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I tested the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft Mattress to see how it performs for cooling, comfort, pressure relief, edge support and overall sleep quality.
This mattress is designed as a softer, cooler version of Emma’s hybrid range. It combines a PolarLuxe™ Cool-Touch Cover, ThermoSync™ graphite-infused foam, pressure-relieving comfort layers and a 7-zone pocket spring core. On paper, it sounds like a good match for hot sleepers, side sleepers and people who want a softer hybrid feel.
After testing it, I found that the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft does feel noticeably plush at the surface, but it does not feel flat or unsupportive. The springs underneath add enough lift and response to keep the mattress easy to move on.
Compared with the original Emma Luxe, this mattress feels softer and more cushioning. Compared with the Koala Mattress, it feels more breathable and more responsive because of the hybrid spring core.
Emma Luxe ThermoSoft Mattress Review: Our Rating
| Score | Categories |
|---|---|
| 9 | Off-gassing |
| 6.5 | Firmness |
| 9.5 | Cooling |
| 8 | Sinkage |
| 9 | Response |
| 8.5 | Bounce |
| 9 | Edge Support |
| 8.5 | Motion Transfer |
| 8.8 | Sex (Sinkage + Edge Support + Cooling /3) |
| 8.6 | Overall Score |
Learn more about our in-depth review process for our mattresses here.
Emma Luxe ThermoSoft Mattress Review: Construction and Design
The Emma Luxe ThermoSoft is a 26 cm hybrid mattress. When I tested it, the first thing I noticed was the softer, more cushioned top feel. It does not feel like a hard hybrid mattress. Instead, it has a plush comfort layer with a supportive spring base underneath.
The top layer is the PolarLuxe™ Cool-Touch Cover. It felt smooth, soft and cooler to the touch than a standard mattress cover. This was especially noticeable when first lying down.
Under the cover is ThermoSync™ graphite-infused foam. This layer is designed to help draw heat away from the body. In use, the mattress felt more breathable than a traditional foam-heavy mattress.
The MemoryAdapt layer gives the mattress its softer, body-contouring comfort. I felt more cushioning around my shoulders and hips than I would expect from a firmer hybrid.
The SupportBase foam adds a smoother transition into the spring layer. I did not feel like I was dropping straight through the soft foam into firm springs, which can happen with some hybrids.
The support core is made from 7-zone pocket springs. This gave the mattress a more responsive and structured feel. It also helped with airflow and made the mattress easier to move on.
Around the edges, Emma uses a reinforced foam frame. This helped the mattress feel stable when I sat on the side or lay closer to the edge.
Unboxing and Off-Gassing of the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft Mattress
After unboxing the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft, I noticed a light new mattress smell. It was not overwhelming, and it started to fade after the mattress had been aired out.
The smell was similar to what I experienced with other boxed mattresses that include foam layers. I would still recommend unboxing it during the day, opening a window and giving it a few hours before sleeping on it.
In my testing, the smell mostly faded after about 2-3 hours. It was noticeable at first, but it did not linger heavily in the room.
In my opinion, off-gassing is not a major issue with this mattress. I would score it a 9 out of 10 in this category.
Emma Luxe Mattress ThermoSoft Firmness
I would rate the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft around 6.5 out of 10 for firmness, with 10 being the firmest.
This puts it in the medium-soft range. When I lay on it, I felt a noticeable amount of cushioning through the upper layers. My shoulders and hips sank in more than they would on a firmer hybrid mattress.
For context, the original Emma Luxe felt closer to a 7 out of 10 in my testing, so the ThermoSoft is about 0.5 points softer. That difference is not huge, but it is noticeable on the body: the ThermoSoft gives more cushioning around the shoulders and hips, while the original Luxe feels slightly firmer and more lifted.
I think this firmness works best for side sleepers and people who like a softer comfort feel. Back sleepers who enjoy cushioning may also like it. Stomach sleepers may find it a little too soft, especially if they need stronger hip support.
Cooling of the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft Mattress
Cooling was one of the strongest parts of my experience with the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft.
I track surface temperature after 15 minutes of lying still. The Emma Luxe ThermoSoft stabilised at about 30.4 degrees Celsius in my room, and the surface never felt stuffy during testing. The PolarLuxe™ Cool-Touch Cover gave the mattress a cooler first-touch feel, while the ThermoSync™ graphite-infused foam and airflow from the pocket springs helped move excess warmth away from the body.
For context on the same base, bedding and room conditions, the original Emma Luxe recorded about 30.8 degrees Celsius, while the Koala Mattress recorded about 31.6 degrees Celsius. That means the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft ran 0.4 degrees Celsius cooler than the original Emma Luxe and 1.2 degrees Celsius cooler than Koala in my tests. That matched the on-body feel: the ThermoSoft stayed closer to skin-neutral, while the foam-heavy Koala held a little more warmth under the shoulder and hip.
