Emma Premium Pillow

Emma Premium Pillow Review UK (2024)

Last updated: 22.04.2024 Reading time: 11 Min.

Tired of your pillow turning into a heat trap? 🔥

Perhaps it’s time for an upgrade.

With its ThermoSync technology and UltraDry cover, the Emma Premium pillow ensures a cool and comfy sleep.

Eager to know more?

Dive deep into our Emma Premium pillow review below. 👇

Top features of the Emma Premium pillow

Cooling
Thermoregulating Technology
Customisable
Adjustable Height
Machine-washable
Machine-Washable Cover
30-day trial period
30-Night Sleep Trial

Advantages

  • Adjustable foam layers for customisable comfort.
  • Suitable for all sleeping positions (depending on the configuration).
  • Uses high-quality foams and fabrics for better durability and comfort.
  • ThermoSync technology for a cooler sleep - and proved to be cooler than the original Emma pillow.
  • Promotes spinal alignment, helping to prevent neck and back pain.
  • Machine-washable cover.
  • Highly durable - no plumping needed!
  • 30-night trial and 2-year warranty included.
  • Responsive customer service team.
  • Fast & free delivery.

Disadvantages

  • More expensive than other Emma pillows.
  • Difficult to remove the cover for cleaning/adjusting the layers.
  • Takes a few hours to expand fully.

Who is the Emma Premium pillow suitable for?

  • Hot sleepers
  • Those looking for a top-of-the-range product
  • All sleeping positions, but particularly beneficial for side sleepers who need firmer support
  • Customers seeking a risk-free trial

Is the Emma Premium pillow comfortable?

Comfort is arguably the most important part of choosing a pillow, and Emma Sleep has left no stone unturned when catering to diverse comfort needs. 💭

This adjustable pillow has three removable memory foam layers so that it can be tailor-made for all sleep positions.

We'll tell you more about the composition later.

Side sleepers

Side sleepers require a pillow with high loft and firmness to maintain proper head and neck alignment with the spine.

The Emma Premium pillow has a distinctly firmer feel, making it a top choice for side sleepers.

We tested using three and two layers when sleeping in the side position.

Take a look below:

Side sleeper on Emma Premium pillow
Our side sleeper testing the pillow with three layers.
Side sleeper on Emma Premium pillow
Our side sleeper testing the pillow with two layers.

As you can see, our tester had a slightly raised head with all three layers, and better alignment was achieved using just two layers.

Nonetheless, we spent several nights trialling both options and were pleasantly surprised to find both configurations comfortable and we were free of back or neck pain.

You should try different arrangements during the trial period and see which feels most comfortable.

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Back sleepers

Being the healthiest sleep position as it puts the least strain on the spine and back.

Back sleepers need a pillow that adequately supports the weight of the head. 💆‍♀️

The ideal pillow should have a medium firmness and loft to maintain a straight body during sleep.

Again, we tested this using all three layers or just two layers:

Back sleeper on  Emma Premium pillow
Our back sleeper testing the pillow with three layers.
Back sleeper on Emma Premium pillow
Our back sleeper testing the pillow with two layers.

Sleeping on all three layers resulted in a slightly unnatural upward crane of the neck. 📈

We preferred two layers, with the softer layer facing up, which provided a more comfortable height and cushioned the weight of the head.

Remember, a pillow can’t work alone, and your mattress is just as important in supporting your sleep. Our best mattress article has everything you need to help you find the right one.

Stomach sleepers

Stomach sleepers are rarer but experience the most pressure on their spine because the head will always be turned to one side.

Therefore, choosing the correct pillow becomes crucial despite it often being overlooked. 👀

Front sleepers should opt for a soft, low-loft pillow that keeps the head close to the mattress, promoting more correct spine and neck alignment.

We recommend using just one layer to achieve this optimal low height with the Emma Premium pillow.

But we wanted to show the difference between three layers versus one layer:

Front sleeper on Emma Premium pillow
Our stomach sleeper testing the pillow with three layers.
Stomach sleeper on Emma Premium pillow
Our stomach sleeper testing the pillow with two layers.

As shown in the images, the neck is strained upwards when using all three layers, causing tension that extends through the spine. 😬

On the other hand, one layer creates a noticeably flat pillow, which might seem counterintuitive, but this low-profile approach is ideal for sleeping on your stomach.

Using just one layer allows the head to rest gently in a neutral position, alleviating pressure on the spine.

