Simba Hybrid Mattress Review

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Is a Simba Hybrid mattress worth buying? If you’re like me, your head is probably spinning from all the buzzwords.

You’ve spent ages researching the ins and outs. You’ve even read every Simba mattress review you can find, but still don’t feel any nearer to finding out if a Simba mattress suffers from sagging, if their return policy is any good, and so on.

Plus, as Simba are sold mainly online, it’s hard to know if their mattresses will be comfortable. Sure, they offer a 200 night free trial so if you are in any doubt, you should in theory be able to send your mattress back, no questions asked… But there are some articles online such as this one from the Guardian, which suggest that returning a mattress is not quite as easy as mattress companies suggest. Their returns process isn’t exactly straight-forward – more on this later.

So now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the Simba Hybrid and if it’s worth buying.

Introduction to Simba Hybrid

Unlike some other brands, Simba offer a “hybrid” mattress as standard – and not as an additional (pricey) add-on.

If you’re not familiar with what exactly a ‘hybrid mattress’ is, then let me quickly explain: it’s a mixture of memory foam and pocket springs  and is meant to give the benefits of both, without the drawbacks. Essentially, there is a layer of memory foam, and another layer of pocket springs, and usually several other layers too.

The Simba website blurb describes their hybrid mattresses like this:

The Air Cool Hybrid® mattresses from Simba provide the comfort of reflex foam alongside the support of pocket springs. Designed and made in the UK, five innovative layers work together to support all sleeper types and comfort your body while keeping you cool throughout the night.

But what does all this actually mean?

Firstly, I strongly suggest you read my article on memory foam – and what specifically it is (and what it isn’t).

But if you don’t have time, then in a nutshell: The Simba Hybrid is just a cross between two mattress types.

Up until a few years ago, inner spring mattresses were the only type of mattress you could buy. Nowadays the market is mainly made up of mostly memory foam mattresses. A hybrid mattress is just a combination of them both.

(As an aside, the reason there are so many of these mattress companies now, is because the Tempur “memory foam” patent expired, and now memory foam is available for mattresses at much lower costs than before. So it’s highly competitive!)

Are Simba mattresses soft? What is the firmness?

There is no universally-agreed firmness or softness scale so you have to rely on the manufacturer to tell you how firm a mattress is. Or, look at reviews like this or other ones online.

The Simba Hybrid has been rated 6/10 for firmness, which means it falls pretty much under the definition of “Medium-Firm”.

I’ve come up with my own Firmness rating, more on that below.

 

It’s easier to explain if we go through each of the 5 layers. Unlike most mattresses that have 4 layers, Simba have the extra “Hybrid” layer (the white & blue one) that, they claim, makes all the difference.

Here is each layer in detail:

  1. Layer 1: Simba’s cover layer is made with hypoallergenic air flow in mind. It is made of a synthetic blend and breathes easy.
  2. Layer 2: Open-cell foam is the first comfort layer that is more responsive than memory foam while still dissolving away pressure point pain.
  3. Layer 3: 2,500 conical pocket springs adjust to your spine and sleeping position and adapt seamlessly so you won’t disturb your partner.
  4. Layer 4: A high definition foam layer offers a transitional supportive layer, focusing on edge support and subtle pressure relief.
  5. Layer 5: The foundational base foam has zones to support the spine in an ergonomic way. These zones also help air movement to keep things cool.

The Simba Hybrid mattress is the softest of the Hybrid range, but it’s not in any way particularly “soft”.

More on this below.

What’s the difference between Simba Hybrid & Simba Hybrid Pro?

Luckily, I’ve written an article and side-by-side comparison of the Simba Hybrid and the Simba Hybrid Pro.

By the way, the Hybrid Luxe is a new addition, and is even more expensive. You can view a comparison of the Simba Hybrid Pro vs the Simba Hybrid Luxe here.

