Panda Hybrid Pillow

Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow Review UK (2024)

Last updated: 31.10.2023 Reading time: 12 Min.

You’ve heard of the original Panda pillow.

And I bet you didn’t think it could get much better! 😱

Yet, the more premium Panda Hybrid pillow is infused with charcoal and a BambooCloud quilted cover for optimal breathability.

We put the Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow to the test.

But did it meet our expectations?

Our Panda Hybrid pillow review will tell you more! 👇

Top features of the Panda Hybrid pillow

10-year guarantee
10-Year Guarantee
Machine-washable
Machine-Washable Cover
Environmentally-friendly
Eco-Friendly Materials
Cooling
Temperature-Regulating Charcoal

Advantages

  • Pressure-relieving memory foam with great head and neck support
  • Charcoal infusion technology that regulates heat and promotes cleanliness
  • Active O2 Micro-pods to encourage airflow
  • Hypoallergenic and suitable for those with sensitive skin
  • Fully washable BambooCloud cover
  • Highly sustainable materials, including ethically-sourced bamboo
  • Soft and luxurious feel
  • 10-year guarantee against manufacturing faults
  • Highly responsive customer service team
  • Excellent reviews from customers
  • 30-night sleep trial
  • Free delivery & returns
  • Excellent value for money

Disadvantages

  • Pillow is not adjustable
  • Unsuitable for stomach sleepers
  • It feels fairly heavy (so no pillow fights!)

Who is the Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow suitable for?

  • Side and back sleepers
  • Hot sleepers
  • Those who want to try a pillow before they commit to it
  • Those who care about their environmental impact

Panda Hybrid pillow vs original pillow

We’ve tested both these pillows, and we think they are great - but what are their differences and similarities?

The table below gives you a comparison of the differences:

Panda Memory Foam Bamboo pillow Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow
Core 3rd generation memory foam 100% charcoal infused memory foam
Cover Material 40% bamboo & 60% polyester

Outer cover & inner cover: 100% rayon bamboo

Cover filling: 80% bamboo microfibre & 20% recycled nano microfibre

Cover Design Soft and slightly textured cover in white & Panda logo Silky soft Plush BambooCloud cover in white with air mesh sides & Panda logo
Size 60 x 40 x 12 cm (27.5 x 15.7 x 5.11 inches) 70 x 40 x 13 cm (23.6 x 15.7 x 4.7 inches)
Weight: 1.8 kg (3.9 lbs) 2.2 kg (4.85 lbs)

The main differences between the pillows are the materials, size, and weight.

Yet, both these luxurious pillows come in medium-firm support and provide pressure-relieving comfort.

You’ll also get the 10-year-guarantee, 30-night sleep trial, free delivery, and returns no matter your choice.

Both pillows include ethically sourced bamboo with a high standard of sustainability. ♻️

The original pillow is more budget-friendly for those who want a comfortable pillow that is good value for money.

Check it out below:

Panda Hybrid pillow composition

The Panda Hybrid Memory Foam pillow is so comfortable that we no longer want to get out of bed! 😴

It features slightly more advanced materials than the original, including CharcoCell foam and a 100% bamboo cover.

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Panda Hybrid pillow with logo

Panda Hybrid pillow half uncovered

It takes just a few high-quality materials to create this once-size-fits-most pillow. 🥰

They are:

  • Orthopaedic grade, charcoal-cell polyurethane
  • Protective mesh fabric inner cover
  • BambooCloud quilted removable cover

So, what does all this pillow jargon mean?

Charcoal-cell foam

The main “ingredient” of the Panda Hybrid pillow - and what makes it a hybrid - is the exclusive charcoal-infused Visco foam core.

For those that don’t know, memory foam is well-loved for its pressure-relieving and contouring capabilities.

Memory foam responds to body temperature and pressure, meaning it can mould to the exact shape it needs to support you. 🧽

See how it works on a memory foam mattress below:

memory foam being pressed

hand imprint on memory foam

But unlike many other pillow brands, the Panda Hybrid pillow is infused with charcoal.

Charcoal is great for absorbing moisture and eliminating odours, which will help your pillow stay clean and last longer.

It also dissipates heat to regulate your body temperature. ♨️

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

But that’s not the only “cool” factor about the Panda Hybrid Memory Foam Bamboo pillow.

