Simba Hybrid

Simba Hybrid Mattress Review UK (2024)

Last updated: 27.03.2024 Reading time: 12 Min.

The Simba Hybrid mattress needs no introduction.

It's one of the UK's best-selling mattresses and a firm customer favourite.

But is this mattress really all it's made out to be?

And who is it most suitable for?

We share everything you need to know in this Simba Hybrid mattress review. 🥳

Let's dive right in.

Top features of the Simba mattress

Comfortable
Incredibly Comfortable
Free delivery & returns
Free Delivery & Returns
200-day trial period
200-Day Trial Period
Made in the UK
Proudly British

Advantages

  • Innovative structure with a slightly springy feel.
  • Very comfortable for side and back sleepers.
  • Good body adaptability and pressure relief.
  • Excellent breathability, making it a good choice for hot sleepers.
  • Removable and washable top cover.
  • Free delivery and returns.
  • 200-day trial period.
  • Available in a wide range of sizes.

Disadvantages

  • The mattress is quite heavy, which can be inconvenient for the elderly or people with physical difficulties.
  • It may be too soft for heavier builds or those who like a firmer feel.

How we test products

Our mission is to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect sleep products.

We've dedicated hundreds of hours to testing mattresses and sleep accessories, and rely on a team of testers of differing weights, temperature preferences, and sleeping positions to evaluate each product. 

Tested products are granted the Sleep Hero tested stamp of approval, a mark of our review's reliability.

To learn more about our testing process, check out our methodology page.

If we haven't personally tested a product, please be assured that we invest significant time and energy into scouring the UK market and researching the best recommendations, and we work with a team of sleep experts who review our articles, ensuring that the insights we provide are not only relatable but also reliable.

Who is the Simba Hybrid most suitable for?

We really enjoyed sleeping on the Simba Hybrid and would highly recommend it, but it's definitely not suitable for all types of sleepers.

We'll go into the nitty gritty of it all further down, but here's a quick overview.

Types of sleepers
The Simba mattress is most suitable for:

Light- or average-weight sleepers

Side or back sleepers

People looking for orthopaedic support

People who sleep hot or heavier sweaters

Restless sleepers

The Simba mattress is less suitable for:

The elderly or those with physical disabilities, as it is quite heavy and has to be turned regularly

People on a budget, since it's quite expensive

People of heavier build or those who prefer a firmer feel

Simba mattress composition

The Simba is a cutting-edge hybrid pocket-sprung foam mattress that combines high-quality pocket springs with multiple layers of foam:

  • Soft, breathable top cover
  • Open-cell, graphite-infused Simbatex foam
  • 2000 Aerocoil conical pocket springs across 13 zones
  • Open-cell, CertiPUR stability layer
  • No roll-off SupportCore base with up to 1000 barrel springs
  • Thin CertiPUR foam base

Let's look at all of these layers in a tad more detail.👇

Note: Simba used to have a full foam base layer but has since switched to a spring base layer to decrease its environmental impact. Some of the pictures we showcase are still of the older version.

Simba Hybrid mattress layers and cover

Let's briefly look at the mattress cover and the foam and spring layers of the Simba original mattress.

1. Simba mattress cover

The hypoallergenic Simba mattress cover is made of 100% polyester and includes grey mesh sides and a white hand-knitted top cover.

It has been designed for enhanced breathability and greater airflow and feels soft and cuddly to the touch.

Conveniently, larger mattress sizes feature four side carrying handles, which make moving and transporting the mattress easier (only the single-size and small double mattresses don't have handles).

The top cover is also removable and machine-washable at up to 40℃, but tumble-drying is not recommended.

To clean the grey base fabric of the cover, simply wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth.

Even though the mattress cover is washable, we still highly recommend using a waterproof mattress protector to further safeguard your sleep surface.

2. Top comfort layer of graphite-infused Simbatex open-cell foam

The top comfort layer of the mattress is made from a soft, open-cell polyfoam called Simbatex.

Its open-cell structure allows for greater breathability than closed-cell memory foam, ensuring enhanced airflow and heightened cooling properites.

The foam is also graphite-infused, further enhancing its cooling properties.

3. A layer of Aerocoil pocket springs

Up to 2000 mini pocket springs (25 mm in height) are positioned right under the comfort layer, providing bounce, high body adaptability, and even pressure distribution.

Mini pocket springs tend to offer better body adaptability than full-size springs, something that's further enhanced by their conical shape, allowing for better compression.