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Emma Premium pillow composition

The Emma Premium pillow combines advanced foam layers to promote an optimal sleeping environment.

It consists of three layers:

  • Premium ThermoSync foam
  • Supportive foam
  • Comfortable soft foam

These layers work in harmony to provide the best support for the head, neck and shoulders during sleep.

Premium ThermoSync foam

The top layer of the Emma Premium pillow is made with a ThermoSync memory foam layer. 🌡️

This layer is medium-soft and moulds around the body to relieve pressure.

Take a look at how this material contours to your shape:

Emma Premium pillow pressing foam

Emma Premium pillow released foam

Emma Premium pillow released foam

This innovative material is known for its remarkable temperature regulation capabilities.

Unlike the Emma Original pillow, the foam was reminiscent of Tempur material, a denser foam that contours to the body's shape.

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Supportive foam

The middle layer of this pillow is a supportive foam that encourages the head to stay lifted.

Emma Premium pillow layers
The Emma Premium pillow combines three interchangeable layers.

Its primary role is to ensure proper spinal alignment during sleep.

This firmer layer is crucial for maintaining support and avoiding potential aches or pains. 📏

Comfortable soft foam

The final layer is the softest of the layers, perfect for those who desire a deeper sink into their pillow. ⚓

Emma Premium pillow soft layer
The soft foam layer absorbs pressure well.

You can sleep on this softer side or switch to the thermo-regulating side - whichever is your preference. 🔄

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It's important to highlight that even though the Emma Premium pillow is adjustable, the tightly packed layers were difficult to remove during our testing.

If you're looking for an adjustable option that's easier to modify, you might want to consider the Nectar Adjustable pillow instead.

Cover

These foam layers are wrapped up in a removable and washable cover.

Composed of 98% polyester and 2% elastane, the cover is hypoallergenic and certified to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 [1]. ✅

Emma Premium pillow cover close up

Emma Premium pillow cover

The cover feels thick and high-quality and is soft on the skin.

It is also machine-washable at a maximum of 60°C (although the washing label specifies 40°C.)

Just pop the cover in the washing machine with your regular laundry detergent and other bedding. 🧼

We love the washable cover.

However, we found that it's not easy to remove it from the layers, which can be a challenge when adjusting the pillow or washing the cover.

We'd recommend pairing your Emma Premium pillow with a good quality pillowcase to keep it clean.

Grab your Emma pillowcase:

Is the Emma Premium pillow cool?

Heat retention can be a real issue with pillows, particularly those that contain memory foam.

temperature regulation scale
Memory foam is typically a warmer pillow material.

Emma has attempted to combat this issue with their Emma Premium pillow.

Unlike its predecessors, the Emma Premium pillow incorporates ThermoSync technology and an UltraDry cover.

Compared to the Emma Original pillow, this new model is cooler to the touch. ❄️

In fact, we can prove it.

We experimented using a thermal camera to compare the temperature differences between the Emma Original pillow and the new Emma Premium pillow. 📷

We pressed a hand on each pillow and then analysed how well heat had dispersed after 60 seconds had passed:

60 seconds after hand pressure on emma pillows
The Emma Premium pillow cooled slightly faster.

Not only do the numbers give us an indication of which pillow is cooler, but the heat map shows the heat dispersing more effectively in the image of the Emma Premium pillow.

We have further results in our table below:

Pillow Regular temperature After 30 seconds of hand pressure 1 minute after hand is released 2 minutes after hand is released
Emma Original pillow 21.7°C 31.1°C 24.3°C 23.7°C
Emma Premium pillow 21.5°C 30.9°C 23.7°C 22.8°C

Based on these numbers, it's evident that the Emma Premium pillow is able to dissipate heat more effectively than the Emma Original pillow.

Though it's worth noting that the difference isn't drastic, every degree counts when you're chasing a cooler night's sleep.

During the warm spring season, we enjoyed a cool, comfortable sleep throughout the night on the Emma Premium pillow. ❄️

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We also recommend pairing your pillow with natural fibre pillowcases, such as silk pillowcases, which are naturally cooling.

Emma Premium pillow sizes

The Emma pillow measures 70 x 40 cm (27.5” x 15.7”) with a height of 12 cm (4.7”) when all layers are included.

But the height is adjustable, depending on the number of layers you choose.

