Written By Connie
CPD Sleep Consultant
Emma NextGen is on a different level from many hybrid mattresses in a box. There's less foam and more springs! This may be one of my favourite mattresses ever?! Let me tell you why Iβm ready to immediately swap out my old mattress at home for this one! At The Sleep Advisors, we're going to give you our rundown of the hybrid mattress and tell you about the upgrade from the Emma Premium Mattress.
Advantages
Super comfortable
It's not too firm and not too soft.
Improved breathability
The new design has helped with this.
Removable cover
Take off to wash for easy maintenance.
Disadvantages
Slight motion transfer
Nothing too noticeable.
Less edge support
There's less than premium mattress but it is still present.
Who is this product for?
The Emma NextGen Premium Mattress is suitable for almost every sleeper, but it does come down to the specific features you're looking for. If you would like an equal balance of comfort and support then this is for you.
All sleeping positions can be comfortable lying on this one and it is quick to return to shape. To summarise, this product is ideal for:
- Hot sleepers
- Those looking for both comfort and support
- Combination sleepers
What do we use this product for?
The most obvious purpose is having this mattress to better your sleep quality. Not only that, it will adapt and contour your body for the best sleeping position. The structure of the NextGen mattress allows for more airflow and breathability so you can keep cool. So, we can use it for:
- Sweat-free sleep
- Spinal alignment
- Soft comfort
- Support
Is the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress an upgraded version of a previous product?
Yes, Emma's NextGen Premium Mattress is an upgraded version of Emma's Premium Mattress β a highly rated product according to their many customers. So, if you considered Emmaβs Premium Mattress, this is their new and improved version!
While there are some similarities between the two, there have been some advancements in the design. As we briefly mentioned, there is less foam and more springs so the overall feel of the mattress is different. The improved infinity pocket springs mean better breathability and 7 zones of support instead of 5 means it accurately cradles your body.
One difference I noticed while comparing the two mattresses was the edge support. The Premium Mattress has foam edging whereas the NextGen does not. This changes the edge support that's present in the product so it could be seen as a negative compared to previous Emma mattresses.
Features you should know about the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress
There are so many mattress features that we could talk about but we've picked out a few of the layers. These are the ones that we feel are essential to transforming the way you sleep as that's what you'll be looking for from your new mattress.
Extra tall pocket springs
The springs in this one are larger than before and thatβs because they have gone from 12cm to 18cm – which you can see when directly comparing. Having an extra 6cm of springs really does change the feel of the mattress. More importantly, they allow for improved breathability and airflow through the mattress to prevent overheating.
Foam can easily retain heat and can make the mattress warmer. But now with the new spring-to-foam ratio (less foam), it helps with air circulation from top to bottom. Better breathability means better comfort.
Breathability aside, the recyclable steel springs give spinal alignment to suit your sleeping position while distributing the weight of your pressure points. So, you won't be missing out on the medium-firm support from your new mattress.
Halo memory foam layer
Above the springs, there are three foam layers – Halo Memory Foam, Airgocell Foam, and Supreme Foam. We're going to tell you about the top layer of Halo Memory Foam that Emma claims immediately adapts to the shape of your body – and I would have to agree. When I was testing I could feel the adaptive foam contouring to my body shape in a way that kept my spine aligned.
The mattress offers 7 different zones of support with firm support on your back, and softer cradling support on your shoulders and hips. No matter your choice of sleep position, you can get the required amount of support for the pressure points on your body.
Machine washable cover
This Emma mattress has a removable cover, which is something we look for so you know there is a high chance of easy maintenance. The mattress has a zip the entire way around making it super easy to take off to wash, unlike others that only have it along two sides. It can be popped in the washing machine to keep it fresh and clean.
I like that it has the Emma branding on a bright orange zip, making it easier to spot against the dark base. When you unzip the cover, you can clearly see all the layers of the mattress and youβll notice the foam-to-spring ratio – so you know exactly what youβre getting.
There's a reason for it having “NextGen” and “Premium” in the name because that is exactly what you're getting. It's a quality mattress that is the next level up from a highly-rated mattress. It ticks so many boxes and we're very impressed!
