This Leesa mattress is simple, affordable and sturdy.

The Leesa Studio is an affordable memory foam mattress with a simple, lightweight and sturdy design. The firm feel means it’s best suited to back and stomach sleepers – many side sleepers will find it a bit too firm. I also found it could trap body heat, so those who run warm should look elsewhere. Strong motion isolation will appeal to bed-sharers and light sleepers, though.

Pros

• +Supportive for back or stomach sleepers
• +Absorbs movements well
• +Lightweight and easy to move

Cons

• -A bit firm for side sleepers
• -Lacks support for those >200lbs
• -Sleeps hot

LEESA STUDIO MATTRESS: TWO-MINUTE REVIEW

Leesa is a major player in online mattress retailers. The Leesa Studio mattress is its most affordable option, and has a simple design: it’s 10 inches tall and contains three layers of different foams. I slept on a king size Studio for three weeks, as well as running a series of tests, to see how it compares to the rest of the best mattresses on the market.

Many customer reviews rate the mattress as a moderately firm feel, and I agree – it’s around an 8 out of 10 on firmness. Although the mattress begins with a top layer of memory foam, don’t expect to sink in and have your body enveloped in the foam. There is some contouring, but when I press down on the mattress with my hand, the mattress snaps back into form in about a half second.

Not to say that it’s like sleeping on the floor – it’s still comfortable – but having tested several mattresses over the years from brands like Purple, GhostBed, Saatva, Brooklyn Bedding and others, this is the firmest mattress I’ve experienced. I found that sleeping on my side on this mattress led to a build-up of pressure in my shoulder, and I expect that will be the case for most side-sleepers.

However, the firmer feel makes it a great choice for those who sleep on their back and stomach, and it might also work well for those suffering from back pain. For context, I used to be a stomach sleeper, but eventually had to switch to sleeping on my side due to lower back pain. When I laid on my stomach for extended periods of time on the Leesa Studio, I didn’t experience any of that familiar pain. For me, it’s amongst the best mattresses for back pain.

There are a couple of caveats to that. Because it’s fairly thin, it probably won’t suit those who weigh over 200lbs, and I also had issues with it running warm. If you’re a naturally hot sleeper, the Studio won’t work for you. Read on for my full Leesa Studio mattress review.

We’d always recommend buying direct from the brand wherever possible, to make customer service easier. However, the Studio is also available via the Leesa Amazon store. Pricing will usually be the same but it’s worth double-checking before you buy, to make sure you’re not missing a bargain.

All-foam mattresses tend to be the most affordable mattress type, which means there’s tough competition in this price bracket. The top two models in our best memory foam mattress ranking both generally cost around $699 for the queen size. Read about those in our Nectar mattress review and Cocoon Chill mattress review.

Mattress sales happen all year round, but many brands increase their discounts around national holidays. Particularly good times to shop include the Presidents’ Day mattress sales in February, the Memorial Day mattress sales in May, the 4th of July mattress sales, the Labor Day mattress sales in September, and of course the Black Friday mattress deals at the end of November.

LEESA STUDIO MATTRESS REVIEW: DESIGN & MATERIALS

• 10-inch tall memory foam mattress with three layers of foam
• Lightweight for a mattress, king weighs only 83lbs
• Cover has a zip but shouldn’t be removed; no handles

The design of the Leesa Studio is simple but effective. Inside of the soft, removable mattress cover is three layers of foam. At 10 inches tall, it’s on the thinner side, and also pretty lightweight. The king-sized mattress that I tested only weighs 83lbs. For reference, a king-size Purple mattress weighs 120lbs. So, if you ever need to move the mattress from one bedroom to another, or from one home to another, it won’t be too heavy to deal with.

All three layers of foam are CertiPUR-US certified. This means the foam was tested by a third-party to ensure that no harmful chemicals are present in the foam and that it meets durability standards to last the lifetime of the mattress. Inside of the mattress cover begins with a 1.5 inch layer of memory foam. This layer is designed to provide a sink-in contouring feeling. Below the initial memory foam is another 1.5 inch layer of responsive foam. This is an airy foam designed to help dissipate heat and keep you cool during your sleep.

Finally, a 4-inch layer of base foam provides the support for the mattress. Essentially this provides firmness and stability, so you don’t simply sink through the top layers into the platform, which wouldn’t be comfortable at all.

The look of the cover is recognizable, clean, and modern, making it look appealing standing alone on laundry days when it’s time to wash bedding. There is a zipper, so you could take the cover off, but Leesa doesn’t recommend it. Adding one of the best mattress protectors is always a good idea, anyway. Overall, it’s a simple bed design that’s lightweight and easy to move around, even though the mattress doesn’t have any handles.

Design score: 4 out of 5

LEESA STUDIO MATTRESS REVIEW: COMFORT & SUPPORT

• Most comfortable on back or stomach sleeping positions
• Light sink in, returns back to form in about half a second
• May be too firm for side sleepers

When you scroll through the purchased views on Leesa’s website, virtually the only complaint about the mattress is that it is more firm than people expected. I can say that’s exactly what my wife and I experienced after sleeping on the bed for a few weeks. I would rate the firmness an 8 out of 10. Leesa rates the mattress as a medium/moderately firm mattress, which is about on-par with my assessment, and the assessment of many customers. Compared to the mattress we were previously sleeping on – a pillow-top, spring mattress – the Studio is a much firmer feel, and it took a few nights for our bodies to adjust.

