Best For
- Back or joint pain, exceptional pressure relief with 5″ comfort layer
- A medium-firm feel with moderate sinkage
- High levels of bounce
Considerations
- Notably more expensive compared to the average price (granted, it’s also higher performance)
- More motion transfer than average, may not be the right pick for all couples
Our Verdict
The Saatva RX mattress is a 15″ hybrid mattress aimed at alleviating back and / or joint pain. It has a 5″ comfort layer and a 9″ support layer, providing exceptional pressure relief and support for all sleepers.
In our performance tests, this mattress excelled across the board, except for motion transfer, where it had higher levels that I would have liked to see. But what it lacked in motion transfer, it made up for in pressure relief.
The price tag is steep compared to other high-quality hybrids we’ve tested, but if you’re looking for an option that has truly exceptional pressure relief due to a novel design and high quality materials then this is it.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Best For: All Sleeping Positions, All Body Weights
In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs
Performance Tests
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 | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer | Moderate |
| Response Time | Extremely Fast |
| Bounce | High |
| Edge Support | Excellent |
| Sex | Excellent |
| Pressure Relief | Exceptional |
| Off-Gassing | Exceptional |
| Company | Excellent |
How is Saatva RX Different?
The Saatva RX has better than average support, but a price tag that is also over 2X the cost of the average hybrid mattress.
Concerning performance, the RX had better cooling, faster material response time, better edge support, and better sex performance. This mattress also had less off-gassing than average as well as a thicker profile (by nearly 3 full inches).
The trial is over twice the length of the average mattress and it comes with a lifetime warranty as well.
The only real downside is motion transfer, where the Saatva RX measured 32% more motion than average.
Considering preferential factors, the RX has slightly less sinkage than average and a slightly higher level of bounce than average. These factors are neither good nor bad, but more a factor of personal preference.
| Factor | Saatva RX | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.70 | 9.52 |
| Price | $2,801 | $1,365 (Hybrid only) |
| Cooling | 9.5 | 9.4 |
| Max Sinkage | 2.05″ | 2.19″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 10.76 m/s² | 8.13 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.2 sec. | 0.4 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 10.28″ | 9.65″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 3.50″ | 4.20″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 15.0″ | 11.9″ |
| Sex Overall | 9.9 | 9.6 |
| Comfort Material | 6.0″ | 4.1″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days | 4 days |
| Trial | 365 nights | 165 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 28% have lifetime warranties, average of other 72% of mattresses is 14 years |
Cooling Test
Cooling performance on the Saatva RX was excellent. During our tests, I felt no significant level of heat retention around my body.
Baseline Temp.
82.9° F
Max Temp.
93.7° F
Ending Temp.
85.5° F
The hybrid design and inclusion of microcoils within the comfort layer create plenty of airflow. That air flowing more easily within both the support and comfort layers ensures that heat is more easily cycled through the foams.
Max Temp.
Ending Temp
- 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
While the Saatva RX does lack any type of specialized cooling cover, it still checks most of the other major boxes I look for (hybrid design, no memory foam, high-quality foams, ample airflow, etc).
In our objective data, we measured a max surface level temperature of 93.7° F. This is higher than our average, but most likely the result of the insane 2023 heat wave we’re currently dealing with in Arizona.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
Despite the higher-than-average max heat point, I was pleased with the heat dissipation. After getting off the mattress the temperature declined by 4.8° (0.21° cooler than average) from minutes 0 to 1 and by 8.2° (1.18° cooler than average) from minutes 0 to 5.
When I look at the complete picture of objective data, material analysis, and my subjective experience, I believe most will be more than satisfied with the level of cooling performance.
Sinkage Test
The Saatva RX has a moderate level of sinkage. In our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 2.05”. This is 0.14” less sinkage than the average of 2.19”.
The level of sinkage is also documented in the image below.
The RX has an incredibly balanced and even feel. There is no excessive hug or contour around the body. While the mattress does use a thick comfort layer, it still retains a more traditional and classic mattress feel.
However, the pressure relief created by the comfort layer is really what takes this mattress to the next level (we’ll cover that in-depth a bit further down).
The moderate sinkage depth and fast material response ensure you’ll never feel overly enveloped or stuck in the mattress.
Motion Transfer Test
The Saatva RX has a moderate level of motion transfer. In our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 10.76 m/s². This is 2.73 m/s² (32%) more acceleration than the average of 8.13 m/s².
Max. Acceleration
3.43 m/s²
Min. Acceleration
-7.33 m/s²
Accel. Range
10.76 m/s²
While the thick mostly comfort layer does help to negate some motion, the presence of microcoils within the comfort layer is likely increasing motion.
The level of motion transfer is also documented in the video below.
Microcoils compress fairly easily, which allows for a more abrupt sinkage through the mattress. This in turn allows more energy to make its way to the coil support, which then creates additional motion.
When we look at our motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we can see the highest motion spikes from 0 to 0.14 seconds.
While we do see motion lowering after 0.14 seconds it still remains spiky until it returns to near-zero levels at 1.20 seconds. Neither the motion duration nor motion peaks are great.
