There are so many quality mattresses on the market today it can be hard to cut through the noise to see which one might be a good fit for you. Here, we’re taking a look at two of the leading mattress brands, Nectar vs Simba, to see what they can offer and help you decide which of the two might give you a dream night’s sleep.
Should I Buy Nectar or Simba?
If you’re strapped for time, here are our highlights on what’s great about the Nectar Memory Foam mattress and the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress:
You Might Love the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress If:
- You want an affordable price. Nectar cuts out areas of the supply chain that boost costs, meaning you get an affordable mattress without compromising on quality.
- You want a mattress that is guaranteed to last. Nectar backs up its mattress with a “Forever Warranty”, one of the leading guarantees on the market.
- You want to minimise off-gassing. All memory foam mattresses smell a little when you unpack them, but Nectar has worked hard to reduce odours.
You Might Love the Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress If:
- You want a mattress that is kind to the environment. Simba’s Hybrid Pro mattress is labelled as being made with 100% recyclable materials.
- You love the confidence of seeing other satisfied customers. While an excellent customer rating doesn’t guarantee your sleep experience will be a good one, Simba’s Hybrid Pro mattress is widely praised.
- You want extra breathability from your mattress. The Simba Hybrid Pro is made with temperature control in mind in almost every layer of its design.
Mattress Construction: Digging into Nectar and Simba
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress is made of several layers, each with a specific function in mind.
The first layer is a knitted cooling polyester cover to keep you at a comfortable temperature during the night.
Next are the layers of memory foam, which are a considerable 9cms deep.
These layers break down into a so-called smart layer which contours to your body to give you that memory foam feel. The second layer is Nectar’s medical-grade pressure-relieving layer that is designed to reduce pressure points and help you stay comfortable throughout the night.
The last of the foam layers is a zone support layer with castellated construction. This can improve airflow to help give you better temperature regulation and may give more targeted support for your body.
Finally, the Nectar has a base that keeps everything exactly where it should be.
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress is certified by CertiPUR which means its polyurethane foam should contain no harmful chemicals. We were also pleased to see that Nectar’s Memory Foam Mattress has been certified “Carbon Neutral” by Good Housekeeping.
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress may off-gas or smell slightly when first unpacked, but this should pass within a day or so
The Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress
The Simba Hybrid Pro mattress breaks down into seven layers. First is a breathable hypoallergenic surface that is designed to help you stay cool during the night.
The second layer is a wool layer. Wool is a breathable material that, again, can help ensure you get a comfortable night’s sleep.
Next comes Simba’s open-cell layer which comprises a kind of memory foam that also has graphite in it to provide extra cooling.
Following that are Simba’s two Aerocoil spring layers which contain up to 5000 springs made of durable titanium. These springs work with the memory foam to add extra responsiveness and comfort.
Next is a support layer of foam which also contains edge support to allow you to use the entire sleep surface.
Lastly, Simba includes a zonal support layer that is designed to give you extra firmness in some areas while making room in others, for example for your shoulders and hips.
The Simba mattress is labelled as being made with 100% recyclable materials and has achieved CertiPUR status which confirms its polyurethane foam layers contain no chemicals that can harm you.
The Simba Hybrid Pro may off-gas slightly when first unpacked, but this is not unusual.
Thickness
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress is 25cm or 10 inches deep while the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress is 28cm or 11 inches deep.
Firmness
Both the Nectar Memory Foam mattress and the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress are described as medium-firm and are designed to suit most sleepers. Simba does explain that thanks to its layers of pocket springs, its Hybrid Pro sleeps a little softer than its other medium-firm mattress.
Edge Support
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress contains several layers that aim to create a uniform sleeping experience across the entirety of the bed.
The Simba Hybrid Pro contains a layer of memory foam that is designed with edge support to make sure that you are supported even at the very limits of the mattress.
