Our recommended UK mattress alternatives
The Emma One is no longer available in the UK.
We have listed some of our recommended mattress alternatives below.
These are all firm mattresses that rank similarly to the Emma One.
Good firm mattress alternatives:
How does the Emma One compare to the Emma Original?
Both the Emma One and the Emma Original are comparable in their construction.
They feature three foam layers:
- Airgocell foam
- Memory foam
- Cold foam
However, they differ remarkably in terms of firmness.
The Emma Original is a soft mattress.
We've placed it at 4 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.
The Emma One, in contrast, is a firm mattress. 🧱
We’ve placed it at 8 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale.
Both mattresses are incredibly comfortable and designed to suit all people but pay attention to the firmness level you prefer.
This will guide you in your mattress choice.
You can also read our full Emma Original vs Emma One mattress comparison.
Emma One mattress composition
The Emma One is a mattress made up of three different layers of foam.
These three foam layers are:
- Breathable Airgocell foam
- Pressure-relieving viscoelastic memory foam
- Supportive HRX foam

Emma One mattress foam layers
The two upper layers are intended to provide a comfortable and cuddly feel when lying down.
1. Airgocell foam layer
Airgocell has excellent point-elasticity, allowing one area to compress without affecting the rest of the mattress.
This is great if you’re sharing the mattress with a partner. 👩❤️👨
2. Memory foam layer
Memory foam distributes pressure evenly and adapts well to the contours of your body, allowing you to melt into the mattress. 🤗
The interplay of the cooler Airgocell foam and the heat-retaining memory foam ensures that the temperature within the mattress remains well-regulated.
The so-called ventilation channels that have been integrated into the mattress further ensure good ventilation.
Air can circulate better, allowing the mattress to remain cooler. ❄️
This makes your overall sleep more comfortable and also prevents the build-up of mites and bacteria, which prefer warmer and more humid homes.
3. HRX foam base layer
The majority of the mattress is made up of the third later of HRX foam.
This is a firm cold foam bottom layer that offers support and stability for your entire body.
Appropriate incisions in the shoulder and pelvic areas allow the mattress to adapt to your body optimally.
Emma One mattress firmness
According to the manufacturer, the Emma One mattress is suitable for any person weighing between 50 kg and 130 kg.
However, it doesn’t have a set degree of firmness.
After extensive testing, our test sleepers have rated the Emma One as a medium-firm to firm mattress, though some did find it a little firmer than others.
We’ve placed it at 8 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.
How comfortable is the Emma One?
The Emma One is an exceptionally comfortable mattress, no matter which sleeping position you prefer.
You’ll be well-supported, regardless of whether you sleep on your stomach, back, or side.
Interestingly, both lighter-weight and heavier-weight people find the Emma One comfortable and supportive, despite its firmness.
This is because the foams used in the Emma One mattress adapt perfectly to the body. 🤗
You sink into the mattress in exactly the right places so that your spine is well-supported and your muscles can relax accordingly.
That said, it is best suited to those who prefer a firm sleeping surface.
The firm support also makes it a great choice for heavier-weight people.
If you definitely know that you prefer a softer mattress, then the Emma Original is a good alternative.
If you're looking for a memory foam mattress with a similar feel, we'd suggest you try the Nectar mattress as the next-best alternative.
Luckily, the Nectar mattress is still available in the UK.
It also comes with a 365-day trial period and a lifetime guarantee!
Temperature regulation
The unique interplay of Airgocell foam and memory foam allows the mattress to keep the temperature well regulated.
The mattress does not absorb too much body heat.
The ventilation channels also ensure good air circulation throughout. 💨
This keeps the mattress at room temperature.
Heavy sweater?
If you're a very heavy sweater, though, we'd still recommend you opt for a pocket sprung or hybrid mattress instead.
Spring mattresses are generally more breathable overall, as the springs create natural ventilation channels.
One of our favourite hybrid models is the Simba Hybrid.
Is the Emma One mattress suitable for couples?
Yes, the Emma One mattress is an excellent choice for couples.
This is not only because it is exceptionally comfortable but also because it is so well-suited to both lighter- and heavier-weight individuals.
This means that two partners of varying body weights will find the mattress equally comfortable.
Easy to move on
It is also very easy to move on.
Usually, memory foam mattresses can be quite challenging to move on due to the memory effect.
But since the Emma One is not a pure memory foam mattress, changing position from one side to the other is quite easy. 🕺
You'll find a similar feeling on the Nectar memory foam mattress, which has a more stable top layer.
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Low motion transfer
Another excellent property is its low motion transfer.
Motion transfer refers to the degree to which movement is carried through a mattress.
A mattress with low motion transfer effectively absorbs movements so that they won't be carried through the mattress. 💃
This means that you won’t be disturbed by your partner tossing and turning or getting up in the middle of the night.
Emma One mattress cover
The white Emma One cover is rather plain but it gets the job done.
- The top cover is made of 100% polyester.
- The bottom cover is made of 89% polyester and 11% polypropylene.
The Emma One mattress cover is incredibly breathable.
The white top cover regulates humidity and is made of elastic so it fits onto your mattress perfectly.
The side cover features a 3D mesh that supports air circulation.
It also has 4 robust handles that make transporting the mattress easier.
Machine-washable
The cover has a zip and is easily removable.
It can be machine-washed at 40°C, which is great for hygiene purposes. 🛁
Mattress protectors
The Emma One mattress cover may be removable and machine-washable, but it's still a sensitive cover.
We'd recommend using a mattress protector as well.
Mattress protectors safeguard your mattress from dirt, spills, stains, and bacteria.
Our favourite UK mattress protectors:
Emma One delivery & trial
Like all Emma products, the Emma One mattress will be delivered to your front door free of charge.
The mattress is rolled up and vacuum-packed and will be delivered in a compact box. 📦
Once unpacked, the mattress will slowly inflate and return to its original size.
Off-gassing
You will notice a bit of an odour when first unpacking the Emma One mattress.
But this is not unusual.
Indeed, off-gassing is a normal feature of new mattresses and is not toxic or harmful in any way.
That said, it can be a little uncomfortable.
We recommend that you unpack your mattress in a well-ventilated room and let it breathe for a bit. 🏡
The smell should disappear quite quickly.
Risk-free trial period
Once you’ve received your new Emma One mattress, you’ll also benefit from a risk-free trial period.
This means that you can try out the mattress in the comfort of your own home and really ascertain if it’s the right mattress for you.
It usually takes the body a few weeks to get used to a new mattress.
Free returns
But if, after some time has passed, you’re still not entirely comfortable and happy with your purchase, you can simply return the mattress and receive a full refund. 💷
Returns are free of charge.
10-year guarantee
In addition, you’ll also get a 10-year guarantee on the Emma One mattress, which covers any manufacturing and material or durability faults.
Terms and conditions do apply.
Should you buy the Emma One mattress?
The Emma One is a high-quality mattress that offers exceptional comfort and support.
Almost every type of sleeper will find the Emma One mattress comfortable.
It adapts well to the body, offers comfort and support, and remains temperature-neutral.
It is a firm mattress though, so be aware of that when making your purchase decision.
But since it's no longer available in the UK, we'd recommend that you opt for the Nectar mattress instead.
Contact Emma UK
Customer service: To contact Emma UK directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at support@emma-mattress.co.uk, visit their live online chat, or complete their online contact form.
Registered office: Emma Matratzen GmbH, Wilhelm-Leuschner-Str. 78, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany