If there's one mattress that's transformed the way I sleep, it's the Simba hybrid luxe. Best known for its flat-pack mattresses that arrive rolled up in a box before expanding to full size, Simba has options for almost every budget, but it's the brand's premium hybrid luxe that has totally given me a spring in my step every morning.
I've been sleeping on the mattress every single night for the past three years, ever since I first tested it for IndyBest in 2023. That’s given me ample time to really put its comfort through its paces, as well as how well it holds its shape.
Here's why I still think it's one of the best mattresses money can buy in 2026, as well as some areas where I think Simba could make the premium mattress even better.
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Simba hybrid luxe mattress
Rating: 5/5
Why we love it
- Grand stature
- Recycled materials
- Temperature regualtion
- Breathable
- Supportive
Take note
- Heavy to manoeuvre
- Some motion transfer
Initial thoughts
Like all Simba mattresses, the hybrid luxe arrives rolled up inside a box. Weighing 42kg, it’s heavy to manoeuvre, so I’d recommend a second pair of hands. But once hoisted onto my bed, it expanded to its full size in a matter of hours.
My first impression after unwrapping the mattress was its impressive height of 31cm. Given its depth, I’ve found that fitted sheets can be a struggle to fit. But the depth immediately made the hybrid luxe look substantial when placed on the bed base. I liked the grandeur it added to the bedroom, and thought this reflected the premium price point, too. In short, it made an immediate difference to the look of my bedroom.
Overview
The Simba hybrid luxe is a bit of a beast, and looks and feels robust. The reason for that? The nine layers. There’s a bamboo and wool layer, claimed to help with temperature regulation, as well as an open-cell foam section, which offers breathability – something I’ve personally struggled with when sleeping on a standard memory foam mattress.
The spring layers are there to provide support and firmness – as you’d expect, the springs are not noticeable (unlike with an old mattress). The quilted top cover layer offers comfort while keeping the sleeping surface firm. It can be removed for washing. I’ve machine-washed the cover a few times, and its texture and quality haven’t faded. The cover is not suitable for tumble drying or ironing, so I hang it up to dry.
I’ve found the mattress to be comfortable and supportive. I would go so far as to say the Simba hybrid luxe mattress has transformed my sleep. I can honestly say that it’s my favourite mattress of all those I’ve ever slept on.
Firmness and pressure relief
The brand labels it as a medium-firm mattress. I’d say it’s noticeably firmer than many of the mattresses I’ve tried in the past, but it never tips into feeling uncomfortably hard. Instead, the foam layers create a gently responsive surface that adapts as I move around, so I always feel supported. I’d say it’s around 8 out of 10 for firmness, and it has retained its structure and support perfectly over time.
In terms of pressure relief, I’ve been impressed. I do get pressure build-up around my shoulders and hips, but the mattress cushions those areas without letting them sink too deeply. When I sleep on my back, it keeps my lower spine feeling aligned and stable, which has helped reduce the mild lower-back stiffness I used to wake up with.
Edge support
Edge support is another area where it performs well. When sitting on the side of the bed to get dressed, I don’t feel like I’m sliding off or that the perimeter is collapsing under me – it holds its structure well. Sleeping close to the edge also feels secure, which is particularly useful if you’re sharing the bed and negotiating space.
Temperature regulation
Having slept on the mattress through all four seasons, I’ve found the surface remains fresh. I've never had an issue with overheating while sleeping on the Simba hybrid luxe, and although the surface doesn’t stay completely cool, it doesn’t retain your body heat, which is a marked improvement to some other foam mattresses I’ve tried.
Motion transfer
I tested this by placing a glass of water on the edge of the bed and pushing down on the mattress to note any spillage. The glass stayed firmly in place, with no water spilling. To make the water spill, I had to press down hard and put effort into making the base move.
While the water glass remained steady during the controlled test, in a real-world setting, the motion isolation isn’t the best. It isn’t disruptive, but I can occasionally sense movement if my partner shifts position during the night. It’s not a deal-breaker for me, but if you share with someone especially restless, it’s something worth bearing in mind.
