Emma vs Simba Mattress: Which Is Best?

When it comes to buying a mattress, Emma and Simba are two of the most popular bed-in-a-box brands in the UK. Both are well regarded for their use of quality materials, hybrid designs and advanced technologies designed to provide ergonomic comfort, long-lasting support and reliable pressure relief.

Emma incorporates innovations such as AirGrid®, ThermoSync and its 7-zone Infinity Pocket Springs, while Simba is known for its Aerocoil® springs and advanced Simbatex® foam, both of which focus on airflow and temperature regulation.

In general, Emma is a strong choice for sleepers who want a more contouring feel at a competitive price point, while Simba is favoured by those who prefer a mattress with excellent edge support and cooler sleep. To help you decide which might be the better fit, we’ll compare the key models from both brands in detail.

Emma Hybrid Original vs Simba Hybrid Essential

Previously known as Emma Original, the Emma Hybrid Original is one of Emma’s best-selling mattresses, designed to provide balanced comfort through layers of pressure-relieving foam and supportive pocket springs.

The Simba Hybrid Essential is Simba’s entry-level hybrid mattress, designed with fewer layers than its higher-end models but still featuring its Aerocoil® spring layer. It provides a medium-firm feel and focuses on breathability, making it a good option for sleepers who want something supportive but simple.

Who Should Choose Which?

The Simba Hybrid Original is generally the firmer option out of these two, offering strong support and a more lifted feel, while the Emma Hybrid Original sits closer to medium firmness with extra cushioning for pressure relief.

• Choose the Emma Hybrid Original if you mainly sleep on your side or want maximum motion isolation. Its contouring foam layers cushion the shoulders and hips, and its ability to absorb movement makes it ideal for couples or light sleepers who don’t want to be disturbed.
• Choose the Simba Hybrid Original if you sleep on your back or stomach, prefer less sinkage or find yourself overheating during the night. Its firmer support and highly breathable Simbatex® foam make it particularly well suited to warmer homes or hot sleepers.

Emma Hybrid Premium vs Simba Hybrid Pro

Formerly known as the NextGen Premium, the Emma Hybrid Premium takes the brand’s hybrid design further with multiple layers, including memory foam, comfort foam and a 7-zone Infinity Springs system. This gives tailored support to different parts of the body, such as the hips and shoulders, making it especially suitable for side sleepers and those with back pain.

The Simba Hybrid Pro, on the other hand, builds on the Essential with more layers, including a natural wool top layer and up to 5,000 Aerocoil® springs in two tiers. This makes it highly breathable and responsive, appealing to combination sleepers who move around during the night and to those who often find themselves overheating.

Who Should Choose Which?

The Emma Hybrid Premium and Simba Hybrid Pro both sit at a slightly higher end of their respective ranges, but they cater to different types of sleepers. The Emma Hybrid Premium focuses on contouring comfort and tailored support with its 7-zone Infinity Spring system, while the Simba Hybrid Pro puts breathability and responsiveness at the forefront with its dual Aerocoil® spring layers and natural wool.

• Choose the Emma Hybrid Premium if you are a side sleeper or someone who needs targeted pressure relief. Its combination of Halo Memory Foam™ and zoned spring system provides cushioning for the shoulders and hips while keeping the spine aligned, making it particularly suitable for those with back or joint discomfort.
• Choose the Simba Hybrid Pro if you tend to overheat or frequently change positions during the night. The natural wool layer helps regulate temperature, while the dual spring system gives a buoyant, responsive feel that makes it easier to move without disturbing your sleep.

Composition

Both Emma and Simba mattresses use hybrid designs that combine foam layers with springs, but their construction methods differ in key ways.

• Emma mattresses typically feature a breathable UltraDry™ cover, Halo Memory Foam™ for pressure relief, and a combination of cushioning and supportive foam layers to maintain spinal alignment. These sit on top of pocket springs, which add responsiveness and reduce motion transfer. In the Emma Hybrid Premium, the 7-zone Infinity Spring system offers tailored support for different parts of the body, such as the shoulders, hips, and lower back.
• Simba mattresses are built around the patented Aerocoil® spring system, designed to boost airflow and provide adaptive support. The Simba Hybrid Original includes Simbatex® foam for cooling and comfort, while higher-end models like the Hybrid Pro also feature a natural wool layer for temperature regulation and dual Aerocoil® spring layers for extra responsiveness.

Overall, Emma tends to deliver a softer, contouring feel with targeted pressure relief, while Simba leans towards a firmer, cooler and slightly bouncier sleep surface.

Sizes

Both Emma and Simba provide mattresses in a wide selection of UK and European sizes. Availability may vary slightly depending on the model, but the standard options include:

• UK Single Mattress: 90 x 190 cm
• UK Small Double Mattress: 120 x 190 cm
• UK Double Mattress: 135 x 190 cm
• UK King Mattress: 150 x 200 cm
• UK Super King Mattress: 180 x 200 cm
• European Single Mattress: 90 x 200 cm
• European Double Mattress: 140 x 200 cm
• European Queen Mattress: 160 x 200 cm
• European King Mattress: 180 x 200 cm

For buyers with continental frames, the European sizes ensure a proper fit, while UK standard sizes remain the most widely available.

Sleep Type

The right mattress depends heavily on how you sleep and what level of support your body needs during the night. Both Emma and Simba cater to different positions, but their feel and firmness make them better suited to certain sleepers.

• Side Sleepers: Emma mattresses, especially the Hybrid Premium, are often the better choice. The memory foam and zoned springs provide cushioning around the shoulders and hips, which helps relieve pressure points.
• Back Sleepers: Both brands work well here, but Simba’s firmer, more supportive feel can offer extra spinal alignment if you prefer a slightly sturdier surface.
• Stomach Sleepers: Simba is generally more suitable, as its firmer structure helps prevent the lower back from dipping, which can cause strain.
• Combination Sleepers: Simba’s responsive dual-spring layers make changing positions easier, while Emma offers more contouring comfort if you spend most of the night in one position.

In short, Emma is a strong match for sleepers who prioritise pressure relief and contouring comfort, while Simba suits those who need firmer, cooler support or move frequently during the night.

Care & Maintenance

Emma and Simba mattresses are designed to be low-maintenance, but following a few simple steps will help preserve comfort, hygiene and durability over time.

• Use a Mattress Protector: A waterproof and breathable protector shields the mattress from spills, sweat, and allergens while still allowing airflow. It is a simple step that can significantly extend the mattress’s lifespan.
• Rotate Regularly: Both Emma and Simba recommend rotating the mattress head-to-toe every three to six months. This helps to prevent uneven wear and keeps support consistent across the surface.
• Let the Mattress Breathe: When first unboxed, allow the mattress to expand and air out for several hours before use. From time to time, strip off the bedding and let the mattress air in a well-ventilated room to keep it fresh.
• Do Not Flip: These are single-sided mattresses, so they should never be flipped. Regular rotation is enough to maintain their structure and comfort.

By following these simple practices, you can keep your Emma or Simba mattress in excellent condition for many years.

Both Emma and Simba offer high-quality hybrid mattresses, but your choice will depend on your personal sleeping preferences. Emma often suits sleepers looking for cushioning pressure relief and tailored support, while Simba appeals to those who prefer firmer, more breathable surfaces.

If you’re someone who values softness and contouring, Emma may be the right fit. If you prioritise airflow, responsiveness, and firmness, Simba could be the better option. Either way, both brands are trusted across the UK and offer trial periods, so you can test at home and be confident in your decision.