When I placed a 25lb weight and in the middle of the bed, it sank in roughly 1.5-inches. The mattress returns to form about a half second after the weight is removed. I had two others try out the mattress, and they, like me, reported a responsive feel with minimal sink and just a tiny bit of contouring.

I weigh about 155lbs and I used to sleep on my stomach, but with my old mattress, I had to switch to my side because stomach sleeping was causing lower back pain. When I lie on my side for too long on the Leesa Studio, I wake up with a sore shoulder. My wife, who is much smaller than me, has the same issue; both of us have noticed that even if we fall asleep on our sides on this mattress, we end up on our backs by the time we wake up. A third member of my testing panel, who weighs just north of 200lbs, also found the mattress to be too firm, and lacking in pressure relief, especially when they laid on their side.

The best mattresses for side sleepers tend to be a bit softer, and often come with higher levels of contouring, to prevent pressure building up in the shoulder. The Leesa Studio doesn’t offer enough contouring for most side sleepers.

However, it’s pretty well suited to back and stomach sleepers. Generally, these positions require a medium-firm or firm mattress, to keep the sleeper’s back supported and prevent the pelvis from dropping too far into the surface and putting strain on the spine.

Even though I generally try and avoid rolling onto my stomach because of my back, while testing the Leesa Studio mattress I found myself getting comfortable again on my stomach, and without back pain. On my old mattress, when I would lay on my stomach, I could feel my back starting to bark within a couple minutes. On the Leesa Studio, there is plenty of lower back support to keep your lower back/stomach from sinking in and causing pressure that leads to discomfort or pain. (If you like the sound of a sturdy sleep surface and want to see what else is out there, our best firm mattress guide rounds up our favorite options.)

LEESA STUDIO MATTRESS REVIEW: PERFORMANCE

• Does not dissipate heat well
• Negates some motion transfer
• Slightly more sink on edge compared to center

I slept on the Leesa Studio mattress for three weeks during the coldest month of the year in northern Utah (January), with lows in the teens (Fahrenheit). During this time, I tested the mattress following TechRadar’s mattress testing methodology. Read on to find out how this mattress performed.

Temperature Regulation

I am a hot sleeper and my wife is a cold sleeper; I go to bed in gym shorts while she is fully clothed in bed. I found, even in the dead of northern Utah’s coldest month, that I was getting hot at night. My wife did as well, saying that she didn’t feel the need to ‘layer up’ before she went to bed anymore.

In short, this bed is not ideal for heat dissipation. Living in a dry climate that is especially cold right now, it makes me skeptical that I would be comfortable come summertime on this mattress.

Temperature regulation score: 2 out of 5

Motion Isolation

One of my biggest complaints about my normal mattress, which is a spring mattress, is motion transfer. Our 50 pound dog sleeps with us (don’t judge me), and I can feel every micro-adjustment he makes in the bed. The Leesa Studio all but eliminates that problem. My wife also mentioned she no longer feels when I get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

For an objective idea of how well this mattress isolates motion, I used a travel mug and dropped a 25lb weight from about 6 inches onto the mattress at varying distances away from the mug to measure motion transfer. Once the weight was about 9 inches away from the mug, the mug stopped falling over.

Motion isolation score: 4.5 out of 5

Edge Support

Edge support is important for those who have trouble getting in and out of bed. A mattress that doesn’t have proper edge support will be more difficult to climb in and out of – you might feel as though the bed is sinking and you’re sliding out.

I placed my 25lb weight on the edge of the bed to measure the sinkage. Remember, the middle of the bed recorded roughly 1.5 inches of sinkage. On the edge of the bed, the sinkage recorded was closer to 2 inches. When I sat on the edges of the bed I felt myself slightly sliding out of the bed. I do still feel supported – the bed isn’t collapsing under my weight – but there is definitely a bit more give. When I lay on the edge of the mattress, I don’t feel any sensations of rolling off. Edge sleepers shouldn’t be concerned about rolling out of bed, and getting in and out of bed wasn’t difficult, although there was a little more give than expected.

Edge support score: 3.5 out of 5

LEESA STUDIO MATTRESS REVIEW: CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

• Free standard delivery to doorstep
• In-home setup and old mattress removal available for a fee
• Standard 100 day free trial and 10 year limited warranty

You can request at checkout in-home delivery and old mattress removal. In-home delivery and setup costs an extra $159, while adding old mattress removal bumps it up to $199. All you need to do is ensure the bedding is removed from your old bed and the delivery company will either donate or dispose of the mattress sustainably.

Without those add-ons, the Leesa Studio arrived on my front doorstep rolled up, wrapped in plastic and boxed. Since the king mattress is lightweight and only weighs 83lbs, it was quick and easy for two people to move the mattress to the bed.

Once the mattress was on the bed, I unrolled several layers of plastic and the mattress started to expand even before all of the plastic was fully removed. The mattress seemed to be fully expanded after only 10 minutes or so. Once fully expanded, there is a slight plastic-like smell, but that smell was mostly masked by the fitted sheet, and completely unnoticeable after a day or two.

