Heavier-weight back sleepers and stomach sleepers.
Heavy sweaters or those who quickly feel hot at night.
Restless sleepers who toss and turn frequently.
This doesn't mean that the mattress won't work for these groups of people. 🙅♂️
The mattress is softer, but you can enjoy good overall support.
Individual preferences do differ. 🤷♀️
Luckily, the Emma mattress UK comes with a risk-free trial period, so you can still try it out and see if you like it.
And if it doesn't work for you, you can send it back for a full refund.
Win-win. 🎉
Emma mattress composition
The Emma Original is a high-quality memory foam mattress.
It features three foam layers that work together to offer optimal comfort, stability, and spinal support.
The three different foam layers are:
A top layer of Airgocell foam (3 cm / 1.1 inches)
A core of high-density memory foam (3 cm / 1.1 inches)
A base layer HRX polyfoam with contour zones (19 cm / 7.4 inches)
These are all high-density foams, indicative of high quality, durability, and a good mattress lifespan.
All foams are certified to be free from harmful chemicals. We explain all in the FAQ section of this article.
Let's take a closer look at each of these foam layers. 👇
The top layers offer comfort while the contoured base provides stability & support.
Emma mattress foam layers
Each of the foam layers in the Emma Original serves a specific purpose.
1. Point-elastic Airgocell foam
The top comfort layer of the mattress is made from patented Airgocell foam. 🥼
The unique Point Elastic Airgocell technology enhances overall breathability and regulates temperature within the mattress by allowing excess heat to escape.
This counteracts the heat-retention properties of memory foam and keeps you cool and comfortable all night long. ❄️
2. Halo memory foam
The core of the mattress consists of high-density memory foam.
The Halo memory foam adapts optimally to your body shape.
This offers targeted spinal alignment, enhanced pressure relief, and body-hugging comfort. 🤗
The memory foam layer in the Emma mattress is relatively thin.
This isn't a bad thing: It means you can enjoy the benefits of the foam without the drawbacks such as excessive heat retention and difficulty moving. 🥳
3. Emma HRX Supreme foam
The base of the Original mattress consists of Emma HRX (High Resiliency Extra) Supreme foam. ✨
This base foam layer serves multiple purposes:
It guarantees durability by preventing sag.
Five adaptive contour zones distribute body weight more evenly.
Limits motion transfer to keep you comfortable.
Overall, the HRX cold foam gives you enhanced support and stability. 🏋️♂️
The Emma mattress original consists of three high-density foam layers.
Emma mattress firmness
The Emma Original is rated as a medium-firm mattress.
But, after having tried it for our Emma Original review, we would say it's more on the softer end of the scale. 🧸
We're not usually fans of soft mattresses, but this one's surprisingly comfortable.
It offers that sleeping-on-a-cloud feeling but still provides sufficient support and stability, allowing you to enjoy your best night's sleep. 💤
We'd rate it at 4 out of 10 on the Sleep Herofirmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.
Measuring sinkage depths
To test the Emma mattress firmness, we measured how deeply our test sleepers sank into the foams in various positions. 🧮
Sinkage is a good indicator of how supportive the mattress would be for different sleepers.
To test, we relied on three different sleepers and measured their sinkage depths.
By measuring how deeply we sink into the mattress, we can better understand stability and support.
We always measure at the same place:
If sleeping on the stomach, we measure at the stomach.
If sleeping on the back and sides, we measure at the shoulders and hips.
Our experiment gave the following results:
Person A (165 cm / 62 kg)
Person B (179 cm / 70 kg)
Person C (195 cm / 85 kg)
Sleeping on the back
5 cm (1.9 inches)
6 cm (2.3 inches)
6.5 cm (2.5 inches)
Sleeping on the side
5.5 cm (2.1 inches)
6 cm (2.3 inches)
7.5 cm (2.9 inches)
Sleeping on the stomach
5 cm (1.9 inches)
6 cm (2.3 inches)
7 cm (2.7 inches)
Sitting on the edge
7.5 cm (2.9 inches)
8 cm (3.1 inches)
9 cm (3.5 inches)
These values are typical of softer mattresses.
The Emma is quite a soft mattress.
Our lightest and medium-weight test sleepers didn't sink in too deeply - or too little.
This means that the Emma Original gives just the right amount of support to lighter-weight people or those of smaller builds.
But, you'll notice that our heavier test sleeper sank into the mattress quite a bit. 😳
Even though the body's heavier parts remained well supported, promoting healthy spinal alignment, heavier-weight sleepers or those of larger builds will likely find the Emma Original too soft.
You won't get the best edge support with the Emma mattress.
Conveniently, though, you can give the Emma Original a try to see if it's right for you.
If not, you can return it within the 200-day trial period and receive a full refund. 💵
Not the best edge support
Many bed-in-a-box mattresses have average edge support, and the Emma Original is no different.
