Simba Hybrid mattress review in brief
- A hybrid mattress that suits back and side sleepers
- Stays cool to the touch throughout the night
- Might be too firm for lighter than average bodies
The Simba Hybrid is one of the UK’s best mattresses for people shopping for a breathable, pressure relieving mattress that doesn't cost the earth. But how does it perform in practice? We had a lead reviewer and a testing panel put the Simba Hybrid mattress through its paces for over three weeks to see.
Best for: Back and side sleepers, hot sleepers
Type: Bed-in-a-box
Price: £429-£1,159
Firmness: Medium-firm (5.5-6 out of 10)
Trial period: 200 nights
Warranty: 10 years
Material: Simba-Pure foam, graphite-infused Simbatex foam, Titanium alloy
Depth: 25cm
Weight: 19.5kg-41kg
Sizes: Kids, single, small double, double, king, super king, EU single, EU double, EU queen
Simba used 70 prototypes and the “body data of 10 million sleepers” to create the original Hybrid mattress. The five-layer design includes titanium coils and a layer of open-cell graphite-infused Simbatex, which is designed to be a more breathable version of memory foam.
During our review period, our lead reviewer found the Simba Hybrid mattress was comfortable from the first night, especially for side sleeping, although a couple of stomach sleepers on our testing panel found the mattress too firm. The Simba felt breathable, and the motion isolation was also very good – the co-sleepers on our testing panel weren't disturbed by each other getting in and out of bed.
After a couple of weeks, the Simba Hybrid came into its own for our heavier weight tester, who woke feeling more rested and with fewer aches and pains. Our testers reported changing positions less during the night too, and had more restful sleep.
Overall, we found the Simba Hybrid mattress to be comfortable and cool, with enough stability to support average body weights. That said, if you're lighter in weight then you might find the Simba Hybrid a little too firm.
We'll expand on all these points in more detail in the rest of this article. Read on for our full Simba Hybrid mattress review.
Simba Hybrid Mattress review: Materials
- Uses 100% recyclable materials
- CertiPUR non-toxic guarantee
- Mattress made in zero-waste UK factory
As we explain in our feature answering what is a hybrid mattress, this type of mattress has multiple layers to boost sleep comfort. Here there are five layers of the Simba Hybrid each offer qualities that combine to provide overall comfort and cooling. The top layer is the breathable surface, followed by a layer of open-cell graphite infused Simbatex foam for temperature control. The hot sleepers on our review panel found it effective. The best memory foam mattresses work hard on cooling, as foam is notorious for trapping heat, so we’re pleased to see Simba focus here.
After this comes the Aerocoil spring comfort layer, where up to 2,500 conical springs isolate motion and distribute weight evenly across the Simba Hybrid. Below the coil layer is CertiPUR-certified toxin-free Simba-Pure foam to keep you supported no matter where you sleep on the Simba Hybrid. There’s a helping of Edge Lift Technology here too, so you won’t feel as though you’re falling out of bed if you sleep right up to the edge.
Simba makes its mattresses in zero-waste UK factories. The company’s dedication to the planet extends to its use of energy and materials, with all of its mattresses being 100% recyclable and carbon neutral.
As mentioned, the Simba Hybrid is the original and flagship mattress in the brand's range. It's the second cheapest of the hybrid models – there's also a more budget-friendly Essential mattress, while those looking for an upgrade can opt for the seven-layer Pro or 10-layer Luxe versions (our Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress review will fill you in on that one), both designed to offer enhanced support and pressure relief.
You'll also find more affordable foam-only models, and one eco-friendly latex model, which you can read about in our Simba Go Hybrid review. The brand also makes sleep accessories and frames (see our Simba Sirius bed base review).
Simba Hybrid Mattress review: Prices, deals
- One of the most affordable mattress in Simba's lineup
- Regular discounts available throughout the year
- Similarly priced to the Nectar Hybrid and Emma Premium
The Simba Hybrid mattress is the brand’s original hybrid option (they now offer an even cheaper Simba Hybrid Essential), and comes with an affordable price to match. The RRP for a single is £599 (a decrease of £200 since last year), while a double is £799 (a decrease of £280) and a king size, £899 (a decrease of £350). But thanks to the current Black Friday mattress deals, these prices are also reduced by a further 25%. That means you can get a double size for as low as £599.25, which is reasonable for such an innovative hybrid.