Active 02 Micropods

Breathability and temperature control are key components in the Panda Hybrid Memory Foam pillow design. ✅

The Micropods are essentially little ventilation pockets integrated into the core foam.

This encourages hot air to be dispensed out of the pillow and fresh air to flow in for maximum breathability.

Mesh protector

Wrapped around the foam core is the deluxe mesh fabric cover.

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Panda Hybrid pillow uncovered
The Panda Hybrid pillow includes an in-built protector.

Not only is this inner cover highly breathable, but it helps to protect your pillow from bacteria and moisture build-up. 💦

Like a mattress having a mattress protector, your pillow should be encased with additional protection.

But many people don’t bother with pillow protectors.

Panda London has cut out the middleman by integrating this soft pillow protector as part of the Panda Hybrid pillow.

Bamboo cover

And last but certainly not least is the new BambooCloud cover. 😍

This is a significantly different design from the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo pillow cover.

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

panda pillow cover
The Panda Hybrid pillow has a unique cover.

Unlike the original cover, which only contains 40% bamboo, the Panda Hybrid pillow cover is made from 100% bamboo.

Bamboo has antibacterial properties and is inhospitable to dust mites. 🦠

It also features a mesh frame airflow system for even more breathability.

But we’ll go into more detail about the BambooCloud cover features later.

Panda Hybrid pillow firmness

It’s our job to test the best pillows on the market - and we’ve tried a bunch of them!

But the Panda Hybrid pillow is one of our favourites.

It has a supportive feel that hugs the head and snuggles the shoulders. 🤗

The Panda Hybrid pillow is rated medium-firm, and we’d agree with this rating. ✔️

Most people are used to soft hollowfibre pillows that you sink right into and might feel sceptical about using a firmer pillow.

Yet, the Panda Hybrid pillow still feels soft whilst supportive.

Take a look at the image:

Weight on Panda Hybrid pillow
We tested the support by putting a 5 kg weight in the middle of the pillow.

As you can see, the weight sinks into the pillow without fully plummeting to the bottom.

This is the perfect balance of sinking and support you need, particularly if you are a side or back sleeper.

But more on that below. 👇

Panda Hybrid pillow comfort

You may have heard that you need a particular mattress for your sleeping position, but are you aware you need a certain pillow too? 🤔

This can make shopping for a new pillow even more complicated . . .

But don’t worry; we’re here to guide you through the process.

Side sleeping

Over half of the population are side sleepers [1].

This means your body is turned to the side with one shoulder and hip pressed into the mattress. ⚓

Yet, this creates a large gap between the head and shoulder where your pillow should go.

Therefore you need a fairly high-loft and firm pillow to ensure you are properly supported throughout the night.

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Side sleeping on Panda Hybrid pillow
The Panda Hybrid pillow is suitable for side sleeping.

We felt very comfortable on the Panda Hybrid Memory Foam pillow in the side sleeping position.

The pillow supported the head and neck so that it stayed mostly in line with the spine.

We felt completely comfortable and suffered no aches and pains throughout the night. ❤️

However, a pillow is subjective to each person - if you have broader shoulders, you may prefer a slightly deeper pillow, such as the Simba Hybrid Firm pillow.

Back sleeping

Back sleeping is less common but is great for spine health [2].

By laying flat on your back, you take pressure off your spine, joints and organs.

The gap between the head and shoulders isn’t quite as large in this position, so a medium-height and medium-feel pillow works best. 👍

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Back sleeping on Panda Hybrid pillow
Back sleeping on the Panda Hybrid pillow was comfortable.

We felt very supported on the Panda Hybrid pillow in the back sleeping position.

The head was lifted, so there was a very slight bend, but overall alignment was maintained.

We also enjoyed how the memory foam cushioned the shoulders and relieved the head from pressure. 🥰

Stomach sleeping

Stomach sleeping isn’t the best for you, but for many, this is the only way to feel comfortable.

Sleeping on your stomach puts the most pressure on the spine and neck, creating a bend when the neck is turned sideways.

There is not much space between the chin and chest. 🤔

Therefore, it’s essential to opt for a low and soft pillow that ensures the head isn’t bent upwards too much.

