Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress review

If you’re considering the Emma Luxe mattress, here are some things you might want to know: This mattress, as of 2024, now has six layers plus the cover. It’s designed mainly to keep you cool, hence the name, and while each layer is designed to provide a comfortable sleeping experience, the overall feel of the mattress might not be for everyone.

• 6 layers plus cover, focussed on keeping you cool
• Removable, machine-washable cover
• Graphite-infused to keep you dry
• 200-night trial period and 10-year warranty
• Cheaper than many rivals
• Medium-soft – might be too soft for some

However, not everyone will feel comfortable sleeping on the medium-soft firmness of the Emma Luxe Cooling mattress – mainly because of Emma’s primary focus on cooling, they have neglected other areas. The mattress might either feel overly soft or too weak in support, depending on the individual. On the other hand, it’s an excellent option if you’re in the market for a softer mattress and need something to help keep you cool.

The Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress compares favourably to others in terms of cost and, as ever, folk who are hesitant to buy without first experiencing the product can rest easy knowing that it comes with a 200-night trial period and a 10-year warranty.

The Emma Luxe Cooling mattress, in general, is a high-quality option for those seeking a mattress that keeps you both warm and dry while you sleep. It’s not the best option for everyone, but if you’re in the market for a decent cooling mattress that also offers customised support and pressure relief, this one deserves serious consideration.

Pros

• Graphite-infused to keep you cool
• Made in the UK
• 5 body zones to keep you comfy throughout the night
• 200-night trial period and 10-year warranty

Cons

• Higher price than some competitors
• Rather heavy, even when in the box
• May be too soft for some

What is a ‘cooling’ mattress?

Emma have called this a “Cooling” mattress and it’s easy to see why, given that traditionally a lot of their mattresses have been criticised by those who sleep hot.

Normally, with a regular foam / hybrid mattress, the memory foam and the cover underneath where you’re laying gradually warms up – simply because it absorbs your body heat. This can often lead you to wake up in a sweat, particularly if you ‘sleep hot’. However, thanks to what Emma called the “Premium ThermoSync Technology”, the foam contained within the Emma Luxe underneath you supposedly will never get hotter than you. Emma claim that you’ll be able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer.

But what exactly is ThermoSync Technology?

Emma tell me that ThermoSync Technology isn’t just graphite infused foam – though that’s a big part of it.

It’s a patented technology developed by Emma Sleep in Germany, that includes a combination of materials and construction techniques designed to give you, the user, maximum temperature regulation.

Graphite is, in my opinion, one of the more interesting developments to hit the UK mattress scene lately. In a nutshell:

• Graphite is a highly conductive material that is often found in the production of electronic devices such as mobile phones & laptops as it dissipates heat. When used in teh construction of a mattress, however, graphite can help to regulate body temperature by moving heat away from the body and spreading it out across the surface of the mattress. This can help to prevent the buildup of heat in specific areas of the mattress, which can lead to uncomfortable night sweats and disrupted sleep.
• Intriguingly, graphite also has the ability to absorb heat, which can help to keep the body cool during warmer months. As the body heats up, the graphite will absorb this  heat and then release it back into the air.
• Lastly, graphite is also a highly durable and resilient material that can help prevent the formation of body impressions and ensure that the mattress retains its shape over time; thus making it a great choice for those who want a mattress that will last for a while.

It’s not all rosey though 🙁  Despite the many advantages of graphite-infused mattresses, there are a few drawbacks to think about too:

Cost: Because of the higher cost of the advanced materials and technology required to make them, mattresses infused with graphite tend to be more expensive than ordinary mattresses. The OTTY Pure is a good example of this – costing about 33% more than the non-graphite model.

Smell: After unboxing, some sleepers have noticed a faint smell from their graphite-infused mattress, caused by the materials used to make the mattress, however the smell did in my case go away after two days.

Longevity: As graphite-infused mattresses have only recently become available, there is little information available about their longevity. It is unknown how well these mattresses will keep up over time, despite the fact that many manufacturers provide warranties of 10 years or more.

Why is all this important?

Bear with me, while I get technical: it’s important because our core temperature dips slightly when we drift off to sleep.

After an hour, we’ll have entered a deeper stage of sleep (called REM) and  body temperatures will have dropped even further (by about one degrees celsius). So if you want to wake up feeling relaxed and refreshed, it’s makes sense that you spend sufficient time in the deepest stages of sleep – and to do this, you need to be kept cool.

By the way, anyone can test the moisture-wicking properties of a mattress, quickly & easily. To do so, I use what I call the simple hand-test. After pressing my damp hand on the surface for 10 seconds, I removed it and observed how quickly the moisture evaporated; the results were impressive, with the surface feeling dry to the touch and effectively wicking away the droplets. Multiple tests in different areas of the mattress cover yielded consistent results. Not in any way scientific, but it’s something I do for many of the mattresses under testing.

What about the Luxe’s cover?

