Simba Hybrid

Simba Hybrid Mattress Review UK | 2026

Last updated: 10.10.2026 Reading time: 12 Min.

The Simba Hybrid mattress needs no introduction.

It’s one of the UK’s most popular mattresses, with over half a million sold, 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.

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.

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 the right choice for everyone.

According to our testing, we think 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

We found it less suitable for:

  • The elderly or those with physical disabilities, as it's quite heavy and has to be rotated regularly
  • People on a budget, since it's quite expensive
  • People of heavier build or those who prefer a firmer feel

Check out our star rating before diving deeper into the full Simba mattress review below.

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

How firm is the Simba mattress ?

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

Simba Hybrid Firmness

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.

How we tested the Simba mattress firmness

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 allowed 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.

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

That said, some of our test sleepers perceived the mattress as slightly firmer while others felt it was a little softer. 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.

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 nine-zone foam base gives targeted support to heavier areas like your hips and shoulders, so you’ll feel well-supported from head to toe.

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

Simba mattress with test sleeper

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 options, like the Emma Original, Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro, 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, and everyone remained well-supported throughout.

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
  • Aerocoil springs that push fresh air upwards as they compress, increasing airflow

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

How we tested heat retention with the Simba mattress

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.

If you're a very hot sleeper, you may want to check out Simba's newer HeatRelease mattresses.

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's 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.

Simba mattress composition

The Simba is a cutting-edge hybrid pocket-sprung foam mattress that combines patented Aerocoil microsprings with multiple layers of foam.

Let's take a closer look:

Simba mattress cover: Soft, breathable knitted cover with a zip-off top

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

It's 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.

  • The top cover is 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, Simba requires you to use a mattress protector to keep your 10-year warranty valid, so it’s well worth adding one to your order.

Simbatex foam: Extra-deep, open-cell, graphite-infused Simbatex foam

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

Its open-cell structure allows for greater breathability than closed-cell memory foam. According to Simba’s own testing, Simbatex has over five times more airflow than memory foam, ensuring heightened cooling properties.

The foam is also graphite-infused, which helps draw warmth away from your body.

Aerocoil pocket springs: Up to 1,900 Aerocoil conical microsprings

Up to 1,900 patented Aerocoil pocket springs are positioned right under the comfort layer, providing bounce, high body adaptability, and even pressure distribution.

Made from a titanium alloy, these mini springs tend to offer better body adaptability than full-size springs, something that’s further enhanced by their conical shape, allowing for better compression.

As each spring compresses individually, it also pushes fresh air upwards and responds separately to movement, which helps with both cooling and motion isolation.

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

Stability layer: Thick, open-cell CertiPUR stabilising foam layer

A thick, open-cell CertiPUR-certified [1] foam layer sits beneath the Aerocoil springs, adding structural support and helping air circulate through the mattress.

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 has since redesigned its mattress to enhance cooling and breathability.

Zoned CertiPUR foam base: With nine support zones

The base layer is a CertiPUR-certified foam with nine different support zones.

These zones are designed to give targeted support where your body needs it most, such as wider, heavier areas like your hips and shoulders, helping to keep your spine in healthy alignment.

Simba has updated the Hybrid’s construction several times. Earlier versions featured a full foam base, and later a SupportCore spring base, which has since been replaced with a nine-zone foam base.

Some of the pictures we showcase are of older versions.

Simba mattress layers

removable cover of simba mattress

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

Grab some Simba bedding to go with your new mattress:

What does the Simba mattress cost?

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

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.

Does Simba offer key worker discounts?

Yes, Simba’s Community Hero pricing offers up to 26% off for key workers (including NHS staff), teachers, carers, military personnel, disabled customers, students, young people, and charity workers.

You can check your eligibility directly on the Simba website.

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 free next-day delivery on orders placed by 1pm (UK mainland only).
  • 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.

Unboxing Simba mattress

We answer some of the most common delivery FAQs below:

Can Simba remove my old mattress?

Simba will collect and recycle your old mattress, of any brand or size, for a small 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 to get back to its original size.

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-night trial period, double the industry-standard 100-night trial period.

The trial period gives you the chance to 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 little while 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 refurbished or recycled. ♻️

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 a great 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.

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 - 1 pm.

Registered office: Simba Sleep Limited, 5th Floor, Halo, Counterslip, Bristol BS1 6AJ

Frequently asked questions

  • Who is Simba?


    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. 

  • How are Simba mattresses made?


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

  • Are Simba mattresses certified?


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

    • Simba is a certified B Corp, meaning it meets high standards of social and environmental responsibility.
    • Simba mattresses are suitable for recycling or refurbishment via specialist providers, and Simba includes recycled materials where possible.
    • Simba foams are CertiPUR-certified and 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 meet UK fire safety standards.
    • Simba Sleep is also a National Bed Federation Approved Member, meaning that all production and manufacturing processes meet strict requirements.

    Simba products also meet the ISO9001 standard, an internationally recognised Quality Management System standard.

  • Has the Simba Hybrid won any awards?


    The Hybrid is Simba’s original hybrid mattress, with over half a million sold.

    It’s also an award-winning mattress, recognised by numerous top publications and independent testers in the UK. It's Good Housekeeping Approved, T3 Best Buy, Ideal Home Approved, IndyBest, Men’s Health Lab Approved, and Real Homes Gold Rated.

    Customer reviews are also very favourable: Simba has over 400,000 five-star reviews across its products, and more than 131,000 reviews for the Hybrid alone.

    You can read customer reviews on Simba’s TrustPilot page.

  • What other mattresses does Simba offer?


    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 pillow, Simba Hybrid 3-in-1 duvet, and the Simba Hybrid mattress topper.

  • How does Simba compare to other mattress brands?


    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. 

  • Where can I buy a Simba mattress?


    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.

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

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

  • What payment options does Simba offer?


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

    Online payments are secure.

    Simba also offers finance options through a panel of lenders, including V12 Retail Finance. You can spread the cost over 12 months at 0% APR, or choose a longer plan of up to 4 years (13.9% APR representative) for smaller monthly payments.

    Finance is subject to affordability, age, and status, and a minimum spend applies.

  • What is the Simba mattress guarantee?


    Simba mattresses come with a 10-year guarantee against manufacturing faults. If your mattress fails within that time, Simba will exchange it for a new one.

    Mattress cover defects are only covered for the first year, and the warranty doesn't cover wear and tear or customer damage.

    To keep your guarantee valid, Simba requires you to use a mattress protector and to rotate (not flip) the mattress regularly: Once a month for the first three months, and then every 3 to 6 months.

    T&Cs do apply.

  • 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 numerous 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.

Was this article helpful?
Please fill out
Yes
No

Great! Do you have any questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.

What would have made it better?

Comments

personMartyn
January 2025 thumb up
Very good point about the mattress

Reply

Thank you so much for your comment - here's to happy sleep!

You may also be interested in:

    Yes, please!
    No, thank you. Take me to the UK site.

    We have an affiliate relationship with some manufacturers, where we receive a commission on sales if you click over from our site. This does not affect the purchasing price. In contrast: By using our discount codes, you'll get the best deal possible.