Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress Review

Simba Sleep is a UK-based company that offers three ‘main’ Hybrid mattresses: the Simba Hybrid, the Simba Hybrid Pro, and the Simba Hybrid Luxe. In this article, I’ll be taking a closer look at the last of these, the Hybrid Luxe, as well as comparing their features & prices to help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs. I’ll also cover why this mattress is so expensive, and why a firmer mattress might suit you more than you think.

Pros:

• 10 layers of luxurious comfort
• Bamboo/wool layer for impressive temperature regulation
• Superior support from many springs
• Excellent motion isolation & pressure relief
• 200-night sleep trial and 10-year guarantee
• Eco-friendly foam and recyclable materials

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other Simba models
• Cover is not machine washable

So does the Luxe actually deliver on its promises? My hands-on review will examine the mattress in detail, covering its features, benefits and downsides, and how it compares to other hybrid mattresses offered by Simba – I’ll also look at how this luxury mattress stacks up against others on the market so you can make an informed decision.

Let’s start with the basics:

Brief rundown: Differences

I know that it can be confusing try to choose between all these different mattresses!

Here’s a quick clarification of the main Simba Hybrid models – I’ve excluded the Simba Essential mattress here because it’s not really related.

NB: For a better idea, I suggest that you read the full Simba Hybrid Pro vs. Simba Hybrid Luxe page I’ve created here.

Simba Hybrid

So, let’s start from the top, with the original Simba Hybrid mattress. According to Simba, this is their most popular mattress – often simply called ‘the Simba mattress’. It’s a medium-firm hybrid mattress and has been around since 2018, featuring a combination of foam and springs to provide adequate support and comfort. The mattress is made up of five layers, including a breathable sleep surface, a layer of open-cell memory foam for pressure relief, a layer of pocket springs, a high-density foam support base, and a non-slip base to prevent slipping.

While the Simba Hybrid mattress is the cheapest option in the Simba Hybrid range, it is worth me pointing out that, based on feedback I’ve received, it feels a lot softer than many people expect it to. Additionally, this mattress lacks the bolster support found in the other two mattresses, and it does not contain a natural wool layer either.

Simba Hybrid Pro

Moving on to the Simba Hybrid Pro, this mattress is essentially an upgraded version of the Simba Hybrid mattress. With seven layers, including a natural wool top layer and 5,000 extra springs, the Simba Hybrid Pro offers better support and a slightly firmer feel than the Simba Hybrid. However, this mattress is also significantly more expensive, starting at £931 for a single mattress and going up to £1,731 for a super king-size mattress.

Finally, we have the Simba Hybrid Luxe, and this is obviously what I am going to focus on here in this review. In short, it’s THE most advanced mattress in the Simba Hybrid range (though the Simba GO Hybrid has recently been launched – which is even more expensive). With a whopping 10 layers and an additional 5,000 springs over the Hybrid Pro, the Luxe offers the best support of the three mattresses. It is also the firmest of the three, making it suitable for, arguably, more people.

However, as I said, all this does come at a high price: namely, starting at almost a thousand quid for a single mattress. And that’s a lot.

Simba actually introduced this range-topping Hybrid Luxe mattress to the UK market in 2021, so it’s still quite new. With three layers of springs, 31cm thickness and a plush sleeping surface featuring bamboo and wool, this mattress is undeniably comfortable and feels very premium.

In this review, I’ll delve into the construction and features of the Simba Hybrid Luxe, as well as explore its competition and whether it’s worth the investment.

About the Layers

The Simba Hybrid Luxe is a premium mattress, with a frankly rather complicated 10-layer design.

Briefly, this consists of two layers of titanium Aerocoil springs, each with 2,500 springs, for maximum comfort. After these, is a layer of high carbon steel Aerocoil springs that aid in pressure relief and support. Below that is a high-density Simba-Pure foam layer and a zoned base of supporting foam. In addition to the open-cell Simba-Pure foam comfort layer, the mattress features a layer of bamboo-infused wool for temperature and moisture regulation. And there’s the the open-cell construction of the top cover, which is removable, makes for a comfortable and cool night’s sleep.