Here is a quick rundown of the differences between the Hybrid and the Hybrid Pro:

HybridHybrid ProHybrid Luxe
Spring count2,5007,50012,500
Comfort layerMemory foamWool blend + memory foamWool blend + memory foam
FirmnessMedium-FirmFirmFirm
WhatMattress Firmness Rating6/107.5/108/10
Thickness25cm28cm31cm

The main difference with the “Pro” is that you get an extra layer of British wool, that sits on top of the rest of the foam layers.

In other words, you’re laying on a luxurious layer of  natural sheep’s wool that Simba claim gives more softness. There are also more springs in the Pro hybrid than the regular hybrid mattress – this time Simba have packed in 5,000 springs.

Simba Hybrid: At a glance

  • 500g hypoallergenic cover
  • Simbatex layer
  • Up to 2,500 springs
  • Reflex support layer
  • Zoned base layer
  • 25cm thick

Simba Hybrid Pro: At a glance

  • 750g hypoallergenic cover
  • Heat regulating British wool
  • Simbatex layer
  • Up to 5,000 springs
  • Reflexsupport layer
  • Zoned base layer
  • 28cm thick

The “Luxe” is more expensive still, and offers even more springs. I will write a review of the Simba Hybrid Luxe shortly when I get my hands on it.

Simba Hybrid Mattress Review: Update

Simba proudly claim to have “100,000” five star reviews.

Most of these reviews however are listed only on their own website – which as regular readers will know, are easily faked. I am not suggesting that Simba have “faked” any reviews here, but other websites are known to do that.

The other thing to be aware of is this:

When I bought my test hybrid mattress from Simba, a few weeks later they emailed me via their newsletter, claiming that I could “win back” i.e. be refunded the cost of my mattress if I left them a review. A lot of people will take them up on this offer, after all as you can see from the pricing below, they are not cheap. An easy chance to “win” back £700 for a 10 word review? Most people will take it. And most of them will write something positive.

After all, it’s often too early for any longer term usage to have taken place. It’s unlikely that any potential issues will have presented themselves in only a few weeks of sleeping on a mattress.

To be fair, it’s not just Simba that do this – all the big brands like Nectar and Eve also do it.

Long-term reviews

In my experience, Simba mattresses like all hybrid mattresses should last for 5-10 years. Once you consider this, it might make sense to pay a bit more for a higher-end mattress. Let’s say that you buy the Simba Hybrid Pro was £800, and it lasts for 10 years, while it may seem like a lot of money, it depends on how much you value your sleep.

Frankly, it’s hard to gauge longer term reviews on any mattress, but that is why I created this website. Please see the comments below or let me know your feedback if you’re an existing Simba customer.

Do Simba Hybrid Mattresses sag?

Nearly all memory foam / hybrid mattresses will sag eventually. There, I said it.

Unless you are lucky enough to be able to afford a John Ryan By Design handmade mattress (link), then you’ll probably have to just accept that a mass-produced memory foam mattress will last for around 5-10 years. For most people that will be fine. Usually, the sides sag first: it is just an inherent flaw in any foam product, that the shelf-life is somewhat compromised.

It’s also worth pointing out that nearly all of the negative reviews (see below) on Simba relate to a poor delivery or return service, rather than sagging issues.

Are Simba Mattresses suitable for back pain?

Yes. But there may be slightly better mattresses for those with back pain.

Generally speaking, the ergonomic design of these Simba mattresses with the micro pocket springs create a good blend between pressure pain relief and deep spine support, which will help most sleepers feel comfortable all through the night.

But there’s some evidence that those with orthopaedic/back pain will NOT benefit from a hybrid or a memory foam mattress , but a pocket spring mattress, which Simba don’t currently produce in the UK.

What else do I need to know?

