1 Jan, 2026 | | No Comments
The best puffer coats to keep you warm and stylish in Britain’s unpredictable winter
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
British weather is famously unpredictable. One minute it’s crisp sunshine, the next it’s lashing rain – and with snow threatening to make an appearance, it’s officially time to wrap up.
Enter the ultimate cold-weather essential: a coat that works as hard as you do, keeping you warm, dry, and not resembling a human snowman.
A reliable coat is non-negotiable when stepping out the front door, and while there’s no shortage of styles – from waterproofs and trenches to leather layers and gilets – there’s one that truly comes into its own when temperatures plummet: the puffer.
Practical, insulating, and effortlessly cool, it’s the winter staple that never lets you down.
We’ve rounded up the very best puffer coats from high-street favourites, including Marks & Spencer, New Look, adidas, and Uniqlo, so you’re fully prepared for the chill that’s fast approaching.
Best of Metro Deals
Get exclusive discounts with Metro Deals – save on getaways and spa days. Powered by Wowcher
Bannatyne Spa
Spa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco — save up to 57% off.
Other deals
Mystery Escape
Hotel stay with return flights from as low as £92pp — save on worldwide holiday packages.
Beach Retreat (Lanzarote)
4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights — save up to 58%.
UK Getaway
4* Radisson Blu Durham stay with breakfast, spa access & late checkout — save 60% off.
Drive Supercars
3–12 lap supercar driving experiences from £16.99 — save up to 65%.
Shop The Best Puffer Coats:
M&S Thermowarmth™ Quilted Duvet Coat
M&S are known for their brilliant collection of coats, so it’s no wonder that it has some of the best offerings. This Thermowarmth™ quilted duvet coat is designed to keep the cold firmly at bay without feeling bulky. Designed with lightweight padding to maximise insulation, whilst remaining breathable and comfortable. The longline hemline provides extra coverage, as the shower-resistant fabric makes it ideal for unpredictable weather.
Uniqlo Seamless Down Short Jacket
Uniqlo’s seamless down short jacket is a winter staple that excels in both performance and design. By removing the stitched seams, it immediately restricts any wind or cold air from penetrating, so you can keep warm and cosy as you go about your day. The clean silhouette and blue colourway make it perfect for layering over everyday outfits in colder temperatures.
Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Leather Long Puffer
This longline puffer from Abercrombie & Fitch adds a fashion-forward edge to winter dressing. Made from vegan leather, it combines statement style with serious warmth thanks to its padded insulation and full-length cut. The water-resistant outer helps protect against light rain, while the structured silhouette elevates it beyond a standard puffer.
Regatta Women's Kelse Gilet in Dark Khaki
Whilst it’s all good wearing a puffer, they can occasionally cause overheating, so why not opt for a thinner style and layer with a gilet so that you can remove it whilst keeping warm? Designed specifically for layering, this khaki option from Regatta offers warmth without bulk thanks to its slim fit. The dark khaki colour adds a practical, outdoorsy feel, easy to throw on and remove as needed.
Karen Millen Clean Padded Belted Midi Coat
Karen Millen’s clean padded midi coat is a refined take on winter outerwear. Featuring a flattering belted waist that effortlessly shows off your natural silhouette, it creates a structured silhouette while still delivering warmth through its padded design. This style blends elegance with practicality for not just the colder months, but also transitional seasons.
Nobody’s Child Black Bow Puffer Jacket
Who says puffer jackets have to be plain? This black bow puffer jacket from Nobody’s Child puts a playful spin on classic winter layering. The cropped fit keeps it modern and easy to style with high-waisted trousers or skirts. Finished with subtle bow detailing, it adds personality without sacrificing practicality.
adidas Performance Adidas x Moon Boot Full-Length Jacket
We’ve all had that struggle when battling the elements of our top half being protected whilst our lower half becomes soaked and cold. Let us introduce you to the adidas x Moon Boot full-length jacket that will prevent that from happening. Designed with performance in mind, it features generous padding for maximum insulation and a longline cut that offers full-body warmth. A perfect alternative for dog walks, taking the kids to football, or snowy winter holidays.
