Emma Original vs. Simba Hybrid

Emma Vs. Simba Mattress Comparison - UK (2024)

Last updated: 08.03.2024 Reading time: 10 Min.

Finding a new mattress can be challenging.

But how do you decide if you're torn between two fantastic mattresses?

The Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are two of the best mattresses in the UK.

Our mattress comparison article highlights key differences and guides you on which one would be the best for you.

So let's get comparing. 🥳

Emma vs Simba

Emma Original vs Simba Hybrid mattress comparison

Both the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are high-quality mattresses.

But the composition of these two is remarkably different.

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

Below, you'll find a side-by-side comparison of the two mattresses.

Simba Hybrid Emma Original
Type of mattress: Hybrid pocket spring mattress Foam mattress
Mattress height: 25 cm (10 inches) 25 cm (10 inches)
Mattress layers:

4 layers:

Open-cell, graphite-infused Simbatex foam

Aerocoil mini conical pocket springs

Stability layer

SupportCore barrel spring base

3 layers:

Airgocell foam

Viscoelastic memory foam

HRX polyfoam

Firmness: Medium-firm with a softer feel Medium-firm with a firmer feel
Stability & support: Good support, pressure distribution, and edge-to-edge support, no matter your preferred sleeping position An orthopaedic choice that offers good stability, support, and pressure relief, especially for side sleepers
Suitable for:

Light- and average-weight sleepers

People who sleep on their side or back

People who like a medium-firm feel

Heavy sweaters

Restless sleepers

Light- and average-weight sleepers

Side or back sleepers

People who like a medium-firm feel

Those needing orthopaedic support

Temperature: Excellent temperature regulation Very good temperature regulation
Motion isolation: Low motion transfer, but you may feel some movement Very low motion transfer
Mattress cover: Hypoallergenic 100% polyester cover that's removable and machine-washable at 40℃. Larger sizes have 4 side carrying handles. Hypoallergenic cover that's removable & machine-washable at 60℃ with 4 side carrying handles.
Purchase: 25% OFF SIMBA HYBRID
+ EXTRA 5% OFF EMMA SLEEP
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code
20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL MATTRESS

Even though the Emma mattress and the Simba mattress are both high-quality choices, they are very different in composition.

The Simba mattress is a hybrid model that combines conical mini pocket springs with multiple layers of foam, while the Emma Original is largely a memory foam mattress.

Simba Hybrid mattress
The Simba mattress combines pocket springs with foam.

Interestingly, Simba used to be a pocket-sprung memory foam mattress, and the older version featured a layer of memory foam and a layer of latex foam, making it more similar to the Emma Original.

The composition of the Simba has since gone through multiple changes - the latest model is both more breathable and more eco-friendly.

The mattresses are suitable for different types of people, which is something we'll look at in more detail next.

Emma vs Simba: Which mattress is best suited to you?

Simba or Emma mattress?

The Simba Hybrid and Emma Original mattresses are both very comfortable, but they're suited to very different types of people.

The mattresses have different compositions that highlight unique features.

Both, though, are excellent choices if you're looking for something more environmentally friendly. 🌱

The Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are both free from harmful chemicals and toxins and adhere to UK fire regulation BS7177.

Simba Hybrid: superior support and breathability

Both the Simba and the Emma are rated as medium-firm mattresses, but we found the Simba to be slightly softer, and have placed it at 6 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

We've found that the Simba mattress offers excellent support, even pressure distribution, and optimal spinal alignment regardless of which sleeping position you prefer.

It is particularly comfortable if you sleep on your back, but is also highly recommendable to side sleepers. 😴

This mattress also offers excellent edge support, meaning that you can use the full width of the mattress without ever feeling like you're falling off the sides.

Simba mattress sitting on side

Simba mattress side sleeper

It's also easy to move around on, making it suitable for restless sleepers.

Finally, the Simba Hybrid has been designed with breathability and airflow in mind, making it an excellent choice for heavier sweaters that are prone to overheating.

Choose the Simba Hybrid if you:

  • Are a light- or average-weight sleeper
  • Sleep on your side or back
  • Prefer medium-firm mattresses with a slightly softer feel
  • Are a warm sleeper or sweat a little more heavily
  • Are a restless sleeper
  • Like the hybrid design
  • Want good edge support

The Simba mattress cover is also removable and washable at 40℃.

25% OFF SIMBA HYBRID

Simba mattress edge support

Simba Hybrid mattress side handles

Emma Original: body-hugging comfort

The Emma mattress is slightly firmer than the Simba Hybrid, and we've rated it as a 7 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 lighter- or average-weight people with different sleep profiles.

