Saatva HD Mattress Review

In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs

At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.

We test 10 different factors that impact the performance, comfort, and value of the mattress. Testing categories include:

Test	Rating
Cooling	Excellent
Sinkage	Minimal
Motion Transfer	High
Response Time	Extremely Fast
Bounce	Very High
Edge Support	Exceptional
Sex	Excellent
Pressure Relief	Exceptional
Off-Gassing	Exceptional
Company	Excellent

Cooling performance on the Saatva HD is excellent. During our tests, I felt no significant level of heat retention around my body.

The hybrid design helps to create good airflow for the mattress, improving cooling. In addition, the mattress uses an incredibly thick 7.5” comfort layer (4.2” comfort layer thickness is average).

• Baseline Temperature – the temperature of the mattress before anyone lies on it
• Maximum Temperature (0 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after lying on it for 15 minutes
• Ending Temperature (5 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after being lied upon and having no one on it for 5 minutes

This comfort layer provides exceptional support and pressure relief, however, a super thick comfort layer does also limit cooling performance, keeping it from reaching the “exceptional” cooling level.

Looking at our objective data, we measured a max surface level temperature of 91.9° Fahrenheit.

After we got off the mattress, the temperature dropped by 4.2° F from minutes 0 to 1 (which is 0.4 degrees better than average). From minutes 0 to 5 the decline was 8.1° (which is 1.1° better than average).

Heat Dissipation Over Time

When we consider the objective data, subjective experience, and material analysis, alongside the design intention optimized for heavier-weighted bodies, I am pleased with the level of cooling performance. I expect most sleepers will find the level of cooling to be perfectly good.

The Saatva HD has a minimal level of sinkage. In our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 1.77”. This is 0.43” less sinkage than the average of 2.20”.

The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.

I wouldn’t call this a “floating on top” of the mattress feel, but it certainly leans more in that direction compared to mattresses that allow sleepers to sink down “in” the mattress. The contouring hug is extremely restrained and generalized around the body.

The Saatva HD did create more body contouring around the heavy portions of my body, in particular my mid-section. Given that I am fairly lightweight at 140 pounds I am far from the ideal body type for this mattress.

More moderate and heavier weighted bodies will create a more appropriate level of engagement with the materials, creating a more balanced level of sinkage and overall body contouring hug.

Even so, the hug will not be at the same level as more traditional memory foam (ie, exactly contouring to your precise shape). Instead, there is more of a balance in the way it wraps the body.

The Saatva HD has a high level of motion transfer. In our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 11.34 m/s². This is 3.38 m/s² more motion than the average of 7.96 m/s².

I was unsurprised by the higher level of motion. Many HD and Plus-sized mattresses have higher motion.

The level of motion transfer is documented in the video below.

The combination of the innerspring coil unit (as opposed to pocketed coils), lower coil gauge (12.5), natural latex layer, denser foam layers (5.0 PCF memory foam), and slightly firm feel (7 out of 10 on the firmness scale) are all contributing to higher motion.

These same elements make the mattress an incredible performer to provide ample support for heavier-weighted bodies. However, they don’t do any favors for motion.

The more supportive materials ultimately just have more pushback and resiliency to them.

If we look at the motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we can see the highest motion peaks from 0 to 0.14 seconds.

Motion drops off significantly by 0.14 seconds and by 1.13 seconds we’ve returned to near zero levels.

If there is a silver lining here it’s that the most significant motion peaks are very quick. The total motion duration is longer 1.13 seconds, but the level of motion after 0.21 seconds is quite low.

The Saatva HD has an extremely fast material response. In our tests, we measure a mostly recovered response time of 0.2 seconds and a fully recovered response time of 0.6 seconds.

This mostly recovered time is on par with the fastest mattresses we’ve tested, while the fully recovered time lags a bit. Even so, it’s still notably faster than the average of 0.9 seconds.

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

Despite the use of multiple memory foam layers within the core of the mattress, the Saatva HD still manages an overall highly responsive feel. The faster response ensures sleepers won’t feel stuck and it’s easy to move around on the mattress. No major issues here.

The Saatva HD has a very high level of bounce. In our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 12.50”. This is 2.86” more bounce than the average of 9.64”.

The more supportive, denser, and high-resiliency materials are creating higher levels of bounce.

While the higher bounce leads to higher motion transfer, it also makes the mattress easier to move around on and improves sex performance.

The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.

At 12.50”, the bounce is a little beyond my ideal range, but only slightly. While a more moderate to high level of bounce would be preferential, in this case, I don’t believe it’s a significant detriment.

In order to deliver the appropriate support for heavier weighted bodies the materials and design of the Saatva HD needed to be as they are.