New Look Rust Corduroy Cropped Puffer Jacket
New Look has released a versatile and chic puffer jacket that ticks all of the trend boxes. This soft rust corduroy cropped puffer adds texture, while the padded interior keeps the chill out. Its cropped silhouette pairs perfectly with high-waisted denim, and the warm rust shade adds a pop of colour to grey winter days.
F&F Padded Collared Oversized Fleece Lined Coat in Grey
Snap up a gorgeous supermark steal with F&F’s padded oversized coat. This cosy, affordable option is lined with soft fleece to provide extra warmth and comfort. The oversized fit allows for easy layering, while the neutral grey colour keeps it versatile and timeless. Finished with a classic collar and padded outer, it’s a practical, no-fuss coat that appears well above its price point.
Have you purchased a puffa jacket recently, or one from this list? Let us know in the comments section.
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
MORE: The 9 best men’s slippers for comfort and style this winter
1 Jan, 2026 | Admin | No Comments
I thought I just had the flu — but a deadly bug was literally eating me alive
‘At one point you could see straight through my arm,’ says Mark Brooks, 53. ‘It was grim to look at.’
Before we get into what he’s referring to, be warned that this story probably isn’t one to read at the dinner table – especially if you happen to have a weak stomach.
Mark, a dad of three from Grimsby, had always prided himself in being a bit of a fitness fanatic, regularly going to the gym and looking after his health.
But in December 2023, a horrifying incident would take place – one that would cost almost half a million pounds in medical bills and leave him with severe, lasting trauma.
It all started when Mark decided to do an ‘intense workout’, despite battling the ‘worst sore throat [he’d] ever had,’ and in the midst of a fast.
He says: ‘While I was working out, I tweaked my elbow which was no big deal. Then I developed a fever so I slept like a champion. When I woke up, it felt like I’d smashed my elbow really hard on the bedside table. It was killing and I couldn’t use it.’
Mark’s fever worsened and he began vomiting, but he put it down to ‘bad luck’ that he had an injured elbow, flu-like symptoms, and potentially food poisoning all at once.
What he didn’t know yet was that his flesh was being eaten alive by necrotising fasciitis, a rare and severe bacterial infection that has an alarmingly high mortality rate of between 20% and 40% — although it can vary depending on how early it’s picked up.
As his condition deteriorated, Mark started to realise something more serious was going on and that he needed to act fast,
‘I remember sitting on the carpet thinking that my decision making capacity was diminishing and that I only had one good decision left in me,’ he recalls.
Symptoms of necrotising fasciitis
Initial symptoms may include:
- Intense pain or loss of feeling near to a cut or wound – the pain may seem much worse than you would usually expect from a cut or wound
- Swelling of the skin around the affected area
- Flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, headache and tiredness
Later symptoms can include:
- Being sick (vomiting) and diarrhoea
- Confusion
- Black, purple or grey blotches and blisters on the skin (which may be less obvious on black or brown skin)
Mark managed to make it to hospital, where he was initially diagnosed with compartment syndrome, a painful condition from dangerous pressure buildup in a muscle compartment.
But when a large bruise appeared on his body out of nowhere, medics rushed him into surgery and they made the disturbing discovery of what was really going on.
Necrotising fasciitis was quickly eating away at Mark’s skin and muscle. Worse still, the bacteria had also entered his bloodstream, triggering his kidneys to shut down.
‘I was in the ICU for a week,’ he says. ‘They told me I had multi-organ failure. That sounded really bad.’
At this point, the bug had done so much damage his arm looked like ‘bone with nothing supporting it’.
But over the course of nine weeks in hospital, he underwent 25 operations to remove the dead skin, brachialis muscle, much of his tricep, a finger flexor and the connective tissue between Mark’s muscles.
Doctors used a vacuum pack to keep the limb viable while fighting the infection, harvesting skin from his leg and back in graft procedures that Mark has described as ‘the worst pain of [his] life’.
He says: ‘The donor sites were worse than the arm. I woke up crying uncontrollably.
‘They removed a muscle from my back and swung it around to rebuild my arm. Then they removed fat from my stomach and packed it into my arm to support the exposed bone.’
Although it was a gruelling process – with more procedures to come – it meant Mark at least kept his arm.
‘If I’d gone to an orthopaedic surgeon, they would have amputated,’ he explains. ‘One different decision, one different hospital, and my life would be totally different.’