Simba also makes a range of hybrid bedding, including one of the best weighted blankets for calmer sleep, the Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket (£99). You can also stock up on Simba sheets, duvets and linens, as well as the brand’s best pillows for snoozing. There are Simba Hybrid Bundles too, comprising a mattress, bed frame and bedding.
The price of the Hybrid Original has decreased considerably since last year, with most sizes now costing hundreds less. The larger sizes have had the biggest price decreases, though it’s worth noting that the kids size is no longer available.
- Single – £599
- EU Single – £649
- Small Double – £799
- Double – £799
- EU Double – £849
- King – £899
- Super King – £999
- EU Queen – £949
When compared to the competition, which we would class as the Nectar Hybrid, the Eve Premium Hybrid and the Emma Premium, among others, Simba’s RRPs are among the cheapest. That said, depending on the mattress sales that are live at any one time, Nectar, Simba and Emma can often undercut.
The Nectar Hybrid typically has an RRP of £879 for a double, while the Emma currently comes in at £679 for the same size. The Eve has an RRP of £949 for a double, but you can often save around 35% with the latest Eve mattress sales and discount codes. For more information on the Eve, read our Eve Premium Hybrid mattress review.
But Nectar and Emma run regular offers, which we have rounded-up in our guides to the latest Nectar mattress sales, plus the best Emma mattress discounts. For example, you can currently get a Nectar Hybrid double for £649, and the Emma Original UK double for £399.20 (read our Emma Original mattress review). Simba offers a much wider range of sizes though. Read more in our Simba vs Emma comparison.
All three brands offer high levels of construction and materials, with the Nectar having five layers like the Simba, the Emma Premium providing an extra layer of memory foam, and the Eve using five layers of premium foam plus over 1,400 full sized pocket coils for extra support.
Simba Hybrid Mattress review: Firmness, comfort
- Medium-firm feel (5.5-6) is well-suited to side sleepers
- Breathable and cool for those who often feel warm in bed
- Minimal motion transfer, but could be too firm for some
From the minute you place your hand on the Simba Hybrid mattress, it’s clear that this will be a comfortable snooze. But, as with any bed, your body weight and sleeping position will matter greatly when it comes to true comfort. For our testers, the most comfortable sleeping position was on the side, with pressure points feeling noticeably cushioned.
While the Simba Hybrid can feel a little firmer for lighter weights, the sensation of resting on top of the mattress rather than in it is still by no means uncomfortable, and the top layer conformed just the right amount to the body, which was extremely cosy.
Back sleeping was also comfortable, but a little firmer than side sleeping for our lighter weight reviewer. Stomach sleeping was the least comfortable, with the mattress feeling uncomfortable on the knees. Sitting upright to read in bed felt comfy and cushioned, with a nice amount of support under the hips.
While the comfort of the Simba Hybrid was obvious from the first night, we did feel there was an adjustment period with this mattress, but after a couple of weeks we fell into a comfortable place with it. One of our main reviewers noted an improvement in knee pain, which had been an issue when sleeping on their previous innerspring mattress.
The cushioning top two layers of the Simba Hybrid were able to provide plenty of support for pressure points, and pretty much all of our review panel shifted positions less during the night, leading to more restful sleep.
Simba Hybrid Mattress review: Performance
- Easy to set up, though deep creasing remained on the cover
- Excellent pressure relief for back and side sleepers
- Strong edge support and minimal motion transfer
We tested the Simba Hybrid in a small double size for four weeks before writing our review. We focused on performance, rating it on pressure relief, motion isolation, temperature regulation, edge support and durability, as well as ease of set-up.
We also analysed user reviews for the Simba Hybrid to see what customers have experienced when sleeping on it, which has proven to be most interesting and a lot of them tally with our experience.
Set-up
Score: 4 out of 5
The small double Simba Hybrid we reviewed measured 120cm x 190cm x 25cm. As such, we expected it to be a little easier to move around than a double or king. The box measures 107cm x 50cm x 50cm, so it wasn’t cumbersome, however at 24kg in weight, if you need to get it up stairs or into a different room, you will probably need an extra pair of hands to help you.
