Emma CliMax Mattress Review

Notice – The Emma CliMax has been discontinued and replaced by the new Emma Hybrid Comfort (US link here & Canada link here).

In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs

Emma CliMax is available for purchase in both the US at this link and Canada at this link.

At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.

We test 10 different factors that impact the performance, comfort, and value of the mattress. We then take the results of that test and compare to every mattress we’ve tested to date.

Check out the full performance table below to see how this mattress ranks:

Factor	Emma CliMax (discontinued)	Average
Overall Score	8.84	8.64
Price (Queen)	$799	$1,364 (Hybrid only)
Cooling – Score	9.0	8.7
Sinkage – Depth	1.36″	2.15″
Sinkage – Feel	Extremely Minimal	Moderate
Motion Transfer – Score	7.7	8.2
Motion Transfer – Acceleration	10.10 m/s²	8.63 m/s²
Response Time – Score	9.7	8.9
Response Time – Mostly Recovered	0.2 sec.	0.4 sec.
Response Time – Fully Recovered	0.6 sec.	0.9 sec.
Bounce – Height	15.63″	9.70″
Bounce – Feel	Extremely High	Moderate
Edge Support – Score	10	8.6
Edge Support – Sitting	2.00″	4.06″
Edge Support – Lying	Outstanding	Good
Sex – Score	9.9	8.5
Pressure Relief – Score	8.0	8.8
Comfort Layer Thickness	2.8″	4.1″
Mattress Thickness	10.5″	12.0″
Off-Gassing – Score	8.9	8.4
Off-Gassing – Smell	Strong	Strong
Off-Gassing – Days	4 days	6 days
Company – Score	8.8	8.7
Trial	365 nights	168 nights
Warranty	10 years	25% have lifetime warranties, average of other 75% of mattresses is 14 years

How is the Emma CliMax Different?

The Emma CliMax hybrid mattress has a few differences that help this mattress to stand out among the competition.

#1. Designed for great sex.

Let’s face it, the CliMax is designed for sex. Many of the design elements of this mattress point us to this conclusion and the puns from Emma Sleep are far from subtle. Still, jokes aside, the performance of this mattress leads to enhanced performance in the bedroom.

#2. Channel-convoluted foam.

Convoluted foam is a great design strategy for improving cooling performance, limiting heat retention, and maximizing breathability.

While convoluted foam is not that uncommon of a practice in mattresses today, Emma Sleep does it a little differently.

Here, Emma uses convoluted foam that runs in long channels instead of the traditional egg-crate design.

#3. 6″ of Perimeter Edge Support

Another note to mention is the 6″ thick layer of edge support that runs around the perimeter of the mattress.

This extra layer of material gives the Cli-Max just phenomenal edge support, a perfect 10 in our performance tests.

Cooling performance on the Emma CliMax was excellent. During our tests, I felt no significant level of heat retention around my body. The CliMax uses a proven material layer construction.

The hybrid design provides plenty of airflow, allowing the top layers to breathe better. The mattress uses a relatively thin 2.75” comfort layer. This thinness means there is less physical foam material that can absorb and retain heat.

• Baseline Temperature – the temperature of the mattress before anyone lies on it
• Maximum Temperature (0 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after lying on it for 15 minutes
• Ending Temperature (5 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after being lied upon and having no one on it for 5 minutes

While the thinness of the comfort layer isn’t amazing when it comes to pressure relief, at least with respect to cooling it is beneficial.

Looking at our objective data, we measured excellent heat retention. The Emma CliMax saw a 5.1° F reduction from minutes 0 to 1.

Heat Dissipation Over Time

From minute 0 to 5 the surface level temperature dropped from 87.3 to 78.6° F, a reduction of 8.7°. Overall, I’m very pleased with the cooling performance.

The Emma CliMax has an extremely minimal level of sinkage. In our tests, we measured just 1.36” of pressure point sinkage. This is 0.87” less sinkage than the average of 2.23” (based on all of our tests to date).

The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.

The mattress creates more of a “floating on top” feel, as opposed to lying “in” the mattress. The CliMax also has a slightly firmer feel. Generally, at this firmness level, we would expect a more moderate level of sinkage depth.

This type of sinkage isn’t necessarily good or bad, but you do want to make certain you like and need this type of feeling.

Heavy parts of my body (namely my butt) sank down more, but most of my body just doesn’t sink much into the mattress.

When the body sinks more deeply there is a more significant level of body contour and hug. However, most of my body feels like it’s floating more on top of the mattress with a very restrained level of body contouring.

The Emma CliMax has a moderate level of motion transfer. In our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 10.1 m/s². This is 2.75 m/s² more motion transfer than the average of 7.35 m/s².