Individual coils are enclosed in polyester fabric pockets, which increases motion isolation and protects the surrounding foams.

4. A stability layer

A CertiPUR-certified foam layer acts as a transitional and stability layer between the Aerocoil spring layer and the SupportCore base layer.

Previous versions of the Simba mattress featured high-density Simba-Pure foam with Edge Lift Technology and a memory foam and latex mix in this layer, which is why Simba was previously known as a pocket spring memory foam mattress.

Simba had redesigned its mattress to enhance cooling and breathability.

5. SupportCore base layer

The Simba Hybrid's base layer is made of up to 1000 durable barrel springs, which provide firm edge support for full mattress enjoyment.

The additional springs also allow for even better airflow, again enhancing the overall breathability of the mattress.

Exchanging the foam base for the spring base also affects the overall sustainability score of the mattress, as spring production has less of an environmental impact than foam production.

6. CertiPUR foam base

Despite the spring base, Simba Sleep still includes a thin CertiPUR foam layer, which works with the SupportCore base to enhance overall stability and support.

Simba mattress layers

removable cover of simba mattress

Simba mattress firmness

The Simba Hybrid has been designed as a mattress with medium firmness - and we'd agree.

We've placed it at 6 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

Simba Hybrid Firmness

That said, some of our test sleepers perceived the mattress as slightly firmer while others felt it was a little softer, but your exact experience of the mattress will depend on your body size and weight.

We'll go into some of this in more detail further down.

Our Simba mattress firmness assessment

To conduct an in-depth Simba Hybrid original mattress review and assess firmness more accurately, we measured how deeply our test sleepers sank into the foams in different sleeping positions.

Simba mattress side sleeper

This allows us to gauge how the mattress responds to body weight and how much support it really gives.

When running our experiments, we ensure that we always take readings in the same place:

  • If lying on the stomach, we measure at the stomach.
  • If lying on the back and sides, we measure at the shoulders and hips.

This ensures fair and accurate measurements.

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All of our test sleepers experienced a good amount of sinkage, suggesting that the mattress is definitely soft enough to accommodate lighter-weight sleepers and adjust to different sleep positions while still remaining very supportive.

This is important as you need to experience some sinkage when lying on a mattress to ensure optimal spinal alignment, but you don't want to sink in too deeply.

Person standing on Simba mattress

What does sleeping on the Simba Hybrid mattress feel like?

The combination of mini pocket springs and different foam and sprung layers allows the Simba Hybrid mattress to highlight the advantages of each of the materials used. ⭐️

  • The top comfort layer provides sleepers with a pleasantly soft lying feel.
  • The conical pocket springs allow for even pressure distribution, eliminating pressure points and easing tension.
  • The SupportCore base enables edge-to-edge support, so you'll feel well-supported no matter where you lie.

This combination makes the Simba Hybrid an incredibly comfortable yet very supportive mattress that can help relieve orthopaedic concerns.

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Simba mattress with test sleeper
This mattress has been designed to offer excellent orthopaedic support.

Is the Simba mattress suitable for light- and average-weight sleepers?

You'll find the Simba Hybrid exceptionally comfortable and supportive if you're lighter or of average build.

All our test sleepers - regardless of height, weight, body type, or sleeping position - reported that they found the mattress comfortable and that it supported their bodies well throughout the night.

The mattress was most comfortable when sleeping on the side and sleeping on the back.

In both of these positions, the Simba Hybrid manages to offer the perfect mix of support and sinkage, where heavier body parts sink in a little more and lighter body parts are supported a little more, resulting in optimal spinal alignment.

Simba Hybrid mattress sleeper shoulders

Is the Simba Hybrid supportive enough for larger builds?

While our test sleepers all found that this medium-firm mattress offers sensational support, we do not think it's firm enough for heavier or larger people - or even those who simply prefer a firmer feel.

This is because people of a heavier weight - and pure stomach sleepers, for that matter - often require a firmer mattress to provide enhanced stability and support. 🧱

We'd recommend heavier sleepers opt for traditional pocket-sprung mattresses or consider firmer all-foam or hybrid mattresses, like the Emma Original, Simba Hybrid Luxe, or the Origin Hybrid mattress.

Does the Simba mattress have good edge support?

You'll experience excellent edge support on the Simba Mattress Hybrid.

For our Simba mattress review, we had various people sit and lie near the edges of the mattress, and everyone remained well-supported throughout.

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This means you can sit or lie at the end of the mattress quite comfortably without feeling like you're falling off the sides.

