Often crafted using virgin synthetic fibres, non-biodegradable or non-recyclable materials and cotton or wool that’s processed with pesticides or chemicals, the mattress industry isn’t one that’s often heralded for its sustainable practices.
In fact, the Chair of North London Waste Authority, Cllr Clyde Loakes said: “In the UK we throw away over 7 million mattresses a year and we estimate 2.9 million of these come to an early end. We can help reduce this significant environmental impact if we all make better choices when it comes to buying, caring for and disposing of our beds.”
Sleep expert Simba has a more environmentally-mindful answer with the latest addition to its hybrid range, made with recycled and organic materials: the Simba GO - which stands for ‘green organic’. According to the brand, it boasts half the carbon footprint credentials of other traditional hybrids. We took it out for a spin to see if a greener choice means a better night’s sleep.
Delivery and packaging
Like its other bed-in-a-box competitors, the GO arrives rolled in an easy-to-unpack boxed parcel - however, it’s heavy and quite difficult to manoeuvre alone, so we’d recommend having it dropped in the room you’ll be unwrapping it in. Once out of the box, all you need to do is unroll it, pierce the plastic wrapper, and watch it slowly rise and inflate. It’s meant to take 72 hours until it’s at its best, but you can sleep on it after as little as three hours.
The design
Every layer of the mattress is considered. From the top anti-allergenic Simba Renew layer, crafted using up to 75 per cent recycled fibres, the 50mm organic layer of latex, a natural by-product of the rubber tree, to the two layers of recyclable springs, the 250mm base layer designed in part using recycled fibres and the organic cotton cover. The design marries Simba’s innovative design with responsible practices for a mattress that’s comfortable yet low impact.
Simba GO: the sleep test
Once dressed in your favourite bed sheets, it’s time to try it out. For me, it felt like a more traditional pocket spring mattress than its contemporaries which tend to be feel foam dominant. With a distinctive bounce, it’s firm and supportive, yet with improved airflow making it cooler and more breathable; great news for anyone who overheats at night.
However, it’s not such good news for light sleepers. When sleeping beside a partner, the taut, bouncier feel of Simba’s GO means that there’s a lack of movement isolation. You easily can sense whenever the other person changes position throughout the night. My partner and I usually sleep on the softer foam Emma mattress, which is quite the opposite, so it was a big difference in comparison.
The good news? As with any Simba mattress, you’re given a 200-night trial period to try it out for size. If you’re not happy with the purchase for whatever reason, you can organise Simba to collect it and you’ll receive a full refund.
Simba Go prices
- Buy Simba GO Single - £1,579
- Buy Simba GO Double - £2,299
- Buy Simba GO King - £2,399
- Buy Simba GO Super King - £2,749
Verdict
If you’re partial to a more solid, spring mattress feel but like the convenience of a boxed delivery, this mattress is a worthwhile purchase - especially considering its eco-friendly design. Whilst I love the ethical credentials and had a great night’s sleep on the Simba GO, I’m partial to a softer mattress so won’t permanently switch it for my trusty Emma.
