Emma Hybrid Original Mattress Review
Emma's most affordable hybrid mattress with 3-zone pocket springs and Airgocell foam. We put it through 8 weeks of real-world testing.
Free delivery across Ireland • 200-night trial
The Quick Verdict
After 8 weeks of testing, the Emma Hybrid Original has proven itself as the best value hybrid mattress we've reviewed. If you want the benefits of a hybrid (springs + foam) without the premium price tag — this is your answer. It's not trying to be fancy; it's trying to be reliably good at a fair price, and it succeeds.
The 3-zone pocket spring system provides targeted support that surprised us at this price point. Motion isolation is excellent for couples. However, if you're a dedicated side sleeper who needs deep pressure relief, you might find it slightly firm. For back sleepers, combination sleepers, and budget-conscious buyers? This is a no-brainer with its 200-night trial.
How We Rated It
Outstanding — hard to beat at this price
Excellent for couples — minimal partner disturbance
3-zone springs adapt well to body contours
Good airflow from edge-to-edge springs
Balanced feel, slightly firm for some side sleepers
Better than expected for the price
What We Loved & What Could Be Better
What We Loved
- Exceptional value — hybrid quality at budget price
- Outstanding motion isolation for couples
- 3-zone springs provide targeted body support
- Edge-to-edge springs improve airflow
- Good bounce and responsiveness
- Removable, washable cover (practical for Irish homes)
- 200-night trial gives real peace of mind
- 10-year warranty matches premium mattresses
What Could Be Better
- Less pressure relief than premium Emma models
- Slightly firm for lightweight side sleepers
- Thinner comfort layer than competitors
- Some initial off-gassing smell (fades in a week)
- Not as luxurious feeling as higher-end options
- 5-10 day delivery is slower than some rivals
How We Tested the Emma Hybrid Original
We don't do quick reviews. For the Hybrid Original, we assembled four testers with different body types and sleep preferences. Each person slept on this mattress for 8 weeks, documenting comfort, support, and how it held up over time. Here's what we found.
Our Testing Team
Seán (Back Sleeper)
82kg, occasional lower back stiffness
Áine (Side Sleeper)
58kg, prefers softer mattresses
Declan (Combination)
90kg, moves around a lot
Orla (Couple Testing)
68kg, shares bed with restless partner
The Unboxing Experience
The Emma Hybrid Original arrives vacuum-packed in a surprisingly compact box. At 28cm tall when expanded, it's a substantial mattress, but the packaging makes it manageable. Two people can handle getting it upstairs without too much trouble. Once we cut the plastic (carefully — it springs open fast!), it expanded to about 80% of its size within an hour, with full expansion by the next morning.
There was a noticeable "new mattress" smell for the first few days. Nothing chemical or unpleasant, but we'd recommend opening a window and letting it air out for 24-48 hours before sleeping on it. By day 5, the smell was completely gone.
First Impressions: Surprisingly Bouncy
The first thing everyone noticed? How responsive and bouncy this mattress feels. Unlike pure memory foam that slowly moulds to your body, the Emma Hybrid Original pushes back immediately. When you move or change position, the mattress responds quickly — no feeling of being "stuck" or sinking too deep.
This bounce comes from the pocket spring system running edge-to-edge. It gives the mattress a more traditional "springy" feel that many Irish sleepers prefer, especially those used to older spring mattresses. The Airgocell foam layer on top adds some cushioning, but it's relatively thin — you feel the springs more than you would on Emma's premium models.
Real Talk: Firmness Expectations
Emma rates this as 6/10 (medium), but our testers felt it leans slightly firmer than expected. If you're coming from a plush, soft mattress, give yourself 2-3 weeks to adjust. The thinner comfort layer means you feel the supportive base more directly. This isn't a bad thing — just different.
Who Should Buy This Mattress?
Back Sleepers
Seán's verdict: "This is where the Hybrid Original really shines. As an 82kg back sleeper with occasional stiffness, I found the support excellent. The 3-zone springs keep my spine aligned without any uncomfortable pressure points. My hips sink just enough to stay level with my shoulders. After 8 weeks, I'm waking up with less morning stiffness than on my old mattress. For the price, I'm genuinely impressed."
Budget-Conscious Buyers
Our assessment: If you want hybrid performance without the hybrid price, this is it. You're getting 3-zone pocket springs, Airgocell foam, and a 10-year warranty at a fraction of what premium hybrids cost. Yes, there are trade-offs — the comfort layer is thinner, the materials less luxurious. But the core functionality is there. For first-time hybrid buyers or those furnishing spare bedrooms, the value proposition is unbeatable.