Edge support can be a deal breaker for couples wanting to use the entire width of the mattress or those who like to sit at the edge of their bed before getting up or going to bed.

Simba mattress edge support

Sitting on the Simba mattress

Is the Simba mattress good for restless sleepers?

Many bed-in-a-box mattresses feature memory foam, which offers great orthopaedic support but tends to give you that "sink-into-your-bed" feeling.

This isn't ideal for restless sleepers.

The Simba mattress is a good alternative since it still provides body-contouring support, but you'll never feel stuck in it. 🥳

This means you can toss and turn as you wish, making the mattress particularly suitable for restless sleepers.

Does the Simba Hybrid sleep hot?

The Simba mattress features numerous cooling properties for superior temperature control:

  • A knitted cover that enhances breathability.
  • Open-celled Simbatex foam with cooling graphite.
  • Pocket springs with natural ventilation channels that increase airflow.

These features improve breathability, enabling air to flow freely through the mattress and keeping you cool and comfortable all night long.

Our scientific temperature tests

temperature test simba mattress

In order to better demonstrate temperature regulation properties, we took some temperature measurements for our Simba Hybrid review.

The image demonstrates heat being stored exactly where the test sleeper lies while the rest of the mattress remains temperature-neutral. 👍

As soon as our test sleeper moved to a different position, the previously heated area cooled down.

This proves that the mattress doesn't store excessive heat - and that you can remain cool and comfortable all night long.

Is the Simba Hybrid mattress good for couples?

Whether or not a mattress is good for couples depends mainly on its degree of motion transfer.

Motion transfer refers to the movement that is carried through the mattress.

If a mattress has low motion transfer, it means that movements are absorbed and dampened - and you won't be disturbed by your partner's movements at night.

As a hybrid mattress featuring multiple springs, the Simba mattress does have some motion transfer, giving it that good bounce.

You shouldn't be disturbed by your partner too much, but you may feel some movement now and then.

For this reason, we'd recommend opting for larger mattress sizes, like the Simba king-size mattress or the Simba Hybrid super king-size mattress. 👑

These larger sizes ensure that there's enough space between you and your partner, should you wish to have it.

Snuggling is always allowed, of course.

In what sizes is the Simba mattress available?

Simba mattresses are available in the standard UK sizes, as well as select European mattress sizes. 🇬🇧 🇪🇺

  • Simba mattress single: 90 x 190 cm (3' x 6'3")
  • Simba mattress European single size: 90 x 200 cm (3' x 6'6")
  • Simba mattress small double: 120 x 190 cm (4' x 6'3")
  • Simba mattress double: 135 x 190 cm (4'4" x 6'3")
  • Simba mattress European double size: 140 x 200 cm (4'6" x 6'6")
  • Simba mattress king-size: 150 x 200 cm (5’ x 6’6”)
  • Simba mattress European queen size: 160 x 200 cm (5'2" x 6'6")
  • Simba mattress super king-size: 180 x 200 cm (6' x 6'6")

The European sizes are great if you've moved from Europe or have bed frames or bedding in those sizes, but we'd usually recommend sticking to standard UK mattress sizes.

Sticking to standard sizes makes finding suitable accessories much easier - and cheaper!

Simba mattress depth

The Simba mattress has a height of 25 cm (9.8 inches), which is on par with most bed-in-a-box mattresses and most bedding dimensions.

Simba mattress height
The Simba mattress has a height of 25 cm.

The mattress was designed to carry a weight of up to 114 kg (250 lbs) per person.

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Simba mattress prices

Single
£ 629
Double
£ 819
King
£ 939
Super King
£ 1,049

The Simba Hybrid mattress is more expensive than comparable bed-in-a-box mattresses, but it is on par with other luxury mattresses.

(Note: prices listed above are standard prices, excluding any current coupons and discounts)

Simba mattress discount codes

You'll occasionally find some great Simba mattress sales or coupon codes available.

They're easy to use: Simply apply the code upon checkout, and the discount will automatically be deducted from the total amount. 🤩

If there are any Simba discounts currently running, we'll display them throughout this article.

But you may also want to check out our Simba discount codes article or our discounts page for all the best deals.

Is there a Simba mattress NHS discount available?

Simba Sleep offers discounts to NHS staff and Blue Light Card members.

You will need to provide some form of identification, but the Simba customer support team can assist with this process.