But what exactly is edge support?
The edges of the mattress don't offer much support.
As the name suggests, this is the support you can experience at the very edge of the mattress.
In a mattress with bad edge support, you'll feel as if you're sliding off the mattress when sitting on the edge or sleeping very close to the edge of the mattress.
This is to be expected with softer mattresses, and not everyone minds bad edge support. 🏔
But, this is worth keeping in mind if you:
Like to use the entire width of the mattress.
Enjoy being on your mattress for other activities, like painting your nails or working on your laptop.
Like sitting on the edge of your bed to read, browse your phone, or put on your shoes.
Share your bed with a partner.
If you like sitting on the edge of your bed, it's best to look for a mattress with better edge support. 🧗♀️
If you're struggling with aches and pains, you may want to invest in a massage gun for targeted muscle therapy.
Not the best support for larger builds
While the Emma Original is quite supportive, it may be too soft for:
Heavier-weight sleepers (averaging 90 kg [198 lbs] or more), or
People who sleep purely on their back or stomach.
Larger builds and back and stomach sleepers require more hip support.
Considering the sinkage depths we measured for our Emma mattress review UK, it's very likely that the Emma Original won't be able to give enough hip support. 😩
This, in turn, can lead to lower back pain.
Though supportive, larger builds will sink into the Emma mattress quite deeply.
If you're of a larger build or prefer sleeping on your stomach or back, you may find a firmer, more supportive mattress more comfortable.
While both are also medium-firm mattresses, they feel a little firmer than the Emma mattress.
What a pleasant discovery - the adaptability of this mattress is excellent! Definitely a first in my experience. This mattress 'hugs' the body well, regardless of your sleeping position. It feels a bit like you're sleeping in a cocoon. And it really allows your muscles to relax!
Caroline Rolland
Physiotherapist
Does the Emma mattress sleep hot?
You may have heard that memory foam sleeps hot. 🥵
This is true.
Memory foam mattresses are generally warmer and retain more heat than other mattresses.
But, the Emma Original mattress regulates body temperature surprisingly well. 🌡
This is because the Airgocell layer and the fine-meshed top cover increase breathability and airflow and reduce heat storage.
Heat can effectively escape the mattress, reducing overall temperature and keeping you cooler and more comfortable. ❄️
We did not sweat more than usual during our test sleep for our UK Emma Original mattress review, despite testing in 25-degree summer weather and sharing the bed with a partner. ⛱
Mattresses with springs tend to sleep cooler than pure foam mattresses.
That said, if you are a very heavy sweater or feel hot quickly, we could steer clear of pure memory foam mattresses.
Pocket sprung mattresses or hybrids, which combine springs with foam, allow for better breathability and sleep much cooler. 🧊
Do I need to keep my Emma mattress box and original packaging for returns?
No, there is no need to keep your Emma box or any original packaging.
If you decide to return your Emma mattress, the couriers ordered to pick up the mattress will arrive with the packing materials.
What does Emma do with returned mattresses?
Returned Emma mattresses don't go to waste.
Returned mattresses are donated, recycled, or refurbished.
Most of them are donated to charities.
If the mattresses are still in mint condition, they may also be refurbished and sold as Emma renewed mattresses via other Emma mattress stockists, such as eBay or Wowcher.
Don't worry - you don't need to search for any Emma refurbished mattress reviews.
Damaged mattresses may be recycled.
All renewed mattresses are checked for damages and sterilised, and the inner and outer covers are replaced.
This effectively renders the mattresses as new.
While a renewed Emma mattress review would give you the same results and quality assurance as this Emma Original mattress review UK, we recommend purchasing directly from Emma.
Renewed Emma mattresses may be available at a fraction of the original price, but they do not come with a trial period or a 10-year guarantee.
Emma mattress comparisons
You may be more familiar with a different mattress and would like to find out how the Emma Original mattress compares.
The following mattress comparisons should be helpful.
Reading the full Emma Original mattress review is the best way to determine if this is the right choice for you.
You can also read our other Emma mattress reviews UK - Emma Hybrid mattress and Emma Premium mattress - for more on Emma Sleep.
Which is better, the Eve mattress or the Emma mattress?
Both the Eve mattress and the Emma mattress are made of high-quality materials, offer good support and stability, and provide a high comfort level.
However, they are suitable for different sleepers.
The Eve Original will be perceived as slightly firmer, while the Emma Original is among the softest models on the market.
We would recommend the Eve Original to side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers who like a medium-firm mattress.
We would recommend the Emma Original to side sleepers who like a soft mattress.
How do the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid compare?
The Emma mattress and the Simba mattress are very different.
While both are high-quality mattresses, they are suited to vastly different profiles.
