Saatva Mattress Review 2023: Tested by CNET's Mattress Expert

8.5

Saatva Mattress

Buy at Saatva

Like

• Supportive dual-layer innersprings
• Neutral and responsive feel
• Perfect for heavier sleepers and people who want more support
• Multiple firmness options

Don't like

• A little overkill for petite sleepers
• Not ideal for people who want a soft mattress

Product details

• Type Hybrid mattress
• Firmness 3 firmness levels | Plush Soft
• Trial 360 nights
• Warranty Lifetime warranty

Some people love the nostalgic feel and reliable construction of a traditional innerspring mattress. Compared to thinner memory foam mattresses, innerspring beds can keep you comfortable for years while withstanding the natural wear and tear of tossing, turning, jumping and so on. The Saatva mattress is a luxury innerspring mattress that offers all the benefits you know and love about traditional innerspring mattresses, but with a modern twist to make it even more comfortable. 

I like to think of the brand as affordable luxury, because Saatva is a premium brand that uses quality materials, but doesn't charge you an arm and a leg. For luxury, durability and comfort all wrapped into one, I see the Saatva mattress being worth it to a lot of people. Find out if you're one of them in our Saatva mattress review below!

First impressions 

Without even knowing what's on the inside of the Saatva mattress, the first time you lay eyes on it you can tell it's one hefty bed. I tried out the 11.5-inch model, but there's also a 14.5-inch Saatva mattress that would likely offer even more durability and support. 

Saatva isn't a bed-in-a-box brand, so it doesn't come delivered inside of a cardboard box. Instead, two professionals hand-deliver it to you, ready to sleep on. It's a pretty heavy mattress, so this takes the hassle out of setting it up and moving it around yourself. 

When I first lay down, I could tell there were innersprings in the foundation, but only by how bouncy and responsive it was. Saatva did a good job at adding foam and a comfortable, airy pillow top to ensure you don't actually feel the steel coils poking through the bed. Instead, it feels like the perfect combination of springy, fluffy and pressure-relieving. 

Video: Saatva Mattress Review

Watch CNET video producer Owen Poole review the Saatva mattress.

Saatva mattress review firmness and feel

How firm is the Saatva mattress?

Saatva offers three different firmness options for shoppers, so you can select your mattress according to your primary sleeping position. 

• Plush Soft: This lands around a 5 out of 10 (with 10 being the firmest, or medium on the firmness scale). This offers the most pressure relief while also retaining a fair balance of support.
• Luxury Firm: Around a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale or a medium-firm, this is headed into the firm territory. If you prioritize support, but still want a little pressure relief around your shoulders and hips, the Saatva bed's Luxury Firm model is a good option. 
• Firm: For firm bed lovers or heavier back and stomach sleepers, this lands around a 9 or 10 out of 10. This Saatva mattress is one of the most supportive firm options out there. For me it's overkill, but I know the right type of sleeper will appreciate this bed model. 

What does the Saatva mattress feel like?

The Saatva mattress reminds me of a fancy hotel mattress or a traditional innerspring bed that was given a few comfy upgrades. It's like a thick and supportive box spring with a cushy foam mattress all in one. It's quick to respond to pressure and is extremely easy to move around in, so you won't get that stuck feeling that memory foam tends to provide. 

Even though this bed has two layers of durable steel coils, you really cannot feel them at all, so they won't bother you while you sleep. Instead, they give the bed a nice bounce and extra-supportive feel. 

Saatva mattress construction 

You have two height options to choose from, so the construction will differ slightly depending on the model you get. The materials will be the same, but the thickness of the innerspring system will be a little different. Either way, though, the bed is going to be extra durable. Unlike 99% of the mattresses I've seen online, the Saatva mattress comes with back-to-back coils for maximum support. Here's a look at the 11.5-inch model:

1. Tempered steel coils make up the first layer of the Saatva mattress, and they're reinforced with dense foam edges to help boost edge support.
2. Next is another system of coils, but they are individually wrapped to help improve motion isolation as they each work independently from each other. 
3. A layer of "high-density" memory foam to add pressure relief, comfort, and neutralize the feel of the steel coils below. 
4. Topping the bed is a thick, 3-inch pillow top made with fluffy fibers and comfy foams. It adds another layer of coziness on top of the memory foam, and it's wrapped in an organic cotton cover. 

