Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow Review

The Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow is a pricey pillow designed to provide support for the head and neck. But is it worth buying or should you just opt for the regular Simba Hybrid Pillow instead?

Like the cheaper Hybrid Pillow, Simba designed their Hybrid Firm Pillow to be customised, but only to an extent: it comes in the form of three removable layers – two softer “Renew” layers and one firm “Aerocoil” layer, which contains springs encased in foam.

One of the main differences between the Simba Firm Hybrid Pillow and the cheaper Simba Hybrid Pillow is, rather obviously, the level of firmness. While the original Simba Hybrid Pillow is adjustable and can be customised by changing the amount of foam cubes (“nanocubes”), the Simba Firm Hybrid Pillow can only be adjusted by removing either of the two inserts.

Still, that doesn’t mean it’s not as good – in fact, some people report that the level of comfort in the Hybrid Firm is actually better. More on this later.

Pros:

• Firm support: The Simba Firm Hybrid Pillow provides firm support for the head and neck, which can help to alleviate pain and stiffness. It’s a good pillow for neck pain.
• Trial period: It’s hard to know if this pillow is right for you, so try it for 30 days and return it if you don’t like it.
• Hypoallergenic: The pillow is hypoallergenic, which is ideal for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
• Eco-friendly: All Simba products are slowly becoming 100% recyclable, including the Hybrid Pillow range.
• Made in the UK: Unlike some cheaper alternative brands that are made in China. Of course, this is reflected in the price tag.

Cons:

• Not as adjustable: Unlike the original Simba Hybrid Pillow, the Firm version is only partly adjustable, which means it may not be suitable for everyone’s sleeping preferences. If you’re a front sleeper, I’d avoid it.
• Price: The Simba Firm Hybrid Pillow is priced at £159, before any discount – which is a lot for one pillow. The regular Hybrid is around a third less.
• Breathability: I found that both of these Simba Hybrid pillows don’t really live up to the hype of cooling your face down much.

Who is the Simba Hybrid Firm aimed at?

As you may have guessed from the name, the Hybrid Firm is ideally for those looking for a firm and supportive sleeping surface.

Sounds obvious, doesn’t it?

I think the reason this product has been made is obvious. Some customers have said that the regular Simba Hybrid pillow is too soft, particularly after extended use, and this is Simba’s proposed solution to the problem. By offering both of these pillows, they are allowing people to choose which one is better suited to their own needs.

Inside the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow

From the outside, both of the Simba Hybrid pillows look pretty much the same.

They both have similar levels of temperature regulation, as the the mesh gusset that runs along the edges of the pillow is common to both. This grey mesh strip provides extra ventilation and allows air to circulate freely, preventing heat from getting trapped and helping to keep the pillow cool and comfortable.

But the internal structure of the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow differs quite a bit. This is where things can get confusing.

The Hybrid Firm has inner springs, a bit like a hybrid mattress. Simba call them Aerocoil springs; but the only difference I can see is that they’re smaller than the springs in their Hybrid mattress range. There’s also, of course, far fewer of them than in a mattress!

About the layers

The Hybrid Firm has the inner spring layer and the two upper layers of fibre, or what Simba call “Renew” layers.

Think of this as a pillow-within-a-pillow: you can adjust the level of comfort in the pillow by adding or removing each Renew layer – which are basically pieces of microfibre, like you’ll find in a lot of normal pillows.

But this combination of spring and fibre materials is quite unique, and it generally does provide a supportive and comfortable sleeping surface that conforms to the shape of the head and neck.

By the way, usually I sleep with four pillows, but when testing out the Hybrid Firm I only needed two (one of each side of the bed). This is something to consider if you like a lot of pillows.

How to adjust the firmness & comfort

Adjusting the firmness of the Simba Hybrid Pillow is relatively simple – it comes with two additional fibrous inserts that can be added or removed to adjust the level of support, and you just open the cover and slide them in or out.

To make the pillow firmer, simply add one or both of the inserts to the pillow. To make the pillow softer, remove one or both of the inserts (you don’t need to use either of them if you prefer).

