Mattress Clarity is going international! Originally a wildly popular bed from Europe, the Emma mattress contains two different types of foam to create both comfort and support. But does it really carry both all the way over the Atlantic?
Our team has reviewed hundreds of mattresses, so you can trust we know our stuff. My unbiased Emma mattress review covers everything people should know about this mattress, including its construction, pricing, firmness and feel. Keep reading to see what I thought about this mattress.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$699 – $1599
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$699 – $1599
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$699 – $1599
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
I Recommend The Emma Original For…
- Budget shoppers. For those looking for an affordable mattress, the Emma mattress has great value without breaking the bank.
- Hot sleepers. This bed features a few cooling innovations like a breathable cover and ventilated foam.
- Back and stomach sleepers. This bed’s firmer feel provides ample support for these sleepers, keeping the lower back and hips lifted in each position.
I Don’t Recommend The Emma Original For…
- Side sleepers. Though it’s made of foam, the Emma Original doesn’t have the cradling effect that most side sleepers need.
- Combination sleepers. The Emma mattress is an all-foam mattress, so it won’t have that bouncy innerspring feel to it that combination sleepers might prefer.
- Sleepers who want a soft mattress. This mattress is pretty firm, and it doesn’t come with a soft, fluffy or tufted pillow-top.
How Firm is the Emma Original Mattress?
The Emma mattress feels slightly firmer than average, coming in at 7/10 on the Mattress Clarity firmness scale. For reference, the industry standard for medium-firm feels like a 6.5/10. If you need a bit more lumbar support, the Emma foam mattress could be a good choice.
Emma Original Mattress Test Performance: My Overall Rating
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches personally test each mattress in categories such as materials, comfort, cooling, and support, and give them a rating out of five. I thought the Emma Original shined when it came to motion isolation and cooling (especially when you consider it’s a foam mattress!)
For more, hover over the icons to learn about these different topics, or scroll down for a more analysis on each one.
Note: Looking for a mattress with stronger support and durability? Check out our Best Mattresses That Won’t Sag.
Emma Original Performance in Our Tests
Now, let’s chat about the super important stuff – firmness and feel.
Support – 3/5
Even though it’s entirely made out of foam, the Emma mattress doesn’t have a traditional “quicksand” sort of quality. Thanks to the proprietary foam layer, I found that this mattress feels both responsive and supportive.
It’s a bit on the firmer side, so back sleepers should find good lumbar support, while stomach sleepers will be able to keep their hips elevated. Unfortunately, this bed doesn’t quite offer enough pressure relief to remain comfortable for side sleepers, for these people I highly recommend checking out our list of best mattresses for side sleepers.
Edge Support – 3/5
The Emma mattress doesn’t have the best edge support. You’ll feel the top layers sinking in quite a bit when you sit along the edge. Using a tape measure, we were able to record 2.5” of sinkage in this position.
The bed feels a bit more supportive when you lay horizontally along the edge, but if this element is especially important to you, you may want to consider getting one of the best mattresses for couples.
Cooling – 4/5
All-foam mattresses tend to trap body heat, but Emma’s proprietary materials help keep sleepers cool at night. The ventilated foams and graphite infusions help dissipate body heat, so if you occasionally wake up feeling stuffy and sweaty, this bed could work for you.
For our cooling test, we record both the initial temperature of the mattress and again after lying on it for about five minutes. For the Emma Original, we saw the temperature go from 72.7 F to 78.8F. This is about a 6 degree increase. For a foam mattress, this is pretty impressive, hence the high cooling score. Hot sleepers should be pleasantly surprised by the Emma Original.
Motion Transfer – 4.5/5
Couples, in particular, will want to pay close attention to their mattress’s motion isolation. This means whether or not you feel motion from the other side of the bed. Nobody wants to wake up whenever their partner shifts sleeping positions during the night.
Fortunately, the Emma mattress performs exceptionally well when it comes to motion transfer. We use a glass of water in our motion isolation test; we’ll put the glass on one side of the bed and observe if the water moves when we push down on the other side. For the Emma Original, we barely noticed any movement. So, you should hardly feel your side of the bed move if your partner shifts around on the bed.
