Zenhaven 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. We then take the results of that test and compare to every mattress we’ve tested to date.

Check out the full performance table below to see how this mattress ranks:

Factor	Zenhaven	Average
Overall Score	9.44	8.64
Price (Queen)	$2,845	$2,028 (Latex Foam only)
Cooling – Score	10	8.8
Sinkage – Depth	1.44″	2.16″
Sinkage – Feel	Very Minimal	Moderate
Motion Transfer – Score	10	8.2
Motion Transfer – Acceleration	4.62 m/s²	8.64 m/s²
Response Time – Score	10	8.9
Response Time – Mostly Recovered	0.2 sec.	0.4 sec.
Response Time – Fully Recovered	0.3 sec.	0.9 sec.
Bounce – Height	8.40″	9.69″
Bounce – Feel	Moderate	Moderate
Edge Support – Score	9.2	8.6
Edge Support – Sitting	3.50″	4.07″
Edge Support – Lying	Excellent	Good
Sex – Score	8.2	8.5
Pressure Relief – Score	9.0	8.8
Comfort Layer Thickness	4.0″	4.2″
Mattress Thickness	10″	12.0″
Off-Gassing – Score	9.2	8.4
Off-Gassing – Smell	Strong	Strong
Off-Gassing – Days	3 days	6 days
Company – Score	9.4	8.7
Trial	365 nights	166 nights
Warranty	Lifetime	25% have lifetime warranties, average of other 75% of mattresses is 14 years

How is Zenhaven Different?

Zenhaven has a higher performance score than average as well as a higher price tag—40% higher than the average latex foam mattress.

The cooling was outstanding on the Zenhaven, with well-above-average performance. There is slightly less sinkage and less bounce than average.

Edge support is better than average, despite it having a thinner overall thickness than average (1.9″ thinner).

It also has less motion transfer than average and a 4.0″ comfort layer (which is about average).

Cooling performance on the Zenhaven mattress is outstandingly good. During our tests, I felt no significant level of heat retention on the mattress.

Zenhaven uses a proven material design. Natural latex as a material type has been beloved for decades due to its springy and responsive feel, but also its ability to avoid heat retention and remain cool during the night.

Most latex is hole punched in the top layer (which the Zenhaven is as well) to create extra aeration and breathability. However, there is something more unique about Zenhaven’s latex that I haven’t experienced before. It is surprisingly and unusually “airy” (for lack of a better word).

• 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

During my motion transfer tests, I felt a considerable rush of air being forced out of the side of the mattress when I dropped the medicine ball. This is something I cannot recall ever experiencing on a mattress before.

The high level of airflow coming out of the side panel indicates that air will flow easily in and out of the mattress as you move during the night.

Heat Dissipation Over Time

Our objective data further reinforced my subjective experience on the mattress. In our tests, we measured a max surface level temperature of 90.8°. After getting off the mattress the temperature declined by 5.7° (1.09° better than average) from minutes 0 to 1.

From minutes 0 to 5 that decline was 9.2° (2.18° better than average). Based on the combination of objective data, subjective experience, and an analysis of the materials, I believe most sleepers will find the Zenhaven’s cooling performance to be exceptionally good.

The Zenhaven is a flippable mattress with a different firmness on each side. As a result, sinkage will vary based on which side you sleep on.

The level of sinkage for each side is documented in the image below.

On the Gentle Firm side we measured a very minimal sinkage depth of 1.44”. This is 0.75” less sinkage than the average of 2.19”.

With this minimal level of sinkage, the mattress creates more of a “floating” on top of the mattress feel, as opposed to sinking down “in” the mattress.

This feel, in combination with the typical feel of latex, creates a far more restrained and generalized contouring hug around the body.

On the Luxury Plush side of the mattress, we measured a minimal sinkage depth of 1.77”. This is 0.42” less sinkage than the average of 2.19”. The softer feel allows the body to sink more deeply and also creates better pressure relief.

However, relative to many mattresses, it’s still more of a “floating on top of the mattress” feel. As with the Gentle Firm side, the hug is still more restrained and generalized.

