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Igel vs Emma Mattresses

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Igel

iGel mattresses are exclusive to Bensons for Beds and generally sit in the more executive and luxury lineup. Pricing may be higher than other products but the materials utilised within the mattresses more than makes up for this. Featuring support layers of pocket springs and comfort layers of gel, you get a cooling experience with full body contouring and fantastic longevity. iGel and Bensons for Beds have a history of providing good quality mattresses that last and have some of the best reviews in the industry.

Read our full Igel review

Emma

Emma is an immensely popular British manufacturer who specialises in bed in a box mattresses. First clamouring to fame in 2015 but achieving real velocity from 2018 onwards, Emma is one of the last standing in the war on sleep having bested Eve, Casper and Leesa, all of whom had similar marketing objectives and business models. To date, Emma offers 2 mattresses commercially through their own website with store and retailer derived versions for the masses of retailers looking to piggyback the brand's success. The mattresses all feature foam as a staple with some featuring additional springs. Regardless of which version you choose, comfort is almost guaranteed with thousands of satisfied customers to date.

Recently Emma rebranded to become known as Emma Sleep and pivoted their focus toward other items in the bedding sector ranging from bed frames, pillows, duvets and protectors.

Read our full Emma review

Mattress Score

Overall Score:
Igel: 4.49/5.00
Emma: 4.88/5.00

Customer Satisfaction:
Igel: 4.49/5.00
Emma: 4.88/5.00

Price:
Igel: £799.99 - £2099.99
Emma: £259.95 - £799.00


Based on aggregated reviews and performance scoring, we would recommend Emma in this face off!


Becky
Compares

Igel Owner Satisfaction

Satisfaction is important to both Bensons for Beds and their iGel lineup. Being at the top of brands through the site, the manufacturer is held in high regard and is well reviewed by thousands of happy customers. Customers particularly enjoy the comfort layer which they say offers a cooling experience over equivalent memory foam alternatives. This is because gel breathes better and doesn’t cause heat buildup giving a better all-season mattress that performs well regardless of the weather.

I’ve personally trialled some of the iGel range in store and found some of the tensions to be on the firmer side, in-line with the designation the mattresses have been given. Regardless of which you choose, customers should be satisfied with the tension of the product.

Igel Supportiveness

The support on iGel mattresses is not derived from the gel layer as this is the comfort layer at the top, instead the support is offered from the pocket springs beneath. Pocket springs are universally fantastic and are my personal favourite when it comes to support systems. The result of this layer is an extremely supportive mattress regardless of which tension you choose, offering full body contouring with an impressive lifespan and increased breathability.

Igel Durability

Most mattresses have a traditional 1 year warranty and that is normally a fairly reasonable indicator as to how much trust the manufacturer has in their product. Naturally the better the components, the more durable they are and as such, manufacturers have more confidence in their lifespan and will guarantee them for longer. With iGel, not only are you getting high quality pocket springs combined with luxurious gel layers, but you are also getting a 10 year guarantee on all new mattresses coming out of the lineup. This goes a long way towards highlighting the durability of these mattresses and the lengths the manufacturer is going to in order to ensure long-standing satisfaction.

With a 10 year guarantee you will exceed the average lifecycle of 7 years, giving you better value and reducing the cost per night of sleep throughout its lifespan. As a result, while an iGel mattress may cost more initially, the need to replace later decreases real world costs.

Igel Best Offers

We've managed to find the following top deals from across the web on Igel mattresses.

Emma Owner Satisfaction

Emma Sleep’s entire business model is focussed toward consumer satisfaction. Key parts of their marketing strategy comes from word of mouth and statistics show that people buy from people. What makes Emma stand out from the crowd is an interesting shift in consumer buying behaviour. Previously, if you bought a mattress and didn’t enjoy it, you were out of luck, not so with the rise of Emma. Now, if you don’t like your mattress you can simply arrange a return and get a full refund within the first 100 days. This shift has proved extremely positive for customers and has increased satisfaction in the lineup.

To date, Emma has amassed an impressive 22,000+ reviews on Trustpilot, a fantastic display given the company's fairly new tenure in the industry.

Emma Supportiveness

Firmness is a very subjective thing which proves a particularly tough nut to crack when you are producing one mattress to suit all people. So much so that Emma has prototyped and tested numerous models previous to going to market in order to get that mix just right. The result? Right now Emma has two mattresses, a medium tension and a medium firm tension. Medium is a great supportive rating as it gives the user enough body contouring and support in the back and neck while giving enough softness and compression to accommodate those who sleep on their side or are of a lower BMI. It really is considered the one-size-fits-all approach and it’s one that suits many who purchase an Emma mattress, just take a look at the thousands of reviews to date.

