Emma Original vs Emma Hybrid

Emma Original Vs. Emma Hybrid Mattress Comparison - UK (2024)

Last updated: 09.10.2024 Reading time: 8 Min.

THE EMMA ORIGINAL HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE EMMA ORIGINAL HYBRID MATTRESS, AND THE EMMA HYBRID IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Emma is one of the best mattress brands available in the UK.

So, what do you do if you’re torn between two of their world-class mattresses?

And which is the best Emma mattress?

Don’t worry - we’re here to help.

In this Emma Original vs Emma Hybrid mattress comparison, we’ll highlight similarities and key differences to help you choose your perfect match.

Emma Original vs Emma Hybrid

What is the new Emma Original Hybrid mattress?

The latest mattress in Emma's portfolio is the Emma Original Hybrid.

This is also a three-layer mattress, like the Emma Original, and features two top layers of foam.

But the foam core of the Emma Original has been replaced with a sprung core, which greatly enhances airflow and also makes the mattress more eco-friendly.

The Emma Original Hybrid has replaced the Emma Original mattress.

Emma Original vs Emma Hybrid mattress comparison

The Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid are both mattresses by the award-winning Emma mattress brand.

But, these are two remarkably different mattresses.

If you’d like to read our in-depth analyses of the Emma Original and Emma Hybrid mattresses, we’d suggest you turn to our mattress reviews:

Below, you’ll find a side-by-side comparison of these two mattresses. 👇

Emma Original Emma Hybrid
Type of mattress Foam mattress Hybrid pocket sprung foam mattress
Mattress height 25 cm (10 inches) 25 cm (10 inches)
Mattress layers

3 layers:

Airgocell foam

Viscoelastic memory foam

HRX polyfoam foam

4 layers:

Airgocell foam

Supportive mini pocket springs

Viscoelastic memory foam

Cold foam

Firmness Medium-firm Medium-firm
Stability & support An orthopaedic choice that offers good stability, support, and pressure relief, especially for side sleepers Good support and comfortable feel
Suitable for

Light- and average-weight sleepers.

People who like a medium-firm feel.

Side sleepers or back sleepers.

Those needing orthopaedic support.

Light- and average-weight sleepers.

People who like a medium-firm mattress.

All sleeping positions.

Couples and restless sleepers.

Hot sleepers.

Temperature Very good temperature regulation Excellent temperature regulation
Motion isolation Very low motion transfer Very low motion transfer
Mattress cover Hypoallergenic cover that’s removable & machine-washable at 60℃ with 4 side carrying handles. Hypoallergenic cover that’s removable & machine-washable at 60℃ with 4 side carrying handles.

As the table overview may have shown, these two mattresses may be similar in name, but they are very different in terms of composition.

This also makes them suitable for very different types of people.

Please note: Emma no longer officially sells the Emma Hybrid or the Emma Original, though you may occasionally find them through third-party retailers or at second-hand outlets. The replacement mattress is the brand new Emma Original Hybrid, which is similar to the Emma Original and the Emma NextGen Premium. It has a more eco-friendly sprung core instead of the foam core. There are no other foam-only mattresses remaining in the Emma range on the official UK website.

Take a look at Emma's current mattress range:

Emma Original mattress vs Emma Hybrid: Which is best suited to you?

The Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid mattresses are both very comfortable, high-quality mattresses.

But, with unique compositions, they’re better suited to very different types of people.

No matter your choice, though, you can rest assured that these mattresses are 100% vegan and guaranteed to be free from toxins, chemicals, and harmful substances. 🌱

They’re also both fire-retardant and adhere to UK fire regulation BS7177 [1].

And, of course, they’re both manufactured in the UK.

Emma Original: Medium-firm body-hugging comfort

The Emma Original is one of the more firm memory foam mattresses on the market, and we've rated it as 7 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

The Nectar mattress is another firmer memory foam mattress that we really like.

This makes it an excellent choice for people who need a firmer surface but also enjoy the cuddly feel a layer of memory foam provides.

Memory foam adapts to your body really well, offering good relief of pressure points and allowing your muscles to relax fully.

This is why memory foam mattresses like the Emma Original are often recommended for orthopaedic purposes, to alleviate back pain, and for optimal spinal alignment. 🤗

Emma Original mattress foams
The Emma Original has three foam layers.

