Emma Original Hybrid Review

ALERT – Emma Original Hybrid has been replaced by the Emma CliMax. See our review here.

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

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 Original Hybrid	Average
Overall Score	9.12	8.56
Price (Queen)	$799	$1,358 (Hybrid only)
Cooling – Score	9.0	8.7
Sinkage – Depth	2.09″	2.15″
Sinkage – Feel	Moderate	Moderate
Motion Transfer – Score	10	8.2
Motion Transfer – Acceleration	3.53 m/s²	8.79 m/s²
Response Time – Score	10	8.9
Response Time – Mostly Recovered	0.2 sec.	0.4 sec.
Response Time – Fully Recovered	0.3 sec.	0.9 sec.
Bounce – Height	13.97″	9.51″
Bounce – Feel	Very High	Moderate
Edge Support – Score	9.2	8.6
Edge Support – Sitting	4.25″	4.04″
Edge Support – Lying	Outstanding	Good
Sex – Score	9.5	8.4
Pressure Relief – Score	8.0	8.7
Comfort Layer Thickness	2.0″	4.1″
Mattress Thickness	11″	12.0″
Off-Gassing – Score	9.4	8.2
Off-Gassing – Smell	Strong	Strong
Off-Gassing – Days	2 days	6 days
Company – Score	8.8	8.6
Trial	365 nights	177 nights
Warranty	10 years	25% have lifetime warranties, average of other 75% of mattresses is 13 years

How is the Emma Original Hybrid Different?

The Emma Original Hybrid has an overall performance score that is above average and a price tag that is below average. Compared to the average hybrid mattress, it is 41% less for a saving of $599.

Advantages

The mattress excelled in multiple categories outperforming the average in practically every way. Cooling, motion transfer, response, edge support, sex, and off-gassing were all better than the average mattress.

Neutral Factors

Considering the preferential factors, sinkage about matched the average and bounce was 47% higher.

Disadvantages

The only place the Emma Original Hybrid fell short of the average was pressure relief. Its comfort layer of 2.0″ is 2.12″ less than the average comfort layer we measure.

Cooling performance on the Emma Original Hybrid was excellent. During our tests, I did not feel any significant level of heat retention around my body.

The top cover is fairly thin, which helps to improve breathability and cooling performance. The foam and coil material design also helps to deliver excellent cooling.

• 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

The Emma Original Hybrid has a fairly minimal 2.0” foam comfort layer. While 2.0” of comfort foam is less than amazing for pressure relief, it does help to improve cooling, as there is simply less physical material that can absorb and retain heat.

Furthermore, the base layer of coils provides ample air flow. In our objective tests, we measured a maximum temperature 89.2° F. The heat dissipation curve was excellent.

From minutes 0 to 1 we measured a temperature decline of 3.7°, which is 1.0° less than the average (based on all of our tests to date).

Temperature continued to gradually decline from minutes 2 to 5, ending at a temperature of 82.7°F.

Based on our objective data, subjective assessment, and material construction, I am happy with the overall cooling performance.

Heat Dissipation Over Time

Time Elapsed	Temperature
1 minute	85.5°
2 minutes	84.0°
3 minutes	83.6°
4 minutes	83.3°
5 minutes	82.7°

The Emma Original Hybrid has a moderate level of sinkage. In our tests, we measured a sinkage depth of 2.09”.

This is 0.06” less sinkage than the average sinkage based on all of our tests to date, which is 2.15”. That said, any sinkage depth within 2.0-2.3” would be considered “moderate”.

The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.

Hug and contour on the Emma Original Hybrid is more restrained compared to the Emma Original Foam mattress. There is also a higher degree of pushback and response.

Even though it’s the same basic type of foam on top, when it’s combined with coils it feels far closer to a latex-like feel than memory foam.

As a result, the contour is far more generalized and less dramatic around the body. For sleepers that don’t like to be hugged as much by the mattress, this is a great match.

Motion transfer on the Emma Original Hybrid is extremely low. In our tests, we measured 3.53 m/s² of acceleration range.

This is 5.26 m/s² less motion than the average of 8.79 m/s², based on all of our tests to date.

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

The Emma does a fantastic job of quickly absorbing and dissipating energy. With Emma Original Hybrid we saw notable motion levels until 0.78 seconds.

I was surprised to see the performance this well, as hybrids with less thick comfort layers tend to have a higher level of motion.

However, our objective data recorded far lower motion. Looking at our motion transfer chart, which visualizes the accelerometer data, we can see the highest motion peaks from 0.00 to 0.36 seconds and 0.57 to 0.78 seconds.

Motion declines to a moderate level after 0.78 seconds, but it is not until 1.20 seconds that motion returns to near-zero levels of energy.

While the motion spikes were very low, especially compared to the average, the total motion duration was quite a bit longer. The mattresses with the absolute lowest motion transfer are able to fully dissipate energy by 0.3 seconds.

Response time on the Emma Original Hybrid is extremely fast. In our tests, we measured 0.2 seconds for the materials to mostly recover and 0.3 seconds for a full material recovery.

This is tied with other mattresses for the fastest response time we’ve tested to date. 0.2 seconds is just as good as it ever gets.

The foam materials instantly spring back to shape. A fast response helps sleepers never feel stuck or otherwise trapped by the feeling of foam contour and hug.

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

Emma Original Hybrid is significantly faster than the average. On average (based on all of our tests to date), we see mattresses mostly recovered in 0.4 seconds and fully recovered in 0.9 seconds.