Simba mattress UK delivery conditions

The Simba Hybrid is a bed-in-a-box mattress, which means it's delivered rolled up, vacuum-packed, and tightly sealed in a compact box. 📦

  • Simba offers a free next-day delivery service to the room of your choice.
  • You can also choose a specified time delivery or weekend delivery for an additional fee.
  • There's also a VIP delivery option, where a specialist team installs your mattress and bed for immediate use and removes all the packaging.

Simba delivers across the United Kingdom.

You can store your new mattress in its box for up to three months, but please remember that your 200-night trial starts with delivery, regardless of whether you unpack the mattress or not.

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Unboxing Simba mattress
The Simba arrives vacuum-packed in a compact box.

We answer some of the most common delivery FAQs below:

Can Simba remove my old mattress?

Simba offers an old mattress removal service at an additional fee.

How do I unpack my Simba mattress?

Your new mattress is super easy to unpack:

  • Open the box and take out your mattress.
  • Unroll the flattened mattress on your bed base.
  • Cut the plastic and break the vacuum seal.
  • Remove any other packaging.

Your mattress will begin inflating as soon as you break the vacuum seal, and takes roughly 3 - 6 hours.

Occasionally, though, it can take up to 72 hours for the mattress to expand completely.

Does the Simba mattress smell?

Our mattress didn't smell when we unpacked it, but you may notice a slight smell upon unpacking.

This is called off-gassing, something that's completely normal with compressed products and is not toxic or harmful in any way.

That said, we still recommend unpacking your new mattress in a well-ventilated room and letting it air out until the smell dissipates.

Which bed base can I use for my Simba mattress?

The Simba mattress can be placed on top of any bed base, including adjustable bases, slatted frames, divan bases, or box springs.

If you're using a slatted bed frame, ensure that the slats are no greater than 7.5 cm (3 inches) apart so that your mattress is supported correctly.

Simba mattress trial period

All Simba mattresses come with a risk-free 200-day trial period, one up from the industry standard 100-night trial period.

The trial period gives you the chance the test the mattress in the comfort of your own home to see if it's a perfect fit for you.

Generally, it will take your body a few weeks to get used to a new mattress. 🗓

This can take three weeks but can also take up to six weeks or longer, especially if your new mattress is vastly different from your old one.

How to return a Simba mattress

If you decide that the Simba mattress isn't right for you at any point during the trial period, you can return it for a full refund.

To return the mattress, all you need to do is contact Simba customer service.

Collection and returns are organised by Simba and are completely free of charge within the UK.

Conveniently, you also don't have to keep any of the original packaging to return the mattress.

Once your returned mattress has been received, you'll receive a full refund within a few days.

Don't fret: Returned mattresses are recycled or donated to charities. ♻️

Should you buy the Simba Hybrid mattress?

As our Simba review has hopefully shown, the Simba Hybrid mattress is a high-quality, supportive, and comfortable mattress that offers the perfect night's sleep.

We'd recommend the Simba mattress to:

  • Light- and average-weight sleepers
  • People who sleep on their side or back
  • People who like a medium-firm mattress with a slightly softer feel
  • Heavier sweaters or people who often feel hot at night
  • Restless sleepers
  • Couples

Heavier-weight people, those of larger builds, stomach sleepers, and those who prefer slightly firmer mattresses are advised to take advantage of the risk-free trial period to see if the mattress can support them well enough.

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Rating

4.7
  • Material

    Pocket springs and high-definition foam.

  • Comfort

    Very comfortable.

  • Off-gassing

    Almost no off-gassing.

  • Breathability

    Excellent breathability.

  • Motion transfer & support

    Good support but some motion transfer.

  • Delivery & returns

    Free delivery & returns.

  • Value for money

    Pricey but a good product.

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

Contact Simba Sleep UK

Customer service: To contact Simba Sleep directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at hello@simbasleep.com or visit their live online chat. The customer service team is available Monday to Friday, from 9 am - 5 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.

Registered office: Simba Sleep, The Stable Yard, 60 Petty France, Westminster, London SW1H 9EU

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the Simba mattress guarantee?


    Simba mattresses are incredibly durable, have a long lifespan, and come with a 10-year guarantee.

    This mattress warranty covers any physical manufacturing flaws in the mattress layers. 

    But, mattress cover defects are only covered for the first year, and the warranty does not cover wear and tear or customer damage.

    As part of the guarantee, Simba requires you to rotate (not flip) the mattress regularly - once a month for the first three months and then every 3 - 6 months. 

    T&Cs do apply.

  • Has the Simba mattress won any awards?


    The Hybrid is Simba's bestselling mattress.