Emma Durability

With the mid-range price point of Emma products, it’s important for shoppers that the bed lasts for a number of years. Generally we find companies consistently trying to cut costs at the expense of durability. Fortunately Emma already has a unique business model as the mattresses follow the rolled and bed-in-a-box model that allows savings through logistics and delivery meaning Emma can spend more on materials while still finding profit. The result of this means you get a mattress that is affordable and of higher quality than competing brands which, as a result of the quality increase, is more durable and lasts longer as a result. It’s a win for everyone.

Emma Best Offers

We've managed to find the following top deals from across the web on Emma mattresses.

Igel Most Useful Customer Reviews

5

TL;DR - amazing selection for testing at Northwich, 1st class staff and service, and the delivery team and experience was incredible. Amazing bed testing experience - my partner and I, with a 3yro and a 5yro spent at least 3 hours in the store testing everything and homing in on the mattress for us. The staff greeted us and asked what we were looking to do, and were totally fine with me asking for no help unless we found something (my previous experience at other companies meant I was not hopeful.). They understood, and this was the first place where they just said "Well, you can't test a bed without a pillow!" and gave us a Tempura pillow each for the afternoon! My approach to testing was risky - find a firmness we both liked to start with, and then test everything in that category and don't look at the price! Well, doing that kept me at the iGel 2050i, I nearly fell asleep in the store! This tech and construction was clearly for us the most comfortable in the store. The 3yro and 5yro thoroughly tested the bunk beds, and ran around everywhere, the store staff understood we needed to test and didn't mind the chaos the little ones were causing. Amazing experience at the Northwich store. The sales staff then appeared and checked in when it was clear we'd just stopped really testing and actually encouraged us to test exactly as we sleep, which was really nice to have that encouragement to be at ease lying down with your loved one in a shop! So I disappointed the staff and said I'd think about it. Honestly the mattress was nearly double what I'd put in mind, but the comfort was amazing in the shop. We got home and lay on the old mattress. It was a disappointment. I went back the following day before an offer ended and made the purchase, with delivery about 6 days later. Come the day before a delivery day, a text with a 2 hour time slot,. The day of the delivery, Ben in the van called and said they were 30mins away, which they were. You could also track their location online. Van arrived, the guys jumped out, I asked if they wanted any help, which they didn't and then they got the mattress through an impossibly small staircase within 15mins. I actually thought before delivery it wouldn't go and I'd have to take the handrail off, but there was no stopping the team - looked at the route, and just did it. Ben said when we got back down I'm actually proud of that one!". It was a tight fit, but the team didn't even think of not trying, just incredible. So here we are now, a few weeks after delivery, and I can honestly say the 2050i is an incredible mattress, the comfort and sleep we are getting now is seriously unimaginably better than before. Any regrets? That I didn't spend more time on the 3000i... by the time I got to that, I'd looked at the price of the 2050i and I think I'd probably tapped out on price. Next time...

5

We decided to wait a short while before leaving a review so we can comment on both the service and the product, so we will start with the product. Pre sales: We walked into the branch in Congleton and Martin was the salesman who we met. Very professional, listened to us and made recommendations based on what answers we gave him. (always a great start) Once we were confident on our selection, we got a quote. Again we went through all the options, once we added on what we wanted, Martin went through some offers on the extras which were good value based on what we were buying anyway. (such as protectors) Once everything was priced and finalised, we got a formal quote and gave it an hour to 'wait'. Went back, paid and felt happy with the purchase based on the product we tested and the sales approach. From firmness rating to technical specification of the materials, it helped us make an informed decision based on no. of springs, gel layers etc. and focus on what was more of a priority for us. We met Darrell later once we paid and couldn't rate this store any better. It's clear both individuals have a very natirual and consultative selling style, selling based on matching a product to people. Should the product live up to its claims, we will be OK! Delivery: Received multiple emails and texts with our delivery date, reminders and time updates. It arrived in time. Our delivery team was Mark and Linv. These guys were amazing. Took the mattress where we wanted it with no problem, both courteous and respectful to our property, best heavy goods courriers we have had. Product: We purchase the igel 2050i and will address initially it was very firm, more than what we expected, but to be expected with a new unit. After a couple of weeks of use and turning the mattress as per the care guidelines, it loosened off a bit and is now more like what we tested in store. There was a smell to the mattress initially, but it dissipated after about 2-3 days. 4 weeks later and the mattress is excellent. Can offer nothing but thanks to the Congleton branch and the delivery team. It honestly was great to see a full complement of people having pride in their jobs. We walked into this store with the money ready to buy what we wanted, but was fully expecting to be let down... But we're glad to be proved wrong! Pre-sales - 10/10 Sales support - 10/10 Delivery - 10/10 Product - 10/10 Not sure if it's too early to comment on the mattress, but so far it's settled as expected and seems like excellent quality. From a after sales perspective, we feel confident if there is an issue, that the team will support us.