Response – 3.5/5
All-foam mattresses aren’t known for their bounce, and, unfortunately, the Emma Original doesn’t stand out either. During testing, we found that the mattress had some bounce, enough to keep you from feeling super “stuck.”
But don’t expect the same level of responsiveness from, say, an innerspring mattress. I think that combination sleepers or sexually active folks should look elsewhere or browse our list of best innerspring mattresses to find a better fit.
Durability – 4/5
The Emma mattress has an average height and contains some durable materials. So, overall, I expect this mattress to have a typical lifespan of seven to 10 years.
This is pretty typical for mattresses, but it’ll depend on how often the bed is used and who’s sleeping on it.
Emma Original Policy Scores
Trial Period – 5/5
The Emma mattress has a 365-night sleep trial period, so you have a full year to determine whether it will work for you. They’ve recently upgraded from the 100-night trial, which is the industry standard.
Emma offers full refunds for returns, as long as it’s during the sleep trial period. You won’t have to pay shipping fees, either, unless you’re not in the contiguous United States (Alaska or Hawaii).
Warranty – 4/5
The Emma mattress is backed by a 10-year warranty. This is fairly standard and should coincide with the longevity of the mattress. If your bed experiences any defects (caused by manufacturing issues rather than misuse), Emma will replace your mattress or offer you a similar model for free.
Emma Original – Other Factors to Consider
There’s plenty of working parts when it comes to choosing your mattress. Here’s a few more factors you might want to consider before finally purchasing the Emma Original.
Off-Gassing
When you open a new bed-in-a-box mattress, you may notice a slight chemical smell. In the mattress industry, we call this “off-gassing,” and it’s quite normal. When it comes to the Emma Original, it took about 48 hours for this smell to dissipate and for the mattress to expand.
Noise
I didn’t hear any noise when testing the Emma mattress. Because it’s an all-foam bed, I don’t expect it to start creating sound as the years go on.
Sex
Usually, couples looking for the best mattresses for sex want beds that feel responsive and springy. If that’s top of mind for you, the Emma mattress won’t fit the bill. Though it won’t make you feel like you’re “sinking” inside the mattress, some people might have difficulty moving around and switching positions on top of it.
Mattress Height
The Emma mattress is about 10” tall. This is around the typical height of most mattresses, which can be anywhere from 10” to 12”, although on the lower end. If you’re looking for a loftier bed by Emma, consider upgrading to the Emma Hybrid Comfort, which is 13” thick.
Sleeping Position and Weight
The Emma mattress works well for most back sleepers, but it may not be a great choice for lightweight side sleepers. Smaller folks won’t significantly compress the top layers, so they won’t feel as much body contouring and pressure relief. The Emma mattress could work well for lightweight stomach sleepers, but heavier people will likely feel their backs craning out of alignment in this sleeping position.
The chart below shows a straightforward, comprehensive guide to which body types and sleeping positions are best suited to this bed.
| Sleeper Weight | Back Sleepers | Side Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers |
| Lightweight (Under 130 lb) | Excellent | Fair | Excellent |
| Average (130 – 230 lb) | Excellent | Fair | Good |
| Heavyweight (Over 230 lb) | Good | Bad | Fair |
Average-weight Tester – [5’3″, 150] lbs.
“I felt nice and supported when I slept on my back, but when I moved over to my side, I felt some pressure along my shoulder and hip. I felt good on my stomach, though. This bed supported my hips and kept me in a nice, neutral alignment.” – Elisa
Emma Mattress Construction
Now, let’s see what this bed is all about. Here’s a close look at its all-foam construction.
Cover
This mattress features a soft-to-the-touch cover. Not only does it wick away moisture – the cover is also machine-washable for easy cleaning. Simply unzip the top portion and put it in the washing machine.
Comfort Layers
The first comfort layer is made up of Emma’s Point Elastic Airgocell® Foam. This foam gets its name from its larger pores, which help the surface keep cool. The elasticity should keep the top from sagging, too, as it contours to your body.
