Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Editor
Editor’s note: The Emma CliMax will be discontinued. You can check out the company’s brand new hybrid, the Emma Hybrid Comfort, which we will review shortly. Or, visit our in-depth Emma mattress review for an all-foam option.
The Emma mattress brand is looking to serve plus-size sleepers and couples with their CliMax Mattress, a hybrid design that contains premium individually wrapped coils and proprietary foams built to provide an exceptional sleeping experience.
If you’re a heavier sleeper or you and your significant other can’t seem to agree on which new mattress to get, the Emma CliMax could be the solution you need. In this review, we’ll provide you with detailed feedback on this bed to help you decide if the Emma CliMax sounds like your ideal match.
Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a hybrid bed designed with larger sleepers and couples in mind.
Save up to 55% off
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a hybrid bed designed with larger sleepers and couples in mind.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a hybrid bed designed with larger sleepers and couples in mind.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Who We Recommend The Emma CliMax For:
- Heavier sleepers – The Emma CliMax is targeted toward plus-size sleepers, who often need extra support to ensure proper spine alignment. This bed should be a great fit for heavier back sleepers, in particular. However, if you’re a side sleeper under 300 pounds, you could find the CliMax too firm.
- Couples – Another group Emma kept in mind when designing this bed is couples. The Emma CliMax performs well in several categories beneficial for those sharing a bed, including motion isolation and edge support.
- Value seekers – The Emma CliMax provides shoppers with lots of value for the money. This bed comes with multiple benefits like proprietary materials, a hybrid design, motion isolation, edge support, zoned support, and cooling.
Who We Don’t Recommend The Emma CliMax For:
- Lightweight sleepers – The Climax has a firmer feel, and while this is great for many plus-size sleepers, those weighing 130 pounds or less will likely feel that this bed is too firm for them. Petite sleepers often need softer beds that allow them to sink enough for pressure relief.
- Side sleepers – Another group that will likely not benefit from this mattress is side sleepers. Like lightweight individuals, people who lie on their sides often need softer surfaces to keep pressure from building up in the shoulders and hips.
First Impressions: Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 7.5/10
We rated the Emma CliMax at a 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. The Sleep Advisor firmness scale goes from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 the firmest. Beds with a medium firmness range from 5-7, which makes the CliMax a firm model.
Firm beds are great, but they’re not for everyone. Often, these beds are excellent for people who lie on their stomachs or weigh more than average. Additionally, they can be helpful for some back sleepers. Firmer mattresses may also not provide as much pressure relief, particularly to lightweight and average-size sleepers, so keep this in mind as you shop.
How Does It Feel?
The cover of the CliMax feels thin and breathable, which is helpful for people who run hot at night. For most sleepers, the CliMax won’t compress much if you push on it or lie on top of it. However, heavier sleepers, especially those close to 300 pounds, should find the layers of the CliMax compress more beneath their weight. While this bed should keep you well-lifted, you may find that it’s not as soft as other beds you might be used to.
What We Like About the Emma CliMax
- Zoned support – The CliMax comes with zoned support, which means the bed has five zones designed to provide extra support to the areas that need it most, including the lumbar region (lower back).
- Cooling – The CliMax has multiple cooling capabilities built into it, helping to keep hot sleepers cool throughout the night.
- Durability – This bed is made with premium and durable materials to help prevent sagging. Provided you take good care of it, you should expect the Emma CliMax to last you roughly 10 years.
Our Emma CliMax Complaints
- Too firm for some – As mentioned, the firmness of the CliMax will be ideal for certain sleepers and not others. While this may steer away many other shoppers, heavy sleepers, who often have more difficulty finding a mattress, should find a reliable option with this bed.
- Less pressure relief – Unless you carry exceptionally more weight, you won’t find as much pressure relief with this bed since you’ll remain more “on top” of the layers.
- No memory foam – If you love memory foam, this probably isn’t the bed for you. The CliMax contains proprietary foams, including a responsive and breathable comfort foam that should perform well, but it isn’t classic memory foam.
Testing the Emma CliMax Mattress: How it Performed
We tested the Emma CliMax mattress in multiple sleeping positions to get the best sense of how it fits different sleepers. To test the feel and firmness, we switched positions and made notes on how it felt regarding pressure points and support. We also tested for cooling, edge support, and motion isolation using different techniques and the help of other team members.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
The Emma CliMax is designed for sleepers weighing over 250 pounds. The bed can support a total of 1,000 pounds, so it’s a good option for heavier people and couples.
Side Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight side sleepers should look for a softer bed because the Emma CliMax is likely too firm. Most side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds won’t find sufficient pressure relief.
