Emma Original Mattress Review
Written by Loren Bullock, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Is the Emma Mattress for You?
Who’s Going to Love the Emma Mattress
- Back Sleepers—The Emma Original’s pressure-relieving foam design is ideal for back sleepers of all sizes.
- Lightweight Stomach Sleepers—Lightweight stomach sleepers will get a great balance of firmness and softness on the medium-firm Emma.
- Couples—The Emma’s motion isolation works well for couples and light sleepers.
Who Should Steer Clear of the Emma Mattress
- Lightweight Side Sleepers—For a foam mattress with more hip and shoulder cushioning, check out the Helix Midnight Luxe.
- Heavyweight Stomach Sleepers—Instead, check out the Titan Plus mattress for more hip and back support.
- Hot Sleepers—Want a foam mattress that stays cool? Take a look at the Tempur-Breeze mattress.
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
Want the bottom line? Skip to the Nerd’s Take below.
Video Review
Emma Mattress Firmness and Feel
Emma Mattress Firmness
At Mattress Nerd, we like to measure mattress firmness on a scale of 1–10, with a 1 being the softest and a 10 being like concrete. For the Emma Original, we’re giving this mattress a medium-firm 6.5, meaning this bed will work well for the average sleeper. That said, lightweight sleepers side sleepers may find the Emma too firm, and some heavier sleepers may need an even firmer mattress.
What Does the Emma Mattress Feel Like?
The Emma Original doesn’t feel like your typical foam mattress. Although this bed is entirely foam, it feels more firm and more lifted than you might expect. So, if you’re a combination sleeper, or you’re a fan of foam (but not sinking into your bed), the Emma should be a great fit.
What Sleeping Position Is Emma Mattress Best For?
| Body Type: | Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers |
| Lightweight< 130 lbs: | 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Average-weight130–230 lbs: | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Heavyweight> 230 lbs: | 5 | 3 | 4 |
1 = Very poor 2 = Not good 3 = Fair 4 = Good 5 = Excellent
Back Sleepers
The best mattresses for back sleepers contour and cushion your back, which helps maintain the natural “S”-curve of the spine. And, since memory foam is awesome at pressure-relief, lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight back sleepers alike can all enjoy the Emma Original.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers tend to need the most pressure-relief in their hips and shoulders. With that said, this mattress is okay for heavyweight side sleepers who can sink down into it more easily, but average-weight and lightweight side sleepers will likely find the Emma Original too firm. If you’re a side sleeper, make sure to check out our Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers page.
Stomach Sleepers
The best mattresses for stomach sleepers are firm and lifted, keeping sleepers’ hips and backs aligned. With the Emma Original, lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers will find this bed plenty firm, but heavyweight stomach sleepers likely won’t get enough support or firmness.
Combination Sleepers
If you’re a combination sleeper, then you usually change positions throughout the night. So, a mattress that lets you move around easily is a must-have. With the Emma Original, lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight combination sleepers should have plenty of ease of movement and lift. If you’re a combination sleeper, make sure to check out our best mattresses for combination sleepers page.
Emma Mattress Performance
Is the Emma Mattress Cooling?
Memory foam mattresses are known for holding onto body heat, and the Emma Original is no exception. While the best cooling mattresses tend to have plenty of airflow, the Emma’s foam design doesn’t allow for a ton of ventilation.
Edge Support
For seniors, or anyone who prefers lying or sitting on the perimeter of their mattress, solid edge support keeps the mattress from warping at its edges. Although foam beds are known for their softness, the Emma Original’s reinforced perimeter offers plenty of support for even heavyweight sleepers. Check out our best mattresses for seniors for edge support options.
Responsiveness
The Emma Original is one of the most responsive foam beds out there—which is great news for combination sleepers. Overall, the Emma brings the responsiveness of a hybrid bed with the cushiony softness of foam.
Motion Isolation: Is it good for those who share a bed?