  • Airflow comfort layer
    Simbatex foam makes up the second layer of this mattress. Developed by Simba, its open-cell structure uses graphite technology to aid air flow through the mattress to tackle overheating and enhance coolness.
  • Pocket spring system
    Produced in a head-to-toe format, cone-shaped pocket springs provide structure and extra support across this mattress. Each spring moves individually, mapping to the shape of your posture to adjust with you as you move through the night. A strengthened border edge also provides good stability when you sit on the edge of your bed.
  • Reflex layer
    The Reflex support layer acts as a springboard to the pocket springs, boosting them to ensure they respond to all sleeper types. It also moulds to your body as you sink into the mattress.
  • Zoned base layer
    The grooved foam base is designed with seven individual zones to ensure that different levels of support are provided.
  • Supplied rolled in a space-saving box
    You’ll receive a straightforward manual to guide you through the set up.

For the full specs, view the Simba FAQ here.

What are the drawbacks of Simba mattresses?

A few important drawbacks to be aware of…

Note that the *BOTTOM* layer (outer fabric) is NOT machine washable. That doesn’t mean it’s completely unwashable; Simba suggest using a damp cloth to wipe the bottom grey cover:

The bottom cover is not removable or washable. The grey base fabric can be cleaned with a soft, damp and clean cloth using small circular motions. Using a mattress protector could help extend the life of your mattress.

Note that the white ‘quilted’ part is fully removable and washable. Simba suggest washing this part at max. 40C along with other whites.

As part of my Simba mattress review, I decided to give this a go. I washed at 30C for a regular wash of 50 minutes and it came out spotlessly clean as one would expect.

However the fact that the bottom part is not washable is slightly annoying (below the zip, see below). Suggesting that customers buy a mattress protector after forking out anything up to £700 for a mattress, is disappointing to others too. For that reason, I have to deduct some points off my Simba rating.

Most of us will eventually want to wash the bottom mattress cover at some point, and it isn’t sufficient to say that we should just buy a mattress protector. Hey Simba maybe you should provide one at a discounted rate?

Another limitation to be aware of: You cannot ‘flip’ the Simba – or any hybrid/memory foam mattress for that matter. So you will need to keep it up the same way always. Whereas some manufacturers of pocket spring mattresses tell you to flip over the mattress every so often to spread the load, this isn’t possible here.

Simba mattress review: Sizes in the UK

See my price table below for the full list of sizes.

Luckily Simba don’t just restrict their mattress sizes to UK sizes. They also offer EU sizes, specifically in EU Single, EU Double, and EU Queen. These are perfect if you have an older IKEA bed, as up until recently these only fitted EU size mattresses. Make sure to check first if your IKEA bedframe takes UK or EU sizes – as a rule of thumb, if the IKEA Bedframe is older than 4 years, it will take EU sized-mattresses.

Can I try Simba Hybrid in-store?

Surprisingly… Yes!

Unlike many other mattress companies, Simba have a deal with John Lewis. This means you can test out the Simba Sleep in-store first to make sure that it is to your tastes. They have both the Hybrid and the Hybrid Pro available, depending on the store. Give the mattress a press, or lay on it, it’s often best to physically try out a mattress beforehand if you can.

This is certainly a big plus for the Simba, compared to other brands, and why we rank them in our best mattress guide here.

The other good thing about this is you get to see more reviews on the Simba mattress, rather than just the ones on Simba’s own website. Personally, I am always a bit suspicious of reviews on the vendor’s own website, but in this case you can see that John Lewis’ reviews are still very good – mostly 5 stars.

If you are one of those people, make sure to check for Simba discounts and vouchers first.

How thick is the Simba Hybrid Mattress?

The Simba Hybrid mattress has a total thickness/depth of between 20 and 28 cm (depending on which model). Rest assured your current bed-sheets should work perfectly here. Each mattress can also hold up to 18 stone or 114kg per person (combined).

Is the Simba Hybrid worth buying?

Let’s first look at the pricing. Simba are not the cheapest brand – but often they have discounts or sales on. Here is their current pricing after discounts, but excluding any coupons (these can be used to reduce the prices further):

DimensionsPrice
Simba Hybrid Single
90x190x25 cm£384.30
Simba Hybrid Small double
120x190x25 cm£524.30
Simba Hybrid Double
135x190x25 cm£524.30
Simba Hybrid King
150x200x25 cm£594.30
Simba Hybrid Superking
180x200x25 cm£664.30
Simba Hybrid EU single
90x200x25 cm£419.30
Simba Hybrid EU double
140x200x25 cm£559.30
Simba Hybrid EU queen
160x200x25 cm£629.30

*prices and availability may be subject to change, prices above exclude discount codes.