I would not call it icy cold all night, but it does a very good job of managing heat for a hybrid mattress with foam comfort layers.
I would score the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft a 9.5 out of 10 for cooling.
For more options tuned for heat, see the best mattresses for hot sleepers.
Emma Luxe ThermoSoft Mattress Review: Sinkage
The Emma Luxe ThermoSoft has moderate sinkage. When I lay on it, I felt my body settle into the top layers, especially around the shoulders and hips.
In my sinkage test, the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft recorded about 5.1 cm of centre-bed sinkage. On the same style of test, the original Emma Luxe recorded about 4.8 cm, while the Koala Mattress recorded about 5.2 cm on its medium-firm side and 4.9 cm on its firm side. So, the ThermoSoft sank 0.3 cm deeper than the original Emma Luxe, 0.1 cm less than Koala’s medium-firm side and 0.2 cm more than Koala’s firm side.
That number matched the feel of the mattress. The ThermoSoft felt softer and more cushioning than the original Emma Luxe, but it did not feel as deeply foam-hugging as Koala’s medium-firm side. The spring core helped keep the mattress lifted enough underneath, so the sinkage felt controlled rather than heavy.
This level of sinkage worked well for side sleeping. It gave enough contouring to reduce pressure without making movement difficult.
I would score the ThermoSoft an 8 out of 10 for sinkage.
Also Read: best memory foam mattresses if you prefer a deeper hug.
Response of the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft Mattress
The Emma Luxe ThermoSoft responded quickly when I changed positions. Even though the top layers are soft, the mattress did not make me feel stuck.
In my response test, the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft recovered in about 0.3 seconds for partial recovery and 0.5 seconds for full recovery. The original Emma Luxe was slightly quicker at about 0.2 seconds for partial recovery and 0.4 seconds for full recovery, while Koala was slower at about 0.4 seconds for partial recovery and 0.7 seconds for full recovery on its medium-firm side. That makes the ThermoSoft 0.1 seconds slower than the original Luxe at both stages, but 0.1 seconds faster than Koala for partial recovery and 0.2 seconds faster for full recovery.
On the body, that translated to a responsive but still cushioned feel. The ThermoSoft did not snap back quite as quickly as the firmer original Luxe, but it felt much easier to move on than a slower all-foam mattress. I could roll from my side to my back without feeling trapped in the foam.
I would score the ThermoSoft a 9 out of 10 for response.
Bounce of the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft Mattress
The Emma Luxe ThermoSoft has a good amount of bounce, but it is not overly springy.
In my bounce test, the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft recorded about 20.7 cm of total bounce. The original Emma Luxe recorded about 22.4 cm, while Koala recorded about 18.8 cm. That places the ThermoSoft in the middle: it had 1.7 cm less bounce than the original Emma Luxe, but 1.9 cm more bounce than Koala.
That middle-ground result made sense during testing. The ThermoSoft was easier to move on than an all-foam mattress, but the softer comfort layers absorbed some of the springiness I felt on the original Luxe. It had enough bounce to help with changing positions and getting in and out of bed, without feeling too lively or unstable.
I would score the ThermoSoft an 8.5 out of 10 for bounce.
Edge Support of the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft Mattress
Edge support was better than I expected for a medium-soft mattress.
When I sat on the side, there was some compression, but the mattress did not collapse. When I lay near the edge, I still felt supported and did not feel like I was about to roll off.
In my seated edge support test, the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft recorded about 8.0 cm of edge compression. The original Emma Luxe recorded about 7.8 cm, while Koala recorded about 8.9 cm on its medium-firm side and 8.1 cm on its firm side. Since lower compression is better, the ThermoSoft was only 0.2 cm softer at the edge than the original Luxe, but it was 0.9 cm more supportive than Koala’s medium-firm side and 0.1 cm more supportive than Koala’s firm side.
In real use, the edge felt stable enough for sitting, tying shoes and sleeping close to the side. It is not a rock-hard edge, but for a medium-soft mattress, the reinforced perimeter does its job well. This is useful for couples because it makes more of the mattress surface feel usable.
I would score the ThermoSoft a 9 out of 10 for edge support.
Emma Luxe ThermoSoft Mattress Review: Motion Transfer
Motion transfer was good for a hybrid mattress, but not completely silent.
In my motion transfer test, the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft recorded about 6.8 cm of movement. The original Emma Luxe recorded about 7.2 cm, while Koala recorded about 5.1 cm on its medium-firm side and 6.3 cm on its firm side. That means the ThermoSoft transferred 0.4 cm less movement than the original Emma Luxe, but 1.7 cm more than Koala’s medium-firm side and 0.5 cm more than Koala’s firm side.
That result fits the construction. The foam comfort layers helped absorb some movement, so the ThermoSoft isolated motion better than the original Luxe in this test. However, because it still has a spring core, it did not isolate motion quite as well as Koala’s all-foam design.
