I’M a side sleeper and a chronic night-time wriggler, so pillows make or break my sleep.
Simba’s Hybrid Firm Pillow promises extra support, adjustable height, and clever cooling — exactly the trio I’ve been hunting for — but it comes with a premium price that made me wince.
Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, £159
I put Simba’s award-winning sleep tech to the test.
Inside, you’ll find a firm, supportive core with mini springs for pressure relief, softer cushioning layers that can be adjusted for height and feel, and a Stratos cooling cover that helps dissipate heat.
In plain English: it’s built to keep your neck aligned and your head cool, even when you flip from side to back and back again.
Confession time: before this, I was stacking a mismatched pile of sad, sagging pillows and wondering why my neck hated me.
One night on the Hybrid Firm and I could feel the difference — it’s the most consistently supportive pillow I’ve tried.
Is it worth the sticker shock? If you need proper side-sleeper support and tend to overheat, this could be the upgrade that finally earns its keep.
But that “nightmare” price? You’ll want to watch for a sale.
Pros
- Removable filling allows you to personalise firmness to your preference
- Cooling
- Supportive
Cons
Rating: 9/10
Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, £159
How I tested the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow
As The Sun’s Home and Garden eCommerce writer, it’s my job to test products to see if they’re worth adding to your basket — especially if, like the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, they come with a hefty price tag.
I tested it for a week, with no late-night indulgences (cheese, I’m looking at you) or intense evening workouts that might unfairly influence the quality of my sleep.
I wanted to evaluate the pillow under ordinary, everyday conditions.
For me, it’s not just about how it performs on a perfect day, but whether it can deliver consistent support and comfort for the ebb and flow of a typical day in my life.
My pillows pre-Simba were not of a premium price point, so this was an eye-opener to see if paying more does pay for a good night’s sleep.
Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow review: Quickfire Q&A
How much is the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow? The Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow retails for a staggering £159.
How firm is the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow? Think medium-firm to firm. It feels dense and supportive, not squishy, and it’s adjustable: swap or remove the inner layers to tweak loft and firmness. Great for side sleepers who need height, with room to adjust it to a softer setting for back sleepers.
Who’s it best for? Its adjustable firmness is suitable for back, front and side sleepers. So, however you sleep, this pillow can be adjusted to your desired comfort.
What I liked: The firmness is a definite game-changer, as it provided the support I needed, especially since I tend to wriggle in my sleep.
What I didn’t like: The price. It is such a brilliant pillow, and despite recommending it to my friends and family, it doesn’t suit everyone’s budget.
Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow review: The Nitty Gritty
First impressions
I can’t fault the delivery of the pillow; I was notified via my chosen communication channel of its arrival, and it was left safely on the porch while I was in the office.
It was also very well sealed in Simba-branded plastic wrap, so if you’re hiding this purchase from your partner, be warned, because the packaging isn’t discreet.
It also came in a pillow storage bag, which feels quite luxurious, and the novelty wasn’t lost on me — I love little touches like that.
Simba is a B Corp, which means the company adheres to a set of rigorous standards to ensure it is doing its part to be more sustainable.
So if you are a conscious shopper, it is something to consider.
Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, £159
It’s a whopper of a pillow — it might be tricky to squeeze it into some pillowcases.
I managed to cram it into one, but in the long term, it might not be the best for the pillow’s shape.
However, it does have a removable cover that can be washed, so it doesn’t really require a pillowcase; this, of course, depends on your preference.
The thickness of this pillow was reassuring, but I remained sceptical that it would be enough on its own to improve my sleep.
Does it deliver?
A few sleeps in, gone are the days of my princess and the pea pillow setup.
One pillow is enough, as long as it’s the Simba Hybrid Firm.
Despite being described as firm, the boffins at Simba have given users complete control over their desired firmness.
The pillow features three layers of unique stuffing that can be removed and adjusted, and one side is softer than the other to provide additional room for adjusting.
During the week, I didn’t remove any of the layers and kept the pillow as it was, simply because I loved how it felt and didn’t need to adjust it.
Being a bit of a sceptic, I thought some of the pillows’ attributes were clever marketing lingo, but I’ve got to give it to Simba; this pillow was comfy in all positions I found myself in.
