Emma Mattress Review – Original Version
Disclaimer: This is my personal honest review of my Emma Original Mattress. This mattress was supplied to me for free for review purposes. Emma made no requirements in any way and have had no input on my review at all. They have allowed me an affiliate link which means if you buy via my link I get small commission and you pay no extra.Emma Version:
Please note that this is the review for the Emma Original (all foam mattress). My review for the Emma Hybrid (with micro pocket springs) can be found here.Emma Mattress – special deal
The following applies while the current corona virus situation is in effect 200-nights trial 0% Financing, Coverage until 200-nights trial Free Shipping No-contact delivery Customers can request doorsteps mattress delivery No Signature Policy buy onlineEmma Mattress – The Company
The company behind the Emma Mattress is Emma Matratzen GmbH, a German company but with a base in the UK. They are also connected to another German company called Just Right Mattress UG. Emma began selling mattresses in Frankfurt, Germany (where headquarters are based) in 2015 and came to the UK end of 2016 start of 2017. The Emma brand was founded by German born Max Laarmann with the name Emma being named after the name of his sister. Emma Matratzen was founded as a subsidiary company of the Bettzeit Group (the holding company), a bedding group. In 2018 Max Laarmann joined the advisory board of Bettzeit. His role at Emma was taken over by Dr Dennis Schmoltzi . Dr Dennis Schmoltzi and Manuel Müller founded Bettzeit in 2013. By 2020 Emma as a brand had sold over 300,000 mattresses across Europe. They also claim to have one of the lowest return rates at less than five per cent.The Headlines:
Which best buy 2019, Airgocell top layer, light yet designed for durability, Mattress in a box, 100 night trial. Free pickup if you don’t want to keep it. 10 year warranty.Regional Differences
Emma sell across Europe including Germany, UK, Austria, Switzerland, Netherland, Poland and France. The mattresses differ by country as well as there being several different versions. My review is for the Emma Original mattress which is the one with no pocket springs.Emma Mattress Original Stores
You can buy from DFS, Carpetright and John Lewis.Strap Line
Dont worry, Sleep happy!Emma Hybrid
To read about the Emma Hybrid click hereThe Emma Original Mattress
A bed-in-a-box mattress means Emma comes in a big oblong box and is rolled and vacuum packed. You remove the mattress from the box and using the included safety blade you remove the plastic covering. Leave the mattress to expand for a few hours (48 hours is best) before sleeping on it.
This is the Emma Original mattress (all foam) as sold in the UK. Don’t confuse the many different versions Emma have across Europe. In the past Emma have had two mattresses in the UK. The original (this mattress) while the other (hybrid) is a softer mattress with mini conical pocket springs under the top layer. Emma changed how they described these mattress. The original was actually the Emma hybrid mattress and the non spring mattress (which they now call the original) was called the second gen. So In the UK the original was actually the hybrid. It is confusing if you are unaware of the history of the products. Emma appear to push the Emma Original Mattress (all foam) over the hybrid mattress. They have at times pulled the Hybrid from the website altogether or raised the price to favour the all foam original.
The Emma Original mattress features Airgocell on the top layer which is a trademark name for their version of a polyurethane foam. Memory foam under this helps with contouring and the firm base provides the support. The main design feature is the base layer being a larger than average percentage of the whole mattress. This means it has far more effect on the overall feel of the mattress. It has a slightly higher than average density for a base layer to balance this.
Elastane in the top cover helps add elasticity. The cover is removable and machine washable.
Emma although a German company state the mattress is assembled in the UK and they work with UK foam manufacturers.
Which Best Buy:
I want to start this section by making note of the fact that this mattress according to Emma is designed to be light but durable. This means they were trying to get more durability while having a little less density and thus weight. It is hard to really know how to take some claims made by mattress companies but in this regard there is the Which best buy 2019 award which Emma have won. Now a lot of mattresses do get a best buy from which but this time Which have said the Emma original is their highest scoring mattress for years. Digging into the scoring it seems this relates mostly to the scores for durability on which they give Emma top scores. This is important because while I make comment to lower than normal densities for say the top layer this does seem to be nullified by the extra durability it seems testing shows Emma does indeed have. In other words it will keep its feel for longer. The Which testing actually stated they found the mattress exceptionally durable.
