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Simba mattress review: we tried 8 Simba mattresses for six weeks and this is how they compare
Read our Simba Hybrid mattress review to see if this brand is worth the hype
Tested by Blossom BoothroydHomes Testing Manager
GHI verdict: The Simba Hybrid is our best Simba mattress overall, offering the best balance of comfort, support and temperature regulation. Choose the Hybrid Essential for a more affordable option or the Hybrid Luxe for a more indulgent, hotel-style feel. All the Simba mattresses we tested are medium-firm, so they may not suit anyone after a particularly soft or firm feel. But most of our testers found them comfortable, making this a happy middle ground for most sleepers.
Simba is one of the most well-known mattress brands on the market, delivering sleep support to your door in a neat, (relatively) portable cardboard box. And convenience isn’t the only selling point.
The brand has always prioritised sustainability, making its mattresses here in the UK with a focus on natural materials. You don’t just have to take Simba’s word for it either – the brand is a recognised B-Corp, an independent certification that means it has a more positive impact on the environment and among the communities in which it works.
Simba also offers a 200-night trial, a 10-year guarantee and will even take your old mattress away for free.
So is the brand worth the hype? The Good Housekeeping Institute put a selection of the brand's mattresses through rigorous testing as part of our best mattress reviews, before collating this Simba mattress review to show you how they stack up.
Note that all the mattresses below are hybrid ones – bringing you the best of both memory foam and pocket spring.
But, the important question is, just how comfortable and supportive are these mattresses? We got our experts on the case and surveyed our reader panel – keep scrolling for our full Simba mattress review.
How we test Simba mattresses
Our Simba mattress reviews at the Good Housekeeping Institute are based on in-depth testing rather than quick impressions.
As part of our testing, we survey readers who’ve owned their Simba mattress for at least six months so we can also see how they perform over time. It helps us build a clear picture of long-term durability, comfort and value for money.
We include that reader feedback in the overall score for each mattress, but that’s just the start of testing. We also recruit a panel of reviewers and send them out a new Simba mattress to try for a minimum of six weeks.
Then we ask them to tell us all about it – in forensic detail. We quiz them on the following:
- What was the delivery like?
- Was unboxing and set-up easy?
- Was it comfortable from the off and did this change as time progressed?
- Did the Simba mattress ease any back ache?
- Does the mattress help regulate their body temperature?
We also ask them to share any other feelings they have about their Simba mattress, good, bad or ugly.
Our experts then analyse all this data and feedback to award each Simba mattress an overall score based on the criteria that matters, especially when you’re spending hundreds if not thousands, from comfort to breathability.
The prices shown are for standard UK doubles.
Pros
- Extremely supportive and comfortable
- Quiet overnight
- Excellent at regulating temperature
Cons
- Some of our readers noticed that dips formed, so be sure to follow care guidance closely
Simba Hybrid® Mattress review
Score: 89/100
This is Simba’s original hybrid mattress, and according to our testers, the medium-firm design is still its best. Everyone praised the delivery and unboxing process.
Come bedtime, our testers loved the way its 2,500-odd springs and unique foam combine to offer support while contouring to the body with a cloud-like sink-in feel. For some, it also eased pre-existing aches and pains.
It was quiet when our testers moved during the night, and for most people, it regulated their body temperature well. You can even zip off its cover to wash it and keep things fresh.
As with our reader feedback, the odd tester noticed a dip forming over time, but this wouldn't stop them recommending it to others, with one reviewer telling us: “I'm sleeping a lot better since it's been in my life!”
Best suited to: Anyone looking for an excellent medium-firm mattress that combines the comfort of memory foam with the pressure relief and air flow of pocket springs.
Key specifications
| Sizes | Single, EU single, small double, double, EU double, EU queen, king, super king |
|---|---|
| Number of springs | 2500 |
| Other layers | Simbatex foam layer; CertiPUR foam comfort layer; CertiPur foam support base; knitted top cover |
| Firmness | Medium firm |
| Depth | 25cm |
Simba Hybrid® Luxe Mattress
Simba Hybrid® Luxe Mattress
Pros
- Extremely comfortable to sleep on
- Premium construction and fillings
- Good for temperature regulation
Cons
- Deep design may not work for everyone
- Some noticed dips, but some were temporary
Simba Hybrid® Luxe Mattress review
Score: 88/100
This was a big hit with our testers. As its name suggests, it’s one of the brand's more premium designs and when you hear what’s inside its washable cover, you can see why. There are 11 different layers, including a total of 6,000 springs, as well as Simba’s foam tech, and a wool and bamboo layer for added breathability.
