Although the Panda Hybrid Bamboo mattress isn't exactly the newest entry in the mattress space, it's still a contender as one of the best mattresses for those looking for a quality ergonomic build at a justifiable price point. In fact, many consider this model to be one of the best hybrid mattresses in the UK.
That said, as a shopping writer who reviews products for a living, I'm a firm believer that “popular” doesn't always equal “good,” especially since we all have our own circumstances and personal preferences. When an item is priced well above a few hundred pounds, spending a bit of time researching and making an informed decision is always better than impulse-buying a product solely based on how many times it's popped up on your FYP.
Over the past month, I've been busy testing the Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress, having reviewed it in real-life settings (i.e. my bedroom) to see if it's actually worth the hype and the long-term investment. I've noted down every factor, be it related to comfort, design, set-up or how it compares to some of the other competitor options on the market. So, here's my honest verdict.
As a chronic insomniac, I understand the importance of sleep all too well, having tried practically every known method in the book. You name it: CBD oils, valerian root supplements, meditation and sleep trackers – the list goes on. But since I also have mild scoliosis, ergonomics haven’t always been at the top of my priority list. Sure, I did put a lot of thought into buying a comfortable office chair, but it wasn't until recently that I actually started reconsidering one of the key elements in my home: a quality mattress.
Previously, I've only ever opted for memory foam mattresses, often preferring a softer build and a sinking feel over anything firmer, which is precisely why I was a bit sceptical when I signed up for this review. You see, hybrid mattresses are known to be on the firmer side, and according to Panda's website, this model in particular was ranked “medium firm.” That said, I was also fully aware that firmer mattresses are the better choice for those suffering with back pain or scoliosis, which is exactly what I needed.
Bamboo Hybrid Bamboo Mattress review: at a glance
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer (size tested: UK King Size).
- Tested for: One month. You can find out more about how we test products here.
- Firmness: 8 out of 10.
- Pros: Great temperature control, ergonomic design
- Cons: Not the most comfortable option for side-sleepers, premium price.
- Price: £950-£1,750.
Bamboo Hybrid Bamboo Mattress first impressions
The Bamboo hybrid mattress comes delivered in a large yet tightly packed box, with the mattress itself arriving in a vacuum-sealed plastic bag. Although the recyclable packaging itself was easy enough to deal with, the product was fairly heavy and difficult for just one person to manoeuvre onto an empty bed frame. After some huffing and puffing, I was able to get the mattress in position to give it time to breathe. Overall, it took about five-six hours for the mattress to fully inflate before it was ready for use.
The first thing I noticed once the mattress was out of the packaging was how premium it felt. Its soft top layers were light and cool to the touch, while the breathable bamboo mattress cover that comes included with the product feels incredibly soft yet durable.
However, it’s worth mentioning that after the set-up process was done, I was left with a very strong odour that came straight from the mattress. Even when paired with freshly laundered bedsheets, the smell was too powerful to ignore and took several days to air out.
GLAMOUR road test: comfort and design
According to Bamboo, its signature hybrid mattress scores a seven out of 10 in terms of firmness, also known as ‘medium firm’. However, straight out of the box, both my husband and I thought that the mattress was much firmer than we expected. In fact, the first morning after sleeping on it, I got up feeling a bit sore (similar to how you’d feel after hitting the gym following a long break). With this in mind, I’d probably rate the firmness a solid eight out of 10.
Getting used to it required a bit of an adjustment period, but after a week of regular use, I started to fall asleep much quicker and without so much as a second thought. Before I knew it, I was hitting my eight hours and was more comfortable than ever – again, that’s coming from someone who feels lucky to get five hours of sleep on the daily, so that’s saying a lot.
With time, I found that the level of firmness was optimal for anyone who (like me) tends to sleep on my back or my belly – kudos to the layers of the OrthoAlign Foam and ultra-responsive pocket springs. To my surprise, I even started questioning why I previously preferred softer mattresses in the first place.
That said, I also feel the need to point out that this model might not be the most comfortable choice for side sleepers. Although Bamboo claims that its hybrid mattress is suitable for every type of sleeper, when testing it for comfort, I found that I wasn’t as comfortable when trying to fall asleep on the side, since its rigidness prevents your body from sinking enough to feel comfortable.
The mattress also features a top layer that consists of breathable open-cell foam as well as a removable, breathable bamboo cover, which helps maximise airflow and prevents your body from overheating during the night. However, since I’ve been testing it throughout spring, I’m still yet to put the mattress to the test during a heatwave, so I imagine that’s when the temperature distribution and airflow will come in particularly handy. Rest assured, this review will be regularly updated, so I’ll definitely make sure to note its performance throughout all seasons.
Bamboo Hybrid Bamboo mattress review: the verdict
Bottom line is that the Bamboo Hybrid Bamboo mattress is definitely one of the best things that happened to me and my insomnia. Thus far, it’s contributed more to solidifying a healthy sleeping pattern than any other remedy I’ve tried, and provided me with all the ergonomics and comfort that I was looking for.
Price-wise, it’s definitely more of an investment compared to the majority of other mattresses on the market, however, I’d say that for the value of what you’re signing up for, the price is still justifiable. About the only factor worth noting is that it may not be the best mattress for side sleepers due to the level of firmness, but otherwise, I’d say that the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
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For more content from GLAMOUR UK's Beauty Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