A lowering of bounce would require a decrease in the type and/or quantity of materials that create the HD level of support.

The Saatva HD has exceptionally good edge support for both sitting and lying. In our sitting edge support tests we measured a sitting edge sinkage level of 2.50”. This is 1.77” less edge compression than the average of 4.27”.

When it comes to sitting edge support, I like to see 4.0” or less. Needless to say, the Saatva HD absolutely dominated this category. The Saatva HD has among the most supportive edges among all mattresses we’ve tested to date (tied for 5th).

The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.

Lying edge support was equally as impressive. Even when lying at the absolute edge of the mattress I felt fully supported in all sleeping positions.

The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.

The support is as good at the edge as it is in the middle of the mattress. The total 15.5” profile height, higher density foams, lower coil gauge (12.5), and 3.5” wide / 6.0” tall perimeter edge support foam all work together to create incredibly robust and high-performance edge support. 

The best mattresses for sex have high bounce, good edge support, quiet materials, and good pressure relief and cooling.

These 5 factors make up the NapLab sex performance score.

Sex Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Rating
Bounce	60%	10	Very High
Edge Support	20%	10	Exceptional
Noise	10%	10	Minimal
Pressure Relief	5%	10	Exceptional
Cooling	5%	9.5	Excellent

For the Saatva HD, these individual factors generated a perfect sex score of 10.

In short, sex is as good as it gets on the Saatva mattress. The high level of bounce combined with exceptional edge support makes up 80% of the score here. This mattress is active, engaging, firm enough, and keeps energy levels up.

Furthermore, the mattress is quiet, has exceptional pressure relief, and has great cooling. Overall, there are no real issues to have with this mattress concerning sex.

Pressure relief on the Saatva HD is exceptionally good. During our tests, I felt no pressure point issues in any sleeping position.

Great pressure relief is created when a mattress uses good support materials with a sufficiently thick comfort layer of high quality. The Saatva HD is 15.5” thick with a 7.5” comfort layer.

Based on all of our tests to date, the average mattress height is 11.9” and the average comfort layer is 4.2”.

In addition, the Saatva HD uses a higher density memory and poly foam at 5.0 PCF (pounds per cubic foot). Higher-density foams last longer because there is simply more material within the given layer.

Many brands use memory and poly foams with a density of just 2.0-3.0 PCF. Not to mention the fact that we have a 7.5” foam comfort layer, with 1.0” of that being a natural latex.

Sometimes pressure relief issues can be created when support coils and/or support foams are insufficient. Again, we have an ample 8.0” support layer that blends coils and foams.

The zoned latex layer, zoned coil unit, and lower 12.5 gauge coil (lower gauge is a thicker, more supportive coil) all work together to create incredible support alongside the thick comfort foam layer.

Overall, I am exceedingly impressed with the pressure relief. While lighter-weight sleepers may find the firmness and density of materials to be a bit much, for the heavier-weighted body that the Saatva HD is designed for it creates truly next-level pressure relief.

Off-gassing on the Saatva HD was non-existent. The Saatva HD ships uncompressed, which really eliminates any off-gassing issues.

By the time the Saatva HD arrived at our studio it had zero significant smell. For sleepers who are more sensitive to strong smells the the Saatva HD is a fantastic option.

The company score takes a look at factors that may influence your experience with the mattress.

Factors include length of the trial period, warranty, shipping / return costs, and country of origin.

Company Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Data
Trial Period	25%	10	365 nights
Warranty	25%	10	Lifetime
Shipping	25%	10	$0
Returns	25%	9.0	$99
Country of Origin	0%		USA

For Saatva, these individual terms and conditions generated a company score of 9.8. Saatva comes with a long 365-night trial period and a lifetime warranty.

Shipping is free and if the mattress doesn’t end up working out, you can return it (minus a $99 return fee).

The Saatva HD has a slightly firm feel, with a firmness of 7 out of 10 (where 10 is the most firm). For heavier sleepers, this is firm enough to be supportive while still allowing for a certain degree of contour and hug.

The Saatva HD has exceptionally good support. During our tests, I felt fully supported in all sleeping positions. The mattress is designed for heavier weighted bodies in the 300 to 500-pound range.

From top to bottom, the mattress has the right design and material choices to create perfect support for even the heaviest-weighted sleepers.

With 15.5” of total mattress profile height, a 7.5” comfort layer, zoned support latex, a zoned coil unit, and a 12.5 gauge coil, the mattress checks all of my boxes and then some.

The mattress is able to create truly extraordinary support for heavier-weighted bodies. The only weak spot is going to be couples of varying weights (IE, one lighter / moderated weighted partner and one heavy-weight partner) who want to sleep on this mattress.

