Which Simba Topper Should You Choose: Essential vs Hybrid?
The Hybrid® Essential Mattress Topper and the Hybrid® Mattress Topper look alike, and they share most of their design. Both have four layers, both are 6.5cm deep, and both combine Aerocoil® microsprings with Simbatex® foam. The difference is the number of springs inside, which changes how much support each one adds. If you'd like a great comfort upgrade at a lower price, choose the Essential. If you'd like the most support and cushioning we offer in a topper, choose the Hybrid®. The rest of this guide will help you decide which of those sounds like you.
What The Two Toppers Have In Common
It's worth starting here, because the list is long.
- Springs and foam together. Our Hybrid® toppers are unique, because they have a layer of patented, conical Aerocoil® microsprings under the foam. The springs compress inwards as you move, which gives responsive, tailored support, and that compression pushes air up through the topper for a fresher feel. Each spring is about the size of a paperclip, so you won't be able to feel them individually.
- Simbatex® foam comfort. The cushioning layer in both toppers is our open-structure Simbatex® foam, which showed over five times more airflow than memory foam in independent Intertek testing. It's CertiPUR® verified, so it's free from harmful materials such as mercury or lead.
- The same depth. We've found 6.5cm to be the ideal depth for a topper. It's deep enough to make a real difference, and it still lets your fitted sheets go on easily.
- A secure fit. Both toppers have four elastic fixing straps and an anti-slip base, so they stay put through the night.
- Easy care. The plush, breathable cover comes off for machine washing.
- Portable design. Both roll up, so they're easy to move between rooms, take to a new home or pack for a trip.
- The Simba service promise. Both come with a 200-night trial, a 10-year guarantee, free delivery to most UK postcodes and finance options.
Where They Differ
Hybrid® Essential Mattress Topper |
Hybrid® Mattress Topper |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Aerocoil® microsprings |
Up to 1,500 |
Up to 1,900 |
|
Layers |
4 |
4 |
|
Depth |
6.5cm |
6.5cm |
|
Our support rating |
4 out of 5 |
5 out of 5 |
|
Price from (single) |
£249 |
£299 |
More springs means more individual points of support under your body. With up to 1,900 microsprings, the Hybrid® topper has the highest spring count in our topper range, and it's the one we rate highest for support. The Essential gives you the same combination of springs and foam, with a slightly lower spring count and a lower price.
Choose The Essential If...
- You'd like a comfort boost for a mattress that's still in good shape. If your mattress is supportive and you'd simply like it to feel more cradling, the Essential adds exactly that.
- You're upgrading a bed that isn't used every night. It's a lovely choice for a guest room, a holiday home or a teenager's bed.
- You're furnishing on a budget. Students and first-time renters often can't change the mattress they've been given. The Essential transforms it for a modest outlay, and it goes with you when you move.
Choose The Hybrid® If...
- You're using it every night on your main bed. If the topper is going to be part of your sleep for years, it's worth choosing the one with the most support.
- Your mattress feels too firm. A firm mattress that doesn't contour to the curve of your spine can leave you with aches in the morning. The Hybrid® topper adds pressure relief at the hips and shoulders, which helps your body settle into a more natural position.
- You share the bed. A higher spring count means more springs responding individually under each of you.
- You'd like the closest feel to a Simba mattress. The Hybrid® topper uses the same signature technology that goes into our Hybrid® mattresses, so it's the nearest you'll get without replacing the mattress itself.
What About The Cool Foam Topper?
There's a third topper in our range, and it's worth a mention. The Cool Foam Mattress Topper has three layers: a cool-feel Simbatex® foam comfort layer on a contoured foam base that keeps fresh air flowing. It doesn't have the microspring layer, which makes it our lowest-priced topper, starting from £149 for a single. If you like a pure foam feel, or you're looking for the most affordable way to add Simbatex® comfort to a bed, it's a very good option. You can see all three in our side-by-side mattress topper comparison.
Will A Topper Work On My Mattress?
A topper is at its best on a mattress that's still structurally sound. It adds comfort, cushioning and a fresher surface, and it can make a too-firm mattress feel much more welcoming. It works on any type of mattress, including sprung, foam and hybrid designs.
If your mattress has reached the end of its life, a new mattress will serve you better, and a topper can always be added on top later for extra cushioning comfort.
Getting The Size Right
Both toppers come in five UK sizes, each 6.5cm deep:
- Single: 90 x 190cm
- Small Double: 120 x 190cm
- Double: 135 x 190cm
- King: 150 x 200cm
- Super King: 180 x 200cm
Match the topper to your mattress size. When you add a topper, your bed becomes 6.5cm taller, so check that your fitted sheets and mattress protector are deep enough for the combined height. Our mattress protectors fit up to 40cm.
Setting It Up
Setting up takes a few minutes. Unroll the topper on your mattress with the anti-slip base facing down, secure the four elastic straps, and make the bed as usual.
FAQs
Yes. Our toppers are designed to boost the comfort of any mattress, as long as it's the matching size. They work on sprung, foam and hybrid mattresses alike.
Ours are designed to help you stay fresh. The Simbatex® foam has an open structure for airflow, and the microsprings push air through the topper as they compress. In independent Intertek testing, Simbatex® showed over five times more airflow than memory foam.
Remove the cover and wash it in the washing machine, following the care label. The cover is plush and breathable, and taking it off only takes a minute.
You can. The portable, roll-up design makes our Hybrid® toppers ideal for guest rooms, travelling and camping. Both roll up, and the elastic straps help keep the topper secure on a different bed.
Both toppers feel supportive and cradling. The Hybrid® has more springs under you at any one time, which is why we rate it highest for support. If you're undecided, the 200-night trial gives you plenty of time to be sure.
Yes, when stock is available. Mattress toppers are part of our Simba-certified Refurbished range. Refurbished products are cleaned, inspected and sanitised before they're sold.
