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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Eva Waite-Taylor

I’ve tested dozens of mattresses, and Saatva’s classic is a dream to sleep on

A mattress is one of the most important parts of the home. Having a great one can mean the difference between a sound night’s sleep and a terrible one. It can also alter how you wake up feeling in the morning (yes, your aches and pains could be caused by an ill-supporting mattress). But with so many brands promising to deliver when it comes to your sleep, it’s fair to say it’s a crowded market. After extensive research, I settled on Saatva.

Known for using eco-friendly materials and creating made-to-order high-quality mattresses, Saatva offers a 365-night home trial, free delivery, setup and old mattress removal, and a lifetime guarantee. Plus, it promises to have a mattress to cater to every sleeper.

With such high praise across the industry, I tried out the brand’s most popular mattress: the classic. Claiming to be the ultimate all-rounder, Saatva says it provides “responsive support” for everyone, regardless of your sleep position. As you’d expect, all of the bells and whistles of a comfortable mattress are here, including a chiropractor-approved back support layer, the brand’s signature lumbar zone technology for pressure relief, and a hypoallergenic cover. But is it worth the investment? I found out.

How I tested

Motion transfer tests (Eva Waite-Taylor)

Essentially, I slept on it for four months. But the process, of course, involved a lot more than just simple shut-eye. On its arrival, I considered how the white glove delivery process was and whether it gave off any smell (it’s common for a new mattress to have a chemical scent for the first few days). I also considered the sleep quality and comfort of both myself and my partner and even put a glass of water on the mattress to assess the motion transfer when I moved around.

For reference, I tested the mattress in a queen size ,and I tend to sleep on my side or front. I shared the bed with my partner, who is a side or back sleeper.

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

Eva Waite-Taylor is the global IndyBest editor at The Independent. She’s passionate about finding readers the best products and making sure that they’re spending their money wisely. Along with IndyBest’s team of experts, she cares about your sleep and wants to help you find the best mattress. Having consulted experts, researched different fabrics and materials, and tested dozens of mattresses in her home over the past five years, she’s become knowledgeable when it comes to very good beds.

Saatva classic mattress

Saatva classic mattress design and features

Even before the mattress arrived, I was impressed by Saatva and its service. I received an email to schedule the delivery on a day that suited me and received a two-hour time slot. When it arrived (on time), it was delivered unboxed by the movers and placed on my bed, minimizing any need to maneuver it around. But when you do need to move it (it needs to be rotated every six months), there are handles on the side, and it’s fairly easy for two people to do. What also struck me was the lack of a chemical smell that many other mattresses I’ve tested in the past have had.

I tested the 11 1/2-inch, luxury firm classic mattress (Eva Waite-Taylor)

Depending on your sleeping position and size, it comes in three firmness levels: plush soft, luxury firm, and firm. Plush soft has a cushiony feel and is ideal for side sleepers and lighter people, luxury firm provides a medium firmness for all sleepers (and crucially, it’s said to be best for couples who can’t agree on a firmness, which is why I ended up opting for this one) and firm for stomach and back sleepers, or heavier people. There are also two heights to choose from (11 1/2-inch and 14 1/2-inch — I opted for the former, and it was a good fit for my queen-size bed frame), making it easier to pair with your bed frame. That being said, I’d certainly recommend measuring which of the depths would fit best in your space, as the 11 1/2-inch feels high, even without a foundation. Both depths are packed with the brand’s premium layers.

Firmness

How it feels

Best for

Plush soft

Soft and cushiony

Side sleepers and lighter people

Luxury firm

Medium firmness with bounce and support

All sleeping positions

Firm

Like lying on top of a mattress and not sinking in

Front and back sleepers and those who need extra support

Speaking of layers, the mattress is made of sturdy, luxury materials. Without getting too technical, the innerspring features a supportive and durable coil base layer, which is wrapped in foam to deliver edge support, followed by more coils for pressure relief and a sliver of memory foam for back support. To complete it all is a luxe 3-inch pillow top, providing the perfect level of cushioning without being too soft. With its premium gold stitching, it certainly looks the part.

