Choosing a new mattress can be confusing with so many options available on the Canadian market. If you have narrowed your choice down to two, the Emma Hybrid Comfort and Douglas Original, you clearly have done a lot of research already and we are here to help you make the final decision between the two.
Choosing between Emma Hybrid Comfort and Douglas Original involves more than simply choosing a brand. It is also about choosing between a hybrid and an all-foam mattress, your budget, and your sleeping preferences. In this article, we compare the two mattresses based on our test results to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of Emma and Douglas Brands
Douglas is a Canadian mattress company that is part of the GoodMorning.com mattress manufacturing family. While GoodMorning.com was founded in 2009, Douglas started to make mattresses a little later in 2017. Even though it is one of the newer brands in the Canadian sleep market, it has already established itself as a very popular bed-in-a-box brand. All Douglas mattresses are made in Canada to reduce impact on the environment.
Emma, a European mattress company, has its headquarters in Germany and sells mattresses in over 30 countries on four continents. The company, founded in Frankfurt, Germany in 2015, is known for making durable, high-quality mattresses. Emma mattresses are made in various locations, including Ireland and the UK. In Canada, the company has a distribution and manufacturing location in Ontario.
Emma Vs. Douglas Price Comparison
If you have already checked out the Emma Hybrid Comfort and Douglas Original mattresses, you will have noticed a considerable price difference between them. While the Douglas Original prices start from $599 for the twin mattress, the prices for Emma’s hybrid mattress start from $1,084 for the same size. The Douglas Original is the more affordable option for most Canadians.
Why does the mattress from Emma cost almost double? The main reason is that it is a hybrid rather than an all-foam mattress. A hybrid mattress combines the best qualities of innerspring and foam mattresses. You will find more details about the mattress’s construction further in the article.
If you are interested in the Hybrid Comfort mattress but are not keen on the price, it is worth looking out for promotions and discounts. Similarly, you can wait to see if you can get the Douglas for even less, as they too often have deals on their mattresses.
| Mattress Size | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Douglas Original |
| Twin | $1,084 | $599 |
| Twin XL | $1,151 | $649 |
| Full | $1,287 | $699 |
| Queen | $1,487 | $799 |
| King | $1,889 | $899 |
| California King | $1,889 | $899 |
| Split King | N/A | $1,298 |
| RV Mattress | N/A | From $599 |
Mattress Sizes
If you are looking for regular-size mattresses from twin to California king, you can choose a mattress from either company. However, if you would like a split king or an RV mattress, these are only available from Douglas.
Even though some of the Emma mattresses are an inch wider (from twin to full size), the main difference is the thickness of the mattress. The Emma Hybrid Comfort is three inches thicker than the Douglas Original. This extra height can make getting in and out of bed easier. However, when combined with a taller bed frame, it can be too much for some shorter people.
| Mattress Size | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Douglas Original |
| Twin | 75” x 39” x 13” | 75” x 38” x 10” |
| Twin XL | 80” x 39” x 13” | 80” x 38” x 10” |
| Full | 75” x 54” x 13” | 75” x 53” x 10” |
| Queen | 80” x 60” x 13” | 80” x 60” x 10” |
| King | 80” x 76” x 13” | 80” x 76” x 10” |
| California King | 84” x 72” x 13” | 84” x 72” x 10” |
| Split King | N/A | 80” x 38” x 10” |
| RV Mattress | N/A | Bunk: 75” x 28” x 10”¾: 75” x 48” x 10”Short Queen 75” x 60” x 10” |
Sleep Trials, Warranty, and Delivery
Purchasing a new mattress presents a significant investment for many people. It is also a product that you will have for years to come, so it is important to get it right. Finding out details such as the length of sleep trial and warranty and whether you get a free delivery, can help give you peace of mind when investing in a new mattress.
Sleep Trial
Most companies that sell mattresses online have sleep trials because they understand that choosing a mattress online can be daunting. Since you have not been able to try the mattress out in a store, how can you be sure it will be right for you? With a sleep trial, you use the mattress at home and if you are not happy with it, return it within the agreed sleep trial period.
The lengths of sleep trials vary from a few months to a full year. Both Emma and Douglas have a 365-night sleep trial. If you decide to return your mattress during this time, you need to contact the relevant company’s customer service to arrange a free pick-up. Douglas will refund your money within 14 business days, while Emma says the refund process takes 5-10 business days from the date the mattress is picked up.
