Emma Original vs. Simba Hybrid

Emma vs. Simba Mattress Comparison - UK (2024)

Last updated: 06.11.2024 Reading time: 10 Min.

THE EMMA ORIGINAL HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE EMMA ORIGINAL HYBRID MATTRESS.

Finding a new mattress can be challenging.

But how do you decide if you're torn between two fantastic mattresses?

The Emma Mattress Original and the Simba Hybrid are two of the best mattresses in the UK.

Our mattress comparison article highlights key differences and guides you on which one would be the best for you.

So let's get comparing. 🥳

Emma vs Simba

Emma Mattress Original vs Simba Hybrid mattress comparison

Regardless of whether you choose the Simba or Emma mattress, you'll get a high-quality model.

But the composition of these two is remarkably different.

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

Below, you'll find a side-by-side comparison of the two mattresses.

Simba Mattress Hybrid Emma Mattress Original
Type of mattress: Hybrid pocket spring mattress Foam mattress
Mattress height: 25 cm (10 inches) 25 cm (10 inches)
Mattress layers:

4 layers:

Open-cell, graphite-infused Simbatex foam

Aerocoil mini conical pocket springs

Stability layer

SupportCore barrel spring base

3 layers:

Airgocell foam

Viscoelastic memory foam [1]

HRX polyfoam

Firmness: Medium-firm with a softer feel Medium-firm with a firmer feel
Stability & support: Good support, pressure distribution, and edge-to-edge support, no matter your preferred sleeping position An orthopaedic choice that offers good stability, support, and pressure relief, especially for side sleepers
Suitable for:

Light- and average-weight sleepers

People who sleep on their side or back

People who like a medium-firm feel

Heavy sweaters

Restless sleepers

Light- and average-weight sleepers

Side or back sleepers

People who like a medium-firm feel

Those needing orthopaedic support

Temperature: Excellent temperature regulation Very good temperature regulation
Motion isolation: Low motion transfer, but you may feel some movement Very low motion transfer
Mattress cover: Hypoallergenic 100% polyester cover that's removable and machine-washable at 40℃. Larger sizes have 4 side carrying handles. Hypoallergenic cover that's removable & machine-washable at 60℃ with 4 side carrying handles.
Purchase: FREE PILLOW + MATTRESS PROTECTOR WITH SIMBA HYBRID
EXTRA 5% OFF WITH
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code
20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL HYBRID

Even though the Emma mattress and the Simba mattress are both high-quality choices, they are very different in composition.

The Simba mattress is a hybrid model that combines conical mini pocket springs with multiple layers of foam, while the Emma mattress is largely a memory foam model.

Simba Hybrid mattress - best mattress?
The Simba mattress combines pocket springs with foam.

Interestingly, Simba used to be a pocket-sprung memory foam mattress, and the older version featured a layer of memory foam and a layer of latex foam, making it more similar to the Emma mattress Original.

The composition of the Simba has since gone through multiple changes - the latest model is both more breathable and more eco-friendly.

Emma update: The Emma Original is currently being phased out, to be replaced by the Emma Original Hybrid, and is only available in select sizes on the Emma UK website. You can still get the Emma Original in more sizes through third-party retailers.

The mattresses are suitable for different types of people, which is something we'll look at in more detail soon.

Emma vs Simba: Which mattress is best suited to you?

Simba mattress or Emma mattress?

The Simba Hybrid and Emma Original mattresses are both very comfortable, but they're suited to very different types of people.

The mattresses have different compositions that highlight unique features.

Both, though, are excellent choices if you're looking for something more environmentally friendly. 🌱

The Emma Mattress Original and the Simba Mattress Hybrid are both free from harmful chemicals and toxins and adhere to UK fire regulation BS7177 [2].

Simba Hybrid: superior support and breathability

Both the Simba mattress and the Emma mattress are rated as medium-firm, but we found the Simba to be slightly softer, and have placed it at 6 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

We've found that the Simba mattress offers excellent support, even pressure distribution, and optimal spinal alignment regardless of which sleeping position you prefer.

It is particularly comfortable if you sleep on your back, but is also highly recommendable to side sleepers. 😴

This mattress also offers excellent edge support, meaning that you can use the full width of the mattress without ever feeling like you're falling off the sides.

