Layla Hybrid vs. DreamCloud Mattress Comparison

When shopping for a new mattress, it’s important to browse different brands and models in order to find the best option for you and your partner. Comparison-shopping allows you to determine how different beds stack up in terms of design, price, and other buying factors. We’ll take a side-by-side look at two beds from leading mattress-in-a-box brands: the Layla Hybrid and DreamCloud.

Layla’s flagship mattress is a reversible memory foam bed with a different firmness level on each side; to adjust the firmness, simply flip the mattress. The Layla Hybrid mattress – the company’s newest model – takes its cue from this flagship design. The mattress features a memory foam comfort layer on each side; one surface offers a medium soft (4) feel, and the other offers a firm (7) feel. Each side also contains a polyfoam transitional layer, while the pocketed coil support core is shared between both sleep surfaces. Altogether, the Layla Hybrid measures 13 inches thick.

DreamCloud offers two mattresses, both of which are hybrid models with medium firm (6) feels. The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress – also known simply as the DreamCloud – includes a quilted cover with memory foam. The DreamCloud Premier has a Euro-top with 2.5 inches of memory foam cushioning for a slightly plusher feel on the surface. Both models also include gel-infused memory foam comfort layers, polyfoam transition layers, and pocketed coil support cores. The DreamCloud and the DreamCloud Premier measure 14 inches thick.

The Layla Hybrid and DreamCloud models share some structural similarities and have earned comparable ratings in a few of our sleeper categories, but there are also some notable differences between these beds. We’ll take a closer look at how the mattresses compare in terms of cost, construction, and performance.

Quick Look

We’ve worked hard to show you which of these models may be the best mattress for you. Check out our full mattress guides listed below!

Sizing and Weight Options

Always consider mattress size before selecting a model. Most mattresses made today are sold in six standard sizes, including twin, twin XL, and full for solo sleepers and queen, king, and California king for those who share the bed. Some mattresses are sold in additional sizes, such as split options designed for couples who use adjustable bed bases. You should carefully measure your bedroom dimensions before picking a size – and, if needed, consider buying a new box spring, foundation, or other support system.

Thickness is also important. Thinner mattresses tend to be a bit firmer and some people enjoy sleeping closer to the floor, while thicker mattresses have more padding layers that often make them softer.

Lastly, you should always consider weight when ordering a bed from a mattress-in-a-box brand. These companies ship mattresses directly to your doorstep, meaning you’ll need to carry it inside and set it up yourself.

The Layla Hybrid and both DreamCloud models are all available in the six standard mattress sizes, but neither model comes in split or other non-standard sizes.

At 85 pounds in a queen size, the DreamCloud is still somewhat heavy but also relatively light compared to other hybrid models. The DreamCloud Premier weighs more in a queen size at 106 pounds, but this is still on the lighter side for a hybrid. The Layla Hybrid, which weighs 115 pounds in the same size, is more comparable to the average hybrid in terms of weight.

The Layla Hybrid measures 13 inches thick, making it a high-profile mattress. The DreamCloud and DreamCloud Premier measure 14 inches thick. All three models are suitable for people who prefer sleeping on taller mattresses, but the DreamCloud Premier offers the thickest profile. If you prefer medium- or low-profile mattresses, you may want to consider a different model entirely.

Construction and Materials Comparison

Material composition affects many different aspects of a mattress, including how soft or firm it feels, how closely it conforms to the body, and whether or not it feels bouncy on the surface. By looking at mattress construction specs, you can also gain insights into how well the mattress will perform in categories such as durability, pressure relief, temperature neutrality, and edge support.

Most mattresses made today include four core components: comfort layers that cushion the body and provide surface-level contouring; transitional layers to keep your body on an even plane; support cores to stabilize and reinforce the mattress; and a cover that serves as a barrier between the bed and your body.

We’ll take an in-depth look at the individual components of the Layla Hybrid and DreamCloud mattresses.

Layla Hybrid

The Layla Hybrid is a reversible mattress. One side of the bed is constructed with 2.5 inches of low-density memory foam over a 2-inch transitional polyfoam layer. This side has a medium soft (4) feel. The opposite side features 1.5 inches of low-density memory foam and a 1-inch transitional layer. Since this side has less padding, it feels firm (7).

Both memory foam comfort layers are infused with copper, which is engineered to help to minimize body heat buildup on the surface. The foam’s low density also makes it more breathable than the denser memory foams found in other mattresses. For the transitional layer, the polyfoam is divided into different firmness zones. This provides enhanced support for your lower back and hips, and a gentler feel for areas of the body where you carry less weight. The transitional polyfoam is also cut with channels to increase airflow.