As soon as I laid down it was instantly comfortable and soft to the touch. This is definitely one for all sleepers – I found it comfy lying on my front, side and back. So, good news for those who are combination sleepers, like me, itβs perfect for you too! It feels supportive in every position and youβll feel the pressure points sink in to keep your body aligned, yet, itβs quick to return to shape.
We've got a quick summary of the key details that can help to make your purchasing decisions.
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU Double, EU Queen
- Depth: 25 cm
- Cover material: Polyester
- Layer(s) material: Foam and pocket springs
- Firmness: 5/10
- Support: 7/10
- Breathability: 7.5/10
- Motion isolation: 7/10
- Pressure relief: 8/10
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Removable cover: Yes
- Care instruction: Machine washable
- Warranty: 10-year guarantee
- Trial: 200-night sleep trial
What we like about the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress
It's difficult to know if the mattress is the right one for you and if it can give you exactly what you're looking for. To make it easier, we've selected a few of our favourite features of the NextGen Mattress that could be the deciding factors. Here they are:
- I found the motion isolation to be very good thanks to the new and improved design. So, if you're sharing a bed with someone (especially if they fidget a lot) then this might be something to consider. It will definitely make a difference to your sleep quality.
- Secondly, the physical design of the mattress is worth mentioning. There are two handles on both the long edges of the mattress. I lifted this with one other person and it made moving it SO much easier. Some mattresses forget this detail and it makes the heavier ones difficult to lift onto the bed frame.
- When actually lying on the NextGen, I could feel the instant softness from the cover but also the sink-in-softness from the mattress itself. A better night's sleep is definitely on the cards when you have a comfortable mattress like this one.
What we didnβt like about the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress
Now for the not-so-good points that might sway your decision. What might be seen as a negative for one person, might be what someone else looks for. We've picked out a couple of things that can be a downside for a lot of people, but the positives may outweigh them. Here's what we found:
- While we said there was good motion isolation, you might find slight motion transfer due to bounce from the pocket springs inside. If you're a really light sleeper then you might notice this but it shouldn't cause significant issues for the majority of people.
- Compared to the Premium Mattress, this one does have less edge support but this is expected with the new design. You're more likely to realise this when sitting on the edge of the bed rather than when you're sleeping. Previously they had designated foam edges but now they've reduced the use of foam and use the springs for the same purpose instead.
Emma's customer service and company information
Delivery β Free delivery comes as standard with all your orders and returns are also free within the trial period. The delivery time can vary but you can usually expect it to be dispatched in a week, which is what I received. From your order to the delivery, you'll have a tracking link that will be followed by a text of dispatch with a delivery date. You'll later receive a time slot and a phone call on the day to say they're nearby.
All of this helps to plan your day accordingly. For me, it meant I could work in the morning before the mattress came and pause with enough time before it arrived. Once it was delivered, I could carry on with my working day.
Payment β They have the usual payment methods of Mastercard and Visa, as well as the option to use PayPal. Otherwise, you can use the DivideBuy scheme where you pay in instalments. This is ideal for those who can't afford to pay out a large amount of money or for less financial pressure with smaller chunks at a time.
Online customer service β For any queries, you can send Emma an email or have a look through their FAQs list. If you canβt find what youβre looking for, you can always leave us a comment and we can help you out!
Check the alternatives to the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress
If you're not completely sold on the Emma NextGen then we've got an alternative that you can take a look at. You can compare Emma NextGen with other options by using our comparison tool. We have picked out this hybrid mattress from Simba, with similar features and price range.
The Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress is their second generation option so on their product scale it isn't the cheapest but it isn't the most luxurious one either. It's 28cm deep and made up of 8 layers, including up to 5000 springs.
With the Simba mattress, there are three layers of springs that pretty much make up the height of the single layer of springs in the Emma NextGen. Both mattresses have foam layers that provide support for your body weight. However, the Simba mattress has better edge-to-edge support and no motion transfer. You can check our comparison between Simba Hybrid Pro and Emma Next Gen Premium mattress.
Check out our full Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress review.
Advantages
Handles on the design
This makes manoeuvring easy.
Removable cover
Easy to keep clean.
Motion isolation
Great if you share a bed with someone.
Disadvantages
Slight off-gassing
This does reduce after being aired out.
Not for combination sleepers
Doesn't return to its original shape that quickly.
Initially a firm mattress feel
After lying on it for some time it does soften up.