Maintenance
To care for the mattress, rotate it 180 degrees from head to toe. The brand recommends doing this monthly for the first three months, and then every three to six months thereafter. To keep it clean, I put the removable top layer in the washing machine every three to six months, too. After three years of use, it’s still in impressively good condition with minimal wear and tear, and just some minor bobbling to the cover (as I’d expect after repeated washing).
Key specifications
Buy now £1799, Simbasleep.com
Your questions about the Simba hybrid luxe answered
Is the Simba hybrid luxe mattress worth it?
After three years of sleeping on Simba’s hybrid luxe mattress every single night, I still genuinely look forward to getting into bed. From the start, it provided proper support. I’ve noticed I wake up with a significant reduction in stiffness, aches and pains. The medium-firm feel suits me perfectly: supportive without being rigid, cushioned without feeling sink-in soft. And my back and shoulders always feel supported.
Even after years of constant use, it hasn’t sagged or lost any of its structure. For me, that durability – combined with the fact it is comfortable – makes it feel like a worthwhile investment. If you’re looking to upgrade your mattress and improve sleep quality, the hybrid luxe is a standout choice.
What are hybrid mattresses?
Hybrid mattresses essentially combine two or more sleep technologies into one single mattress, usually pocket springs and foam. The Simba hybrid luxe, for example, uses layers of titanium alloy Aerocoil micro springs as well as high-density foam. This gives you pressure relief of foam, but with the support and airflow of springs, giving me the best of both worlds.
Is a Simba mattress good for back pain?
It can be, but it’s really dependent on the cause of your back pain. The Simba lybrid luxe has a medium-firm feel with plenty of support, which can help keep your spine in alignment. It’s been supportive enough that I’ve never woke up with aches and pains, but if you have persistent or severe back pain, it's worth seeking advice from a healthcare professional. You might need a specific firmness level from your mattress.
What are the disadvantages of the Simba hybrid luxe mattress?
This is a substantial mattress in both height and weight. When it first arrived, I quickly realised it wasn’t something I could easily manoeuvre on my own. Getting it onto the bed frame took two people, and rotating it every few months (as recommended) is a bit of a workout. If you live alone or have a tight staircase, that’s something worth factoring in. The depth can also be slightly inconvenient because standard fitted sheets may not stretch comfortably over the corners.
As the most expensive Simba mattress you can buy, it’s also undeniably a premium investment, and while I do think the long-term comfort and durability justify the cost, it won’t suit every budget.
Where to buy the Simba hybrid luxe mattress and the best deals
The hybrid luxe mattress can be bought directly from Simba’s website, but it’s also available from third-party retailers including Amazon, Very and Barker and Stonehouse. Keep an eye out for offers during sale events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day, as well as the brand’s seasonal sales throughout the year. You can see the latest promotions and any available discount codes on our dedicated Simba deals page.
How I tested
I first reviewed this Simba mattress in 2023 for three months, during which I assessed it against extensive testing criteria. Three years later, the mattress is a permanent fixture in my bedroom, and my husband and I still sleep on it every night.
For context, I’m a side sleeper who wriggles a lot at night, much to the annoyance of my husband (who is a back and side sleeper). We’ve shared many a bed and have learnt what is important when it comes to a mattress we both find comfortable.
Over the three years of testing the Simba hybrid luxe mattress, I’ve taken notes of the overall comfort, support, breathability and quality, and I’ve regularly consulted my husband for his feedback. Throughout the entire testing process, from the initial trials up until now, I’ve considered the following factors:
Above all else, I wanted to see whether the Simba hybrid luxe mattress could help me sleep better, and whether the four-figure price tag is actually worth it.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Helen Wilson-Beevers has reviewed home products for 15 years and has extensive experience assessing comfort, value for money, and other key factors. Helen began contributing to The Independent's lifestyle desk in 2018 and became a regular contributor for IndyBest in 2021. She’s tested everything from silk pillowcases to washable rugs and cooling pillows, always offering her honest opinions and bringing detailed reviews to help inform your shopping choices.
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