The cost of reconstructive treatment has already reached around £450,000, covered by insurance, with tens of thousands more expected.
And it’s not just been a financial burden; Mark also developed PTSD following the ordeal.
To get through it, he tries to focus on the positives, saying: ‘The antidote was gratitude. Thinking about what I still had, not what I’d lost.
‘Necrotising fasciitis has a mortality rate of around 20% — but in my case it was closer to 50% so I’m just thankful to be alive and have all my limbs.’
By telling his story, Mark hopes to raise awareness of the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis, potentially saving someone else’s life.
‘I was fine and completely healthy, and it came completely out of the blue,” he adds. ‘And then all of a sudden, I’m fighting for my life. It was ridiculous.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
1 Jan, 2026 | Admin | No Comments
The ideal breakfast to help cure your New Year hangover, according to a nutritionist
After a night of celebrating, we imagine there’ll be quite a few sore heads this New Year’s Day morning.
And if you’re among those who woke up feeling less than fresh, you’ll no doubt be praying for a miracle cure.
Many of us have our own hangover remedies – each with varying results – but if you’re looking for a post-party breakfast that’s backed by science, we’ve got you covered.
According to nutritional therapist Cara Shaw, the ideal recovery brekkie should do two key things: firstly, get your blood sugar back at a normal level, and secondly, support your poor liver, which is doing the bulk of the work in breaking down that alcohol.
‘If you’ve been boozing all day long, particularly on lots of beer or high sugar cocktails or sugary mixers, it’s likely that your blood sugar will be going haywire into the early hours,’ Cara tells Metro.
‘In order to support your blood sugar first thing, eat breakfast within 90 minutes of waking, but be sure to opt for a high protein option.
‘When it comes to the liver, the alcohol will be putting a lot of pressure on the liver so detoxification will need additional support. You can get this from adequate protein but also B vitamins and antioxidants.’
You may be tempted to reach for a greasy bacon sandwich, but- and don’t shoot the messenger here – the best breakfast to make you feel human again is actually one that’s packed full of veggies.
Cara says the perfect hangover breakfast is:
- 3 eggs cooked any way you like
- ½ cup of sautéed mushrooms in olive oil
- ½ avocado
- A sprinkle of feta
- A handful of cooked tomatoes
- Drizzle of olive oil
And here’s what each component can offer you:
- Eggs are a good source of protein and rich source of choline which supports liver detoxification
- Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins which support the liver.
- Avocado is a healthy fat that’s rich in nutrients like potassium and vitamin E, along with fibre to help eliminate toxins.
- Feta provides extra protein and a source of B12 to give you energy after a rough night.
- Cooked tomatoes provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to help negate the effects of alcohol.
- Olive oil provide polyphenols and lots of anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce the oxidative stress that excessive alcohol can cause.
Cara also recommends a cup of Matcha to wash it all down, explaining: ‘Matcha is much lower in caffeine than coffee and is absolutely packed with antioxidants to give the body a boost.
‘My top tip is to have your caffeinated drink after a meal to ensure it doesn’t spike your cortisol levels, even more important when hungover.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
1 Jan, 2026 | Admin | No Comments
The best puffer coats to keep you warm and stylish in Britain’s unpredictable winter
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
British weather is famously unpredictable. One minute it’s crisp sunshine, the next it’s lashing rain – and with snow threatening to make an appearance, it’s officially time to wrap up.
Enter the ultimate cold-weather essential: a coat that works as hard as you do, keeping you warm, dry, and not resembling a human snowman.
A reliable coat is non-negotiable when stepping out the front door, and while there’s no shortage of styles – from waterproofs and trenches to leather layers and gilets – there’s one that truly comes into its own when temperatures plummet: the puffer.
Practical, insulating, and effortlessly cool, it’s the winter staple that never lets you down.
We’ve rounded up the very best puffer coats from high-street favourites, including Marks & Spencer, New Look, adidas, and Uniqlo, so you’re fully prepared for the chill that’s fast approaching.
Best of Metro Deals
Get exclusive discounts with Metro Deals – save on getaways and spa days. Powered by Wowcher
Bannatyne Spa
Spa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco — save up to 57% off.
Other deals
Mystery Escape
Hotel stay with return flights from as low as £92pp — save on worldwide holiday packages.