The outer materials of the Emma Luxe Cooling mattress include a removable and machine-washable top cover made of 99% polyester and 1% elastane, a side cover made of 100% polyester, and a bottom cover made of 87% polyester and 13% polypropylene. The four vertical handles on the mattress are also made of 100% polyester, which feels sturdy and well-made.

To confirm, the cover here is removable, so you can throw it in the washing machine on a cold cycle if it gets too dirty. Because of this, upkeep is pretty easy, and that’s a big plus (it’s surprising how many more expensive mattresses don’t have a removable cover). Plus, the four side handles on the cover make it easy to transport the mattress – though be aware it’s quite heavy (more on this later).

Finally, an anti-slip surface on the bottom of the cover prevents the mattress from moving about as you sleep. The covers are of high quality and this shows: Emma have spent some time designing this and given it a thoughtful, intuitive layout.

Hang on… Isn’t a polyester cover bad news?

Not really.

It’s true that the moisture-wicking properties of polyester and cotton, two of the most extensively used textiles for mattress covers, do vary quite a lot.

• Polyester is a synthetic fabric well-known for its moisture-wicking properties; its water-repellent fibres means that it wicks sweat away from the skin and towards the fabric’s surface, where it can evaporate quickly. This can help you to maintain a dry and comfortable sleeping environment.
• Cotton, on the other hand, is a natural fibre that is both comfortable and breathable. Cotton can be highly absorbent, so it doesn’t wick sweat away from the body as well as polyester does. People who perspire significantly during their sleep should probably avoid sleeping on cotton since it retains moisture and might be uncomfortable.

So with that in mind, it’s not surprising that Emma have gone for the polyester cover, given this is a mattress designed mostly to keep you cool and sweat-free.

Perhaps a blend of polyester and latex would have been better, though this would have no doubt driven up the price, and Emma are increasingly trying to make their mattresses budget-friendly, so I assume that’s why they’ve gone for polyester alone.

If you’re looking for an alternate, 100% cotton cover mattress, consider the (more expensive) Simba Hybrid Pro.

Emma Luxe: Firmness

In my opinion, the Emma Luxe mattress has a medium-to-soft level of firmness, which makes it a good choice for those looking for that elusive soft mattress nowadays (most of them seem to be medium-firm or firm…).

On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the firmest, the Emma Luxe is rated by us at WhatMattress at 5.8. This level of softness is designed to provide optimal comfort and pressure relief for the body, while still providing enough support for proper spinal alignment. If you’re looking for a softer hybrid mattress, this may be the one.

The medium-soft firmness level of the Emma Luxe Cooling hybrid mattress makes it a great choice, and arguably one of the best mattresses, for specific types of sleepers:

1. Side sleepers, in particular, will appreciate the pressure relief provided by the mattress, which can help to reduce pain and stiffness in the shoulders and hips. The targeted body zones of the Emma Luxe mattress also help to keep the body cool and dry throughout the night, which is great for those who tend to sleep hot.
2. However, the softness may not be ideal for those who prefer firm i.e. those who require extra support for back or joint pain. If you’re looking for a mattress for back pain, read this.
3. Additionally, stomach (front) sleepers may find that the level of firmness here from teh Luxe doesn’t provide enough support for proper spinal alignment, which could unfortunately lead to discomfort or pain over time.

Top Hybrid Mattresses: Comparison

A comparison of the best UK hybrid mattresses

	BEST IN TEST Emma NextGen Premium	Simba Hybrid Luxe	Eve Original Hybrid	Simba Hybrid Pro	OTTY Pure	Simba Hybrid	Eve Premium Hybrid
WhatMattress Rating	4.6	4.5	4.4	4.3	4.3	3.9	3.9
User Rating	4.3	4.4	4.3	4.5	4.3	4.0	4.2
Price	£359.55	£499.00	£407.00	£367.00	£274.50	£488.00	£407.00
	More info	More info	More info	More info	More info	More info	More info
	Read my Emma NextGen Premium review	Read my Simba Hybrid Luxe review	Read my Eve Original Hybrid review	Read my Simba Hybrid Pro review	Read my OTTY PURE Hybrid review	Read my Simba Hybrid review	Read Eve Premium Hybrid my review

What’s this about ‘zoned support’?

The Emma Luxe mattress, among a few others in their range, makes a big deal out of their five “distinct” regions or zones, that each offer localised support to a certain part of the body. These are:

1. Head & neck support;
2. Shoulder support;
3. Hip support;
4. Lower back support;  and
5. Leg & foot support

In short, this can lessen the likelihood of back pain by keeping the spine in its natural position and supported properly when you sleep..

These so-called CarbonFlex springs’ unique wrapping and freedom of movement aid in minimising motion transfer, so you and your sleeping partner/spouse should get a better night’s rest without bothering each other.

At a glance: Quick facts

About the Emma Luxe Free Trial

All Emma mattresses, including the Emma Luxe Cooling, come with a standard 200-night sleep trial that gives you more than 6 months to decide if the mattress is right for you.

This used to be impressive, and it still is to an extent, but be aware most other manufacturers now offer 200-night trials too.