Unfortunately, one drawback of the Emma Original’s memory foam contouring is that it can make moving around on the mattress a little more challenging.

This is why we wouldn’t recommend the mattress to very restless sleepers.

Memory foam also tends to absorb more heat, and while the Emma mattress regulates temperature well and you shouldn’t feel too hot or clammy, it won’t be a good choice for very heavy sweaters.

Choose the Emma Original if you:

  • Prefer medium-firm mattresses
  • Want an orthopaedic mattress with body-contouring support
  • Are of lighter or medium build
  • Sleep on your side or back
  • Want a no-fuss mattress with a removable and machine-washable cover

The Emma Original will be less suitable if you need more support (i.e. if you’re of a larger build and a stomach or back sleeper) or if you’re a heavier sweater or very restless sleeper.

Emma Hybrid: Breathable support

The Emma Hybrid is also a medium-firm mattress, which we've placed at a 6.5 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

If you're looking for a softer mattress with a hybrid composition, we'd recommend the Simba Hybrid.

In contrast to the Original, the Emma Hybrid is far more comfortable to turn around on and has better edge support.

It's also more suitable for restless sleepers.

It's best suited to people of lighter or average builds with any sleeping position preference.

People of larger builds who need more overall support or pure back/front sleepers may prefer choosing a pocket-sprung mattress.

The Emma Hybrid fares well in terms of temperature regulation, and it’s better suited to people who feel hot more easily.

This is because the spaces between the pocket springs in the mattress’s core allow for greater airflow and breathability, wicking away heat and moisture. ❄️

Very heavy sweaters may still find it too warm, though.

Choose the Emma Hybrid if you:

  • Enjoy a medium-firm sleeping surface
  • Are of lighter or medium build
  • Any sleep position preferences
  • Toss and turn regularly
  • Share your bed with a partner
  • Easily feel hot at night

The mattress is less suitable for very heavy back and stomach sleepers.

Take a look at our top alternatives:

Emma Hybrid vs Original mattress composition

The Emma Original mattress and the Emma Hybrid mattress are two very different mattresses in terms of composition.

Emma Original mattress composition

The Emma mattress is a memory foam mattress composed of 3 different foam layers.

These 3 foam layers are:

  • A top layer of pressure-relieving Airgocell foam (3 cm / 1.1 inches)
  • A core of viscoelastic memory foam [2] (3 cm / 1.1 inches)
  • A base layer of HRX polyfoam (19 cm / 7.4 inches)

The Emma Original has a total height of 25 cm (9.8 inches), which is on par with most bed-in-a-box mattresses.

Emma Hybrid mattress composition

The Emma Hybrid is a memory foam hybrid mattress composed of 4 different layers.

These 4 mattress layers are:

  • A top comfort layer of pressure-relieving Airgocell foam (4 cm / 1.5 inches)
  • Up to 2000 individually wrapped conical pocket springs (2 cm / 0.7 inches)
  • Viscoelastic memory foam layer (3 cm / 1.1 inches)
  • A base layer of supportive HRX foam (16 cm / 6.3 inches)

Like the Emma Original, the Emma Hybrid has a total height of 25 cm (9.8 inches).

Emma Hybrid vs Emma Original price and size comparison

Both the Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid offered great value for money, but it's worth keeping in mind that hybrids are generally more expensive than all-foam mattresses.

The official Emma UK store will still get you great Emma mattress discount codes - and you can also use our "SLEEPHEROUK5" code to get an additional 5% off your purchase.

But third-party retailers, like Amazon or Mattress Online, may also have some special offers.

Both mattresses were available in the standard UK mattress sizes, including single size, small double, double size, king size, and super king size.

Emma mattress delivery conditions and trial periods

The Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid are bed-in-a-box mattresses delivered rolled-up and vacuum-packed [3] straight to your front door. 🏠

These are the standard Emma mattress delivery conditions:

Emma Mattresses
Bed-in-a-box principle
Delivery time: 1 - 3 working days
Delivery cost: Free delivery within mainland UK
Trial period: 200-night trial period
Returns: Free returns
Warranty: 10-year warranty

You're likely to find similar delivery and trial conditions with third-party retailers, but please always double-check the specifics before purchasing!

Here's a quick look at Emma's main mattresses sold on the official site:

Advantages and disadvantages of the two mattresses

To sum up, here is a table overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid mattresses.

