🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Hybrid (foam & springs) vs Memory foam

Simba EssentialvsEmma Original

Which one is best for you? Simba Essential vs Emma Original - 2026 comparison by Vs Mattress

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Simba EssentialSale: Up To 55% OffEmma OriginalUp to 55% OFF!
Simba Essential logoSimba Essential

Simba Essential

by Simba · Hybrid (foam & springs)

Sale: Up To 55% Off

10 · 365-night trial

Top pickEmma Original logoEmma Original

Emma Original

by Emma · Memory foam

Up to 55% OFF!

10 · 200-night trial

Pricing by size

Simba Essential

Single£749
Double£899
King£1,099
Super Kingn/a

Emma Original

Single£311
Double£474
King£536
Super King£624

Essential information

Simba EssentialEmma Original
TypeHybrid (foam & springs)Memory foam
Launched19792019 (2015 in Europe)
BrandSimbaEmma
Made inUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom
Unique points

The Simba Hybrid Essential has four layers, impressive for a budget model:

  • Breathable Sleep Surface
  • Open Cell Graphite Infused Simbatex
  • Aerocoil® Spring-Comfort Layer
  • Multi-Zoned Foam Base

The Emma Original mattress optimises body support and relaxation for a dream-worthy sleep with its 3 special layers:

  • 3cm Breathable Point-elastic Airgocell® foam
  • 2cm Pressure Relieving Visco-Elastic Memory Foam
  • 19cm Supportive Cold Foam.
VideoSIMBA - Engineered for SleepEmma - The One Mattress For Everyone

Certifications & trial

Simba EssentialEmma Original
OEKO-TEX®NoYes
CertiPUR-US®YesNo
CertificationsCertiPur-US®, B Corp™ OEKO-TEX®
Other certification info100% Recyclable Materials, PRO-PLANET, Carbon Neutral Delivery–
Sleep trial365 nights200 nights
Warranty1010
Free shippingFREEFREE
Free returnsYESYES
Pay laterYesYes
Delivery info

Simba offers FREE carbon neutral standard delivery with a two-person delivery crew. Simba can also take away your old mattress for recycling once you have your new one. Delivery usually be within 3 business days if you order before 2pm, and within 4 business days after 2pm.

Free delivery with UPS with an additional option for Saturday delivery for an extra cost. The Emma Original mattress will be delivered in a box 45x45x110cm. Due to the spread of the Coronavirus, we now offer no-contact delivery - doorstep delivery and no-signature policy.

Firmness & feel

Simba EssentialEmma Original
One firmness fits allYesYes
Select your firmnessNoNo
Adjustable firmnessNoNo
Half and half firmnessNoNo
Flippable / reversibleNoNo
Firmness info

The Simba Hybrid Essential is a medium-firm mattress, however, 95% of Simba sleepers love their mattress. If it doesn't work for you, Simba mattresses that are returned are either refurbished or recycled; they never go near a landfill site.

Not too firm, not too soft… this medium firmness mattress is perfect for all sleeping positions. Rated a 5/10 on the firmness scale. If you prefer a firmer feel, see the Emma Premium.

