DLX Premier Hybrid Review: Split Firmness Mattress Tested

The DLX Premier hybrid mattress with split firmness has one of the most unique designs out of the hybrid mattresses we have tested. It solves a very real problem that many couples face: finding the ideal firmness for BOTH people. In this hands-on review, we will analyze comfort, firmness, motion transfer, edge support, cooling, durability and value to determine what type of sleepers will benefit the most.

Mattress Millionaires Quick Verdict: DLX Premier Hybrid

We tested the DLX Premier Hybrid in a queen size with split firmness: soft on one side and medium on the other. We rated the Soft side a 3/10 on our firmness scale and the Medium side a 4/10, as it still felt softer than other medium hybrids we have tested.

We were impressed that the setup experience was easy and the foam inserts had very little off-gassing, which is not always the case since boxed mattresses tend to hold on to the smell after being compressed and enclosed in a box.

The DLX Premier Hybrid has a much better design than using a loose foam mattress topper on top of the bed. We liked that the comfort foam is easily enclosed to sit underneath the soft, quilted cover and can easily be adjusted. This matters because separate toppers can shift, trap more heat, and wrinkle, making it less comfortable and unfinished looking. DLX’s design is customizable and integrated.

✔ DLX Premier Hybrid is best for:

• Couples with slightly different firmness preferences
• Side sleepers
• Back sleeps who like a softer feel
• People who prioritize an odor-free mattress with little or no off-gassing
• Shoppers who want customized firmness options without a loose topper
• Shoppers who are unsure about the best firmness fit and want to try split sides or swap inserts

If you are deciding between a split-firmness mattress and a flippable mattress, read our full comparison of DLX Premier Hybrid vs Layla Hybrid.

✖DLX Premier Hybrid is less ideal for:

• Couples looking for split firmness with a dramatic difference
• Strict stomach sleepers who need a firmer surface
• Heavier-weight sleepers who need strong support
• Fans of dense memory foam that deeply hugs the body
• Shoppers who want a very simple design and setup

Mattress Millionaires Scorecard: DLX Premier Hybrid

Here is how the DLX Premier Hybrid ranked during our hands-on testing of the queen-size Soft/Medium split firmness over multiple nights:

How We Scored

Every product we review is tested using a clear, repeatable methodology. We evaluate construction, pressure relief, spinal alignment, cooling, motion isolation, edge support, responsiveness, and real-world sleep performance through multiple-night testing. We publish our own photos, measurements, and our own results.

Hands-On Testing: DLX Premier Hybrid

Unboxing and First Impression

The DLX Premier Hybrid arrived in two boxes. One box included the queen size mattress and the other included two foam inserts used to soften the surface and provide better comfort. These inserts measured 3 inches thick and looked almost identical, but actually have different firmness levels.

This design is what makes the mattress stand out. It was very easy to setup and install the inserts. There is a zipper on the top of the mattress that goes around the full perimeter. We did not struggle at all with the setup.

Instead of placing a separate memory foam topper on top of the bed and dealing with shifting, bunching, heat, or an awkward add-on feel, DLX lets you unzip the mattress, place the foam inside, and zip the cover back around it. The topper becomes part of the mattress rather than something sitting loosely on top of it.

Firmness and Feel

During our testing, we felt the difference between the Soft and Medium layers was noticeable, but not dramatic. We rated the soft side 3/10 and the medium side 4/10. The soft side had a slightly slower recovery response, while the Medium side felt a little more resilient and supportive.

According to the manufacturer, the soft layer has an ILD of approximately 12, while the medium layer has an ILD of approximately 22. ILD stands for indentation load deflection, which is one way foam firmness is measured. A lower ILD generally means the foam compresses more easily, while a higher ILD generally means the foam feels firmer and more supportive.

To compare the two sides, we did a simple hands-on test. We placed a hand on each side of the mattress and pressed down to see how far we sank into the foam and how quickly each side recovered after pressure was removed. The Soft layer allowed a little more sinkage and recovered slightly slower. The Medium layer pushed back more quickly and felt more supportive. Still, the difference was more subtle than we expected.

That subtlety is both a strength and a limitation.

If you and your partner want a huge firmness difference, the Soft/Medium split may not feel different enough. In that case, you may want to consider a Soft/Firm or Medium/Firm split instead. But if you want two sides that feel similar enough to share comfortably while still giving each person a slightly different comfort profile, the Soft/Medium version makes sense.

The mattress itself feels soft, cushioned, springy, and responsive. It does not have the slow, dense, stuck-in-the-bed feel of traditional memory foam. The top layers provide good cushioning, while the coils underneath add bounce, support, and easy movement.

The Soft side was best for side sleeping. It offered more pressure relief around the shoulders and hips and had more of a hugging sensation. The Medium side was our preferred side overall because it still felt plush, but with a bit more lift and support. Even the Medium side felt more like a medium-soft mattress to us, not a true medium-firm.