Leesa offers a 100-day trial period and a 10 year limited warranty on the Leesa Studio. This is considered industry standard in terms of trials and warranties (some brands, like Nectar, are more generous, and give you a full year’s trial and forever warranty). In order to be eligible for a return, you must have the mattress for at least 30 days, but no longer than 100. Leesa will encourage you to donate the mattress to a charity, but if that is not an option, you can call its return phone number and begin the return process. There are no fees associated with returns unless you live in Alaska or Hawaii, in which a $100 return fee is included.

When it comes to customer reviews, the majority of the people are pleased with the purchase. You’ll find a lot of ‘best night sleep ever’ from a number of user reviews on Amazon or Leesa’s website.

As I alluded to previously, the user reviews on the Leesa website provide an overall 4.2 star rating based on 58 reviews. The main culprit of complaints is the firmness of the mattress. Many users claim that it’s firmer than the ‘medium firm’ rating provided by Leesa. Even users who left positive, four-star ratings leave comments noting the firmness of the mattress.

At time of writing (Feb 2024), the mattress had received a 4.4 out of 5 star average rating on Amazon. Again, many of the most common complaints are about the firmness of the mattress, or if you are heavier than 200lbs, the mattress may not be supportive enough. I also found other reviews that mentioned the mattress being ideal for users under 200lbs. I did also find a few mentions of users accounting for the mattress sleeping hot. I had a similar experience, as noted above, and it appears other users second those experiences.

SHOULD YOU BUY THE LEESA STUDIO MATTRESS?

Buy it if…

You’re a back / stomach sleeper: The firm (8 out of 10) feel makes this a good choice for those who like to lie on their back or stomach. These positions require a sturdier feel, to keep the pelvis supported and ensure

You suffer from back pain: While my usual, softer mattress can aggravate my  lower back pain when lying on my stomach, I didn’t have that issue when testing out the Leesa Studio. I think that’s down to the firmer, more supportive feel.

You’re a cold sleeper: Heat retention is often considered a bad thing with mattresses, but my wife – who is a cold sleeper – found the fact that this mattress retains body heat was a benefit. It meant she didn’t need to bundle up at night. .

You share a bed: The Studio does a good job of absorbing movements on its surface, which makes it a strong choice for bed-sharers, especially if they’re easily disturbed at night.

Don’t buy it if…

You are a hot sleeper: If you’re searching for a mattress to help keep you cool at night, the Leesa Studio may not be for you. I found it ran warm at night. TechRadar’s best cooling mattress guide has plenty of alternative options – the top rated one is the Purple mattress, which I also tested and was the coolest mattress I’ve ever slept on.

You are a heavier (200lbs+) person: There are many user reviews across the web that mention that this bed isn’t supportive enough for heavier individuals. Something like the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress might be a better choice, or if you weight 250lbs or more, consider something built especially for bigger bodies – TechRadar’s guide to the best mattresses for heavy people has our top picks.

You are a side sleeper: Everyone who slept on the Studio for this review has issues with pressure building up in their shoulder when lying on their side. Something more contouring, such as the Nectar Memory Foam mattress, will be a better fit for most side sleepers.

HOW I TESTED THE LEESA STUDIO MATTRESS

I slept on the Leesa Studio mattress for three weeks during the coldest month of the year in northern Utah. Utah has a dry climate and during my testing, the lows were in the teens with highs in the 30s (fahrenheit). I used our normal bedding, which for us, consists of a mattress cover and comforter (my wife nor I sleep under a sheet). The bed was occupied every night by me, my wife, and our three-year-old, 50lb Aussiedoodle.

Standardized testing included sinkage testing, where I placed a 25 pound weight in the middle of the bed and measured how much the mattress sunk. For edge support, I placed the same weight on the edge and end of the bed and measured how much the mattress sunk. For motion transfer, I placed a travel mug on the bed and dropped the 25 pound weight from varying distances to see how well the mattress eliminates motion transfer.

The post Leesa Studio Mattress Review appeared first on Review Products.

You no longer have to choose between memory foam and down-alternative pillows.

The Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow contains memory foam and down-alternative fibers. I love both, so I consider this the best thing to happen since Hershey’s combined peanut butter and chocolate in a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. The ComfortFit comes in three options – Classic, Curved and Ultimate – so you can get a pillow that perfectly fits your needs, whether you’re a back, side, or stomach sleeper.

Pros

• +Memory foam plus down alternative
• +Two sizes and three models
• +Great for all sleep styles
• +Breathable and hypoallergenic

Cons

• -Spot clean-only
• -Non-adjustable loft

SLEEP NUMBER COMFORTFIT PILLOW: TWO-MINUTE REVIEW

I love to sleep, and I also love to sleep comfortably. As a result, I also love to test bed pillows, since they play a significant role in determining how comfortably I’ll sleep. And I could tell at first glance that I was going to enjoy testing the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows. Some pillows arrive compressed, and when they’re expanding, it’s a wait-and-see process. Will the pillows be flat, or will they be nice and fluffy?

Since the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows aren’t compressed, I knew as soon as I opened the shipping box that they were going to be a pleasure to review. As I unzipped the individually packaged pillows from their stylish fabric bags (with handles, no less), I knew this level of detail in packaging would probably extend to a high level of detail in making the pillows as well.

