Emma Mattress on top of a foam mattress?

Hi Donna,

Thanks for getting in touch about Emma mattresses and what bases they are suitable for.

The Emma mattress is a 100% synthetic foam and memory foam style one-sided mattress. Sold as a boxed mattress the Emma mattress arrives rolled, crushed and vacuum packed. We've discussed the drawbacks and issues with such mattresses here.

Image from emma-sleep.co.uk

If the Emma mattress is suitable for your needs ie you're a cold sleeper who doesn't mind the shorter lifespan of a one sided boxed mattress then it could be a good choice if you're on a low budget. The Emma mattress is suitable for most bases but we would advise that you board over the slats before putting the Emma mattress or other foam mattress on such a base.

Why? Well, that's because slatted bases with gaps over 2 inches can cause dips and sags with Emma mattresses. This is because the gaps are too far apart and the synthetic foam can then start to bulge between the gaps causing undulations on the top sleeping surface. We always advise boarding over the slats for this, see below.

We're not sure why you would want to put an Emma mattress on top of another foam or memory foam bed. If you're thinking it may address the settlement issues frequently complained about online around Emma and other boxed mattresses, you've be wrong I'm afraid.

Putting an Emma mattress onto another mattress to reduce settlement won't work. This is because the Emma mattress is one-sided so all the wear and tear can only occur on that side. If it was 2 sided (which the Emma mattress isn't) then you could turn it over to even out the initial settlement.

Sadly you can't do this with these types of boxed foam mattresses.
As the Emma bed is made of heat retentive 'memory style vasco foam' and other synthetic foam derivatives it's not always suitable for a warmer sleeper. We wouldn't recommend stacking it up on other foam as the bed will just become less and less breathable leading to a really warm uncomfortable nights sleep!

Your best bed is to put the Emma mattress on top of boarded over slats and see if it is too hot for you under their guarantee. If you're looking for a 2 sided breathable alternative to the Emma mattress then have a look at our Origins 1500 hand made mattress here. We also disclose the exact GSM and details unlike Emma and other boxed mattresses which you really need to know when trying to compare mattresses.

Origins Pocket 1500 Mattress

1: 300GSM WOOL

2: 750GSM VERY SOFT POLYESTER

3: 500GSM POLYESTER PAD

4: ONE INCH FOAM INSULATOR LAYER

5: 1500 SPUN BOND POCKET SPRINGS

TOTAL
1550GSM

DEPTH
30-33CM

If you have any more questions please get back in touch with us on 0161 437 4419.
All the best John & Ryan