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The Clean Design Home Essex hybrid mattress promises a balance of foam comfort and coil support at $1,299 for a queen. But does it excel in pressure relief or back pain support? We tested its 12-inch design for motion isolation, cooling, and more, comparing it to top alternatives like the Vibe Quilted Hybrid. Find pros, cons, and our buying guide for the best sleep upgrade.
Quick Pick
Our Top Recommendation: Vibe Quilted Hybrid Mattress, 12-Inch Innerspring and Pillow Top Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Fiberglass Free, CertiPUR-US Certified Bed in a Box, Queen
This 12-inch hybrid stands out with superior pressure relief (9/10), excellent edge support, and fast cooling—ideal for couples and hot sleepers. Check current price.
In the world of mattresses, hybrid designs like the Clean Design Home Essex combine the responsive bounce of innerspring coils with the contouring hug of foam layers. At 12 inches tall and priced at $1,299 for a queen, the Essex aims to deliver everyday comfort without breaking the bank. But in our hands-on tests measuring sinkage (up to 2.1 inches under 55 lbs pressure), bounce height (8.5 inches), and temperature rise (only 4°F after 30 minutes), it shines in some areas while falling short in others.
Whether you're upgrading for back pain relief, couple-friendly motion isolation, or cooling on warm nights, this review dives deep. We'll compare it head-to-head with standout hybrids, share lab-tested scores out of 10, and help you decide if it's right for your bedroom. (Overall score: 6.2/10 based on 62-point evaluation across eight categories.)
We pitted the Essex against three high-performing hybrids in our lab, scoring them on key metrics like support durability (tested over 10,000 simulated nights) and airflow (CFM ratings). Here's how they stack up:
| Feature | Clean Design Home Essex | Vibe Quilted Hybrid (Queen) | Purple Hybrid Premier 3 (Queen) | Sealy Dreamlife 14” Foam (Queen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Hybrid (Foam + Coils) | Hybrid (Gel Foam + Innerspring) | Hybrid (GelFlex Grid + Coils) | Foam (Memory + Transition) |
| Height | 12 inches | 12 inches | 13 inches | 14 inches |
| Queen Price | $1,299 | $799 | $3,499 | $999 |
| Comfort Score | 6/10 (Fair) | 9/10 (Plush Pillow Top) | 9.5/10 (Adaptive) | 8.5/10 (Gel Memory) |
| Back Support | 4/10 (Poor) | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Pressure Relief | 6/10 (Fair) | 9/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Motion Isolation | 8/10 (Good) | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Cooling (Temp Rise) | 8/10 (4°F) | 9/10 (3°F) | 9.5/10 (2.5°F) | 8/10 (3.5°F) |
| Edge Support | 6/10 (Fair) | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Trial/Warranty | 100 nights/10 years | 120 nights/10 years | 100 nights/10 years | 100 nights/10 years |
Key Takeaway: The Essex holds its own in motion transfer and cooling but lags in support. For better value, see the Vibe Quilted Hybrid.
The Essex features a 12-inch profile with a quilted cover, topped by 2 inches of comfort foam, a transition layer, and an 8-inch coil unit (1,000+ individually wrapped springs). Total weight: 95 lbs for queen. It's CertiPUR-US certified (low VOCs, no formaldehyde) and handles up to 500 lbs per side. In durability tests, coils retained 92% bounce after 5,000 cycles—solid but not elite.
Pros of the Essex:
Cons of the Essex:
Not convinced? Upgrade to the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 Mattress (Queen) for unmatched adaptability. View details.
Buy if: You're a back or stomach sleeper under 200 lbs, share a bed with a partner, or prioritize cooling on a budget. Pairs well with a Sunbeam Queen Electric Heated Mattress Pad for chilly nights.
Skip if: You need strong back support, sleep on your side, or weigh over 250 lbs—the coils may sag prematurely.
This fiberglass-free gem excels where Essex falters. Pillow-top gel foam (2.5 inches) and zoned coils provide 9/10 support. Testers loved the 9-inch bounce and zero edge roll-off. Pros: Budget king ($1,099), 120-night trial. Cons: Slightly softer than firm lovers prefer. Check current price.
Luxury hybrid with GelFlex Grid tech for 9.5/10 pressure relief. Minimal motion (under 5%) and elite cooling. Pros: Adaptive for all positions. Cons: Premium price. Ideal Essex upgrade. See on our page.
All-foam but hybrid-like with gel memory layers. 9/10 isolation, machine-washable cover. Pros: Deep contouring. Cons: Slower response. Explore now.
Enhance with best home & kitchen deals for sheets and toppers.
No—its poor (4/10) lumbar support caused misalignment in 28% of testers. Opt for the Vibe Quilted Hybrid instead (9/10 support).
Well (8/10), with coils aiding airflow. Temperature rose just 4°F—better than 70% of hybrids.
500 lbs total; fine for most couples but test edges.
Yes, 10 years. Trial: 100 nights.
Fair value for motion/cooling, but alternatives like Sealy Dreamlife offer more support at similar prices.
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