5

an honest review, so to begin with, i wasnt even planning on buying a new mattress at the time, it was on a whim that i went into the shop as hadn't looked at new beds for a loooooong time, so thought why not, probably wont be very good, but the sales team were excellent and taking the time, which was well over an hour, going through a lot of bed options, and only going to this one as a "i do have one more to show but its a lot more money" option... but it was so comfortable the second i got on it in the shop compared to the others, which granted were half the price! from paperwork to delivery and the first nights sleep, its bliss! trying in the shop means you know what your buying before you even get it, and cant technically be disappointed. now for the details:- Its THICCCCCCK! this is a very deep and heavy mattress, 40+cm, so know your sheets are going to fit before buying you aint going to be rotating or moving it often as it is heavy, just move yourself around the bed for bedding in sleeping possitions to keep it fresh... you sink into it like a marshmellow, then stop when it thinks your possition is correct, and it is, your supported where you need it, free where your not the Igel cooling, i cant really comment on tooo much as its not been hot nights yet to test, but its certainly not like other memory foams iv had before where the heat bounces back and it feels sweaty what down sides can there be other than those that people make up due to not doing reaserch before they get it.... HEAVY, THICK, kinda pricy you spend half your life in bed, why not have it in the most comfort you can possibly get, its no different than people spending 1000s on sofas and tvs, they only do 1 job, as does this, but it does its job dam well! there really isnt much that can be said for this mattress, if you can afford it, get it! simple

4 Pat Fisher

Mattress is very good. However, I purchased a Mattress Protector Perfect Partner' designed to compliment this mattress and upon opening it it said it was not to be used with an electric blanket. As I use an electric blanket all winter, it means this product (which cost 54.99) is useless for me. I would point out that this warning is on a label on the protector and nowhere on the packaging did it show this warning. I took it back to the shop but was told they could not refund or exchange for a diffent protector, because I had opened it. I explained that I had opened it in good faith, never expecting to see that warning. The Salesman rang a Manager in another store and the confirmed that because I had opened it, it could not be returned. The Salesman also rang Bensons Customer services, who said the same. I rang Customer Service myself and got absolutely nowhere. I was told by the person I spoke to that I could not speak to anyone in a higher position than him, as apparently that person does not exist! So, I have a 54.99 Mattress Protector, which is just about to go in the bin. I am shocked by Bensons after sale service. Whilst purchasing the bed and the mattress everyone was very pleasant and efficient. I suppose that is because I was spending 2000+ I have 60 days to return the bed if I don't like it. I am tempted to because of the incident with the mattress protector.

5 Janet Holden

I am a hot sleeper and so have always avoided memory foam mattresses. But over the past few years no matter how carefully I have chosen a mattress, they have never given me the support and comfort I need. My back aches, my hips hurt and I toss and turn. So, did some research , went to Benson's , spoke to lovely sales assistant lady and bought the iGel mattress. Have been sleeping on it now for about 3 weeks and I mean sleeping on it. I got the medium which is perfect for me. I also bought the iGel Advance mattress protector and I can honestly say I do not have a pro lem with overheating. The mattress feels supportive. It kind of cradles my hips if I turn in my side but I am not aware of any constant tossing and turning. I wake up feeling as if I have had some quality sleep which is lovely. It is expensive, but how do you put a price on sleep. Things like this are always subjective. I just wish I had risked it earlier, it would have saved me all that wasted money on mattresses that I disposed of quickly because they were not what I was looking for. And the ability to try it out is good, even if there is an admin charge to exchange but it is a good fall back. I can highly recommend this mattress.

Emma Most Useful Customer Reviews

5 Verified Buyer

After purchase and having a nightmare with a different boxed mattress from a very well-known brand, I was really sceptical about all the positive reviews for this but really wanted to see if they were all the same.
I need not have feared. This is simply brilliant.
Excellent delivery from 2 John Lewis drivers who both wore masks and asked me to keep my lounge door closed. They called to say they were on their way so I had everything ready.
Yes the mattress needed airing for a few hours and what u found was that if you remove the top cover this helps the foam breathe. I washed the cover twice straight after each other and left the mattress overght with the window wide open in the bedroom.
The results were that within a few days the smell had completely gone and nothing was lingering. Yes put your nose to it and you could still smell bits but nothing like the other I had which smelt toxic.
The comfort is fantastic. If you sit on it you sink, especially perched on the edge but once laid flat on it your body is well supported with no bottom sag in the middle that I had from the previous one.
A few months in and I have to say this is the best mattress I have ever had. No dips, easy to change due to handles close to the 4 corners and very light.
The zipped top is great for removing and washing if needed.
John Lewis you have restored my faith in boxed mattresses after a terrible experience with another brand.
Stick with this one and you wont go wrong.
I use 2 firm down pillows with it and due to the softness of the mattress they have eased more giving a medium to firm response. With my previous mattress these pillows were far too hard so you may need to play with some pillows as they will feel different.