Saatva mattress performance 

Motion isolation

I should note that the motion isolation was better than I expected on the Saatva mattress, and my water glass didn't tip over on the bed during my water glass test. With that being said, the motion isolation isn't like Casper or Nectar because of those two innerspring layers inside. The memory foam layer and different foam and fibers in the bed's pillow top help the bed isolate movement better than a traditional innerspring mattress, but you will probably feel some movement if you have an aggressive tosser-and-turner right next to you. 

Edge support

Saatva offers phenomenal edge support for a number of reasons. One, the bed is extra supportive because of its dual-coil design. Two, Saatva constructed the mattress with foam edges around the perimeter of the bottom coil layer to help enhance edge support abilities. If you're pushed to the side of your mattress due to an active co-sleeper, Saatva will keep you feeling like you won't go rolling off the edge. This also makes getting in and out of bed a little easier because the sides don't give. 

Temperature

Hybrid mattresses like Saatva (beds that use both foam and coils) tend to be more breathable than all-foam mattresses because the coils allow for increased airflow. So, Saatva isn't necessarily a cooling mattress and won't make you feel cold, but it should sleep temperature-neutral. I think it does a good job at not retaining your body heat while you sleep, and things like room temperature or your pajamas will play a bigger role in how hot you sleep. 

Durability

The Saatva Classic is just about as durable as you can ask for in a mattress. With its dual innerspring layers and extra-strength coils in the base layer, the Saatva Classic should be long-lasting and go without sags for at least 10 years. While I haven't had the chance to test the Saatva for that long, its strong construction and lifetime warranty speak volumes on how long it should last. 

Off-gassing 

The Saatva Classic mattress is one of the handful of online beds that don't emit an unpleasant off-gassing smell. Saatva hand-delivers the mattress to you fully constructed, aired out and ready to go -- there's no unwrapping or unrolling involved. It also uses thistle pulp as a natural flame retardant rather than chemicals. As a result, there's no chemical off-gassing smell when you receive it. 

Who is this mattress best for?

Beds with back-to-back coils provide maximum support and durability to sleepers. I think a lot of people will enjoy the Saatva, but there will be some who think the coils are an unnecessary extra. 

Position

The Saatva mattress offers three firmness levels from medium to firm (on our firmness scale). This means the beds are generally more firm and supportive, making all of them ideal for back or stomach sleepers.

Side sleepers will want to opt for the Luxury Plush model to get additional pressure relief, but petite side sleepers under 150 pounds should consider a different mattress. Check out our best mattress for side sleepers, or consider something more plush. Petite sleepers usually find beds to be firmer than the average person, so the Saatva bed models will be too firm for smaller side sleepers. 

Body type

If you weigh 150 pounds or more, the Saatva mattress offers plenty of support and durability. Unless you're looking for a particularly soft mattress, most sleepers within this range can find a Saatva mattress they enjoy. 

For petite sleepers under 150 pounds, I would recommend you spend your money on a different bed. You really don't need the dual-coil layers this bed offers, and that's one of its prime, bread-and-butter features. 

For a premium mattress like the Saatva bed, I assumed a queen size would run around $2,000 or a little less. However, a queen size is going to retail for around $1,756. The company also runs promotions here and there that drop the cost down. I refer to Saatva as "affordable luxury": You get a top-quality product for a fairly reasonable price. 

During Cyber Monday, Saatva is offering really good discounts on their mattresses and bedding bundles. If you've been on the edge of purchasing, now is a good time for savings.

Trial, warranty and shipping 

When you order a Saatva mattress, you're guaranteed a few perks to help incentivize you and make you feel more comfortable buying a mattress over the internet. 

