Emma Original vs Emma Hybrid

Emma Original Vs. Emma Hybrid Mattress Comparison - UK (2024)

Last updated: 13.03.2024 Reading time: 8 Min.

Emma is one of the best mattress brands available in the UK.

So, what do you do if you’re torn between two of their world-class mattresses?

And which is the best Emma mattress?

Don’t worry - we’re here to help.

In this Emma Original vs Emma Hybrid mattress comparison, we’ll highlight similarities and key differences to help you choose your perfect match.

Let’s get straight to it. 👇

Emma Original vs Emma Hybrid

Emma Original vs Emma Hybrid mattress comparison

The Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid are both mattresses by the award-winning Emma mattress brand.

But, these are two remarkably different mattresses.

If you’d like to read our in-depth analyses of the Emma Original and Emma Hybrid mattresses, we’d suggest you turn to our mattress reviews:

Below, you’ll find a side-by-side comparison of these two mattresses. 👇

Emma Original Emma Hybrid
Type of mattress Foam mattress Hybrid pocket sprung foam mattress
Mattress height 25 cm (10 inches) 25 cm (10 inches)
Mattress layers

3 layers:

Airgocell foam

Viscoelastic memory foam

HRX polyfoam foam

4 layers:

Airgocell foam

Supportive mini pocket springs

Viscoelastic memory foam

Cold foam

Firmness Medium-firm Medium-firm
Stability & support An orthopaedic choice that offers good stability, support, and pressure relief, especially for side sleepers Good support and comfortable feel
Suitable for

Light- and average-weight sleepers

People who like a medium-firm feel

Side sleepers or back sleepers

Those needing orthopaedic support.

Light- and average-weight sleepers

People who like a medium-firm mattress

All sleeping positions

Couples and restless sleepers

Hot sleepers

Temperature Very good temperature regulation Excellent temperature regulation
Motion isolation Very low motion transfer Very low motion transfer
Mattress cover Hypoallergenic cover that’s removable & machine-washable at 60℃ with 4 side carrying handles. Hypoallergenic cover that’s removable & machine-washable at 60℃ with 4 side carrying handles.
Purchase
+ EXTRA 5% OFF EMMA SLEEP
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code
20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL MATTRESS
BUY EMMA HYBRID£ 263.92

As the table overview may have shown, these two mattresses may be similar in name, but they are very different in terms of composition.

This also makes them suitable for very different types of people.

Please note: Emma no longer officially sells the Emma Hybrid mattress, but you can still buy it on Amazon. The newer hybrid mattresses by Emma include the Emma NextGen Premium mattress and the Emma Luxe Cooling mattress.

We’ll go through each mattress's specific composition and features in more detail in the next section.

Emma Original mattress vs Emma Hybrid: Which is best suited to you?

The Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid mattresses are both very comfortable, high-quality mattresses.

But, with unique compositions, they’re better suited to very different types of people.

No matter your choice, though, you can rest assured that these are environmentally-friendly mattresses that are perfectly safe to sleep on. 🌱

Both the Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid are 100% vegan and guaranteed to be free from toxins, chemicals, and harmful substances.

They’re also both fire-retardant & adhere to UK fire regulation BS7177.

And, of course, they’re both manufactured in the UK.

Emma Original: Medium-firm body-hugging comfort

The Emma Original is one of the more firm memory foam mattresses on the market, and we've rated it as 7 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

The Nectar mattress is another firmer memory foam mattress that we really like.

This makes it an excellent choice for people who need a firmer feel but also enjoy the cuddly feel a layer of memory foam provides.

Memory foam adapts to your body perfectly, offering good relief of pressure points and allowing your muscles to relax fully.

This is why memory foam mattresses like the Emma Original are often recommended for orthopaedic purposes, to alleviate back pain, and for optimal spinal alignment. 🤗

Emma Original mattress side sleeper
The Emma Original is perfect for side sleepers.

The Emma Original is also an excellent choice for lighter- and average-weight sleepers, regardless of preferred sleeping position.

Unfortunately, one drawback of the Emma Original’s memory foam contouring is that it can make moving around on the mattress a little more challenging.

This is why we wouldn’t recommend the mattress to very restless sleepers.