While our medicine ball test saw minimal sinkage, with my full body weight I experienced what I would describe as a “moderate” level of sinkage depth.

My mid-section definitely sank down more, creating a more balanced and better-feeling body contouring hug.

The Zenhaven mattress has an extremely low level of motion transfer. During our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 4.62 m/s². This is 3.37 m/s² less motion transfer than the average of 7.99 m/s². I was shocked at the low level of motion on the Zenhaven.

Latex mattresses typically have among the highest motion transfer we see. Based on all of our latex mattress tests we’ve seen an average motion transfer for latex at 10.33 m/s².

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

At an acceleration range of 4.62 m/s² the Zenhaven easily beat the latex average, overall average, and even the average for all foam poly / memory foam (which is 6.44 m/s²).

Zenhaven is doing something more unique with their foam’s construction and (possibly) latex formulation.

The “airy” and open cellular structure of the foam which allowed for the incredible level of airflow in and out of the mattress (creating amazing cooling) is also likely the biggest contributor to the extremely low motion transfer.

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

Motion continues until 1.13 seconds when we return to near zero levels. Some modest level of motion continuing for around 1 second is perfectly expected for a latex mattress. Even so, the levels of the motion after the initial spike are exceedingly low.

The Zenhaven mattress has an extremely fast material response. In our tests, we measured a mostly recovered response time of 0.2 seconds and a fully recovered response time of 0.3 seconds.

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

This tied with the fastest mattresses we’ve tested to date. Latex as a material type is incredibly responsive. As a result, I was unsurprised at the near instantaneous recovery speed for the mattress. The ultra-fast response ensures you’ll never feel stuck, the mattress is easy to move around on and improves sex performance.

The Zenhaven has a moderate level of bounce. In our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 8.4”. This is 1.24” less bounce than the average of 9.64”.

Latex mattresses usually create a higher level of bounce than what we recorded here. The material properties of latex create a high level of spring and resiliency in the material.

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

However, as we noted in the cooling and motion transfer section, I believe the more unique design of Zenhaven’s latex is helping to limit the bounce. Even so, at 8.4” of bounce I am unconcerned.

Ideally, I like to see bounce in the 8-12” range. At this rate, we achieve the most critical benefits while keeping motion and other detractors in check. Overall, I expect most sleepers will find the Zenhaven’s bounce perfectly fine.

Both sitting and lying edge support on the Zenhaven mattress is excellent. During our sitting edge support tests, we measured a sitting sinkage compression of 3.5”.

This is 0.75” less sitting sinkage than the average of 4.25”. With respect to sitting sinkage, ideally I like to see 4.0” or less. Zenhaven hit and exceeded that mark. Lying edge support is equally as impressive.

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

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

During our tests, I felt fully supported even when lying directly on the edge of the mattress. While edge support could have been improved with a perimeter edge support foam, I do expect most sleepers will find the level of edge support to be perfectly sufficient.

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	65%	7.7	Moderate
Edge Support	20%	9.4	Excellent
Noise	5%	8.0	Moderate
Pressure Relief	5%	9.0	Excellent
Cooling	5%	10	Outstanding

Bounce levels were a little lower, but not bad. Edge support was also good. These two factors alone make up 80% of the sex score. I will note, this mattress is a little noisy.

The airflow afforded by the design of this latex creates a little more noise than expected. I don’t think it’ll be a huge issue for most, and the pros / cons with cooling would be considered more than worth it for most sleepers.

Pressure relief on the Zenhaven is excellent. During our tests, I felt no significant level of building pressure on my body. The mattress has a more balanced and restrained feel in terms of hug and contour, as is typical of latex.

The quilted top layer is fairly thin, so you really are relying on the latex to provide pressure relief and comfort. I found that the pressure relief on the Luxury Plush side was notably better than on the Gentle Firm side. However, I do also prefer a softer to medium feel on my mattresses.