Simba mattress sitting on side - best mattress?

Simba mattress side sleeper - best mattress?

It's also easy to move around on, making it suitable for restless sleepers.

Finally, the Simba Hybrid has been designed with breathability and airflow in mind, making it an excellent choice for heavier sweaters who are prone to overheating.

Choose the Simba mattress if you:

  • Are a light- or average-weight sleeper
  • Sleep on your side or back
  • Prefer medium-firm mattresses with a slightly softer feel
  • Are a warm sleeper or sweat a little more heavily
  • Are a restless sleeper
  • Like the hybrid design
  • Want good edge support

The Simba mattress cover is also removable and washable at 40℃.

FREE PILLOW + MATTRESS PROTECTOR WITH SIMBA HYBRID

Simba mattress edge support - best mattress?

Simba Hybrid mattress side handles - best mattress?

Emma Original: body-hugging comfort

The Emma mattress is slightly firmer than the Simba Hybrid, and we've rated it at 7 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

This makes the Emma mattress an excellent choice for lighter- or average-weight people with different sleep profiles.

Since the Emma Sleep mattress also features memory foam, which offers body-hugging comfort, it's often recommended as an orthopaedic mattress for people with back pain.

The one drawback of this body-hugging comfort is that moving around on the Emma mattress becomes a little more cumbersome.

So, we wouldn't recommend memory foam mattresses like the Emma Original for restless sleepers.

Choose the Emma mattress if you:

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

The Emma Original will be less suitable if you're a pure stomach sleeper, a heavier sweater, or a restless sleeper. [3]

EXTRA 5% OFF WITH
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL HYBRID

But regardless of whether you choose the Emma or Simba mattress, we'd recommend investing in a mattress protector - despite both of them featuring machine-washable top covers.

Waterproof mattress protectors safeguard against moisture, spills, and bacteria, and elongate the lifespan of your mattress.

Check out these waterproof mattress protectors:

Emma vs Simba mattress composition

The Emma mattress and the Simba mattress are two very different mattresses.

Simba mattress composition

The Simba Hybrid is a hybrid pocket-sprung foam mattress that combines mini pocket springs with multiple layers of foam and a spring base. 🌀

Simba Sleep advertises it as a 5-layer mattress, but include the mattress cover in this - there are only four layers to the actual mattress.

Simba Sleep's layers are:

  • Open-cell, graphite-infused Simbatex foam
  • Up to 2500 Aerocoil conical pocket springs
  • CertiPur [4] stability layer
  • No roll-off SupportCore base with up to 1000 barrel springs

The Simba Hybrid has a total height of 25 cm (9.8 inches).

FREE PILLOW + MATTRESS PROTECTOR WITH SIMBA HYBRID

Simba Sleep Hybrid mattress composition

Simba mattress UK height

Emma mattress composition

The Emma mattress is primarily a memory foam mattress, made up of 3 different layers of foam.

These three foam layers of the Emma Sleep mattress are:

  • A top layer of pressure-relieving Airgocell foam
  • A core of viscoelastic memory foam
  • A base layer of HRX polyfoam

The Emma Original has a total height of 25 cm (9.8 inches).

EXTRA 5% OFF WITH
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL HYBRID

Simba mattress vs Emma price and size comparison

Price differences vary depending on the mattress dimensions, but the Simba Hybrid mattress is generally more expensive than the Emma Original.

UK mattress sizes
UK mattresses are available in a wide range of sizes.

The brands occasionally run promotions - if available, current discount codes will be highlighted throughout this article.

Both brands are available in standard UK mattress sizes and some European sizes. 🇬🇧🇪🇺

These include all UK sizes, from single to super-king size, as well as the European single-size mattress, the European double mattress, and the European queen mattress.

How do the Emma and Simba delivery conditions and trial periods differ?

The Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are based on the bed-in-a-box principle and are delivered straight to your front door.

The table below gives a brief overview of the remarkably similar delivery conditions.

