Simba Hybrid Essential mattress review: essential by name, not by nature

The Sun

06-08-2025

I' VE BEEN on a bit of a journey with Simba over the last decade.
It all started with the original Simba Hybrid mattress. It was the mattress that made me realise how good a night's sleep could be.
Since then, I've tried the Simba Hybrid Luxe and the APEX, and now I'm back with the Hybrid Essential.
It's the most budget-friendly option in the range, and while it doesn't have all the premium extras of its pricier siblings, it still holds its own.
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Pros:
Supportive
Value for money
Comfortable
Hypoallergenic
Removable, washable cover
Cons:
Thinner than other Simba mattresses
May not be suitable for heavier side sleepers
Rating: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10
Support: 8/10
Cooling technology: 8/10
Design: 7/10
Value: 9/10
How I tested the mattress
Hybrid Essential Mattress, from £499 at Simba
I slept on this mattress for a week to see how it compares to my Simba APEX, which I wrote about for my Simba APEX mattress review.
I'd be testing Simba's cheapest mattress against its most expensive, so I was eager to see how many extra features you get for the £1,250 price difference (for a double).
The Hybrid Essential was tested across a mix of conditions, including warm nights, a few cooler ones and with a partner in bed to get a sense of motion isolation.
I paid close attention to support, heat build-up, pressure points, and how it felt first thing in the morning (which is when the best mattresses really show their worth).
I also rotated the mattress midweek, just to see how manageable it is without handles (spoiler: it's not super fun, but doable.)
Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress: Quickfire Q&A
How much is it? As you may have garnered from the name, it's the cheapest model in Simba's Hybrid Mattress lineup. A single costs £499, and the price tops out at £749 for a king.
Who's it best for? It's ideal for back sleepers, couples and hot sleepers who want hybrid support and cooling tech without dropping top-tier cash. It's also great for a guest room, if you ask me.
Is it a firm mattress? It's rated as "medium-firm"; you won't feel like you're sleeping on the floor of a cave, but it might be too hard for those who like to really sink into their mattress.
What we loved: As a side sleeper, I found the medium-firmness provided the perfect amount of support and comfort. For something marketed as the 'entry-level' option, it didn't feel like a compromise. It felt familiar in all the best ways.
What we didn't: It's thinner than other Simba Hybrids and contains fewer springs, reducing some of that luxurious bounce and deeper support. If you're on the heavier side or prefer extra cushioning (especially as a side sleeper), this could leave you wanting more.
Hybrid Essential Mattress, from £499 at Simba - buy here
Simba Hybrid Essential mattress: the nitty gritty
First impressions
Hybrid Essential Mattress, from £499 at Simba
Despite its humble price point, the Hybrid Essential still gets you the convenience of Simba's delivery.
Your mattress will be delivered the day after you order, free of charge (as long as you purchase by 1 pm), and there's old mattress removal available for an extra fee.
You also get Simba's suite of other assurances: a 10-year warranty against manufacturer faults and a 200-night trial.
However, there are a few minor annoyances.
There are no side handles, meaning that carrying and rotating the mattress (which you should do every month or so) can be a bit of a wrestling match.
Lastly, that "new mattress smell" (which is not as pleasant as a new car smell) is noticeable for some when unboxing.
It's pretty common with bed-in-a-box foam models and typically fades in a few days, but it's worth noting if you're particularly sensitive.
Leave the windows open and let it air out for a few hours before making your bed.
I prefer a thick mattress, and at 20cm depth, this had quite a slim profile (for comparison, the rest of Simba's Hybrids are between 25cm and 28cm).
This didn't affect the sleep or quality in my eyes, but it did mean that when dressing the bed, it didn't have the same pizazz or plush look.
Does it de l iver?
The Hybrid Essential performed impressively well during a week of real-life testing, delivering solid support throughout the night without awkward dips or hot spots.
It excelled at temperature regulation; it's nice and breathable, keeping me consistently cool even on warmer nights.
Thanks to Simba's Simbatex foam, infused with graphite and featuring an open-cell design, combined with Aerocoil pocket springs that aid airflow, the mattress dissipates heat effectively — ideal for sleepers who tend to overheat.
Comfort-wise, the Hybrid Essential strikes a good balance between softness and support.
It's marketed as medium-firm, which feels accurate; you won't sink into it, but it's far from rigid. Marshmallow mattress lovers might be slightly put-off.
I found it helped ease morning stiffness and back pain, making it a strong choice for back sleepers.
However, it has just over half the number of springs as the Original Hybrid mattress, so you might notice a lack of that hotel-bed bounce and deep support.
Side sleepers or those on the heavier side may also find it a bit too firm or thin, especially if they require extra cushioning for hips and shoulders.
However, at 5ft 8ins and weighing 68kg, it suited me perfectly.
Motion isolation is another highlight; I barely noticed my partner moving around, which is a big win if you share a bed with a fidgeter — or, in my case, an on-call firefighter.
While it might lack the plush cushioning of Simba's higher-end models, it delivers on the essentials for everyday sleep.
As Simba's most affordable hybrid mattress, the Hybrid Essential surprised me with how much of the brand's signature comfort and cool-sleeping feel it retained, despite being the thinnest and most budget-friendly option in the range.
Although slimmer and less layered than the Luxe or APEX, it still provides balanced support and pressure relief, making it a reliable choice for back sleepers, guest rooms, or anyone seeking a dependable mattress that won't break the bank.
It's not perfect — side sleepers might miss deeper pressure relief, and it doesn't offer the plush luxury of the APEX mattress or Hybrid Luxe — but it holds its own, especially for everyday use.
For those not chasing deep, cloud-like softness, it's a perfectly decent option.
The Simba Hybrid Essential vs. Simba Hybrid: What's the difference between the two mattresses?
In short, the Hybrid Essential delivers Simba's signature cool foam and spring combination in a leaner, slightly firmer format and at a lower price point.
The Original Hybrid builds on that with an extra foam layer, more springs, better edge support and a slightly softer feel overall — great if you're after that classic hybrid comfort with a touch more luxury.
How much is the Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress?
Prices fluctuate depending on size and sales, but generally you're looking at £499–£749.
It's the most affordable in the Simba lineup and often goes on sale, so if you're patient, you can snag a solid deal or, at the very least, some freebies like pillows or duvets.
Here is the full cost breakdown of all sizes in the range:
Where to buy the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress
You can buy the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress directly from Simba, but also from several other retailers.
Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress review: the verdict
The Simba Hybrid Essential is a well-rounded, good-value mattress for anyone who wants comfort, support and cooling tech without splurging.
It's especially well-suited to back sleepers and couples who value motion isolation.
Just be aware of its limitations in depth, bounce, and pressure relief.
If you're looking for a solid hybrid without the premium price tag, this one punches above its weight.
But if you're after maximum plushness or tailored support for side sleeping, you might want to look further up the Simba range.
Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress, from £499 - buy here