If you plan on sharing on Emma Original, motion transfer (or your partner’s tossing and turning waking you up) shouldn’t be an issue. Thanks to this bed’s thick foam design, any unwanted movement is muffled and absorbed. Motion isolation is especially important when sleeping next to your partner. Make sure to check out our best mattresses for couples for some great options.
Noise
Just like with motion isolation, foam mattresses are great at absorbing unwanted movement or noise. If you’re a light sleeper, or just can’t stand creaky beds, the Emma Original has you covered.
Pain Relief
The Emma Original, like many memory foam beds, has excellent contouring and relief for sleepers with aches and pains. That said, the Emma isn’t ideal for lighter sleepers with hip pain, since it’s on the more firm side.
See more: Best Mattresses For Hip Pain
Sex
This one’s pretty subjective—but the Emma Original is quiet and responsive, making it a good choice for couples planning to share a foam bed. However, it’s worth noting that the Emma Original isn’t great at cooling. Looking for more options? Check out our best mattresses for sex page.
Off-Gassing
Since the Emma Original is a foam bed-in-a-box mattress, you can expect some off-gassing odor, or the new mattress smell. However, the Emma Original is CertiPUR-US-certified for not containing any harmful emissions or chemicals.
Durability
Foam mattresses are generally softer and less durable than other mattress types, and, since the Emma Original’s base layer is thinner and more breathable, this bed doesn’t have the best durability.
Emma Mattress Construction: What’s it made of?
The Emma Original is an all-foam bed that measures in at 10” tall. This mattress features several layers of cooling and motion isolating memory foam on top of a breathable base layer. Also, the perimeter of the bed is reinforced with high-density foam for more durability and edge support.
Layer #1: Mattress Cover
The Emma’s top layer is a plush and breathable mattress cover that’s moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating, too.
Layer #2: Foam Comfort Layer
Below the Emma Original’s mattress cover is a layer of cooling memory foam that works by absorbing body heat throughout the night and dissipating it into the mattress below.
Layer #3: Motion Isolating Foam
Next is a layer of ergonomic and motion isolation foam, designed to provide pressure-relief and support for your lower back. Additionally, this absorbing foam boosts the Emma’s motion isolation by reducing movement through this layer. Finally, the Emma also has a reinforced foam perimeter that strengthens the edges and durability of the bed.
Layer #4: High-Density Foam Base
At the base of the Emma Original is a layer of breathable, high-density support foam restristributes body weight and absorbs pressure for sleepers of all sizes.
How Much Does the Emma Mattress Cost?
| Mattress Size | Price | Dimensions | Height | Weight |
| Twin | $ | 38” x 75” | 10” | 34 lbs |
| Twin XL | $ | 38” x 80” | 10” | 46 lbs |
| Full | $ | 54” x 75” | 10” | 52 lbs |
| Queen | $ | 60” x 80” | 10” | 60 lbs |
| King | $ | 76” x 80” | 10” | 82 lbs |
| California King | $ | 72” x 84” | 10” | 82 lbs |
How Do the Policies Measure Up?
Shipping & Unboxing
Emma offers free shipping for their mattresses directly from their warehouse through FedEx and UPS. For shoppers in California, the company will also arrange to collect your old mattress.
Once your Emma Original arrives, it’ll be compressed in a box, requiring some time to fully expand and finish off-gassing.
Warranty
Once you’ve settled in with your new Emma mattress, you’ll be entitled to a 10-year warranty that covers any manufacturing defects. However, this warranty does not cover damages through misuse of the mattress.
Trial Period & Returns
If you’re not sure if the Emma Original is right for you, the company does offer a 365-night trial period during which you can return your Emma bed for a full-refund and with free shipping as well.
Addressing Emma Mattress Complaints
- Too Hard—Several Emma Original mattress buyers have complained that the bed is too firm. Although we found the Emma Original to be a standard medium-firm, this mattress is more lifted and firm than the average foam mattress. So, lightweight sleepers, especially side sleepers, may find the Emma Original to be too hard.
