As the cost-of-living crisis in the UK shows little sign of letting up, more people are searching for a cheaper mattress. It’s difficult to use the word “cheap” to describe the Simba Hybrid Essential, as it still comes in around £600 before discounts. But it’s one of the budget hybrid mattresses from Simba and I’m going to find out in this review if it’s worth buying, or alternatively if choosing a different mattress might be better for you.
Overview: Simba Hybrid Essential mattress
Pros:
- Comfortable and supportive, not too bouncy.
- Made with high-quality materials, including Simbatex foam and titanium Aerocoil springs.
- Cheaper than other Simba mattresses, and great value at this price range.
- Breathable and hypoallergenic cover
- 200 days trial period
Cons:
- Only 20cm deep
- Fewer springs than the others in the Hybrid range
- May not be ideal for heavier people or side sleepers who need more pressure relief.
- Cover cannot be removed for machine washing, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Unboxing the Simba Hybrid Essential
Starting at the very beginning…
The Simba Hybrid Essential mattress comes rolled up in a box that measures 50 x 50 x 105cm. The box is not too heavy compared to others, so you may need some help moving it around your house. However, the delivery team will take it to a room of your choice when it arrives.
After removing the mattress from the box (the delivery team don’t do this!), you’ll need to remove the plastic wrapping. The plastic can be quite tough, so you will need a pair of scissors to help you cut through it. Once the plastic is removed, the mattress will begin to expand. It may take up to eight hours for the mattress to fully inflate – just to make you aware .
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Weight and Storage
Now, let me just say that I’m not the biggest fan of unboxing heavy stuff, but thankfully, the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress came in a box that was pretty easy to handle. Phew!
The Simba Hybrid Essential mattress weighs approximately 35kg in a double size, which is relatively light for a mattress of this size. Simba recommends that the mattress should not be stored vertically, and should be kept flat at all times. This is because storing the mattress vertically can cause damage to the springs and foam inside.
Finally, a mattress that can be lifted by a single person – just. Most hybrids weigh almost double this.
The reason that the Simba Essential is so light is because it has fewer layers – four in fact. We’ll come to this later.
Top Hybrid Mattresses: Comparison
BEST IN TEST Emma NextGen Premium |  Simba Hybrid Luxe |  Eve Original Hybrid | Simba Hybrid Pro |  OTTY Pure | Simba Hybrid | Eve Premium Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WhatMattress Rating | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| User Rating | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Price | £359.55 | £499.00 | £407.00 | £367.00 | £274.50 | £488.00 | £407.00 |
| More info | More info | More info | More info | More info | More info | More info | |
| Read my Emma NextGen Premium review | Read my Simba Hybrid Luxe review | Read my Eve Original Hybrid review | Read my Simba Hybrid Pro review | Read my OTTY PURE Hybrid review | Read my Simba Hybrid review | Read Eve Premium Hybrid my review |
Simba Hybrid Essential: Cover
The cover of the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress is soft and comfortable to the touch. The top part of the cover is white and made from 99% polyester and 1% elastane, with a blue polyester border. The bottom part of the cover is grey and made from polypropylene. The cover is designed to be breathable and hypoallergenic.
The cover has a zipper, but Simba recommends that this should only be used for manufacturing purposes and should not be removed for machine washing. Instead, the mattress should be spot cleaned if necessary. This is a shame 🙁
Once I got it out of the box and removed the plastic wrapping, frankly I was pleasantly surprised by the look and feel of the cover. It’s soft, very white, and has a nice blue border that makes it look a little bit fancy. It definitely looks like it belongs in a high-end hotel room!
Next, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the design.
Simba Hybrid Essential Design & Layers
As above, the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress is a hybrid mattress, which means it combines foam and springs to give you the best of both worlds. It’s not as deep as some of the other mattresses out there, but it still has four layers of foam and 1,500 titanium conical springs, wrapped in cloth pockets. That’s a lot of springs for such a light mattress – but it’s 1000 less than you get in the Simba Hybrid.
