Our team at Sleep Foundation conducts extensive hands-on tests for each mattress to provide you with the most reliable, data-driven recommendations and reviews. Below are key guidelines that inform our testing methodology:
Our testers lie on the surface of each mattress to evaluate factors such as contouring and support. We also use specialized tools to measure performance criteria like pressure relief, heat retention, and motion isolation.
We test each mattress using various sleep positions to observe whether a mattress is better suited for side, back, or stomach sleeping. We roll around the surface and sit on the edges to gauge ease of movement and perimeter support.
We have tested hundreds of mattresses and bring years of experience in the mattress industry to the test lab. Our testing team covers a wide range of sleep preferences, sleep positions, and body types. This helps us represent as many sleeper types as possible in our reviews.
Firmness Options: Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Ratings Summary
Motion Isolation
6.5/10
Edge Support
8.5/10
Temperature Control
10/10
Ease of Movement
8.5/10
Off Gassing
9.5/10
Pressure Relief
7.5/10
Pros & Cons:
Three different firmness options suit a variety of sleepers
Great temperature control
Classic innerspring feel
Fans of close-conforming memory foam won’t like the more responsive surface
Firmer models don’t provide great pressure relief
Founded in 2010, Saatva specializes in direct-to-consumer luxury mattresses under three brand names: Saatva, Loom & Leaf, and Zenhaven. Between these three brands, the company sells several mattress models, including the all-foam Loom & Leaf; the latex Zenhaven; the airbed, Solaire; and the hybrid Saatva.
Named on our Best Mattress of the Year list, the Saatva Mattress, also called the Saatva Classic, combines two layers of coils, two layers of polyfoam, and a thin layer of memory foam. The Saatva comes in three firmness options, which it calls Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. These options correspond to soft (3 on the 10-point firmness scale where 10 is firmest), medium firm (6), and firm (8) respectively.
The Saatva is also available in two height options: 11.5 inches and 14.5 inches. While the 11.5-inch version falls in the average thickness range, the 14.5-inch option is high-profile, so it may require deeper sheets.
This review will discuss the Saatva Mattress in-depth. We’ll cover its construction, performance, sizing, pricing, customer reviews, and company policies. We’ll also highlight how the different versions of the mattress vary in performance and who each may be best for.
Choose Plush Soft if:
Choose Luxury Firm if:
Choose Firm if:
– You weigh less than 130 pounds. – You want a mattress that isolates motion. – You prefer a plush feel.
– You weigh between 130 and 230 pounds. – Your sleep partner has a different body type and/or preferred position. – You want a balance of contouring and support.
– You weigh more than 230 pounds. – You prefer a firm feel. – You want extra support from your mattress.
Saatva Video Review
Watch the video below to see how the Saatva Mattress performed when put to the test in our lab.
Sleeping Style and Body Weight
Saatva Classic – 11.5″ – Plush Soft
Side Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
10/10
130-230 lbs
7/10
Above 230 lbs
5.5/10
Back Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7/10
130-230 lbs
5.5/10
Above 230 lbs
5.5/10
Stomach Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7/10
130-230 lbs
5.5/10
Above 230 lbs
4/10
Saatva Classic – 11.5″ – Luxury Firm
Side Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7/10
130-230 lbs
9/10
Above 230 lbs
9/10
Back Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
7/10
130-230 lbs
9/10
Above 230 lbs
9/10
Stomach Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
6.5/10
130-230 lbs
8.5/10
Above 230 lbs
8.5/10
Saatva Classic – 11.5″ – Firm
Side Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
5.5/10
130-230 lbs
7/10
Above 230 lbs
10/10
Back Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
5.5/10
130-230 lbs
8.5/10
Above 230 lbs
10/10
Stomach Sleepers
Under 130 lbs
5.5/10
130-230 lbs
8.5/10
Above 230 lbs
10/10
Lab Notes
Our testing found the layers of polyfoam and the coil core allow the shoulders and hips of side sleepers to sink in comfortably. The hips of back sleepers remain supported but soft foam cushions these sleepers to give them some contouring.
The perimeter of the Saatva’s two spring layers feature a foam wrapping that helps reduce sagging around the edges. Our tests found this to give the Saatva above-average edge support, especially compared to other hybrid models.