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Stomach sleeping on Panda Hybrid pillow
The Panda Hybrid pillow isn’t suitable for stomach sleeping.

As you can see from the image above, the Panda Hybrid pillow was too high for this sleeping position.

This created neck pain and a bend in the bottom of the spine. 🥴

However, most stomach sleepers get on better with an adjustable pillow with removable layers or shredded foam.

This means front sleepers can put in their required amount of layers of foam (just one or two for this position).

Take a look at our favourite adjustable memory foam pillows:

Does the Panda Hybrid pillow sleep hot?

You might be thinking, why would I buy a memory foam pillow if I want a cooler sleep?

But Panda London has come up with an innovative design that regulates temperature and promotes breathability.

In fact, despite testing this pillow during a heatwave, we felt cool and comfortable throughout the night. 🌙

Temperature control

The bamboo cover is highly breathable with moisture-wicking properties that will help sweaty sleepers stay drier at night.

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Moisture-wicking material diagram
Bamboo pushes excess moisture away from the body.

Another great feature of the memory foam is the additional charcoal-infusion technology. 🔬

Not only is charcoal antibacterial, but it also absorbs excess body heat.

This encourages you to stay at the perfect temperature without overheating.

Airflow

The Active 02 Micropods have been included to promote airflow throughout the pillow. 🍃

These small holes within the foam structure encourage air to circulate throughout the pillow.

The cover also features air mesh sides that allow any stored heat to easily pass out of the pillow.

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Pillow with ventilation properties
The Panda London Hybrid pillow features breathable air mesh sides.

A combination of all these different features assured we slept coolly even during a UK heatwave. 🌞

Panda Plush Bamboo Cloud Cover

The cover is one of the most noticeable new features of the Panda collection.

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Panda Hybrid pillow with cover
The Panda Hybrid pillow cover is different from the original pillow.

The original model has a textured feel compared to the new silkier design. ✨

The cover consists of the following:

  • Inner & outer cover: 100% made from bamboo
  • Cover filling: 80% bamboo microfibre & 20% Nano-Microfibre (from recycled polyester)

This is much more premium than the original Panda cover, made from just 40% bamboo fibres and 60% polyester.

How easy is it to remove the cover?

The cover was easy to unzip (smooth and no catching on threads) and remove with its L-shaped zip design, despite our Sleep Hero kitty wanting to help. 🐱

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Panda Hybrid pillow cover and kitten
The Panda Hybrid pillow cover was easy to remove.

This created a large opening to pop out the pillow easily.

This was much easier than when we tested the Emma pillow.

Putting the layers back in the Emma Original pillow was difficult because the opening was small.

But because of the L-shaped opening on the Panda Hybrid pillow, it was easy to pop back into its cover.

100% bamboo cover

Overall, we were delighted with the quality of the cover. 😅

It has a smooth, silky, and cool-to-the-touch feel.

We’re also glad that Panda didn’t forego the adorable Panda logo in their new design - which has been a favourite feature among our testers.

The border and logo do shine through if you're using a white pillowcase.

But it's also not necessary to use a pillowcase since the bamboo pillow cover provides optimal protection.

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Panda Hybrid pillow cover with logo
We love the Panda logo on the pillow cover.

The cover is thick and durable (our cat has occasionally used the pillow as a file for his claws), and the Panda Hybrid pillow has remained in excellent condition.

The bamboo cover is also 100% machine-washable, which will help it stay clean and last as long as possible.

Head down to our FAQs for more details on washing your Panda Hybrid pillow.

Air mesh sides

Another new feature of the Panda cover is the air mesh strip.

This air mesh has little holes that encourage airflow for the best breathability.

It also gives the pillow a slightly futuristic look. 👽

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Panda Hybrid pillow cover mesh sides

Unzipping Panda Hybrid pillow cover

The bamboo material and air mesh design make this one of the most breathable pillow covers we’ve seen.

Panda Hybrid pillow size

The Panda Hybrid pillow is the largest yet, measuring 70 x 40 x 13 cm (27.5 x 15.7 x 5.11 inches).

This is larger than the original pillow, which measures 60 x 40 x 12 cm (23.6 x 15.7 x 4.7 inches).

If you’re a side sleeper and find the previous model too low, you might get on better with the Panda London Hybrid pillow.