Phew! Here’s a closer look at each individual layer:

1. Breathable cover: The top layer here, like most of the covers in the Simba range, is hypoallergenic and designed to keep you cool and comfortable during the night. It features an open-cell design that allows air to circulate freely.
2. Simbatex foam layer: The 2nd layer is a Simbatex foam layer, which essentially means its been infused with something – in this case with graphite to help draw heat away from the body. This open-cell foam has 30 times more airflow than traditional memory foam, which helps regulate your temperature.
3. Titanium Aerocoil spring layer: The 3rd layer is the first of three spring layers in the Luxe mattress. This layer features double stacked titanium Aerocoil springs that cradle your body and offer pressure relief.
4. Simba-Pure foam layer: The 4th layer is a high-definition Simba-Pure foam layer. This foam is designed to provide support and help distribute your weight evenly.
5. Zoned foam base: The 5th layer is a zoned supportive foam base. This layer is designed to provide additional support where you need it most, such as your shoulders and hips.
6. Steel spring layer: The 6th layer is a high carbon steel Aerocoil spring layer. This layer is designed to provide maximum support and durability.
7. High-definition Simba-Pure foam layer: The 7th layer is another high-definition Simba-Pure foam layer with built-in edge support. This is meant to help keep you comfortable but also quite secure even when you’re close to the edge of the mattress.
8. Microcoil comfort layer: The 8th layer is a microcoil comfort layer. This layer is made up of small, individually wrapped springs that provide additional comfort and support.
9. Bamboo wool comfort layer: The 9th layer is a bamboo wool comfort layer. This layer is designed to provide additional comfort and temperature regulation.
10. Supportive base layer: The 10th and final layer is a supportive base layer. This layer is designed to provide a stable foundation for the rest of the mattress, which Simba argue that it should last for years to come.

Comfort

Double-stacked titanium Aerocoil springs (each with 2,500 coils) provide luxurious support and comfort at the top of the mattress.

Plus, the Luxe mattress has a layer of 1,000 high-carbon steel Aerocoil springs at its base, providing exceptional support and minimising the likelihood of morning soreness. The Luxe mattress also features a layer of bamboo-infused wool that provides exceptional temperature and moisture regulation.

The cheaper Simba Hybrid Pro, on the other hand, has 2 layers of Aerocoil springs made from proprietary titanium. These springs can move apart from one another to offer support and alleviate pressure in key areas. There is a layer of responsive memory foam in the Pro mattress, which conforms to your body’s unique shape to better disperse your weight and ease pressure points.

The Luxe mattress contains an extra layer of double-stacked titanium Aerocoil springs, making it more supportive and comfortable than the Pro mattress. The Pro model lacks the Luxe’s layer of breathable wool with bamboo fibres mixed into it too… this works year-round to maintain a comfortable internal temperature. More on that later.

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What’s this about bamboo?!

The moisture-wicking characteristics of bamboo make it a popular material for mattress covers.

Though here in the UK we’re quite new to it, it’s been used for a while in other countries as it can easily be woven into other materials.

Overall, this makes the mattress easier to maintain at a comfortable temperature, plus you get extra dryness while you sleep. Those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities may also find comfort in the fact that bamboo fibres are hypoallergenic and antibacterial by nature. However, there is a caveat: there’s currently a debate about some of the claims made about bamboo’s anti-allergy properties (and how truthful they are). You can read more about this here.

Firmness

Honestly, the Simba Hybrid Luxe, given all its layers of springs, probablly makes it the softest mattress that Simba offers.

I’d give it an 8 out of 10 for firmness, where 1 is very soft and 10 is very hard.

Importantly, if you take just one thing away from this review, please don’t be put off by this firmness. Why? Because most sleepers will benefit greatly from the added layers of support and pressure relief that a firmer mattress brings and just don’t know it.

For example, all of the following sleeper-types will generally benefit from a firm, rather than a soft, mattress:

• People who sleep on their stomach: A firmer mattress like the Simba Hybrid Luxe can help to keep the spine properly aligned and prevent sagging, which is especially important for those who sleep on their stomach.
• People who are heavier: A firmer mattress can provide better support and prevent the body from sinking too far into the mattress, which can cause discomfort and aches. Read my review of the best mattresses for heavier people.
• People with back pain may find relief by switching to a firmer mattress, as this type of matterss really does better support the spine (and helps to keep it in a neutral posture when sleeping).
• Combination sleepers: People who move around a lot during the night can benefit from a firmer mattress, as it can help to prevent motion transfer and provide a stable sleeping surface.
• Hot sleepers: A firmer mattress can help to keep the body elevated and prevent it from sinking too deeply into the mattress, which can help to improve airflow and keep the body cooler during the night.

Who might NOT benefit from the Luxe?

