Emma Original Hybrid Mattress Review

OVERVIEW

The Original Hybrid is the only hybrid model sold in the U.S. by Emma, a German mattress and bedding company that operates in more than 20 countries across the globe. In addition to the Original Hybrid, Emma also produces the flagship memory foam Emma Original Mattress.

Both the Original Hybrid and the Original feature comfort systems with layers of proprietary, breathable memory foam and transitional polyfoam. However, the Original Hybrid also boasts pocketed coils with five ergonomic zones and provides a more balanced medium firm (6) feel.

We’ll discuss the details of the Emma Original Hybrid, including its construction and materials, the sleepers it’s likely to serve best, and how it performed in our sleep lab tests.

Ideal For:

• Side sleepers over 130 pounds
• Back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds
• People who sleep warm
• Sleepers who prefer a balanced mattress without excessive sinkage

Considerations:

• May be harder to move on compared to other hybrid mattresses
• Not ideal for back and stomach sleepers above 230 pounds
• May not offer enough pressure relief for side sleepers under 130 pounds

Mattress Performance

Motion isolation is most important for light sleepers or those who share a bed with a partner or pets. While pocketed coils generally transfer less motion than a traditional innerspring mattress, they typically can’t achieve the same motion isolation as an all-foam model with a polyfoam support core.

The Original Hybrid’s performance in this category is comparable to a typical hybrid bed. The two foam comfort layers offset the responsiveness of the coiled core and should dampen enough movement to satisfy most sleepers.

However, those who prioritize motion isolation may want to consider a model with more memory foam, such as the Original all-foam mattress.

The Original Hybrid pairs an inch of memory foam with an inch of polyfoam in its comfort system. Its pocketed coils are zoned to be firmer in some areas than others, providing targeted pressure relief and support. Our testers reported that this design creates a balanced feel of sleeping both “on” and “in” the bed.

Side sleepers prone to developing pressure points typically value a pressure-relieving mattress. While our side sleepers over 130 pounds appreciated the hybrid’s balanced feel, those under that weight threshold preferred the thicker memory foam layer of the all-foam Emma Original.

Sleepers with joint pain might also prefer the Original all-foam model over the Original Hybrid.

Hybrid mattresses tend to sleep cooler than all-foam beds thanks to airflow through the coils, and the Original Hybrid is no different. It also uses a proprietary memory foam designed to have better airflow than standard memory foam.

Our testers found that the Original Hybrid stays at a comfortable temperature throughout the night, indicating that the contouring comfort layers don’t retain too much body heat. Even testers who sleep very warm gave the mattress high scores in this category, though they noted that it may feel uncomfortable in hot weather.

Hybrids usually have good edge support even without additional features, but the Original Hybrid’s reinforced perimeter pushes it ahead of many competitors. Most of our sleep testers reported being able to sleep very close to the edge without losing support, though those above 230 pounds did notice some difference.

Our testers found that sitting on the edge of the bed or getting out of bed caused the mattress to bow slightly, which might disturb lighter sleepers. However, the Original Hybrid’s edge support made getting into and out of bed easier, which could be helpful for people with mobility concerns.

Edge support is also important for couples, as a mattress with poor support around the perimeter does not allow sleepers to use the full sleep surface and may make the mattress feel too cramped.

Hybrids usually have good edge support even without additional features, but the Original Hybrid’s reinforced perimeter pushes it ahead of many competitors. Most of our sleep testers reported being able to sleep very close to the edge without losing support, though those above 230 pounds did notice some difference.

Our testers found that sitting on the edge of the bed or getting out of bed caused the mattress to bow slightly, which might disturb lighter sleepers. However, the Original Hybrid’s edge support made getting into and out of bed easier, which could be helpful for people with mobility concerns.

Edge support is also important for couples, as a mattress with poor support around the perimeter does not allow sleepers to use the full sleep surface and may make the mattress feel too cramped.

Our testers found that the Original Hybrid is easy to move around on, though its performance in this category is slightly below that of some competitors. Those who change positions frequently or have mobility concerns may want to look for a mattress with a firmer comfort system.

The Original Hybrid’s combination of slightly bouncy pocketed coils and a not-too-deep comfort system provides an above-average blend of responsiveness and cushioning for sex.

