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/ Mattress Reviews / Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress Review: Ratings From Our Test Lab
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress Review: Ratings From Our Test Lab
A balanced design appropriate for most sleepers at an approachable price-point.
By
Jackson Lindeke
Jackson Lindeke
Executive Product Director
Jackson leads editorial product recommendations at Sleep Foundation, transforming the data from our sleep product test lab into real world takeaways for consumers. He has spent over half a decade developing protocol to evaluate and measure the impacts of products on sleep quality. As a cited sleep product expert, Jackson helps guide millions of shoppers to find personalized recommendations for everything from pillows to bedding to mattresses.
Notable pressure relief from polyfoam and memory foam comfort system
Zoned support promotes good sleep posture
Generous 365-night sleep trial
May not be firm enough for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
The surface may feel too hard to some side sleepers under 130 pounds
Mild off-gassing odors may appear upon opening
Founded in Germany as a mattress company, Emma has since expanded internationally and introduced additional sleep products to its line, including bedding, pillows, and bases. It has also added several models to its mattress offerings. The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress is among the company’s most advanced designs. This 14-inch thick, medium firm (6) hybrid model incorporates materials designed for cooling and a seven-zone core built for ergonomic support.
Emma also makes two other mattress models: the Emma Original Mattress and the Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress. The Emma Original is the brand’s budget-friendly all-foam model, measuring 10 inches thick. Meanwhile, the Emma Hybrid Comfort is an affordable, 13-inch hybrid model. Like the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress, the Emma Hybrid Comfort has a medium firm (6) feel. The Emma Original has a medium (5) feel. We’ll break down how the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress performed in our in-house tests along with its construction, pricing, and policies to help you decide if it’s right for you.
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Testing Team Takeaways
To test the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite, we had three people on our testing team each take the bed home with them for one week. Here are their initial observations.
Jackson Lindeke
Executive Product Director
Side sleeper
180 pounds
Showers before bed
The Hybrid Cooling Elite really lives up to its name. Despite the foam, there’s barely any heat retention but still plenty of cradling and pressure relief. Hot sleepers who deal with frequent pain or pressure should definitely check this one out.
Brad Nehring
Senior Product Analyst
Side and back sleeper
215 pounds
Always sleeps with a weighted blanket
I agree with Jackson. A lot of foam hybrids claim to sleep cool but this one is the real deal. And as someone who runs hot in bed, I can appreciate a bed that provides deep cushioning in all the right places without feeling too warm.
Jeremy Klein
Senior Product Testing Manager
Side sleeper
160 pounds
Nightly melatonin user
Just to echo what Jackson and Brad said, the Hybrid Cooling Elite barely absorbs any heat. On top of that, this mattress isolates motion really well and provides a deep contour you usually only find with all-foam mattresses.
Sleeping Style and Body Weight
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite
Sleeper Type
Under 130 lbs
130-230 lbs
Above 230 lbs
Side Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7.5/10
130-230 lbs
9/10
Above 230 lbs
7.5/10
Back Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7/10
130-230 lbs
8.5/10
Above 230 lbs
7/10
Stomach Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
5.5/10
130-230 lbs
7/10
Above 230 lbs
5.5/10
Side Sleepers
Thanks to its ample foam comfort system, the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress is a good match for most side sleepers. The two top polyfoam layers allow a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders to sink in while cushioning their body. Meanwhile, the memory foam effectively redistributes the sleeper’s weight to limit pressure buildup around these critical regions.
Our testers of all weights were comfortable lying on their sides, but those between 130 and 230 pounds were the most impressed since the medium firm (6) feel was especially well suited to their body types.
Back Sleepers
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress’ gentle cradling and zoned support are appropriate for most back sleepers. The layers of polyfoam and memory foam mold to a back sleeper’s lumbar region to support their spine. At the same time, the zoned core limits sinkage around the hips that could otherwise jeopardize their sleep posture.
Our testing team members between 130 and 230 pounds felt the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite was nearly ideal for back sleeping. Those under 130 and over 230 pounds also rested comfortably on their backs.
