This is a three-zone system with extra coils found in the center third of the mattress. This coil unit also uses Sealy's new PrecisionFit pocket spring along the full-length of the mattress. This is a new and advanced coil with a multi-stage geometry that allows for a soft initial contact followed by firmer support.

In practice, we found that this coil unit effectively supports a person's hips while allowing their shoulders to “nestle” a bit deeper into the mattress. We actually thought that this improved alignment on these mattresses relative to most other pocket spring designs.

Memory Foam

All of the Sealy Elite Hybrid models use some amount of memory foam. In general, this is a slightly denser and more substantial-feeling memory foam than seen on the Posturepedic and Posturepedic Pro models. As a result, we found that all of these models had more Memory Feel and more pressure relief than other Posturepedic mattresses.

Stretch Knit Covers

All of the Sealy Elite Hybrid models also have smooth, stretch knit covers with some amount of cooling features. In the case of the Albany and Brenham models these have high-density fibers with inherent “cool-to-the-touch” properties. These create a noticeable sensation of coolness that is immediately experienced when contacting the mattress, although we should point out that this sensation typically “wears off” after twenty to thirty minutes in bed.

The High Point models also have an additional cooling feature in Phase-Change Material (PCM). If you’re unfamiliar with this, PCM’s are a relatively new technology in the mattress space. These are microscopic wax beads that are infused into fabrics or foams that absorb heat and actively change phase from a solid to a liquid. During this phase-change process heat is pulled from your body until all of the wax beads have finished changing phase. In effect, this adds an even more substantial cooling sensation to these models.

The Albany Hybrid

There is one Albany model - the Albany II Medium Hybrid. This is similar to the last generation’s Albany mattress (and relatively similar to the older Kelburn), but has more pressure relief and a zoned center that was not present on the last generation Albany Hybrid.

The new Albany Hybrid has two inches of memory foam over two inches of a firmer transition foam. This creates a Medium-Firm feel on initial contact with a medium overall Cushioning Depth. In other words, as the memory foam relaxes there is a sense of sinking slightly deeper into the mattress.

The Brenham Models

There are two Brenham model - a Firm and a Soft.

These have just a bit more memory foam than the Albany Hybrid and, as a result, have a bit more Cushioning Depth and Memory Feel overall. The Firm feels just a touch firmer than the Albany, with a similar sense of Cushioning Depth and Memory Feel. The Soft, however, is much softer than the Albany or Brenham Firm, with a dramatic sense of Cushioning Depth and a sense of sleeping “within” the mattress.

The High Point Models

There are three High Point models - a Firm, a Medium, and a Soft.

All of these have an additional cooling feature - the aforementioned Phase-Change Material - and even more Memory Feel and Cushioning Depth than the other models. These represent the relative “top of the line” in the Elite Hybrid collection. 

We found that the Firm was quite firm on our scale (we’d call this a Very Firm), but had a Medium amount of overall Cushioning Depth. The Medium has just a bit more surface softness with a slightly greater Cushioning Depth. We found the Soft to be about a Medium on initial contact, but with a dramatic sense of Cushioning Depth and a pronounced sense of sleeping “within” the mattress.

Who We Think These Are Best For

We’d recommend the Sealy Elite Hybrid collection to anybody looking for a hybrid mattress. All of these models offer a lot of pressure relief and Memory Feel, but are nonetheless a little “lighter” on initial contact with a slightly faster response than many other memory foam hybrids. We also think the new coil unit is exceptional, and creates a more aligned sleep experience relative to many other pocket spring systems.

The only people we’d steer away from these models would be people that don’t like memory foam. Additionally, some very petite sleepers may have difficulty finding optimal alignment on these models given the significant amount of comfort material that is used in the upper layers. Generally speaking though, we’d expect these to be an excellent fit for most average-sized people to above average-sized people.

Prices

Other Factors

Delivery and Returns

• Free white glove delivery if ordering online; otherwise depends on retailer
• 90-night trial with free returns for orders through Sealy

Sealy mattresses are sold in mattress stores and department stores. You can also buy them directly through Sealy, and orders through Sealy.com include free white-glove delivery and removal of your old bedding. A 90-night trial period is included, with a full refund should you decide to return the mattress. See: Sealy returns and refunds.

Otherwise, delivery and returns policies will vary widely depending on where you buy your mattress.

Warranty

• 10-year limited
• Body Impression: Differs depending on Spring or Hybrid

Warranty information for each mattress is included on the mattress "Law Label" at the store, and vary depending on the model. Be sure to talk to your salesperson about warranty terms, and particularly about the body impression warranty, which will tell you how much of a permanent depression may form to be covered under warranty.

To obtain warranty service, you will be responsible for shipping the mattress back to the company or retailer. See: Sealy Warranty Info.