Memory foam also tends to absorb more heat, and while the Emma mattress regulates temperature well, and you shouldn’t feel too hot or clammy, it won’t be a good choice for very heavy sweaters.

Choose the Emma Original if you:

  • Prefer medium-firm mattresses
  • Want an orthopaedic mattress with body-contouring support
  • Are of lighter or medium build
  • Sleep on your side or back
  • Want a no-fuss mattress with a removable and machine-washable cover

The Emma Original will be less suitable if you need more support (i.e. if you’re of a larger build and a stomach or back sleeper) or if you’re a heavier sweater or very restless sleeper.

+ EXTRA 5% OFF EMMA SLEEP
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL MATTRESS

Emma original mattress carrier handles
The Emma Original has side handles for easy transportation.

Emma Hybrid: Breathable support

The Emma Hybrid is also a medium-firm mattress, which we've placed at a 6.5 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

If you're looking for a softer mattress with a hybrid composition, we'd recommend the Simba Hybrid.

In contrast to the Original, the Emma Hybrid is far more comfortable to turn around on and has better edge support.

It's also more suitable for restless sleepers.

It is still best suited to people of lighter or average builds with any sleeping position preference.

People of larger builds who need more overall support or pure back/front sleepers may prefer choosing a pocket-sprung mattress.

emma hybrid mattress cover
The Emma Hybrid also has a machine-washable top cover.

The Emma Hybrid does fare well in terms of temperature regulation, and it’s better suited to people who feel hot more easily.

This is because the spaces between the pocket springs in the mattress’s core allow for greater airflow and breathability, wicking away heat and moisture. ❄️

Very heavy sweaters may still find it too warm, though.

Choose the Emma Hybrid if you:

  • Enjoy a medium-firm sleeping surface
  • Are of lighter or medium build
  • Any sleep position preferences
  • Toss and turn regularly
  • Share your bed with a partner
  • Easily feel hot at night

The mattress is less suitable for very heavy back and stomach sleepers.

BUY EMMA HYBRID£ 263.92

Emma Hybrid vs Original mattress composition

The Emma Original mattress and the Emma Hybrid mattress are two very different mattresses in terms of composition.

Emma Original mattress composition

The Emma mattress is a memory foam mattress composed of 3 different foam layers.

These 3 foam layers are:

  • A top layer of pressure-relieving Airgocell foam (3 cm / 1.1 inches)
  • A core of viscoelastic memory foam (3 cm / 1.1 inches)
  • A base layer of HRX polyfoam (19 cm / 7.4 inches)

The Emma Original has a total height of 25 cm (10 inches), which is on par with most bed-in-a-box mattresses.

+ EXTRA 5% OFF EMMA SLEEP
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL MATTRESS

Emma Original mattress foams
The Emma Original has three foam layers.

Emma Hybrid mattress composition

The Emma Hybrid is a memory foam hybrid mattress composed of 4 different layers.

These 4 mattress layers are:

  • A top comfort layer of pressure-relieving Airgocell foam (4 cm / 1.5 inches)
  • Up to 2000 individually wrapped conical pocket springs (2 cm / 0.7 inches)
  • Viscoelastic memory foam layer (3 cm / 1.1 inches)
  • A base layer of supportive HRX foam (16 cm / 6.3 inches)

Like the Emma Original, the Emma Hybrid has a total height of 25 cm (10 inches).

BUY EMMA HYBRID£ 263.92

Emma Hybrid vs Emma Original price and size comparison

Hybrids are generally more expensive than all-foam mattresses, and this was certainly the case with these two Emma mattresses.

However, since Emma Hybrid is no longer officially sold by Emma Sleep, you'll have to rely on third-party retailers, like Amazon.

If you're choosing the Emma Original, you can still benefit from great Emma mattress discount codes.

Of course, if there are any discounts currently running, they’ll be included throughout this article.

Both mattresses are available in the standard UK mattress sizes, including single size, small double, double size, king size, and super king size.

Emma mattress delivery conditions and trial periods

The Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid are bed-in-a-box mattresses delivered rolled-up and vacuum-packed straight to your front door. 🏠

These are the standard Emma mattress delivery conditions:

Emma Mattresses
Bed-in-a-box principle
Delivery time: 1 - 3 working days
Delivery cost: Free delivery within mainland UK
Trial period: 200-night trial period
Returns: Free returns
Warranty: 10-year warranty

However, since the Emma Hybrid is no longer officially available, the delivery conditions you'll get will depend on the third-party retailer you purchase from.