The way in which you like to sleep as well as your weight are going to impact which mattresses are best for you, including the Saatva. While everyone has subjective preferences for what feels comfortable, people who sleep in similar positions and have similar weights are going to share certain needs as sleepers.
Side Sleepers
What They Need: Side sleepers typically require a balance between support and cushioning for a good night’s sleep. Their shoulders and hips need to sink into a bed just enough to provide relief to pressure points and align the spine properly throughout the night. If a bed provides too much sink and cushioning or too much pushback, the spine will be out of alignment which could contribute to discomfort down the road.
How the Saatva Fits: When it comes to side sleepers under 130 pounds, the Plush Soft version of the Saatva is what we would consider best suited for the job. If the Plush Soft option feels too soft, the middle of the road Luxury Firm version will also perform well for lighter side sleepers.
Those who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds will likely find the Luxury Firm version to be their best bet. It shares the softer polyfoam used in the Plush Soft construction for pressure relief while having its own firmer feel. The Plush Soft and Firm options can also work well for side sleepers in this weight range, should the Luxury Firm option not feel soft or firm enough.
Side sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds will probably be best off going for the Firm version of the Saatva. That being said, the Luxury Firm option will also be a great choice for heavier side sleepers, particularly if the regular Firm feels too firm.
Back Sleepers
What They Need: Back sleepers also require a balancing of cushioning and support, particularly around the lower back. This balance leans toward the firmer and more supportive end of the spectrum to reinforce the lumbar area. People who sleep on their backs still need some cushioning, but too much can lead to the lower back sagging out of alignment.
How the Saatva Fits: For back sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds, both the Plush Soft and Luxury Firm Saatva models will meet their needs rather well. Both have strong support systems balanced by softer cushioning foams.
When it comes to those who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds, back sleepers will likely find the Luxury Firm Saatva to be the best combination of support, firmness, and contouring out of the three. The Plush Soft and regular Firm options are both close seconds, especially if you have a preference for softer or firmer beds.
Lastly, back sleepers over 230 pounds will probably find the Firm version of the Saatva to have the right amount of firmness and support. The Luxury Firm is also a good option for heavier sleepers who prefer a softer mattress.
Stomach Sleepers
What They Need: Stomach sleepers typically require a firmer mattress with more support to keep them from sinking too deeply into a mattress. People who sleep on their stomachs tend to put more concentrated pressure on a mattress than other sleepers, particularly around their midsections. If a mattress is not adequately supportive, they may risk sinking through the comfort layers and putting their spines out of alignment.
How the Saatva Fits: Stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds will likely have success sleeping on both the Plush Soft and Luxury Firm versions of the Saatva, depending on their firmness preferences. The Firm Saatva has the same support core as the other two options, but the firm polyfoam in the comfort layer creates a significantly firmer feel that may be too hard for lighter sleepers.
The stomach sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds should strongly consider both the Luxury Firm and Firm versions of the Saatva. Both provide the robust support and firmer feel that stomach sleepers tend to prefer for a good night’s sleep.
Those who sleep on their stomachs and weigh over 230 pounds are probably best suited to the Firm version of the Saatva. While the Luxury Firm and Plush Soft options have the same support system, the feel may be far too soft to prevent excessive sink.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Motion Isolation
6.5/10
Plush Soft: 7 / 10
Luxury Firm: 5.5 / 10
Firm: 5.5 / 10
While the Saatva does not isolate as much motion as some hybrids on the market, it’s likely to be sufficient for most sleepers.
The Saatva’s comfort system uses thinner layers of foam than many hybrid models. Instead, it uses an extra layer of springs within the comfort system. These thinner layers of foam combined with the Euro-top’s fiber fill absorb some motion, reducing how much movement is felt across the surface of the bed. However, sleepers may still experience some motion transfer when their partner changes position or gets up during the night due to the mattress’s two layers of springs. Individuals who are easily awoken may notice this more than other sleepers.
Thanks to its softer feel, the Plush Soft version of the Saatva absorbs slightly more motion than the Luxury Firm and Firm options.
Pressure Relief
7.5/10
All versions of the Saatva Mattress have significant pressure-relieving properties that are equivalent to or greater than many hybrid models. The conforming quality of the Saatva is why we’ve named it as a pick for the best mattress for back pain.