Beach Retreat (Lanzarote)
4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights — save up to 58%.
UK Getaway
4* Radisson Blu Durham stay with breakfast, spa access & late checkout — save 60% off.
Drive Supercars
3–12 lap supercar driving experiences from £16.99 — save up to 65%.
Shop The Best Puffer Coats:
M&S Thermowarmth™ Quilted Duvet Coat
M&S are known for their brilliant collection of coats, so it’s no wonder that it has some of the best offerings.
This Thermowarmth™ quilted duvet coat is designed to keep the cold firmly at bay without feeling bulky. Designed with lightweight padding to maximise insulation, whilst remaining breathable and comfortable.
The longline hemline provides extra coverage, as the shower-resistant fabric makes it ideal for unpredictable weather.
Uniqlo Seamless Down Short Jacket
Uniqlo’s seamless down short jacket is a winter staple that excels in both performance and design.
By removing the stitched seams, it immediately restricts any wind or cold air from penetrating, so you can keep warm and cosy as you go about your day.
The clean silhouette and blue colourway make it perfect for layering over everyday outfits in colder temperatures.
Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Leather Long Puffer
This longline puffer from Abercrombie & Fitch adds a fashion-forward edge to winter dressing.
Made from vegan leather, it combines statement style with serious warmth thanks to its padded insulation and full-length cut.
The water-resistant outer helps protect against light rain, while the structured silhouette elevates it beyond a standard puffer.
Regatta Women's Kelse Gilet in Dark Khaki
Whilst it’s all good wearing a puffer, they can occasionally cause overheating, so why not opt for a thinner style and layer with a gilet so that you can remove it whilst keeping warm?
Designed specifically for layering, this khaki option from Regatta offers warmth without bulk thanks to its slim fit.
The dark khaki colour adds a practical, outdoorsy feel, easy to throw on and remove as needed.
Karen Millen Clean Padded Belted Midi Coat
Karen Millen’s clean padded midi coat is a refined take on winter outerwear.
Featuring a flattering belted waist that effortlessly shows off your natural silhouette, it creates a structured silhouette while still delivering warmth through its padded design.
This style blends elegance with practicality for not just the colder months, but also transitional seasons.
Nobody’s Child Black Bow Puffer Jacket
Who says puffer jackets have to be plain? This black bow puffer jacket from Nobody’s Child puts a playful spin on classic winter layering.
The cropped fit keeps it modern and easy to style with high-waisted trousers or skirts.
Finished with subtle bow detailing, it adds personality without sacrificing practicality.
adidas Performance Adidas x Moon Boot Full-Length Jacket
We’ve all had that struggle when battling the elements of our top half being protected whilst our lower half becomes soaked and cold.
Let us introduce you to the adidas x Moon Boot full-length jacket that will prevent that from happening.
Designed with performance in mind, it features generous padding for maximum insulation and a longline cut that offers full-body warmth.
A perfect alternative for dog walks, taking the kids to football, or snowy winter holidays.
New Look Rust Corduroy Cropped Puffer Jacket
New Look has released a versatile and chic puffer jacket that ticks all of the trend boxes.
This soft rust corduroy cropped puffer adds texture, while the padded interior keeps the chill out.
Its cropped silhouette pairs perfectly with high-waisted denim, and the warm rust shade adds a pop of colour to grey winter days.
F&F Padded Collared Oversized Fleece Lined Coat in Grey
Snap up a gorgeous supermark steal with F&F’s padded oversized coat.
This cosy, affordable option is lined with soft fleece to provide extra warmth and comfort.
The oversized fit allows for easy layering, while the neutral grey colour keeps it versatile and timeless.
Finished with a classic collar and padded outer, it’s a practical, no-fuss coat that appears well above its price point.
Have you purchased a puffa jacket recently, or one from this list? Let us know in the comments section.
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
31 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Princess Olympia of Greece could be Hailey Bieber’s twin in animal print bikini
Princess Olympia of Greece, the daughter of Crown Prince Pavlos and Princess Marie-Chantal, could be Hailey Bieber in an animal print string bikini for her hot Christmas celebration.
31 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
My heart stopped for 15 minutes – I remember thinking ‘this is it’
‘It was obvious I was gone,’ Mark says, ‘I was lying there, not moving, with my eyes wide open, not breathing.’
