Mangroves play a critical role in coastal protection. In Australia, hybrid approaches have been used at sites experiencing erosion to enhance mangrove establishment. Our initial study found that eco-engineered mangrove pods had mixed results depending on site-specific conditions. We deployed the pods at a new site with an expanding mangrove forest to better understand whether these hybrid approaches can facilitate mangrove survival similar to natural habitats. We assessed the effectiveness of these interventions by comparing survival rates of mangrove propagules and seedlings planted inside pods, onshore of pods, within jute matting, in bare substrate (control), and within the edge of the mangrove forest. We found that while hybrid approaches can provide hydrodynamic protection, their effectiveness depended on placement and mangrove life stage. Seedlings planted onshore of pods exhibited higher survival than those inside, likely due to improved light availability and reduced local erosion effects. Neither planting inside pods nor within jute matting fully replicated the facilitative mechanisms provided by natural mangrove habitats, although they may enhance survival compared to controls. Considering life-stage-specific survival thresholds is important when designing hybrid restoration strategies. Integrating approaches that mimic natural facilitation processes may improve the long-term success of mangrove restoration in eroding coastal environments.