Why our sleep experts loved it
I’ve tried many mattress protectors over the years, and the Simba Sleep Performance Mattress Protector is firmly in the “premium” bracket. It’s a lovely, breathable, all-cotton design that feels a cut above most supermarket basics, but the price is the catch. For what is in essence a quilted cotton cover with anti dust mite treatment, it does feel expensive, and that is something you really need to weigh up before clicking add to basket.
I used it on a Simba hybrid mattress, so it is doing a job of protecting that premium feel rather than making a cheap or old mattress feel more comfortable. Used on its own, it would still do the job, but it is not a plush topper and it is not a heavy-duty waterproof shield. It is more of a breathable, allergy-friendly sleeve that will keep your mattress fresher for longer than transform how you sleep.
Construction & materials The Simba Sleep Performance Mattress Protector is constructed almost entirely from natural materials. The filling and the outer cover are both 100% cotton, which is a real plus if you like to keep synthetics to a minimum in your bedding. The cotton filling gives it a lightly padded, quilted feel, while the cotton outer cover is smooth to the touch and feels cool and dry rather than slick or plasticy.
There is also a 100% natural anti dust mite treatment that has been applied. This reduces dust mites and harmful bacteria which in turn should help to reduce dust mite allergens. If you find you are waking up stuffy or have mild dust allergies, an anti dust mite protector like this can be a useful extra line of defence, alongside regular washing and hoovering of the bedroom.
There is an extra deep 40 cm elasticated skirt at the base. This is a stretchy, wraparound design that tucks under your mattress in much the same way as a fitted sheet. In theory that depth will cope with most modern beds, from slimline guest mattresses right through to deep hybrids and pillow top designs. The protector comes in the usual UK size range, including single, small double, double, king and super king, and as you would expect for something that goes under your sheet, it is only available in white.
The product comes in a reusable storage bag, which is a nice touch if you rotate protectors or keep a “spare” for guests. Having a proper bag makes it easier to keep the protector dust free in the airing cupboard.
Comfort & feel On the bed, it looks and feels like a classic quilted cotton protector, rather than a topper. It adds a slight layer of softness but it does not radically change the firmness or the feel of the mattress underneath. On a Simba mattress that means you still get the same responsive slightly buoyant support but with a more cushioned, cottony feel under your sheet.
The surface feel is one of its strong points. The cotton outer cover is smooth and soft but not shiny, and it also feels breathable to the hand. There is no rustling or crinkling that you can get with protectors that have a plastic membrane. If you are noise sensitive or hate that slightly sticky feel of cheap waterproof covers, this is a much more refined option.
You should not expect the kind of fluffy loft you would get from a topper, however. Many customer comments echo what I found, which is that this is very much a protector rather than a comfort upgrade. It gives a gentle buffer between you and the mattress, helps to smooth out seams and joins, but it will not make a firm bed feel soft or cover up a lumpy old mattress.
Performance & protection In day-to-day use, it behaves exactly as you would expect from a well-made cotton protector. It gives a hygienic barrier between you and your mattress, taking the brunt of sweat, body oils and the odd light spill, so you are washing a removable layer rather than the mattress cover itself.
The anti dust mite treatment is one area where this scores points compared to basic cotton protectors. You cannot see or feel the treatment, but it is designed to create a less hospitable environment for dust mites and bacteria to breed in. For allergy conscious households, or anyone who likes to keep allergens under control, that does add value, particularly when you combine it with regular hot washes.
One important caveat is that the product description does not promise full waterproofing, and in my view this is not the right choice if you need heavy duty protection against accidents or bigger spills. It is better for everyday hygiene and light mishaps rather than children’s beds or house training pets, or any situation where you know the mattress is likely to get wet. If you need proper waterproofing, a dedicated waterproof protector would be a better choice, even if that does mean compromising slightly on the feel.
Fit-wise, the 40 cm skirt gives a good depth. On my deep hybrid mattress it reached under the corners without any problems and stayed in place once the sheet was on. I did not have a problem with it pinging off but the reviewer feedback suggests you should take care when ordering as some online reviewers have noted sizing niggles, with one Simba king customer finding it too baggy and another reviewer complaining that their protector was too small for the price. That would suggest there may be some variation from bed to bed in how snug it feels.