Motion Transfer
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress uses layers of deep memory foam and has a specialist base layer whose function is to stop you from feeling a sleep partner’s movements. We would expect that most sleepers will find little to no motion transfer.
The Simba Hybrid Pro mattress is noted for providing memory foam comfort with the responsiveness of pocket springs. For most sleepers, we would expect that motion transfer would be minimal.
Breathability & Temperature
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress uses a cooling cover made of breathable polyester together with memory foam layers which are more breathable than previous memory foam generations.
Compared to other pure memory foam mattresses we would expect most sleepers to find this mattress more breathable and that it delivers a more comfortable sleep experience.
The Simba Hybrid Pro utilises a breathable wool cover, two layers of springs, and graphite infused memory foam layer. We would expect the Simba Hybrid Pro to perform extremely well at regulating sleeping conditions, helping to keep you cool throughout the night.
Overall Mattress Comparison & Review
Both the Nectar Memory Foam mattress and the Simba Hybrid Pro are quality mattresses, but they are serving different needs in the market.
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress provides the contouring of deep memory foam which may be ideal for side sleepers who need extra cushioning for their shoulders and hips, or for sleepers who find thinner memory foam doesn’t cushion their body correctly, or that they need extra joint and back support.
The Simba Hybrid Pro is a mattress that combines memory foam’s contouring with more responsiveness from the spring layers. This kind of dual technology may be particularly suited for sleepers who like to be able to move freely in bed while staying cool throughout the night.
Sizing: Simba Delivers EU Options
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress is available in the standard UK sizes Single, Small Double, Double, King, and Super King.
The Simba Hybrid Pro, however, is available in a wider range of sizes. These include the sizes UK Single, UK Small Double, UK Double, EU Double, UK King, EU Queen, and UK Super King.
Pricing: Nectar Brings a Lot for a Lower Price
| Size (Width x Length) | Nectar Memory Foam
(25cm in height) |
Simba Hybrid Pro
(28cm in height) |
| Single (90 x 190cm) | £469 | £665.26 |
| Small Double (120 x 190 cm) | £569 | £813.26 |
| Double (135 x 135cm) | £569 | £828.06 |
| EU Double (140 x 200cm) | x | £924.26 |
| King (150 x 200cm) | £669 | £946.46 |
| EU Queen (160 x 200cm) | x | £961.26 |
| Super King (180 x 200cm) | £769 | £1,020.46 |
Prices were obtained from the Nectar and Simba websites and are correct as of 08/04/2021.
As you can see, the Nectar Memory foam mattress is considerably less expensive than the Simba Hybrid Pro. Nectar can keep its prices low by cutting down on the supply chain and retailing directly to customers.
Delivery: Both Great Policies
Nectar
Under normal circumstances, Nectar can offer a two-person delivery service to most mainland UK postcodes. Standard delivery is free and your mattress will be delivered vacuum packed and rolled in a box.
Due to Covid-19 health restrictions, this two-person service has been replaced by a “no-contact” service that will allow a delivery driver to leave your mattress on your doorstep for you to handle safely.
Delivery times may vary but, at the time of writing, Nectar is shipping within 3 – 5 business days.
Simba
Most mainland UK postcodes are eligible for free delivery and you can choose a weekday delivery during checkout. Weekend delivery and specific time slots can also be selected, but are subject to availability.
The delivery process is usually done through the company AO though may involve other couriers.
Due to Covid-19 health restrictions, Simba has also modified its delivery service. It now offers a “zero-contact” delivery service as part of its standard delivery.
At the time of writing, Simba is currently delivering its standard orders within five business days.
Returns: Simba Offers a Streamlined Return Service
Nectar
Nectar offers a return policy as part of its 365-nights guarantee. You can request a free return by contacting Nectar’s customer service team. You may be asked to provide information about the reason why you’re returning the mattress.
If you believe there is a manufacturing fault with your mattress, the same process applies. You may be asked to provide pictures of the fault, as well as pictures of the bed base on which you have used your mattress, among other things.