At nighttime, it was comfortable, supportive and quiet when anyone moved around, thanks to the edge-to-edge support. Impressively for a mattress with foam in, its temperature regulating claims proved true, even for testers who run hot at night: “I used to lose sleep overheating at night and couldn't settle,” one told us, “but this mattress has transformed my sleep, so I can go about my day to day feeling less stressed.”
Again, it's a medium-firm mattress, so if you like a firm finish it may be a little too soft (it was for one tester), and like the Hybrid, you should rotate it as per the brand’s instructions to avoid any dips forming. You may also need to buy deeper sheets.
But our panel loved it on the whole. “It’s very hard to get out of bed in the morning, it’s so comfortable!” said one. Which is just the level of cosiness we dream of in a mattress.
Best suited to: Shoppers seeking a premium, cushioned feel with good temperature regulation.
Key specifications
| Sizes | Single, small double, double, EU queen, king, super king |
|---|---|
| Number of springs | 6000 across three layers |
| Other layers | Knitted top cover; internal cover; wool, bamboo and cotton layer; Simbatex foam comfort layer; CertiPur foam stability layer; Simba ReGen base (made with repurposed foam) |
| Firmness | Medium firm |
| Depth | 31cm |
Simba Natural Hybrid® Apex Mattress
Simba Natural Hybrid® Apex Mattress
Pros
- Comfortable and supportive
- Constructed from premium natural materials
- Helped alleviate back pain for some testers
Cons
- Expensive
Simba Natural Hybrid® Apex review
Score: 86/100
This is the priciest mattress in Simba's natural fibre range, complete with luxurious cashmere and mohair layers and a whopping 6,700 springs. From the very first night, it wowed testers with its hotel-quality plushness, tailored support and temperature-regulating capabilities.
The medium firm mattress is suited to a range of sleepers, and was particularly popular for easing aches and pains. One tester even said it helped with their insomnia, saying it was like “sleeping on a cloud.”
The Simba Earth Apex is a notably deep and weighty mattress. It provides luxurious support, but it does require deep-fitted sheets (and perhaps a second person to help with regular rotation). It sprang back into shape each morning with ease, and no dips, sagging or soft spots were detected during testing.
There’s no denying that the Earth Apex sits at the luxury end of the mattress market, but with its plant-friendly natural layers, advanced spring support system and 10-year guarantee, the majority of testers felt it was a worthy investment (after all, you can’t put a price on better Zs).
Best suited to: Those who want a luxury natural-fibre mattress and who can accommodate its depth and weight.
Key specifications
| Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
|---|---|
| Number of springs | 6,700 across 12 layers |
| Other layers | Cashgora, silk & Hampshire wool layers |
| Firmness | Medium firm |
| Depth | 32cm |
Simba Natural Hybrid® Source Mattress
Simba Natural Hybrid® Source Mattress
Pros
- Comfortable, quiet and still for everyone on test
- Made with all-natural materials
- Good support levels for most
Cons
- Slight smell on arrival
Simba Natural Hybrid® Source review
Score: 85/100
Also part of Simba's natural range, the Source mattress is a more affordable option, with 2,900 springs and fewer layers. Still, it won over even the fussiest of sleepers in our tests.
Striking a balance between plush and firm, it comfortably cushioned pressure points and eased aches, with one sciatica sufferer saying they’re now able to sleep soundly through the night – no mean feat. For those sharing a bed, it isolated movement, leaving even the lightest sleepers free from wriggle worries.
Style-wise, it looks and feels premium. But it is deep so you may need to invest in new sheets. Unboxing was mostly smooth sailing; however, some panellists were left hunting online for set-up instructions, and a few noticed a scent that lingered for up to two weeks. This wasn’t an issue for everyone, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re sensitive to smells.