In fact, here’s a full rundown:
| Model | Number of Springs |
|---|---|
| Simba Hybrid Essential | 1,500 |
| Simba Hybrid | 2,500 |
| Simba Hybrid Pro | 7,500 |
| Simba Hybrid Luxe | 10,500 |
One thing that I really appreciate about the design is that the cover is breathable and hypoallergenic. As someone who suffers from allergies, this is a big deal for me. It’s also great that the cover has a zipper, even though it’s not meant to be removed for washing. It’s always nice to have options, you know?
I’m now going to break down the four layers of teh Simba Hybrid Essential mattress for you. Here we go:
- The cover: This layer is soft, white, and feels like a dream. It’s made from 99% polyester and 1% elastane, with a blue border that adds a touch of sophistication. The cover is also breathable and hypoallergenic, so you can sleep easy.
- Simbatex foam: This layer is infused with graphite and open-cell technology, which means it has up to 30 times the airflow of ordinary memory foam. Translation: you won’t overheat at night!
- Aerocoil spring layer: This is where the magic happens. The Simba Hybrid Essential mattress has 1,500 titanium conical springs, wrapped in cloth pockets. These springs are smaller and lighter than traditional bed springs, which means more can fit in a smaller area. That’s a lot of support in one small package!
- Base foam: Last but not least, we have the base foam. This layer has been designed with five separate support zones to ensure that the mattress adjusts as you move. It’s also CertiPUR-certified, which means it’s free from harmful toxins and other nasty stuff.
As you can see, there are four layers here which is the least amonut of layers in the Simba Hybrid range. But that’s obvious really, given that this is the cheapest “budget” model.
And with that in mind, as part of this Simba Hybrid Essential Review, while this mattress is a great budget-friendly option, it does have its limitations.
Drawbacks & Negatives
Unlike its more expensive counterpart, the regular Simba Hybrid mattress, the Simba Hybrid Essential does not have as much supporting foam. This means that while the mattress is comfortable and supportive, it may not be the best option for those who require extra support due to back problems or other health issues.
Additionally, some users have reported that the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress is bouncier than the regular Simba Hybrid mattress. This can be a drawback for light sleepers or for those who share a bed with someone who moves around a lot at night.
| Feature | Simba Hybrid Essential | Simba Hybrid | Simba Hybrid Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (King) | £599.40 | £689.40 | £989.40 |
| Thickness | 20cm | 25cm | 28cm |
| Number of layers | 4 | 5 | 7 |
| Number of springs | 1,500 | 2,500 | 5,000 |
| Supportive foam | No | Yes | Yes, with edge support |
| Bounce | Higher | Lower | Lowest |
| Comfort level | Medium-firm (6 out of 10) | Medium (5.5 out of 10) | Medium-firm (7 out of 10) |
Hybrid Essential: Firmness
When it comes to comfort, avid readers will know that I am not really fond of the mattress companies saying that everything is “Medium-Firm”. It’s meaningless!
The Simba Hybrid Essential mattress is the same, of course, if you rely on Simba.
But in terms of accurate firmness, I would describe this mattress as softer than others, with a rating of 6 out of 10. It provides enough support to keep your spine aligned, but is not so firm that it causes discomfort. The main reason for the “lack” of support is the missing foam layer below the springs.
One thing to note, as I said above, the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress is not as thick as some of the other mattresses in the Simba range. It’s only 20cm deep, compared to 25cm or 28cm for the Simba Hybrid and Simba Hybrid Pro mattresses, respectively. However, despite its relatively thin profile, the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress still manages to provide a comfortable and supportive sleep surface.
I found that the top layer of Simbatex foam provided good pressure relief and allowed me to sink in just enough to be comfortable. The conical springs in the middle layer also provided great support, ensuring that I didn’t feel like I was sinking too far into the mattress.
