Saatva Classic Mattress Review

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

If you would prefer to watch rather than read we’ve got our complete Saatva Classic mattress review video below:

Here at NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.

We test 9 different factors that impact the comfort and feel of the mattress. Testing categories include:

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

How is Saatva Different?

The Saatva Classic mattress has a higher performance score than average and is priced slightly below average for coil mattresses.

Factor	Saatva Classic	Average
Overall	9.95	9.52
Price	$1,756	$1,878 (Coil only)
Cooling	10	9.4
Max Sinkage	2.40″	2.21″
Total Motion Transfer	5.86 m/s²	7.97 m/s²
Response Time	0.4 sec.	0.4 sec.
Total Bounce	14.67″	9.61″
Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage	3.00″	4.29″
Mattress Thickness	11.5″	11.9″
Sex Overall	9.9	9.6
Comfort Material	4.5″	4.1″
Off-Gassing – Smell	None	Strong
Off-Gassing – Days	0 days	4 days
Trial	365 nights	158 nights
Warranty	Lifetime	28% have lifetime warranties, average of other 72% of mattresses is 14 years

Cooling performance is above average, despite sinkage being slightly deeper than average. Motion transfer levels are lower than average, despite bounce being higher than average. Edge support is better than average and it’s got a deeper level of comfort material compared to average.

Saatva is a high performer because of this balancing act it continues to do across the board. It strikes the balance between things that are great about coil and off-setting factors that typically negatively impact coil mattresses.

The Saatva started with a temperature of 81.4° F. After lying on the mattress for 15 minutes the mattress got up to 94.0° F. At that point, we waited 5 more minutes to see how much the mattress would cool down and found it was able to reduce the temperature from 94.0° down to 90.1°

• 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

Our test results offered a bit of a mixed bag. Looking at the objective data vs. other mattresses we’ve tested, the Saatva was on the higher end.

However, in all of my sleep tests over the years on the Saatva Classic, I have never once felt that it slept warm even to the slightest degree

In a contest between what the data is telling me vs. what my experience tells me, I tend to want to give more leeway to my experience.

It’s possible that the surface level of the euro-style pillowtop does indeed hold onto heat more. However, when lying on the mattress your body is interacting between layers of coils, air, and the pillowtop, providing a greater level of overall cooling.

Heat Dissipation Over Time

It’s also possible that the adjacent window played a factor in this test (we didn’t have a window this close in many of our other cooling tests). In the coming weeks, we are planning to re-do this test to verify our findings.

Overall, it is still my view that the Saatva mattress will sleep cooler relative to most foam mattresses, but slightly warmer compared to coil mattresses that have a thinner top comfort layer (or non-pillow top layer).

The results of this test showed that the Saatva mattress has a moderate level of sinkage. Our pressure point sinkage test revealed a maximum sinkage depth of 2.4″.

This is slightly more than the average of 2.22″, based on all of our mattress tests to date. However, at 2.4″ of sinkage it’s still very much within a reasonable range that will be comfortable for most sleepers.

Of course, heavier weights will experience more sinkage than lighter weights, as shown above. This would also be true if you sleep on your side, as side sleepers see more sinkage where there is more weight (namely in the hips and midsection).

The top layer of the Saatva is 3″ of euro-style pillow top, which will allow for relatively easy sinkage, thereby providing pressure relief and comfort.

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

Overall, the Saatva has moderate levels of motion transfer.

These levels are going to be higher than what you’d typically see with a memory foam mattress, but not as high as traditional innerspring (due to the thick euro-style pillowtop layer).

Our accelerometer tests measured a total acceleration range of 5.86 m/s², which is essentially average compared to all mattresses we’ve tested to date. Our average acceleration range is 5.87 m/s². That said, being average is still great in this case of motion transfer.

As you can see in the table below, the initial bounce is fairly intense, but subsequent bounces get increasingly less impactful. By the 0.2 second mark the motion is minimal.

The entire span of this chart is less than 0.5 seconds. So while it is definitely a high bounce, motion transfer duration is fairly quick.

Within 0.4 seconds the Saatva mattress was mostly recovered and by 0.8 seconds was fully recovered. This is a faster recovery time compared to memory foam, and is similar to other high-response poly foams.

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

These results show that the Saatva has a fast response time.