The Euro-top cushions the surface of the mattress, while the layer of pocketed coils within the comfort system provides deeper contouring. This cradling can help spread the sleeper’s weight across a wider area, relieving pressure points that often occur around the hips and shoulders.
Additionally, the memory foam lumbar pad helps prevent the sleeper’s midsection from sinking in excessively. This extra support promotes better spinal alignment.
While all of the Saatva firmness options have pressure-relieving potential, the amount of pressure relief that an individual experiences on the mattress will vary based partially on their weight and sleep position. Individuals who weigh under 130 pounds will likely experience the most pressure relief on the Plush Soft version of the mattress, while sleepers over 230 pounds will likely get the best balance of contouring and support from the Firm version.
Temperature Control
10/10
While hybrid mattresses tend to sleep cool, the Saatva’s construction may help it sleep even cooler than many other hybrid models. It’s one of our selections for best cooling mattress of the year.
The Saatva’s Euro-top uses polyfoam and fiber, which tends to be more breathable than memory foam. The cotton cover also allows air circulation into the mattress.
Many hybrid models use comfort systems with thick layers of memory foam, and memory foam tends to trap heat. However, the Saatva’s comfort system consists primarily of pocketed coils. Air can flow relatively freely between springs, which allows heat to dissipate away from the mattress. The Saatva’s support layer also uses coils, making the mattress exceptionally breathable.
While all the firmness options may help promote a cooler night’s sleep, the Plush Soft version has more conforming that could lead to slightly more heat retention.
Edge Support
8.5/10
Plush Soft: 7 / 10
Luxury Firm: 8.5 / 10
Firm: 8.5 / 10
The Saatva Mattress has a sturdy enough edge to allow almost all individuals to sit or sleep near the perimeter without excessive sinkage. This edge reinforcement is excellent even compared to most hybrid models.
A foam encasement wraps around the perimeter of the Saatva’s two spring layers. This firm foam reduces edge sagging when the sleeper approaches the perimeter. The extra edge stability may expand the usable surface of the mattress since sleepers may feel secure enough to sleep near the edge without fear of rolling off. A more stable edge can also make it easier to sit on the edge of the bed, which may by extension make it easier to get into and out of bed.
Because the Plush Soft version of the Saatva allows individuals to sink in more, its edges may not feel quite as secure as those of the Luxury Firm and Firm versions of the mattress. Additionally, individuals who weigh over 230 pounds may experience more edge sinkage than lighter sleepers.
Ease of Movement
8.5/10
Hybrid models tend to be relatively responsive, but the Saatva’s use of polyfoam and two layers of springs make it exceptionally responsive compared to most other hybrids.
The Saatva’s comfort system consists primarily of polyfoam and pocketed coils. While these materials conform to the sleeper’s body, they tend to regain their shape more quickly than memory foam. This reduces the likelihood of the sleeper experiencing the “trapped in the bed” feeling sometimes associated with memory foam comfort layers.
All of the Saatva’s firmness options are likely to be relatively easy for most sleepers to move across and change positions on. However, most individuals will probably find the firmer versions of the mattress the easiest to move on since they conform less than the Plush Soft version.
Off-Gassing
9.5/10
While any mattress may have a “new mattress” smell, the Saatva is likely to have very little or no odor. Additionally, any potential smell should air out quickly.
Many off-gassing odors come from synthetic foams. These foams often emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from manufacturing. While these odors are generally not thought to be harmful, some individuals may find them unpleasant.
The Saatva contains synthetic foam, but these foams ship to Saatva’s manufacturing partners already stable. Additionally, since the Saatva uses two substantial coil layers, it contains less foam than many hybrid models.
We would not expect the Saatva Mattress to produce much if any odor. However, if a Saatva Mattress does smell, it should air out quite quickly thanks to its breathable construction.
Saatva Mattress Review Breakdown
The Saatva is a hybrid mattress that uses a combination of materials, including a comfort layer with fiber fill, polyfoam, memory foam, and pocketed coils along with a support system of hourglass coils. It’s one of the best mattresses in a box based on our testing.
The Saatva Mattress comes in three firmness options and two height options. The firmness options are Plush Soft (3), Luxury Firm (6), and Firm (8). The height options are 11.5 inches and 14.5 inches.
A knit cover constructed of organic cotton enrobes the sleep surface. This material allows airflow into the mattress while feeling soft to the touch.
