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Written by
Daniel Noyed, Certified Sleep Coach
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SleepFoundation.org readers get an additional 5% off Emma products with code SF5
Emma was founded in Frankfurt, Germany in 2015. The award-winning company now serves 17 countries on three continent, basing their product designs on extensive research. Currently, Emma manufactures three items: a pillow, a mattress protector, and a mattress.
The Emma Mattress aims to support ideal spinal alignment using patented technology and materials. This 12-inch thick mattress is constructed of three layers of foam and rates at a 6 on the 10-point firmness scale, giving it a medium firm feel.
This review will break down the Emma Mattress’s construction, pricing, and performance to help you decide if it is a good option for you. We’ll also summarize customer reviews and company policies for additional insight on what you might expect.
The Emma Mattress is a medium firm model, rating around 6 on the 10-point firmness scale. This rating puts the Emma Mattress on the firmer end of the average range, which many sleepers tend to prefer.
Air can circulate through the mattress cover to cool the sleep surface. This cover uses a blend of polyester and elastane. The cover can be removed and washed in a machine.
A 1.5-inch layer of Airgocell polyfoam serves as the first layer in the comfort system. This material adapts to the shape of the sleeper’s body to relieve pressure points. Its open-cell structure allows enough airflow to help disperse heat. Next, a 2-inch layer of memory foam contours more deeply to further reduce pressure buildup.
The support core uses 8 inches of polyfoam. This layer reinforces the surface of the mattress and limits sinkage. Cutouts in the material are designed to improve spinal alignment by supporting the lower back.
The Emma Mattress is constructed of three layers of foam: a layer of polyfoam, a layer of memory foam, and a final layer of polyfoam. These layers are encased in a removable, washable cover made up of polyester and elastane.
99% Polyester, 1% Elastane
1.5″ Polyfoam
2″ Memory Foam
8″ Polyfoam
The Emma Mattress is close to the average price for an all-foam model. Since it uses special materials and technology, it may be a particularly good value for some sleepers. Additionally, Emma frequently runs promotional codes that can help shoppers save money on their purchases. The Emma Mattress comes in the six standard mattress sizes.
| Sizes | Dimensions | Height | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38" x 75" | 12" | 35 lbs. | $799 |
| Twin XL | 38"x 80" | 12" | 37 lbs. | $899 |
| Full | 54" x 75" | 12" | 48 lbs. | $1,099 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | 12" | 58 lbs. | $1,299 |
| King | 76" x 80" | 12" | 72 lbs. | $1,449 |
| California King | 72" x 84" | 12" | 72 lbs. | $1,449 |
The Emma Mattress isolates motion quite well, which we would expect from most all-foam models. Its top layer of Airgocell polyfoam absorbs a significant amount of motion, and the layer of memory foam further adds to this effect. Since most vibrations are unlikely to spread across the surface of the mattress, people who are easily awoken when their partner moves during the night might like the Emma Mattress.
Like many all-foam models, one of the Emma Mattress’s biggest strengths is pressure relief. Each layer in the comfort system conforms to the shape of the sleeper’s body. The top layer of polyfoam cushions the surface and relieves some pressure, while the layer of memory foam contours more deeply and redistributes the sleeper’s weight to take pressure off areas like the hips and shoulders.
An individual’s weight and preferred sleep position also play a role in the extent of pressure relief they experience on the mattress. Due to its medium firm feel, the Emma Mattress may be best suited for side sleepers and individuals who weigh under 130 pounds.
While foam mattresses sometimes tend to trap heat, the Emma Mattress has cooling features that help it sleep cooler than some models on the market. The cover lets air circulate into the mattress, which helps regulate its temperature. Airgocell polyfoam in the top layer of the mattress has an open-cell structure, so air can also permeate the top layer. This airflow can help heat dissipate away from the sleep surface.
The memory foam layer could retain some heat, but with a layer of breathable polyfoam separating the sleeper from the memory foam, most individuals shouldn’t notice excessive heat buildup. Many people who tend to sleep hot are likely to find the Emma Mattress cool and comfortable.
Most foam mattresses do not have reinforced edges, and neither does the Emma Mattress. Since the foam compresses when someone sits or sleeps near the perimeter, the edge could feel somewhat unstable. Because of its firm core, the edge of the Emma Mattress feels more supportive than those of many all-foam models. Most people should feel secure enough to sit or sleep near the perimeter of the bed. However, some heavier individuals may notice more sinkage, which could make the edge feel insecure for sitting or sleeping.
Compared to other all-foam models, the Emma Mattress is moderately easy to move on. Most sleepers will be able to change positions with little effort. The top layer of polyfoam responds relatively quickly to changes in pressure, so sleepers shouldn’t feel “trapped in the bed.” Its layer of memory foam hugs more closely to the sleeper’s body and may retain impressions longer, but this should not significantly impede movement. The firm polyfoam core also limits how deeply an individual sinks in, which should lend to a balanced feeling somewhere between sleeping “on” the bed and “in” the bed.
