The hybrid mattress (a blend of foam and pocket springs) is taking over the market, and there is a bewildering array of options out there. The Emma Elite mattress (originally called the Emma Zero Gravity mattress) is one of the more premium examples of these (it's at the top end of Emma's range), but what differentiates one of these mattresses from another? It can be difficult in a market full of apparently similar options to decide which one is best for you. Having tried one hybrid from the more affordable end of the spectrum, I recently upgraded to the Emma Elite mattress, and here's what I found.
Emma Elite Mattress: is it worth buying?
All hybrid mattresses combine top layers made from pressure-relieving foam with an under-layer of flexible springs, combining support from the foam with responsiveness in the springs, but the Emma Elite is particularly clever when it comes to the foam layers. It has an impressive five of these, all of which perform a different function. At the top is the brand's new ‘AirGrid’ layer, made from a gel with plenty of room for air to flow through it: this eliminates one significant problem with memory foam – the fact that it tends to heat up. This was my main criticism with my previous mattress: it could sometimes feel a little stifling if I stayed in the same position for too long. The Emma Elite, however, is delightfully cool at all times.
The next layer of ‘AeroFoam’ helps even more, by wicking moisture away from the body, while the memory foam underneath that adapts to the shape of your body. Finally, a layer of ‘SupportBase’ foam is designed to prevent you from feeling like you're sinking. If you sleep with a significant other, all these layers of foam (especially that gel topper) are supportive enough to prevent ‘motion transfer’ as they call it in the biz: i.e. you won't feel them tossing and turning too much (what a blessed relief).
The innovation doesn't stop with the foam: the ‘Infinity Springs’ that form the bottom layer and allow the mattress to respond to your movements through the night are arranged into seven zones. Some zones are firmer than others – for example, the area for your lower back is firmer than the one for your shoulders.
Like the rest of the ‘mattress in a box’ crowd, the Emma Elite mattress wins on convenience, arriving vacuum packed in an improbably small box. Easy-to-follow instructions direct you to tip it out of the box onto the divan or bed frame, and then make a small cut to de-vacuum it. Then give it some space, as it will expand at a fairly startling rate (it's very satisfying to watch). The aesthetics are pleasing too: the soft outer layer is white on top and grey on the bottom, and unzips so that you can easily wash the cover.
Fact file
- Firmness: Medium soft
- Trial period: All Emma mattresses come with a 200 night sleep trial, to ensure your mattress is right
- Guarantee: 10 years
- Country of manufacture: Made in the UK.
- Sizes available: Single, double, king and super king
- Type of mattress: Hybrid (seven layers of foam plus pocket springs)
How much does an Emma mattress cost?
The Elite is the premium offering from Emma: a double retails for £1,489, though the launch discount of 40% has taken it down to £893).
Delivery
Emma offers free delivery to your doorstep, and free returns too (you can have the mattress picked up from your doorstep too). There is no white glove service, so you'll have to get the mattress to your bedroom and unfurl it yourself, but this should be fairly straightforward.
The verdict: is the Emma Elite worth it?
The sumptuous layering of the foam and springs makes for a supremely comfortable mattress. Without a doubt it feels cooler and more supportive than cheaper hybrid models, and results in a better night's sleep. So trust in the old adage: you get what you pay for.