Simba Discount Codes (2024)

Simba do not often do vouchers as such, but will offer  30% or even 40% off at times. It’s important to check for discounts for Simba at sites like DiscountCodes here before purchasing, as you can save money easily with just the click of a button. And yes, the discounts apply to their pillows and bedding too.

I have collected the best voucher(s) for Simba UK here. Be wary of other sites, such as French ones, that are advertising coupons for the French version of the Simba website. These are for the UK only!

Simba mattress review: Anything else to know?

Another minor point to consider: Simba have won several awards: Ideal Home Approved, Good Housekeeping Institute Approved, T3 Best Buy, Product of the Year, Men’s Health Lab UK Approved. A lot of the time these industry awards are meaningless, but your mileage may vary.

Also consider the Simba by framing it against others; i.e. versus other mattress companies. I’ve written a comparison here of the Simba versus Emma mattress – two of the UK’s best-selling mattress brands.

Don’t forget to check out my Simba versus OTTY review here too (both are hybrids). OTTY are a slightly cheaper, newer brand but are increasingly gaining a foothold in the mattress-in-a-box market in the UK. While they are made in China, they are one to watch, particularly if your budget is more limited.

Conclusion: My Simba Hybrid Mattress review

Should you buy the Simba Hybrid or opt for another mattress? Here’s my summary in bullet-point form:

  • Premium/Middle of the market pricing;
  • For a hybrid, compare it with other premium brands like Brook + Wilde Lux;
  • Long 200-night trial; return at any point if unhappy;
  • Some sagging issues reported – but often after years of use;
  • Not flippable and not 100% machine washable;
  • Full pocket spring may be better for orthopaedic concerns;
  • Suitable for front sleepers especially;
  • Highly-rated on Trustpilot and elsewhere;
  • Overall, a high quality mattress made in the UK – but competitors are catching up.

Other reviews of Simba products

There is also the Simba GO Hybrid mattress now – confusingly similar name but it’s actually rather different. Read my review of the Simba GO Hybrid organic mattress here.

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How thick is the Simba Mattress?

The Simba Hybrid mattress has a total thickness/depth of between 20 and 28 cm (depending on which model). Rest assured your current bed-sheets should work perfectly here. Each mattress can also hold up to 18 stone or 114kg per person (combined).

Can I try Simba in-store?

Surprisingly... Yes! Unlike many other mattress companies, Simba have a deal with John Lewis. This means you can test out the Simba Sleep in-store first to make sure that it is to your tastes. They have both the Hybrid and the Hybrid Pro available, depending on the store. Give the mattress a press, or lay on it, it's often best to physically try out a mattress beforehand if you can.

This post contains affiliate links. Learn more.

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
  • 29th July 2023
    Checked & Reviewed - By Jean Marshall
  • 23rd April 2023
    Copy Edited - By Carrie Taylor
  • 22nd December 2023
    Reviewed - By Carrie Taylor

38 comments on “Simba Hybrid Mattress Review

  1. I’m really worried now after reading the above comments. I’ve literally unboxed my mattress yesterday and advised to leave for 6 hours and I have to say it doesn’t look neat or smooth and the mattress does not fill the corners of the cover. This is not my first hybrid mattress but I felt assured with the reviews that this was my best choice. I will keep you updated on the Hybrid Pro progress in due course.

  2. I bought the Simba Luxe in Nov 2021. Had no issues until I started getting back ache approx 3 months ago and realised that it has started sagging on the side I sleep on. Contacted Simba who asked for photos. Within 5 minutes of sending via email, I received a response saying they will send out a brand new mattress. Received it roughly 3 weeks ago and all has been great ever since. I had no issues whatsoever. I’m just hoping, however, that the same thing doesn’t occur with this new one. Although, according to the website, if a similar issue happens again, they won’t offer a replacement but will offer a full refund instead (second mattress is still covered by 10 year guarantee). Let’s hope I never have to find out!!