The Emma Original Hybrid has an extremely high level of bounce. In our tests, we measured 13.97” of bounce. This is 4.46” more bounce than the average (based on all of our tests to date), which is 9.51”.

Typically, I like to bounce in the 8-12” range. We’re quite a bit higher than the ideal range for Emma.

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

Some sleepers may simply find this level of bounce to be too high, creating an almost trampoline effect. However, others may enjoy it.

More bounce does make it easier to move around on the mattress, prevents feeling stuck, and improves sex. So there are without question benefits to the bounce. Even so, bounce is a largely preferential factor. Some sleepers love the feeling of bounce, while others do not.

Edge support on the Emma Original Hybrid is good while sitting and outstanding while lying.

In our sitting edge support tests, we measured a sitting compression of 4.25”. This is slightly worse than the average compression of 4.04”.

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

Typically, I like to see 4.0” of sitting edge sinkage or less. On the Emma Original Hybrid, we’re a little north of that. Nevertheless, I still felt well supported when sitting directly on the edge.

Lying edge support is exceptionally good.

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

The limited 2.0” comfort layer and restrained sinkage / pressure relief would oftentimes be a disadvantage for edge support while lying. Even so, I felt incredibly well supported while lying directly on the edge.

The coil system clearly uses a high-performance edge support coil. There is ample support in all lying positions even when lying directly on the edge of the mattress.

The Emma Original Hybrid has excellent sex performance.

Sex Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Rating
Bounce	65%	10	Extremely High
Edge Support	20%	8.4	Good
Noise	5%	10	Minimal
Pressure Relief	5%	8.0	Good
Cooling	5%	9.0	Excellent

This mattress has extremely high bounce, good edge support, and a comfortable surface. It’s a hybrid, but the mattress was very quiet, had good pressure relief, and excellent cooling.

Overall, this checks a lot of the boxes we look for and would all be signs that this mattress could contribute to better sex performance.

The Emma Original Hybrid has good, but not great pressure relief. The Emma Hybrid has 2.0” of comfort foam material on top of the coil support system.

Having only 2.0” of comfort foam limits the level of pressure relief it will be able to provide, especially for heavier-weight bodies.

There is a high degree of pushback from the coil layer. When you combine that with only 2.0” of comfort foam and a thin cover on top that’s a challenge for pressure relief.

Both very lightweight and very heavy bodies are most likely to find the pressure relief isn’t amazing. Lightweight bodies will float more on top of the mattress, as opposed to being hugged and contoured by it.

With heavier weight bodies you’ll simply sink through the 2.0” of comfort material and into the supportive, but less pressure-relieving 8.0” pocketed coil layer. In my view, the pressure relief sweet spot is in the 150-250 pound range.

The off-gassing of the Emma Original Hybrid was strong right out of the box. The smell lingered for about two days.

Compared to most other mattresses that we’ve tested, the Emma Hybrid off-gasses slightly faster than usual.

As a company, Emma had a positive company score. They offer a 365-night trial period and a 10-year warranty.

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 ships to 33 different countries and can be a great option if you’re a world traveler and want a mattress that you can find globally.

Shipping is free and returns are free, but this exchange must happen within the same country.

Comparing all mattresses tested to date, this trial is 106% longer and the warranty is 3.2 years shorter.

For example, you cannot buy the mattress in the US, move to the UK and then try and initiate a return.

The Emma Original Hybrid has a firmness of 6 out of 10 on the scale. It has a medium-firm feel with a lot of support.

There is a pretty good amount of pushback and a fairly restrained level of sinkage, contour, and hug.

Overall, I found support on the Emma Original Hybrid mattress to be excellent. The 8.0” pocketed coil layer is incredibly supportive and robust.

I felt well-supported in all sleeping positions during my tests. My only concern is there is a relatively high degree of pushback from the coils.

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

As a result, ultra-lightweight sleepers (120 pounds or less), especially side sleepers, may find it simply pushes the midsection out of spinal alignment with the rest of the body.

For all other body types, I am not concerned. Overall, this mattress has fantastic support.

Design

The Emma Original Hybrid is an 11″ high mattress that uses a combination of memory foam and pocketed support coils.

It has a classic memory foam feel at the top coupled with the support and bounce provided from the coil base below.

Materials

The Emma Original Hybrid is an 11″ hybrid made of four layers below the cover. The layers include the following, from top to bottom:

• 1.0” graphite memory foam
• 1.0” graphite memory foam
• 8.0” support coils
• 1.0” support foam

The Cover

The top of the mattress has a thin breathable cover with an accent zipper closure. This zipper allows the cover to be removed for washing.

On the sides of the mattress, there is a mesh gusset at the top for better breathability, followed by a dark gray fabric used on the sides, which is thicker than the top.

There are two durable handles on each side of the mattress that can be really handy when you have to move the mattress.

The Comfort Layer

The comfort layer is made of two 1.5″ layers of graphite-infused memory foam. This foam has the classic memory foam feel with the cooling benefits of graphite infused material.

The Support Layer

Directly below the comfort foams is an 8.0″ layer of pocketed coils. These coils are individually pocketed which allows each coil to move independently of each other. This approach helps to improve pressure relief as well as limit motion transfer across the surface 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 Original vs. Emma Original Hybrid

Here is a more in-depth look at the Emma Original vs. the Emma Original Hybrid. Check out the details below.

Other Mattresses to Consider

Not sure if the Emma Original Hybrid is the right choice for you? Check out these three top-rated mattress alternatives.

These options have a similar makeup to the Emma Original Hybrid, but their own distinct advantages as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

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