Edge support, temperature control, and ease of movement can also affect a mattress’ suitability for sex. The Original Hybrid is likely to appeal to most couples based on its favorable scores in these areas. However, those looking for a bouncier surface may prefer a latex hybrid or innerspring mattress.

While the Original Hybrid has a mild but distinctive smell when first unwrapped, we found that it dissipated quickly over the first six hours, then disappeared entirely after 24 hours. Letting the mattress air out in a sunny room with good airflow can hasten the process.

Mattress off-gassing is caused by the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) created during manufacturing. While considered harmless, the odor may be unpleasant to some people.

Emma Original Hybrid Mattress Coupon

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Sleeping Style and Body Weight

Emma Original Hybrid

Sleeper Type

Under 130 lbs

130-230 lbs

Above 230 lbs

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

130-230 lbs

Above 230 lbs

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

130-230 lbs

Above 230 lbs

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

130-230 lbs

Above 230 lbs

Side Sleepers:
The Original Hybrid is most suitable for side sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds. Side sleepers are prone to developing sore points at their hips and shoulders if their bed does not adequately relieve pressure. Due to their weight not fully compressing the mattress, our testers under 130 pounds found that the mattress felt slightly too firm.

Side sleepers above 130 pounds receive the full benefit of the Original Hybrid’s zoned coils, allowing the spine to rest in a neutral position. Most people under this range should find the Original Hybrid supportive, but some may experience spinal tension during the night.

Back Sleepers:
The Original Hybrid provides the support necessary for back sleepers under 130 pounds, but it is slightly less suitable for back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. Back sleepers above 230 pounds should consider a firmer, more supportive mattress for their body type.

People who sleep on their back need significant support through their hips, as well as enough pressure relief to prevent muscle tension in the upper back and shoulders. Our testers below 130 pounds reported that the bed felt balanced and very supportive, while those between 130 and 230 pounds found that the bed created tension in their lower back. Testers above 230 pounds reported feeling as though they were sinking into the bed and getting minimal support.

Stomach Sleepers:
Stomach sleepers require a careful balance of pelvic support and pressure relief, which the Original Hybrid delivers best for stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Our testers between 130 and 230 pounds also found the mattress quite supportive, but team members above 230 pounds reported a lack of support through their hips.

Insufficient pelvic support can cause the back to arch, preventing a stomach sleeper’s muscles from fully relaxing while they sleep. The stress placed on the lower back in this position may affect the rest of the body as well, leading to pain or stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and thighs.

Stomach sleepers above 130 pounds — and particularly those over 230 pounds — may prefer a firmer mattress than the Original Hybrid or one with a less contouring comfort system.

Emma Original Hybrid Mattress Review Breakdown

The Emma Original Hybrid has a 12-inch profile and a medium firm (6) feel. Like the Original all-foam mattress, the hybrid pairs memory foam and polyfoam in its comfort system. However, the hybrid has 1-inch layers of each, while the medium (5) all-foam model features 1.5-inch layers. This means that sleepers don’t sink as deeply into the Original Hybrid. Overall, this construction creates a balanced feel that may appeal to sleepers who dislike the deep cradle of a memory foam mattress.

Both of Emma’s Original mattresses use a proprietary memory foam called ParticleCool, which is designed to promote better airflow than traditional memory foam. Combined with minimal sinkage, this feature gives the mattress better temperature neutrality, which can lead to a cooler sleep. The polyfoam comfort layer provides extra pressure relief while also acting as a transitional layer to prevent sleepers from feeling the springs in the support core.

Pocketed coils provide better support than many other support core options, and the Original Hybrid’s ergonomic zoning helps ensure the right balance of support and pressure relief. The coils are zoned into five sections, with firmer coils in areas like the pelvis to provide more targeted support.

Beneath the 8-inch layer of pocketed coils is a 2-inch polyfoam layer. In addition to providing a base for the coils to compress against, it also stabilizes the mattress and improves the bed’s overall edge support.

Mattress Prices and Sizing

The Original Hybrid’s price-point is about average for a luxury mattress, though it’s slightly below average for a hybrid model. Luxury touches like ergonomically zoned coils and proprietary foam with better airflow may make the cost worth it for some customers. Emma offers the Original Hybrid in the six standard mattress sizes.

SleepFoundation readers can use code SF5 to get an additional 5% off on top of website discount

See Best Price

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