What makes this product better than some other similar ones?
One key factor is the NextGen Premium Mattress is more breathable than other hybrid and foam mattresses. The structure of this mattress is different to most other products so this has been a successful way to improve the breathability and air flow. Less foam than others is the most obvious way to make a product better, as the memory foam can retain heat rather than allow the air to flow through. Of course, we have to talk about the springs as this is their selling point. Being taller means they can let the air circulate through more of the mattress than others can. The springs in the NextGen are 4x the size of other hybrid mattresses on the market. This is all pretty great considering it comes as a rolled mattress in a box.
Is the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress eco-friendly or sustainable?
Before this mattress was introduced, Emma didnβt have any mention of sustainability on their website, and weβre all for clarity from brands on their sustainability efforts.
Emma Sleep claims the NextGen Mattress uses 58% less carbon emissions and it uses 79% less foam than their previous mattresses. Not only that, but the pocket springs are also designed with recycled steel which helps to reduce waste buildup. These efforts make it their most environmentally friendly mattress to date!
While theyβve made these solid changes, they still use polyester for the cover which isnβt great for the environment. It may last a long time but when it comes to disposal, it isn't biodegradable.
So, it's definitely a step in the right direction but there's still a long way to go in terms of sustainability.
When it came to testing the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress, we stuck to the usual guidelines we have for reviewing mattresses but we had the extra task of seeing how it compared to the Premium Mattress. On a basic level, we do the following:
- Visual inspection
- Hands-on inspection
- Measured tests
To make things clearer and more specific, here's how we test the overall durability and quality of the mattress:
- Look at the aesthetic of the product
- Find the key features and see how well they work
- Trial sleeping positions
- Spend time lying on each mattress
Overall impressions of the product after the testing
It feels like thereβs less edge support in this mattress compared to the Premium mattress, which was more dense, due to the foam layers. Rather than having a foam edge, they swapped it for the taller pocket springs to do the job. The larger springs in the Emma NextGen Mattress make this one a little softer. While I was testing, there seemed to be good motion isolation but due to the springy bounce, it can cause slight motion transfer – not enough to wake up your partner though.
Itβs worth noting that itβs a fairly heavy mattress – hence why they deliver to your room of choice – but, whenever you need to move the mattress, it has two vertical handles on the long edges.
If you havenβt guessed already, weβre a big fan of the Emma NextGen Mattress. I think theyβve definitely upgraded from the Emma Premium on every level – it really is the next generation. Whether you get a king or double mattress, youβll get both comfort and support for a reasonable price, but donβt forget there is less edge support on this one.
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FAQs about your Emma NextGen Premium Mattress
In case we've missed anything in this review, we have put together a few of the most commonly asked questions which should clear anything up. Of course, if you have anything else you want to know then just leave us a comment.
What is the difference between Emma Premium and Nextgen?
The main notable difference is it being a more sustainable mattress which is becoming introduced more with modern mattresses. If you weren't sure about the Premium Mattress due to the sustainability then this mattress is definitely better.
Other differences include the size of the springs and the spring-foam ratio – these have changed the feel significantly to give you a good night's sleep.
Is the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress good for back pain?
Yes, this mattress can help to relieve back pain and reduce waking up with aches and pains. It is designed to take the pressure off so you can sleep comfortably without straining.
I just bought this mattress on offer after reading the review. I replaced my old emma orignial They are right about the breathability, it feels a lot less dense that my old one. i like it.
Is the emma original hybrid v2 thermo cooling mattress the same as the emma nextgen premium plus
Hi Leslie,
Each mattress at Emma serves a different purpose and has a different structure, so no two are the same. All of their mattresses come with a Plus option which includes their comfort cover rather than the standard cover. This means it has extra softness, thickness and breathability. The Original Mattress is the budget option, followed by the NextGen with enhanced features, then the Luxe Cooling for hot sleepers and side sleepers. Lastly, there's the Zero Gravity mattress for their most luxurious choice.
In reply to Leslie, I've been told by Emma that the Emma Original Hybrid V2 Thermo Cooling is the same as the NextGen Premium.
I queried this today as my order had Emma Original Hybrid V2 Thermo Cooling instead of NextGen Premium… I do hope that are right as the names are confusing if this is the case.