Mark Moran, a 63-year-old from Bristol, was an avid sportsman – regularly participating in triathlons and marathons. But just over a year ago, on a ‘seemingly gentle bike ride’, he almost lost his life.
In November 2024, Mark, a business owner, set off with friends Steve Makin and Dave Lane on a bike ride from Cirencester to a pub in Frampton Cotterell, South Gloucestershire.
The trio were just minutes away from arriving at their destination, in search of a hefty plate of chips, when Mark suddenly collapsed.
‘It happened over a period of a few seconds,’ he shared. ‘I’m on the bike and I start to feel dizzy like I’m passing out. I go to slow down because I’m clipped onto my pedals. And then there was just nothing.
‘No energy, no muscle, no nothing. The last thing I remember is facing at an angle. And the last thing to go through my head was: “This is it.”
Mark recalls hearing ‘almost a sound of thunder’ in the background and coming to the horrifying realisation that his life might be about to end.
However, miraculously, Mark survived a traumatic cardiac arrest.
As soon as he hit the ground, pal Steve was by his side, a sight Mark admits must have been ‘absolutely terrifying’ for his friend.
Steve immediately started CPR, having remembered the 2012 ‘Stayin’ Alive’ campaign which saw footballer Vinnie Jones team up with the British Heart Foundation to try and help educate people on how to perform CPR in an emergency.
Jones has revived his role in this campaign numerous times, most recently promoting the Every Minute Matters initiative – a 2025 campaign where Sky Bet and the English Football League (EFL) teamed up to support the BHF with a nationwide event to inspire football fans to learn potentially lifesaving CPR and be prepared for emergencies.
Pumping rhythmically to the Bee Gees tune, Steve persevered for almost 10 minutes – so determined to keep Mark alive that he actually broke three of his ribs.
While Dave cycled to the nearest spot where he could reach help, Steve also managed to dial 999. He also put Mark in the recovery position and made sure his airways were clear.
This is where first responder Pete Bishop comes into the picture. A volunteer for the South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust, Pete was ‘at home in his trackie bottoms, doing his day job’ when he received the call about Mark.
Immediately into the car, Pete reached the scene in just nine minutes – a crucial aspect of the story aided by the fact that Steve had the app what3words downloaded onto his phone.
Designed to simplify location-finding, the app has divided the world into 3m x 3m squares, each with a unique three-word address.
Once Pete arrived, he gave Mark, whose lips had turned blue, two lifesaving defibrillator shocks.
Soon after Pete’s arrival, both an ambulance and the air ambulance were on the scene. As Mark came around in the ambulance, he called out to his shocked and worried friends: ‘All right, boys.’
Then he started calling out instructions about where to find his keys, repeatedly, before losing consciousness again.
Mark was then flown by helicopter to the Bristol Heart Institute, which, ‘in the chain of survival,’ Mark shared, ‘is probably one of the best places you could be with a heart issue.’
Mark later awoke in hospital, fitted with his very own internal defibrillator, despite having no underlying heart condition. The 63-year-old spent a further three weeks in hospital before he was discharged and given a clean bill of health.
Mark has never taken his health for granted. In 2005, following a spinal surgery, he lived with limited movement for months – a situation so debilitating it actually inspired him to start his business, creating a unique hands-free water bottle that solves the problem of hydration (and dehydration) in a wide range of healthcare applications.
So, it’s safe to say, Mark knows how lucky he is. And he credits a number of miracles for saving his life. One of course being Pete: ‘I had no idea just how important first responders are. These are not ambulances or paramedics. These are trained volunteers whose job is to get there quickly and help. They’re unpaid, and they’re phenomenal people.’
Mark is also incredibly grateful that his friend has the what3words app downloaded onto his phone: ‘That’s what brought Pete Bishop to me within nine minutes. If he’d been ten minutes, I might not be here. So that is a pretty phenomenally powerful tool that I knew nothing about.’
Pete later revealed that he’d been to twenty cases like Mark’s, and that Mark was the first to survive, making the entire ordeal a miracle indeed.
Six months after his discharge from hospital, Mark went on to run the Bristol Half Marathon to raise money for the air ambulance team who saved his life.