- Too Hot—Some Emma Original buyers have also mentioned that the mattress is too hot and that it causes overheating. While we found that the Emma has decent temperature control, foam mattresses are known for being the hottest type of mattress and for retaining body heat throughout the night.
Comparing Different Emma Brand Mattresses
Emma Mattress vs. Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress
| Emma Mattress Is Best For… | Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress Is Best For… |
| Foam mattress fans | Stomach and back sleepers |
| Couples | Hot sleepers |
| Pressure relief | Combination sleepers |
Between these two Emma mattresses, the Original features an all-foam design that is ideal for couples wanting optimal motion isolation, along with sleepers wanting plenty of pressure relief. On the other hand, the hybrid Emma Hybrid Comfort offers better support for back sleepers and more ease of movement for combination sleepers, along with better temperature control, too.
Check out the full Emma Hybrid Comfort review.
Comparing Emma Brand to the Competition
Emma Mattress vs. Casper Mattress
| Emma Mattress Is Best For… | Casper Mattress Is Best For… |
| Back sleepers | Couples |
| Budget shoppers | Sleepers needing pressure relief |
| Combination sleepers | Memory foam fans |
Comparing these two all-foam beds, the Emma Original mattress is best for back sleepers and combination sleepers wanting more support, while the Casper Original is best for couples who prioritize motion isolation. Additionally, the Casper has the better pressure relief of the two mattresses, but it’s slightly more expensive.
Check out the full Casper Mattress Review.
Emma Mattress vs. Leesa Mattress
| Emma Mattress Is Best For… | Leesa Mattress Is Best For… |
| Couples | Budget shoppers |
| Hot sleepers | Lightweight sleepers |
| Heavyweight side sleepers | Combination sleepers |
While the Emma Original and Leesa Original are both foam beds, the Leesa is more friendly to lightweight sleepers and offers better ease of movement for combination sleepers as well. On the other hand, the more firm and supportive Emma mattress is more comfortable for heavier sleepers, plus it has better temperature control and motion isolation for couples.
Check out the full Leesa Mattress Review.
Emma Mattress vs. Layla Mattress
| Emma Mattress Is Best For… | Layla Mattress Is Best For… |
| Combination sleepers | Lightweight sleepers |
| Back sleepers | Sleepers needing pressure relief |
| Heavyweight sleepers | Seniors |
The Emma Original mattress is the better foam mattress for combination and heavyweight sleepers who need more lift and support, while the Layla bed is generally bed for lightweight sleepers needing pressure relief. Additionally, the Emma Original offers more relief for back sleepers, while the Layla has stronger edge support for seniors.
Check out the full Layla Mattress Review.
Emma Mattress FAQs
How long does the Emma mattress take to inflate?
Since the Emma Original mattress ships as a bed-in-a-box, you’ll have to unpackage the bed and let it fully expand before you can use it. In terms of the timeframe for expanding your bed, the company recommends letting your Emma Original mattress expand for four to six hours.
When should I rotate my Emma mattress?
Rotating your mattress periodically helps it last longer and stay more durable. For the Emma Original foam mattress, the company recommends that you rotate your bed once a month for the first six months you own it, and then continue rotating every three months after.
How should I unbox my Emma mattress?
The Emma Original mattress will arrive at your doorstep in a box, so you’ll need to let it expand before you can use it. The company recommends waiting four to six hours before sleeping on your bed, but waiting up to a day for the mattress to fully expand will make it as comfortable as possible.
The Nerd’s Take: What’s the Bottom Line?
The Emma Original has the benefits of a foam mattress, while also being exceptionally responsive and lifted. This bed is great for back sleepers, couples, and combination sleepers, but lacks in temperature control and durability.
The Nerd’s Scores for the Emma Mattress
| Performance Factor | Out of 5 |
| Motion Isolation | 4 |
| Pressure Relief | 3.5 |
| Ease of Movement | 4.5 |
| Edge Support | 4 |
| Temperature Control | 3.5 |
| Durability | 3 |