Next up is Halo Memory Foam, a cushy foam that should hug your curves and relieve pressure buildup. It also helps absorb movement – great news for couples!
Support Layers
The foundation of the mattress is made up of durable and supportive HRX Supreme Foam. It has three unique zones, meaning it feels firmer in some places and softer in others, all to promote proper spinal alignment. It should keep you supported regardless of what sleeping position you prefer.
How To Try and Buy The Emma Original Mattress
The easiest and simplest way to purchase an Emma mattress is to buy directly from their site. Emma currently doesn’t offer any in-person stores where you can view their mattress.
However, they do offer 365 nights to try out the mattress before committing to it. After 30 days, you’ll have the option to return it for a full refund (and no shipping fees) if you decide it isn’t for you. But regardless of when you make your final purchase, make sure to take full advantage of sales and our Mattress Clarity coupons.
Emma Mattress Size Options and Price
Will this mattress work for your lifestyle and budget? Check out our handy chart below for more details. Note: prices do not reflect current sales.
| Mattress Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 38″ x 75″ | $699.00 |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ | $999.00 |
| Full | 54″ x 75″ | $1199.00 |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ | $1399.00 |
| King | 76″ x 80″ | $1599.00 |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ | $1599.00 |
Emma Mattress
The Emma is a very popular mattress that offers fantastic pressure relief.
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Don’t feel like buying a new mattress right now? Check out our list of the best mattress toppers.
How The Emma Original Compares
With so many different types of beds on the market, it can be hard to find the best one for your sleep needs. I’ll help simplify the process a bit and compare the Emma mattress to the brand’s hybrid model, alongside two other popular foam beds: the Nectar and Bear Original.
Product
Firmness
Score
Product
Firmness
Score
Emma Original vs Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Original and Emma Hybrid Comfort both come from the Emma brand, but one is a foam mattress and the other is a hybrid mattress with coils. This results in two very different feels. The Emma Hybrid Comfort is firmer and has a lifted feel, whereas the Emma Original is more medium-firm with a bit of sink. Both beds are great for back sleepers, but the hybrid will suit stomach sleepers best.
Both beds are pretty good at keeping cool and isolating motion. Pick the Emma Hybrid Comfort if you’re looking for a bed that excels in support and has strong edges, but choose the Emma Original if you’re looking for a budget foam mattress.
Emma Original vs Nectar
Though they’re both affordable all-foam mattresses, these two beds aren’t identical. The Nectar mattress has more of a slow-moving feel, so if you want a bed with more body contouring, it’s a good option.
The Nectar mattress is also a bit softer than the Emma, making it a better choice for side sleepers. The Emma is better suited to back and stomach sleepers. The Emma mattress has a lower price point, however, so it may work better for people on tight budgets.
Emma Original vs Nolah Original
The Emma Original and Nolah Original are both all-foam mattresses, but the most notable difference between them lies in the firmness level. The Nolah has a softer feel, making it great for most back and side sleepers. The Emma mattress feels firmer, so it works best for stomach sleepers. The Nolah has a balanced foam feel, while the Emma feels more responsive. If you want your mattress to have more cushioning, opt for the Nolah.
Both mattresses have impressive cooling features, such as Nolah’s AirFoam™ ICE and Emma’s. However, the Nolah mattress has better edge support, so it may work better for couples.
Emma Mattress FAQs
Is the Emma Original a good mattress?
We’d say yes, the Emma Original is a good mattress. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a comfortable foam mattress at a reasonable price.
Can you flip the Emma mattress?
No, you can’t flip an Emma mattress. It’s designed with support foam on the bottom and comfort layers on top. If you flipped it, the mattress wouldn’t feel comfortable.
Does Emma offer a trial period?
Yes, Emma offers a 365-night trial. If you don’t like your Emma mattress, you can return the mattress within the first year and receive a full refund. If you return it after the initial sleep trial period, however, you won’t be eligible to get your money back.
Watch My Video Review of the Emma Original Mattress