To help guide your adjustments, here are some handy pointers:

  • 3 layers (up to 12 cm / 4.7") Best suited for side sleepers
  • 2 layers (up to 8 cm / 3.14") Ideal for back sleepers
  • 1 layer (up to 4 cm / 1.57") Perfect for stomach sleepers

The Emma Premium pillow is designed to fit standard UK pillowcases. ✔️

Our favourite pillowcases:

Emma Premium pillow price

When it comes to price, the Emma Premium pillow sits at the top of the ladder as the most expensive of all Emma pillows. 💰

It's crucial to consider what you're paying for here - the standout features being the thermo-regulation layer and the UltraDry cover.

Emma Premium pillow on bed
The Emma Premium pillow has a high-end design.

If budget is not your primary concern, the Emma Premium pillow is the unrivalled choice from the most advanced materials in the Emma range.

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However, if staying cool overnight isn't your top priority, we recommend the Emma Original pillow.

It offers a similar comfort level and design at a more affordable price point.

Emma Premium pillow discount codes

The Emma Premium pillow comes with a higher price tag than its counterparts, but you can land a fantastic deal during an Emma pillow sale. 🎉

Emma UK is known for its regular discounts, promotions, and sales events, where you can snag savings ranging from 10% to 50%.

Piggybank and mattress
Emma UK has generous offers throughout the year.

Should there be any deals on the Emma Premium pillow, we'll make sure to highlight them right here on this page:

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We've gathered all the best discounts for you on our discounts page.

You can also enjoy an additional 5% off with our exclusive code "SLEEPHEROUK5".

For those who want to take advantage of all deals, consider signing up for our newsletter. 📧

This way, you'll receive all the top-notch deals directly in your inbox.

Emma Premium pillow delivery

The Emma Premium pillow comes with free delivery by couriers DPD, UPS, or Rhenus. 🚚

Our order was delivered by Rhenus, with whom we experienced a smooth and seamless delivery process.

Typically, the delivery will fall between 2 - 7 days.

You'll receive your new pillow compressed in a cardboard box, which is surprisingly more compact than the packaging we tested for other pillows.

emma pillow box

emma pillow box close up

This compactness is quite convenient, especially if you're not quite ready to use your new pillow and want to store it away.

Unboxing the pillow is easy, simply remove it from the box and the plastic packaging. ✂️

How long does Emma Premium pillow take to expand?

The Emma Premium pillow is vacuum-sealed in plastic packaging.

After removing the plastic, the pillow will expand immediately.

However, reaching its full height takes a few hours.

The pillow may appear a little misshapen during this period until it has fully expanded. 🥴

emma premium pillow rolled up

emma premium pillow misshapen

We recommend not sleeping on your new pillow until it fully expands.

This process should typically take 1 - 2 hours, although it could sometimes take up to 24 hours. ⌛

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Does the Emma Premium pillow smell?

Vaccum-packed mattresses and pillows usually have a faint chemical scent when first unboxed, known as off-gassing [2].

Mattress off-gassing
Some products experience off-gassing when first unboxed.

Don't be alarmed - this is perfectly normal, and the smell should dissipate within a few hours. ♨️

We experienced minimal off-gassing when we unboxed our Emma Premium pillow, which disappeared after an hour.

However, those more sensitive to smells may find it slightly unpleasant.

For the best results, leave your new pillow in a well-ventilated room to allow any initial odour to disappear.

Emma Premium pillow trial & guarantee

The Emma Premium pillow comes with the assurance of a 30-night risk-free sleep trial. ⏱️

This allows you to test the pillow for a whole month, and if it doesn't meet your expectations or suit your needs, you can request a refund.

Here's how it works:

Emma Premium pillow trial
The returns process is fuss-free.

This trial period brings peace of mind to online shopping. 😅

You can confidently invest in your sleep, knowing your money won't be wasted on an unsuitable product.

The Emma mattress range has an even longer 200-night trial period for those who also need a new mattress.

2-year guarantee

The Emma Premium pillow is made of durable memory foam, and you won’t experience clumping or flattening as you get with regular hollowfibre pillows.

memory foam vs hollowfibre
Memory foam is more expensive but much more durable.

In addition to the trial period, the Emma Premium pillow has a 2-year warranty against manufacturing faults. 🛠️

This warranty covers potential issues with the pillow, including excessive sagging, a faulty zipper, or seams coming apart.

Interestingly, we experienced a minor issue when we tested the Emma Premium mattress, which was delivered with a rip in the cover.