Warranty
Mattress companies will offer different warranties for their mattresses which generally cover faults related to manufacturing and materials. The Warranty for the Emma Hybrid is 10 years, while the Douglas Original is warrantied for 20 years.
Delivery
Douglas has two locations, one in Ontario and the other in Alberta, where it ships its mattresses across Canada. Delivery is free to most areas. However, there is a fee of $250 for some remote locations and territories. If you live in an area where the fee applies, it is added to the total at the checkout. Depending on where you live, delivery can take up to nine days.
Emma has a warehouse in Ontario where all mattresses are shipped from. The delivery is free unless you would like an in-home setup. However, currently, this service is only available in Ontario. The company promises to ship the Hybrid Comfort in one business day and it takes up to four days to receive your mattress if you live in Ontario and up to eight days if you live in other provinces or territories.
Mattress Construction and Performance
The Douglas Original and Emma Hybrid represent two different types of mattresses. The Douglas Original is made with layers of foam, while the Emma Hybrid combines foam with brings. Below, we explain the construction of these mattresses and find out how they performed in our tests.
Differences in Emma Hybrid Comfort and Douglas Original Construction
The main difference between these two mattresses is clear: one has springs while the other does not. Other noticeable differences are the thickness (Emma is three inches thicker) and the number of layers.
The Emma Hybrid is made of five layers that combine springs with foam. The top two layers are designed to help with temperature regulation with Airgocell foam as the top layer and cooling gel foam as the second layer.
The third layer is HRX foam for support and the fourth has the springs. They are arranged in seven different zones and wrapped individually. The final layer is high-density foam to improve the durability of the mattress. The cover, which is not removable, is soft and cool to the touch.
The Douglas Original has three layers of different foams. The top layer, which is designed to remove heat, is made with ecoLight cooling gel foam. The middle layer is Elastex® foam and the bottom layer is high-density. The mattress benefits from a removable cover which is called CoolSense. As the name suggested, it further helps to disperse heat and prevent overheating.
Temperature Control
Emma Hybrid Comfort 8.9/10; Douglas Original 8.7/10
When we test mattresses for temperature regulation, we measure how well they wick away heat. Traditionally, foam mattresses used to have poor temperature control and it was easy to overheat when sleeping on them. However, this has changed thanks to modern cooling technologies.
The Douglas Original scored very well in our temperature control tests. Thanks to its CoolSense cover and the ecoLight cooling gel used in the top layer of foam, it effectively releases heat instead of trapping. It performed almost as well as the Emma Hybrid.
The Emma Hybrid is one of the best mattresses we have tested for temperature regulation. The two foam layers with cooling technologies combined with a cover that wicks away moisture provide excellent temperature regulation. The layer of springs further improves air circulation ensuring a cooler night’s sleep.
While the mattress from Emma performed somewhat better in this test, most Canadians will be comfortable with either mattress. However, if you tend to sleep very hot, then it is worth considering spending the extra money on the Emma mattress.
Motion Isolation
Emma Hybrid Comfort 8/10; Douglas Original 9.6/10
The motion isolation rating shows you how well the mattress isolated movement. A higher score means movement travels a shorter distance and you are less likely to feel when another person moves when sharing a bed.
Generally, foam mattresses have better motion isolation than spring mattresses and hybrids fall somewhere in the middle. One of the benefits of hybrid mattresses is that the foam layers on the top reduce motion transfer. The Emma Hybrid has three foam layers on top of the springs and as a result, it scores as high as some all-foam mattresses for motion isolation.
However, it does not score as well as the Douglas Original with its almost perfect score. When it comes to motion transfer, this is one of the best mattresses we have come across at Slumber. If you are a sensitive sleeper and even the smallest movements wake you up, the Douglas is definitely one of the best options for you but most people will be happy with Emma’s motion isolation, too.
Edge Support
Emma Hybrid Comfort 8/10; Douglas Original 6/10
While the Douglas mattress might beat Emma in motion isolation, the tables are turned when we look at edge support. This did not surprise us at Slumber since all-foam mattresses generally offer less edge support than hybrid mattresses.
The Emma mattress is made with a seven-zoned system which offers edge-to-edge support. This prevents the mattress from sagging and helps it to maintain its shape for longer.
