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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  • 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

  • Mattress sizes:Single, small double, double, king, super king and EU queen
  • Type:Hybrid
  • Rotate or turn:Rotate
  • Guarantee:10 years
  • Sleep trial:200 nights