Emma Sleep has a strong reputation within the mattress industry and a history of producing high-quality all-foam and hybrid beds. The brand has been shaking things up recently as it phases out some of its original models to allow space for new, upgraded versions. The Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort is the latest release—launched earlier this year—and the mattress we’ll focus on throughout this review.
Our sleep science experts rigorously tested this new mattress to compare it to Emma’s other models (current and past) and competitor brands. We evaluated its ability to provide pressure relief and support, how cool it sleeps, the material quality, and more. You can read our full, honest review below to help determine if this is the best mattress for you.
Our picks for the best Emma mattresses
Compare Emma mattresses
Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort | Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite | Emma Hybrid Comfort | |
Rating | |||
Price (queen) | $1,539 | $1,989 | $1,319 |
Material | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) |
Sleep style | Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, hot sleepers | Side sleepers, back sleepers, hot sleepers | Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, heavyweight sleepers |
Firmness | Medium-firm | Medium | Medium-firm |
Cooling | Adaptive® cooling cover, Airgocell® foam, coils | UltraDry™ cover, Thermosync® foam, Airgocell® foam, coils | Cooling cover, Airgocell® foam, coils |
Key product features
What you should know
With an emphasis on cooling, Emma includes a breathable, moisture-wicking cover in the Hybrid Cooling Comfort model. It also provides strong support through high-quality foams and sturdy steel coils.
- This mattress offers a medium-firm feel that helps support back and stomach sleepers.
- The price is right on this mattress, with a queen-sized bed costing $769 when on sale.
- The cooling cover, Airgocell® foam, and breathable coils make this an appealing choice for hot sleepers.
- The high responsiveness makes it easier to change positions, while the low motion transfer ensures your partner won’t feel your movements.
Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort overview
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort demonstrates the brand’s latest commitment to prioritizing cooling in its newest mattress releases. It features a breathable, moisture-resistant cover followed by open-cell foam and spacious pocketed coils that allow for ventilation throughout the bed. Beyond cooling, this bed offers zoned support, contouring pressure relief, and exceptional motion isolation.
This bed also appeals to budget shoppers looking for a quality mattress that won’t break the bank. It’s frequently offered at deep discounts, bringing the cost of a queen-sized mattress under $1,000. Fortunately, the cheaper price isn’t indicative of lower-quality materials. The CertiPUR-US® certified foams and robust steel coils felt supportive and durable throughout our testing. (1)
Mattress construction
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort is a solid 13-inch mattress. Its hybrid construction features six layers of foam and coils wrapped in an anti-slip cover. We appreciate the handles on the outside of the cover, which help make it easier to rotate this mattress during routine maintenance. I’ll dissect each layer below to help you visualize what you’ll be sleeping on if you choose this mattress.
Cover: The Adaptive® Emma cover consists of breathable, moisture-resistant polyester. It offers a soft-to-the-touch feel and an anti-slip texture.
Comfort layer: The comfort layer consists of two foam varieties. The Airgocell® foam has an open-pored design, allowing air circulation and moisture regulation. (2) Beneath that, the Visco-elastic Cool Foam layer can provide pressure relief and motion isolation.
Transition layer: The HRX (High Resiliency Extra) foam adds durability to the top layers and serves as a transition to the sturdy coils below.
Support layer: The pocketed Aeroflex springs move independently from each other to quickly adapt to the body’s shape. They’re arranged in five strategic zones to provide ergonomic support through the head, shoulders, lower back, hips, and legs.
Base layer: The thickest foam layer lies at the base. Emma adds this stabilizing foam for support and durability.
Firmness
We provide a mattress firmness rating for every mattress we evaluate to help give you a general idea of how it feels. Because firmness is subjective, we aim to have multiple people with varying body types and preferences weigh in on this rating. Our testing team collectively decided this mattress scored 7.5 out of 10, which lands it on the high end of our range for medium-firm beds.
This mattress was firmer than expected, given that Emma rates it a five on the firmness scale. When our testers lay on the bed, they noted that it felt quite firm; they experienced minimal sinkage and stayed lifted on top of the bed.