Stomach Sleepers
Many stomach sleepers find the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress comfortable. Its thick comfort system softens the surface, while the zoned support helps reduce midsection sinkage, which is a common problem for stomach sleepers.
Our testers between 130 and 230 pounds thought the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite was well suited for stomach sleeping. Sleepers under 130 pounds noted that it was a bit firm against the front of their bodies, and those over 230 pounds felt a firmer surface would have kept their spines on a more even plane.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Motion Isolation
7/10
“Motion isolation is on point with the Hybrid Cooling Elite. The comfort layers are thick enough to absorb a lot of movement — there’s little to no transfer, even when you switch sleep positions.” – Brad
Like most hybrid mattresses, the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite earns high marks for motion isolation. It’s topped with three layers of polyfoam and a layer of memory foam, which absorb most surface-level vibrations. Movements that do manage to reach the core do not spread significantly since the coils are pocketed and move independently of each other. This may make it a good mattress for couples.
We dropped a kettlebell on the mattress while measuring vibrational waves on the opposite side of the bed. During this test, we detected only moderate motion transfer. When lying on the bed, our team members also barely noticed when a testing partner moved around on the other side of the mattress.
Pressure Relief
8/10
“Pressure relief is an area where this mattress really shines. Plush foams and supportive coils provide the right amount of cushioning, so I didn’t feel any pressure building in areas like my shoulders and hips.” – Jeremy
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress incorporates a four-layer comfort system that provides significant pressure relief. The polyfoam layers gently cushion and cradle the sleeper’s body, while the memory foam molds closely to distribute pressure more evenly.
We used a pressure mapping device to visualize where our testers’ bodies pressed hardest when they lay on the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite. The results showed a fairly even weight distribution, and our team members reported feeling little to no pressure buildup around critical regions, like the hips and shoulders.
Temperature Control
7.5/10
“It’s pretty remarkable how cool this mattress sleeps given the thick foam layers, but I didn’t notice any heat retention. This should be a good option for people who live with frequent pain and run hot during the night.” – Jackson
Designed as a cooling mattress, the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite’s temperature control is on par with many hybrid models, which often excel at temperature regulation due to their breathable coil systems.
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress’ cover is designed for breathability. Its top layer of polyfoam also contains graphite intended to reduce the surface temperature, and the secondary polyfoam layer is engineered to absorb and redistribute heat. Air also circulates well through the coil core, allowing warmth to escape.
Our temperature readings showed minimal lingering heat, which our team members echoed in their subjective feedback. Everyone reported maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout testing.
Edge Support
8.5/10
“Although I noticed a little compression when I sat along the edge of the Hybrid Cooling Elite, the perimeter felt pretty sturdy. Pushback from the coils goes a long way.” – Jeremy
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress has a sturdy perimeter due to its pocketed coil system. This trait is common among hybrid models, and it is frequently beneficial for sleepers with mobility issues who rely on a stable edge to get into and out of bed. Couples also often benefit from sturdy edges, like those of the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite, because they make more of the mattress surface usable.
In our tests, team members of all weights felt secure sitting and sleeping along the perimeter of the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress.
Ease of Movement
6.5/10
“Since the foam layers are on the thicker side, moving across the mattress can be difficult. The coils provide some bounce, but most people will encounter some resistance when getting into bed.” – Brad
Compared to other hybrid models, the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress offers moderate ease of movement. The thick comfort system allows sleepers to sink in relatively deeply, which may complicate movement for some individuals with mobility issues. However, the springy coil system provides enough bounce to counteract this effect for most sleepers.
In general, our team members easily changed positions on the surface. However, those over 230 pounds reported slightly more difficulty. That said, we wouldn’t expect most sleepers to feel impeded.
Off-Gassing
7/10
“Off-gassing is strong when the Hybrid Cooling Elite is newly out of the box. We noticed some lingering smells for about a day, then there was no odor whatsoever.” – Jackson
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress may have an initial new mattress smell, which we expect from most models that contain synthetic foam. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a standard byproduct of foam manufacturing, and they don’t have time to air out when a mattress ships compressed. While typically considered harmless, some people dislike the smell.