Unpacking the box is easy: simply open it up and unroll the mattress onto your bed base. You can then carefully cut the plastic to break the vacuum seal. Simba recommends leaving this hybrid for around three to six hours for it to expand enough to sleep on, but says that it could take up to 72 hours to fill out completely.
This is similar to the Nectar Original, which also took up to 72 hours to be fully ready during our Nectar Memory Foam Mattress review. At the other end of the scale, the Emma Original was ready to sleep on within minutes from unboxing.
We did notice that a deep crease remained across the middle of the Simba Hybrid mattress for some time after unboxing, and you may even spot this in some of the studio photographs we took of the mattress. Over the weeks this crease disappeared, so it’s nothing to be alarmed about and is something we have seen from other beds that have been heavily compressed for shipping.
Off-gassing
Score: 4 out of 5
When buying a bed-in-a-box, there is usually a certain amount of off-gassing to be expected, and this is something Simba details as part of the information on its website. This faint smell is a result of the materials used in the foam being released as the mattress is unpackaged. For more guidance, read our feature on what is mattress off-gassing.
The smell from the Simba was minimal, and after we opened the window and aired out the room, it had all but disappeared. It’s natural to worry if these gases will cause any harm, especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma, but the foam used in Simba mattresses are CertiPUR-US-certified, meaning it’s guaranteed to be non-toxic and not harmful to human health.
Pressure relief
Score: 4 out of 5
If you are looking for support, the Simba Hybrid mattress has plenty of it. However, when it comes to pressure relief the amount of comfort depends a bit more on your body weight and sleep position. Our heavier weight tester commented that they felt cushioned no matter how they slept on this mattress, with their shoulders, hips and knees feeling comfortable with no pressure.
Our lighter weight tester felt that the most comfortable position was on their side, with their shoulders and hips feeling nicely ‘sunk’ into the mattress. When it came to their knees, the Simba Hybrid was slightly too hard and their knees rested on the mattress rather than slightly in it. Sleeping on the back was fine and felt more supportive. But, as this was not our lighter weight tester’s preferred sleeping position, it took a little adjustment.
Overall, the contouring with the Simba Hybrid was good for the majority of our testers. Stomach sleeping seemed to be the least comfortable option, as the firmness doesn’t support the pressure points as well in this position. But again, this is subjective and it depends on your weight and sleeping style.
If you are after extra pressure relief, you could add one of the best mattress toppers, or choose a softer bed such as the Emma Original (priced from £499 at Emma), which comes with the option of a free comfort layer.
Motion transfer
Score: 4.5 out of 5
The middle Aerocoil comfort layer in the Simba Hybrid features up to 2,500 conical springs designed to distribute weight when pressure is applied, and keep motion transfer to a minimum. Simba describes this layer as its “pride and joy”, with the springs being smaller and slimmer than your average bulky bed spring. The micro 25mm coils are made with strong titanium, so they offer plenty of support without the obvious feel of more traditional springs.
When it came to our own experience of motion transfer, the majority of our testers reported minimal movement when sleeping on the Simba Hybrid. Our lighter weight tester found the mattress to be stable, commenting that they were able to place a tray with a glass of water down next to them and it barely moved when they shifted around on the bed. Co-sleepers also reported little motion transfer, so the Simba Hybrid is a good choice for couples who have different sleep schedules.
Temperature regulation
Score: 4.5 out of 5
Above the airy Aerocoil layer, and keeping things cool beneath the soft hypoallergenic cover, is open-cell graphite-infused Simbatex, which offers 30 times more airflow than memory foam, while also adding an extra layer of comfort. The graphite naturally draws away heat from the body to bring even more freshness to the Simba Hybrid.
The cooling qualities of this mattress are impressive, with the mattress never once feeling too hot or stifling even in warmer weather. It retained its coolness throughout the night, but as the evenings get colder, if you’re looking to stay snug, a warming fitted sheet might be in order. While we fully recognise that the Simba slept cooler, if you are a very hot snoozer you may be better off with the best cooling mattress for your budget instead, as these are designed for higher levels of chill.