Cover:
While again the main colours are white on top and grey on the sides it is a nice cover. The cover is on the thinnish side which is good for air flow. There is some navy blue branding helping to bring some life to the colours with the blue zip tag, a blue label with the name Emma and with a navy blue stripe running around the entire edge. The big win for me is the removable top cover which unzips entirely from the surround with a zip along the top edge. The top cover is machine washable at 40 degrees which is not very common and a very useful option. You also get handles along the side, quite wide ones too, which I personally prefer to handles on the bottom. Again not enough mattresses these days provide handles on the cover and along with the low weight of the Emma Original mattress make it far easier to manouvre than many other comparable online mattresses. The label states the cover as 100% polyester for the top and border with the bottom of the cover as 87% polyester and 13% polypropylene.
According to Emma the pored cover is made of fibres which immediately release moisture for maximum breathability. This is actually known as wicking and is a common property of polyester covers.
Top Layer:
What is Airgocell? clearly this is the headline feature for both of the UK mattresses. This a polyurethane based foam aka polyfoam but specified to Emmas own criteria. It is designed to produce a gel like and velvety soft feel. It does have a unique feel to it with a squidgy type feel. It is slightly slower to respond than a traditional polyfoam but the difference is small. It is certainly not memory foam like slow. I do personally like the feel. It is also said to be pressure relieving but so is a normal polyfoam so it isn’t clear to me if Airgocell offers any additional advantages in this regard. You will also see it described as open cell but it is worth noting just about all foams used in a mattress are open cell for many reasons (notably breathability and comfort). Airgocell has a smilair feel to the top layer on the Simba mattress called Simbatex which is actually a synthetic latex foam. Emma tell me Airgocell has larger pores than a standard polyurethane foam giving it a larger air density. This would translate as sleeping cooler as its insulating properties would be increased. Pores are contained within the cells.
At 3cm deep this top layer is on the thinner side but it is not alone in that size. This is your main comfort layer and personally I like deeper comfort layers which means I often use a topper. The thinner the top comfort layer the more you are going to feel the firmer layers below and thus less overall sinkage. The density at 43 kg/m3 is also below the 50 kg/m3 so often seen at this price level. However again others have similar specified top layers such as Otty. It has to be noted that it is a feature of this mattress that Emma say they have better durability than normally seen at the same densities in other mattresses. I would have liked a deeper top layer because I do like the feel of the Emma specified Airgocell and would have been interested how a thicker layer would help overall comfort. However if the design was intended to produce a firmer mattress compared to their softer Emma Hybrid mattress then on that basis it does work.
In isolation I found the top layer to be quite springy, my tennis ball test (which isloates the top layer) showed it only behind the very firm Bruno and Eve mattresses. Read further down for my bounce test for the mattress as a whole.
Second Layer:
The memory foam layer again is on the thin side at just 2cm for the second and only other comfort layer. This falls in line with the design seeking a firmer feel. It has become common to place memory foam under a top layer. It means it wont act in the way it would for a top layer, thus not as molding but it also wont heat up as much either which can be a problem for some. It does help give a contouring feel by reacting slower than the top polyfoam layer and will sink slower as you lay on it balancing out the feel. It will also make the mattress less bouncy and help with motion transfer.
Base Layer:
Emma call this cold foam and that’s exactly right. However note that most high density polyfoam is created this way. The curing process requires relatively small amounts of heat and so is often called cold foam. Notable is the zoning. This is the cutting of channels in certain areas to allow for more give and is known as castellated foam. The Emma Original zoning is subtle and extends for much of the length of the base layer and will help give the mattress an overall softer feel than it would other wise have had. The zoning is greater at the shoulder area that in the middle to give extra softness to the shoulders than it would otherwise have.
The density at 36 kg/m3 is a higher density than often found for a base layer (normally 28-33 kg/m3) but this is because the base layer is much more a part of the overall feel than on similar mattresses (Bruno being the exception). It will be have more compression decompression because of the thin layers above and so higher density is important to delay any softening. Again remember that in the case of Emma Original Which magazine have said the durability was at the top end of their scoring so this should answer any questions this particular configuration would normally leave me with.
Emma Mattress Specs:
Total height: 24 cm (9.4 inches)
Comfort Layers: 5cm (2 inches)
Base Layer: 19cm (7.5 inches)
Average Density: 38 kg/m3
Emma Mattress weights:
The containing box will weigh about 3 kg.