Since the Emma also features memory foam, which offers body-hugging comfort, it's often recommended as an orthopaedic mattress for people with back pain.

The one drawback of this body-hugging comfort is that moving around on the Emma mattress becomes a little more cumbersome.

Emma Original person sitting

Emma mattress side sleeper

So, we wouldn't recommend memory foam mattresses like the Emma Original for restless sleepers.

Choose the Emma Original if you:

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

The Emma Original will be less suitable if you're a pure stomach sleeper, a heavier sweater, or a restless sleeper.

+ EXTRA 5% OFF EMMA SLEEP
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL MATTRESS

Emma Original firmness

Emma Original sinkage

But regardless of whether you choose the Emma or Simba mattress, we'd recommend safeguarding your mattress with a mattress protector - despite both of them featuring machine-washable top covers.

Waterproof mattress protectors safeguard against moisture, spills, and bacteria, and elongate the lifespan of your mattress.

Check out these waterproof mattress protectors:

Emma vs Simba mattress composition

The Emma mattress and the Simba mattress are two very different mattresses.

Simba mattress composition

The Simba Hybrid is a hybrid pocket-sprung foam mattress that combines mini pocket springs with multiple layers of foam. 🌀

Simba Sleep advertises it as a 5-layer mattress, but they include the mattress cover in this.

There are only four layers to the actual mattress.

These four layers are:

  • Open-cell, graphite-infused Simbatex foam
  • Up to 2500 Aerocoil conical pocket springs
  • CertiPur stability layer
  • No roll-off SupportCore base with up to 1000 barrel springs

The Simba Hybrid has a total height of 25 cm (10 inches).

25% OFF SIMBA HYBRID

Simba Hybrid mattress composition

Simba mattress height

Emma mattress composition

The Emma mattress is primarily a memory foam mattress, made up of 3 different layers of foam.

These three 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).

+ EXTRA 5% OFF EMMA SLEEP
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL MATTRESS

Emma mattress composition

Emma mattress back sleeper

Emma vs Simba mattress price and size comparison

Price differences vary depending on the mattress dimensions, but the Simba Hybrid mattress is generally more expensive than the Emma Original.

UK mattress sizes
UK mattresses are available in a wide range of sizes.

The brands occasionally run promotions - if available, current discount codes will be highlighted throughout this article.

Both brands are available in standard UK mattress sizes and some European sizes. 🇬🇧🇪🇺

These include all UK sizes, from single to super-king size, as well as the European single-size mattress, the European double mattress, and the European queen mattress.

How do the Emma and Simba delivery conditions and trial periods differ?

The Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are based on the bed-in-a-box principle and are delivered straight to your front door.

The table below gives a brief overview of the remarkably similar delivery conditions.

Simba Hybrid Emma Original
Delivery: Bed-in-a-box principle Bed-in-a-box principle
Delivery time: Next-day delivery 2 -5 working days
Delivery cost: Free delivery within mainland UK Free delivery within mainland UK
Trial period: 200-day trial period 200-night trial
Returns: Free returns Free returns
Warranty: 10-year guarantee 10-year guarantee

Free delivery

The Emma and Simba mattresses are delivered straight to your home, rolled up and vacuum-sealed in a compact box.

+ EXTRA 5% OFF EMMA SLEEP
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL MATTRESS

The boxes have been deliberately designed to fit through any narrow passageway and can easily be handled by one person - depending on the mattress size, of course.

Simba mattress unboxing
Bed-in-a-box mattresses are pretty easy to unbox.

Both brands have a fast delivery time and offer free delivery within the UK.

Once unpacked and the vacuum seal removed, both the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid will expand to their full size within a few hours.

Risk-free trial periods and free returns

Both mattresses come with a 200-day risk-free trial period.

Risk-free trial periods allow you to try the mattress in the comfort of your own home, allowing your body to get used to it.

risk-free trial period
We love risk-free trial periods.

After all, it can take the body a while to become accustomed to a new mattress.

If you're not convinced that the mattress is right for you during your trial, you can return it for a full refund.

25% OFF SIMBA HYBRID

Both Emma and Simba offer free returns.

10-year guarantee

The Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid mattresses also come with a 10-year guarantee.

Emma mattress rolled up

Emma Original in plastic

This warranty will cover you in case of manufacturing defects or premature sagging.

Terms and conditions apply.

What else do Emma Sleep and Simba Sleep offer?

The Simba vs Emma debate goes further than just mattresses - once you've invested in one of the best mattresses on the market, you also need sleep accessories to kit out your bedroom fully.

Both Emma and Simba offer some fantastic sleep accessories and a few premium bed bases and frames.👌

These include:

And so much more!