Whether it was due to the Simba Renew down-like fibre for its squishiness or the Aerocoil micro springs supporting the gymnastics I do in my sleep, I slept like a log, and it has changed my opinion on pillow price points.
I must admit, it is a hefty investment, and as a frugal spender, I would be on the fence. However, having experienced it, I am more open-minded towards its price.
I do reckon the slightly cheaper Simba Hybrid pillow’s price point will be more tempting for shoppers, but in my Simba Hybrid pillow review, I explained why it might not be worth the £109 price tag.
Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, £159
How much is the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow?
I won’t beat around the bush, the Simba Hybrid Firm pillow will set you back £159 with free delivery.
However, Simba frequently runs deals across its product lines, so if you are a bargain-hunter, I would recommend holding out for a sale.
We regularly update shoppers on Simba sleep deals in our Home and Garden shopping section.
Where to buy the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow
You can buy the Simba Hybrid Firm pillow directly from the Simba website.
It is available from other retailers, but we cannot guarantee that you will receive free delivery or any Simba guarantees if you buy elsewhere.
Other retailers include:
Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow alternatives
Having loved the Simba Hybrid Firm, the best alternative for me was the Panda Memory Foam pillow.
It features the classic contouring feel that cradles your head and neck, along with a breathable bamboo cover that feels cool and soft against the skin.
It isn’t adjustable like the Simba, but the single block of foam offers dependable medium-firm support that worked well for side and back sleeping.
The Panda pillow retails for £44.95, which is a lot more affordable.
If you like Simba’s cooling technology but want to spend less, consider one of Simba’s more affordable fibre or memory foam options — you’ll get a cooler cover and a supportive feel, minus the hybrid spring layer.
Also worth a look is an adjustable shredded memory foam pillow, which allows you to add or remove fill to fine-tune the loft for side, back, or front sleeping.
On a tight budget, a microfibre pick such as Silentnight Airmax can do a decent job for lighter builds or stomach sleepers, and it’s often under £20 — just don’t expect the same long-term support as foam or hybrid designs.
Tip: Simba runs frequent promos around bank holidays and Black Friday, so if you’ve got your heart set on the Hybrid Firm, it’s worth waiting for a discount.
Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow review: The Verdict
There’s no skirting around the obvious — it is expensive.
However, if you’re willing and can afford to buy it, I struggle to see how you could find fault with the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow.
I regularly keep an eye on Simba sleep deals, and it occasionally discounts its accessories range, so be sure to check back for a great deal.
If you are serious about improving the quality of your sleep, the Stratos cool-touch helped keep me calm (I am a big fan of this, FYI), and the micro-springs generously supported my movements. I also love the customisation options.
I didn’t give it full marks because it is pricey, but it is deserving of that rating, and it truly improved the quality of my sleep.
Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow review: FAQs
What’s the difference between the Simba Hybrid pillow and the Simba Hybrid Firm?
The main difference is that the Simba Hybrid Firm has removable multi-layers, while the Simba Hybrid has tiny Nanocubes — they’re also removable, but the cubes mould to the pressure applied with little resistance.
If you’re on the fence about which one to choose, head over to Simba and start a live chat with a helpful advisor. They can help pick the best pillow for your budget and needs.
Can you wash Simba Pillows?
In short, yes, but each Simba pillow has been designed differently, so it’s essential to read the care guide for each pillow before washing.
The Simba Hybrid and Simba Hybrid Firm both feature un-zippable quilted covers that can be washed, but as mentioned, the pillow’s stuffing is completely different and will come with separate care instructions.
Keeping your pillow clean is a great way to extend its lifespan; I highly recommend washing it periodically.
I would also keep an eye out for any discolouration, smell, and plumpness.
Do you put a pillowcase on a Simba Pillow?
This is a matter of personal preference, and I put a pillowcase on out of habit because I like my bedding to match.
The Simba Hybrid Firm is slightly larger than average. I had to cram it into a pillowcase, which just fit.
However, the Simba Hybrid pillows don’t require a pillowcase; each pillowcase is quilted and removable, and the design is attractive, so it would look nice on a bed.