And I was not disappointed. The pillows were thick and plush (my favorite two adjectives when describing something that I’m going to lay my head on). The fill is made of memory foam and also down alternative fibers for a cushy experience that’s still firm enough to provide support. They’re available in three shape options: Classic, which is recommended for stomach and back sleepers; Curved, which fits to your contours and is best for side and back sleepers; and Ultimate, which features three removable inserts that can be configured for every sleeping position.

I tested a pair of the Sleep Number ComfortFit Classic Pillows for over two weeks to see how they compare to the rest of the best pillows on the market. And if you’re looking for ways to really boost your sleep comfort further, take a look at our guide to this year’s best mattresses for all budgets.

SLEEP NUMBER COMFORTFIT PILLOW REVIEW: PRICE & VALUE FOR MONEY

• Premium pillow, premium priced
• 100-night trial period, 1 year warranty
• Currently buy one, get one 50% off

At $99.99, the classic Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow in the standard size is considered a higher-end pillow – although there are competitors with pillows that cost significantly more. However, it’s not a cheap or mid-range pillow. Having tested dozens of pillows, I consider the price to be fair, considering the quality design and materials – in fact, I think it’s a good value for what you get.

The Classic king size pillow is $119.00. Also, the various models have different prices as well. The standard Curved pillow is $119.99, and $139.99 for a king. And the Ultimate pillow, which has three removable inserts so you can find your perfect fit, is $139.99/standard, $159.99/king.

At the time of publication, the pillow was being sold (in every size and shape) as buy one, get one 50% off.

A relatively-comparable alternative is the GhostPillow Faux Down Pillow, which is regularly priced at $139 but on sale for $70. It has a microfiber gel fill, and a breathable cover made of 100% cotton. It’s a fluffy, squeezable pillow like the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow, and while it’s on sale, can save you quite a few bucks. However, it’s not available in different shapes and sizes

If you’d prefer a foam pillow and/or you tend to sleep hot, the Nolah Cooling Foam Pillow has cooling features, as well as a stylish design that allows it to be used without an additional pillowcase. In addition, the cover can be washed. It’s supportive, but not as squishy soft as the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow.

Sleep Number provides free shipping for the pillow. There’s also a 100-night trial, and a 1-year warranty. In comparison, GhostPIllow provides a 101-night trial period and a 5 year warranty, and Nolah provides a 30 day trial period and a 2 year warranty.

SLEEP NUMBER COMFORTFIT PILLOW REVIEW: DESIGN AND MATERIALS

• Memory foam and down alternative fibers
• 3 shape choices for side, back, and stomach sleepers
• Breathable Lyocell blend cover

I chose the Classic shape, which is recommended for stomach or back sleepers. However, there’s also an option to get the Curved pillow, which provides enhanced support and works best for side or back sleepers (I’m testing the curved pillows in a future review). In addition, the Ultimate shape has three removable inserts, which can be used for any type of sleeper since the inserts can be taken out (or left in) to customize the pillow.

The Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow includes a blend of memory foam pieces and down alternative fibers. The memory foam pieces are moldable, so they fit the shape of my head and neck, and also bounce back when I move your head. The down alternative fibers are designed to imitate the luxurious feel of down. However, alternative or faux down tends to cost less. It’s also a great choice for people who may be allergic to down.

Delivery was uneventful, and set-up was quick and easy, since the pillows were not compressed, so they didn’t need time to expand, and I didn’t have to deal with any potential off-gassing. However, I do want to note that Sleep Number takes presentation very seriously. I was impressed with the individual cloth bags inside of the delivery box. These zippered bags added an extra layer of hygienic protection, and were convenient when storing or transporting the pillows.

SLEEP NUMBER COMFORTFIT PILLOW REVIEW: CARE AND ALLERGIES

The pillows cannot be machine washed (only the Ultimate shape pillow has a removable cover that can be machine washed).

Spot cleaning is recommended for the classic and curved shapes.

The down alternative material is quite suited for someone with allergies, since it’s not actual down – which serves as an allergen for some people. In fact, the pillows are actually hypoallergenic.

The pillow contains CertiPUR-US certified foam, which means that it was made without formaldehyde, ozone depleters, phthalates, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, and meets the low VOC emissions standard for indoor air. It’s also screened to be free for fire retardants and other chemicals that have been classified as mutagens or reproductive toxins, or carcinogens.

SLEEP NUMBER COMFORTFIT PILLOW REVIEW: COMFORT & SUPPORT

• Thick and plush, but not too plush
• Best for side or back sleepers
• Bounces back and does not need refluffing

For over two weeks, I slept on a pair of Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows to see how comfortable and supportive they were. The pillows were very plush, akin to sleeping on a cloud. As a result of the memory foam, the pillows molded to the shape of my head and neck, and when I changed positions, they quickly bounced back and proceeded to cradle me in my next position. And since the pillows contains down alternative, they felt luxurious, and were breathable.

The pillows are a mid-loft version that’s not too high and not too low. In side and back positions, it supported me well. However, it may have been too high to provide consistent support for someone who always sleeps on their side. (The Ultimate shape would do a better job for side sleepers).

I did not need to re-plump the pillows, due to the combination of fill contents in it. This pillow would be great for the average customer who sleeps on their back or side. It may be too high for petite sleepers.