Because of their close conforming and lack of bounce, many couples feel all-foam models are not responsive enough for sex. The Emma Mattress may perform better than some all-foam models. While it doesn’t have a very springy feel, the polyfoam top layer adjusts to changes in pressure relatively quickly, making it easier to move across the bed. Additionally, the conforming of the two-layer comfort system gives traction.
Like other new products produced in a factory, mattresses often have lingering manufacturing odors. This is particularly common in all-foam models that ship compressed since the smells don’t have time to air out. The Emma Mattress is likely to have similar odors to most similarly constructed models. However, due to its breathable design, these smells may dissipate more quickly. You can generally expect a new mattress to finish off-gassing within a couple of days. If you find the smell off-putting, you might choose to let it air out in a separate well-ventilated room until the process is complete.
Side Sleepers:
The Emma Mattress’s two-layer comfort system contours to a side sleeper’s curves. A 1.5-inch layer of polyfoam adapts to the sleeper’s body and regains its shape quickly when the sleeper moves. Next, a 2-inch layer of memory foam gives deeper cradling and spreads out the sleeper’s weight more evenly to relieve pressure around the hips and shoulders. The firm polyfoam core limits sinkage, while Adaptive Cut-out Technology gives extra support near the middle of the bed to promote better spinal alignment.
Side sleepers from all weight groups should experience a good balance between softness and support. Because of the Emma’s medium firm feel, individuals who weigh under 130 pounds could experience slight pressure buildup around their shoulders and hips, but this is unlikely to be significant. Additionally, people who weigh more than 130 pounds could sink in more than ideal near their shoulders and hips.
Back Sleepers:
Sleeping on the back usually keeps the spine relatively well aligned, so most back sleepers need a mattress to support this natural alignment. The hips are one of the key areas where back sleepers sometimes encounter problems. Some mattresses allow the hips to sink in too deeply, while others do not allow them to sink in at all. Either scenario could lead to spinal strain.
The Emma Mattress has two comfort layers that will allow most back sleepers’ hips to sink in a bit. Because the Adaptive Cut-Out Technology in the mattress core bolsters support near the middle of the bed, many back sleepers should also get the support they need to keep their spines aligned.
Back sleepers who weigh under 230 pounds should get the best balance of support and cushioning. Individuals who weigh over 230 pounds could experience more sagging near their hips, which could make it difficult to maintain optimal spinal alignment.
Stomach Sleepers:
For many individuals, the bulk of their body weight is centered around their midsection. This puts more force near the middle of the mattress, which can lead to sagging. Excessive sagging near the hips and belly can put a strain on a stomach sleeper’s lumbar region.
The Emma Mattress has two comfort layers, which contour to the sleeper’s body and cushion the surface of the bed. Many stomach sleepers may enjoy this softness. The polyfoam core gives support, and the Adaptive Cut-Out Technology gives the bed firmer reinforcement near the middle to limit sinkage around a stomach sleeper’s midsection.
Stomach sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds should get ample support to help keep their spines aligned. The hips of those who weigh over 130 pounds may dip more deeply into the mattress. This is especially true for individuals who carry more of their weight near their middles.
| Sleeper Type | Under 130 lbs | 130-230 lbs | Above 230 lbs |
|---|---|---|---|
 Side Sleepers
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 Back Sleepers
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 Stomach Sleepers
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The Emma Mattress is available in 17 countries, including the United States. Within the United States, the mattress is sold through the Emma website, Amazon, and other select online retailers.
The Emma Mattress ships free in the contiguous United States using either UPS or FedEx.
Anticipated delivery times may vary. For current estimates, see the product page. Once you place your order, you will receive a confirmation email from which you can adjust your delivery time to make sure you are home to receive your package. If you can’t be home, you can also designate a neighbor to sign for you. You will receive tracking information when your mattress ships.
Each mattress is rolled and vacuum-packed. It ships in a mattress that measures 19 inches by 19 inches by 42 inches.
The owner is responsible for moving the mattress to their desired location, unpacking it, and setting it up. A booklet with setup information comes with the mattress. Most mattresses typically expand in 30 minutes to an hour. Emma recommends that mattresses do not remain boxed for longer than six months.
Emma does not currently offer White Glove delivery.
The Emma Mattress comes with a 100-night window to try the mattress in your home. Emma asks that you try the mattress for 3-4 weeks before returning it. If you decide during the trial period that the mattress isn’t right for you, you can contact customer support to arrange a pick-up date. Emma will issue a full refund of the purchase price.
The Emma Mattress comes with a 10-year warranty, which protects against defects in materials and workmanship, including issues with the cover and cracks, dents, and other damage to the foam. At Emma’s discretion, defective mattresses will be replaced. Emma will provide pick-up of the old mattress and delivery of the new mattress.
This warranty is valid for the original mattress owner and covers the normal use of the mattress on a flat surface. Damage due to misuse or neglect is not covered. Proof of purchase and/or legal tags may be required.
Additional terms and conditions apply.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
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