Saatva’s mostly recovered time of 0.4 seconds beats the average time of 0.61 seconds. In addition, Saatva’s full material recovery time of 0.8 seconds beats the average of 0.98 seconds.

As with any mattress, your exact position and weight may also impact the overall response time. Heavier weights will take longer to respond compared to lighter weights.

On the Saatva mattress, the ball sank to a maximum depth of 5.73″ before rebounding upwards.

The rebound proved that this mattress is bouncy, as the ball ended up around 8.94″ above the height of the mattress, which was a 14.67″ span between max sinkage and max bounce.

Saatva’s total bounce height of 14.67″ is a bit more than the average of all mattresses we’ve tested to date, which comes in at 9.50″.

The level of bounce is documented in the video below.

As you can see, as soon as the ball hits the mattress it experiences a decent amount of sinkage followed by a pretty large bounce upward.

Because of the range, I would say that the overall level of bounce on the Saatva is high.

Our edge support test revealed a maximum compression depth of 3.0″.

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

As you can see from the photos, the edge support is excellent. On average, we see an edge support compression of 4.76”. Saatva’s 3″ of compression is significantly better.

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

With the weighted vest, I still only had a moderate level of sinkage. And even the sinkage that was there was not really an issue for bedside sitting.

The edge support is stronger on the Saatva because of two things:

1. Reinforced cording designed along the edge of the cover
2. Dense foam layer along the edge perimeter of the mattress

This perimeter foam provides more support than the pocketed coils could provide alone and helps to enhance the edge support around the entire mattress.

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
Bounce	60%	10
Edge Support	20%	10
Noise	10%	9.0
Pressure Relief	5%	10
Cooling	5%	10

For Saatva, these individual factors generated a sex score of 9.9.

This performance is better than most other mattresses that we’ve tested and it has a lot to do with the coils.

By nature, coils generate more bounce than foam in most cases. Coils help provide better airflow and cooling as well as better edge support.

Saatva also uses a reinforced perimeter for stronger edges as well.

Typically mattresses with coils are notably louder, but with Saatva, the coils are encased in foam so they are not as loud as traditional coils or springs.

The pressure relief on the Saatva Classic is fantastic. It has a 4″ comfort layer, which makes up 35% of the overall mattress thickness. In addition, it also has a plush Euro pillowtop cover that further alleviates pressure points.

The core of the mattress is a blend of foam and foam-encased pocketed coils (7″) in total on the 11.5″ Saatva). This combination helps to relieve pressure by independently responding and adjusting to the contours of your body as needed.

The Saatva Classic mattress ships uncompressed. As a result, by the time it arrives at your home any off-gassing that may have occurred is already finished.

If you’re ultra-sensitive to off-gassing smells, buying a mattress that is never compressed can be a great way to avoid this issue altogether.

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
Trial Period	365 nights
Warranty	15 years
Shipping	9-21 business days
Returns	$99 handling fee
Country of Origin	USA

For the Saatva, these individual terms and conditions generated a company score of 9.8.

Saatva, as a company, is generally quite favorable towards consumers. They have a long trial period and a great warranty.

If you decide at any point during the 365-night trial that Saatva isn’t for you, they’ll send a team to come and pick up the mattress for you. You will have to pay a $99 handling fee, however, this seems reasonable in the case of Saatva since the full-service delivery of the mattress is free.

Saatva also uses an online chat where you can ask reps questions or address product concerns.

What is the Fairness Replacement Option?

If at any point during the 15-year warranty your mattress is deemed defective, Saatva has the Fairness Replacement Option.

Under the terms of this program, Saatva will offer you a new mattress and you get to keep your own mattress. Depending on what point during the warranty the mattress fails, your mattress may be subject to the following offers.

After Years	You Receive	You Pay
3-5 years	A brand new mattress	40% of original cost
6-10 years	A brand new mattress	60% of original cost
11-15 years	A brand new mattress	80% of original cost

You can take advantage of the Fairness Replacement Option once with any Saatva mattress.

In addition to receiving a new mattress, you’ll also get to keep the original mattress to keep in a spare bedroom, give it to a relative, or donate it to the charity of your choice.

To take advantage of this program you simply pay a percentage of the original cost (which varies depending on how old the mattress is) as well as a $99 shipping fee.

The Saatva mattress comes in three different firmness levels:

The Saatva ‘Plush Soft’ is a 3.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. It’s significantly softer than other mattresses we’ve tested and tends to be best for side sleepers, as soft mattresses may lack sufficient support for stomach or back sleepers.

