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Our mission is to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect sleep products.
We've dedicated hundreds of hours to testing mattresses and sleep accessories, and rely on a team of testers of differing weights, temperature preferences, and sleeping positions to evaluate each product.
Tested products are granted the Sleep Hero tested stamp of approval, a mark of our review's reliability.
If we haven't personally tested a product, please be assured that we invest significant time and energy into scouring the UK market and researching the best recommendations, and we work with a team of sleep experts who review our articles, ensuring that the insights we provide are not only relatable but also reliable.
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 foam layers: Airgocell foam Viscoelastic memory foam Cold foam |
4 layers: Airgocell foam Supportive mini pocket springs Viscoelastic memory foam Cold foam |
Firmness | Medium-soft | 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 soft mattress. Side 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 | 20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL PLUS + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5" | 5% OFF EMMA HYBRID W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5" |
As the table overview may have shown, these two mattresses may be similar in name, but they couldn’t be more different in terms of composition.
This also makes them suitable for very different types of people. 🤔
We’ll go through each mattress's specific composition and features in more detail in the next section.
Emma Original vs Emma Hybrid: Which mattress 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: Soft body-hugging comfort
The Emma Original is one of the best softer memory foam mattresses on the market.
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We’ve rated it at 4 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.
This makes it an excellent choice for people who enjoy the soft and cuddly feel of sleeping in their mattress rather than on top of their mattress.
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. 🤗
The Emma Original is also an excellent choice for lighter- and average-weight sleepers, particularly if they enjoy sleeping on their side.
If you're looking for a slightly firmer memory foam mattress, you could try the Nectar mattress as an alternative.
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Side sleepers will often benefit from a slightly softer mattress as hips and shoulders need to sink in a little more deeply.
However: there should still be enough support to keep the lighter parts of the body lifted and allow the spine to remain straight. 📏
The Emma Original does this perfectly.
Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of the Emma Original’s soft 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.
The foam also tends to absorb more heat. 🥵
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 soft mattresses.
- Want an orthopaedic mattress with body-contouring support.
- Are of lighter or medium build.
- Sleep on your side.
- Want a no-fuss mattress with a removable & 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.
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Emma Hybrid: Breathable support
The Emma Hybrid is slightly firmer than the Emma Original.
This makes the Emma Hybrid much more suitable for those who prefer a medium-firm feel - but still with the same comfort of memory foam and support of pocket springs!
We've placed it at a 6.5 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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).
Emma Hybrid vs Emma Original price & size comparison
Hybrids are generally more expensive than all-foam mattresses.
This is also the case with the Emma Hybrid and the Emma Original.
Emma Original (prices for different sizes) | Emma Hybrid (prices for different sizes) | |
Single (90 x 190 cm): | £499 | £589 |
EU single (90 x 200 cm): | £599 | / |
Small double (120 x 190 cm): | £699 | £789 |
Double (135 x 190 cm): | £759 | £809 |
EU double (140 x 200 cm): | £799 | / |
King-size (150 x 200 cm): | £849 | £919 |
EU queen (160 x 200 cm): | £969 | / |
Super-king (180 x 200 cm): | £999 | £1029 |
Emma UK has very competitive pricing but also offers some of the best discounts and promotions.
You’re very likely to find an Emma mattress discount code. 🥳
The prices above are the standard prices, without discounts.
If there are any discounts currently running, they’ll be included throughout this article.
We also collect a whole range of mattress discounts on our discounts page.
Emma mattress delivery conditions & 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. 🏠
Since these are both Emma mattresses, the delivery conditions and trial periods are similar.
Emma Original | Emma Hybrid | |
Delivery: | Bed-in-a-box principle | Bed-in-a-box principle |
Delivery time: | 1 - 3 working days | 10 - 15 working days |
Delivery cost: | Free delivery within mainland UK | Free delivery within mainland UK |
Trial period: | 200-night trial period | 200-night trial period |
Returns: | Free returns | Free returns |
Warranty: | 10-year guarantee | 10-year guarantee |
Free delivery
Both Emma mattresses are delivered straight to your home, rolled up and vacuum-sealed in a compact box. 📦
These boxes have been designed to be handled by one person and can easily fit through any narrow passageway.
Delivery is free within mainland UK. 🇬🇧
No-contact delivery is available.
Emma delivery is usually quite fast, and you can expect your Original mattress within a few days.

Since the Emma Hybrid is no longer one of the company's featured products, however, delivery of this one will take a little longer.
You can also ask Emma to remove your old mattress by selecting this option upon checkout.
Once the vacuum seal has been broken, both the Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid mattresses will expand to their full size.
This can happen within a few minutes but could also take 4 - 6 hours. ⏰
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Risk-free trial periods & free returns
Both mattresses also come with a 200-night risk-free trial period.
This gives you the chance to try out the mattress in the comfort of your own home.
If you’re not completely comfortable, you can return the mattresses free of charge for a full refund. 💷
We’d recommend trying a new mattress for at least 3 weeks before making up your mind.
10-year guarantee
Both the Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid are made of high-density foams, promising good durability.
They both come with a 10-year warranty, which will cover you in case of manufacturing defects or premature sagging.
Terms and conditions apply.
What else does Emma Sleep offer?
You may need more than just a new mattress.
Luckily, Emma UK offers a few amazing sleep accessories to brighten up your sleeping experience.
These include:
- Quality pillows
- Duvets, mattress toppers, and mattress protectors
- Bed frames
We’ve included a few of our favourites below. 👇
Our favourite Emma sleep accessories:
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: |
Soft & comfortable to give you that “sleeping-on-a-cloud” feeling. Offers excellent adaptability & 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. Machine-washable top cover. Free shipping & free returns. 200-day risk-free trial period. 10-year guarantee. |
Disadvantages: |
It may be too soft for heavier-weight people, larger builds, or back sleepers. The side carrying handles are a little weak, especially for the larger mattress sizes. |
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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 & 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. |
Emma Original vs Emma Premium - how does the latest Emma mattress compare?
Emma UK has also introduced a third mattress, the Emma Premium.
The company best describes this as a mattress with a composition most similar to the Emma Hybrid but the firmness of the Emma Original.
Ironically, it was originally called the Emma Original Hybrid.
Like the Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid, this mattress features upper comfort layers of Airgocell foam and memory foam, resulting in the same sleeping-on-a-cloud feeling. ⛅️
But, the Emma Premium also features full-size pocket springs in a foam wall encasing and additional cold foam layers.
This results in:
- Exceptional point elasticity
- Edge-to-edge support
- Enhanced stability
- Greater breathability
The Emma Premium offers more stability and breathability than the Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid.
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This makes it more suitable for heavier-weight sleepers, people of larger builds, and heavier sweaters.
The Emma Premium also contains full-size pocket springs, not only mini pocket springs like the Emma Hybrid.
We go into full details on this in our Emma Original vs Emma Premium mattress comparison.
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.
- People who prefer soft mattresses.
- People who require an orthopaedic mattress that will offer body-hugging comfort and good pressure relief.
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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.
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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
Table of Contents
Emma Original vs Emma Hybrid mattress comparison
Emma Original vs Emma Hybrid: Which mattress is best suited to you?
Emma Hybrid vs Original mattress composition
Emma Hybrid vs Emma Original price & size comparison
Emma mattress delivery conditions & trial periods
What else does Emma Sleep offer?
Advantages and disadvantages of the two mattresses
Emma Original vs Emma Premium - how does the latest Emma mattress compare?
Which Emma mattress is best, the Emma Original or the Emma Hybrid?