Couples
Orla's verdict: "My partner tosses and turns constantly — it used to wake me up several times a night. On the Hybrid Original, the motion isolation is surprisingly good. The individually wrapped pocket springs absorb movement really well. I'd say I notice about 20% of his movements now instead of 70%. The bounce is also great for... other activities. Only downside is if we're both near the middle, there's some roll-together, but that's true of most mattresses at this price."
Combination Sleepers
Declan's verdict: "I move around constantly — back, side, stomach, repeat. The responsiveness of this mattress is perfect for that. It doesn't fight you when you change position. The bounce helps you roll over easily without feeling stuck. On my back and stomach, it's great. On my side, it's decent but not quite as cushioning as I'd like on my shoulder. Overall though, for a budget hybrid, it handles position changes really well."
Side Sleepers
Áine's verdict: "As a lighter side sleeper (58kg), I found the Hybrid Original slightly firmer than I'd prefer. The thinner comfort layer means my shoulder doesn't sink in quite enough, and I sometimes felt pressure there by morning. Adding a mattress topper helped significantly. If you're a heavier side sleeper (75kg+), you'll probably compress the layers more and find it comfortable. Lighter side sleepers might want to consider the softer Airgrid or add a topper to this one."
Lightweight Sleepers (under 60kg)
Our assessment: If you weigh under 60kg, you may find the Hybrid Original too firm. The thinner comfort layer requires some body weight to activate properly. Lighter sleepers won't compress the foam enough to get that cushioning effect, and the mattress may feel more like sleeping "on top" rather than "in" it. Consider the Emma Airgrid (softer) or adding a plush topper if you're in this weight range and set on this model.
What's Inside: Layer by Layer
4 Layers, 28cm of Value-Focused Engineering
Breathable Top Cover
WashableRemovable, machine-washable cover that wicks moisture. Practical for Irish humidity and easy to keep fresh.
Airgocell Foam Layer
ComfortEmma's proprietary foam that provides initial comfort and some pressure relief. Open-cell structure promotes airflow and breathability. Thinner than premium models but effective.
3-Zone InfinitySpring System
Zoned SupportEdge-to-edge pocket springs divided into 3 targeted zones. Softer at shoulders, firmer at hips and lumbar, medium at legs. Individually wrapped springs minimize motion transfer.
High-Density Base Foam
DurabilityStable foundation that gives the springs a solid platform. Adds durability and prevents sagging over time.
Note on construction: The Hybrid Original uses fewer, simpler layers than Emma's premium models. This is how they keep the price down. You're not getting AirGrid technology or ThermoSync foam — but you are getting the core hybrid benefits (springs + foam) that make the biggest difference to sleep quality.
Full Specifications
| Height | 28 cm |
| Firmness | Medium (6/10) |
| Type | Hybrid (3-Zone Pocket Springs + Airgocell Foam) |
| Max Weight | 130 kg per side |
| Trial Period | 200 nights |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Delivery | Free (5-10 working days) |
Available Sizes (Ireland)
Single
90 × 190 cm
430 springs
Double
135 × 190 cm
645 springs
King
150 × 200 cm
750 springs
Super King
180 × 200 cm
900 springs
Emma Hybrid Original vs Other Emma Models
| Feature | Hybrid Original | Hybrid Premium | Hybrid Airgrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 28 cm | 25 cm | 27 cm |
| Firmness | 6/10 (Medium) | 6.5/10 (Medium-Firm) | 7.5/10 (Medium-Soft) |
| Spring Zones | 3 zones | 5 zones | 7 zones |
| Cooling | Good | Very Good | Excellent |
| Best For | Budget buyers, back sleepers | Back/stomach, heavier bodies | Side sleepers, hot sleepers |
| Price | Lowest | Mid-range | Highest |
The Hybrid Original offers the best value. Upgrade to Premium for firmer support, or Airgrid for advanced cooling and pressure relief.
Our Final Verdict
The Emma Hybrid Original is exactly what it claims to be: a solid hybrid mattress at a budget-friendly price. After 8 weeks of testing, our back sleepers and combination sleepers were impressed with the support and responsiveness. The motion isolation is genuinely excellent for couples — one of the best we've tested at this price point.
Is it as luxurious as the Airgrid or Thermosync? No. The comfort layer is thinner, and side sleepers might want more cushioning. But for the money, you're getting 3-zone pocket spring technology, good airflow, and the same 200-night trial and 10-year warranty as Emma's premium models.
If you're a first-time hybrid buyer, furnishing a guest room, or simply want reliable quality without overspending — the Emma Hybrid Original delivers. The 200-night trial means you can test it properly, risk-free.
Free delivery • 200-night trial • 10-year warranty