Simba Hybrid Duvet review: Is this cooling duvet worth the hype?

simba hybrid duvet
A homes editor's review of the Simba Hybrid Duvet

I'll admit, my duvet is something I don't replace too often. Unlike duvet covers that are (usually) affordable and can be easily switched out, duvets are on my bed for the long haul. However, when my trusty five-year-old duvet started to look a little worse for wear, I knew it was time to invest in a new one.

And duvets are, or at least should be, an investment. While there are plenty of affordable duvet options on the market (I'm looking at you, £8.50 double duvet from George at Asda), a good duvet that's going to stand the test of time will come at a price.

So, when on the hunt for a new duvet, I decided to take the plunge with Simba's 10.5 Hybrid Duvet. At £199 for a double, it is on the expensive side for a duvet but, with plenty of impressive features, it sounded like it was worth the hype – and the price tag.

Why did I choose Simba's Hybrid Duvet? Well, among many appealing features, such as its soft, down-like fibres and a cotton cover for enhanced airflow, it was the cooling technology that stood out for me. As someone who gets unnaturally hot in bed, I was excited by the idea of staying cool at night.

The question on everyone's lips: does the Simba Hybrid Duvet live up to expectations? Find out in my review below.

Simba Hybrid Duvet: features at a glance

  • Stratos 'cool-touch' technology: the Stratos tech is designed to feel cool to the touch, giving instant freshness when sleeping

  • Simba Renew Bio™ fibres: these super soft fibres offer a down-like, soothing warmth with a non-clammy feel

  • Cotton cover on the plain side: the soft cotton cover offers enhanced airflow for ultimate breathability.

Simba Hybrid Duvet: the pros

Lightweight

The first thing I noticed when I took my new Simba duvet out of the packaging was how lightweight it felt. This worried me a little at first as I'm usually a sucker for thick, plump duvets, and it did look a little on the thin side.

Upon giving the duvet a shake and making it up with a soft linen bedding set, I was pleased to see that it looked even plumper than my previous duvet. It appeared much thicker on the bed than the lack of density would suggest.

After my first night's sleep with my new duvet, I was hugely impressed at how lightweight it felt: it didn't weigh me down like my previous 'feels like down' duvet and felt super breathable.

Cooling on one side

Without further ado, let's get to the main selling point of the Simba Hybrid Duvet. The star of the show here is, undoubtedly, the Stratos cooling technology. It comes with a grey piped edging on one side and blue on the other to indicate which side has the cooling properties (although, in my opinion, you wouldn't even need to look for this as the cooling side is noticeable to the touch straight away).

Trying the duvet out in 25-degree heat, I was almost shocked at how much cooler I felt when getting into bed. But the best part about the cooling technology is that, unlike that cool-side-of-the-pillow feeling you get when first getting into bed, the Hybrid Duvet stays cool throughout the night. I didn't break out in a sweat once.

Feels like down

If, like me, you're as fussy with how your duvet looks as well as how it feels, you'll love Simba's Hybrid option. It's made with three layers, including a middle layer of Renew Bio™ fibres, to offer a down-like look and feel – very similar to my previous 'feels like down' duvet.

What's more, the Hybrid is stitched into squares, not only giving it a fabulously plump look but also preventing clumping (is there anything worse than losing all the filling in the top corner of your duvet?).

Suitable for year-round use

What I particularly like about Simba's Hybrid Duvet is that it's suitable for year-round use. With a 10.5 tog rating, it's lightweight and breathable but also thick enough to keep you warm in winter.

Although I haven't yet tried the duvet in full-blown, below-freezing temperatures, it still managed to keep me warm on cooler nights (around 13 degrees, to be precise). I'll be sure to update you when the chilly winter nights come back around.

Simba Hybrid Duvet: the cons

On the expensive side

With respected retailers like John Lewis and M&S selling double duvets for around £30 (you can even get a Slumberdown Feels Like Down Duvet on Amazon for £22.50 right now), the Simba Hybrid Duvet is notably on the expensive side.

Having said that, a duvet should be a long-term investment, and I've had cheap options that only last me a year before clumping and tearing (and subsequently going in the bin after I've ordered a new one). So, yes, Simba's Hybrid Duvet is expensive, but a worthy investment in my eyes.

Simba Hybrid Duvet: the verdict

If you can afford to invest in a high-quality duvet that's going to last, I'd definitely recommend the Simba Hybrid Duvet. It's lightweight yet puffy, keeps you both cool in the heat and warm in the cold, and feels ultra-luxurious. While it is pricey, I'd say this one is worth the splurge.

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