The Layla Hybrid’s 6-inch support core consists of pocketed coils. Thicker coils along the perimeter minimize sinkage when you sit or sleep near the edges, while thinner coils rest beneath your body for good support without excessive stiffness. For whichever side of the hybrid you use, the opposite comfort and transitional layer will reinforce the coils and act as additional support layers.

The Layla Hybrid’s cover is made from a blend of polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra. Each lengthwise side features handles to help you carry the mattress more easily once it’s expanded to its full shape.

DreamCloud

The DreamCloud begins with a quilted cover that includes memory foam. The surface of the mattress has a plush and cushioning feel.

The DreamCloud Premier has a Euro-top padded with memory foam. Euro-tops, by definition, are sewn flush with the mattress edges to create a uniform appearance; this differentiates them from pillow-tops, which are sewn to the top of the mattress and feature a noticeable gap on the surface. The DreamCloud Premier’s Euro-top creates a plush surface that contours to the body. Both DreamCloud models are considered medium firm (6).

Each mattress also includes a comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam. Like the copper infused into the Layla Hybrid’s memory foam layers, this gel is intended to dissipate body heat and help the mattress sleep cool. A high-density polyfoam transitional layer reinforces the memory foam and prevents sleepers from sinking too deeply.

Both DreamCloud mattresses include support cores of individually pocketed coils bolstered with high-density base polyfoam. The coil systems are zoned to create more reinforcement along the perimeter.

The DreamCloud and DreamCloud Premier are encased in cashmere-blend covers. Cashmere is a highly breathable material that also wicks moisture away from your body. The DreamCloud and the DreamCloud Premier measure 14 inches thick; both are considered high-profile models.

In-Depth Ratings

Based on its firmness, thickness, and construction, a mattress will perform well in certain categories and less so in others. This is why understanding how different materials affect a mattress is so important when selecting a new model.

We’ve evaluated the Layla Hybrid and DreamCloud for different performance categories and researched reviews from verified owners of these mattresses. Our ratings for both models are listed below. First, we’ll explain the significance of each performance category.

Durability
The average mattress will perform for six to eight years. Eventually, the materials will begin to soften and the entire mattress will gradually lose support, at which point you may notice more sagging and develop aches and pains. Excessive sinkage along the edges may also warrant a new mattress. Hybrids have an expected lifespan of six and a half to seven years, which is middle-of-the-road compared to other mattress types. You can preserve a mattress to some extent by rotating it head-to-foot every three to six months.

Motion Isolation
A mattress will respond to your body when you get in and out of bed or change sleep positions. Models that are highly responsive and bouncy – including many hybrids – will create motion transfer that spreads across the surface. This transfer can disturb your partner’s sleep if the mattress is springy enough. Other beds respond more slowly, allowing them to absorb motion and isolate movements to your side of the mattress.

Sex
Every couple has different needs and preferences, but most prefer responsive mattresses for sex. A springy surface promotes easy, unrestricted movements when you move across the mattress. A mattress that conforms a bit will deliver good traction that allows you and your partner to maintain a single position – but excessive sinkage can make you feel like you’re fighting with the mattress. Additionally, strong edge support allows you and your partner to utilize the entire surface of the bed for amorous activities.

Temperature Neutrality
Many people sleep hot regardless of which mattress they use. That said, some beds are constructed with materials that trap body heat near the surface and feel excessively warm. Other models feature more breathable materials that promote airflow and help the mattress maintain a comfortable core temperature. Generally, hybrids offer above-average temperature neutrality thanks to steady air circulation through their coil layers. Firmer beds also tend to sleep cooler because you don’t sink as deeply, resulting in more surface airflow.

Pressure Relief
Many sleepers experience pressure because their mattress feels either too soft or too firm. Ideally, a mattress should keep your entire body on a flat, even plane, including your midsection, hips, and other areas where many people carry extra weight. Sleep position is also important. Side sleepers typically need softer beds to cushion their bodies, align their spines, and alleviate pressure points. For back and stomach sleepers, a firmer, more supportive feel ensures they can feel some body-contouring without sinking too deeply.

Off-gassing
As you unbox a new mattress, you’ll probably notice some initial odor. This is known as off-gassing and it is quite common, especially for beds with foam layers. The smells should dissipate in a matter of days. Hybrids in particular are known for a short off-gassing period, thanks to coil systems that flush out unwanted smells rather quickly. If the odors persist after a few days, try placing the mattress in a well-ventilated room for another day or two.

Ease of Movement
If your mattress has a softer feel and sinks a bit, you may have a hard time moving across the surface. Many people describe the sensation as feeling trapped by the mattress. This can make getting in and out of bed more difficult and also cause discomfort when changing sleep positions. If the mattress is firmer and more responsive, you’ll probably be able to move on the surface much more easily – especially if you weigh more than 230 pounds.