Be aware that eligibility requirements will have to have been followed. For example, you will need to ensure the fire safety tag is still attached to the mattress, and your return request must be made before the end of your 365-night trial.
Your refund will usually be processed within 14 days.
Simba
Simba allows for returns in two ways. If you have tried a Simba mattress but have found it doesn’t fit your needs, you can request a free return through your online account.
If, however, you believe your Simba mattress has a manufacturing fault, you can request a replacement or seek further help via an online form. Simba says that under normal circumstances you should receive a reply within two working days.
Eligibility requirements, such as the mattress still being in an acceptable condition, may also apply.
If everything with your return meets the eligibility requirements, your money will usually be refunded within 14 days of the pick-up date.
Nectar Offers a Year-Long Sleep Trial
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress comes with a 365-night trial, which is among the longest on the market.
The trial starts from the day your new mattress is delivered. Unless your mattress has a manufacturing fault, in which case it should be returned as soon as possible, you then have 365 nights to try your mattress.
Nectar’s trial stipulates that you must try the mattress for “at least 30 days” before you can return it. Then, after that time, you can return the mattress for free by arranging a pick-up with Nectar’s customer service team. You must complete the return request before your 365-night trial is up to still be eligible.
The Simba 200-night trial starts from the day your new Simba Hybrid Pro mattress is delivered. Simba asks that you try the mattress for at least a month to get a proper impression of the mattress.
Should you wish to return it during that 200-night trial you can simply request a return through an online portal.
While the Nectar trial is the longer of the two and may give added peace of mind, the Simba mattress trial is still longer than many others on the market.
Nectar’s Forever Warranty is a Market Leader
Nectar offers a market-leading “Forever Warranty”. This means that for as long as you have the mattress Nectar will offer a replacement or repair service, subject to certain terms and conditions.
Within the first 10 years of the Forever Warranty, Nectar will replace your mattress with a new Nectar mattress for free if you find a manufacturing or material fault.
After those 10 years, Nectar agrees to offer a repair or replacement service. If there is a manufacturing fault, this service may still be free. For other faults, you may find there are charges relating to transportation.
Any defects like dips in the mattress that are larger than 4cm are covered by the Warranty.
The Forever Warranty does not cover things like a loss of comfort relating to the age of the mattress, or issues that may be considered general wear. It also does not cover faults that result from your use outside of these terms, for example, damage due to mishandling.
The Forever Warranty only applies if you are the original purchaser of the mattress and have documentation to prove it. Care instructions must have been followed to avoid voiding the guarantee.
Simba’s guarantee protects the Simba Hybrid Pro for 10 years for the original purchaser of the mattress. The cover of the mattress is only guaranteed for one year, though.
Under the guarantee, Simba will cover defects that lead to your mattress dipping, but it does so on a sliding scale. Dips over 25mm/2.5cm are covered during the first six months after purchase. After 36 months, dips must be over 45mm/4.5cm to qualify.
One of the conditions of the warranty is that you must turn your mattress and follow other guidelines in the care instructions.
The guarantee does not cover things like comfort preferences, or a loss of firmness that is the result of normal ageing. The guarantee also does not cover any problems that result from improper use of the mattress, like not putting it on a suitable bed frame.
While both guarantees come with restrictions, Nectar’s Forever Warranty appears to offer a slight edge in terms of peace of mind that, should you take exceptional care of your mattress, you may still be covered even beyond 10 years.
Final Thoughts
Both the Nectar Memory Foam mattress and the Simba Hybrid Pro are great choices, so picking between them comes down to their features in the Nectar vs Simba comparison.
If you want the comfort and support that only memory foam can bring at a competitive price, and with an industry-leading guarantee, the Nectar Memory Foam mattress is a great pick.
If, on the other hand, you want the comfort and responsiveness of 5000 pocket springs as well as extra breathability, and you don’t mind spending a bit more, the Simba Hybrid Pro offers a lot of features that are sure to help you rest easy.