Weighing my own Emma Mattress single with cover has it at 18 kg for an EU single. This would equate to the following weights.
| UK single | 17 kg |
| EU single | 18 kg |
| UK double | 25 kg |
| EU double | 27 kg |
| UK king | 29 kg |
| EU king | 31 kg |
| UK super king | 35 kg |
Emma Original Mattress Prices:
| UK single | £449 |
| UK double | £699 |
| UK king | £799 |
| UK super king | £899 |
Emma Original Mattress Overview
I got my Emma mattress for free and it came via a courier company (it was only a single), however the website states all mattresses come via UPS, DPD and Remus. In the box that the Emma original mattress was vacuum packed contained a welcome pack giving an overview of the Emma mattress along with a free safety blade to cut off the plastic wrapping of the mattress. I did get the safety blade however for cutting the plastic wrapping. The website states you only need to wait a few minutes before sleeping on the mattress which seemed rather optimistic. However once unwrapped it did indeed reach full height within a few minutes, quite remarkable. It is still best practice to let the mattress air for 48 hours. This allows the mattress to fully expand before undergoing any compression decompression and also allows time for the off-gassing. This is the release of the chemicals that will turn to vapor in the early days of unwrapping. This is totally normal for all foam mattresses, even natural latex. So what does the Emma Original Mattress bring to the table to differentiate itself from the huge options available online when it comes to a new mattress. They start with Airgocell layer. This at heart is a polyurethane foam layer. It does have a little bit of a different feel with a slightly slower response but a more gel like feel. The other big marketing angle is the fact that this is a lightweight mattress making it easier to manhandle while not losing anything in terms of durability because of this. They back this up with the Which magazine June 2019 tests which indeed score it top for durability. The company while German based does assemble and deliver the UK mattress from within the UK.
Tests and Analysis:
Edge support:
Edge support is not great generally on foam mattresses. There is of course a direct correlation between firmer and softer mattresses and how well they do for edge support. I measure edge support in terms of percentage of the edge compressed for a given weight. The range is normally 20%-40% and Emma comes in at 36% on average. This makes it better than middle ground for edge support. You can do better, you can do worse but it is what I would expect for its firmness. Emma Original is better than the softer options such as Emma Hybrid, Simba, Casper, Nectar and Leesa Original.
Firmness (sinkage):
Much firmer than the popular Casper original, Nectar, Simba Hybrid original and the memory foam Ergoflex 5G mattress. About the same firmness as the Leesa Hybrid while being firmer than the Leesa original. Slightly softer than the Otty Hybrid mattress. The firmness is partly due to the low level of comfort layers at just 5 cm and only Bruno has a deeper base layer than Emma Original of mattresses I have tested. If you are on the lighter side almost a contradiction but the comfort layers have enough give that it will feel a bit softer than in comparison to some of the others I have mentioned, lighter individuals not hitting the base layer as quick. Additionally the extra level of zoning for the shoulder area will narrow the firmness gap over others with no zoning in this area for side sleepers.
Cooling:
The biggest factor in how hot or cool a mattress will sleep is the top layer and cover. The cover here should be no problem as its a stretchy breathable cover as used on many mattresses. The top layer is the Airgocell polyfoam which Emma say has larger than normal pores in the open cells meaning more air and better cooling. There is no real way for me to test this out and as a polyfoam I would have to rate it inline with say Casper which also has a polyfoam top layer. Leesa Original is also a polyfoam top layer but has holes throughout so the benefit is more obvious and undeniable here for cool sleeping. On the Emma Hybrid you have micro pocket springs below the Airgocell allowing a little more air flow but on the Emma original there is memory foam under the Airgocell layer. So I would have to say perhaps-the hybrid offers a little better cooling. Still better for cooling than memory foam top layer mattresses such as Ergoflex, Nectar and Otty Hybrid.
Spot Relief (point elasticity):
I found the spot relief or point elasticity to be about average taking into account the firmness level and the amount of foam affected for a given weight, the less effected being better.
