Emma Original Mattress Review

Our testers found that the Emma Original provides strong motion isolation and prevents movement from transferring across its surface. This makes it a good choice for couples, especially if one partner tends to wake up easily.

The Original contains four layers of foam that redistribute body weight to reduce pressure buildup around the hips and shoulders.

A top memory foam comfort layer molds closely to the body, while a secondary polyfoam comfort layer deepens the contouring. This cradling helps relieve pressure, ease tension, and support the spine.

Pressure relief can be subjective depending on a person’s sleep position, body weight, and comfort preferences. All of the side sleepers on our testing team appreciated the Original’s medium (5) feel and generous contouring — particularly those weighing less than 230 pounds.

Most of our back and stomach sleepers also enjoyed the bed’s balance of contouring and support, although testers over 230 pounds felt they sank too deeply into the memory foam. Some combination sleepers reported feeling too confined when shifting positions.

The Emma Original stays relatively cool compared with most contouring foam mattresses, which often trap body warmth.

This model’s top two foam layers are specially formulated with a ParticleCool infusion designed to disperse heat faster. The memory foam top layer is also engineered to allow more air circulation than traditional memory foam so that heat can escape.

As a result, the Original sleeps cool enough for most individuals. However, some hot sleepers might prefer the cooler feel of a hybrid bed.

While many foam beds sag at the edges, the Emma Original provides noticeable support along its perimeter.

The top memory foam layer sinks slightly under body weight. However, the transition and support layers are stable enough to prevent excessive sagging.

This sturdier perimeter expands the usable surface area and makes it easier for many sleepers to get into and out of bed. That said, sleepers over 230 pounds and couples engaging in sexual activity may feel more secure closer to the center of the mattress.

Like most memory foam models, the Emma Original sacrifices some ease of movement in favor of exceptional pressure relief and motion isolation.

The close conforming and slow response of the memory foam comfort layer can hinder position changes. Adding to the effect, the polyfoam core lacks springiness. This may be an obstacle for active sleepers and those with mobility issues.

Compared to the average foam model, the Emma Original receives decent marks for sex. While it lacks the bounce many couples prefer, the relatively good temperature control and strong pressure relief may enhance comfort.

Thanks to its more supportive edges, most couples should also feel fairly stable as long as they don’t get too close to the perimeter. However, the bed’s contouring could stifle movement and make it harder to change positions.

The mattress manufacturing process can create byproducts called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which smell but are generally harmless. New foam beds are especially prone to these odors.

For a bed made of foam, the Emma Original has relatively minimal off-gassing odors. It uses foams certified by CertiPUR-US, which are tested to ensure a low level of VOC emissions that could affect indoor air quality.

While there may be a slight odor after initially unboxing the mattress, the smell dissipates quickly and should be undetectable after a day or two.