For a mattress that’s kind to your back and the planet, our panel felt it earned its price tag. Smartly designed, sustainably made, and seriously comfortable, it’s an instant upgrade to your sleep set-up.
Best suited to: Shoppers looking for a natural-fibre option with a medium-firm feel for less than £1,500.
Key specifications
| Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
|---|---|
| Number of springs | 2,900 across 8 layers |
| Other layers | Hampshire wool cushioning layer; British wool comfort layer; British wool stability layer; CoreMax sprung base |
| Firmness | Medium firm |
| Depth | 28cm |
Simba Hybrid® Ultra Mattress
Simba Hybrid® Ultra Mattress
Pros
- Build was sturdy and fitted our panel’s bed frames well
- Breathable, comfortable and supportive for all testers
- All our panel would continue using the mattress
Cons
- Expensive
- On the heavier side
- Deep design may not suit everyone
Simba Hybrid® Ultra Mattress review
Score: 85/100
The Simba Hybrid Ultra has 8,500 springs, the most of any mattress we’ve tested. There are also 13 different layers to this design, including four spring layers, cushioning foam, and a cooling combination of wool, bamboo, charcoal and kapok (an airy plant fibre with a natural wax coating that makes it moisture resistant).
All this doesn’t come cheap, but rest assured you won’t feel a pea through all those layers; everyone who tried this mattress found it comfortable to sleep on. It ticked the boxes for support (easing back ache for some), temperature regulation, stability and quietness. No dips formed over the testing period either, and everyone would recommend it to friends and family.
However, it is heavy, which our testers marked it down for as they struggled to get it into position. This also makes the required rotation harder, and you’ll definitely need to invest in deep sheets.
But if you can enlist a second pair of hands to help you move it, and you have the budget, it’s a standout buy. As one tester said: "This mattress is wonderful! It's just so comfy; I can't wait to lie on it every evening."
Best suited to: Shoppers who want Simba’s premium layered design and don’t mind a heavy, deep mattress.
Key specifications
| Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
|---|---|
| Number of springs | 8500 across four layers |
| Other layers | Knitted top cover; polyester inner cover; wool, bamboo and kapok fibre layer; CertiPUR foam; latex and coconut fibre blend; CertiPUR foam border (around two spring layers); CertiPUR foam; Polyester spring casing; CertiPUR foam base |
| Firmness | Medium firm |
| Depth | 34cm |
Pros
- Testers remained cool and comfortable overnight
- Foam moulded to panel members' bodies nicely
- Supportive
Cons
- Slight smell to begin with
- Deep design may not work with regular sheets
Simba Hybrid® Pro review
Score: 85/100
Positioned between Simba’s Hybrid mattress and its Luxe design, this is a good Goldilocks buy. It has eight different layers of foam, springs (there are 5,000 of them!) and more, with testers finding it a reliable temperature regulator thanks to the layer of cooling British wool. They also found it sturdy, supportive and, most importantly, comfortable.
It had a slight memory foam smell, but this dissipated within a couple of days. Again, some noted slight dipping over time, but this didn’t impact its overall comfort.
This is another all-rounder from the brand that provided quality shuteye for our testers. We appreciate it may be tricky to decide on the right design for you. When weighing up your options, we suggest deciding on the features that interest you the most (natural fabrics, cooling capabilities etc.) and seeing what you can get for your budget.
Best suited to: Shoppers who are after a comfortable, supportive hybrid mattress at a lower price than the Luxe or Ultra.
Key specifications
| Sizes | Single, small double, double, EU double, king, EU queen, super king |
|---|---|
| Number of springs | 5000 springs across three layers |
| Other layers | Knitted cover; Internal cover; British wool layer; Simbatex foam support layer; CertiPur foam support layer; Simba ReGen base layer |
| Firmness | Medium firm |
| Depth | 28cm |
Simba Hybrid® Essential Mattress
Simba Hybrid® Essential Mattress
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Good for temperature regulation
- Quiet to lie on
Cons
- Not as comfortable as other Simba designs
- Support level not right for all testers
Simba Hybrid® Essential review
Score: 79/100
This more budget option has four layers, including a washable cover, 1,000 springs, a foam base and a top layer. As you’d expect then, it doesn’t quite provide the same hotel-level comfort as some of the others on this list – some testers loved the support it offered, while others found it wasn't quite right.