Saatva classic mattress comfort and movement isolation

As mentioned, I tested the 11 1/2-inch luxury firm queen mattress. I tend to prefer cushiony, hug-like softness but I compromised for my partner, who favors a firm mattress. I was skeptical about how I’d find this new level of firmness, but I found it to be supremely comfortable, delivering hotel-quality luxury at home. I also felt the benefits of the supportive technology at work, waking up with no aches and pains.

The medium firmness of the mattress aids spinal alignment and provides excellent support (Eva Waite-Taylor)

It also has a decent amount of bounce, making moving around on it fairly easy — but that does mean the movement isolation isn’t the best I’ve tested. To really assess this, I placed a glass of water on the mattress as I moved around slightly, and the glass sloshed about slightly. While not a deal-breaker, I can certainly feel my partner wriggling at night, so it’s something to consider if you are a light sleeper.

As for Saatva’s claims that the luxury firm is a good all-rounder, despite sleeping position or size and shape, I’d say that the brand is on safe ground with this statement. Both my partner and I have found it a dream to sleep on, and I’m glad I was forced to compromise on the firmness.

Saatva classic mattress temperature regulation

Where temperature regulation is concerned, I have yet to test it during the summer months, but even when it has been unseasonably warm in my apartment at night, I’ve woken up sweat-free and slept comfortably. While it’s by no means a cooling mattress, its construction means that it’s breathable — this is thanks to the dual-coil design that allows air to flow throughout the different layers and disperses body heat. Of course, when the warmer weather does (finally) arrive, I’ll update this review with my findings on how it works to regulate temperature.

Saatva classic mattress price

The cost of Saatva’s mattress has increased in recent years. That said, although it’s most certainly on the more premium side, I think it’s still very much worth its price tag if your budget stretches. The price changes depending on the size of the mattress, with the cost (before any discounts) of a twin being $1,399, going up to $2,998 for a split cal spring. The full breakdown of cost by size can be found in the table below, but do note that Saatva does host regular sales events, often with savings of 15 or 20 percent off.

Saatva classic mattress size

Saatva classic mattress cost (MRP)

Twin (38-inch x 75-inch)

$1,399

Twin XL (38-inch x 80-inch)

$1,499

Full (54-inch x 75-inch)

$1,999

Queen (60-inch x 80-inch)

$2,099

King (76-inch x 80-inch)

$2,599

Split king (76-inch x 80-inch)

$2,998

Cal king (72-inch x 84-inch)

$2,599

Split cal king (72-inch x 84-inch)

$2,998

Buy now £2099.00, Saatva.com

The verdict: Saatva classic mattress

Everything about Saatva’s classic mattress is spot on, from delivery to its supportive feel and luxurious, hotel-quality comfort. I’d recommend carefully considering the depth — I found the 11 1/2-inch option to be a solid choice, and I can’t help but feel the 14 1/2-inch might feel a little too high, but this is, of course, personal preference. I also would have liked slightly improved movement isolation. That said, the luxury firm is a very comfortable, innerspring mattress that provides spot-on pressure relief, and really is perfect for couples who cannot agree on firmness levels. Really, you cannot go wrong.

Saatva mattress FAQs

Where can I buy a Saatva mattress?

You can buy the Saatva classic mattress, as well as its other mattresses, on its website. If you want to experience Saatva in real life, there are a number of stores that you can visit so you can try it before you buy. But do remember that there is also a 365-night at-home trial, and if you decide it’s not up to your comfort standards, you can return it — you’ll need to pay $99 for the pickup.

Where are Saatva mattresses made?

Saatva’s mattresses are all made in the US in its various factories. The brand promises that wherever your mattress is manufactured in America, it will be made to the same high standard.

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