- Average-Weight Sleepers – Average–weight side sleepers may want a slightly softer mattress. The Emma CliMax is on the firm side and may cause pressure points for people weighing between 130 and 230 pounds.
- Heavy Weight Sleepers – Side sleepers weighing less than 300 pounds will find this bed too firm as it can create pressure points in the shoulder and hip area. Those over 300 pounds will find it more comfortable in terms of pressure relief.
Back Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight back sleepers may find this bed even firmer than average-weight sleepers, closer to an 8 rating as opposed to 7.5. For this reason, they may do better with a softer bed.
- Average-Weight Sleepers – The Emma CliMax mattress might be too firm for some average-weight back sleepers. Those who weigh significantly less than 230 pounds may not be able to activate the top layers, which can result in lower back pain.
- Heavy Weight Sleepers – Heavyweight back sleepers should like the Emma CliMax, especially if they weigh closer to 300 pounds. Those closer to 230 pounds may find it slightly too firm.
Stomach Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight stomach sleepers who prefer a very firm mattress should like the Emma CliMax as it keeps the spine aligned and prevents your body from sinking into the bed.
- Average-Weight Sleepers – Stomach sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds should like the Emma CliMax mattress, as the bed provides the support needed to prevent your hips from sinking in.
- Heavy Weight Sleepers – The Emma CliMax is an excellent choice for heavy stomach sleepers thanks to its zoned support and firmness that prevent the hips and shoulders from sinking into the top layers.
Pressure Relief & Pain
If you’ve ever slept on a bed and started to feel aches and pains in certain spots, then there’s a good chance the mattress isn’t providing you with enough pressure relief. A bed’s ability to relieve pressure is not just dependent on the materials but also on the sleeper and their body weight.
The Emma CliMax shouldn’t provide much sinkage to relieve pressure points in most sleepers. However, people who weigh closer to 300 pounds should sink into the mattress more and experience relief.
Back Pain – The Emma CliMax should help with back pain if you’re an average-weight or heavyweight person sleeping on their stomach or back. The CliMax offers sufficient support, including zoning for areas that need it the most.
Hip Pain – You’re unlikely to find pressure and pain relief in this mattress if you’re a side sleeper with hip pain. The bed is on the firmer side and doesn’t offer too much pressure relief.
Shoulder Pain – This Emma mattress may help with shoulder pain if you’re a heavy or average-weight person sleeping on your back and stomach. Sleeping on your side may enhance shoulder pain because the Emma CliMax is firm.
Support
The Emma CliMax excels in the support department thanks to the CliMax® pocketed springs in five different zones and the HRX Supreme® support layer made from high-density foam. The CliMax® pocketed springs are rated for heavy weights. In addition, they feature five zones, providing extra support under the shoulders, lumbar area, and other places where larger people need it.
The mattress offers solid support for stomach and back sleepers thanks to the HRX Supreme® layer supporting the rest of the mattress so that you don’t sink in. As a result, your spine is aligned, allowing a healthy sleeping posture in these two positions.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer is typically most important to couples, especially if one person tends to toss and turn. One partner’s movements can easily disturb the other person, preventing them from getting a good night’s sleep. We tested the Emma CliMax mattress by placing a glass of water on it before pushing the areas surrounding it. In this case, we noticed a bit of disturbance, so it’s safe to say there is some motion transfer. However, this is too little for a person to feel, which we were able to tell by having two people on the bed. They said they didn’t feel the other person getting in and out of bed.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
The Emma CliMax should be a good match for those who sleep hot, as it has a cooling cover and coils that promote airflow. Although the bed has multiple foam layers, the top ones are breathable. In addition, the coil unit underneath helps promote airflow throughout all the layers, preventing them from overheating. The cover is moisture-wicking, so it’s unlikely you’ll sweat, especially if you pair the mattress with cooling sheets or a cooling blanket.
Related: Best Mattresses for Hot Sleepers
Performance for Couples
Couples should appreciate how responsive Emma CliMax is. Both the foams and coils are bouncy, meaning that it’s easy to move around and change positions, which is good for folks with different sleeping habits. On top of that, the bed offers solid motion isolation, so partners are unlikely to wake one another when tossing and turning. Even heavier couples should like this mattress since it can support up to 1,000 pounds.
Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a hybrid bed designed with larger sleepers and couples in mind.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a hybrid bed designed with larger sleepers and couples in mind.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a hybrid bed designed with larger sleepers and couples in mind.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Preference-based Features
Good Support
The Emma CliMax can support up to 1,000 pounds and is on the firmer side, meaning that it offers plenty of support for heavyweight sleepers. The bed helps keep the body aligned with its durable coils and five support zones.