After reaching out to Emma Sleep, they dispatched a new cover within a few days.

While there have been some customer complaints regarding Emma Sleep's customer service, we found their response to our issue timely and positive. 👍

However, experiences may vary, and we always encourage reading multiple reviews to get a balanced view.

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Which Emma pillow should you buy?

Choosing between all the Emma pillows can seem daunting, but it's all about understanding your individual comfort needs.

So, how does the Emma Premium pillow compare with other pillows?

Our table breaks down the basics:

Materials Firmness Suitability Price
Emma Original Pillow Gel visco memory foam, supportive foam, comfort soft foam, Emma cover Medium firm - firm Side sleepers (but can be adjusted to all positions), those looking for adjustable comfort, those looking for a balance between quality and price ££
Emma Premium Pillow Thermosync cooling layer, supportive foam, comfort soft foam, UltraDry cover Medium firm - firm Side sleepers (but can be adjusted to all positions), those looking for adjustable comfort, hot sleepers, luxury shoppers £££
Emma Microfibre Pillow Soft microfibre filling, polyester cover Soft Back & stomach sleepers, allergy sufferers, budget-conscious buyers £
Emma Premium Microfibre Pillow (previously known as Emma Cloud pillow) 2 interchangeable Aerosoft filling microfibre layers, soft padded cover Soft Back & stomach sleepers, allergy sufferers, and those looking for a soft pillow or down-alternative ££

Remember, the 'best' pillow depends on your individual preferences and needs.

Emma Original pillow vs Premium pillow

The main difference between the Original pillows and Emma Premium pillows is temperature.

The Emma Premium pillow contains an advanced ThermoSync foam layer that was proved to be slightly cooler in our tests.

However, if temperature isn't a major issue for you, the Emma Original pillow is a great choice. 👍

Want to know more about these pillows?

The Emma pillow range:

Should you buy the Emma Premium pillow?

The Emma Premium pillow is a high-end sleep product featuring a three-layer foam design, each providing different comfort levels.

It contains unique ThermoSync technology to help regulate body heat during sleep.

Though the difference in temperature regulation isn't massive, it might be a worthwhile option for those particularly sensitive to heat.

The Emma Premium pillow is the priciest in the Emma pillow range, but its advanced features may be valuable for those who don’t mind splurging.

Remember to consider your sleep requirements before making a purchase. 🤔

And remember - you have 30 nights to test this pillow if you find that it’s not a suitable match.

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Rating

4.3
  • Material

    High-quality materials. 

  • Comfort

    Suitable for all sleeping positions. 

  • Off-gassing

    Minimal off-gassing. 

  • Breathability

    Temperature-regulating properties. 

  • Motion transfer & support

    Very supportive. 

  • Delivery & returns

    Excellent delivery & trial period. 

  • Value for money

    A little expensive. 

Material
Comfort
Off-gassing
Breathability
Motion transfer & support
Delivery & returns
Value for money

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, visit their live online chat, 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

Read our interview with Emma Sleep.

Frequently asked questions

  • How long to leave the Emma Premium pillow before use?


    Your Emma Premium pillow should fully expand within a few hours.

    If your pillow hasn’t fully expanded by bedtime, we recommend waiting until the next day to use your pillow.

  • Does the Emma Premium pillow really work?


    Our testing shows that the Emma Premium pillow effectively provides a comfortable and supportive sleep experience.

    Other Emma Premium pillow reviews we looked at during our research also agree with this sentiment. 

    The layers can be adjusted to vary the height and firmness, making it suitable for all types of sleepers - side, back, and stomach.

    However, everyone has different preferences and requirements when it comes to pillows.

    Our best pillow article guides you through everything you need to know before purchasing a pillow.

    Alternatively, check out some reviews of our other favourite pillows:

    Many high-quality pillows include a sleep trial, so you can test them and decide if they’re suitable. 

  • What else does Emma Sleep sell?


    We’re a big fan of Emma Sleep and have plenty of other reviews to share of their popular mattresses and sleep accessories.

    Take a look at our reviews:

    We’ve tested all these products to provide you with in-depth reviews of our findings.

  • References

Holly

Holly Matthews

Senior Content Writer

Holly has been a content writer at Sleep Hero UK since 2021. With an MA degree in literature and previous experience working at a leading UK bed retailer, she is committed to using her skills to guide others towards making better sleep choices.

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