  3. came across this page when looking for long term use reviews of Simba mattresses. I’ve had mine for just over 3 years now and it has sagged incredibly through the middle. I can’t even choose to sleep on the sides on the bed because I fall into the midlle in the night. Every morning is like an exercise tryong to get up.
    I bought it beacause of my helath problems and serious body / back pain.
    Of course at the beggining it was amazing and I was so happy with the investement. At this point I will start to raise a complaint with Simba, 3 years of use on a 10 year warranty mattrrss is just not what I expected!

  4. They will not let you return a mattress instead they will tell you it’s fine even though it’s sagging in the middle so much so that a weight that is 10cm deep will completely disappear at level but instead they’ll say because you are unhappy they will replace it. I spoke to the delivery guy from arrowXLthe company that delives the replacemens and he said that there are so many replacements that it is insane! And also he said they come in a zip packaging for a reason because then they can disinfect the whole bed and resell it. This is just from a delivery driver but you can look up reviews on the website and see all the complaints yourself. They are absolute scammers and I would advise anyone to stay away from them because it is an absolute joke and the company should be delt with after scamming so many people but they won’t replace mattresses if you leave bad reviews. Also if you look at 90% of good reviews they are all from within the first few months before any sagging occurs (which they call displacement and say it’s normal in every mattress that’s ever existed which is complete lies!) And then once your review is up you can’t edit it.

  5. There are a lot of fake reviews, so let’s have some science. There is one simple rule for people with back problems…springs are a problem. It’s simple science that memory foam supports you but springs push back against you. Whilst the pushback is good, if your back is good, as it causes the muscles to engage, helping with strength and posture, if you have a damaged spine (degenerated disc), then it causes irritation and inflammation, perpetuating and even worsening your discomfort. So if you have a healthy spine go for springs/springs with foam. If you have degenerating discs, pure memory foam is best. I wish you all a good night’s sleep.

  6. I bought a Simba Hybrid Pro in November 2021. It was great and almost immediately stopped the back pain I was getting from my old mattress. After 6 months we noticed that it was sagging where we sleep with a ridge in tge middle. I also got very hot sometimes in the middle of the night. We decided to get a refund under the 200 day trial. It has been collected and we are waiting for our refund. I will update you as to how long this takes. We looked at the excellent reviews but you are encouraged to post these by Simba when you first get it, so no real long term reviews.

  7. I bought a Simba mattress soon after they launched. I previously used a Dunlopillo Bed and Mattress which was extremely comfortable but getting old. The Simba seemed like a good, more modern, budget replacement. I have spinal stenosis and Chronic Pain (all over) so I take this stuff seriously. The Simba was too firm for me, wasn’t good at the edges and actually created pain in my shoulder when I slept on my side. There wasn’t enough give in it. Then there was the smell from foam which I found toxic and enveloped the whole bedroom. Within a few weeks I’d had enough of it and put my old mattress back on till I found a quality Harrison Spinks mattress which is a 2,000 Pocket Spring mattress but with a fabric topper fixed to it. It was a lot more expensive but it gives when you need it to and you aren’t breathing in fumes when you sleep! Simba (via John Lewis) did take it back without argument or discussion and I was grateful for that. I recommend the best bed you can afford – that includes the base as a quality base also has some padding in the base and works with the mattress on top. In a sense ignore your budget and try plenty of beds first before deciding what you can live with for the next eight years (the recommended life of a mattress) I was surprised a coil
    and fabric bed could be better than “space age” memory foam but in my case it really is.

    1. Thanks for your feedback! 5 years is probably about average in terms of feedback from other customers. If you want a longer term mattress then there are some alternatives but they do cost quite a bit more.