Mattress for Sex/Bounce:
Another highly subjective rating. My criteria for a decent mattress for sex would be good bounce without being like a trampoline and still being reasonably comfortable. Bounce however is the overriding number one factor. Emma has similar bounce to the Emma hybrid. One thing to note though is that the top layer itself does impart more bounce than the hybrid even though they are both Airgocell. I test this by bouncing a tennis ball which shows me how the top layer in isolation performs and it gives 7 bounces against the 5 bounces of the hybrid. Overall the Emma original is middle ground for both bounce and comfort while edging towards the firmer side of perhaps ideal.
Weight Capacity:
The recommended weight capacity of the Emma original mattress is above average at between 30kg to 130 kg (20.5 stones). This is per person on a double or one person on a single.
Motion Transfer:
This is normally the flip side of the bounce score, the more bounce the the more motion gets transferred generally. This is how much motion you will feel if your partner moves heavily while you are laying still. However despite being a firmish bouncy mattress the Emma Original does well for not transferring too much motion across its surface. In line with the likes of Simba, Leesa original and Casper Original. Better than Leesa Hybrid, Otty Hybrid, behind the memory foam mattresses of Nectar and Ergoflex.
Type of Sleepers this mattress suits:
Most foam mattresses are suitable for back sleepers as long as the individual ensures they choose a firmness level that suits their weight and maintains their spine in alignment. Emma Original will suit average individuals looking for a firmer feel. For back and side sleepers this will mean it is best suited to heavier individuals who will need the support of a firmer mattress. Note however side sleepers may need more give at the shoulders although the zoning does add 0.5 cm extra give at the shoulders. This could be a good option for stomach sleepers who should be looking for a flatter sleeping profile and need to avoid the hips sinking in too much.
Price:
Like the new car industry advertised prices often do not tally with the actual price you will pay. The online mattress industry almost runs on the promise of a discount to that advertised although it is harder to find the discounts with some than others. Emma is one of the companies that seem to have a permanent discount running. You do not need to seek it out, the website always shows a code at the top of the homepage. If it doesn’t then it is well worth contacting them direct to ask for a discount. The amount does vary a little but it is always a significant amount. My price rating is based on advertised retail prices taking no deals into account. The Emma Original does have higher prices advertised than rivals.
Materials/Design:
There is definitely some nice design aspects here. Most noticeable for me is the machine washable cover which is fully removable with a top zip so no need to lift the mattress. Handles on the side are another big plus for me. I personally would prefer more comfort layers but I have to recognise this mattress is designed specifically to be light, durable and firm. On that account it does work when you know that Which magazine have said they found in testing durability to be excellent. Without that testing I would have had concerns because of the overall average density.
Off-gassing/Smell:
There was a lingering smell on first opening and during use. This is quite common and would normally diminish over time as the VOC’s gradually air. Giving the mattress extra time to air will speed up the process.
Comfort:
Again a highly subjective criteria and one for which giving a score would be very misleading in my opinion. Comfort will differ greatly simply as a personal preference and I can only relay how I personally found it. In terms of comfort I do need good sized comfort layers and so Emma Original with below average comfort layer depth was never on paper going to feel that comfortable to me. Emma is certainly supportive and if that’s your main criteria you may well find Emma comfortable. It is not uncomfortable to put it another way. My own preference would be for the Emma Hybrid as it has more bounce and is a little softer with more comfort layers.
Zoning:
There are channels cut into the base layer at the hip and shoulder areas for more give. Although technically 3 sections as it extends most of the way across the base layer it is almost one section. However the zoning is greatest at the shoulder area to give more pressure relief at that point.
Average Density:
This is the weight per cubic meter of the foam. More density means more material and the longer it is likely to go before softening up too much. My score is based on the actual weight of my mattress. My own mattress has an average density of 38 kg/m3.
Summary:
| Item | out of 10 |
|---|---|
| Edge Support | 8.5/10 |
| Firmness | 8/10 (medium-firm) |
| Cooling | 7.5/10 |
| Spot Relief | 7/10 |
| Sex/Bounce | 7.5/10 |
| Motion Transfer | 8/10 |
| Back Sleepers | 8 |
| Side Sleepers | 6.5 |
| Stomach Sleepers | 8.5 |
| Price | av: £644 |
| Materials/Design | 8/10 |
| Smell/off-gassing | 7/10 |
| Zoning: | yes |
| Average Density: | 37 kg/m3 |