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Confused by Simba's mattress range? We explain the difference between every model

Mattress shopping is confusing - we've broken down all the Simba models to help you find sweeter slumbers

A selection of pictures of the best simba mattresses we've tested, including the Hybrid and Earth range
(Image credit: Future)

Simba is the home of award-winning sleep. All of its mattresses have glowing reviews from people enjoying the best rest of their lives, but which Simba mattress is the right one for you?

Shopping for a mattress can quickly become information overload. How many springs do you need? Is a hybrid better than memory foam? And what do terms like microcoils, graphite-infused foam, and pressure-relieving layers actually feel like when you're trying to get comfortable at the end of a long day? Whether you're searching for the best mattress for side sleepers, the best cooling mattress for hot nights, or simply trying to make the most of a Simba sale, choosing between the brand's models isn't always straightforward.

When I started researching the best mattresses, I had all the same questions (and plenty more). So I put in the hours, spoke to sleep experts, and tested Simba's range to understand exactly how each mattress performs. I know which cooling technologies genuinely make a difference and which are mostly marketing jargon, and I can explain the practical differences between Simba's models in plain English. Here's everything you need to know about the Simba mattress range and how to choose the one that's best suited to you.

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Our Guide To Choosing The Best Simba Mattress For Your Sleep Style

Having tested all the best Simba mattresses, the woman&home team has three favourites, so if you want a quick guide to the ones we sleep on, here you go:

The difference between the Simba Hybrid and the Earth range

Simba's mattresses fall into two categories: Hybrid and Earth. There are 5 mattresses in the Hybrid collection (made of foam and springs) and 3 in the Earth collection (which is all about natural materials. Here's a quick summary of what to expect from each range. We'll go into the details of each model further down.

What's the difference between Simba's Hybrid Mattresses?

Testing the Simba Hybrid Pro in Liz's room

(Image credit: Future/Liz Morrell)

The Simba Hybrid range is the brand’s bestselling collection, designed to combine the support of pocket springs with the comfort of foam for a balanced, versatile sleep. As you move up the range, mattresses become deeper and more luxurious, with added layers, enhanced cooling features, and a softer, more premium feel. From the affordable Hybrid Essential to the high-tech Hybrid Ultra, there’s a model suited to different sleep styles, budgets, and comfort preferences.

What's the difference between Simba's Earth Mattresses?

Simba Earth Apex Mattress on my bed

(Image credit: Future)

The Simba Earth range is the brand’s eco-conscious mattress collection, made using natural materials and designed to be fully recyclable at the end of its life. Each model focuses on breathable comfort and supportive sleep, with increasing levels of luxury, pressure relief, and tailoring as you move up the range. From the entry-level Source to the premium Apex, it offers a more sustainable way to choose a mattress without compromising on comfort.

A dictionary for Simba jargon

Micro springs / Aerocoil springs: very small, responsive springs designed to add extra “bounce” and pressure relief. Simba uses them in layers to improve comfort and help the mattress adapt more precisely to your body.

Simbatex foam: Simba-designed foam (similar to memory foam, but more breathable). It’s meant to cushion your body while helping heat escape more easily so you don’t overheat as much.

Titanium Aerocoil springs: a premium version of the micro spring layer made with titanium alloy. These are designed to be lightweight, durable, and responsive, helping with support and airflow.

CertiPUR foam: a certification that means the foam has been independently tested to meet strict safety and environmental standards. It confirms the foam is made without harmful chemicals and has low emissions, making it a cleaner, safer option for indoor use.

SupportCore: the firmer, structural base layer that sits underneath the comfort and spring layers. Its job is to provide stability, improve overall support, and help the mattress keep its shape over time so you don’t sink too deeply or lose alignment during sleep.

Comfort layers: the soft upper layers of the mattress that you actually lie on. These determine how plush or firm the mattress feels at the surface.

Base/support layers: the firmer bottom layers that provide structure and stop you sinking too deeply. Think of them as the “foundation” of the mattress.

Pressure relief: mattress’s ability to reduce strain on key areas like shoulders, hips, and lower back by distributing weight more evenly.

Motion isolation (motion transfer): how well a mattress absorbs movement. Good motion isolation means you’re less likely to be disturbed if your partner moves or gets out of bed.

Breathable / airflow layers: materials designed to let heat and air move through the mattress more easily, helping to keep you cooler at night.