But our panellists found it temperature-regulating and told us it was stable and quiet when partners moved at night. A dip started forming for one tester, but everyone else praised its quality.
Those who loved it said they wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, with one telling us they felt “super rested in the morning” and would keep using it. If you need a precise level of support however, we’d suggest investing in something more premium.
Best suited to: Budget-conscious shoppers who are looking for an entry-level hybrid mattress and appreciate a firmer feel.
Key specifications
| Sizes | Single, double, king, super king, small double |
|---|---|
| Number of springs | 1000 |
| Other layers | Knitted cover; Simbatex foam layer; CertiPUR foam support base |
| Firmness | Medium firm |
| Depth | 20cm |
Simba Natural Hybrid® Escape Mattress
Simba Natural Hybrid® Escape Mattress
Pros
- High-quality, durable design and premium build
- No ‘new mattress’ smell
- Effective at regulating temperature
Cons
- Relatively heavy
- On the firmer side, which may not suit everyone
- One tester experienced some issues with delivery
Simba Natural Hybrid® Escape review
Score: 79/100
The final mattress in Simba’s Earth range, this medium firm design – which blends premium all-natural materials with advanced tech – is designed to help you “escape the stresses of the day”. It’s 30cm deep and comprises 10 layers, including British wool for next-level comfort and superior temperature regulation. The CoreMax sprung base is designed to minimise motion transfer and the two Aerocoil spring layers provide extra support and pressure relief.
Our panellists rated the durable, sturdy design, noting that it felt well-made with no signs of damage or dipping after six weeks of testing. They were able to use their standard sheets – no need to invest in new ones – and they liked that it didn’t have a strong smell on arrival. It did a good job of regulating their temperature overnight and the majority of testers said the medium-firm design provided ample support and cushioning, too. It was also quiet when they moved around.
Best suited to: Shoppers looking for a natural-fibre mattress with a firmer feel and strong support.
Key specifications
| Sizes | Single, double, king, super king |
|---|---|
| Number of springs | 4800 |
| Other layers | Plant-derived viscose cover, Hampshire wool cushioning layer, British wool comfort layer, Hampshire wool comfort layer, British wool support layer, British wool stability layer |
| Firmness | Medium firm |
| Depth | 30cm |
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We’ve tested countless sleep products in our 100-year history at the Good Housekeeping Institute, and mattresses are no exception. Our senior sleep & wellness tester, Kim Hawley, oversees all mattress reviews, making sure we pull out all the crucial details from our extensive testing – which involves analysing feedback from thousands of readers.
Our sleep & wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, helps write the surveys we send out, to ensure we answer all the questions you may have when shopping for a new mattress. She also looks out for new sleep products to test, and looks after all our sleep guides, so she knows exactly what's required for a great night's rest.
Which Simba mattress should I choose?
The Simba Hybrid is our strongest all-rounder, scoring the highest overall, with testers praising its comfort and support. The Hybrid Essential is the most affordable pick and offers good support and easy set-up, though some found it a little firm. The Hybrid Pro sits between the entry-level and premium models, offering a comfortable, supportive feel for less than the Hybrid Luxe or Ultra.
If you’re looking for a mattress with a more indulgent feel, the Hybrid Luxe was a high scorer and impressed testers with its comfort and temperature regulation. It is deep, though, so you may need new sheets. The Hybrid Ultra is Simba’s top-tier option, with a highly layered design and natural materials. It was comfortable and breathable, but it’s heavy and deep, so moving it is a bit of a workout, and you may need to update your sheets.
If you’re looking for a natural-fibre mattress, the Natural Hybrid Source is the more affordable choice – it’s made with British wool and has a medium-firm feel. The Natural Hybrid Escape mattress is the firmer natural-fibre option. Stomach sleepers liked its support, though lighter side sleepers may prefer something softer. The Natural Hybrid Apex is the luxury natural-fibre pick, as it’s made with cashgora, silk and Hampshire wool. Testers praised its comfort and temperature regulation, but at 32cm deep, it’s another deep and heavy one.