You can tell it’s not a super-premium mattress, and Simba have cut a few corners to reduce the costs.
Sleeping position – Will it work for me?
Sleeping position – Will it work for me?When it comes to sleeping position, the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress may not be the best choice for everyone… Side sleepers, in particular, may find that the mattress is not as comfortable as they would like.
Why? Because side sleepers tend to put more pressure on their hips and shoulders, and need a mattress that provides good pressure relief in those areas. While the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress does provide some pressure relief, it may not be enough for side sleepers who are looking for a softer, more plush feel.
On the other hand, back sleepers may find the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress to be a good fit. The medium-firm support provided by the mattress can help keep the spine aligned, while the top layer of Simbatex foam provides a comfortable sleep surface.
If you’re a side sleeper who is looking for a softer, more plush mattress, you may want to consider the regular Simba Hybrid mattress instead. This mattress has a slightly softer feel than the Simba Hybrid Essential, and provides more supportive foam to help alleviate pressure points.
Alternatively, if you’re a heavier side sleeper or have back pain, you may want to consider the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress. This mattress has a thicker profile and provides more supportive foam, as well as added edge support to help prevent you from feeling like you’re rolling off the bed.
Anything else I need to know?
Here at WhatMattress we don’t ask for free mattresses, and if we get offered one, we refuse it. Why? Because it’s important to test the mattress as much as possible, including the delivery process. We want to see exactly what the experience is like for a regular customer. So we pose as one!
And with that in mind, I have to say tat the delivery process was pretty smooth. The delivery team brought the mattress right to my door, and even helped me carry it up to my bedroom.
One thing to note is that Simba offers free delivery to most UK postcodes, but some remote areas may incur an additional charge. It’s always a good idea to check with Simba before placing your order if you’re unsure about whether your postcode is covered by their free delivery policy.
Is the mattress ‘green’?
Now, let’s talk about recycling. As you may know, mattress recycling in the UK can be a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, Simba offers a mattress recycling service for an additional fee; this means that when you’re ready to replace your Simba Hybrid Essential mattress, you can simply contact Simba and they will arrange to have it picked up and recycled responsibly.
It’s worth noting that mattress recycling is still not widely available in the UK, so it’s great to see that Simba is taking steps to make it easier for customers to dispose of their old mattresses responsibly.
Simba Hybrid Essential: Prices in UK
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Single | £419.40 |
| Small Double | £559.40 |
| Double | £599.40 |
| King | £659.40 |
| Super King | £739.40 |
Verdict: Is the Hybrid Essential worth it?
Overall, and it may sound obvious but I think the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress is a really great option for those who are looking for a comfortable and supportive mattress at an affordable price.
While it may not be as luxurious as the other Simba mattresses, it still provides a good balance of comfort and support.
You may also like...
- Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress Review
- Simba Hybrid Pro vs Hybrid Luxe
- Simba Hybrid Mattress Review
- Simba Hybrid Pro vs. Emma Premium mattress
- Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress Review
And that just about concludes my Simba Hybrid Essential Review.
What I liked most about the Simba Hybrid Essential is the quality of the design and the materials used. The cover is soft and breathable, and the layers of foam and springs provide just the right amount of support for my back. I also appreciate that the mattress comes with a generous trial period, so one can test it out before committing to it.
It’s one of the best mattresses around if you’re on a budget. Finally, it comes with a 10 year guarantee as well, which is different to the trial period but still quite a perk.
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How we reviewed this article:
Edit History:
Our experts continually monitor the mattress & sleep tech space, and we update our reviews & articles when new information becomes available.
- 24th April 2023
Current Article - By Carrie Taylor - 16th October 2023
Checked & Reviewed - By Jean Marshall - 24th April 2023
Copy Edited - By Carrie Taylor - 9th March 2024
Reviewed - By Carrie Taylor
WhatMattress has strict sourcing guidelines and we try to rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations where possible.
