I take sleep very seriously. So much so that I’ve incorporated lavender candles, TikTok’s Sleepy Girl mocktail, and stretches into my evening routine. But despite all the tips, tricks, and products I use to sleep well, it’s always harder to sleep comfortably in the summer. Hot summer nights in mid-July just aren’t what Lana Del Ray makes them out to be.

This July, I found myself tossing and turning, staring at the ceiling fan in bed, waiting for the temperature to drop so I could get some sleep. Sleeping with blankets and a comforter over me doesn’t help, but it’s not a habit I’m looking to break. So as I looked for new ways to escape the heat—aside from a second fan and a new set of cotton sheets—I thought it might be time to try a different mattress.

The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite ($1,089, originally $1,989) immediately drew me in because of the name, but I was also intrigued by the product description on the brand’s website. Not only does the mattress have a cooling effect, but it also promises additional pressure relief and a unique floating sensation for “unprecedentedly restful sleep.” With that in mind (and the hope that I could put an end to this version of hot girl summer), I decided to give it a try.

Read on to hear my honest opinion on the new Hybrid Cooling Elite mattress.

What I like about the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite

I’m used to sleeping on firm mattresses, so when I first sat down on the Hybrid Cooling Elite and sank in a little, I was worried it wouldn’t be firm enough. Despite my initial concerns, I found the mattress to be quite supportive when it was time to get some sleep.

As a side and stomach sleeper, I feel pressure on my hips if a bed is too hard and back pain if it’s too soft. Thanks to layers of memory foam that conform to the body, HRX foam that prevents sinking, and pocket springs that provide good tension and bounce, the Emma mattress offers a good balance of firmness and cloud-like comfort. My hips never felt like they were digging into my bed, and my back didn’t feel misaligned either. After sleeping on the mattress for a week, I’m happy to report that I’ve had no pain or discomfort in the mornings.

Not only is the mattress comfortable, but it also delivers on its promise in terms of cooling effect – that’s what I liked most about the Hybrid Cooling Elite. Let me describe the scene: It’s the hottest night of the summer so far. It feels like record-breaking heat – a 27-degree night in July – although I’m sure it’s been this hot before in the past. I lay down in bed, pull my covers over me and I’m warm for a moment, but after reading and cooling down, I eventually fall asleep. End of scene.

Despite the hotter climate, getting to bed with the Emma mattress was a breeze. A layer of Thermosync foam, designed to regulate body temperature, ensures you stay cool after a cold shower. The mattress also features a layer of Airgocell foam that absorbs and releases excess body heat and moisture, making it breathable. Ultimately, I neither fell asleep sweaty nor woke up tossing and turning all evening – and it completely changed my sleep pattern.

What you should consider before buying the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite

Overall, I liked the mattress, but there are a few things you should know before placing an order. I had no problems receiving the mattress, but it was left in a box on my doorstep, so I had to bring it in myself. If you can’t carry the 100-pound box, you may need to ask friends or family to help you carry it (like I did). However, once I was in my room, unpacking and setting up the mattress was easy. One more thing to note: If you want to dispose of an old mattress to make room for a new one, Emma offers an old mattress disposal option that will cost you $125.

Who the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite is best suited for

The Hybrid Cooling Mattress is perfect for anyone who gets hot or has trouble sleeping in warmer temperatures. I would also recommend it to anyone who likes a mattress that is on the firm side but still feels soft. The mattress is suitable for all sleeper types (back, side or stomach sleepers).

Is the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite worth the expense?

Priced at $1,989 for a queen-size mattress, the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite is considered a premium option compared to other models on the market. However, it’s not the most expensive and it offers plenty of impressive features, from temperature control to seven ergonomic zones for comfort (regardless of sleeping position). Ultimately, a mattress is an investment in your sleep for the next five to ten years—so a good mattress always seems worth the money to me. Plus, Emma offers a 365-day trial period, 10-year warranty, free shipping, and returns, so you can always send it back and try something new if it’s not a perfect fit.

Further details

Where can I buy the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite?

The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite can be purchased on the brand’s website.

Reviews

★★★★★

Alida Araica is a newsletter manager at POPSUGAR, where she oversees and executes editorial and email strategy and production for clients. She occasionally lends her expertise in writing product reviews. Alida has over five years of digital media marketing experience.