And in July, the trio took the trip again so they could at last visit the pub in Frampton Cotterell for that plate of chips, pausing on the grassy bank where Mark had lain with his head in a bush, close to death.
Fewer than ten per cent of people survive cardiac arrest outside of hospital and Mark believes he is exceptionally lucky.
The 63-year-old is now keen for others to learn CPR in case they can save a life. With three-quarters of cardiac arrests happening at home, the first person on the scene is often a family member or bystander.
Early CPR and defibrillation can more than double survival chances, yet NHS Charities Together data shows fewer than three in ten people currently feel confident to step in during an emergency.
NHS Charities Together is aiming to tackle these issues through the allocation of £1.85 million in grants received through a partnership with Omaze.
The funding will support all 14 UK NHS ambulance charities to build capacity in communities, reduce health inequalities, and ease pressure on frontline services by providing the training, resources, and equipment needed to save lives.
Reflecting on his story, Mark noted: ‘My heart was basically stopped for 15 minutes. It’s pretty terminal. So I feel like the luckiest guy on the planet. Had it not been for my mates and Pete Bishop, I wouldn’t be here today.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
31 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Pippa Middleton’s 16-year-old silky mini dress is our New Year’s Eve muse for 2025
The Princess of Wales’ sister, Pippa Middleton, wore a silky black mini dress to the Azzaro store launch in 2009 – and her look is our style inspiration for New Year’s Eve 2025.
31 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Michael Strahan’s bikini-clad model daughter is the picture of health in striking new photos
Good Morning America’s Michael Strahan’s daughter Isabella Strahan posted glowing new photos that showcase her health since being cancer-free in 2024.
31 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Save up to £500 off mattresses and pillows in Simba’s New Year sale
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
Some say you can’t put a price on a good night’s sleep, but Simba’s New Year sale certainly can.
To celebrate 2026, it’s currently discounting its bestselling mattresses, dreamy duvets, plush pillows and bedding ranges by hundreds of pounds.
If your current mattress is worse for wear, and your bed situation needs an upgrade, it’s the perfect opportunity to shop and save, now that there’s as much as 30% off.
The importance of getting proper rest can’t be overstated, as consistent bad sleep can lead to a range of issues, such as increased anxiety or loss of productivity. Neither is an ideal way to kick off a new year.
Best of Metro Deals
Get exclusive discounts with Metro Deals – save on getaways and spa days. Powered by Wowcher
Bannatyne Spa
Spa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco — save up to 57% off.
Other deals
Mystery Escape
Hotel stay with return flights from as low as £92pp — save on worldwide holiday packages.
Beach Retreat (Lanzarote)
4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights — save up to 58%.
UK Getaway
4* Radisson Blu Durham stay with breakfast, spa access & late checkout — save 60% off.
Drive Supercars
3–12 lap supercar driving experiences from £16.99 — save up to 65%.
Many of our sleep concerns often stem from comfort. If you can feel every spring in your mattress, your pillows are so flat they give you a permanent backache, or your duvet cover has lost its softness, it makes dozing off all that much harder.
Whether it’s extra support, a softer feel, or fewer bad-back mornings you’re after, Simba’s clever, high-tech designs are built for better sleep, and they’re now available for less.
The sale started on December 27 and only runs until January 5, so you’ve not got long to bag a bargain.
Treat yourself (and your health) to a better sleep setup in the Simba sale – here’s our top picks of what’s on offer…
The Best Deals in Simba’s New Year Sale:
Simba Hybrid Pillow
This pillow has over 30,000 five-star reviews from shoppers, who rave about its comfort and support.
One customer named Marilyn G said, 'this pillow gave me the best night's sleep.'
Inside, it has loads of nanocubes which create the cloud-like cushioning, but you can remove them to adjust the firmness exactly to your preference, along with a breathable cotton cover and a zipped case with no fiddly buttons.
Simba Hybrid Mattress
Simba’s original Hybrid Mattress is its bestseller, and now has £200 off a double.
Combining foam and springs, including patented Aerocoil springs and deep Simbatex foam, it cleverly adapts to your body temperature while you sleep, and supports all sleeping positions.
Best of all, it arrives neatly rolled up in a box for easy setup and comes with a 200-night trial.
Simba Hybrid 3-in-1 Duvet
This double duvet design is perfect for summer and winter.
