But the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid mattresses follow the bed-in-a-box principle.
Both companies also aim to make buying mattresses as easy as possible. This is also why they rely on selling their mattresses online directly to consumers.
Both start-up companies also offer one-size-fits-all mattresses that are suitable for most people, regardless of preferred sleeping position, body type, or weight.
Given the apparent similarities between these two top-rated mattresses, which should you choose?
We have outlined the main differences between the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid below to help you choose the mattress that's best for you.
Both the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are made of high-quality materials that adapt well to the contours of the body, promising comfort, support, and a great night's sleep.
Here are the main differences between the two mattresses:
| Features | Emma Original | Simba Hybrid |
| Type of mattress | Memory foam mattress | Hybrid mattress |
| Mattress layers |
3 layers:
|
4 layers:
|
| Advantages of specific composition |
|
|
| Comfort zones |
Integrated zone in the shoulder area |
7-zoned base layer |
As the overview of the main differences above has indicated, the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are quite different.
Yet, they're both high-quality mattresses that come in at the height of 25 cm, rely on quality materials that are certified to be free from any toxins and harmful chemicals, and both are made in the UK.
The composition of the mattresses differs remarkably.
The Emma Original mattress is made up of three foam layers:
Memory foam mattresses tend to retain more heat than other types of foam, which results in a warmer sleeping climate.
The more breathable Airgocell foam in the Emma Original counteracts this, allowing for better breathability and airflow.
This results in a more temperature-neutral mattress.
The upper comfort layers of the Emma Original are soft and comfortable, offering that real cocooning feel and body-hugging comfort that's associated with memory foam mattresses.
The cold foam base layer works well with the softer layers, offering stability and support.
This allows the mattress to sufficiently support your body while you sleep and keeps your spine in an optimal alignment.
The grey-and-white cover of the Emma Original has open-pore knitting, which improves breathability.
It is also fully removable and can be machine-washed at 60℃.
Conveniently, the cover also has four side carrying handles, which make moving and transporting the mattress easier.
The Simba Hybrid is a high-quality pocket sprung memory foam mattress made up of four layers:
Memory foam traditionally retains more heat than other foams.
But, combined with the breathable mattress cover, the latex foam layer with cooling graphite, and the pocket springs, the Simba Hybrid mattress achieves greater airflow and an overall cooler sleeping temperature.
Pocket springs generally allow for more airflow as the space between the springs creates natural ventilation channels.
The Simba Hybrid offers medium-firm support that's great for most sleepers, regardless of body size or weight.
It is also supportive enough for heavier-weight sleepers.
But, if you prefer a firmer sleeping surface, then you may perceive the Simba Hybrid as too soft.
The Simba Hybrid features a hypoallergenic cover that's great for people prone to allergies.
But, the cover is not removable or machine-washable.
Simba recommends cleaning the grey base fabric with a soft, damp cloth. They also advise using a mattress protector to expand the life of your mattress and protect it from dirt.
All larger-sized Simba Hybrid mattress models (excluding the single and small double mattresses) have convenient carrying handles to make moving and transporting the mattress easier.
| Characteristics | Emma Original | Simba Hybrid |
| Firmness scale | 4 | 5.5 |
| Level of firmness | Soft | Medium-firm |
| Type of sleeper |
|
|
| Temperature |
Good temperature regulation |
Excellent temperature management |
| Comfort zones |
Contour zones ensure healthy spinal alignment |
Comfortable sleep with good support |
The Simba and Emma Original mattresses offer similar levels of firmness, providing a good compromise between firmness and softness that will suit most sleepers.
That said, the Emma Original is slightly softer than the Simba.
The Emma Original is quite a bit softer than the Simba Hybrid.
This makes it a good choice for lighter- or average-weight people, particularly if they like to sleep on their side.
As a soft mattress, the Emma Original will allow your body to sink in more deeply.
This is necessary when sleeping on your side, as your hips need to sink in more to keep your spine optimally aligned.
Since the Emma Original adapts so well to the body, it is often recommended as an orthopaedic mattress.
Technically, the Emma Original is suitable for all sleepers and any preferred sleeping position, but its unique softness may make it less suitable for heavier-weight sleepers.
The Simba Hybrid is both more supportive and offers better temperature regulation than the Emma Original.
This makes it more suitable for people who prefer a slightly cooler sleeping temperature.
Overall, the Simba Hybrid can be recommended to light- and average-weight people, regardless of the preferred sleeping position.
It also offers enough support for heavier-weight sleepers. But, these may still perceive the mattress as too soft, especially if they prefer firmer surfaces.
The Simba Hybrid is also a better choice for more restless sleepers.
Price differences vary a lot depending on the dimensions, but the Simba Hybrid mattress is definitely much more expensive than the Emma Original.
That said, both brands regularly offer promotions, and you may be able to grab the Simba Hybrid at a much lower price.
Take a look at our discounts page to see if there are any current promotions.
| Dimensions | Emma Original | Simba Hybrid | Price difference |
| 90 x 190 cm | £329 | £569 | £240 |
| 90 x 200 cm | - | £619 | - |
| 120 x 190 cm | £479 | £769 | £290 |
| 135 x 190 cm | £529 | £779 | £250 |
| 140 x 200 cm | - | £819 | - |
| 150 x 200 cm | £609 | £869 | £260 |
| 160 x 200 cm | - | £919 | - |
| 180 x 200 cm | £679 | £969 | £290 |
| Emma Original | Simba Hybrid | |
| Delivery | Bed-in-a-box | Bed-in-a-box |
| Delivery time | 7-12 business days | 1-2 business days |
| Trial period | 200 days for a limited time only | 200 days |
| Returns | Returns are organised and paid for by the manufacturer | Returns are organised and paid for by the manufacturer |
Both the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are based on the bed-in-a-box principle.
They are delivered straight to your home, rolled up and compressed in a narrow box.
The boxes have been deliberately designed to fit through any narrow passageway and are easy to handle by one person.
Both brands have a fast delivery time.
Delivery is free of charge within mainland UK.
Both mattresses also come with a risk-free trial period.
Currently, this is set at a 200-night trial period for bot the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid.
This risk-free trial period gives you the chance to try the mattress in the comfort of your own home.
This gives your body the chance to adapt to the new mattress. After all, it may take a few weeks to get used to it.
And if you're still not convinced, then you can return the mattress.
Both the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid offer free returns and full refunds.
Both mattresses also come with a 10-year guarantee.
You’ll find our detailed review and ratings of each mattress in the Simba mattress and Emma Original mattress reviews.
Here is an overview:
| Emma Original | Simba | |
| Material | ||
| Comfort | ||
| Maintenance | ||
| Value for money | ||
| Breathability | ||
| Design | ||
| Service | ||
| Returns | ||
| Total rating |
Both of these mattresses are of high quality, offering a high degree of comfort, good support, and good temperature regulation.
They are both also suitable for a wide range of people.
That said, the Emma Original is slightly softer than the Simba Hybrid mattress.
Choose the Emma Original if you:
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 really is the only way to figure out if it's perfect for you.
We can highly recommend these best-selling mattresses.
Get 35% off this high-quality hybrid mattress combining foams and springs for superior comfort and breathability. Use code 'SleepHero36'.
Get £125 off the Nectar mattress, a luxurious memory foam mattress that comes with 2 free pillows and a 365-day trial period.
New customer? Get 26% off your Simba Hybrid mattress, a high-quality pocket sprung memory foam mattress with Simbatex synthetic latex layer.
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