Cooling
The Emma CliMax comes with multiple temperature-regulating materials, including coils, breathable foams, and a moisture-wicking cover. Each of these materials can help promote a more comfortable environment, especially if you also use cooling sheets and pillows.
Exceptional Edge Support
The Emma CliMax bed has reinforced edges, so you shouldn’t feel like you’re collapsing if you sit or sleep near the edge. This is a good thing for couples and single individuals who like to spread out across the bed.
High Bounce
Combination sleepers, people with mobility issues, and sexually active couples should all like the high bounce of the Emma CliMax mattress. The bed is highly responsive, and you won’t feel trapped in it, regardless of your weight.
Excellent Motion Isolation
Although our testing proved there is some motion transfer, most people won’t feel this when sleeping. This means the Emma CliMax has good enough motion isolation for partners with different sleeping habits.
Construction: What’s Inside Emma?
The Emma CliMax is 11.5 inches tall and covered with a climate-regulating, soft-to-the-touch UltraDry® Pillow Top Cover. The cover is thin and breathable, easy to remove, and safe to wash in a washing machine. In addition, the cover is moisture-wicking, making it perfect for those struggling with hot flashes.
- The comfort layer is made from AIRGOCELL®, which is a breathable and responsive high-density foam that helps with heat dissipation and motion isolation.
- The transition layer is made from visco-elastic CliMax® adaptive foam with over 100 supporting points and five-zone contouring. The zoned contouring is focused on the shoulder, back, hips, and head areas for maximum support.
- The support layer has CliMax® pocketed springs that are 4.7 inches tall and individually wrapped. This layer gives a balance of support and bounce to fit a range of sleepers while also providing sufficient airflow to prevent overheating.
- The edges have HRX SUPREME® edge support to allow you to sit and sleep near the edges without feeling like you’ll slide off.
- The second support layer has HRX SUPREME® foam to provide sturdy support for the upper layers and heaviest sleepers.
The Emma CliMax has an average height, so it doesn’t look too tall or bulky on most foundations. There is only one height and firmness option, but you can choose between six sizes depending on your needs.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
The Emma CliMax is a bed-in-a-box mattress, meaning that it comes rolled and packed into a box. This makes it easier to ship and maneuver with once it arrives at your doorstep. The unboxing process is rather simple, but you’ll notice a chemical smell upon opening the box. This is called off-gassing and is pretty common for most bed-in-a-box mattresses.
Although the smell may be unpleasant, it’s likely to disappear after 24 to 48 hours. This is also how long it takes for the mattress to decompress and be ready for use.
Certifications
- Eco-Friendly Certifications – The foams in this mattress are CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning that they’re made without any chemicals, toxins, heavy metals, and other harmful substances.
Noteworthy Updates:
- A purchase of the Emma CliMax comes with two free pillows.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
- Shipping – Shipping is free within the United States.
- Trial – This bed comes with a 365-night trial, giving you plenty of time to test how it fits your needs and preferences.
- Warranty – The Emma CliMax mattress comes with a 10-year warranty.
- Return Policy – Although the brand gives you a full year to test the mattress, you can return the bed and request a refund only after keeping it for at least 21 days, which is the time you need to adapt to the mattress properly. Returns are free, but the mattress has to be in good condition, so no stains or tears.
Sizes & Prices
Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a hybrid bed designed with larger sleepers and couples in mind.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a hybrid bed designed with larger sleepers and couples in mind.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a hybrid bed designed with larger sleepers and couples in mind.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will the Emma CliMax Last?
The Emma CliMax is a high-quality hybrid mattress that should last about 10 years with proper use. Unless you jump, tug, or rip the mattress, you should be able to use it for a decade before you notice any sagging or signs that it’s time to replace it.
Is the Emma CliMax a Good Mattress?
Whether the Emma CliMax is a good mattress depends on your needs and preferences. This is a high-quality, durable mattress that should be good for many couples and heavyweight sleepers. Lightweight people, especially those who like sleeping on their side, will likely not enjoy this bed.
Do You Sink Into an Emma Mattress?
People weighing up to 270 pounds should feel very little sinkage because the mattress is on the firmer side. However, those weighing more may find a bit of sinkage and contouring in all sleeping positions.
Which Emma Mattress is Best for Side Sleepers?
The Emma Original is a good mattress for side sleepers as it’s softer than the Emma CliMax. The Original is an all-foam bed with multiple foam layers that support the body but allow more contouring and sinkage for better pressure relief when sleeping on the side.