My only concern on pressure relief is for heavier-weighted sleepers. Ultimately, this is still a 10” mattress. In addition, latex as a material type tends to struggle with heavier-weighted bodies.

I would feel confident recommending the mattress for sleepers up to 250 pounds, but not much beyond that. Heavier-weighted bodies are more likely to experience pressure relief issues compared to lighter and moderated-weighted bodies.

Off-gassing on the Zenhaven is excellent as well.

The smell was strong, right out of the box. It took 3 days for the odors to fully off-gas, which is a little better than the average of 4 days (based on all of our tests to date).

Odors from the Zenhaven are different than what you may experience with a memory foam mattress. Although the odors are strong, it’s the smell of natural latex and wool and not a chemical odor.

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	15%	10	365 nights
Warranty	10%	10	Lifetime
Shipping	5%	10	$0
Returns	20%	7.0	$99
Trust	50%	10	Outstanding
Country of Origin	0%		USA

The Zenhaven (by Saatva) has excellent company policies.

Saatva offers a 365-night trial period with a lifetime warranty. Shipping is free and returns cost $99.

The Zenhaven mattress is a dual firmness design and has two different firmnesses on each side of the mattress. There is a Gentle Firm side as well as a Luxury Plush side.

The Gentle Firm side is 7.5 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm with a slightly firm feel). The Luxury Plush side of the mattress is 5 out of 10 with a medium feel.

Support on the Zenhaven mattress is excellent. During our tests, I felt well-supported in all sleeping positions. Zenhaven uses proven materials and a proven design. The 10” latex mattress has been popular for decades and for good reason.

They are incredibly durable, resilient, and create fantastic support for many types of sleepers. As with pressure relief, my only chief concern is for heavier-weighted bodies.

Sleepers 250 pounds and up are more likely to experience support issues. The one significant limitation of latex is that it struggles to create full support for heavier-weighted bodies. This is even more of an issue when the mattress is 10” or less (which Zenhaven is at 10”).

As a result, I would not recommend the Zenhaven for sleepers that are 250 pounds or heavier. All other body types and sleeping positions should find support to be sufficient.

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

Design

The Zenhaven is a 10″ latex mattress with a flippable dual-sided design. There is a medium feel on one side (5 out of 10) and a slightly firm feel on the opposite side (7.5 out of 10).

There are two handles on the left and right side of the mattress, which makes it easier to move or adjust as needed.

Materials

As mentioned above, the Zenhaven is a 10″ thick mattress. From top to bottom, the layers include:

• 0.5″ quilted cover
• 6.0″ natural latex (firmer feeling)
• 3.0″ natural latex (softer feeling)
• 0.5″ quilted cover

The Cover

There are quilted covers on both sides of the Zenhaven, giving this mattress a cohesive look no matter what firmness you prefer.

The sides of the mattress have the same wave pattern we have seen on other mattresses by Saatvas like the Saatva Latex Hybrid.

The cover is made of organic cotton and organic New Zealand wool with a soft and breathable finish. It is treated with a botanical antimicrobial treatment to help prevent bacteria growth, mold, or mildew.

The Comfort + Support Layer

The comfort layer of the Zenhaven mattress is a hole-punched latex, regardless of which side of the mattress you’re lying on.

The latex is zoned to better meet support and pressure relief needs.

The Gentle Firm side has a 6.0″ layer of firmer natural latex, while the Luxury Plush side has a 3.0″ layer of softer natural latex.

When you are lying on one side of the mattress, the opposite latex will become the support layer. The two work together to provide comfort and support on both sides of the Zenhaven.

Product Evolution

The Zenhaven mattress was launched in 2016. At the beginning of 2022, it received an upgrade in the production process which connected the pinholes, “ventilating” the latex core.

This extra airflow is certainly something we noticed in our testing process with the Zenhaven and makes a notable difference between present-day Zenhavens and mattresses made prior to the 2022 upgrade.

Other Mattresses to Consider

Not sure if Zenhaven is the right pick for you? Check the links below for three top-rated alternative natural latex mattresses you might want to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

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