The level of motion transfer is documented in the video below.

The higher motion transfer is more likely the result of the firmer feel and hybrid design. The firmer feel creates more immediate pushback, preventing bodies from sinking more deeply into the mattress.

This more immediate pushback creates more intense motion. Additionally, the base layer of coils also creates more bounce, which creates more motion. While higher bounce is great for sex and ease of movement, it does no favors for motion transfer.

When we look at our motion transfer chart, which visualizes the accelerometer data, we can see the highest levels of motion from 0 to 0.21 seconds. There is a secondary moderate spike from 0.56 to 0.77.

After, motion begins to rapidly dissipate and we return to near zero levels by 1.27 seconds. Mattresses with the lowest motion transfer are able to fully disperse all energy within 0.3 seconds. Needless to say, Emma CliMax is far from that mark.

The Emma CliMax has a very fast material response time. In our tests, we measured a mostly recovered response time of 0.2 seconds and a fully recovered response time of 0.6 seconds. This is considerably faster than the average.

Based on all of our tests to date, we have measured an average mostly recovered response time of 0.47 seconds and an average fully recovered response time of 0.90 seconds.

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

The firmer feel of the CliMax, its hybrid design, and Emma’s use of all poly foam comfort layers (as opposed to memory foam) all work together to deliver an exceptionally fast material response. The faster response ensures sleepers will never feel stuck on the mattress. It also further improves ease of movement.

The Emma CliMax has an extremely high level of bounce. In our tests, we measured 15.63” of total bounce height. This is 5.85” more bounce than the average of 9.78” (based on all of our tests to date).

While bounce is more of a preferential factor, the higher bounce does improve sex, ease of movement, and gives the mattress a more traditional feel. However, 15.63” is quite a bit more than is ideal.

The greatest benefit for bounce at this level is sex. Extra bounce helps create a mattress the more dynamic moves with partners during amorous activities.

The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.

In my view, 8-12” is the sweet spot. The excess bounce certainly is having a negative impact on motion transfer (which we discussed earlier).

The Emma CliMax has outstandingly good edge support. In our tests, we measured 2.0” of sitting edge sinkage. This is 2.47” less sitting edge sinkage than the average of 4.47” (based on all of our tests to date).

Even when sitting directly on the edge of the mattress I felt extremely well-supported.

The firmer feel creates ample pushback and a robust, supportive sitting surface.

The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.

Edge support while lying was equally as impressive. The CliMax uses an unusually thick perimeter support foam. That foam layer is 6.0” thick and highly supportive.

The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.

Typical edge support perimeter foam is 3-4” thick (if it’s included at all). This foam helps to dramatically enhance both lying and sitting edge support. Edge support on the CliMax is among the very best we’ve tested to date.

Our sex rating formula looks at 5 different factors weighted based on their importance.

All factors are not equal in terms of significance, but each plays an important role.

Three of the most important factors are listed below with the associated testing scores:

In addition to the factors above, there are two other we consider as well, including pressure relief and cooling.

Here’s a look at the breakdown of how these 3 factors rank within the full formula:

We use the scores from all factors, plugged into the formula above, to derive a sex score for each mattress.

Sex Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Rating
Bounce	65%	10	Extremely High
Edge Support	20%	10	Outstanding
Noise	5%	10	Minimal
Pressure Relief	5%	8.0	Good
Cooling	5%	9.0	Excellent

For the Emma CliMax, these factors generated an excellent sex score. This score is nearly perfect and one of the highest scores we’ve tested among all mattresses tested to date.

The Emma has incredibly supportive edges and very high levels of bounce as well. While it could be a touch firm for some sleepers, overall this mattress checks all of the boxes for things we look for when considering sex performance.

Pressure relief on the Emma CliMax is good, but not great. In our tests, I felt a slight level of pressure point build-up (mostly while lying on my back). The Emma CliMax has a relatively thin comfort layer at only 2.75”.

It also has a slightly firmer feel combined with a thin comfort layer. None of these factors do Emma any favors for pressure relief. My pressure relief concerns may impact multiple types of sleepers.

Lighter-weight sleepers will feel more pressure relief through the slightly firmer feel. Heavier weight bodies will get more body contouring, but may sink through the 2.75” of comfort materials and into the less pressure-relieving coil system.

All that said, Emma’s CliMax doesn’t have a bad pressure relief, but I really would have liked to have seen a more robust comfort layer.

Off-gassing on the Emma CliMax Hybrid was strong right out of the box.

The mattress smelled for 4 days, which is just a touch longer than the average (across all mattresses we’ve tested to date).