Motion transfer is definitely the weakest area of the Saatva RX.
Response Test
The Saatva RX has an extremely fast material response time. In our tests, we measured a mostly recovered response time of 0.2 seconds and a fully recovered response time of 0.5 seconds.
Mostly Recovered
0.2 sec.
Complete Recovery
0.5 sec.
Both of these recovery speeds were notably faster than the averages of 0.43 and 0.87 seconds, respectively.
The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.
While the Saatva RX’s full recovery speed isn’t the absolute fastest we’ve measured, it’s not far off. Given the thick comfort layer, I was both surprised and pleased with the level of material response. The rapid recovery ensures sleepers will never feel stuck or trapped in the mattress.
Bounce Test
The Saatva RX has a high level of bounce. In our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 10.28”. This is 0.74” more bounce than the average of 9.65”.
Max. Depth
4.95″
Max. Rebound
5.33″
Total Bounce
10.28″
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max Bounce Height
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
Ideally, I want to see bounce in the 8-12” range. Within this range it’s enough to experience the benefits of more bounce (ease of movement and sex performance), while keeping cons in check (motion transfer).
At 10.28” the RX is within the sweet spot that I look for in my testing. I expect most sleepers will find this level of bounce to be acceptable.
Edge Support Test
Edge support on the Saatva RX is excellent for sitting and lying. In our sitting edge support tests, we measured a sitting edge compression of 3.5”. This is 0.70” less sitting compression than the average of 4.20” (based on all of our tests to date).
Max Sinkage
3.50″
Lying Support
Excellent
Any sitting compression of 4.0” or less is great. The RX hitting just 3.5” of compression is even better. Even when sitting directly on the edge I felt well supported.
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
Lying edge support is equally as impressive. While lying on the 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.
Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.
Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.
The Saatva RX uses a coil unit with reinforced perimeter edge support coils. These extra supportive edge coils ensure that the very edge of the mattress is just as supportive as the middle.
Sex Test
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 | High |
| Edge Support | 20% | 9.8 | Excellent |
| Noise | 10% | 10 | Minimal |
| Pressure Relief | 5% | 10 | Exceptional |
| Cooling | 5% | 9.5 | Excellent |
For the Saatva RX, these individual factors generated a sex score of 9.9.
This mattress has high levels of bounce and high edge support. Overall, it’s just a very comfortable mattress for sleeping or sex-related activities.
The pocketed coils are well-encased so the mattress is very quiet, yet the materials are breathable and the mattress sleepers very cool.
Considering the features that we look for when analyzing sex performance, the Saatva RX is a near-perfect score.
Pressure Relief Test
The Saatva RX has exceptionally good pressure relief. During our tests, I felt no pressure points anywhere on my body. The RX uses both an incredibly thick 15” overall profile and a 6.0” comfort layer.
Comfort Layer
6.0″
Support Layer
9.0″
Based on all of our tests to date, we see an average total mattress thickness of 11.9” and an average comfort layer thickness of 4.1”.
While thicker mattresses aren’t always better, more often than not they are superior. When it comes to pressure relief, the thicker comfort layer is simply more physical material that helps comfort, contour, and create transitional support for sleeper bodies.
A thicker comfort layer helps avoid abrupt contact with support layers, which is the most common way that pressure points are created.
With respect to the material design of the Saatva RX, I am more than pleased.
The total thickness, a mix of quilted cover, poly foam, microcoils, and individual foam blocks together is a unique design. I’ve not ever tested anything quite like it.
The free-floating foam blocks that sit atop the support layer are particularly interesting. In my view, these foam blocks are a significant contributing factor that’s helping to improve pressure relief.
All that said, I am overall extremely happy with the level of pressure relief performance on Saatva RX.
Off-Gassing Test
The Saatva RX has zero off-gassing smell upon arriva. Because this mattress does not ship compressed, any odor during manufacturing is fully dissipated by the time it arrives.
Initial Smell Strength
None
Off-Gassing Period
0 days
If you’re sensitive to strong odors then Saatva and their uncompressed shipping policy company-wide is a great choice.
Company
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 offers a 365-night trial period, which is over 2X the length of the average trial (165-night average). It also has a lifetime warranty, which helps to provide support for all the nights that own the mattress.
Shipping is free, but returns come with a $99 return fee if the mattress ends up not working out. Despite this return fee, Saatva still has a great track-record for positive customer service reports and brand trust.
How firm is Saatva RX?
The Saatva RX is available in a single firmness, 6 out of 10 (where 10 is the most firm). This gives the mattress a medium-firm feel, suitable for a wide range of sleepers.
Support & Sleeping Positions
Support on the Saatva RX is exceptionally good. During our tests, I felt well-supported in all sleeping positions. The material choices, material quality, and overall design are all working together to create absolutely fantastic support.
The addition of a 0.5” layer of gel memory foam in the middle of the mattress is a nice extra, helping to create improved support for the heaviest portion of most sleeper bodies.