We've included some of our favourites below:

Advantages and disadvantages of the two mattresses

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

Advantages and disadvantages of the Simba Hybrid:

Simba Hybrid mattress
Advantages:

Innovative structure with a slightly springy feel.

Very comfortable for side sleepers and back sleepers.

Adapts well to the body.

Very good breathability.

Removable and washable cover.

Free delivery and returns.

200-night trial period.

Available in a wide range of sizes.

Disadvantages:

The mattress is quite heavy.

May be too soft for some sleepers.

25% OFF SIMBA HYBRID

Advantages and disadvantages of the Emma Original:

Emma Original mattress
Advantages:

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.

Very well-suited to side sleepers.

Machine-washable top cover.

Free shipping and free returns.

200-day risk-free trial period.

10-year guarantee.

100% vegan.

Disadvantages:

May sleep too hot for heavy sweaters.

Not ideal 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

Read Sleep Hero reviews:

Which mattress is better, the Emma Original or the Simba Hybrid?

As you'll have hopefully discovered in our Emma vs Simba review, both the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are high-quality mattresses that offer comfort and support for the best night's sleep.

One isn't necessarily better than the other, but they are suitable for very different types of people.

The Simba Hybrid is best suited to:

  • People who like hybrid mattresses.
  • Light- and average-weight sleepers.
  • People who sleep on their side or back.
  • People who like a medium-firm feel.
  • People who prefer more edge support.
  • Heavy sweaters.
  • Restless sleepers.

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 relieve pressure points.

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

After all, testing a mattress is the only way to figure out if it's perfect for you. 🥳

And if you're not 100% convinced, you can return the mattress for a full refund.

Contact Emma Sleep UK and Simba Sleep UK

If you need to get in touch with these brands directly, you'll find the respective contact details below.

Contact Emma Sleep 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

Contact Simba Sleep UK

Customer service: To contact Simba Sleep directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at hello@simbasleep.com or visit their live online chat. The customer services team is available Monday to Friday, from 9 am - 5 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.

Registered office: Simba Sleep, The Stable Yard, 60 Petty France, Westminster, London SW1H 9EU

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the other Emma and Simba mattresses?


    While the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are the brand's flagship models, you'll also find a range of other mattresses.

    These have expanded significantly in recent years and we've tested a fair share.

    You can find all our Emma mattress reviews here:

    You can find all our Simba mattress reviews here:

    Regardless of what you're after - budget, mid-range, or premium - Simba and Emma have got you covered.

  • Should you choose Emma, Eve, or Simba mattresses?


    If you're torn between the Emma Original, Eve mattress, and the Simba Hybrid, then you'll have to choose one of three very high-quality options.

    We would recommend you read our full Emma vs Simba review here, as well as our Emma vs Eve review and Eve vs Simba review.

    These will give you a lot more detail in helping you decide.

    But here a quick overview:

    • The Emma Original is a memory foam mattress with good orthopaedic properties that's well suited to lighter-weight side sleepers.
    • The Eve Original is a memory foam mattress better suited to a wider range of sleeping positions.
    • The Simba Hybrid is a hybrid mattress that's good for restless sleepers, heavier sweaters, and those requiring a little more support.

    All three mattresses come with a risk-free trial period, so you can return them for a full refund if you're not 100% satisfied.

  • Should you choose Emma, Simba, or Nectar mattresses?


    While both the Emma Original and the Nectar are memory foam mattresses, the Nectar can be regarded as more of a pure memory foam mattress.

    In terms of composition, the Nectar is an entirely different mattress to the Simba Hybrid.

    The Nectar is also much firmer than the Emma Original or the Simba Hybrid.

    It is particularly well-suited to sleepers of average weight who like a firmer feel.

    Our suggestion:

    • Choose the Emma Original if you're a lighter-weight side sleeper and want an orthopaedic mattress.
    • Choose the Simba Hybrid if you need breathability and enjoy a cooler feel when sleeping.
    • Choose the Nectar if you're of average weight and like the memory foam feel.

    The Emma Original and Simba Hybrid come with a 200-day trial period, while the Nectar comes with a 365-night trial.

    This means that you can try any of these mattresses for an elongated period of time to see if they're right for you. 

    And if they're not, you can return them for a full refund.

  • Can I buy the Emma mattress and the Simba mattress on Amazon?


    Both the Simba Hybrid mattress and the Emma mattress are available on Amazon in the UK.

    Amazon in the UK is better than other stockists or independent retailers.

    You generally get the same trial period and delivery conditions as when you buy from the mattress brands directly.

    Occasionally, you'll even get the same discounts! 

    This isn't the case with Simba but is generally true with Emma mattresses. 

  • 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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