The Saatva ‘Luxury Firm’ is around a 5.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. It’s still a little softer than other medium firmness mattresses but has good support for many different types of sleepers and sleeping positions.

Lastly, the Saatva ‘Firm’ is closer to an 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale. It’s the firmest mattress that Saatva offers and is best for heavier sleepers and / or those who exclusively prefer sleeping on their stomach or back.

NOTE: In this review, we tested the Luxury Firm version.

Depending on your body size, structure, and weight, you may find yourself having different needs in a mattress. Saatva addresses this personal preference by manufacturing three different firmness levels.

It also comes in two different mattress heights (11.5″ or 14.5″), although the height really has nothing to do with overall support or performance. The height is really an aesthetic choice. We tested the 11.5″ mattress in this review.

Saatva Classic: Luxury Firm

Sleeper Weight	Stomach Sleepers	Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes
150-250 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes
250-300 lbs.	Yes	Yes	Yes

On the heavier side? For sleepers over 300 lbs., check out the Saatva HD, tested to support sleepers up to 500 lbs. (per side).

The Saatva Luxury Firm is good for all sleeping styles and the vast majority of sleeper weights.

Saatva Classic: Firm

If you’re a heavier sleeper (but still under 300 lbs.) or simply prefer a firm feel, you may find the Firm version to be better suited to your needs.

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

Saatva Classic: Soft

If you are a petite sleeper or simply prefer an ultra-soft feel, the Plush Soft could be a good option.

Sleeper Weight	Stomach Sleeper	Side Sleeper	Back Sleeper
Under 150 lbs.	Maybe	Yes	Maybe
150-225 lbs.	No	Yes	No
225-300 lbs.	No	No	No

Design

The Saatva lineup has a pretty broad range of mattress types spanning coil-on-coil, foam, latex, and hybrid models. This particular mattress is the Saatva Classic, which is their flagship coil-on-coil mattress.

It is designed with a blend of traditional coils, pocketed coils, and a foam top layer.

Saatva comes in two different thicknesses—11.5″ or 14.5″.

What’s the difference?

Not much honestly. The different thicknesses offer the same performance and it really comes down to aesthetics only.

FAQ: Do you have a high frame? A thick boxspring? Adding all of the separate pieces together will give you a better idea of how high your bed will be when it’s all together and help you select the right mattress height.

Here are some quick specs about the Saatva mattress we tested in-house:

Materials

The Saatva Classic is a coil-on-coil mattress with a Euro-style pillow top, foam-encased coils, and denser support coils.

The four main layers of the Saatva include:

1. Quilted organic cotton cover
2. Euro pillow top
3. Pocketed coils (14.5-gauge)
4. Support coils (13-gauge)

The Cover

The top of the Saatva mattress is an organic cotton cover with a quilted design that holds it in place.

The sides of the Saatva mattress have carrying handles for moving the mattress around as well.

Encased around the cover is an ultra-thick 3″ Euro-style pillowtop. This plush top layer gives the mattress excellent pressure relief and moderate contouring.

The Comfort Layer

This layer of pocketed coils is encased in foam and provides support like a traditional innerspring. Unlike traditional innerspring, which are all connected to work as one, pocketed coils are each individually wrapped.

These separate pockets allow each spring to work independently of each other and also prevent the coils from squeaking or causing pressure points.

How many coils are there?

The queen-size mattress uses 884 coils for more even support and pressure relief across the entire mattress.

The Support Layer

The bottom layer is made up of 13-gauge steel coils that provide a stable foundation for deep pressure relief and support.

On the queen-size mattress, there are only 416 of these coils so not only do these coils use thicker steel than the pocketed coils, but they’re also about double the size.

Edge Support

The edges are wrapped in a high-density foam that helps to firm up the sides and provide improved edge support. This is the same foam regardless of which firmness level you select.

The image below shows a cross-section of the mattress internals, highlighting the thick layer of foam that wraps the perimeter of the mattress.

Reinforced edges also help to provide support when getting in or out of bed as well.

Product Evolution

Since the Saatva Classic was first launched, there have been minimal changes made to the design.

In 2016 Saatva made updates to the cover. However, these were merely aesthetic changes. Design, materials, and overall functional performance have remained unchanged.

Other Mattresses to Consider

Frequently Asked Questions