You can get a full refund if you’re unhappy with the Emma mattress for any reason, and the return process is simple and supported by friendly staff. In addition, the Emma Luxe mattress comes with a  10-year warranty.

About the 6 layers

Recently, Emma added an extra layer to this mattress, so older models will have 1 less.

Here is a brief summary of each layer as of right now:

1. A removable and machine-washable cover.
2. A top layer designed to regulate temperature and keep you cool. This layer is infused with graphite, which can move heat away from the body and absorb heat to keep the body cool.
3. A layer of Airgocell foam, which provides pressure relief and helps distribute body weight evenly.
4. A layer of memory foam, which conforms to the body and provides customized support.
5. A layer of pocket springs (12.5cm high), which provide support and help distribute body weight evenly.
6. A layer of high-density foam, which provides a stable base for the mattress and helps with durability.

Overall, the six layers work together to provide a comfortable sleeping experience while also regulating temperature and providing customized support and pressure relief.

About the delivery

The Emma Luxe mattress comes with free delivery anywhere in the United Kingdom (mainland).

In most cases, you can expect to get your Luxe mattress delivered within 2-5 business days:  these, thankfully, aren’t made to order. Emma partners with couriers like DPD, UPS, and Rhenus and what’s more, all deliveries are tracked. The Emma Luxe is a rolled or bed-in-a-box mattress, so it will come in a box, which can be quite heavy – see below.

Frankly, the delivery service from Emma is a bit hit and miss. They use national couriers rather than a white-glove service, so they won’t take it to the room of your choice sadly – unlike, say, Brook & Wilde. In other words, they’ll only deliver to your front door and then it’s up to you.

Their FAQ confirms as much:

How heavy are the Luxe Cooling mattresses?

Quite heavy, actually – so if you’re not sure if you’re able to lift these up stairs, be aware the couriers only deliver to your front door. You may need to arrange for someone to help you.

As a guide, a healthy adult can lift around 20kg by themselves. Note that, all Emma packages are shipped in boxes of 45x45x110cm.

Alternative mattresses to consider

The Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress isn’t the only option in the UK, though. I’ve already mentioned the OTTY Pure, but there’s also the following as alternatives:

• The Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress not only provides comfort and support through its use of foam and springs, but also through the use of cooling technology. It has a 10-year guarantee and a trial period of 200 nights.
• The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress provides a relaxing night’s sleep thanks to its quilted memory foam cover and adaptive cooling technology. There’s a full year (365 days!) to try it out and a lifetime guarantee.
• OTTY Hybrid Mattress: This mattress has a special blend of foam layers and pocket springs, in addition to a soft, breathable cover. It has a 10-year guarantee and a 200-night trial period.
• The Eve Original mattress has a cooling top cover and a supportive foam layer for optimal temperature control. It has a 10-year guarantee and a 100-night trial period.
• At the very top end of the budget, there’s the Simba GO. This is a premium, graphite infused hybrid, but it’s also got hugely impressive eco-credentials.

In a hurry? Here are the main points for the Emma Luxe Cooling:

• The Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress has six layers plus a cover, designed to keep you cool while providing a comfortable sleeping experience.
• The cover is removable and machine-washable.
• The mattress has a medium-soft firmness, which may not be suitable for everyone.
• The mattress has a 200-night trial period and a 10-year warranty.
• The Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress is priced lower than some competitors.5
• Pros include graphite-infused materials for temperature regulation, made in the UK, and  body zones for comfort.
• Cons include a higher price than some competitors, a heavy weight, and the possibility of being too soft for some people.
• The Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress uses “ThermoSync Technology,” a combination of materials and construction techniques, including graphite, to regulate temperature and provide maximum temperature regulation.
• Graphite is a highly conductive material that can move heat away from the body and absorb heat to keep the body cool. It is also durable and helps prevent the formation of body impressions.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to the Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress, but there are also some negatives to think about.

I get why the medium-soft firmness is a potential dealbreaker for some – you could for example experience discomfort or back problems due to the mattress’s lack of support and a soft feel. The mattress is hefty even when packaged, which may make it cumbersome to move up stairs.

Bear in mind that, while the Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress is more expensive than some alternatives, it is still cheaper than others in its price range thanks to the generous discounts that Emma offer.

Those who aren’t sure if the mattress is the proper match for them can rest easy (pardon the pun) knowing that they have 200 nights to try it out and a 10-year warranty to back it up if they aren’t satisfied. Although it’s not necessarily the ideal mattress for all tastes, the Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress is a good pick if you value temperature regulation and comfort.

Read this next...

20% OFF - Emma Mattress Discount Code

If you’re like me, then you love getting a discount code for Emma to work. Mattresses generally are quite expensiv...

Owl and Lark Offer Codes

Owl and Lark are a new entry to the world of mattresses.Owl and Lark’s mission is to help you optimise your sleep ...

Best Kids Storage Beds

If you have kids, then you understand that storage is at a premium. And their bedroom is not just a place where they sle...