Emma vs. Other Brands
Emma vs. Titan Plus
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Product
Emma CliMax HybridFirmness
Firm: 7.5/10Trial Period
365 nightsWho We Recommend the Emma CliMax For
- Heavy people
- Stomach and back sleepers
- Couples
Who We Recommend the Titan Plus For
- Hot sleepers
- Heavy people
- Stomach sleepers
Emma vs. WinkBed
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Product
Emma CliMax HybridFirmness
Firm: 7.5/10Trial Period
365 nights
Product
WinkBed MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsTrial Period
120 nightsWho We Recommend the Emma CliMax For
- People weighing 230 pounds or more
- Back and stomach sleepers
- Couples
Who We Recommend the WinkBed For
- Hot sleepers
- Heavy folks
- Luxury seekers
Emma CliMax vs. Other Emma Models
Emma CliMax vs. Emma Original
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Product
Emma CliMax HybridFirmness
Firm: 7.5/10Trial Period
365 nightsWho We Recommend the Emma CliMax For
- Plus-size sleepers
- Those who sleep on their back and stomach
- People sleeping with a partner
Who We Recommend the Emma Original For
- Memory foam fans
- Side and back sleepers
- Couples
Overall Summary
The Emma CliMax is a sturdy and supportive mattress at an affordable price, and we think its firmness and responsiveness make it a good option for most heavy sleepers, as well as some average-weight sleepers and those with mobility issues.
Side Sleepers
3/5
Side sleepers will likely find the Emma CliMax too firm to relieve pressure in sensitive areas like the shoulders, hips, and knees. As mentioned, heavier side sleepers may find it comfortable, but anyone weighing less than 230 pounds won’t find the pressure relief they need in this position.
Back Sleepers
4/5
This bed is a good option for back sleepers unless they weigh less than 130 pounds. Average-weight and heavyweight folks should find enough support from the five-zone contouring and the bed’s two support layers. Lightweight back sleepers are unlikely to activate the upper layers, so they may not find it as comfortable.
Stomach Sleepers
5/5
The Emma CliMax is a perfect match for stomach sleepers, as it’s firm, sturdy, and supportive. Even folks who weigh above 230 pounds will like how the hips stay aligned as the layers don’t let them sink. Lightweight stomach sleepers who like very firm beds should also like this hybrid.
Combination Sleepers
4/5
Combination sleepers should like how responsive and bouncy the Emma CliMax is. Although the bed is firm, it has sufficient bounce, which should allow easy repositioning for those who like to change positions. The only reason why we give it a 4 out of 5 is that it may be uncomfortable if you spend too much time on your side.
Couples
5/5
Couples are another group that will appreciate the bounce and responsiveness. In addition, partners with different sleeping habits should like this bed’s ability to isolate motion. Edge support also makes it a good option for couples who like to spread across the entire surface of the bed.
Heavy Sleepers
5/5
This bed is a treat for heavy sleepers weighing above 230 pounds. The mattress can handle up to 1,000 pounds, so it’s a good match for heavy couples, even if both people weigh more than 300 pounds. Heavy sleepers should be good in all positions, but the mattress will perform differently depending on how you sleep.
Lightweight Sleepers
3/5
Lighter than average sleepers may feel that this bed is too firm for their needs. The firmness can cause pressure to build up because lightweight sleepers are unlikely to activate the upper layers needed for contouring and pressure relief. Lightweight folks who like very firm beds and prefer sleeping on their stomach may like how the Emma CliMax feels.
Average-Weight Sleepers
4/5
Average-weight sleepers who prefer sleeping on their stomach and back should like how this hybrid feels. The bed is firm enough to support the body but also offers a bit of contouring needed for pressure and pain relief. However, average-weight side sleepers may not get the same effect.
Overall Value
4/5
The Emma CliMax is a high-quality hybrid with a lot of value for a more affordable price. The materials are durable, and the entire construction is well-made to deliver top-notch performance for heavier people and those who prefer firmer mattresses.
Our Verdict
Heavy people, stomach and back sleepers, combination sleepers, and couples who prefer a firmer feel should all appreciate this bed and its sturdiness.
The Emma CliMax has two support systems: the coil unit and the HRX SUPREME® foam underneath. This gives it the structure and support that heavyweight sleepers need, especially if they prefer sleeping on their stomach and back.
The company also packs a lot of value with their 10-year warranty and a 365-night trial, giving you plenty of time to decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a hybrid bed designed with larger sleepers and couples in mind.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a hybrid bed designed with larger sleepers and couples in mind.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a hybrid bed designed with larger sleepers and couples in mind.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Jill Zwarensteyn
Editor
About Author
Jill Zwarensteyn is the Editor for Sleep Advisor and a Certified Sleep Science Coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.
Combination Sleeper