While the mattress is designed for sleepers in the 300 to 500 range, I think any sleeper over 200 would find the Saatva HD supportive and comfortable.

However, side sleepers below 200 pounds should use caution.

Sleeper Weight	Stomach Sleepers	Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.	Maybe	No	Maybe
150-250 lbs.	Yes	Maybe	Yes
250-300 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes

There is such a high level of support that lighter and moderate-weighted side sleepers may find it creates improper spinal alignment.

Even so, lighter and moderated weighted back and stomach sleepers should find it perfectly acceptable.

Design

The Saatva HD is designed as a high-profile hybrid mattress with a thick comfort layer and a 12.5 gauge coil support base. It is comfortable in the top layers, yet firm enough to be supportive for heavier sleepers.

Materials

The Saatva HD has a plush Euro Top cover, 4 layers of comfort material, and two support layers (coil + high-density foam). From top to bottom, here is a more detailed look at the makeup of each layer.

• 2.5” euro top
• 1.0” natural latex
• 1.75” memory foam
• 1.75” poly foam
• 1.75” poly foam
• 6.0” support coils
• 2.0” support foam

The Cover

The cover of the Saatva HD includes a 2.5″ Euro top. This layer has a plush feel with a deeper level of contour.

I’ll also note here that the cover contains no fiberglass or chemical flame retardants. Saatva uses a plant-based thistle pulp as a fire barrier.

The Comfort Layer

The comfort layer includes three different layers of foam.

Natural Latex (zoned): This top layer of latex is divided into 5 different zones and is 1.0″ thick. The Saatva website measures this layer as 1.5″ thick, but it was only 1.0″ thick on the mattress we tested.

Memory Foam: The middle layer of comfort material is a 1.75″ layer of memory foam with a density of 5.0 pounds (PCF). For this layer, Saatva says this foam is 1.5″ so we’re seeing a slight difference, but again, nothing hugely significant.

What is PCF? PCF stands for Pounds Per Cubic Foot and is an industry standard measurement for foam density. Higher density foams have more materials within them. Foams of a higher density are generally more durable and more supportive.

Poly Foam: The bottom layer is actually two slabs of 1.75″ poly foam, both with a density of 5.0 pounds (PCF). This foam acts a bit more like a transitional layer between the comfort material and the support below. On the website, this portion is measured as a single 2.0″ poly foam… not 2 separate 1.75″ layers (3.5″ total).

Despite these differences in material thickness, overall I think the Saatva comfort layers can be expected to perform similarly well.

The Support Layer

The support layer uses 6.0″ high support coals made of 12.5 gauge steel. In the case of steel, a lower number gauge is a thicker wire. A thicker wire creates better support.

The coils include a zone in the middle with increased support for lower back / lumbar region.

These coils are not part of a pocketed coil system, so motion transfer could suffer. But it does use what they are calling a “17-gauge helical wire to eliminate motion transfer”.

By this claim, I would expect the Saatva HD to perform better than a standard innerspring hybrid, but worse than most pocketed coil units. Given the 11.34 m/s² of motion transfer we measured I believe my assessment of the coil performance is accurate.

Product Evolution

The Saatva HD was originally launched in 2019 and has not undergone any changes since the initial launch.

How is the Saatva HD Different?

The Saatva HD has a higher performance score than average, but also a higher ticket price—78% more than the average mattress designed for plus-sized sleepers.

Factor	Saatva HD	Average
Overall	9.71	9.52
Price	$2,745	$1,534 (Plus-Sized only)
Cooling	9.5	9.4
Max Sinkage	1.77″	2.20″
Total Motion Transfer	11.34 m/s²	8.01 m/s²
Response Time	0.2 sec.	0.4 sec.
Total Bounce	12.50″	9.65″
Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage	2.50″	4.25″
Mattress Thickness	15.5″	11.9″
Sex Overall	10	9.6
Comfort Material	7.5″	4.2″
Off-Gassing – Smell	None	Strong
Off-Gassing – Days	0 days	4 days
Trial	365 nights	160 nights
Warranty	Lifetime	29% have lifetime warranties, average of other 71% of mattresses is 14 years

Compared to average, the HD has better cooling, less sinkage, faster response, better edge support, and a better sex score as well.

Being designed for plus-sized sleepers, the HD also has a thicker mattress profile (3.6″ thicker). Most of that thickness goes straight to the comfort layer since the Saatva HD has 7.5″ of comfort material and the average is only 4.2″.

Bounce levels are also higher than average, which is likely a contributing factor to higher levels of motion transfer as well.

Other Mattresses to Consider

Not sure if the Saatva HD is the right mattress for you? Check out these three other top-rated alternatives for plus-sized sleepers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Saatva HD mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.