  8. Our Simba was great the first few months but now both my husband and I wake up with terrible back ache due to it sagging in places. The 10 year guarantee is worthless as they’re out of business in our country now. I wish we had just spent the extra and got a better brand.

  9. I’m a bit confused by the people whose mattresses are failing early, don’t Simba claim to offer a 10 year guarantee, or do they not tend to honour it?

    1. No, they prefer that you leave a glowing report days after unboxing. They send an assessor who conveniently writes a report to say it’s not showing a manufacturing fault.

    2. Simba say that dips of 3cm are acceptable . Trust me 3xm dips all over your bed soon become uncomfortable . Worse thing I ever did was buy this mattress . I should post some pics people would be so surprised just how bad it is .

    3. We have just taken delivery of a Simba after our initial mattress (Inofia) failed in 14 months. Already we love it, it’s great.

  10. I have to beat my pillow every morning (and sometimes throughout the night) to get them back into shape so they provide some support!

  11. Terrible Mattress, had super king for a year and its sagged terrible both sides would not recommend not to mention it’s made my wife sweat and throw the covers off every night due to the foam composition. Changed back to pocket sprung, end of sweating sloping nights. Don’t buy one!!
    Duvet cover is ok but a decent Silk one is way way better and about the same price.
    Pillows are full of foam bits not for us at all.

    1. I agree 100% our SK sagged where we slept after 6mths. I fought very hard to get replacement and again it’s doing the same. My back hurts everyday unless I sleep in the middle.

  12. The Simba was great to start with, but indentations appeared after a few months. This didn’t matter at first as it was still comfortable. After about a year and a half these indentations became more like ‘ravines’ and were like solid rock at the bottom – so uncomfortable. We have now had the mattress just under three years and I don’t think I can suffer it much longer. There is no support whatsoever and I have to have a pillow in the middle to stop myself rolling into my husband’s deeper ravine. So Simba doesn’t last – go elsewhere is my advice. This was an expensive mistake.

    1. I’m coming to the same conclusion £700 for almost a years comfort, now it is just bad, it sags and the memory foam keeps the sag. Disappointed

  13. Having bought a simba mattress it was great and provided a very supportive comfortable mattress. However 19 months later and the support on both sides has heavily degraded and is causing back ache for myself and my wife.

    1. I would agree; we experinced the same issue and had an ‘independant’ inspection, which claimed there was no fault – clearly the guarantee is not worth while.

    2. Agreed a year on and it hurts me and my lady, and we have been rotating it as suggested. It was great to start with. Honestly I would have rated it 9 out of 10 to start with, now 3 out of 10.

  14. I suffer with bad back and the simba has made things so much easier for me it’s taken away a lot of stress and tension. Me and my husband look forward to going to bed every night only problem is how do we keep the kids out they love it to.

    1. Two glowing positive comments posted within a minute of each other. In telling you these are fake. Simba is paying for fake 5 star reviews. I know, I bought Simba mattress and can confirm it is not great. All these review sites that include a voucher code and list all the specs… its not a review, its paid for marketing.

      1. Hi David,
        I can’t find any comments posted within 2 minutes of each other, are you getting confused with the top 2 reviews which are in fact one month apart? Also, most of the comments here on this page are not positive about Simba. Plus, they rarely do voucher codes. I have not been “paid” by Simba or even contacted by them at all. If you take the time to look at my other reviews on here you will see that I always try to be as honest as possible, Simba products have their flaws but they also have a lot of positives. If they did not then they wouldn’t be in business for all these years.

        1. “If they did not then they wouldn’t be in business for all these years.” – I completely agree with you here. I know people who have had several of these mattresses and are chuffed to bits with them

  15. This mattress is worth it’s weight in gold. I only wish we had bought it years ago. The delivery and set up is almost unbelievable, great for any home especially for up lots of stairs. Hard to believe this compact rolled up mattress becomes what it does. Within minutes of opening it transpires into this large very inviting mattress that is just a dream to rest on & sleep. The only problem I have no is that I cannot wait to get home to have a little rest as it is so inviting! Thank you Simba, worth every penny!!

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