The Emma mattress is a soft memory foam mattress, making it most suitable for light- or average-weight side sleepers who enjoy that sleeping-on-a-cloud feel. ⛅️
Composition of the Simba Hybrid.
The Simba mattress is a hybrid mattress and features Aerocoil pocket springs and multiple layers of high-density foam.
This means that you get the advantages of both coils and foam. 🌀
It is better suited to heavier sweaters and restless sleepers than the Emma Original.
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
Frequently asked questions
Are Emma mattresses good?
If you live in the UK, you've undoubtedly seen ads for the Emma mattress.
But is the Emma mattress good?
From our Emma mattress reviews, we can definitely answer that with a YES.
Emma mattresses offer excellent quality.
What are common Emma mattress problems?
While the Emma is a high-quality mattress, it won't be the perfect choice for all.
Common Emma mattress problems include:
The Emma mattress is too soft.
The Emma mattress sleeps too hot.
Even though the Emma has temperature-regulating features, it's still a memory foam mattress and is likely to retain more heat than other types of mattresses.
If you prefer a cooler sleep, the Emma Original is not for you.
Likewise, the Emma is an incredibly soft mattress.
If you prefer a firmer feel, then the Emma won't be the right choice for you.
You're unlikely to experience other Emma mattress problems, like premature sagging or dipping.
How is the Emma mattress made?
This short video by Emma gives you an excellent overview of how Emma mattresses are made.
It also really explains the bed-in-a-box principle and shows the compression and rolling up of the mattress.
This answers many of the questions first-time bed-in-a-box mattress buyers may have.
Emma testing facility
Emma mattress prototypes are tested by humans and high-tech machines at their testing facility.
These tests verify several elements, including motion isolation and durability.
For the motion isolation tests, pressure is exerted onto one area of the mattress, which - if all goes well - sinks in while the rest of the mattress remains still.
For the durability tests, heavy barrels are rolled along the mattress to see how well the mattress can withstand continuous pressure and heavy weights. 🏋️♀️
These tests ensure that all Emma mattresses are designed with high-quality features before they go into large-scale production.
Where are Emma mattresses made?
Emma is a German company but all mattresses sold in the UK are also manufactured in the UK. 🇬🇧
Are Emma mattresses safe?
Emma UK complies with strict testing and safety requirements during the manufacturing process and ensures that all Emma mattresses comply with the BS 7177 regulation.
This means that the mattress is fire-retardant. 🔥
Even though the Emma Original is not an organic mattress, it contains no animal-based components and is 100% vegan.
Does the Emma mattress come with a 10-year guarantee?
The Emma mattress is made to last 10 - 12 years.
You shouldn't experience any premature mattress sagging before this time, but make sure that you're using a proper bed frame that will keep your mattress evenly supported.
Any quality divan base, box spring, or slatted base will work.
To ensure that you can rest easy and trust the quality of your purchase, the Emma Original mattress comes with a 10-year guarantee on manufacturing defects.
This warranty covers:
Any dips or sags greater than 2.5 cm (0.9 inches) despite correct use.
Cracks or hollows in the foam within the first 6 months of use.
Mattress not inflating to the correct size despite a 2 cm (0.7 inches) leeway across all dimensions.
Damaged zippers or faulty stitching.
In the event of these, Emma will exchange your mattress.
How do I take care of my Emma mattress?
To make sure that your Emma mattress lasts for as long as it's intended to, you need to take good care of it.
We answer your most frequently asked questions here.
Which bed base is best for my Emma mattress?
You can use any quality bed base as long as it provides a flat surface for your mattress. 🛏
We do not recommend slatted bases with gaps of more than 7.5 cm (3 inches) for Emma mattresses.
This is because memory foam mattresses like the Emma tend to conform to this shape, leading to bumps and lumps in the long term.
Do I need to wash my Emma mattress?
No, washing the actual mattress is not recommended.
But, conveniently, the Emma mattress comes with a removable and machine-washable cover. 🛀
We would recommend washing this cover at a high temperature (up to 60℃) once every couple of months, provided you're using a mattress protector to otherwise protect your mattress.
We always recommend using a mattress protector.
If you're not using a mattress protector, you may need to wash your Emma mattress cover more regularly.
You can also wash off single stains by hand, using a gentle washing detergent and a clean cloth. 🧽
What weight can the Emma mattress support?
The Emma mattress has been designed to support a maximum weight of 130 kg (286 lbs). ⚖️
If you exceed this upper weight limit, you're more likely to experience mattress sagging.
This will decrease the amount of support the mattress gives you, which may cause back pain.
It also drastically shortens the lifespan of your mattress.
Has the Emma mattress won any awards?
The Emma Original is an award-winning and bestselling mattress that's been ranked as one of the best mattresses in the UK for numerous years in a row. 🏆
It was voted as the UK’s number 1 mattress by the Which? Consumers’ Association.