There’s a 7 tog and a 3.5 tog which can be snapped together or used separately to be as warm or as cool as the weather dictates.
Filled with Simba Renew Bio fibres and cooled by Stratos tech, and a breathable cotton cover, it keeps you cosy without overheating or catching a chill.
Simba Natural Hybrid Source Mattress
Investing in a mattress is a smart idea – sleeping on it every day for years not only drives down the cost-per-use, but also ensures you can doze off in complete comfort.
Simba’s Natural Hybrid Source Mattress has a medium-firm feel thanks to 2,900 springs, a depth of 28cm and eight layers of breathable British-sourced wool cushioning.
Simba Hybrid Essential Topper
If you’re not ready to splurge on an entirely new mattress, try a topper instead.
It’s a speedy way to make your bed more comfortable in minutes and has snug straps to keep it in place.
It has a supportive Aerocoil microspring layer and flexible Simbatex cushioning.
There’s only a limited amount of time left on this sale, so make the most of it whilst you still can.
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
31 Dec, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Back up, this is what really happens to your body when you hold in your poo
Going for a number two, using the facilities, dropping the kids off at the pool. We’ve come up with a number of ways to say we need to go for a poo, without actually saying it.
Why? Well, while it’s perfectly natural, it’s just a bit awkward. This feeling is even worse when you’re not in the comfort of your own bathroom — or worse, at work, knowing full well a colleague could walk into the cubicle after you.
In fact, the thought is so embarrassing that 76% of Brits admit to holding in their poo at some point. What’s worse is 25% have held it in for three hours, while 8% have waited up to six hours to relieve themselves, according to a study by ProVen Biotics.
‘It is very common for people to feel anxious or embarrassed about talking about bowel movements or using public toilets,’ Dr Suzanne Wylie tells Metro.
‘Social taboos, fear of smells or sounds, concerns about cleanliness, and worries about privacy all contribute.’
It’s a problem impacting women more than men, too. About 33% of women worry about whether their poo will smell (compared to a fifth of men), and 26% worry about the noises it will make in a public toilet (compared to 16% of men).
However, if you don’t relieve yourself when you need to, it could spell trouble for your health…
What holding in your poo really does to your body
There are multiple side effects you’ll experience if you’re consistently holding in your poop.
‘When stool remains in the bowel for longer than it should, more water is absorbed from it, making it harder, drier, and more difficult to pass,’ Dr Wylie for IQdoctor explains.
‘This can lead to constipation, straining, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and a feeling of incomplete emptying.’
But it’s not just feeling backed up that could be a problem for you. ‘In more severe cases, stool can become impacted, meaning it is so hard and large that it cannot be passed without medical treatment,’ the doctor adds.
When you eventually do try to go to the toilet, if you’ve made a habit of holding it in, you could also need to strain.
‘This increases pressure in the abdomen and around the anus, which can contribute to haemorrhoids (piles) and anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of the back passage,’ Dr Wylie adds.
Not going will give you a feeling of sluggishness or heaviness in the abdomen, too. ‘Some people may also experience nausea or reduced appetite if the bowel becomes very backed up,’ she says.
‘In children and some adults, leakage of softer stool around impacted stool can occur, which can be distressing and embarrassing.’
Long term complications
If holding in your number twos is a habit, there’s a chance it could also lead to longer term complications in more serious cases.
‘Habitual stool retention can contribute to chronic constipation, recurrent haemorrhoids, and in some cases problems with pelvic floor function,’ Dr Wylie says.
‘It may also worsen conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.’
She adds that while holding in stool is unlikely to cause serious diseases on its own, like bowel cancer, it can significantly affect your quality of life and make bowel habits increasingly difficult to normalise.
Let it go
The best way to keep your bowels healthy is to go when you have the urge, no matter how awkward it makes you feel.
‘Our bowel is designed to move waste along at a steady pace using muscular contractions, so ignoring the urge to go can dull the normal reflexes over time, meaning the rectum becomes stretched and less sensitive,’ the doctor explains. ‘This makes it harder for the body to signal when it needs to empty.’
She says it’s generally best to go when you first notice the sensation, and while occasionally delaying it isn’t likely to cause you any problems, going on your body’s schedule is the best way to operate.
So grab a roll and settle in, whether you’re at work or home.
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