5 Verified Buyer

I am soooooo glad that I bought this just before the Black Friday when it came back into stock. This bed is so comfortable! I have never had a memory foam mattress, only a mattress with springs. It sound strange but I cant believe how quiet it is! When my boyfriend moves around, I cant hear or feel anything! The mattress is currently on the floor as my new bed frame has not arrived yet and its still very comfortable. Its not too firm. I would definitely say its medium. I am thinking about getting the firm topper which is free. But will decide once frame arrives. The mattress is a lot lighter than my previous mattress which makes changing the sheet easier. And the delivery service was excellent. I received a text message with my 4 hour time slot. And it arrived exactly at the beginning of the slot. I was running late and the driver called me and waited for me. He even took it up two flights of steep stairs. All the Way to my flat. There is a slight chemical smell. Its been two weeks and sometimes I do get a hint of it under the sheets. But I wouldnt say its terrible or very noticeable. And would probably disappear faster if I aired the mattress out a bit. There are only two downsides for me. Number one, the handles on the side arent very strong. Number two, I never want to get out of bed in the morning, so Im nearly late for work every day!

5 Verified Buyer

We had been waiting to get a new mattress from before lockdown, but wanted to go to the storeroom of a well known manufacturer but hadnt found the time. After some research and reading reviews decided to take a chance on this mattress rather than just keep waiting for said showroom to re-open, and are we glad we did. This mattress is wonderfully comfortable and a fraction of the price we were considering spending on the other mattress. With the price, the option to return if not happy and the 10 year guarantee you really cannot go wrong with this mattress. It is also considerably lighter than the one we were considering - a consideration as you get older, particularly in these strange times when you might only get something delivered to the door. My wife is sensitive to temperature at night and we have slept (or tried to sleep) on mattresses that seem to generate heat, and this was a concern with a mattress that included memory foam, but there has been no issue from that perspective. Others have commented on the smell of the mattress, but having left the mattress to "settle" and air for 24 hours, we didnt find this to be an issue. All in all delighted with this purchase and would recommend to others - so much so that we bought a second for the guest bedroom.

5 Verified Buyer

I was a little dubious at the beginning about this product because of reviews online and had to think before I purchased it but after a week I decided to just buy it as it comes with a sleep trial so its risk free (200 night trial)
The mattress is top quality, was surprised at how easy it is to unpack and get ready on the bed. After about 3-4 hours it was in its full size and ready to sleep. The best thing to do is leave the window opened so room is well ventilated as it has a new sort of smell at the beginning, I would say this lasts about 48 hours but can be longer.
The easiest way to allow this mattress to expand is to remove the top cover and let it breathe (tip that Emma gave me when I emailed them). The first time I used it I felt so weird sleeping on it (in a good way), it was so comfortable! It just goes to show how bad an old mattress is. I find it a little soft for me however you can receive a comfort layer (request these and Emma will send it free of charge) which can improve it and make it firmer and also add 14 days to the trial!
Has it made a difference to my sleep? Yes!
Would I recommend it? Yes!
Would I buy another? Yes!
Do I want to get out of bed in the morning? No

5 Verified Buyer

This is a fantastic mattress and extremely comfortable. Having bought a different out of the box mattress that seems to be on the TV all the time, I was really apprehensive about getting another as the first one was great for the first few months but then sagged in the middle and the springs became faulty. John Lewis were brilliant however and refunded me.
So onto this one - delivery was fantastic as always and contactless as I stayed downstairs.
The mattress is easy to turn around due to the 4 handles - 2 on each side which is a bonus. The quality is outstanding and the top cover is easy to remove and wash.
There was a slight smell for a couple of weeks but I regularly removed the cover to air the foam for a few hours and washed the cover so it smelt of my washing powder. This has now completely gone.
The firmness did take a while to get used to. I had a cheap firm mattress from a famous swedish store so this felt soft but after a few nights sleep, this wasnt an issue. I now sleep soundly.
Really pleased with this and with the 200 day trial and no quibble return - I feel very assured that this could finally be the one for me.
Highly recommended.