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The Simba Hybrid Original mattress is based on the brand's beloved original design, adapting all the best bits from their signature hybrid tech while still being one of the best mattress options that is still cost effective from their range. Though Simba only launched in 2015, in less than ten years they've become a major player in the UK's hybrid mattress space, with their brand name instantly conjuring an expectation of quality.
Ultimately, however, simply knowing a brand isn't a prerequisite for loving its products, so I was keen to put the Simba Hybrid Original mattress to the test for myself. As I've gotten older I've become an increasingly light sleeper, so sadly for me if my partner dares toss and turn at night I find myself immediately awake. In an effort to minimise this, I've likewise evolved into a side sleeper to ensure I have maximum space, though my last mattress didn't do much in the way of absorbing this movement. With that in mind, the fact that Simba's Hybrid range mattresses are known to limit motion transfer from its foam layer was music to my ears.
My previous mattress had been inherited from an old flat mate and no doubt passed through several other owners prior, so there was certainly plenty of room for improvement. I hadn't given this much thought before, though of course it makes sense that the thing you spend one third on your life on (likely more, in my case) should be well designed and above all, ergonomic.
Simba Hybrid Original mattress review: at a glance
- Tested by: Lian Brooks, GLAMOUR's Senior Audience Development Manager (size tested: UK King Size).
- Tested for: One month. You can find out more about how we test products here.
- Firmness: 7 out of 10.
- Pros: Good temperature control and movement absorption.
- Cons: No deep sink in feel typical of a memory foam mattress, upper mid-range option in terms of cost.
- Price: £659-£1,129.
Save when you buy with these Simba discount codes.
Simba Hybrid Original mattress first impressions
While I tend to expect some level of faff when getting anything delivered, especially a larger item like a mattress, Simba have streamlined the entire process to make it as simple and hassle-free as possible. Free next day delivery is included with your order, with options for old mattress removal and help with setup available too.
The delivery team called ahead to give me a specific time slot they expected to arrive, with them bringing it all the way up the stairs I had been dreading having to navigate and right up to my bedroom door, leaving me to only have to open the box.
My king size mattress had been condensed into a comparably smaller box, Mary Poppins style, with it arriving vacuum-packed, rolled and boxed. Fool-proof lines of where to cut to free your mattress meant that getting it opened was a breeze, with it quickly expanding, as if by magic. Though it's ready for use within three to six hours, Simba say it can take up to 72 hours for it to reach its full bouncy glory.
One thing that was immediately noticeable on opening the mattress was the chemical smell it gave off, but this was easily remedied by leaving it to do its thing with the window open for a few hours. By the time it was the evening and I was ready to try out my new mattress, the smell had gone with little trouble.
My first impressions of the mattress itself were that it was visibly less thick than my previous old faithful even after having had time to fully regain shape, though I appreciated the simple design and soft washable sleep surface.
GLAMOUR road test: comfort and design
The Simba Hybrid Original is billed as a medium-firm mattress – I'd give it a 7 out of 10 in this department – with it providing both support and softness. I personally found it had just the right level of support, being firm with a little give while offering a good level of elasticity and cushioning. That said, if you're looking for a memory foam mattress with full sink then this probably isn't the model for you.
From my first night's sleep I definitely noticed that I wasn't being woken up as much through the night by my restless partner, a credit to the Hybrid Original's pocket spring layer which helps with motion isolation. This is a major win in my books and something I wasn't especially expecting.
A month of using the mattress and two UK heatwaves later, the Simba Hybrid Original's cooling credentials were also very apparent. One downside of typical hybrid mattresses can often be the memory foam layer, which although great for comfort, can lead to heat getting trapped. Simba, thankfully, have accounted for this, with their specially designed Simbatex® foam helping with temperature control. Even on warmer nights during the UK heatwaves and with a tossing and turning partner to reckon with, I rarely woke up feeling too hot.
As a side sleeper, I found it cushioned and supported all the right places, while my partner who tends to be a back sleeper felt it tended to all the right pressure points, noting less back pain after a couple weeks of sleeping on it. It's little wonder why, with the Hybrid Original having the highest spring count of Simba's comfort range (1,900 Aerocoil® micro springs, in case you were wondering), designed to support spinal alignment and pressure relief.
Simba Hybrid Original mattress review: the verdict
Overall, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Simba Hybrid Original mattress. Its medium firmness makes it suitable for a range of sleep positions, while it strikes a good balance of supportive yet cushioned.
Thoughtfully designed, the Hybrid Original mirrors the body with nine support zones, while simple features like the zipped knitted cover mean you can easily wash it at any time. Its heat control capabilities helped me sleep through even on warmer nights, while the movement absorption was apparent (and enormously appreciated) from night one.
If you're after that sink in feel typical of memory foam mattresses then this likely isn't the best pick for you, though as a side sleeper I'd say this is worth the investment in terms of both quality and cost.
While the Hybrid Original is definitely an upper mid-range option, with Simba's free, 200-night trial, you have time to make up your mind for yourself. If you're not loving your mattress after trying it out, you're able to return it for a hassle-free refund, with returned mattresses being recycled, refurbished or donated.
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