SLEEP NUMBER COMFORTFIT PILLOW REVIEW: TEMPERATURE REGULATION

The Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows have a breathable Lyocell blend cover. Since neither the fill nor the cover trapped heat, the pillows didn’t get hot while sleeping – even though, as you can see from the photos, I was underneath plenty of bedding.

The pillows didn’t necessarily feel cool to the touch, but I was satisfied that they were not making me hot either, since they were breathable, which allowed any heat to escape. I tested the pillows during the fall season, which in Birmingham, AL is comfortable enough to turn off the HVAC.

SLEEP NUMBER COMFORTFIT PILLOW REVIEW: SPECS

• Fill:Memory foam pieces and down alternative fibers
• Cover: Fabric
• Dimensions (WxD) Classic Standard: 26 x 20” Classic King: 36 x 20”
• Loft: Medium
• Care: Spot clean
• Trial period: 100 days
• Warranty: 1 year
• Price bracket: Premium

SHOULD YOU BUY THE SLEEP NUMBER COMFORTFIT PILLOW?

Buy it if…

You want the best of both worlds: The pillow contains both memory foam and alternative down for a unique experience. It’s luxurious and smooth, while also being squishy, soft and supportive.

You prefer down alternative to down: If you’re allergic to down, you’ll appreciate that the pillow mimics down, but it’s hypoallergenic, so it doesn’t have any of the allergens that may cause you discomfort. Also, it doesn’t have any feathers to protrude and poke you.

You want a luxurious feel: These high-end pillows aren’t as expensive as many other types of high-end pillows, so this is an opportunity to upgrade your existing pillows without breaking the bank. You can get a pair of pillows that you won’t have to replace every year.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re strictly a side sleeper: The pillow works best for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. If you always sleep on your side, you might not find the height to provide the right combination of support and comfort. (However, the Curved shape is designed for side or back sleepers and the Ultimate shape is adjustable, so it can be customized for side sleepers as well.)

You like to adjust the fill: If you get the Classic shape, you won’t be able to unzip the cover and remove or add fill. So, if you don’t think the amount of fill is suitable for your needs, keep in mind that you’re stuck with that loft. The Ultimate shape pillow is adjustable, but if you want another option try the Layla Kapok Pillow.

You like to wash your pillows and covers: You can’t wash the pillow, and you can’t even unzip the cover and wash it (although I used to toss the pillows in the dryer on the sanitize setting and it didn’t appear to affect performance). The cover is hypoallergenic if that helps, but if you want a fully washable option the GhostPillow Faux Down Pillow could be a good alternative.

HOW I TESTED THE SLEEP NUMBER COMFORTFIT PILLOW

I slept on the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillows for over two weeks, testing for performance, comfort, and support. These tests were conducted during the fall season. Since I tend to sleep hot – but I love all of the stylish fall and winter bedding – I slept with the HVAC off to avoid getting overly hot in my mild climate.

The post Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow Review appeared first on Review Products.

A flippable, adjustable pillow with a dedicated cool side.

The Emma Premium Pillow contains three foam inserts that offer a personalised feel. One side uses a firm cooling foam, another a softer foam, and you can remove sections to adjust the loft from high to low. During my hands-on time I found it had a firmly supportive feel and I was impressed with the cooling potential, although the price is a little hard to justify given that competitors offer similar features at a lower cost.

Pros

• +Adjustable height
• +Two firmness profiles
• +Cooling foam side
• +Removable, washable cover

Cons

• -Cheaper alternatives available
• -Perhaps too firm for most

EMMA PREMIUM PILLOW REVIEW: TWO-MINUTE REVIEW

The Emma Premium Pillow is a foam pillow that contains three inserts. One side is a firm, ‘ThermoSync’ foam designed for hot sleepers, the other is a softer foam, and there’s a layer in the middle that can be removed to adjust the loft to suit your frame and sleep style.

I haven’t been able to sleep on it yet, but I did get a chance to poke, prod, and lie on it during a visit to the Emma HQ. In this hands-on review I’ll go through my first impressions, who it might suit, and how it compares to the rest of the best pillows on the market.

The overall feel is one of firm, uniform support. The two sides do feel different: the ThermoSync side is a little firmer and slower moving; the other side is a little softer and bouncier. However, neither side is particularly plush, so this isn’t the right choice if you want a pillow you sink into.

I was impressed with my first impressions of the cooling properties. It’s not possible to assess temperature regulation properly without sleeping on a pillow, but I’ve also tested this ThermoSync foam more thoroughly for my Emma Premium topper review and was impressed with the cooling there.

With all inserts inside, the loft is high – I suspect too high for most situations. However, the inside sections can be removed to lower the loft, which means it could theoretically suit anyone, from a broad-shouldered side sleeper to a petite back sleeper.

Price-wise, we’re in the premium bracket here. While the adjustability, along with extras like a 30-night sleep trial, help justify that price, there are plenty of lower-cost options that tick similar boxes if it’s out of your budget. Read on for my full Emma Premium Pillow hands-on review.

