Simba Hybrid Essential Topper review: I tried it and it’s been a game-changer for my old mattress
LOOKING to improve the comfort of your existing mattress – without buying a brand new one? This Simba Hybrid Essential Topper review is for you.
If your mattress is showing signs of age but you're not ready for a full replacement, a mattress topper can be a game-changer, so I was intrigued to see if would make a difference to my sleep.
Hybrid Essential Topper, from £259 at Simba
Designed to add a layer of comfort and support, this topper combines the brand's signature foam with breathable materials, resulting in more airflow compared to standard memory foam, Simba claims.
However, with prices starting from £259 for a single, it doesn't come cheap, so I was keen to put it to the test to see if the promise of improved sleep quality makes it worth the investment.
Read on for my honest review, where I'll be delving into the topper's performance, comfort level and overall impact on my sleep.
Pros
- Much cooler than other toppers I've tried
- Perfect support for my needs
- Seriously comfortable
- Anti-slip base and four elastic straps
- Removable, washable cover
- 200-night trial and 10-year guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
- Despite anti-slip base and elastic straps, it did still slide down slightly
- The king size is probably too heavy to regularly move around
Rating: 5/5
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Simba Hybrid Essential Topper review: quick summary
I've been using the topper for a few weeks now and I'm over the moon with it.
The difference in quality after just one night of using the Simba model on my bed was immediately noticeable.
In fact, I hadn't realised quite how swallowed up I'd been feeling sleeping on my old memory foam topper until I had the Simba one to compare it to.
I felt like my old topper was almost trapping me in its foam-like quicksand. With the , I feel like I'm actually sleeping on top of a mattress rather than becoming a part of it.
It's been a godsend during those muggy nights too, with excellent air circulation, and most importantly, my old mattress (well due an upgrade) has been given a new lease of life and is actually comfortable and supportive once again.
The king size version I tried costs £349, and to be completely honest, I'm not sure I would pay this myself for a topper.
Having said that, I only have a cheap mattress, and I can see how if you've already paid in the thousands for a mattress, adding on a topper like this is still a cost-effective way of extending its life, and I have zero complaints, comfort-wise.
Hybrid Essential Topper, from £259 at Simba
Simba Hybrid Essential Topper review: full review
First impressions
The topper arrived securely packaged in a box and took some wrestling to get out.
Once I'd done that, it was onto unravelling it from the plastic, which again; was pretty secure, so I'd recommend unpacking it with another person if you can.
My immediate impression was how heavy the topper is: I went for the king size, so it's a pretty substantial product and certainly not thin or flimsy.
Simba advertises that its mattress toppers "are easy to roll up and move around for use on spare beds, sofa beds, or just to store until they’re needed" which I'm not entirely sure I agree with.
The king size is pretty heavy and bulky, so I'd personally find it a bit of a pain to get it in and out of storage if I was using it solely for guest purposes, but the double or single might be a bit more practical for this.
That aside, once I'd got the topper onto my mattress, it was really simple to roll out and secure with the elastic straps.
It took a few hours for some of the bumps to flatten (which is to be expected, considering it had been delivered in a box) but it's basically ready for use as soon as it's on the mattress.
And wow: what a difference it made from the very first use. The firmness was perfect for me (with no sinking whatsoever), I felt comfortable and supported, and best of all, woke up the next morning without the aches and niggling pains that I usually experience.
I felt comfortable and supported, and best of all, woke up the next morning without the aches and niggling pains that I usually experience.
Hybrid Essential Topper, from £259 at Simba
Performance
A few weeks in, I'm still really impressed with the topper. The upgrade in comfort has been a revelation to me, as my mattress is a few years old and was starting to sag in places, causing back pain.
In fact, I wasn't too sure that a new topper would have much of an impact, but the difference is amazing and definitely means I can hold off on making an expensive purchase for the foreseeable future. It's practically like having a whole new mattress.
The design features four layers, starting with a high-density CertiPUR foam base, followed by a support layer of up to 1,500 Aerocoil springs, a Simbatex foam comfort layer and finally a 'supersoft sleep surface' on the top.
That might sound like a lot of jargon, but what it means is that you benefit from extra airflow compared to standard memory foam, while the springs give responsive support every time you move.
I love the fact that it's certified to CertiPUR requirements, which means it doesn't contain toxic heavy metals like mercury or lead.
Plus the addition of elastic straps has helped keep it in place far better than my previous topper ever did (although it still tends to slide slightly down my bed, which perhaps is down to how I sleep).
Price
The starts at £259 for a single and goes up to £399 for a super king. The king size I tried is priced at £349, so it's of course, an investment.
But as I said earlier, it's like getting a whole new mattress; plus if you've already paid a hefty price for your mattress (unlike me), it could still work out cheaper to add this topper rather than buy a new one.
There are also payment options available including Klarna – ideal if you need to spread the cost.
And handily, you get free next working day delivery if you order before 2pm, along with delivery to your chosen room.
Where to buy the Simba Hybrid Essential Topper
You can purchase the Simba Hybrid Essential Topper from several retailers. The most reliable option is directly through , where you’ll often find the full range of sizes and any exclusive offers.
Additionally, the topper is available at major online retailers like Amazon, where you might find customer reviews and potentially faster shipping options.
Some department stores such as and also carry Simba products, both online and in-store, although they don't currently sell the Hybrid Essential Topper.
Shopping around may help you find the best price or special promotions, ensuring you get the best deal on your purchase, so check out the links below:
Alternatives to the Simba Essential Topper
If you're considering alternatives to the Simba Essential Topper, there are loads of great options out there that offer similar comfort and support.
are a popular choice, featuring advanced foam layers for added pressure relief.
The is a budget-friendly option with good support and rave reviews.
Another alternative is the . This topper is known for its eco-friendly materials and cooling properties, making it a great option for those seeking comfort and sustainability.
Hybrid Essential Topper, from £259 at Simba
Simba Hybrid Essential Topper review: the verdict
I'm pretty thrilled with the and I'll certainly continue to use it.
The cooling technology has made a massive difference in this balmy weather. There's nothing worse than overheating and sweating through your mattress, but I've stayed cool and dry while sleeping on this thanks to the micro springs, infusion of natural graphite and open structure to the foam.
In terms of comfort, it's taken my old mattress to the next level: the firmness has been absolutely spot on for me, the support is perfect and I'm no longer waking up with back pain.
Tick, tick, tick: it's a definite "would recommend" from me.
Buy this if:
- Your old mattress is getting on a bit but you're not ready for a replacement
- You like to feel comfortable and supported – without sleeping on something that's overly soft or squidgy
Don't buy this if:
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- You're on a budget and would rather put the money towards a new mattress
- You want something light and portable for guest use (although the single and double will likely be easier for this)
Hybrid Essential Topper, from £259 at Simba