It’s important to point out that the Simba Hybrid Firm isn’t as customisable as the regular Simba Hybrid Pillow. Why? Because you only have the option of adding or removing two (microfibre) layers, rather than the extra level of control that you get with adding or removing hundreds of little cubes of memory foam. Personally, I don’t know why Simba didn’t just add a layer of inner springs to their regular Hybrid Pillow instead.

Simba have provided me with a guide to how to adjust the Hybrid Firm Pillow’s comfort levels. You can essentially move around and interchange the layers to change the feel, depending on how you sleep.

Side Sleeper:

• Firm = Aerocoil layer on top, 2x Simba Renew layers below.
• Medium = Aerocoil layer on the bottom with 2x Simba Renew layers on top.

Back Sleeper:

• Firm = Aerocoil layer on top, 1x Simba Renew layers below.
• Medium = Aerocoil layer on the bottom with 1x Simba Renew layer on top.

You’ll need to try out what works for you. I found that it took a bit of to-ing and fro-ing but it works well.

Moving on, here is my rundown of the positives and negatives of the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow:

Side-by-side comparison

So the Simba Hybrid Firm is, overall, a high-quality pillow that provides decent support and similar levels of temperature regulation to the regular Hybrid Pillow.

Here is a rundown of the differences and similarities:

While it is a bit on the expensive side, the Hybrid Firm pillow is made from cotton, metal coils and other materials. Plus it comes with a 30-night free trial and a 2 year guarantee/warranty in the UK, and it’s even made in the UK. It’s a premium product, but it’s one of the best pillows that I’ve reviewed, if you can get over the price tag.

However, those who prefer the highest level of control possible, must understand that you can only get that from an adjustable pillow. If that’s you, then you may want to consider the original Simba Hybrid Pillow instead.

Alternatively, there are other high-quality pillows on the market from brands such as Emma, Nectar, and Tempur, that offer a range of firmness options at a similar or lower price point.

What’s the cover made of?

One of the things that isn’t different, is what the covers are made from. With both the Simba Hybrid and Hybrid Firm, the outer cover (i.e. the bit you lay on) is made from cotton – or “Stratos” as Simba insists on calling it.

The marketing says that Stratros is an innovative technology that helps to “regulate temperature” and keep the sleeper cool throughout the night, which is particularly beneficial for those who tend to get hot while sleeping. Whether that’s true or not, is a matter of opinion, but I found it to run quite hot myself. It also doesn’t feel like particularly plush cotton – I note that the GSM rating isn’t listed on the Simba website.

What else do I need to know?

Another feature of the Simba Firm Hybrid Pillow, versus cheaper brands in particular, is that their pillows contain hypoallergenic properties.

Both Hybrid pillows are made from high-quality materials that are resistant to dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens, making it an ideal choice for individuals with allergies or sensitive skin. They are also sustainably made.

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What level of firmness is best in a pillow?

When it comes to choosing the best levels of firmness for a pillow, it’s important to consider several factors, including dsleeping position, weight, and personal preferences. Here’s a general guide to help determine which level of firmness may be best for different people:

• Soft: Soft pillows are generally best for individuals who sleep on their stomachs or have a smaller body frame. They offer a gentle level of support that helps to keep the neck and spine aligned without putting too much pressure on.
• Medium: Medium (sometimes called Medium-Firm) pillows are a good choice for individuals who sleep on their backs or sides. They offer a slightly firmer level of support that helps to keep the neck and spine aligned and prevent pain and discomfort.
• Firm: Firm pillows are ideal for individuals who sleep on their backs or sides and have a larger body frame. They offer a high level of support that helps to keep the neck and spine aligned and prevent pain and discomfort.

However, it’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and you will have unique sleeping preferences that require a different level of firmness.

Verdict: Is the Simba Hybrid Firm pillow good?

Overall, the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow is a high-quality pillow made in the UK, that offers firm support, some temperature regulation, and some respectable hypoallergenic properties.

While it may not be the ideal choice for everyone, those who are looking for very firm support and don’t mind the higher price point will, in my opinion, likely find it to be a worthwhile investment.

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