EMMA PREMIUM PILLOW REVIEW: PRICE & VALUE FOR MONEY

• Premium price bracket
• RRP of £115 for standard size
• Free delivery, 2 year guarantee and 30-night trial

At £115, the Emma Premium pillow sits firmly in our premium price bracket. The extras do help amp up your value for money – you’ll get a 30 night sleep trial, for instance. Trials are common with mattresses but rare for pillows. There’s also free delivery and a two-year guarantee.

Still, there are plenty of cheaper, great quality alternatives, which makes the pricing here a little hard to justify. If foam pillows are your thing, our top-rated Rem-Fit 500 Cool Gel pillow is typically around half the price, and the Levitex Sleep Posture pillow is a fair bit cheaper too.

EMMA PREMIUM PILLOW REVIEW: DESIGN & MATERIALS

• 3 foam layers, including one cooling foam and one softer foam
• Layers can be removed to adjust height
• Removable ‘UltraDry-Plus’ cover

The Emma Premium Pillow is an all-foam design with three internal layers. On one side is grey ‘Premium ThermoSync’ foam, which is designed to be cooling. The other side isn’t specifically temperature regulating, and it’s softer than the ThermoSync foam, for those who prefer a more plush feel. Sandwiched between the two is a layer of ‘HRX (High Resiliency Extra) Foam, which is really just there for extra height.

The idea is that you can flip the pillow to give different feels and functions, or remove layers to adjust the height.

On the Emma website, these foam layers are shown in individual casings, but on the pillow I tried out, these were absent – it was just the bare foam. We’ve noticed inconsistencies with these protective casings when testing other Emma Pillows; it seems to be a bit of a lucky dip whether you get them or not. When they’re not there, I think the bare foam feels a little too delicate, and if you were taking the foam inserts in and out, I’d be concerned about them getting damaged, or snagged in the zip.

The whole thing is wrapped in a cover made from ‘UltraDry-Plus’ fabric, which is 98 per cent polyester and 2 per cent elastane). It looks and feels like the fabric used on Emma’s mattresses, and my opinion is that it’s fine and functions well, but doesn’t seem especially luxurious. The cover can be zipped off and washed at 60C, which is hot enough to kill dust mites. The interior foam layers can’t be washed, but that’s standard for foam pillows.

EMMA PREMIUM PILLOW REVIEW: COMFORT & PERFORMANCE

• Very high loft with all inserts inside
• Both sides really quite firm (although soft side is a bit more plush)
• ThermoSync foam is cool to touch

The idea is that you can flip this pillow to give two different feels, thanks to the different foam layers. So let’s start with the grey ThermoSync side. I judged this to be a really firm foam. Concentrated pressure – for example from an elbow – went in easily, but if I pressed my whole hand (or head) against it, I struggled to make much of an indentation.

The feel is fairly responsive; you won’t sink into it, but it does take a moment to return to its original shape once pressure is removed. This side was a bit too solid for my preferences.

However, I was more impressed with the temperature regulation properties. There are lots of claims made about cooling foams, but Emma’s ThermoSync really seems to work. The surface of the foam actually feels cool to the touch, and beneath my head on when I lay on it in the Emma showroom. The real test of this is to sleep on it, of course, but I’m optimistic based on what I saw during my hands-on time with this pillow, and also based on my time reviewing the Emma Premium topper, which uses the same foam.

The other side doesn’t have these thermoregulating properties and promises a softer feel. The difference in firmness is noticeable compared to the grey side, although I’d still consider it to be medium-firm – don’t expect something ultra-squishy. It’s also springier and more responsive than the other side. When you remove pressure, it returns to shape immediately.

There’s nothing on the cover to indicate which side is which, so you’ll need to figure it out based on touch, or unzip the pillow to peek inside.

With all three foam inserts in place, this is a high-loft pillow. I found it far too high when lying on my back and stomach, and also too high for side sleeping. For context, I’m 5ft 8, not especially broad shouldered, and I tend to just sleep with one pillow. Broad-shouldered side sleepers might need a pillow of this depth for proper support, but I suspect most people will want to take the central insert out to get it to a comfortable height. The fact that this pillow is easily adjustable is a win, though.

Because it’s foam, it doesn’t need re-plumping, and should provide consistent support all night.

EMMA PREMIUM PILLOW SPECS:-

1. Fill: Foam
2. Cover: ‘UltraDry-Plus’ (98% polyester, 2% elastane), removable
3. Dimensions: 70x40cm
4. Loft: Adjustable
5. Care: Cover washable to 60C; inner not washable
6. Trial period: 30 nights
7. Warranty: 2 years
8. Price bracket: Premium

SHOULD YOU BUY THE EMMA PREMIUM PILLOW?

Buy it if…

You sleep hot: The ThermoSync side of the Emma Premium pillow shows a lot of promise when it comes to keeping the sleeper cool. That’s not the case with all foam pillows.

You prefer a firmly supportive pillow: Although one side is a little plusher than the other, the overall feel here is of firm, consistent support.

You’re a broad-shouldered side sleeper: With all the foam inserts in place the Emma Premium pillow is pretty tall. It can be adjusted to make it suitable for different body frames and sleep positions, but should appeal in particular to those seeking a chunky pillow.

Don’t buy it if…

You prefer a squishy pillow: One side of the Emma Premium is softer than the other, but neither is particularly plush. Something like the REM-Fit 500 Cool Gel Pillow has more give, and you still get those cooling features.