Construction & materials

Simba EssentialEmma Original
LayersOpen Cell Graphite Infused Simbatex, Aerocoil® Spring-Comfort Layer, Multi-Zoned Foam BaseBreathable Point-elastic Airgocell® foam,Pressure Relieving Visco-Elastic Memory Foam, Supportive Cold Foam.
CoverBREATHABLE SLEEP SURFACE. With up to 500g of super soft, hand-knitted goodness; our hypoallergenic sleep surface keeps your mattress fresh and cool.The top cover consists of special climate fiber that regulates humidity. At the same time, it is so elastic that it fits the core of your mattress, perfectly. Removable and washable cover made of 100% Polyester. The grey side cover with 3D-mesh supports air circulation, gives the mattress a stylish look and grips the underside thanks to the practical non-slip elements. Now with handles.
Machine-washable coverNoYes
Ergonomic handlesYesYes
ComfortBeing too hot at night is an absolute no-no for great sleep. That’s why we designed our fantastic Simbatex foam; it’s an ‘open cell’ foam, which allows thirty times the airflow of memory foam (that’s almost breezy for a bed).The breathable Airgocell® foam allows for optimal ventilation due to its open pores. In addition, the cover with climate control fiber provides a particularly fast moisture removal, which ensures a completely pleasant sleeping climate. The Airgocell® foam provides you with ideal comfort thanks to exceptional point-elasticity that allows one area to compress without affecting the rest of the mattress. In addtion, Emma's open-pored highly breathable material won't make you sweat. The innovative mattress cover not only impresses with its contemporary design characterised by modern simplicity but with its particularly customer-friendly handling. It was specially developed to allow for constant air circulation. The Airgocell® foam provides you with ideal comfort thanks to exceptional point-elasticity that allows one area to compress without affecting the rest of the mattress. In addtion, Emma's open-pored highly breathable material won't make you sweat. The innovative mattress cover not only impresses with its contemporary design characterised by modern simplicity but with its particularly customer-friendly handling. It was specially developed to allow for constant air circulation.
SupportYou’ll find up to 1,500 of these ingenious springs nestling in our essential mattresses; each individual Aerocoil® spring flexes gently in response to you and your partner’s movements, offering personalised support to each of you without disturbing the other.By combining the different materials and structures, an optimal pressure distribution can be achieved. This creates ideal conditions for a restful sleep, because only then can your body regenerate overnight. The conformable Next Generation Airgocell® foam which can adapt to any body shape thanks to its point elasticity. The advanced 3 layer zone profile improves pressure distribution of the body effectively and supports this adjustment so you can sleep well in any position. The visco-elastic memory foam in the intermediate layer distributes pressure in an optimal fashion. This material is a modern marvel, because it keeps you comfortable in any sleep position. Our cold foam supports you where it matters. The firm, bottom layer provides the necessary counter pressure, whatever your sleeping position, and offers comprehensive support for your lower back. The shoulder zone promotes a healthy and optimal weight distribution in the shoulder area ensuring the perfect spinal alignment. It is, so to speak, your personal dream assistant for a restful and pleasant sleep. Relaxation meets health.
Posts–

Meet Emma

One Team, One Dream. Mattresses made in the UK that…

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Size & weight

Simba EssentialEmma Original
Available sizesSingle, Small Double, Double, KingSingle, Double, King, Super King
DimensionsSingle depth: 20 cmSingle depth: 25 cm
Single weight (kg)1416
Double weight (kg)1823
King weight (kg)2127
Super King weight (kg)–33

FAQs

Simba Essential

How firm is Simba essential?

The Simba Essential Hybrid mattress is typically described as a medium-firm mattress. This level of firmness is designed to offer a balance of comfort and support, making it a suitable choice for many different types of sleepers.

Is the Simba Essential Hybrid worth it?

The Simba Essential Hybrid mattress offers the patented sleep technology that has made Simba a highly-rated brand, but at a more affordable price. Key features include unique Aerocoil microsprings and cooling Simbatex foam, which together offer excellent support and temperature regulation. The mattress is designed with 1,500 individual Aerocoil® springs, providing a distinct sleep experience that is characteristic of Simba's hybrid range. Overall, it's a cost-effective option for those seeking high-quality sleep technology.

Does the Simba Essential hybird have 0% finance?

Yes, it appears that Simba does offer 0% financing for the Essential mattress. This allows you to spread out the cost over time without paying any additional charges compared to paying the full price upfront. Moreover, you still get to take advantage of Simba's 200-night risk-free trial when you opt for this financing option.

Emma Original

Is the Emma Original mattress firm or soft?

The Emma Original mattress is typically categorized as medium-firm. This rating makes it suitable for a wide array of sleepers due to its balanced comfort and support. Its construction integrates memory foam and polyfoam layers. The memory foam layer offers pressure relief by conforming to the body shape, while the polyfoam provides the needed support to maintain spinal alignment. Therefore, this mattress manages to create a harmonious blend of softness and firmness, making it neither too soft nor too firm, but just right for many sleepers.

Is Emma Original good for side sleepers?

The Emma Original mattress could potentially be a good match for side sleepers. Its medium-firm feel can provide adequate comfort for those sleeping on their side, offering essential pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, the areas where side sleepers often experience the most pressure. The memory foam layer of the Emma Original contours to the body, providing a personalized comfort level and promoting better spinal alignment, crucial for side sleepers. It's crucial to remember, however, that comfort is highly subjective, and what works well for one person may not work as well for another.

Do you flip an Emma mattress?

The Emma mattress is not designed to be flipped and slept on both sides. Unlike some other mattresses, the Emma mattress is a one-sided design with its comfort layers strategically placed on one side. Flipping it over would lead to sleeping on the support core, which isn't designed for direct contact. However, it's still recommended to rotate the mattress head-to-toe every few months. Rotating the mattress can help promote even wear and extend its lifespan. Regardless, it's always important to follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for mattress care to keep it in the best condition.

Wrap up

Thank you for checking out this Simba Essential vs Emma Original mattress comparison. We have tried to compare all the necessary information to help you choose which mattress is the most suitable for you.

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