While a firmer mattress can provide excellent support for those with certain preferences and needs, it may not be ideal for everyone. Here are some groups of people who may not benefit from a firmer mattress:

• Side Sleepers: Side sleepers may find a firmer mattress uncomfortable as it may cause pressure points on their hips and shoulders, which can result in pain and discomfort. For these individuals, a softer mattress with more contouring may be more suitable.
• Lighter folk: Lighter individuals – for example who weigh less than 10 stone – may not sink enough into a firmer mattress, leading to less pressure relief and less support for their body. A softer mattress will generally be more suitable for these individuals as it will allow for greater contouring and better pressure relief. Read my review of the best soft mattresses here.

Motion Transfer: In Test

As with other mattress tests in the past, I decided to bring out the ol’ accelerometer and this time place it under the mattress to record the movements that might be caused by shifting around i.e. moving into various positions. The aim was to assess the Simba Luxe’s motion transfer using a technical instrument. First, the accelerometer was fine-tuned so that it could pick up the tiniest of tremors.

We put the mattress through its paces by simulating things like getting in and out of bed, as well as sitting on it while another was in bed, and even rolling about on it. The level of motion transmission was calculated by analysing the vibrations recorded by the accelerometer as a result of these movements.

The Simba Luxe performed well in these motion transfer tests, showing that it successfully isolates and inhibits motion – to a fairly impressive extent – from spreading across the mattress’s surface. Of course, you can still feel the movements if they’re particularly rigorous, but this is one of the best-in-class motion isolated mattresses I’ve tested for a long time.

Does it retain heat?

“Wicking away heat” in mattresses today is all the rage, but what does it really mean?

I decided to approach this part of my review by actually testing this out and seeing how ‘hot’ I slept. Here’s what I did:

• I wore a sleep tracker for a week before and a week after trying the Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress. I slept on my old mattress (Ikea Morgedal!) for the first week and then switched to the Simba Hybrid Luxe for the second week.
• The sleep monitor kept tabs on not only how long I slept but also how well I slept, how long it took me to fall asleep, and how much time I spent in each stage of sleep, including REM.
• I slept longer and better on the Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress, and it took me less time to fall asleep during the week I used it, according to my analysis of the data. In addition, compared to the week I slept on my old mattress, I experienced more REM sleep during the week I slept on the Simba Hybrid Luxe.
• Overall, these findings are encouraging – though not that technical I’ll admit.

In short, the Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress enhanced both the quality and quantity of sleep, according to my sleep tracker.

Let me know in the comments below if you know of another method or system that I could try.

Is the cover machine washable?

Sadly not.

Unlike many competing mattresses, the Simba Hybrid Luxe does not have a washable cover. The cover’s expensive materials, like the breathable Tencel and wool, require extra attention to the cleaning and you can’t just chuck it in the wash: specifically, it can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth, but that’s about it. The good news is: you get a FREE mattress protector from Simba with every Luxe order, to further aid with cleanliness and hygiene.

There are some reports of people trying to dry-clean their Simba cover, but your mileage here may vary.

Note that the included free mattress protector *is* fully machine washable and composed of a breathable, soft material that won’t change the feel of your mattress.

Environmental Impact

This is a new section that I’m adding to reviews, based on receiving many requests and comments asking for it.

The Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress – like most of the “Hybrid” range now – is 100% recyclable. Simba Sleep claim to be committed to reducing their environmental impact and therefore most of their products are eco-friendly. Here are some of the environmental credentials of the Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress:

• All Simba mattresses are made in the UK in zero-waste factories, reducing air miles in the process.
• The packaging used for the mattress is up to 60% recycled, from approved FSC sources.
• All deliveries are 100% carbon neutral.
• Simba mattresses are 100% recyclable. Any old Simba mattresses returned to the company are refurbished or recycled; they never go near a landfill site.
• Simba has its own state-of-the-art, not-for-profit recycling service and accepts any brand of mattress with no purchase necessary to use the service.
• The company has worked to reduce its use of energy and materials, with a target of Net Zero by 2030.
• Awarded to only a select few companies that actively seek to improve society and the environment, “certified B Corp” makes Simba Sleep the first sleep firm in the UK to get this certification.

Other Mattresses to Consider

To be honest, the nearest competitor to the ‘Luxe’ is easily the Brook & Wilde Elite: both are premium mattresses made in the UK, with multiple layers of memory foam and pocket springs. And they cost roughly the same too.