You prefer a traditional pillow: Moulded foam isn’t for everyone. If you want a plump-able pillow, check out the Emma Premium Microfibre pillow, which is filled with down-alternative stuffing. You can still remove inserts to adjust the height.

You’re on a budget: If the (admittedly high) price tag is a bit much, there are plenty of cheaper options that offer similar features and cost less. Our best pillow guide is a good place to start.

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This thick, cushiony foam topper will transform any old mattress.

At 9cm thick, the Emma Premium Topper is deep enough to transform the feel of any mattress, masking any number of lumps and bumps beneath. The internal foam layers are squishy and sumptuous – to be honest, perhaps a little too much so, as I felt unsupported when lying on my back, and found it a bit difficult to change position. I’d recommend it to lightweight people, some side sleepers, and anyone who knows they love a super-soft mattress.

Pros

• +Super soft and squishy
• +Thick enough to mask bumps
• +Temperature-neutral
• +Cover washable at 40C
• +Grippy base fabric keeps it in place

Cons

• -No straps
• -Lacks support for some sleepers
• -Will likely require deep sheets

EMMA PREMIUM TOPPER: TWO-MINUTE REVIEW

The Emma Premium Mattress Topper is a chunky, 9cm-deep foam topper that promises to boost in-bed comfort without trapping heat. I slept on this topper for two weeks to see if it could deliver on those claims, as well as to judge how it compares to the rest of the best mattress toppers on the market. We rate Emma to be among the best mattress brands on the market (discover the reasons for this in our Emma mattress review and Emma NextGen Premium review), so I was excited to see how this topper performed in practice.

Overall, I was impressed. While it isn’t the right fit for me specifically, I believe it will be the ideal topper for certain groups of people. The two layers of foam deliver a plush, squashy feel that’s great for lightweight people, some side sleepers, and anyone who is already a fan of a soft mattress. It’s also thick enough to totally transform the feel of your existing bed. It’s less well suited to heavier individuals and back or stomach sleepers, who (like me) might find the feel too soft, and lacking in support.

Price is another potential sticking point; it’s fluctuated quite dramatically while I’ve been testing and writing this review, although it has remained in the premium price bracket. The quality and the fact it’s thick enough to transform your existing mattress go some way to justifying the higher price, but there are plenty of cheaper options for those on a budget. Read on for my full Emma Premium Topper review.

EMMA PREMIUM TOPPER REVIEW: DESIGN

• Thick, 9cm depth topper with two different layers of foams
• Polyester cover can be removed and washed at 40C
• No straps or elasticated skirt to keep the topper in place

The Emma Premium Topper has a generous depth of 9cm. Unless your current mattress is pancake thin, it will probably require the purchase of extra-deep sheets. I added it to a 28cm mattress, with the topper taking things to slightly comical heights (I almost had to hop up into bed, and I’m not a short person).

Inside, you’ll find two layers of foam: a thinner top layer of ThermoSync foam and a thicker bottom level of comfort foam. The uppermost foam is infused with graphite, to aid with temperature regulation (it also features in Emma’s cooling mattress, which you can read about that in our Emma Luxe Cooling mattress review).

The cover is made from 98 per cent polyester and 2 per cent elastane, and it can be removed using the zip and washed at 40C – which isn’t quite hot enough to kill off dust mites, but still helpful if you’re prone to spillages. The cover isn’t suitable for tumble drying, bleaching or ironing. I’d still be tempted to add one of the best mattress protectors, for even easier cleaning.

The base is made from a textured, slightly plasticky material. The topper is described as being flippable, but I’m pretty sure that’s an error – I certainly wouldn’t want to sleep on that base fabric. Although it’s no good for lying on, the textured surface feels nice and durable, and does a good job of keeping the topper in place on the bed. This is good news, since there are no straps or other method of attaching it to your bed.

During my review, I topped it with a mattress protector with an elasticated skirt, and used a fitted sheet. All that, combined with the grippy base, kept the topper in place effectively. It all felt secure, and I never once had to reposition it during the two-week test period. I’m not sure how well it would fare just with a flat sheet, though.

The Emma Premium Topper is available in UK single, small double, double, king, and super king sizes. At the time of writing, there’s one other topper in the Emma range – the Flip Topper, which is thinner at 6cm and can be flipped to give a softer or firmer feel. It’s also very pleasing to say out loud.

EMMA PREMIUM TOPPER REVIEW: PRICE & VALUE FOR MONEY

• Sits in the premium price bracket; price has fluctuated
• At maximum price, almost as expensive as a full mattress
• Thickness and quality of materials somewhat justifies higher pricing

Since I started writing this review, the Emma Premium Topper’s pricing has changed quite considerably. At time of my original draft, a double cost £330, but by the time I was ready to publish, this had shot up to £419. Our premium price bracket for toppers is anything above £200 for a double, so it’s definitely a pricey option. There are regular Emma mattress sales, but the toppers aren’t usually discounted.

At time of publishing, here are the RRPs for the main sizes:

Single: £289

Small double: £349

Double: £419

King: £459

Super king: £509

The topper is thick enough to justify being in that premium bracket; it feels very well made, and it will totally change the feel of your bed. However, I’m not sure it’s worth over £400. Some of today’s best cheap mattresses cost less than that – in fact, a double Emma Original mattress is only slightly pricier.