Our main tester added a wool mattress protector for a cosier feel, with the thin layer of wool still able to regulate temperature (wool is naturally temperature regulating). Our main reviewer reported that from the moment they got into bed, and as they drifted off to sleep, the Simba Hybrid stayed cool to the touch. However by the time the morning came, the mattress had retained plenty of warmth, but never felt stifling or caused them to overheat.
Edge support
Score: 5 out of 5
The Simba Hybrid features edge-to-edge Simba-Pure support, with the brand’s own Edge Lift Technology that guarantees support at all points on the mattress, and without any dipping at the sides. And we have to say we were impressed. While our heavier weight tester noticed a little expected dip when sitting on the edge of this bed, our lighter weight tester said it was incredibly stable, and likened it to sitting on a supportive chair.
Likewise when lying flat, and there was minimal roll-off across all testers. One tester was prone to waking up right at the edge of the bed, which had previously been a problem, especially with innerspring mattresses that had weak edge support. However, with the Simba Hybrid mattress the edge was robust and our tester felt supported at all times. We’re keen to see how it holds up after a year of repeated use and sleeping on.
Durability
Score: 4 out of 5
After just four weeks of testing it’s difficult to comment on how durable this mattress will be for years to come, but we can make a professional opinion based on our experiences so far. When pressed, the foam quickly springs back, demonstrating not only the firmness and support of the mattress, but the quality of the certified pure foam too.
We did notice the cover on our review sample was a little loose and baggy on the mattress, which didn’t look so attractive, but when covered with sheets it really didn't matter.
After four weeks of sleeping on the Simba Hybrid we noticed the height of the mattress had reduced a little where our heavier tester slept. However, Simba does advise rotating the mattress once a month for the first three months, so we will keep an eye on this. (For more guidance, read our feature answering how often should you rotate your mattress?)
Overall, the Simba Hybrid appears to be a well-made and durable mattress, and so long as it is rotated and maintained properly, we don’t envisage any problems. The Hybrid does come with a ten-year guarantee, so if there are any issues you should be covered by Simba.
Simba Hybrid Mattress: User reviews
There’s plenty of love for the Simba Hybrid online, with nearly 81,000 reviews on Simba’s own website. The average score rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars, with comments including: “Finally a mattress that hugs my body perfectly”, and, when talking about support and feel: “on the firm side, which suits us perfectly”. Another user review focused on pain relief: “I'm sleeping better and for longer, my joints and muscles aren't as sore”.
While the majority of user review feedback is positive for the Simba Hybrid, there are some critical comments too, with customers reporting back that the mattress felt too firm for them, with comments such as, “While I appreciate [the Simba Hybrid] works for many, unfortunately it didn’t work for me. I would like to see Simba offer different firmness options.” Meanwhile others complained about delivery glitches.
On Amazon UK there’s a slightly lower average score rating of 4.2 out of 5 for the Simba Hybrid, though 67% of the 900-plus user reviews award the mattress a full 5 out of 5 stars. The reviews were a mixed bag, with some people complaining that the Simba Hybrid wasn’t supportive enough for them, while others said it remarkably improved their back pain and was very comfy and supportive.
Others mentioned dips in their Simba Hybrid, although it was unclear whether the mattress had been rotated correctly as Simba suggests.
Should I buy the Simba Hybrid mattress?
The Simba Hybrid is a solid and affordable choice if you are after a reliable and breathable hybrid mattress, made from non-toxic materials and from a trusted brand. If you are lighter in weight it might be a little too firm, and this mattress is probably not ideal for all stomach sleepers either. But overall we really enjoyed sleeping on the Simba Hybrid and found it performed very well.
If you are after an extra layer of comfort, support or cushioning, then the Simba Hybrid Pro with double support could be a better fit. For the ultimate Simba experience, look no further than the 31cm-deep Hybrid Luxe with its plushness and other cosy qualities delivered across ten layers.
If you do take the plunge, you’ll have 200 nights to try it out for yourself, with Simba issuing a refund and collecting the mattress if you change your mind during the trial period. We always recommend using the best mattress protector you can afford on any bed you are testing during a trial period, as some brands will only accept returns if the mattress is in its original state.
Overall, if you’re after a cooler hybrid for back, side and combi sleeping, and especially for couples who share a bed yet have different bedtime schedules, then you can’t go wrong with the Simba Hybrid for the price - especially when it’s on sale.