Here are some key differences between the two:

• Layers: The Simba Hybrid Luxe has 10 layers, while the Brook & Wilde Elite has ‘only’ 8 layers.
• Springs: The Simba Hybrid Luxe has more springs than the Brook & Wilde Elite, with a total of 7,500 titanium Aerocoil springs, while the Elite has 3,000 pocket springs and 2,000 mini pocket springs.
• Comfort: The Simba Hybrid Luxe is considered to be the firmest mattress in the Simba range, while the Brook & Wilde Elite is available in three comfort levels: soft, medium, and firm.
• Cover: The Simba Hybrid Luxe has a sleep surface made of bamboo-infused wool but it isn’t removable. While the Brook & Wilde Elite’s cover doesn’t contain bamboo, it IS fully machine washable.
• Environmental credentials: The Simba Hybrid Luxe is made with eco-friendly materials and is 100% recyclable, while the Brook & Wilde Elite does not make similar claims.

Read my full Brook & Wilde Elite review here to find out more.

Versus: Eve Premium Hybrid

The other competitor to the Simba Luxe that I wanted to mention, is arguably the Eve Premium Hybrid mattress.

Both are made in the UK, but the thickness is a major distinction: the Eve Premium Hybrid is 27cm deep, while the Simba Hybrid Luxe is slightly thicker at 31cm deep. The Simba Hybrid Luxe is slightly more expensive, argubaly because of the extra thickness  (thanks to its increased number of layers of foam and pocket springs).

The top foam layer of each mattress is also slightly different. The natural wool used in the construction of the Simba Hybrid Luxe help maintain a comfortable temperature and add a luxurious feel. The Eve Premium Hybrid, on the other hand, incorporates a layer of “float foam” meant to create gentle buoyancy, followed by a layer of contouring memory foam.

Another area where the two mattresses differ is in their edge support. To minimise sagging, the Simba Hybrid Luxe features reinforced edges but the Eve Premium Hybrid doesn’t really.

About the Sleep Trial

You may already know this, so apologies if I’m teaching you to suck eggs. 🙂

For those who don’t: You can test out any Simba mattress in your own home for a full 200 nights before making a final decision on whether or not to keep it; if you decide against it then you can return the mattress for a full refund.

If your Simba mattress ever develops a flaw (i.e. from the construction or materials) within 10 years, Simba will replace it at no cost to you, too.

Sizes & Prices

Before discounts, the Simba Hybrid Luxe’s single size costs £1,579 and the super king size costs £2,749 currently. There’s no getting around the fact that it’s dear. However, the company frequently holds special offers/sales and discounts, with reductions of up to 40% off on most prices. Sometimes, Simba discounts can go even higher.

And it’s all relative, because the Simba Hybrid Luxe has a reasonable price tag if you compare to other high-end mattress manufacturers like Tempur and Hypnos, where prices generally start at around £2,000.

Top Hybrid Mattresses: Comparison

A comparison of the best UK hybrid mattresses

	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

Delivery

A quick bugbear of mine. If you’re charging £1500 for a mattress, you should really be giving away free next-day delivery. Bizarrely, Simba insists on charging £40 for this, even on the Luxe model.

Regardless, the delivery process itself was mostly pretty straight-forward, and the two-day turnaround time between placing the order and receiving the mattress was about what they estimated.

When the time came for the delivery of my mattress, I received a load of email updates. Simba’s estimated delivery time on the day of my order was spot on, and I got my mattress that afternoon. Two hired hands brought the mattress inside my flat on wheels.

A big, cheery blue box with cutouts for your hands made it convenient to transport up stairs – though you’ll want to be careful here because it weighs 34kg for a single.

One other thing to be aware of: Mattress orders from Simba do not include removal of an older mattress, unlike those from some other furniture or mattress providers, so you’ll need to arrange for a separate removal service if you still have your old one lying around. Sorry!

Verdict/Conclusion

After taking a closer look at the Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress in this review, it’s easy to see that it’s a premium mattress with a host of decent features.

Support, comfort, and temperature regulation are all top – thanks to the use of springs, foam, and wool. The mattress’s hypoallergenic and breathable construction also makes it an interesting choice for anyone who suffer from allergies or who likes to sleep warm.

However, the Simba Hybrid Luxe’s price tag is astronomical, pushing it out of reach for some people. Even with the heavy discounts that Simba offer (or use a discount code), and even with the the 200-night risk-free trial and 10-year warranty, this will still a sizable purchase for many of us.

The Simba Hybrid Luxe, in general, is a high-quality bed that comes with several advantages. It stands out from the crowd thanks to its unique construction (foam and springs, wool cover, hypoallergenic materials). Its hefty price and lack of washable cover, though, may turn off some potential buyers. Whether or not the Simba Hybrid Luxe is a good fit for your goals and budget is ultimately a matter of personal choice.

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