Edge Support
At least a little sinkage should be expected whenever you sit along the edges of any mattress. However, some contain dense and responsive support materials that provide good push-back and prevent you from sinking too deeply. Most hybrids excel at edge support thanks to their strong coil layers, especially if the support cores are zoned with thicker coils along the perimeter. The thickness of a bed’s coils as well as the support core’s overall thickness are also important for edge support.

Layla

DreamCloud

Prices and Sizing

How much you pay for a new mattress will depend on several factors. Mattress type is one example, as certain materials and designs drive up the bed’s price-point more than others. The average hybrid model costs between $1,600 and $2,200 in a queen size, which is a mid-level price range compared to other mattress types. Size is also important, since smaller sizes typically cost hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars less than larger sizes. Additionally, buying a mattress online will typically save you some money because web-based brands do not face the same overhead costs as brick-and-mortar mattress stores.

Be sure to read the fine print regarding a mattress company’s shipping, return, and warranty policies. This can help you avoid extra shipping charges, return fees, prorated mattress replacement costs, and other expenses down the road.

Layla

DreamCloud

The Layla Hybrid’s price-points are on par with most competing hybrids from online brands. The DreamCloud and DreamCloud Premier both cost less than the Layla Hybrid, resulting in below-average prices for these models.

Both brands offer free ground shipping within the contiguous U.S. and neither charges fees for mattress returns during sleep trial periods. We’ll take a closer look at these and other Layla and DreamCloud customer policies.

Trials, Warranty, and Delivery

Shipping

Layla and DreamCloud both offer free ground shipping within the contiguous U.S. Layla charges additional delivery fees for customers in Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. DreamCloud does not ship outside the U.S., but charges extra shipping fees for Alaska and Hawaii.

For ground deliveries, the mattress will be compressed and shipped in a box directly to your doorstep. You aren’t required to be at home when the mattress arrives, but you’ll need to carry the box inside and set up the mattress yourself. After unboxing and removing the plastic covering, your mattress will immediately begin to expand – but give it 48 hours to reach its full shape.

DreamCloud also offers White Glove delivery, which includes in-home mattress assembly for a flat fee of $149. For another $20, White Glove couriers will remove your existing mattress and transport it for donation or recycling. Layla does not offer a White Glove delivery option.

Returns

Online brands tend to operate few – if any – brick-and-mortar stores or showrooms where you can test out mattresses. To give you a chance to see how their beds feel before committing to a purchase, these companies offer sleep trials that typically last 90 nights or longer. In most cases, you’ll receive a full refund if you aren’t satisfied and the company will pay for your mattress return.

Layla’s sleep trial spans 100 nights, which is a typical length for a mattress-in-a-box brand. This sleep trial includes a mandatory break-in period of two weeks, so you won’t be able to initiate a return until after you’ve slept on the mattress for at least 14 nights. If you decide to return the mattress before the trial period expires, Layla will issue a full refund – minus shipping charges, if applicable – and send couriers to retrieve the mattress from your residence at no extra charge.

DreamCloud’s 365-night sleep trial is one of the longest in the mattress industry. This trial requires a 30-night break-in period. As with Layla, DreamCloud will provide a full refund minus any shipping or White Glove charges that may apply. They will also pay for couriers to pick up the mattress from your residence and transport it for donation or recycling.

Warranties

A warranty is a written agreement between a manufacturer of certain products and consumers who purchase these products. Warranties state the manufacturer bears responsibility for products that are defective or become defective within a certain time frame (known as the warranty coverage period). Most mattresses sold today come with warranties of 10 years or longer.

The Layla Hybrid is backed by a 10-year warranty. This warranty is completely non-prorated, meaning the company will cover most repair or replacement charges if the mattress becomes defective within 10 years of your original purchase. The customer may be responsible for shipping charges related to making a warranty claim.

DreamCloud offers a lifetime warranty that covers the mattress for as long as you retain ownership of it. This warranty is also non-prorated. During the first 10 years, DreamCloud covers all repair and replacement costs for mattress repairs or replacements, including shipping and transportation charges. After 10 years, you’ll need to pay a shipping fee of $50 each way to have your mattress repaired or replaced.

Under the Layla warranty, body impressions in the surface measuring 1 inch or deeper are considered defects. DreamCloud’s warranty is slightly different; only impressions of 1.5 inches or deeper will warrant repairs or replacements. Both warranties also cover manufacturing flaws associated with the mattress construction. Other issues, such as normal wear and tear or physical damage from abuse or improper support, are not covered under either warranty.

Remember: mattress warranties are non-transferable. Only original owners who buy a mattress directly from the manufacturer or an authorized retailer will receive a warranty. Those who buy or obtain their mattress from the original owner or an unauthorized retailer do not qualify for warranty coverage.