Simba Sleep Emma Sleep
Delivery: Bed-in-a-box principle Bed-in-a-box principle
Delivery time: Next-day delivery 2 -5 working days
Delivery cost: Free delivery within mainland UK Free delivery within mainland UK
Trial period: 200-day trial period 200-night trial
Returns: Free returns Free returns
Warranty: 10-year guarantee 10-year guarantee

Emma Sleep and Simba Sleep - free delivery

The Emma and Simba mattresses are delivered straight to your home, rolled up and vacuum-sealed in a compact box.

EXTRA 5% OFF WITH
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL HYBRID

The boxes have been deliberately designed to fit through any narrow passageway and can easily be handled by one person - depending on the mattress size, of course.

Simba Sleep mattress unboxing
Bed-in-a-box mattresses are pretty easy to unbox.

Both brands have a fast delivery time and offer free delivery within the UK.

Once unpacked and the vacuum seal removed, both the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid will expand to their full size within a few hours.

Risk-free trial periods and free returns

Both mattresses come with a 200-day risk-free trial period.

Risk-free trials allow you to try the mattress in the comfort of your own home, allowing your body to get used to it.

risk-free trial period - best mattress
We love risk-free trial periods.

After all, it can take the body a while to become accustomed to a new mattress.

If you're not convinced that the mattress is right for you during your trial, you can return it for a full refund.

FREE PILLOW + MATTRESS PROTECTOR WITH SIMBA HYBRID

Both Emma and Simba offer free returns.

10-year guarantee

The Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid mattresses also come with a 10-year guarantee.

Emma premium mattress UK rolled up

Emma mattress uk in plastic

This warranty will cover you in case of manufacturing defects or premature sagging.

Terms and conditions apply.

What else do Emma Sleep and Simba Sleep offer?

The Simba vs Emma mattress debate goes further than just mattresses - once you've invested in one of the best mattresses on the market, you also need sleep accessories to kit out your bedroom fully.

Both Emma Sleep and Simba Sleep offer some fantastic sleep accessories and a few premium bed bases and frames.👌

These include:

And so much more!

We've included some of our favourite accessories below:

Advantages and disadvantages of the two mattresses

Here is a table overview of the advantages and disadvantages of both mattresses.

Simba Hybrid mattress Emma Original mattress
Advantages:

Innovative structure with a slightly springy feel.

Very comfortable for side sleepers and back sleepers.

Adapts well to the body.

Very good breathability.

Removable and washable cover.

Free delivery and returns.

200-night trial period.

Available in a wide range of sizes.

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.

Very well-suited to side sleepers.

Machine-washable top cover.

Free shipping and free returns.

200-day risk-free trial period.

10-year guarantee.

100% vegan.

Disadvantages:

The mattress is quite heavy.

May be too soft for some sleepers.

May sleep too hot for heavy sweaters.

Not ideal for restless sleepers.

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

Read Sleep Hero reviews:

Which mattress is better, the Emma Original or the Simba Hybrid?

As you'll hopefully discover in our Emma vs Simba review, both the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are high-quality mattresses that offer comfort and support for the best night's sleep.

One isn't necessarily better than the other, but they are suitable for very different types of people.

The Simba Hybrid is best suited to:

  • People who like hybrid mattresses.
  • Light- and average-weight sleepers.
  • People who sleep on their side or back.
  • People who like a medium-firm feel.
  • People who prefer more edge support.
  • Heavy sweaters.
  • Restless sleepers.

The Emma Original is best suited to:

  • People of lighter or medium build.
  • Side sleepers.
  • People who prefer soft mattresses.
  • People who require an orthopaedic mattress that will offer body-hugging comfort and relieve pressure points.

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

After all, testing a mattress is the only way to figure out if it's perfect for you. 🥳

And if you're not 100% convinced, you can return the mattress for a full refund.

Contact Emma Sleep UK and Simba Sleep UK

If you need to get in touch with these brands directly, you'll find the respective contact details below.

Contact Emma Sleep 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 [5].

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

Contact Simba Sleep UK

Customer service: To contact Simba Sleep directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at hello@simbasleep.com or visit their live online chat [6]. The customer services team is available Monday to Friday, from 9 am - 5 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.

Registered office: Simba Sleep, The Stable Yard, 60 Petty France, Westminster, London SW1H 9EU

Frequently asked questions

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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personCatherine
June 2024 thumb up
Very helpful as couldn’t make my mind up what to go for.I decided to go for the Simla after reading your article. Thanks

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