Panda Hybrid pillow and Panda Baby pillow
The Panda Hybrid pillow is huge compared to the smaller baby pillow in the range.

The Panda Hybrid pillow is also significantly heavier than other pillows, weighing 2.2 kg (4.8 lbs.) 🏋️

So, we wouldn’t recommend using it for pillow fights.

Yet, despite its large size, we’ve experienced no issues with using a regular pillowcase on the Panda Hybrid Memory Foam Bamboo pillow.

Panda Hybrid pillow price

The Panda Hybrid pillow has a lot going for it. 👍

Man and woman with coins
The Panda Hybrid pillow is worth its price tag.

Therefore, the price is steeper than the other pillows on the market.

The Panda Hybrid pillow is around £90, which is still cheaper than the Simba pillow and Emma pillow. 💰

It also has a longer guarantee and is more eco-friendly than these products.

Therefore, we think it’s excellent value for money and a worthy investment if you're looking for a long-lasting, high-quality pillow.

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Panda Hybrid pillow discount code

Is the Panda Hybrid pillow out of your price range?

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Piggybank and mattress
You can get year-round discounts on the Panda London Hybrid Memory Foam pillow.

No worries!

Panda London often has promotional sales throughout the year, where you can get huge savings on Panda products.

Sleep Hero often has exclusive discounts on some top brands, including Panda.

You can keep tabs on all the best Panda promotions on our discounts page or sign up for our newsletter. 🏷️

Panda London pillow delivery

Panda offers free delivery for all orders over the minimum order value to qualify for free delivery in the UK.

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Delivery process graphic
The delivery process was easy.

You can also order to Ireland and countries outside of the UK, but there may be an additional charge. 💰

Once you’ve placed an order, it should arrive within 5 working days either by DPD, UPS or DHL couriers.

You’ll get a text with a delivery date and tracking code before you receive your order, and a one-hour time slot on the day of delivery.

Our Panda Hybrid Memory Foam Bamboo pillow arrived in a rectangular cardboard box.

Panda Hybrid pillow in box

Panda Hybrid pillow with box open

The cardboard box is made from recycled and recyclable packaging. ♻️

This is biodegradable and compostable Kraft paper that naturally decomposes over time without leaving any toxic traces in the soil.

This is part of the Panda initiative to create eco-friendly products that don’t harm our world or wildlife. 🐼

Panda Hybrid pillow

Panda Hybrid pillow box and letter

The packaging was easy to open and could even be kept if you wanted to use it again.

We also received a little personalised note from Panda, which was a thoughtful touch.

Overall, the delivery process was as efficient as possible. 😅

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Panda sleep trial

We think it’s highly unlikely that you’ll not get on with your Panda Hybrid pillow.

But seeing as we love ours, we’re a little biased.

Luckily, Panda offers a 30-night sleep trial on all their pillows, mattress toppers, and mattress protectors.

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Panda Hybrid pillow trial period
The Panda London Hybrid pillow includes a 30-night sleep trial.

This means you can fully test your Panda Hybrid pillow and send it back if it’s unsuitable. 😄

You’ll receive a full refund once your pillow has been returned (clean and undamaged) to Panda.

You can see the full terms of this trial on the Panda website.

Panda Hybrid pillow guarantee

Not only do you get 30 nights to test the pillow, but a 10-year guarantee as well.

Orders from the Panda website are automatically included in this guarantee.

If you ordered from a 3rd party store such as Amazon, you might need to register your Panda product to be eligible for the 10-year warranty.

A guarantee this long on pillows is almost unheard of; in fact, many pillow brands don’t include a guarantee.

The Panda warranty protects you from defects in the pillow, such as faulty workmanship or materials. 🛠️

You should contact the Panda customer service team as soon as you find the fault.

Should you buy the Panda Hybrid pillow?

It would be unfair of us to say that you’re definitely going to love this pillow.

We’ve had a phenomenal experience with the Panda Hybrid pillow and the other Panda products we’ve tried. 💕

And we feel great about investing in a brand that cares about its environmental impact.

But pillow comfort is subjective, so it’s important to consider whether this pillow is right for you.

You also have a 30-night trial to give you some extra peace of mind if you’re still unsure. 🤞

BUY PANDA HYBRID PILLOW£ 89.95

Rating

4.9
  • Material

    High-quality materials.

