Simba Hybrid Pro vs Hybrid Luxe

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Simba now have several ‘hybrid’ mattresses in the UK, and they all have 5 star reviews on the Simba website (of course…!), so it’s pretty difficult researching which one actually is best, or even what the differences between them are.

I’ve been looking at reviews of the Simba Hybrid range online and it’s obvious that many people are confused. The names confuse me too, and this is my day job – for those of you who don’t spend ages researching mattresses, it must be hard to know where to begin!

So, let’s start from the top. 🙂

Overview

For anyone who doesn’t yet know, Simba are a UK-based company and they currently sell three hybrid mattresses in the UK. They are, from cheapest to most expensive:

In this article, I am going to review the regular Simba Hybrid against the Pro and the Luxe hybrid mattresses respectively, to help you choose which one suits your needs best. I’m going to compare the pros and cons of each, and how good the Simba Hybrid range really is.

A quick note about me: I manually try out, and then write warts-and-all reviews of mattresses & pillows sold in the UK. If you want to find out more about WhatMattress and how our reviewing process works, then read this. 🙂

To make matters even more confusing, there’s also the Simba Hybrid Essential (Simba Essential) mattress on sale now too. Though I don’t personally think it’s similar enough be grouped with these three mattresses, clearly Simba disagree. Anyway, you can read my review of the Simba Essential mattress here.

Overview: Simba Hybrid Mattress

The Simba Hybrid mattress is the company’s most popular product, according to their website. This particular mattress has been around for years now, launching all the way back in 2018 in the UK.

As a hybrid mattress, the Simba Hybrid features a combination of foam and springs to help with support and also comfort. It’s made up of five layers, including a breathable sleep surface, a layer of open-cell memory foam for pressure relief, a layer of (very small) pocket springs, a high-density foam support base, and a non-slip base to prevent slipping.

According to Simba, this mattress is medium-firm and suitable for most sleepers – but as the cheapest Simba Hybrid model, it’s worth pointing out that I’ve noticed it’s much softer than many people expect – more on that later.

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Simba Hybrid mattress: Quick facts

Here are the ‘quick facts’ for this mattress:

  • 2,500 springs
  • Five layers
  • Softer than other hybrids
  • Prices from £569 (before discount)

Pros:

  • Low Price: The Simba Hybrid Pro is a reasonably affordable option if you want a hybrid. It won’t ever be ‘cheap’, but compared to the Luxe from Simba, it’s more affordable.
  • Average firmness: Like its rival the Emma Hybrid, the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress has a good balance of support and comfort, making it suitable for a lot of people.
  • Average relief: The combination of foam and springs provides acceptable pressure relief. If you have a condition like back pain or sciatica, then I would suggest the other two models might be better for you.

Cons:

  • Lack of support: The Simba Hybrid is not as supportive as the other two mattresses. It also lacks handles.
  • Very soft: The Simba Hybrid Pro is soft, and may not be suitable for those who prefer a firmer mattress.
  • No wool: The more expensive versions of the Hybrid contain a natural wool layer.
  • A *good* memory foam can be cheaper: The Simba Hybrid starts from £569, which I know I mentioned as a benefit, but it’s still expensive. After all, a good memory foam mattress can be about £250 less.

Read my full review of the Simba Hybrid mattress here.

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Simba Hybrid Pro: How does it compare?

The Simba Hybrid Pro is an upgraded version of the above regular Simba Hybrid mattress. This time it has seven layers (two extra), including a natural wool top layer, and 5000 extra springs. It also has better side or bolster support.

The Simba Hybrid Pro mattress is slightly firmer, making it suitable for those who want a firm mattress (see table below).

Pros:

  • The Simba Hybrid Pro provides better support than the Simba Hybrid mattress given its extra coils.
  • The natural wool top layer provides a softer feel, some temperature regulation and is hypoallergenic.

Cons:

  • The Simba Hybrid Pro is more expensive than the Simba Hybrid mattress, about £400 more on average, starting from £931 for a single mattress. Prices go up to £1,731 for a super king-size mattress, before discount.

Read my full review of the Simba Hybrid Pro here.

Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress

The Simba Hybrid Luxe is the most advanced (and expensive!) hybrid mattress offered by Simba Sleep. It has a whopping ten layers – over and above the Pro, they’ve added an additional 5000 springs. This is the creme-de-la-creme of hybrid mattresses, and comes at a price.

The Luxe mattress I’ve found is firmer than the other two, making it suitable for most people (see table below).

Pros:

  • The Simba Hybrid Luxe provides the best support among the three mattresses.
  • The mattress has a thicker comfort layer for added comfort.
  • The extra titanium Aerocoil springs provide maximum breathability and temperature regulation.