EMMA PREMIUM TOPPER REVIEW: COMFORT & PERFORMANCE

• Squishy, sink-in, contouring feel
• Thick, so will make your sleep surface feel unstable
• Best for side sleepers and those who love a soft mattress

Emma’s Premium Topper has a plush, squishy feel, and that softness is enhanced as a result of its thickness. The Emma brand is known for making some of the best memory foam mattresses around, and you’re getting some of that magic here. The foam contours gently around the sleeper’s joints, gently cushioning and relieving pressure.

Although the feel of a topper will be affected by what’s beneath it, because this one is so thick, it has a pretty transformative effect. It’s chunky enough to mask any lumps and bumps in an existing mattress – and if your bed is far too firm, then it will sort that right out, too.

I’m 5ft 8in tall, of average build, and typically go to sleep on my back but switch to my side in the night. I found this topper too soft to lie on for long periods on my back, as my hips sank too far in and left my back unsupported. It was more comfortable when lying on my side.

That all makes sense: the best mattresses for side sleepers are often a little softer, to prevent pressure from building up in the hip and shoulder while continuing to keep the spine aligned; back and stomach sleepers need something firmer, however, to maintain that neutral spinal position.

Some memory foams have a “quicksand” feel, where they’re slow to respond to changes in pressure. That’s not really the case here – if I press on the surface and remove my hand, it springs back quickly, and I’m not left with an outline of a handprint in the surface. However, the softness of the foam layers and the overall thickness of the topper mean that the sleep surface can feel a bit unstable, making it slightly tricky to change position.

I would be wary of recommending this topper to heavier individuals, since I often felt that I wasn’t quite supported enough. This lead to aches and pains in the morning – maybe the result of shifting about on that slightly unstable surface, perhaps ending up twisting in a sub-optimal sleep position. However, if you’re of lighter body weight, or generally just know you get on well with a softer mattress, then this plush topper may prove perfect for you.

Note, too, that the softness and thickness of the topper is particularly noticeable around the edges. Many mattresses come with edge reinforcements; that’s never really a feature on a topper, with most shallow enough not to matter. If you need a sturdy edge to push up off when rising in the morning, you might get on better with a thinner or firmer topper.

A common issue with memory foam is that it can cling on to body heat, but I’m pleased to report that I didn’t have any problems with the Emma Premium Topper running hot. I found it warmed to a neutral body temperature and stayed that way. I will add the caveat that during testing it was about the coldest overnight temperatures ever seen in my part of England – around -1C, or sometimes colder – so not the best conditions in which to test this properly. Even with that considered, I think the cooling properties of this topper are solid.

EMMA PREMIUM TOPPER REVIEW: CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

• Free delivery and returns, 100-night trial and 10-year guarantee
• Vacuum-packed and rolled for delivery, but still heavy to move

The Emma Premium Topper arrived rolled and vacuum-packed in plastic, and in a box. I was surprised at how big and heavy it was. Many would be right to assume that a topper will be very portable; but at 9cm thick, it adds up to quite a volume of foam (I tested a double size).

Sometimes, foam bed-in-a-box mattresses give off an odour known as off-gassing when released from their wrappings. While harmless, it can be unpleasant. However, there was no reason for concern here: if I stuck my nose right into it, there was a faint “new mattress” smell, but nothing overpowering. Note that experiences can vary from person to person, even with the same product.

The trial period is generous at 100 nights. That’s in line with the shortest full mattress trial periods.

SHOULD I BUY THE EMMA PREMIUM TOPPER?

Buy it if…

You want your mattress to be much softer: This topper is thick, and plush. You could probably lie it on a concrete floor and happily sleep on it.

You’re a lightweight side sleeper: This level of squishiness is best suited to side sleepers and those of light body weight. When lying on your side, the foam contours around your joints and prevents pressure building up in the shoulder.

You have a bumpy old mattress: At 9cm thick, the Emma Premium Topper is deep enough to mask all manner of ills beneath it.

Don’t buy it if…

You lie on your back or stomach: This topper is likely to be too soft for most back or stomach sleepers, especially if they’re on the heavier side. Generally, those positions require a medium-firm or firm feeling bed to keep the spine properly supported.

You have mobility problems: The depth and plushness of the Emma Premium Topper means it will make your mattress super squishy, as a result making it difficult to change position. It will also make the edges of your bed softer and less supportive, which might be an issue if you like to sit on the edge of the bed or use it to push up off when getting up in the morning.

You already have a deep mattress: At 9cm thick, this is one deep topper. Add it to an already thick mattress (such as mine) and your bed quickly starts to look ridiculous. You’ll need deep sheets to cover both the topper and your mattress – and, depending on how tall you are and the height of your frame, you genuinely might have to end up having to hop into bed each night.

HOW I TESTED THE EMMA PREMIUM TOPPER

I slept slept on the Emma Premium Topper every night for two weeks. I added it to a Brook + Wilde Elite mattress (firm feel) and used a thin mattress protector and fitted sheet, along with a duvet and cotton bedding. It was winter during my review period, and very cold overnight – temperatures dipped to -1C on occasion. The temperature in my flat was pretty warm, however.

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