Advantages and disadvantages of the two mattresses

To sum up, here is a table overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid mattresses.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Emma Original:

Emma Original
Advantages:

Memory foam comfort gives you that “sleeping-on-a-cloud” feeling.

Offers excellent adaptability and high point elasticity for orthopaedic support.

Exceptionally low motion transfer, making it a brilliant choice for couples.

Good temperature regulation.

Very well-suited to side sleepers and back sleepers

Machine-washable top cover.

Free shipping and free returns.

200-day risk-free trial period.

10-year guarantee.

Disadvantages:

May sleep too hot for heavy sweaters

Not great for restless sleepers

The side carrying handles are a little weak, especially for the larger mattress sizes.

+ EXTRA 5% OFF EMMA SLEEP
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL MATTRESS

Advantages and disadvantages of the Emma Hybrid:

Emma Hybrid
Advantages:

Great temperature regulation.

Low motion transfer makes it great for couples.

Quiet - no squeaky spring sounds when you move around.

Low-weight mattress with side handles & easy to carry.

Fully removable & machine-washable cover.

Free shipping and free returns.

Risk-free 200-night trial.

100% vegan.

Disadvantages:

You may notice off-gassing when you first unpack the mattress.

It may be too soft for heavier-weight people & not offer enough support.

BUY EMMA HYBRID£ 263.92

Read Sleep Hero reviews:

Which Emma mattress is best, the Emma Original or the Emma Hybrid?

The Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid are both best-buy mattress options, and one isn’t necessarily better than the other.

But, they are catered to different individuals.

The Emma Original is best suited to:

  • People of lighter or medium build
  • Side sleepers and back sleepers
  • People who prefer soft mattresses
  • People who require an orthopaedic mattress that will offer body-hugging comfort and good pressure relief

+ EXTRA 5% OFF EMMA SLEEP
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL MATTRESS

The Emma Hybrid is best suited to:

  • People of light or average build
  • Stomach, back, or front sleepers
  • People who prefer medium-firm mattresses
  • Restless sleepers
  • People who sweat more heavily
  • Couples.

BUY EMMA HYBRID£ 263.92

Regardless of your choice, you’ll get to enjoy a risk-free trial period, giving you the chance to try the mattress in the comfort of your own home.

After all, it’s only by sleeping on a mattress for a few nights that you’ll know if it’s really right for you or not.

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

Read our interview with Emma Sleep.

Frequently asked questions

  • What other Emma mattresses are available?


    Emma used to have a range of mattresses, including the Emma Cot, Emma Hybrid, Emma One, Emma Essential, and the Emma Premium.

    But, they've changed their mattress range considerably, and the lasted mattresses in the Emma line-up include the Emma NextGen Premium and the Emma Luxe Cooling.

  • Can I buy the Emma Original and Emma Hybrid mattresses on Amazon?


    Yes, Emma mattresses are available on Amazon in the UK and via other Emma mattress stockists, including DFS, Carpetright, and John Lewis.

    The 10-year guarantee and 200-night trial period are valid if you purchase from an approved seller, though details and delivery conditions are subject to change.

    You can also purchase refurbished Emma mattresses through Wowcher, GoGroopier, or eBay. 

    These only come with a 14-day trial and a 6-month guarantee.

  • Which Emma mattress is best?


    That's impossible to answer, especially in an Emma Original vs Hybrid debate as it'll depend on your preferences and requirements.

    But here's a quick overview:

    • The Emma Original is a medium-firm memory foam mattress perfect for sleepers who like orthopaedic support and a warmer feel.
    • The Emma Hybrid is a medium-firm mini pocket sprung memory foam mattress perfect for hot and restless sleepers.

    Don't forget to read our in-depth reviews for the best information and advice ifyou're looking for a new mattress.

  • References

Nicky

Nicky Peters

Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

Nicky is an experienced writer and editor with BA, BA(Hons), and MA qualifications. As a certified sleep coach, her interests lie in understanding how sleep problems arise from hormonal and environmental issues, particularly as part of stress and anxiety management.

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