This Emma ‘Original Elite Mattress’ (formerly known as the ‘Hybrid AirGrid Mattress’ and before that, the ‘Elite Mattress’) is one of the more premium examples of modern hybrid mattresses – the Emma’s at the top end of the range when it comes to price and features. But what sets one of these mattresses apart from another? It can be difficult to decide which one is best for you in a market full of seemingly similar options. After trying a hybrid from the more affordable end of the spectrum (you can also read A review of that evening mattress), I upgraded to the Emma Original Elite mattress and here’s what I got.
Emma Original Elite Mattress: Is It Worth Buying?
This Emma ‘Original Elite Mattress’ One of our top recommended mattresses – and we’ve tested many. Emma is a leading retailer when it comes to their hybrid technology. They’re one of the breakout stars of the online mattress world, and every Emma mattress we’ve tested has come out with great reviews. The Original Elite has their highest rating for both breathability and thermoregulation, so in the summer when hot and humid nights can be detrimental to our sleep quality, it will be great.
We can suggest: our The best mattress Buying guide
All hybrid mattresses combine top layers made of pressure-relieving foam with an under-layer of flexible springs, which combine foam support with spring response, but the Original Elite is particularly clever when it comes to foam layers. He has an impressive five of these, all of which perform a different function. On top is the brand’s new ‘AirGrid’ layer, made from gel that has plenty of room for air: this overcomes a 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 bit suffocating if I stayed in the same position for too long. The original cast, however, is delightfully cool at all times.
The front ‘Ergocell’ layer helps further by wicking moisture away from the body, while the memory foam underneath molds to your body shape and provides much-needed support. Then underneath, a layer of ‘SupportBase’ foam designed to keep 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: meaning you don’t feel them bouncing and twisting too much (what a blessed relief).
The innovation doesn’t stop with the foam: the springs that make up the bottom layer and allow the mattress to respond to your movements during the night are arranged in seven zones that cater to different parts of the body from head to toe. Some zones are stronger than others – for example, your back area is stronger than your shoulder area. The mattress is described as medium soft. My initial concern was that it would be too squishy and not supportive enough, but in fact the opposite is true: the perfectly balanced tension of the mattress, and its firm but gentle cradling effect, are among the most notable features.