  • Comfort

    Exceptional comfort.

  • Off-gassing

    We experienced minimal off-gassing. 

  • Breathability

    Highly breathable design. 

  • Motion transfer & support

    Supports the head, neck, and shoulders. 

  • Delivery & returns

    Free delivery & returns. 

  • Value for money

    Excellent value. 

Material
Comfort
Off-gassing
Breathability
Motion transfer & support
Delivery & returns
Value for money

Contact Panda London UK

Customer service: To contact Panda Life directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at info@mypandalife.com, call them on +44 208 935 5380, or visit their live online chat.

Registered office: Panda Life Ltd, 447 High Road, N12 0AF, London, UK

Frequently asked questions

  • Is the Panda Hybrid pillow good?


    The Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow is made with high-quality materials, are eco-friendly, and suitable for most sleeping positions.

    We love our Panda products, especially the pillows, and can’t recommend them enough.

    However, they’re not miracle workers. 

    If your mattress is unsuitable, then a new pillow isn’t going to be enough to get rid of your back pain and create a good night’s sleep.

    You should also consider purchasing a new mattress.

    Why not check out the new Panda Hybrid Bamboo mattress?

    This premium mattress is made from advanced memory foam, supportive pocket springs and a washable bamboo cover.

  • Can you wash the Panda Hybrid pillow?


    Unfortunately, Panda Hybrid pillows are not machine-washable.

    However, every Panda London Hybrid pillow comes with a removable cover that can be popped into the washing machine for a freshen-up.

    This ensures your pillow stays in the best condition for as long as possible.

  • Where can I buy the Panda Hybrid pillow?


    Panda London Hybrid Memory Foam pillows can be purchased from a variety of different retailers.

    These include:

    However, if you buy directly from Panda London UK, you automatically qualify for a 30-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

  • Other Panda products


    It goes without saying that Panda are the pillow experts. 🤓

    Have an in-depth look at more of our Panda reviews:

    But they have even more sleep accessories, including a luxurious Panda duvet, waterproof Panda mattress protector, and 100% bamboo bedding.

  • Is the Panda Hybrid pillow safe?


    It’s understandable to want to know the certifications of a product where you lay your head every night.

    And you can feel reassured that every Panda product, including the Panda Hybrid Memory Foam pillow, carries the OEKO-Tex Standard 100 certification [3].

    This certification ensures every thread, foam, and any other material has been tested to make sure it doesn’t include harmful substances. ✅

    The Panda Hybrid Memory Foam Bamboo pillow also carries an additional REACH certification [4].

    This adds another level of protection from using harmful substances and chemicals to humans and the environment.

    So, this means it's safe for you (or your furry friends) to snuggle up all night long. 🥰

  • Is the Panda Hybrid pillow good for the environment?


    Our safety is important, but what effect does the Panda London Hybrid Memory Foam pillow have on the environment?

    Protecting our world and those that live in it is vital to Panda, from manufacturing to delivery. 🧵🚚

    Here’s a breakdown of the Panda environmental policy:

    • They use pesticide-free and vegan-friendly organic bamboo
    • Made from sustainable materials in managed FSC-approved forests [5] that protect wildlife, communities and farm workers' rights. 
    • They use a closed-loop system that ensures any excess water gets reused in local agriculture irrigation. 
    • Manufacture their products in ethical factories with safe conditions and fair wages.
    • Made from recyclable and compostable cardboard and low-density recyclable plastic.
    • They have a no-plane policy that ensures products are only imported by sea, and couriers use renewable energy and electric transport fleets in large cities.

    But Panda London has taken it one step further with the Panda Circle of Life [6] programme to ensure less waste is in a landfill.

    At the end of its lifespan, Panda London will collect your unwanted Panda product, so it doesn’t end up in waste.

    They will then repurpose the memory foam for sofa fillings, toys or cushions and donate any items that still have some life left in them to charity. ❤️

  • References

Holly

Holly Matthews

Senior Content Writer

Holly has been a content writer at Sleep Hero UK since 2021. With an MA degree in literature and previous experience working at a leading UK bed retailer, she is committed to using her skills to guide others towards making better sleep choices.

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