It has also received accolades from a dozen other UK establishments, including:
Ideal Home
Real Homes
T3
The Independent
Good Housekeeping
The Emma Original mattress has also received several awards and recognitions in European countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany.
Also, the Emma Original has a 4.3 rating and over 26 000 customer reviews on the Emma mattress Trustpilot page.
Emma Original Which? test results
The Emma Original is one of Which?'s highest-scoring mattresses and was rewarded with their Best Buy seal of approval.
Initially, the mattress received an astounding 80%.
It was described as supportive, breathable, stable, exceptionally durable, and very easy to move on.
But, retesting a few years later brought up some Emma mattress problems:
The mattress may be too soft for some.
It could be too hot for some.
These are common issues with memory foam mattresses.
The Emma especially is a very soft mattress, so we wouldn't recommend this if you prefer something firmer.
Can you tell me more about Emma Sleep?
Emma Sleep is a start-up company first established in Germany in 2015.
Contrary to popular belief, the name of the company doesn't pay tribute to the company's founder.
Instead, it is called Emma Mattress simply because "Emma" was a popular name when the business was first set up.
One of the leading thoughts behind starting Emma was to make the mattress market as transparent and consumer-oriented as the market in the United States.
The company's founder, Max Laarmann, believed that consumers should be able to buy a reasonably priced mattress online and benefit from a long and risk-free trial period.
Today, the Emma mattress is one of the most popular online beds, selling all over the UK, USA, Europe, Australia, and India.
The brand has also expanded and now offers a selection of mattresses and mattress accessories.
Does Emma sell any other mattresses?
Emma has quite a few other mattresses available, including the:
Emma Essential mattress
Emma Hybrid mattress
Emma Premium mattress
Emma Sleep UK also used to sell the Emma One and the Emma Cot mattresses.
Unfortunately, these two are no longer available in the United Kingdom. 🇬🇧
You can read all our other Emma mattress reviews for more information.
What's the difference between the Emma Essential and the Emma Original mattress?
The Emma Original is a high-quality memory foam mattress and Emma's flagship product.
The Emma Essential is a budget mattress.
It is made up of 2 layers of foam:
Temperature regulating and breathable hybrid foam
Supportive HRX cold foam
The mattress has a height of 18 cm (7 inches) and is thus much thinner than the Emma Original.
Like the Emma Original, the Emma Essential also features a washable cover and non-slip base, is made in the UK, and comes with free delivery.
You won't benefit from a trial period, though, and the mattress only has a 5-year guarantee.
The Emma Essential is cheaper and a good choice if you're on a budget.
What's the difference between the Emma Original and the Emma Premium?
Emma advertises the Emma Premium as a mattress with the construction of the Emma Hybrid but the softness of the Emma Original.
It is also a premium mattress and Emma's most advanced and innovative product.
Like the Emma Original, the Emma Premium has upper comfort layers of Airgocell foam and memory foam, and you'll get the same level of comfort.
But, it also features full-size pocket springs in a foam wall encasing and additional cold foam layers for superior point elasticity, edge-to-edge support, stability, and breathability.
The Emma Premium offers far more stability and breathability than the Emma Original. 💨
You can purchase your Emma product on the Emma UK website via credit card or PayPal.
Online payments are secure.
Emma also offers financing options, and they’ve teamed up with Klarna to help you choose how and when to pay.
Simply select this option upon checkout.
What is the Emma friend referral programme?
Emma UK offers a friend referral programme, where you can share your unique code to give your friends a discount on their first purchase - and earn money in the process!
This is how it works:
After you have made a purchase, you can share your unique friend referral code.
Your friends will get £20 off their first purchase.
If your friend keeps the purchase beyond the trial period, you'll be rewarded with £20, automatically transferred to your bank account.
You will have to make a minimum purchase of £290 to receive a referral code, and your friend will have to make a minimum purchase of £290 to use the discount.
The discount can be used in conjunction with other promotions that offer up to 30% off.
You can refer up to 8 friends.
Can you buy the Emma mattress on Amazon UK or through other stockists?
Yes, the Emma mattress is available on Amazon in the UK and via other Emma mattress stockists, including DFS, Carpetright, and John Lewis.
The 10-year guarantee is valid if you purchase from an approved seller, though delivery conditions are subject to change.
Note, though, that you will only receive a 14-day trial and a 6-month guarantee if you purchase refurbished mattresses through agents such as Wowcher, GoGroopie, or eBay.
Is the Emma mattress similar to the Casper mattress?
The Casper mattress is a popular mattress that's unfortunately no longer available in the UK.
Even though both the Emma and the Casper are memory foam mattresses, the Casper differs slightly:
It's much firmer than the Emma mattress.
It has a top layer of latex foam.
The latex makes the mattress more comfortable to move on and reduces heat retention.
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