Cons:

  • The Simba Hybrid Luxe is super pricey and is, of course, the most expensive option among the three mattresses. Prices start from £1,091 for a single mattress (before discounts) and goes up to £2,191 for a super king-size mattress.

At a glance: Firmness rating

Here at WhatMattress, we’ve come up with our own firmness / comfort rating. This is a rating out of 10, where 10 means very firm. We call it the WhatMattress Firmness Rating.

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

Price & Size (UK)

In the UK, the Simba Hybrid mattress is available in six sizes. Prices & promotions change a lot, but these are the latest prices I’ve found.

Note that these prices are BEFORE any discount. Check out my Simba discount code page to get up to £400 off.

  • Single – 90 x 190 cm – £569
  • Small Double – 120 x 190 cm – £769
  • Double – 135 x 190 cm – £869
  • King – 150 x 200 cm – £1,069
  • Super King – 180 x 200 cm – £1,269
  • Emperor – 200 x 200 cm – £1,369

By the way, the emperor size isn’t widely available in the other Simba Hybrid models, so if you’re looking for an emperor size mattress then the cheaper Simba Hybrid is likely the only one you can get.

Simba Hybrid: Trial Period – Is it any good?

Simba mattresses all come with a 200-night trial period, this allows you to try out the Simba Hybrid mattress for almost 7 months.

During this time, if you decide that the mattress is not suitable, you can return it for a full refund. Generally, compared to a few other companies, this seems to be a straightforward process, though if you have issues with sagging then you’ll need to provide photos before your return request is accepted. I’d suggest reading the comments on my main Simba mattress review page for more information.

The trial period gives customers ample time to adjust to the new mattress and truly test its comfort and support. It also takes away the pressure and risk of purchasing a mattress online without having the chance to test it out in person.

In Review: About the mattress layers

The Simba Hybrid mattress is known across the industry for its unique design, which features a combination of various layers aimed at providing a good balance of comfort and support.

To re-cap, the ‘basic’ Simba Hybrid has 5 layers, which are:

Layer 1: Hypoallergenic Airflow Sleep Surface

The top layer of the Simba Hybrid mattress is a hypoallergenic airflow sleep surface that is designed to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night. This layer is made from a soft and breathable fabric that allows air to flow freely through the mattress, preventing heat buildup and keeping you cool and dry. I personally found that this mattress runs quite hot, even though it’s a hybrid.

Layer 2: Simbatex Comfort Layer (basically, memory foam)

The second layer of the Simba Hybrid mattress is made from a high-density memory foam that provides cushioning and support to your body. This layer is designed to contour to your body shape, distributing your weight evenly and relieving pressure points, making it an excellent choice for those who suffer from back or joint pain.

Layer 3: 2,500 Conical Pocket Springs

The third layer of the Simba Hybrid mattress consists of 2,500 conical pocket springs – which means they are wrapped in individual material. These springs provide a bouncy and responsive feel to the mattress, offering excellent support and minimising motion transfer. The conical shape of the springs allows them to compress independently, reducing the likelihood of sagging and increasing the lifespan of the mattress.

Layer 4: High-Density Foam Support Layer

The fourth layer of the Simba Hybrid mattress is a high-density foam support layer that provides additional support and stability to the mattress. This layer is designed to absorb any shock and distribute weight evenly across the mattress, which supposedly reduces dipping.

Layer 5: Zoned Support Base

The final layer of the Simba Hybrid mattress is a zoned support base, which is made from a high-density foam that provides additional support to the areas of the body that need it most. This layer is divided into seven different zones, each with varying levels of firmness, designed to provide tailored support to the different parts of your body.

As you can see, there’s a lot of memory foam here.

Note that the Simba Hybrid is a heavy mattress, weighing in at around 37KG for the double. That’s quite a lot, and you’ll need help to move it up stairs. As a guide, the average person can lift about 20kg maximum, so reel in a friend.

Are Simba Hybrid mattresses different from others?

There are loads of hybrid mattresses around now.

Emma recently launched their Hybrid Premium and I’m told it’s quickly becoming their biggest seller. Simba were one of the first companies to make a hybrid, but it just goes to show that other companies are moving in on their market.

That said, Simba’s hybrid mattresses are unique and different from other hybrid mattresses for sale in the UK, for several reasons.

Firstly, Simba uses mini pocket springs and titanium Aerocoil springs. These springs are designed to provide targeted support to your body’s pressure points, while the foam layers provide cushioning and comfort. In my opinion, this combination of springs and foam layers makes Simba’s mattresses very supportive, comfortable, and durable.

Secondly, Simba’s hybrid mattresses were the first to feature a natural wool top layer – this is present in the Simba Hybrid Pro and Simba Hybrid Luxe mattresses, and the addition of this natural material provides excellent breathability, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night. This is especially important for people who tend to sleep hot and wake up sweating.