Because we tested the Soft/Medium split, our firmness and support impressions apply specifically to this configuration. A Medium/Firm, Soft/Firm, or all-Firm version should feel more supportive.

Comfort

The DLX Premier Hybrid has a plush feel, but you don’t sink deep into the foam. You still feel supported and there is a bounciness from the spring coil system. Additionally, the comfort difference is subtle, so don’t expect a dramatic difference between them.

While the Soft and Medium foam inserts are the same thickness, the soft side allows for slightly more sinkage and creates a softer cradle around the body. It felt best for side sleeping and was great for relieving pressure around the hips and shoulders.

The Medium side was still softer than a true medium firmness, but the foam regained it shape quicker when pressure was removed and the sensation was less melty. It felt better for back sleeping and combination sleeping, as it was easier to change positions in.

Overall, we preferred the medium side because it has nice cushioning but still felt supportive with some pushback and bounce. Since both sides are softer than a typical medium hybrid, you might want to go with a medium/firm split if you tend to like a more rigid surface feel.

Pressure Relief

If pressure relief is a top priority, the DLX Premier Hybrid performs very well in both the Soft and Medium firmness options.

The soft side is best for side sleepers as it provides deeper contouring at the shoulders and hips. It felt especially comfortable in the shoulders in the side sleeping position.

The medium side is best for back sleepers who need a slightly firmer surface with a little pushback. It offers pressure relief without sinking too much.

Overall, pressure relief was excellent for a hybrid mattress.

Support

Support is good, but can vary depending on your body weight and sleep style. Due to the hybrid construction with a coil support system, the body stays lifted and there is a balance between cushioning and responsiveness.

It’s important overall sleep health to have neutral spinal alignment while you are sleeping. Too much sinkage in the wrong areas can cause aches and pains.

Motion Isolation

During our motion isolation test using a 10 lb ball, there was minimal bouncing across the surface. The top foam layer really helped absorb the motion, but the mattress still felt responsive and bouncy when you change positions.

This is great for couples because they won’t be disturbed by each other’s movements.

The DLX Premier didn’t have as strong motion isolation as a denser all-foam mattress, but it has a nice balance between comfort and ease of movement. Foam beds usually absorb motion better because they have less bounce.

Edge Support

The edge support was good considering that it is a softer mattress with a thick 3-inch foam insert. While sitting or lying near the edge of the mattress, we did not slide off or sink down dramatically, but the edges did compress 2.5 inches.

This is normal for a softer mattress with plush comfort layers. The coil system still helps support your body and is more resilient than an all-foam bed.

Overall, the DLX Premier Hybrid gives you a usable, stable surface across the entire mattress, but the edge support is not the strongest of hybrid mattresses we have tested.

Responsiveness

The responsiveness of the DLX Premier Hybrid was very good and is one of the biggest differences when compared with a traditional memory foam mattress. The top layers provide cushioning and pressure relief, but the mattress still feels easy to move on without too much sinkage.

Cooling

The DLX Premier Hybrid showed a moderate temperature during our cooling testing. We did not notice significant heat retention, but it wasn’t actively cooling either.

The hybrid construction helps facilitate airflow, but the thick foam comfort layers still trap more heat than a latex mattress or one with cooling features integrated into the foam. The zippered design also helps the mattress feel more breathable compared to using a separate foam topper since it is part of the overall mattress design and sits underneath the breathable quilted cover.

The Soft side felt slightly warmer as it hugged the body more. The Medium side keeps you a bit more lifted so your body is surrounded by more air than when sinking into the foam more deeply.

With this said, neither side felt overly warm and either side would be comfortable for most sleepers. However, very hot sleepers or people prone to sweating might be better with specialty cooling mattress.

Durability

The DLX Premier Hybrid feels durable and substantial with high-quality foam inserts. It did not feel flimsy or cheap and the coil system gave it a strong supportive base.

The zippered construction is also an advantage for durability. Most mattresses are sewn shut, so you don’t have easy access to the comfort layer. Since you can access the top comfort layer, the mattress feels more adjustable and serviceable than a fully sealed mattress.

Depending on DLX’s current policies, this may also make firmness changes easier than replacing the entire mattress, which means that you will get a longer lifespan out of your mattress.

The hybrid design also helps long-term performance, as it is typically more durable and resilient than an all-foam mattress.

Overall, we expect the DLX Premier Hybrid to have above-average durability for an online hybrid mattress, especially if you choose the firmness level that properly supports your body.

Off-Gassing

We also liked that the mattress had little or no off-gassing odor. Although smell alone does not prove durability or material quality, a low-odor during setup creates a better first impression and makes the mattress easy to use right away.

For sensitive sleepers, this is a big plus. If you are bothered by strong foam smells, the DLX Premier Hybrid was one of the better mattresses we have tested in terms of off-gassing.

Sleep Positions

The DLX Premier is best for side sleepers, combination sleepers, and couples who have different firmness preferences. If you mainly sleep on your stomach, you may want a firmer surface or at least a medium/firm split.