First is free white-glove delivery, which means they will deliver and set up your mattress for you in your home. To give you plenty of time to test your bed, you'll receive a 365-night trial where you can decide if you do or do not like your mattress. If you don't, you will have to pay a $99 fee to return it. However, if you decide to keep the Saatva bed, you'll receive a lifetime warranty policy to back it. 

Final verdict

The Saatva mattress offers up a sturdy, reliable and comfortable feel that you don't see in just any bed. Most hybrid mattresses only come with one innerspring system, but Saatva's dual-coil layer offers twice the support and durability. I think this bed is going to be for that person looking for a traditionally bouncy and responsive mattress feel with the addition of comfy foam. If you have the money to spend on a $1,500 mattress, Saatva is a darn good choice unless you're in the market for something with a plusher profile. 

You might like Saatva if:

• You sleep on your back, stomach or a combination.
• You're a side sleeper over 150 pounds.
• You want an extra supportive mattress.
• You have an average to heavy body type.
• You want your mattress delivered and set up in your home.

You might not like Saatva if:

• You're on a tight budget.
• You sleep on your side and want an extra soft bed.
• You weigh under the 150-pound range.
• You want free returns ($99 fee).
• You want a foam mattress feel.

How does Saatva compare to other mattresses?

The Saatva Classic is a durable hybrid mattress with luxury written all over it. Here are a few other beds that are comparable to the Saatva mattress.

DreamCloud vs. Saatva

The DreamCloud mattress is a premium hybrid bed with a pillow top like the Saatva bed, except it only has one layer of pocketed coils in the base layer and has more of a memory foam feel. The DreamCloud Hybrid is also only available in one height and one firmness level. Saatva has three firmness options, two of which are firmer than DreamCloud. Saatva feels more like an innerspring, bouncy mattress whereas DreamCloud has more of a memory foam feel. The DreamCloud is also more affordable. 

Purple vs. Saatva

The Purple mattress is much different than the Saatva mattress. First of all, it has a completely different feel. It has a springy, bouncy gel-like feel that makes you feel weightless. The Saatva, on the other hand, has more of a traditional mattress feel. Purple is rated a medium on the firmness scale, so it's softer than Saatva's Luxury Firm and Firm models. Purple is also a thinner, all-foam mattress. However, Purple does make a hybrid model that contains pocketed coils for more support. If you want a cooling bed, Purple takes the cake as it's one of the most breathable beds you can buy. If you're looking at price, Purple is the more affordable option. 

Saatva vs. WinkBed 

The WinkBed mattress is a hotel-luxury-grade hybrid bed with a pillow top similar to Saatva. It used to have two layers of coils, but the brand replaced the top layer of coils with extra foam layers in a recent update. Now it has more of a foam feel than Saatva does. WinkBed offers three different firmness levels for the Classic model, including a Softer model that's rated around a three out of 10 on the firmness scale. It's plush, soft, and more accommodating for side sleepers than the Saatva mattresses. It's also close in price to the Saatva. The one you choose will ultimately depend on which company is running the best promo. 

Other mattresses from Saatva

Here's a look at some of the other mattresses you can purchase from Saatva. 

Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid: This is Saatva's memory foam offering. It has more of a foamy, contouring feel than the Saatva Classic. Although, it doesn't have a prominent memory foam feel. It's pretty subtle, and much easier to move around on than traditional memory foam. I'd rate it around a medium on the firmness scale, and I think it's great for all body types. 

Saatva HD: A mattress designed especially for heavier individuals who need more support and durability. It's made with extra strong coils that have Saatva's spinal zone technology. It's also softer than other mattresses made for plus size individuals, and has a big fluffy pillow top that makes it feel extra light and airy. It's rated around a medium on the firmness scale, making it great for all sleeping positions. 

Saatva Latex Hybrid: This is the brand's organic and natural mattress offering. It's made with pocketed coils, natural latex, organic wool and organic cotton. It's one of the more expensive mattresses from Saatva because of its use of natural materials, but it's worth it if you want a non-toxic, eco-friendly mattress. 

Saatva Mattress FAQs

8.5

Saatva Mattress

Buy at Saatva

Score Breakdown

Performance 7.7Support 10Return Policy 10Pressure Relief 6Features 9