Natural Hybrid® vs Hybrid®: What's the Real Difference?
Choosing between Simba's Natural Hybrid® and standard Hybrid® mattresses comes down to more than whether you simply prefer natural materials. Both ranges use our patented Aerocoil® microsprings, but they combine this technology with different cushioning materials and support systems.
The standard Hybrid® range focuses on engineered foam and spring technology, while Natural Hybrid® mattresses use British wool and other natural fibres to create their distinctive comfort. Understanding how these constructions differ can help you find the right balance of cushioning, responsiveness and support.
What Is a Simba Hybrid® Mattress?
A standard Simba Hybrid® mattress combines responsive springs with specially engineered foam. Its defining features include patented titanium-alloy Aerocoil® microsprings and graphite-infused Simbatex® foam, designed to provide individualised cushioning while encouraging airflow.
Different models build on this foundation with additional spring layers, natural comfort fibres and supportive bases. The original Hybrid® has a five-layer construction, while the deeper Pro, Luxe and Ultra models offer increasingly elaborate comfort systems.
The aim is to combine the contouring comfort associated with foam with the responsiveness and airflow of springs, rather than relying exclusively on one mattress material.
What Is a Simba Natural Hybrid® Mattress?
A Natural Hybrid® mattress combines Simba's signature spring technology with cushioning made from natural materials. Instead of using Simbatex® foam as its primary comfort material, the range features carefully arranged wool layers that provide softness, resilience and breathability.
British and Hampshire wool feature throughout the range, while the more luxurious models introduce additional natural fibres. These materials work alongside Aerocoil® microsprings and a supportive CoreMax™ steel spring base.
Natural Hybrid® mattresses are also sourced and crafted in the UK. Their construction offers an alternative for sleepers who prefer natural comfort materials and are looking for a more sustainable option, while retaining the responsiveness associated with Simba.
What's the Main Difference Between Their Comfort Materials?
The most significant distinction is what surrounds the springs. Standard Hybrid® mattresses use Simbatex® foam, whose open structure and graphite infusion are designed to improve airflow and help move excess warmth away from the body.
Natural Hybrid® mattresses take a different approach by using layers of British and Hampshire wool. Wool is naturally breathable and resilient, making it suitable for providing cushioning while helping regulate temperature.
Neither approach is automatically more comfortable than the other. Some sleepers enjoy the responsive cushioning of engineered foam, while others prefer the feel and texture of natural fibres.
Do Both Ranges Use Aerocoil® Springs?
Yes. Aerocoil® microsprings are a central feature of both mattress families, providing responsive cushioning that adapts to pressure and movement. These cone-shaped titanium-alloy springs compress individually, helping reduce movement transfer between sleeping partners. They also encourage airflow through the mattress as they compress and recover.
However, the wider support systems differ. Premium standard Hybrid® mattresses feature SupportCore™ steel spring bases, while Natural Hybrid® models use CoreMax™ bases with seven support zones.
Both systems contribute deeper support beneath the upper cushioning layers, but they're designed around different mattress constructions.
How Do the Natural Hybrid® Models Compare?
Simba currently offers three main Natural Hybrid® models: Source, Escape and Apex. Each introduces additional cushioning and spring technology as you move through the range.
The Natural Hybrid® Source measures 28cm deep, with eight layers and up to 2,900 springs. It combines British and Hampshire wool with one Aerocoil® microspring layer and a CoreMax™ base.
The Escape increases the depth to 30cm, with ten layers and up to 4,800 springs. It features additional wool cushioning and two Aerocoil® layers, creating a more generously cushioned feel.
The Apex is the deepest at 32cm, featuring up to 6,700 springs and three Aerocoil® layers. It also introduces premium natural materials, including silk, for additional comfort.
Which Range Is Better for Temperature Regulation?
Both ranges are designed to encourage airflow, but they achieve this through different materials. Standard Hybrid® mattresses use graphite-infused Simbatex® foam, while certain models also incorporate Stratos® cover technology and breathable wool or bamboo layers.
Natural Hybrid® mattresses rely more extensively on breathable wool and their open spring structures. Wool can absorb and release moisture, helping create a comfortable sleeping environment without relying on a foam comfort layer.
Rather than assuming one range will always feel cooler, consider how the complete construction works alongside your duvet, bedding and bedroom temperature.
Do the Mattresses Feel Different?
Although both ranges offer responsive spring support, their cushioning materials create different sleeping sensations. Simbatex® provides a smooth, responsive foam feel, while the wool layers in Natural Hybrid® mattresses offer a more traditionally cushioned surface.
The overall firmness also varies between individual models. The Source has a medium-firm feel, while the Escape introduces more plush cushioning and the Apex offers a particularly luxurious finish.
For standard Hybrid® mattresses, the original model provides balanced medium-firm support, while the premium options introduce additional comfort layers. Comparing individual models is therefore more useful than assuming every mattress within one range feels identical.
Which Simba Mattress Range Should You Choose?
Choose the standard Hybrid® range if you're looking for engineered foam cushioning, responsive spring technology and a wide choice of constructions. The different models allow you to select the depth and comfort features that best match your preferences.
Natural Hybrid® mattresses may be more appealing if you prefer substantial wool cushioning and a construction focused on natural materials. They're particularly worth considering if the feel of natural fibres is an important part of your mattress decision.
For a closer comparison, explore our Hybrid® mattress designs and comfort features alongside the Natural Hybrid® specifications.
FAQs
No. The range uses animal-derived materials such as wool, while the Apex also features silk. These materials make Natural Hybrid® mattresses unsuitable for someone seeking a vegan mattress.
Simba's Natural Hybrid® range is available in standard UK sizes. If you need a European mattress size, selected models in the standard Hybrid® range offer additional options.
No. Unlike Simba's compressed standard Hybrid® mattresses, Natural Hybrid® models are delivered flat with protective packaging, ready for use without an expansion period.
No. Natural Hybrid® mattresses have non-removable covers, so Simba recommends using a mattress protector and following the specific cleaning instructions for natural fillings.
Eligible new mattresses purchased directly from Simba include a 200-night trial, subject to the applicable terms. This allows you to assess the complete mattress in your own bedroom before deciding whether it's right for you.