Construction

The DLX Premier Hybrid uses a layered hybrid construction with foam comfort layers, a customizable 3-inch firmness layer, and a pocketed coil support system. The biggest difference between this mattress and many other hybrids is the zippered comfort design, which allows DLX to offer soft, medium, firm, and split-firmness configurations inside one mattress.

DLX describes itself as a family-owned business making mattresses in New York since 1886, with a focus on handcrafted quality, local craftsmanship, and not outsourcing production.

Pricing & Value

We place the DLX Premier Hybrid in the premium online hybrid category. It’s not the cheapest hybrid boxed mattress, but the value is strong if you want customization and durability.

For couples, this can be a major value advantage because each partner can get their ideal comfort level without paying a premium luxury showroom price of $2,500+.

The Soft/Medium version is best if both people like a softer mattress. If your preferences are farther apart, Soft/Firm or Medium/Firm may provide better value because the difference between sides will be more noticeable.

The mattress also includes a practical advantage: you get the benefit of a foam comfort adjustment without using a loose topper. That makes the bed feel more polished and less temporary.

The low off-gassing also improved the value in our eyes. A mattress that arrives with minimal smell is easier to use right away and creates a better first impression.

Overall, the DLX Premier Hybrid is worth considering if you want:

• • Split firmness
  • Queen size firmness customization (you don’t need to buy a king size to get split firmness)
  • Durability and bounciness of a hybrid
  • Pressure relief for side sleeping
  • Low off-gassing

DLX Premier Hybrid FAQs

Is the DLX Premier Hybrid a good mattress?

Yes. The DLX Premier Hybrid is a good mattress, especially for couples who want split firmness. It has a comfortable hybrid feel, good pressure relief, low off-gassing, and an easy-to-use internal comfort layer system.

What firmness options are available for the DLX Premier Hybrid?

You can choose a split firmness of Soft/Medium, Soft/Firm or Medium/Firm. Or if you want just one firmness, it is available in Soft, Medium and Firm. We tested the queen DLX Premier Hybrid in a Soft/Medium split firmness configuration.

Are the two foam inserts the same?

No. They may look very similar, but they have different firmness levels. According to the manufacturer, the Soft insert has an ILD of approximately 12, while the Medium insert has an ILD of approximately 22.

What is ILD?

ILD stands for indentation load deflection. It is a measurement used to describe how firm or soft a foam feels. A lower ILD usually means the foam compresses more easily. A higher ILD usually means the foam feels firmer and more supportive.

Is the Soft/Medium split good for couples?

Yes, if both people like a softer mattress but want slightly different comfort levels. If one person wants very soft and the other wants very firm, Soft/Firm may be a better choice.

Is the DLX Premier Hybrid good for side sleepers?

Yes. The Soft side is especially good for side sleepers because it provides strong cushioning around the shoulders and hips.

Is the DLX Premier Hybrid good for back sleepers?

Yes, especially on the Medium side. The Medium side offers more support and resilience than the Soft side.

Is the DLX Premier Hybrid good for stomach sleepers?

The Soft/Medium version is probably not ideal for strict stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers usually need a firmer surface. The Firm option would likely be better.

Does the DLX Premier Hybrid have good motion isolation?

Yes. During our motion isolation test, there was minimal bouncing. For a hybrid mattress, it performed well.

Does the DLX Premier Hybrid sleep hot?

We found it temperature-neutral. The coil system helps with airflow, and we did not notice major heat buildup.

Does the DLX Premier Hybrid smell?

Our mattress had little to no off-gassing. Both the mattress and foam inserts were impressively low odor.

Is the DLX Premier Hybrid bouncy?

Yes. The mattress has a springy, responsive feel because of the coil system.

Is the DLX Premier Hybrid better than using a separate topper?

In our opinion, yes. The foam comfort inserts sit inside the mattress under the cover, which feels cleaner and more integrated than placing a loose topper on top.

Can you order different split firmness combinations?

Yes. You can choose different firmness combinations depending on your preference, including options like Soft/Medium, Medium/Firm, and Soft/Firm.

Who should choose Soft/Medium?

Choose Soft/Medium if both sleepers like a softer mattress but one wants slightly more cushioning and the other wants slightly more support.

Who should choose Medium/Firm?

Choose Medium/Firm if you want a more supportive feel or if one sleeper is a back or stomach sleeper.

Who should choose Soft/Firm?

Choose Soft/Firm if you and your partner have very different firmness preferences.

Is DLX Mattress a family-owned company?

Yes. DLX Mattress is part of Jamestown Mattress, a family-owned mattress company based in Jamestown, New York, with roots dating back to 1886. The company emphasizes handcrafted mattresses, local manufacturing, and American-made craftsmanship.

We liked this detail because Mattress Millionaires is also a family-run business, and we appreciate brands where the people behind the product are part of the story. Of course, family-owned does not automatically mean a mattress is right for everyone, but in the case of the DLX Premier Hybrid, the customizable construction and low off-gassing did make the mattress feel more thoughtfully made than many generic online hybrids we have tested.