Can I flip a Simba mattress?
You shouldn’t flip a Simba mattress, as the brand uses a layered design with specific comfort fabric on top. Instead of flipping it, Simba suggests rotating your mattress through 180 degrees once a month for the first three months, then every three to six months for the lifetime of the mattress.
What is the life expectancy of a Simba mattress?
Every Simba mattress should last for a minimum of 10 years, and the brand even offers a guarantee that ensures it will be repaired or replaced if it sags or dips beyond normal wear and tear during that time.
Do Simba mattresses sag?
We carry out a reader survey of people who’ve owned their mattress for at least six months, and most were happy with how their Simba mattress had held up over time. While some told us their mattress had developed a bit of a dip or didn’t spring back to its original shape, the majority said they hadn’t noticed any changes.
In our six-week panel tests, a few people spotted slight dips in the Hybrid Essential, Pro and Luxe mattresses, although these didn’t always affect comfort. The Natural Hybrid Source had no dips after six weeks of testing, and the Natural Hybrid Apex also showed no change during the trial period.
To help keep your mattress in shape, we recommend following Simba’s care advice and rotating it every three to six months.
Do Simba mattresses smell?
When you receive a new mattress, a ‘new mattress smell’ is normal and typically more prominent with wool mattresses and vacuum-packed designs. However, odours should dissipate completely within one to two weeks.
Some of our testers noticed a new mattress smell with their Simbas, but how long it lasted varied by model. Hybrid Essential testers reported a slight lingering odour and one Natural Hybrid Source tester said the smell lasted two weeks. Our Hybrid Pro and Hybrid Luxe testers said any smell faded after a few days, while one Hybrid Ultra tester said the new mattress smell lasted several weeks.
Testers didn’t report any initial smell with the Natural Hybrid Apex or Escape models, so consider these if you’re sensitive to smells. Opening windows and leaving bedding off will also allow the mattress to breathe and dissipate smells faster.
Which is best: Simba Hybrid Luxe, Ultra or Pro?
Out of these three premium offerings from Simba, the best mattress we tested was the Simba Hybrid Luxe, which scored 88/100. This is a medium-firm mattress with a combination of 6,000 springs and Simba’s foam tech for support and comfort.
The Simba Hybrid Ultra scored just three points less, with a total of 85/100. It’s more expensive than the Hybrid Luxe, with more springs and layers. But the mattress is heavy and very deep, so you would need to buy new bedding, too.
Despite costing significantly less than the other premium mattresses, the Simba Hybrid Pro scored the same as the Hybrid Ultra with a total of 85/100. The combination of 5,000 springs and foam was a hit with our panel. Although there was some slight dipping over time, this didn’t impact how comfortable it was.
How readers review Simba mattresses
In our reader survey, we received glowing feedback for Simba – nearly everyone was happy with their mattress, and most said they would buy it again, praising its supportive designs. Some people flagged changes over time though – either their mattress didn't rebound to its original shape after a while or they noticed a dip forming – so we recommend following the brand's rotation guidelines religiously.
In fact, this is a stipulation of the brand’s 10-year warranty: you must rotate the mattress once a month for the first three months you have it, then regularly every three to six months after that. Good news though – all the mattresses below have handles to help with this.
Is Simba worth the hype?
Based on our reader surveys and panel feedback, the answer is a resounding yes.
‘I see why they call it Simba, because it leaves you feeling like a lying king,’ one tester told us of the winning Simba Hybrid Mattress. And if that doesn’t convince you, we’re not sure what will. Given its price point and the positive feedback from our panel, this is a no-brainer buy as far as we’re concerned.
But, if your budget stretches, then the Simba Hybrid Ultra Mattress was a hit for quality and performance, and it was the only design that had no reported changes during the testing period. You’ll just need to plan how you’ll rotate it and get it in place as it’s a heavy one.
Other tried and tested mattresses
Don’t think you’d get on with Simba’s medium-firm feel? See the full roundup of our best mattresses, to compare models from different brands with a range of finishes and levels of support.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