Consider getting the Emma Hybrid if you like to sleep on the edge of the bed – the stronger edge will prevent you from rolling off the bed – or if you struggle getting in and out of bed because of mobility issues. Even though the Douglas scores lower for edge support, it still offers better-than-average support among all-foam mattresses and will be suitable for most people.
Firmness and Comfort
Emma Hybrid Comfort 7/10; Douglas Original 6.5/10
The most popular mattresses in Canada are medium-firm mattresses, usually rated between 4 and 7 on a scale that goes from 1 to 10. Ten means the mattress is extra firm and one is for extra blush mattresses.
In our testing, we found that the Douglas Original and Emma Hybrid felt quite similar. However, because of the springs, the Emma Hybrid was a little firmer. That said, most people are likely to find the firmness and comfort level of these two mattresses suitable for their sleeping style and body type.
If you are a side sleeper, you may benefit from choosing the Douglas Original because it offers more pressure relief. Side sleepers need a mattress that allows the hips and shoulders to sink in enough to keep the spine straight and the Emma mattress may not provide enough sinkage, especially for lighter persons. Of course, if you prefer the Emma but need more pressure relief, you can always get a softer mattress topper for it.
Final Verdict: Which Mattress is Right for You?
Now that you know how the mattresses compare in different areas, it is time to draw some conclusions. If you share a bed with someone and get easily disturbed by their movements, consider getting the Douglas Original for superb motion isolation. On the other hand, if you need a mattress with a firmer edge, the Emma Hybrid is a clear winner in that category.
For temperature control, both mattresses got high scores but the hybrid mattresses just inched ahead. Despite that, you will find that either mattress will help you stay at a comfortable temperature while you sleep.
If budget is a key factor for you, then the Douglas Original is a much better option. Unless you manage to catch a deal on the Emma Hybrid. But should you choose the Douglas mattress for budgeting reasons, you are still getting a lot of mattress for your money and likely to be happy with it. And if not, there is the sleep trial that both companies offer, that means you will get your money back if the mattress is not right for you.
Below is a recap of all the key details.
| Detail | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Douglas Original |
| Price | $1,084- $1,899 | $599-$1,298 |
| Warranty | 10 years | 20 years |
| Sleep Trial | 365 nights | 365 nights |
| Type | Hybrid | All-foam |
| Firmness | 7 | 6.5 |
| Free Shipping and Returns | Free (except with in-home set-up) | Free (some exceptions) |
| Suitable for lower budgets | No (but look out for offers) | Yes |
| Good for couples | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for hot sleepers | Great | Great |
| Made in Canada | No | Yes |
| Edge support | Good | Average |
| Mattress sizes available | Twin to California King | Twin to Split King |
| Offer extra lumbar support | Yes | No |
Other Mattresses from Emma and Douglas
You might also be interested in checking out the other mattresses from Emma and Douglas. The other options from Emma are the Emma Original and Emma Cooling Elite. The Original is the company’s baseline, all-foam model and is closer to the Douglas Original in price. Meanwhile, the Cooling Elite is their top-of-the-range mattress with additional comfort layers and enhanced temperature control.
Douglas also has two alternatives: Alpine and Summit. The Alpine is a slightly thicker mattress than the Original and the foam layers are designed to provide more pressure relief and to keep you at a comfortable temperature. One of the selling points of the Summit mattress is its phase-changing materials. This is advanced cooling technology that prevents heat build up; a great choice for people who sleep extra hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mattress is firmer: Emma Hybrid or Douglas Original?
The Emma Hybrid is a slightly firmer mattress. It scored 7/10 in our tests while the Douglas Original scored 6.5/10.
What is the main difference between the two mattresses?
The main difference is the construction: Emma Hybrid has foam and springs and the Douglas Original is an all-foam mattress. The Emma Hybrid is also three inches thicker and has five instead of three layers.
How soon will my mattress from Emma or Douglas be delivered?
It depends on where you live. Emma aims to deliver within eight days and Douglas within nine days.
Does Emma do an all-foam mattress similar to the Douglas Original?
Yes, there is an all-foam option called Emma Original.
Can I get a sleep trial with these companies?
Yes, both companies have a sleep trial. They are among the best in Canada: 365 days.