Temperature regulation: a mix of breathable fabrics, foams, and airflow systems that help prevent overheating or excessive cooling.

Edge-to-edge support: reinforced sides of the mattress so you can sleep or sit near the edge without feeling like you’ll roll off.

Open-cell foam: foam with tiny open bubbles that allow air to circulate, helping reduce heat build-up.

Hybrid mattress: a mattress that combines foam layers with springs to get the benefits of both: cushioning comfort plus supportive bounce.

Foam mattress: a mattress made entirely from foam layers, usually focusing on contouring and pressure relief.

FAQs

What's the difference between the Simba Hybrid and Earth range?

The Simba Hybrid range focuses on a foam-and-spring construction designed to deliver a balanced, all-round sleep with strong support, cushioning, and cooling features. The Earth range takes a more sustainable approach, using natural materials and a foam- and glue-free design that’s fully recyclable at the end of its life. In short, Hybrid is about engineered comfort and performance, while Earth is about eco-friendly materials with a more natural sleep feel.

Which Simba mattress is best for side sleepers?

For side sleepers, the Simba Hybrid Pro is usually the best starting point because it has extra cushioning layers and dual Aerocoil springs that help relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips without feeling too firm.

If you want something more luxurious and plush, the Hybrid Luxe is even better for side sleeping thanks to its deeper build and softer, more breathable top layers. For hot side sleepers, the Hybrid Ultra can also be a strong choice because it combines pressure relief with advanced cooling.

Which Simba mattress is best for back pain?

For back pain, the Simba Hybrid Pro is usually the best all-round choice because it balances support and cushioning, helping keep the spine aligned while still relieving pressure at the lower back and hips.

If you need something firmer and more structured, the Hybrid Original can also work well thanks to its supportive feel and even weight distribution. For those who prefer a more natural, slightly firmer sleep surface, some models in the Earth range (like Escape or Apex) can also be a good fit because they prioritise alignment and support over sink-in softness.

How long is Simba's trial period?

Simba offers 200 days to trial the mattress, which is more than the industry standard. I'd give it a month before you make a decision on whether the mattress is for you, as that's generally how long it takes to notice physical changes in your body.

How long is Simba's guarantee?

Simba guarantees their mattresses for 10 years, which is perfect. You shouldn't be sleeping on your mattress for longer than 10 years as it will lose support and become unhygienic, Simba or not.

Are Simba mattresses easy to clean?

Yes, Simba mattresses are relatively easy to maintain, but they’re not designed to be fully “washable” like bedding. Most models come with a removable, zip-off cover that can be cleaned according to the care instructions, while the mattress itself should be spot-cleaned only if needed.

To keep them in good condition, Simba generally recommends using a mattress protector and regular airing rather than deep cleaning.

Are Simba mattresses any good?

Yes, Simba mattresses are generally considered very good, which is why they’ve become one of the UK’s most popular bed-in-a-box brands. They’re known for combining pocket springs and foam to create a balanced feel that suits a wide range of sleepers, with strong points in pressure relief, motion isolation, and temperature regulation.

That said, they’re not for everyone: some people find them pricier than similar alternatives, and the feel can be quite specific (more “supported bounce” than deep memory-foam sink). Overall, they’re a strong option if you want an easy-to-choose, all-rounder mattress with a focus on comfort and cooling.


The Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress pictured on our tester's made up bed

(Image credit: Heidi Scrimgeour)

Simba mattresses are some of the best we've ever tested — and that's not praise we hand out lightly. Our team of expert reviewers has slept on hundreds of mattresses, and Simba consistently impresses with its comfort, support, and innovation. If you still have questions, feel free to email me directly, or take a look at our guide to how we test mattresses.

Laura Honey
Homes Ecommerce Editor

Laura is woman&home's eCommerce editor, in charge of testing, reviewing and recommending products for your home. You'll see her testing anything from damp-banishing dehumidifiers and KitchenAid's most covetable stand mixers through to the latest in Le Creuset's cast iron collection.

Previously, she was eCommerce Editor at Homes & Gardens, and has also written for Living Etc, The White Company and local publications when she was a student at Oxford University. She is also a Master Perfumer (a qualified candle snob), SCA-Certified Barista (qualified coffee snob) and part of a family who runs a pizza business (long-time pizza snob) - all of which come in handy when you're looking for the best pieces of kit to have kitchen.