Mattress performance
How soft or firm a mattress feels is important, but it’s not the only factor contributing to your sleep experience. Next, we’ll share what our testing revealed in various individual performance categories, like pressure relief, cooling, edge support, and responsiveness. Restorative sleep is vital for your well-being, and these elements can greatly influence how well-rested you are when you wake. (3)
Pressure relief and support
Pressure relief and support are two of the most significant categories regarding overall comfort. When well-balanced, these factors can help reduce discomfort and promote proper sleep posture for higher-quality sleep. (4)
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort mattress excels in providing support. The individually wrapped coils are strategically placed in five zones to help align the head, shoulders, back, hips, and legs. Our team felt this firm support throughout their testing, noting the mattress felt most comfortable when they were resting on their backs and stomachs. The materials also feel sturdy and sag-resistant, making it suitable for heavier and larger individuals.
Cooling
Overheating at night is a common problem and can negatively impact sleep quality. (5) Dr. Andrew Spector, a sleep medicine physician, notes that many people don’t realize they’re overheating. “Sleeping hot is a common but often unrecognized source of nighttime sleep disruption. Staying cooler at night is a relatively easy sleep hack for most people to try.”
Based on the name, we had high expectations for the mattress’s performance in this category. The cooling cover proved effective at helping regulate body temperature; it felt light and breathable during testing. The open-cell foam and edge-to-edge coils allow air to flow freely throughout the mattress instead of becoming trapped and building up. We think hot sleepers will find the cooling comfort they’ve been looking for on this bed. However, if you’re an overly hot sleeper, you may prefer the extra cooling features in Emma’s Hybrid Cooling Elite model.
Motion isolation
Sharing your bed with a partner can have considerable physical and mental health benefits. (6) However, it can also disrupt your sleep if you wake up frequently because you feel your partner, pet, or child tossing and turning or wiggling around. A bed with good motion isolation can help minimize these disturbances.
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort demonstrated exceptional motion isolation during our evaluation. Emma attributes this to the cool foam layer and the individually wrapped coils, which help the mattress adapt quickly as you change positions. We think this would be an excellent mattress for couples who want restful sleep without having to sleep on separate beds or in different rooms—which is relatively common amongst American couples. (7)
Responsiveness
We test responsiveness to understand how quickly a mattress returns after applying pressure. This can impact how easy it is to move around on the bed while changing positions or enjoying an intimate night with your partner. We felt plenty of spring in this mattress and could effortlessly switch sleeping positions.
Edge support
The final feature we’ll cover is how supportive a mattress feels around the edge. Many sleepers like to sit on the edge of the bed when getting in and out or to put on their socks, and a mattress that bears weight well along the perimeter can make that easier. It can also prevent you from feeling like you’ll slip out of bed if you sleep too close to the edge. Fortunately, this mattress displayed strong support in both scenarios.
Cost
At first glance, the Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort appears well-matched in cost compared to competitors. When we rounded up our list of the best hybrid mattresses, we found they typically range between $1,200 and $2,400. Emma lists this mattress’s total value at $1,539, which is very reasonable for what you get. Even better, it’s often on sale for as much as 50% off; a queen-sized model was discounted to $769 throughout our time reviewing this bed. We highly recommend shopping during sales events to find it similarly affordable. You can check out our guide if you’re curious about the best time to buy a mattress.
Who the Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort mattress is recommended for:
We’ve listed our top recommendations below for those who we think will feel most comfortable with the Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort mattress.
- The zoned support helps with proper spinal alignment and provides optimal conditions for back and stomach sleepers.
- Combination sleepers can change positions effortlessly on this highly responsive mattress.
- The advanced cooling features make it an excellent choice for hot sleepers.
- We think heavy sleepers will be happy with the sturdy support and durable, anti-sag materials.
Who the Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort mattress is not recommended for:
It’s a versatile mattress, but its comfort and support aren’t universal. It won’t meet the needs and preferences of all sleepers. If you fall into one of the following categories, we think you may prefer a different mattress.
- Side sleepers may experience pressure buildup and discomfort under their hips and shoulders because of the firmer feel.
- Those seeking the deeper sinking feel of traditional memory foam won’t find it here with the firmer surface that keeps the body lifted.
Expert opinion
Dr. Shelby Harris is a board-certified behavioral sleep medicine clinician who offers valuable insight into the Emma Comfort Cooling mattress and how to ensure you’re investing in a high-quality bed.
She reminds us to keep an open mind when shopping and consider our unique experience when deciding which mattress feels best. “The Emma Mattress says it works for all sleeping styles, but everyone’s different,” she says. “What feels great to one person might not work for someone else, so you need to find what’s comfortable for you.”
