What's the Difference Between the Simba Hybrid® and a Traditional Open Coil Mattress?
Spring mattresses have been around for generations, but the technology inside them has changed considerably. While traditional open coil mattresses use interconnected springs to provide support, modern hybrid designs combine individually responsive springs with carefully engineered comfort layers.
At Simba, we've developed our Hybrid® mattress range around patented Aerocoil® microsprings and graphite-infused Simbatex® foam. These technologies offer a different approach to cushioning, airflow and movement isolation compared with conventional open coil mattresses.
What Is a Traditional Open Coil Mattress?
An open coil mattress uses a network of metal springs connected together to form a single supportive structure. Sometimes called a Bonnell spring mattress, this traditional design is widely used in entry-level mattresses because it's relatively straightforward to manufacture.
A typical open coil mattress may contain around 300 springs, although the number varies between designs. The coils work together to support the sleeper, with padding or upholstery placed above them to create the sleeping surface.
Because the springs are interconnected, pressure applied to one area can also affect neighbouring sections. This creates a different response from individually pocketed springs, which are designed to move more independently.
What Is the Simba Hybrid® Mattress?
Our Hybrid® mattress combines responsive spring technology with specially engineered foam. It features five layers, including graphite-infused Simbatex® foam, up to 1,900 Aerocoil® microsprings and a nine-zoned supportive foam base.
Unlike conventional open coil springs, Aerocoil® microsprings are individually pocketed and made from titanium alloy. Their distinctive cone-shaped construction allows them to compress separately as pressure is applied.
The mattress measures 25cm deep and is designed to provide a medium-firm balance of cushioning and support. This layered construction is a key difference from the simpler structure of a traditional open coil mattress.
How Does the Spring Technology Compare?
The most significant distinction is how the springs respond to weight. In an open coil mattress, the interconnected springs move together, meaning pressure in one area can influence the surrounding surface.
Our Aerocoil® springs operate individually, allowing different areas of the mattress to respond separately. This helps create more targeted cushioning around the body's contours rather than relying on a single interconnected spring network.
Their compact dimensions also allow us to position the springs close to the sleeping surface. This creates a responsive comfort layer that works alongside the foam beneath it.
Which Mattress Offers Better Pressure Relief?
Pressure relief depends on how well a mattress accommodates different areas of your body. Your shoulders and hips typically place greater pressure on the sleeping surface, particularly when you lie on your side.
Traditional open coil mattresses distribute weight through their connected spring system. Although they can provide firm support, they generally offer less independent movement between individual springs.
Our Hybrid® combines responsive Aerocoil® springs with cushioning Simbatex® foam, allowing the surface to adapt more closely to changing pressure. The supportive base underneath helps maintain stability across different sleeping positions.
Which Mattress Is Better for Couples?
Movement transfer can be an important consideration when sharing a bed. If one person changes position frequently, movement travelling through the mattress may disturb their partner.
Because open coil springs are interconnected, movement in one area can affect a wider section of the mattress. This can make turning over or getting out of bed more noticeable to someone sleeping alongside you.
Our Aerocoil® microsprings are designed to respond individually, helping reduce movement transfer. Although no mattress can eliminate every disturbance, this construction offers an advantage for couples with different sleeping habits.
How Do They Compare for Temperature Regulation?
Traditional open coil mattresses contain spaces between their springs, which can allow air to circulate within the structure. However, the overall breathability depends on the materials used above and around the spring system.
Our Hybrid® introduces additional temperature-management features through its open-structure Simbatex® foam. The graphite infusion helps move warmth away from the body, while the foam's construction encourages airflow.
The Aerocoil® layers also provide spaces for air to circulate as the springs compress and recover. Together, these materials are designed to create a breathable sleeping surface without relying entirely on dense foam.
Is the Simba Hybrid® More Supportive?
Support depends on the complete mattress construction rather than simply whether the springs are connected. A traditional open coil mattress can provide a firm sleeping surface, but its response may be less individualised.
Our Hybrid® uses nine zones within its supportive foam base, designed to respond to pressure across different areas of the body. This works alongside the cushioning foam and Aerocoil® springs to create a balanced sleeping surface.
The combination is designed to accommodate different sleeping positions while maintaining underlying stability. However, personal preferences and body weight will always influence which mattress feels most comfortable.
Which Mattress Offers Better Long-Term Value?
Open coil mattresses are generally less expensive because their spring systems are relatively simple to manufacture. This can make them appealing when price is the main consideration.
However, value also depends on durability, comfort and how well the mattress meets your needs. The interconnected construction of some open coil mattresses can make them more susceptible to uneven wear and movement transfer over time.
Our Hybrid® mattresses with responsive Aerocoil® technology provide an alternative for sleepers looking for more advanced cushioning and support. Comparing the complete construction is more useful than judging a mattress by its initial price alone.
FAQs
No. Open coil mattresses use interconnected springs, while pocket spring mattresses contain individually enclosed springs that can respond more independently.
Our Aerocoil® microsprings are made from titanium alloy rather than conventional spring steel. Some of our premium Hybrid® models also contain separate steel support springs.
No. Our Hybrid® mattresses have specifically arranged comfort and support layers, so we recommend rotating them according to the applicable care instructions rather than flipping them.
Yes, provided the base offers suitable support. Our guarantee guidance specifies slats wider than two inches with gaps no greater than three inches.
Eligible new mattresses purchased directly from us come with a 200-night home trial, subject to our terms. This allows you to assess the mattress in your usual sleeping environment.