All three firmness levels have similar comfort systems that include a Euro-top with sewn-in cushioning. The Plush Soft and Luxury Firm versions use 1.25 inches of soft polyfoam, while the Firm version uses 1.5 inches of firm polyfoam. All of the firmness options also include .75 inches of fiber fill and 1 ounce of Dacron to cushion the surface of the mattress.
Beneath the Euro-top, there is a .625-inch layer of polyfoam and a .375-inch layer of memory foam. This thin layer of memory foam supports the sleeper’s lumbar region to promote improved spinal alignment. Next, a 4-inch layer of 14.5 gauge foam-encased coils adjusts to the sleeper’s body while supporting strong air circulation throughout. This coil gauge is close to the middle of the range, balancing responsiveness and contouring.
Each version of the mattress uses a support core of 13-gauge hourglass coils. These coils are crafted to make the mattress more durable while allowing for significant airflow through the mattress. The 11.5-inch version of the mattress uses a 4-inch layer of coils, while the 14.5-inch version uses a 7-inch layer. The base uses a .5-inch loft pad and a. 875-inch fiber pad to support the coil system. A foam encasement wraps around the perimeter of the mattress to reinforce the edge.
The Saatva Mattress is constructed of several layers that include polyfoam, memory foam, and two coil systems.
Cover Material:
Knit Organic Cotton
Comfort Layer:
Plush Soft and Luxury Firm: Euro-Top with Sewn-In Material [1.25″ Soft Polyfoam, .75″ Fiber Fill, 1 oz. Dacron]
.625″ Polyfoam
.375″ Memory Foam Lumbar Pad
Firm: Euro-Top with Sewn-In Material
[1.5″ Polyfoam, .75″ Fiber Fill]
.625″ Polyfoam
.375″ Memory Foam Lumbar Pad
Support Core:
4″ or 7″ Hourglass Coils (13 Gauge)
.5″ Loft Pad and .875″ Fiber Pad
Foam Perimeter Encasing
Mattress Prices and Sizing
Compared to similarly-constructed luxury hybrid models, the Saatva Mattress is a budget-friendly option. Shoppers can select between three firmness options and two height options at no extra charge. The Saatva is available in all six standard mattress sizes.
The Saatva Mattress ships within the contiguous United States and some parts of Canada.
The Saatva Mattress is currently sold through the Saatva website. You can try the Saatva in person at the Saatva Viewing Room or the SleePare showroom in New York City.
Shipping
The Saatva Mattress ships to locations in the contiguous United States and parts of Canada. Free in-home delivery and setup are available in the United States. A team brings in the mattress, moves it to the room of choice, unpackages it, sets it up, and removes the old mattress.
Mattresses are constructed after the customer places the order, so the expected arrival dates may vary.
Additional Services
Saatva offers free White Glove delivery and old mattress removal within the contiguous United States.
Sleep Trial
The Saatva Mattress comes with a 365-night trial. The trial period begins on the day of delivery. During this timeframe, customers can return their mattress for a refund of the purchase price. The company will arrange to pick it up, and a $99 transportation charge will be deducted from the refund of the purchase price.
Warranty
The Saatva Mattress comes with a 1lifetime warranty. For the first two years of the warranty period, Saatva will replace mattresses it finds to have qualifying defects. Beginning in year 3, Saatva will repair and re-cover the mattress, and the customer will be responsible for a $149 transportation charge.
A “Fairness Replacement Option” is also available as a remedy for defective mattresses. This option allows you to keep your original mattress and get a new mattress at a reduced rate.
This warranty applies to the original purchaser of the mattress. The mattress must have been used on a proper foundation and be free of abuse. Additional terms and conditions apply.
Saatva Mattress FAQ
Where are Saatva mattresses made?
Saatva mattresses are made in the U.S. The company operates 19 factories and 145 fulfillment centers across the country. Roughly 2,500 mattresses are manufactured each week. The average Saatva mattress travels fewer than 100 miles between the factory where it’s produced and the buyer’s residence.
Saatva mattresses are “bench built,” meaning one craftsman facilitates the process of transforming the raw materials into a finished product. The company does not rely on any foreign manufacturers. All foams and 85% of other mattress materials are also sourced in the U.S. The additional 15% of materials may be internationally sourced.
Is the Saatva Classic a good mattress?