Real-world user reviews can also be a powerful tool when assessing a mattress. However, you must approach them keenly to ensure you get honest information. “When reading mattress reviews, it’s important to look for solid facts about how materials affect your sleep, not just buzzwords. You want something that truly delivers on its promises,” says Dr. Harris.
How we rated the Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort mattress
We performed firsthand testing on the Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort mattress to assess its performance in crucial criteria, such as comfort, support, cooling, and customer support. Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches used their years of mattress testing to help provide guidance and insights based on their hands-on experience with this bed. You can also read our full mattress testing methodology here.
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort scored highly for providing lumbar support and effectively regulating body temperature. The lengthy sleep trial is a considerable highlight, ensuring you have plenty of time to decide whether this mattress is best for you. However, the warranty falls short of competitors, which can offer 15-year, 20-year, or even lifetime warranties.
Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort mattress pricing and sizing
The below pricing reflects standard pricing and includes no discounts or other offers.
Size | Dimension | Price |
Twin | 39” W × 75” L × 13” H | $1,099 |
Twin XL | 39″ W x 80″ L x 13″ H | $1,199 |
Full | 54″ W x 75″ L x 13″ H | $1,359 |
Queen | 60″ W x 80″ L x 13″ H | $1,539 |
King | 76″ W x 80″ L x 13″ H | $1,839 |
California king | 72″ W x 84″ L x 13″ H | $1,919 |
Warranties and policies
Warranty
The warranty policy isn’t Emma’s strongest attribute. The company offers 10-year limited coverage on its mattresses, the bare minimum we want to see. Typically, you should expect your bed to last at least seven to 10 years, so it should be covered for its entire lifespan under this warranty. (8) However, longer warranties often indicate high confidence from the brand that the product will hold up well over time.
Emma’s policy covers the mattress for any defects caused by normal use, including a visible indentation over one and a half inches, flaws that cause the foam or springs to deteriorate, or manufacturing defects in the mattress cover. After proving a valid defect, the company will repair or replace the mattress for free during the 10-year warranty period.
Trial period
Buying a mattress online can often feel like a risk. It’s a significant investment to make without having the opportunity to lie on the bed first. Even when you try a mattress in-store, a few minutes of lying on it isn’t enough to determine how you’ll feel after sleeping on it for hours, night after night. That’s why we recommend choosing a mattress brand that offers a minimum of 100 nights to trial a bed.
Emma greatly surpasses that expectation with its year-long sleep trial, ensuring you can take your time deciding if the Hybrid Cooling Comfort meets your sleeping needs. The company requires a 30-day mattress break-in period because many mattresses can take up to a few months to feel comfortable for sleepers. Still, after that, you can return the mattress anytime within the 365-night period. Returns are free, and you’ll receive a full refund. However, if you live outside the contiguous U.S., you’ll be responsible for shipping fees to send it back.
Shipping
Emma offers free shipping on all mattresses shipped within the continental U.S. However, if you live in Alaska, Hawaii, or a U.S. territory, you’ll owe shipping surcharge fees, which Emma calculated to be $250 at checkout. You can also opt into mattress removal services for an additional $125. Due to state environmental regulations, this fee is waived for California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island residents.
If you’re curious why Canada isn’t listed in the shipping policies, Emma Sleep has a separate website for Canadian shoppers, who also benefit from free shipping. Be mindful that the mattress selection differs. While the Hybrid Cooling Comfort isn’t offered, the Emma Hybrid Comfort ranks on our list of the best mattresses in Canada.
Specs
Price (queen) | $1,539 |
Material | Hybrid |
Firmness | Medium-firm |
Trial period | 365 nights |
Shipping | Free |
Weight (queen) | 91 lbs |
Height | 13” tall |
Additional models from Emma
We mentioned earlier that Emma has recently introduced multiple new mattresses alongside or as replacements for its original models. Below, I’ll briefly discuss the other two available mattresses to help you compare them.
Key product features
Hybrid Cooling Comfort vs. Hybrid Cooling Elite
The Hybrid Cooling Elite takes comfort and cooling up a notch compared to the Hybrid Cooling Comfort. It boasts enhanced cooling features and additional comfort foam layers.