As a company, Emma Sleep has a great company score. The mattress brand offers a 365-night trial period along with a 10-year warranty. Shipping and returns are both free which can provide some real benefits if you’re wary of trying a new mattress.

Company Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Data
Trial Period	15%	10	365 nights
Warranty	10%	8.0	10 years
Shipping	5%	10	$0
Returns	20%	10	$0
Trust	50%	8.0	Good
Country of Origin	0%		Global

Emma is headquartered out of Frankfurt, Germany, but successfully operates in 22 different countries, including the US, Canada, and other countries.

The Emma CliMax has a medium firm feel, with score coming in at a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale.

This score makes it a touch firmer than many other medium and medium-firm mattresses.

A solid 7 is definitely firmer, but not so firm that it would be unsuitable for any large class of sleepers—more on that below.

The Emma CliMax has excellent support. During our tests, I felt well-supported in all sleeping positions. While there are potential pressure relief issues, the overall support structures are excellent.

This is a fairly unique material design. Often hybrids have a 3-6” comfort layer and then a 6-8” support coil system. Here, we have coils sandwiched between 2 layers of foam on the top and base of the mattress.

The combined 4.7” coil unit and 3.0” support foam work together to provide ample support.

Lastly, I was also impressed with the support at the edges. This is one of the thickest perimeter edge support foams I’ve ever seen at 6.0” thick.

Typically, perimeter foam is only 3-4” thick (if it’s included at all), which is usually more than thick enough. With 6.0” it creates exceptionally good support all the way to the edge of the mattress.

How much weight can the CliMax support?

The Emma CliMax is designed to support up to 1,000 lbs. or 500 lbs. per side. Considering sleeper weight and / or sleeping position, this mattress is widely recommended by many sleepeer profiles.

Sleeper Weight	Stomach Sleepers	Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes
150-250 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes
250-300 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes

Design

The design of the Emma CliMax is a 10.5″ hybrid mattress with a medium firm feel—a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale.

This mattress includes a mix of poly foam, convoluted foam, support coils, and a high-density support base. It is designed with a balanced feel, aiming to meet a wide range of sleeper preferences.

Lastly, it’s hard to overlook Emma’s subtle reference into making this a mattress designed for better sex. The high bounce, firmer feel, reinforced edges, and fantastic cooling are all contributing factors for exceptional performance in this area.

Materials

There are four distinct layers of the Emma CliMax hybrid. From top to bottom, the layers include:

• 1.0” poly foam
• 1.75” convoluted poly foam
• 4.7” pocketed coil
• 3.0” support foam

The Cover

The Emma cover has moisture-wicking properties and is soft-to-the-touch. Emma calls this cover pillow-top, but I would consider it to be on the thinner side of the cover spectrum.

The top portion of the cover detaches from the base via a zipper closure. When removed from the base, the cover is machine washable, which can be a real bonus for easier maintenance.

The Comfort Layer

The comfort layer includes two layers of foam—a poly foam up top and convoluted poly foam directly below.

The convoluted foam provides large channels of air pockets, which enhances cooling and breathability.

The Support Layer

Below the layers of comfort foam is the support layer. Support on the Emma CliMax consists of a 4.7″ layer of pocketed coils followed by a 3.0″ layer of support foam.

The pocketed coils are centrally located within the mattress and protected by reinforced foam edges. As you can see in the photo above, you have to cut through the perimeter foam if you want to see the pocketed coils at the core of the mattress.

Product Evolution

Emma, as a company, has undergone significant levels of product evolution.

Looking back in the Emma vault, we see many mattresses that were released to lead to the present-day Emma hybrid.

• The Emma ComfortAdapt Hybrid was first launched in 2017 in the UK and then released in the US market in 2019.
• In July 2022, the name was changed from the Emma ComfortAdapt Hybrid to the Emma Original Hybrid.
• In late 2022, the Original Hybrid was replaced by the Emma CliMax, a hybrid designed with improved cooling performance over previous models.
• In September 2023, the Emma CliMax was discontinued and replaced by the Emma Hybrid Comfort (US link here & Canada link here).

Emma CliMax vs. Emma Original

Below we’re provided a quick side-by-side of the Emma CliMax hybrid vs. the Emma Original (all foam).

Total performance between the two mattresses was quite similar, with the CliMax hybrid slightly edging out the Original. Most notably, the Original has a softer feel, is slightly thicker, and $100 less expensive.

The CliMax is of course better for sex, has better edge support, and has a slightly firmer feel.

Other Mattresses to Consider

Not sure that the Emma CliMax is the right mattress for you? Check out the three other top-rated hybrid mattresses below for alternatives with similar performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Emma CliMax hybrid mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.