Whether a mattress is “good” or “bad” for you depends on a few factors, such as your body type, primary sleep position, and general preferences for firmness and contouring levels. Each individual mattress has a design and material composition that makes it better suited to some sleepers than others.
That said, mattresses with multiple firmness options like the Saatva Classic can accommodate a wider range of sleepers than those with a single fixed design.
Saatva Classic models with a plush soft feel – or a 3 on our 10-point firmness scale – feature extra padding in their Euro-top layers and provide the closest body contouring. Side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds and back and stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds will probably find this firmness level most comfortable.
Models with a luxury firm (6) contour to a moderate extent and also offer a decent amount of support. This mid-range firmness best suits side and back sleepers who weigh 130 to 230 pounds, though luxury firm models have earned favorable ratings from most of our testers who weigh 230 pounds or less, regardless of sleep position.
The firm (7) feel features less Euro-top padding than the other two firmness levels, resulting in extra support and very little contouring. Back and stomach sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or more will likely prefer these models, though they have also earned rave reviews from side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds.
The Saatva Classic is available in two profiles: 11.5 or 14.5 inches. The 11.5-inch model features a bonnell coil support core measuring 4 inches thick, while the 14.5-inch model’s support core measures 7 inches thick. The latter provides a little extra support that may appeal to sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds.
In terms of overall quality and performance, our testing team has awarded positive ratings for the Saatva Classic in categories like edge support, temperature neutrality, ease of movement, responsiveness for sex, and odor potential. Below-average motion isolation – a common issue with innersprings and hybrids – appears to be one shortcoming of the mattress, and some Saatva Classic models struggle in certain categories due to their firmness level. However, keep in mind our ratings are highly subjective and may not reflect your experience with this mattress.
How long does it take to get a Saatva Classic mattress?
Most online mattress and sleep product brands use standard ground shipping for their orders. Saatva is a bit different because the company offers free White Glove delivery, which includes in-home assembly and removal of your old mattress and box spring. Since White Glove delivery is scheduled, wait times will vary by customer.
Saatva Classic models are built to order, which means production of your mattress will begin as soon as you’ve placed your order. After the mattress has been built, inspected, and prepared for shipping, Saatva’s White Glove delivery team will contact you to schedule a delivery date. One day prior to this delivery date, you’ll receive another email to confirm a 4-hour delivery window.
An adult aged 18 years or older must be at the residence during the delivery. If you’re running late and the couriers arrive, they’ll wait 20 minutes before leaving. You may reschedule the delivery at no extra charge. If the White Glove couriers are late to arrive on the delivery date, a team member will contact you to alert you of the delay and reschedule as needed.
Saatva’s free White Glove delivery also extends to the brand’s other mattress models, bed frames, and adjustable bed bases.
Do you need a box spring with a Saatva Classic mattress?
You don’t necessarily need a box spring for your Saatva Classic, but this may be the most comfortable option. Box springs are a rectangular base featuring interior coils and a fabric-upholstered exterior. Box springs were originally designed with innersprings like the Saatva Classic in mind, but they may not provide enough support for heavier all-foam or all-latex models.
Alternatively, you can use a foundation with your Saatva Classic. Foundations don’t feature coils like box springs but they still deliver plenty of support. They also tend to be more durable than box springs. However, one downside to foundations is that they lack the cushioning of box springs and may make your mattress feel firmer than preferred.
If you own a box spring and decide you’d like to use a foundation with your new Saatva Classic, remember that Saatva’s White Glove couriers will remove your old box spring during delivery for no extra cost.
Is the Saatva Classic a good mattress for side sleepers?
The Saatva Classic’s multiple design options means the mattress can accommodate sleepers across different position groups. That said, some firmness levels for the mattress will feel more comfortable for certain sleep positions than others.
Saatva Classic ratings from side sleepers in our testing crew varied by weight group. Side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds gave the most favorable ratings to Saatva Classic models with luxury plush (3) firmness levels. Those who weigh 130 to 230 pounds awarded the highest ratings to models with the luxury firm (6) feel. Lastly, side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds gave the best ratings to models with the firm (7) feel.
Based on our evaluations, the Saatva Classic’s profile did not play a major role in tester experiences. Our side sleepers found the 11.5-inch and 14.5-inch models equally comfortable and supportive.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we'll help you find exactly what you're looking for.