The middle of each side of the mattress is the most common area where mattresses see body impressions over time. Having the 0.5” gel memory foam layer will help to reduce the impact of the body impression.
The Saatva RX has a medium-firm feel, making it an ideal choice for the widest variety of body types and sleeping positions. Given the 15” total profile and robust 9.0” of support materials, I am confident the mattress will create exceptional support for virtually all sleepers and body types.
| 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 |
Design
The Saatva RX is a 15″ thick hybrid mattress with a medium-firm feel (6 out of 10 on the NapLab firmness scale). The benefit of this mattress is its design aimed at relieving chronic back and joint point.
Type
Hybrid
Thickness
15″
Firmness
6
While we can’t definitively speak about the long-term effectiveness of this mattress in relieving these issues, we can say that the pressure relief of the Saatva RX is absolutely outstanding.
The floating foam cubes designed into the comfort layer are something we have not encountered on any other mattress we’ve tested to date.
This mattress takes actionable steps in both material and design that are aimed at relieving back and joint pain.
If you or your partner struggle with these issues, the Saatva RX could be a great option to consider for this reason alone.
Materials
The layer list on the Saatva RX is expansive, containing a total of 8 different layers. 6 of those layers are comfort layers and the 2 layers at the base are for support.
From top to bottom, here are the layers on the Saatva RX:
- 1.5″ quilted cover
- 0.5″ gel memory foam (center 1/3rd of the mattress only)
- 0.75″ poly foam
- 1.0″ microcoils
- 0.75″ poly foam
- 2.0″ foam rectangles
- 8.0″ pocketed coils
- 1.0″ support foam
The Cover
The RX has a 1.5″ thick quilted cover, essentially the same diamond-tufted Euro-cover that we see from other mattresses in the Saatva lineup.
It has a plush feel and is made of organic cotton and treated with a botanical antimicrobial treatment to resist the growth of mold of other harmful bacteria.
In addition, the mattress features a tighter stitching pattern in the mid-section of the mattress to provide better support in areas of greater pressure.
The Comfort Layer
Below the quilted cover is the main portion of the encased comfort layer. It contains 5 additional layers including foam (memory and poly foam), pocketed microcoils, and a unique layer of free-floating rectangle foam pieces.
All of these layers work together to provide exceptional pressure relief and support, specially designed to alleviate back and joint pain.
The foam rectangles sit just atop the support layer and serve as the base of the comfort layer.
The Support Layer
The support layer of the RX contains two layers—an 8.0″ layer of pocketed coils followed by a 1.0″ layer of high-density support foam.
This layer is comparable with the support we’ve seen from other high-quality hybrids. A thin fabric encases the foams, which helps to limit sound as well as limit motion transfer between coils.
Product Evolution
The Saatva RX was launched in mid-2023 and has not undergone any changes since its initial release. As the mattress ages and develops, we will update this section with any changes that occur.
Saatva RX is just the latest mattress to launch from Saatva. Over the years Saatva’s flagship line has gradually grown.
- Saatva Classic – 2010
- Loom & Leaf – 2015
- Zenhaven – 2016
- Saatva HD – 2019
- Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid – 2022
- Saatva RX – 2023
Other Mattresses to Consider
Not sure if the Saatva RX is the best option for you? Check out these three other top-rated hybrids for back pain.
For Savings
Winkbed Classic
9.95 Overall Score
The Winkbed Classic is a 14″ hybrid mattress with a 5″ comfort layer, like the Saatva RX. The Winkbed lacks the use of microcoils or floating foam cubes, but its performance is outstanding and it is nearly half the price of the RX.
For Firmness
Nolah Evolution 15
9.77 Overall Score
The Nolah Evolution has a 6″ comfort layer and a 15″ total height, 1″ thicker than the Saatva RX. This mattress is also available in three different firmness levels—soft (4), medium (5.5), or firm (8). If you are looking for something firmer or softer than the RX, the Evolution is a solid choice to consider.
For Cooling
Bear Elite Hybrid
9.72 Overall Score
The Bear Elite is another 14″ hybrid and has well-rounded performance across the board. This mattress contains copper memory foam which helps provide exceptional cooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Saatva RX mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.
Here are the current prices, with any sales or promotions reflected below:
Twin: $1,696
Twin XL: $1,866
Full: $2,291
Queen: $2,801
King: $3,226
Cal. King: $3,226
Split King: $3,732
*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.
The RX in the name Saatva RX is a nod to fact that this mattress is designed to alleviate back and joint pain, much like you could use a prescription (IE, RX) to treat the symptoms.
The Saatva RX has a lower overall performance score (9.70) compared to the Classic (9.95). The performance score difference is primarily due to the difference in motion transfer (Classic had less motion). Also, the Saatva Classic is available in three firmness levels, but the RX is only available in a single firmness—6 out of 10. Lastly, the RX is also quite a bit more expensive, $1,100 more for a queen mattress. The RX has the advantage of a thicker comfort layer—microcoils, an assortment of layered foams, and the foam cubes as well.