Temperature regulation Where the Simba Mattress Protector really scores points is breathability. Because both the filling and the cover are 100% cotton, it allows air to move through the surface rather than getting trapped. On a foam or hybrid mattress that can sometimes run warm for some people, that extra layer of natural fibre helps to wick away moisture and take the edge off any stuffiness.
In use, I found the bed felt comfortably neutral. It did not make a warm mattress feel icy, but it did stop that clammy stuck-to-the-bed feeling that you can sometimes get with synthetics or plastic-backed designs. If you sleep hot, or are going through a phase of more frequent night sweats, having a breathable, easily washable buffer like this between you and the mattress is genuinely useful.
The flip side is that there is no special cooling tech at work here, just some well-chosen natural materials. If you were hoping for a dramatic cooling effect, you may be disappointed, but as a way to keep the bed fresher and less humid, it works well.
Practical features The Simba Performance Mattress Protector scores points from a practical perspective as well. It is machine washable at 40 degrees, which is hot enough to keep clean without being too harsh on the cotton. For allergy management I would still aim for fairly regular washes especially in summer, and as it is cotton you will want to allow it to dry thoroughly to avoid any mustiness.
The extra deep elasticated skirt also makes it easy to fit. You start at one end of the mattress and tuck it under like a fitted sheet, and work your way around. Once it is on, it stays in place well during normal use. The generous depth is a big plus if you have a chunky mattress, or use a separate topper under your sheet.
You do get the usual 1 year guarantee, which is fairly standard for bedding but worth flagging as it does reassure you that any obvious faults with stitching or materials will be sorted in that first year. Delivery is through Bensons, with a separate delivery charge on small orders, so if you are only buying the protector bear in mind it will add to the overall cost.
The storage bag is a small but genuinely handy extra. When you rotate bedding seasonally or keep a backup protector, having a dedicated bag to keep it in means it stays clean and is easier to store neatly.
Who it suits Owners of Simba mattresses who want a matching, breathable protector will get on well with this. It is clearly designed to be the natural partner to the Simba range and it protects that considerable mattress investment without smothering its feel.
Hot or humid sleepers who hate plastic-backed protectors should also consider it. The all cotton construction keeps things feeling drier and more breathable than many synthetic alternatives.
Allergy conscious households may appreciate the natural cotton surface with the added anti dust mite treatment, particularly if you are already following good cleaning habits and just want another layer of defence.
Anyone who values natural materials throughout their bedding will like the fact that both the cover and fill are cotton, with no obvious rustling membrane.
Who it does not suit Budget focused buyers are unlikely to find this easy to justify. A number of reviewers are explicit about the price, with one mentioning paying almost £150 and feeling that it should fit perfectly at that sort of cost. When you can get good quality cotton protectors for much less, that premium does stand out.
Those who need full waterproof protection should look elsewhere. This is not marketed as fully waterproof and in my view is not the right choice for bedwetting or house training pets, frequent spills or any intensive family use where accidents are likely.
Anyone hoping for a comfort upgrade will probably be disappointed. It does not add plush cushioning in the way a topper would and a number of reviewers who were hoping it would transform a mattress have found it underwhelming.
Perfectionists about fit might also want to proceed with caution. While the deep skirt worked fine in my testing, customer feedback is mixed with some reviewers finding it too loose on their Simba mattress and others struggling to get a really neat taut finish.
Final verdict The Simba Sleep Performance Mattress Protector is a well-made, breathable, all cotton protector with a useful anti dust mite treatment and a deep easy fit skirt. On the bed it feels cool, quiet and unobtrusive, which is exactly what you want from a protector if you are happy with how your mattress feels.
The problem is not the performance, it is the value. For many people it will feel too expensive for what it is, particularly when you consider that it is not waterproof and does not radically change the comfort of the mattress underneath. The occasional grumble about fit in customer reviews also sours the premium positioning.
If you have bought into the Simba range and want a matching, natural, allergy conscious protector, and you are buying it as part of a deal, then it makes sense and it does its job well. But if you are simply looking for a decent quality cotton protector and are price sensitive, there are more affordable options that will deliver a similar level of day to day protection for a fraction of the price. In short, it is a nice to have, not a must have, and that price tag is the main reason to pause before you click buy.
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