Emma uses CertiPUR-US certified foam, so third-party tests confirm it emits low VOCs and is free from certain potentially harmful substances.
We noticed a slight odor when we unpacked the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress in our test lab, but we could barely detect it after two days in a well-ventilated room.
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress Review Breakdown
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress is a medium firm (6), high-profile model measuring 14 inches thick.
A removable, machine-washable cover wraps around the exterior of the mattress. The top of the cover consists of polyester and elastane, allowing the material to stretch so that it doesn’t restrict the comfort system’s conforming. At the same time, the fabric is designed for breathability to help regulate temperatures. The cover sides use polyester, and the bottom contains polyester and polypropylene to resist slipping on the mattress base.
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite’s comfort system consists of four distinct layers that cushion and cradle the body. The top layer is graphite-infused polyfoam engineered for cooling. A second layer of polyfoam is built for temperature and moisture control. Next, a layer of memory foam relieves pressure and absorbs vibrations with a close-conforming hug. Another layer of polyfoam underneath adds support while preventing sleepers from pressing against the coil system.
An 8-inch layer of responsive, pocketed coils serves as the support core. Each coil moves independently, enhancing contouring and motion isolation. The coil system is organized into seven ergonomic zones designed to promote spinal alignment. Finally, a base layer of polyfoam bolsters the coil system.
Firmness
Medium Firm (6)
Mattress Type
Hybrid
Construction
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress contains a comfort system with three layers of polyfoam and one layer of memory foam, followed by a support core of zoned pocketed coils with a polyfoam base. The mattress is encased in a removable, machine-washable polyester cover.
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress is competitively priced, coming in slightly below the average cost of a hybrid model. Given that it contains premium features often associated with higher-end models, like a zoned coil core and a removable cover, this model can be considered a good value.
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite comes in the six standard mattress sizes, though popular sizes may sell out.
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress is available through Emma’s U.S. website and ships to addresses in the United States.
In addition, Emma has several websites for customers outside of the U.S., though the Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress is not widely available in international markets.
Shipping
Orders through Emma’s U.S. site offer free shipping within the contiguous U.S. Charges apply for deliveries to Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories. Orders within the contiguous U.S. generally arrive between 3 and 6 business days. Orders to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Guam take 8 to 12 days..
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress arrives at your door compressed, rolled, and packaged in a box. With the help of a partner, customers can move the mattress into their room of choice, remove the mattress from the box, unroll it, and carefully cut the plastic wrapping. The mattress will expand on its own.
Additional Services
Emma offers old mattress removal through a third-party partner. For most destinations, this service carries a non-refundable charge of $125. White glove delivery is not available at this time.
Sleep Trial
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress comes with a generous 365-night sleep trial. This policy includes a required 30-day break-in period to give your body time to adjust to the new sleep surface. After that time, you can initiate a mattress return by contacting customer service. To be eligible, you must have opened your mattress within a reasonable timeframe, and it must be in a donatable condition. You may be asked to provide proof of purchase and photographs.
If you choose to return your mattress and are located within the contiguous U.S., customer service will arrange a free mattress pickup or ask you to donate or dispose of the mattress before issuing a full refund of the purchase price. Customers outside of the contiguous U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii, may incur return shipping fees.
Warranty
When purchased in the U.S. from the Emma website, the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite Mattress comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
The policy covers indentations over 1.5 inches deep that are the result of deterioration. Flaws that cause the foam or springs to crack or split, along with manufacturing defects in the cover, are also considered eligible defects.
To be eligible for warranty coverage, you must be the original purchaser and located in the U.S. You also must have unpacked your mattress within six weeks of its arrival and used it with proper support. Commercial use and damage due to abuse or misuse do not qualify for coverage.
If Emma determines that there is an eligible defect, it will repair or replace the mattress.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Jackson leads editorial product recommendations at Sleep Foundation, transforming the data from our sleep product test lab into real world takeaways for consumers. He has spent over half a decade developing protocol to evaluate and measure the impacts of products on sleep quality. As a cited sleep product expert, Jackson helps guide millions of shoppers to find personalized recommendations for everything from pillows to bedding to mattresses.