If you’re interested in finding out more about wool mattresses, see my top 5 wool mattress article.

Best Rated Mattresses UK (2024)

  1. Simba Hybrid Luxe — Best for comfort, with wool layer
  2. Nectar Memory Foam — The comfiest, affordable memory-foam mattress
  3. Emma Premium — Best cheaper hybrid around. Full stop.
  4. OTTY Original Hybrid — Still going strong
  5. Eve Original Hybrid — Still a classic, made in UK
  6. Tuft & Springs Solitaire 2000 — Pricey but high-quality

The top all-round mattress in the UK according to WhatMattress users in 2024 is Simba Hybrid Luxe. It's surprisingly affordable, and out-performs all other hybrid mattresses in terms of comfort. It also doesn't sag as much as other rival hybrid mattresses, even after a couple of years of testing.

Are the Simba Hybrid mattresses good for back pain?

Yes and no.

Simba’s mattresses are designed to provide pressure relief to your body. The memory foam layers in the mattresses are made of open-cell foam, which provides excellent pressure relief to your body’s pressure points, such as your shoulders, hips, and lower back.

The mini pocket springs and titanium Aerocoil springs used in the mattresses also help to distribute your weight evenly across the mattress, reducing pressure points and ensuring a comfortable sleep. The best side / bolster support is only available in the Luxe however.

Do Simba Hybrid mattresses sag or dip?

This is the million dollar question.

Simba have repeatedly refused to reveal how many returns they get under their trial period. I suspect that the majority of returns are because of sagging issues personally. Why? Because people contact me to tell me about their Simba mattress which has developed a large dip in it. This problem isn’t unique to Simba either, other mattress (memory foam and pocket spring) by all brands can sometimes have the same problem.

How widespread is it? Difficult to say, but Simba have made changes to the high-density foam in the base layer in recent years. Gone are the previous problems that plagued this mattress.

If you do want to return your Simba Hybrid mattress however, then please leave a comment below as we’d love to hear from you.

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Are Simba Hybrid mattresses eco-friendly?

Kind of.

Simba’s hybrid mattress range uses CertiPUR-certified foam, which is made without harmful chemicals and is safe for you and the environment.

Simba also claims that their hybrid mattresses are made using 100% recycled materials, making them a more sustainable and environmentally friendly choice.

Are Simba Sleep a UK company?

Yes. “Simba Sleep” is the actual company name and it was founded here in the UK, where it still remains.

I remember the first product they launched was the Simba Hybrid mattress, all the way back in 2016. The mattress quickly gained popularity due to its unique combination of foam and patented springs, it blew everything else out of the water.

In 2017, they launched the Simba Hybrid Pillow, which won several awards and was designed to provide adjustable support and comfort. In 2018, Simba Sleep launched the Simba Hybrid Duvet, which was made with a blend of down and innovative materials to provide maximum breathability and warmth.

Then two years later, Simba Sleep launched both the Hybrid Pro and Hybrid Luxe mattresses, which were designed to provide better support, comfort, and temperature regulation.

If a UK made mattress is important to you, then be aware that most of the Emma and Nectar mattress ranges respectively are also made in the UK.

Which Simba Hybrid mattress is the best?

So the ‘best’ mattress really does depend on your individual needs and what you actually *want* from your mattress:

  • For those on a budget, but who still want the features of a hybrid, the Simba Hybrid mattress is a perfectly fine option.
  • If you want better support, a softer wool layer, and a little extra all-round firmness, the Simba Hybrid Pro is an excellent choice. I’d probably choose this one if it were me.
  • If you want the best support and maximum breathability, the Simba Hybrid Luxe is the way to go, but I really don’t know if it’s worth the excessive asking price personally.

In conclusion, Simba Sleep offers three excellent mattresses to choose from, and each mattress has its own benefits and drawbacks. What’s more, they now offer financing so you can pay monthly.

Your budget, sleeping habits, and preferred firmness are all factors in determining which mattress is best for you. When looking for a new mattress, it’s just so important to think about how firm it is, how much support it provides, how well it manages heat, and how comfortable it is overall. And of course you can give the Simba Sleep mattress a try for 200 nights before making a final decision if it’s right for you or not.

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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
  • 20th November 2023
    Checked & Reviewed - By Jean Marshall
  • 4th March 2023
    Copy Edited - By Carrie Taylor
  • 1st 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.

  1. https://simbasleep.com/products/mattress
  2. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q100140409

One comment on “Simba Hybrid Pro vs Hybrid Luxe

  1. FYi Simba has changed their base layer from foam to a sprung base. I returned my original after 6 years use and found that my replacement is completely different. They sell this as the ‘original’ and even say on the website that it is the original design, when it is clearly not. This looks like it is for all of their mattresses apart from the budget one. I dont know if this is better or worse, only had the mattress for 1 night.

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