- Cost: As a premium mattress option, you can still purchase a queen-sized mattress for under $1,000 when it’s on sale for $995. However, its total price is double that at $1,989.
- Materials: This 14-inch mattress features a few different materials not featured in the Hybrid Cooling Comfort. The Hybrid Cooling Elite has an upgraded cooling cover and a layer of graphite-infused foam for extra cooling. Beneath the Airgocell® foam, Emma replaced the Cool Foam with a MemoryAdapt Foam.
- Comfort and support: This bed feels softer and has a medium firmness level, likely due to the additional memory foam layer. The coils also offer seven ergonomic support zones compared to the five zones in the Hybrid Comfort Cooling mattress. These zones are primarily in the shoulder, hip, and leg regions.
- Cooling: Our testers called this one of the coolest beds they’ve tested. The UltraDry™ cover feels cool to the touch. Emma keeps the Airgocell® foam and adds graphite-infused Thermosync® foam. Graphite has high thermal conductivity properties, which can help it absorb heat and pull it away from the body. (9)
We recommend the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite for:
- Extra hot sleepers shouldn’t have any problems staying cool on this mattress. Its cooling technology is fantastic at absorbing heat and keeping the body cool.
- The softer, plush feel may be ideal for strict side sleepers who feel more comfortable with extra cushion around their hips and shoulders.
- The plushness doesn’t comprise the support, so we think back sleepers will still feel lifted and aligned on this mattress.
Key product features
Hybrid Cooling Comfort vs. Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a classic hybrid mattress similar to the Hybrid Cooling Comfort. It offers firm support with pressure-relieving foams and sturdy coils.
- Cost: This mattress is currently on clearance and only available in king-sized, which costs $659. That’s an incredible value for a king-sized bed.
- Materials: The only difference between the Hybrid Comfort and Hybrid Cooling Comfort models is the cover. The Hybrid Comfort model has the brand’s standard breathable cover, while the Cooling Comfort model has an upgraded cooling version.
- Comfort and support: Both models have identical comfort and support layers, with three foam layers, zoned innerspring coils, and a stability foam base.
- Cooling: The Breathable Emma Cover, Airgocell® foam, and breathable coils help regulate body temperature. However, it doesn’t sleep as cool as the Hybrid Cooling Comfort mattress.
We recommend the Emma Hybrid Comfort for:
- We think back and stomach sleepers will feel well-supported on this medium-firm mattress.
- It’s a bouncy, responsive bed that appeals to combination sleepers.
- The exceptional motion isolation is perfect for couples who don’t want to feel their partner’s every movement.
Hybrid Cooling Comfort vs. Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a classic hybrid mattress similar to the Hybrid Cooling Comfort. It offers firm support with pressure-relieving foams and sturdy coils.
- Cost: This mattress is currently on clearance and only available in king-sized, which costs $659. That’s an incredible value for a king-sized bed.
- Materials: The only difference between the Hybrid Comfort and Hybrid Cooling Comfort models is the cover. The Hybrid Comfort model has the brand’s standard breathable cover, while the Cooling Comfort model has an upgraded cooling version.
- Comfort and support: Both models have identical comfort and support layers, with three foam layers, zoned innerspring coils, and a stability foam base.
- Cooling: The Breathable Emma Cover, Airgocell® foam, and breathable coils help regulate body temperature. However, it doesn’t sleep as cool as the Hybrid Cooling Comfort mattress.
We recommend the Emma Hybrid Comfort for:
- We think back and stomach sleepers will feel well-supported on this medium-firm mattress.
- It’s a bouncy, responsive bed that appeals to combination sleepers.
The exceptional motion isolation is perfect for couples who don’t want to feel their partner’s every movement.
Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort vs. competitors
The Emma may not be the only mattress you’re considering in an industry ripe with competition. If you’re worried about Emma’s shorter warranty, we recommend the Nectar Classic Hybrid. It offers a similar cost, materials, and overall feel, but the Lifetime warranty is far superior. Meanwhile, the DreamCloud Hybrid provides more pressure relief through the joints for strict side sleepers.
Activity levels and body type also impact mattress choice. Bear designs its mattresses specifically for athletes and active individuals. The Bear Elite Hybrid cover material features sleep recovery technology that may support improved post-workout recovery. To learn more, read our full Bear mattress review. Lastly, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature allows sleepers to customize their firmness level based on their unique needs. We recommend the firm model for heavier-weight sleepers.
Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort | Nectar Classic Hybrid | Bear Elite Hybrid | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | DreamCloud Hybrid | |
Rating | |||||
Price (queen) | $1,539 | $1,613 | $2,305 | $1,332 | $1,613 |
Material | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) |
Sleep style | Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, hot sleepers | Back sleepers, stomach sleepers | All sleep styles, hot sleepers | All sleep styles, heavyweight sleepers | Side sleepers, back sleepers, hot sleepers |
Firmness | Medium-firm | Medium-firm | Soft, medium, firm | Soft, medium, firm | Medium-firm |
Cooling | Adaptive® cooling cover, Airgocell® foam, coils | Cooling cover, coils | Cooling cover, copper foam, coils | Breathable cover | Cashmere cover, gel foam, coils |
Is Emma good for side sleepers?
Experts often recommend side sleeping for many reasons. It can offer several benefits, including protecting against neck and back pain when the spine is properly supported and aligned. (10) This position can also help keep the airway open, potentially improving snoring and reducing sleep apnea events. (11) However, mattress type and quality can significantly impact whether you experience these advantages. A mattress that doesn’t offer enough pressure relief through the joints can potentially lead to pain and discomfort in the shoulders and hips. (12)
Unfortunately, we think that could likely be the experience for side sleepers on the Emma Hybrid Cooling Comfort. During our evaluation, we saw tension building up under the hips and shoulders, and our testers shared that they felt least comfortable when lying on their sides. Instead, we recommend the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite, which offers a softer feel and features additional pressure-relieving foam layers. For more options, you can also review our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
We’ve featured Emma in:
- Best mattresses
- Best affordable mattresses
- Best hybrid mattresses
- Best mattresses in Canada
- Best mattresses for combination sleepers
- Best mattresses for shoulder pain
- Best memory foam mattresses
- Best mattresses without fiberglass
- Best mattresses under $1,000
- Best California king mattresses
FAQs
Do Emma mattresses sag over time?
We don’t expect you’ll experience issues with Emma mattresses sagging prematurely. Of course, every mattress will eventually experience breakdown within its materials. However, Emma’s materials feel high-quality and durable. We feel confident they will hold up until you’re ready to shop for a new mattress, which we typically recommend around the seven- to 10-year mark.
Are Emma mattresses soft or firm?
Emma offers various mattress models with differing firmness levels. We rated the Hybrid Cooling Comfort on the firmest end of the medium-firm spectrum. It provides excellent support for back and stomach sleepers. Meanwhile, the Hybrid Cooling Elite offers a softer feel that appeals to side and back sleepers.
Our experts
Andrew Spector, MD, FAASM, FAAN
Dr. Andrew Spector is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Duke University, where he serves as the Program Director for the Sleep Medicine Fellowship and the Sleep Optimization Consultant for Duke Athletics. His bestselling book, Navigating Life with Restless Legs Syndrome, has garnered widespread acclaim. Frequently sought after by the media, Dr. Spector has been featured in outlets such as Yahoo!, Men’s Health Magazine, and Scientific American. To explore more of his work, visit www.andrewspectormd.com.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Corey Jungwirth, NBHWC
Fortune Recommends Staff Writer
About Author
Sources
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- Celmer, L. (2024, July 29). Over a third of Americans opt for a “sleep divorce.” American Academy of Sleep Medicine – Association for Sleep Clinicians and Researchers. https://aasm.org/over-a-third-americans-opt-sleep-divorce/
- Farmer, J. (2017, April 14). Replacing a mattress. Better Sleep Council | Start Every Day With a Good Night’s Sleep. https://bettersleep.org/mattress-education/replacing-a-mattress/
- PubChem. (n.d.). Graphite. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Graphite#section=Minerals
- Salamon, M. (2022, August 1). Not-so-sweet slumber. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/not-so-sweet-slumber
- Srijithesh, P. R., Aghoram, R., Goel, A., & Dhanya, J. (2019). Positional therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea. Cochrane Library, 2019(11). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd010990.pub2
- Holdaway, L. A., Hegmann, K. T., Thiese, M. S., & Kapellusch, J. (2018). Is sleep position associated with glenohumeral shoulder pain and rotator cuff tendinopathy: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-018-2319-9