    It is also an award-winning mattress that has been recognised by numerous top institutions and independent testing corporations in the UK, receiving mentions such as Which? Best Buy, Ideal Home Approved, T3 Best Buy, Good Housekeeping Approved, and Real Homes Approved.

    Consumer Simba mattress reviews are also favourable, and Simba advertises itself as "the world's most five-star reviewed mattress brand".

    You can read almost 50,000 customer reviews on Simba's TrustPilot page

  • What are the Simba mattress UK certifications?


    Simba mattresses are designed and manufactured in the UK, adhering to strict manufacturing and safety guidelines.

    • The Simba Hybrid is made from 100% recyclable materials.
    • It's guaranteed to be pro-planet and TCPP-free.
    • Simba foams are free from TCPP, phosphates, parabens, biocides, organic pollutants, and other chemicals.
    • 100% of waste foam and springs from the manufacturing process is sold to be used in the manufacturing of other products.
    • Simba products are not tested on animals. 
    • All Simba products comply with UK fire regulation BS7177, meaning they're fully fire-retardent.
    • Simba Sleep is also a National Bed Federation Approved Member (2018), meaning that all production and manufacturing processes meet strict requirements. 
    • Simba products also meet the  ISO9001 standard, an internationally recognised Quality Management System standard.
  • How is the Simba mattress made?


    If you're interested, you can take a look at the below Simba Sleep UK video for more on the Simba mattress.

  • Can you tell me more about Simba Sleep, the company?


    Simba Sleep is a British bed-in-a-box mattress company first founded in 2015.

    It produces a wide range of mattresses and sleep accessories, and has been a member of Great Britain's National Bed Federation since 2016.

    Simba mattresses are designed and manufactured in the UK. 

  • What are the other Simba mattresses in the UK?


    In addition to the Simba Hybrid, Simba Sleep also offers a range of other hybrid and foam mattresses.

    Some of the most popular UK Simba mattresses include:

    The brand also offers a host of other sleep accessories, including the Simba Hybrid pillowSimba Hybrid 3-in-1 duvet, and the Simba Hybrid mattress topper.

  • What payment options does Simba mattress UK offer?


    You can purchase your Simba product on the Simba UK website via credit card or PayPal.

    Online payments are secure.

    Simba also offers financing options, and they've teamed with DivideBuy to help you choose how and when to pay.

  • Can I buy Simba mattresses via Amazon UK or other stockists?


    The Simba mattress is available via Amazon in the UK and at a few select retailers, like John Lewis.

    You'll even get your trial and 10-year guarantee if you purchase via Amazon.

    SHOP SIMBA ON AMAZON

    But, we'd always recommend purchasing directly from the manufacturer.

    This guarantees that you have Simba-assured quality and get the best customer service. 

  • Can you offer Simba mattress comparisons?


    The Simba mattress may be a high-quality mattress that we'd highly recommend, but there are also many other quality mattresses in the UK.

    You can read some of our full comparisons below:

    It's worth remembering that many other bed-in-a-box mattresses are all-foam mattresses, while the Simba is a hybrid mattress. 

    For accurate comparisons, it's best to compare like with like. 

  • What are common Simba mattress problems?


    While the Simba Hybrid is an excellent mattress, some customers have reported Simba mattress problems.

    Often, these are simply because the Simba is a wrong fit. 

    • For example, people who find the mattress too soft or firm aren't struggling with a Simba mattress problem - they're merely struggling with a compatibility problem.
    • Similarly, those who find the Simba mattress too hot may just need a pure pocket spring mattress instead of a hybrid.

    The Simba Hybrid mattress may be more or less suited to you, depending on your body size, weight, and preferred sleep position. 

    We'd recommend using Simba's trial to determine if the mattress is the right fit for you. 

    But what about other Simba mattress problems?

    Some customers may find that their Simba mattress begins dipping or sagging in the middle after only a few months of use.

    Simba mattress dipping is likely when:

    • The mattress is being used by an individual heavier than the maximum weight limit.
    • The mattress hasn't been rotated head-to-toe once a month for the first three months (and then every six months thereafter).
    • The mattress hasn't been placed on a suitably supportive bed base or frame with slats that are too far apart.

    If none of these applies, there may be a manufacturing fault, and you can rely on Simba's 10-year guarantee to keep you covered. 

  • References

Nicky

Nicky Peters

Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

Nicky is an experienced writer and editor with BA, BA(Hons), and MA qualifications. As a certified sleep coach, her interests lie in understanding how sleep problems arise from hormonal and environmental issues, particularly as part of stress and anxiety management.

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