For most couples, I think it should be fine. If one person is extremely sensitive to movement, Koala may still be the better motion-isolation pick. But for a hybrid mattress, the ThermoSoft performed well.
I would score the ThermoSoft an 8.5 out of 10 for motion transfer.
Emma Luxe ThermoSoft Mattress: Performance for Sex
The Emma Luxe ThermoSoft performs well for sex because it has a good mix of bounce, response and cushioning. In my bounce test, it recorded about 20.7 cm of total bounce, making it bouncier than Koala at 18.8 cm, but slightly less lively than the original Emma Luxe at 22.4 cm.
The reinforced edges also felt stable enough to use more of the mattress surface, while the softer top layers kept it comfortable. Overall, I would score the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft an 8.7 out of 10 for sex.
How It Feels for Different Types of Sleepers
A mattress will feel different based on weight, posture, and preferences. For reference, I’m an average-weight tester and used both a slatted timber base and an ensemble.
Side sleepers
The Emma Luxe ThermoSoft felt best when I slept on my side. The softer comfort layers cushioned my shoulder and hip, while the spring core kept the mattress supportive underneath.
Back sleepers
Back sleeping also felt comfortable. The mattress filled in the lower back area nicely, and the springs gave enough lift to stop the body from sinking too far.
Stomach sleepers
Stomach sleeping was the weakest position for me on this mattress. It was not uncomfortable straight away, but I would prefer something firmer for long-term stomach sleeping.
Sleeping Positions: Summary
| Sleeping Position | My experience |
|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Cushioned my shoulders and hips nicely without making the mattress feel unstable; this was the best position for me on the ThermoSoft. |
| Back Sleepers | Felt comfortable and evenly supported through the lower back; the surface had enough cushioning, while the springs kept my body lifted. |
| Stomach Sleepers | Softer and less ideal in this position; my hips sank a bit more than I would want for long-term stomach sleeping. |
Recommended For
- Side sleepers who need pressure relief. The medium-soft comfort layers gave my shoulders and hips enough cushioning without making the mattress feel unstable.
- Hot sleepers in warm climates. The PolarLuxe™ Cool-Touch Cover, ThermoSync™ graphite-infused foam and coil airflow helped keep the surface cooler during my tests.
- People who want a soft feel without a “stuck” sensation. The top layers feel plush, but the pocket springs add enough lift to make movement easy.
- Couples who use the whole mattress. Edge support felt stable for a medium-soft mattress, and motion control was good for a hybrid.
- Combination sleepers. The mattress has enough response and bounce to make changing positions feel smooth and easy.
Also Read: best mattresses in a box for more boxed options, and our full emma comfort mattress review if you’re comparing all-foam vs hybrid feel.
Other Important Information:
Warranty
The mattress comes with a 10-year warranty.
Free Trial Period
Emma offers a 150-night trial, which gives you time to test the mattress at home and decide whether the feel is right for you.
Free Delivery
My delivery was straightforward with free metro shipping and easy unboxing. Expansion to a sleepable height took roughly 2 hours in my space.
Certifications
The foams are low-VOC and third-party tested for safety; fabrics meet strict textile standards. Practically, that meant minimal new-product odour and no irritation for sensitive noses in my household.
Also Read: best memory foam mattresses and best mattresses for hot sleepers for alternatives by feel and temperature control.
Summary
After testing the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft Mattress, I think it is a strong choice for sleepers who want soft comfort, cooling materials and hybrid support.
Its biggest strengths are cooling, pressure relief and edge support. The mattress felt breathable, cushioned and easy to move on. I especially liked it for side sleeping because it gave enough softness around the shoulders and hips without feeling unstable.
In my tests, the Emma Luxe ThermoSoft recorded 30.4 degrees Celsius in cooling, 5.1 cm of sinkage, 0.3 seconds for partial recovery, 0.5 seconds for full recovery, 20.7 cm of bounce, 8.0 cm of edge compression and 6.8 cm of motion transfer. Those numbers put it in a nice middle ground: cooler and softer than the original Emma Luxe, but still more responsive and more breathable than a typical all-foam mattress.
Pros:
- Strong cooling performance
- Comfortable medium-soft feel
- Excellent pressure relief for side sleepers
- Good response and ease of movement
- More breathable than many all-foam mattresses
Cons:
- May feel too soft for firm mattress lovers
- Not ideal for heavier stomach sleepers
- May transfer more motion than an all-foam mattress
- Softer feel may not suit everyone
Allana Wass is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-chief at Comfybeddy. She was trained at the Spencer Institute to become a Certified Sleep Science Coach and has been featured in VeryWellMind, U.S. News, and Bustle. She has tested over 50 sleep products, which include mattresses, mattress toppers, and pillows. She has spent countless hours researching the mattress industry and learning about its cutting-edge technology for over four years, helping you improve your sleep. With her wealth of experience, she thoroughly reviews mattresses and other sleep products to give the best recommendations for each kind of sleeper.