Emma Original Emma Hybrid
Advantages:

Memory foam comfort gives you that “sleeping-on-a-cloud” feeling.

Offers excellent adaptability and high point elasticity for orthopaedic support.

Exceptionally low motion transfer, making it a brilliant choice for couples.

Good temperature regulation.

Very well-suited to side sleepers and back sleepers

Machine-washable top cover.

Free shipping and free returns.

200-day risk-free trial period.

10-year guarantee.

Great temperature regulation.

Low motion transfer makes it great for couples.

Quiet - no squeaky spring sounds when you move around.

Low-weight mattress with side handles and easy to carry.

Fully removable and machine-washable cover.

Free shipping and free returns.

Risk-free 200-night trial.

100% vegan.

Disadvantages:

May sleep too hot for heavy sweaters.

Not great for restless sleepers.

The side carrying handles are a little weak, especially for the larger mattress sizes.

You may notice off-gassing when you first unpack the mattress.

It may be too soft for heavier-weight people and not offer enough support.

Which Emma mattress is best, the Emma Original or the Emma Hybrid?

The Emma Original and the Emma Hybrid are both best-buy mattress options, and one isn’t necessarily better than the other.

But, they are catered to different individuals.

The Emma Original is best suited to:

  • People of lighter or medium build
  • Side sleepers and back sleepers
  • People who prefer firmer mattresses
  • People who require an orthopaedic mattress that will offer body-hugging comfort and good pressure relief

The Emma Hybrid is best suited to:

  • People of light or average build
  • Stomach, back, or front sleepers
  • People who prefer medium-firm mattresses
  • Restless sleepers
  • People who sweat more heavily
  • Couples

Regardless of your choice, you’ll get to enjoy a risk-free trial period, giving you the chance to try the mattress in the comfort of your own home.

After all, it’s only by sleeping on a mattress for a few nights that you’ll know if it’s really right for you or not.

Try the new Emma Original Hybrid:

Contact Emma UK

Customer service: To contact Emma UK directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at support@emma-mattress.co.uk or complete their online contact form. You can also call them on +44 330 818 1710, Monday - Friday from 08:00 - 13:00.

Registered office: Emma Matratzen GmbH, Wilhelm-Leuschner-Str. 78, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Frequently asked questions

  • Has the Emma Original been discontinued?


    The Emma Original mattress is still available at some outlets but it's largely been discontinued and replacded by the Emma Original Hybrid mattress.

  • Has the Emma Hybrid been discontinued?


    The Emma Hybrid mattress was discontinued a few years ago, but you can still occasionally find it at third-party retailers.

  • What other Emma mattresses are available?


    Emma used to have a range of mattresses, including the Emma Cot, Emma Hybrid, Emma One, Emma Essential, and the Emma Premium.

    But, they've changed their mattress range considerably, and the latest mattresses in the Emma line-up include the Emma NextGen Premium, the Emma Luxe Cooling, and the Emma Elite.

  • Can I buy the Emma Original and Emma Hybrid mattresses on Amazon?


    Technically, yes, Emma mattresses are available on Amazon in the UK and via other Emma mattress stockists, including DFS, Carpetright, and John Lewis. 

    But stocks on these sites may vary, and we cannot guarantee availability. 

    The 10-year guarantee and 200-night trial period are valid if you purchase from an approved seller, though details and delivery conditions are subject to change.

    You can also purchase refurbished Emma mattresses through Wowcher, GoGroopier, or eBay. 

    These only come with a 14-day trial and a 6-month guarantee.

  • Which Emma mattress is best?


    That's impossible to answer, especially in an Emma Original vs Hybrid debate, as it'll depend on your preferences and requirements.

    But here's a quick overview:

    • The Emma Original is a medium-firm memory foam mattress perfect for sleepers who like orthopaedic support and a warmer feel.
    • The Emma Hybrid is a medium-firm mini pocket sprung memory foam mattress perfect for hot and restless sleepers.

    Don't forget to read our in-depth reviews for the best information and advice if you're looking for a new mattress.

    Both mattresses have since been discontinued but you may find option through third-party retailers.

  • References

Nicky

Nicky

Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

Nicky is an experienced writer and editor with numerous qualifications. As a certified sleep coach, her interests lie in understanding how sleep problems arise from hormonal and environmental issues, particularly as part of stress and anxiety management.

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