If you're on the hunt for a new mattress, chances are you've come across Saatva in your search. This online mattress brand promises a range compelling benefits — including luxury construction, convenient delivery and a lenient return policy — all at a competitive price. But to find out if it truly lives up to its hype, we've been putting it to the test for nearly a decade.
After extensive evaluations, Saatva's Classic Mattress has proved to be one of our top-rated beds for most sleepers and is our best mattress of 2024. It consistently earns high ratings for comfort and quality of sleep, and it was even dubbed the "best mattress ever" by one of our testers.
Saatva has a unique story that sets it apart from its competitors: During the boom of DTC (direct-to-consumer) mattress brands in the 2010s, most companies were focused on the "mattress-in-a-box" phenomenon — i.e., foam (or mostly foam) mattresses that ship as a package to your doorstep for DIY set-up. Saatva, on the other hand, offered a traditional, luxury innerspring mattress that you'd typically find in stores, but with the added convenience of online shopping, plus free delivery and in-home set-up.
Though the brand has a variety of mattresses available, the Saatva Classic Mattress is both its best-selling model and our top-tested pick. To conduct this review, we surveyed over 100 Saatva mattress owners (which included more than 3,000 data points for analysis), considered firsthand experiences from both the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab and our sleep testers, and interviewed Saatva brand representatives to learn more about its features and offerings.
Based on our in-depth evaluations, here's everything you need to know about the Saatva Classic Mattress, including sizing, pricing, delivery, material and real-user feedback. You can also find more information about Saatva's other mattress models to decide which one is right for you.
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Saatva Classic Mattress overview
Pros
- Free delivery and set-up
- Breathable materials to help prevent overheating
- High scores for comfort and support
Cons
- Price has increased regularly
- $99 return fee
| Height | 11.5" or 14.5" (except for Split California King, which is available only in 11.5") |
|---|---|
| Weight | 90 lbs for 11.5" Twin to 145 lbs for 14.5" California King |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King |
| Firmness levels | Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm |
| Mattress type | Innerspring with memory foam |
| Price range | $1,395 for Twin to $2,990 for Split California King |
| Trial | 365 days |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
How it performed in our tests
Edge support
The edge support of the Saatva Classic Mattress is superior to other mattresses we've evaluated, especially compared with memory foam or softer hybrid models. Our Textiles Lab analysts and testers highlighted the bed's impressive structure, with one analyst noting, "The edge support is truly unparalleled."
A sturdy rail of foam surrounds the perimeter of the bed, allowing you to sit on or lie close to the edge without drastically sinking in or rolling off. The added stability can make it easier to get in and out of bed, which is ideal for those who have mobility issues.
Temperature
It's not technically a cooling bed, but the Saatva Classic Mattress is made with metal coils inside that allow for better airflow than a dense memory foam mattress. In turn, the innerspring construction can help maintain a comfortable temperature while you sleep at night.
Motion isolation
With two layers of springs, the mattress has a bouncier feel than standard hybrid or solid foam mattresses, so you could experience some motion transfer when your partner or pets move around at night. There's a thin layer of foam and a plush pillow top to absorb some movement, but your sleep may still be disrupted, especially if you're a light sleeper.
Off-gassing
Upon opening or unwrapping a new mattress, you may notice a chemical odor caused by the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the odor tends to be stronger in beds made with lots of synthetic foam material or compressed bed-in-a-box models.
The Saatva Classic Mattress is designed with very little foam compared with other beds, so it's unlikely that you'll experience noticeable off-gassing; our analysts and testers who own the mattress haven't. If you do notice a chemical smell, it should dissipate quickly because of the breathable innerspring construction.
Who it's best for
Saatva's Classic Mattress is our best overall mattress pick because it suits a wide range of sleep needs, and it has repeatedly won a Good Housekeeping Best Bedding Award. It's been highly praised by our survey panelists, consumer testers and Lab experts alike. Although we think it's a great pick for most sleepers, here's who we think will appreciate it the most:
Luxury seekers looking to save
Though Saatva's mattresses aren't cheap, they're more reasonably priced than other luxury models, which can cost $3,000–$5,000. Its Classic mattress costs $2,095 for a Queen model, though it's consistently on sale for several hundred dollars less. In fact, we've never seen the mattress for sale at its listed MSRP, so avoid paying full price and only buy if you do see a sale. Our survey panelists call the mattress a "great value for the price." Not to mention, it comes with free white-glove delivery and set-up, along with old mattress removal, which typically is not included or costs extra if you buy from online mattress brands.
It's important to note that the Classic mattress has been subject to regular price increases, more so than other brands we've seen. The brand says this is because of increases in material costs. That said, since Saatva consistently offers discounts and sales, there are plenty of opportunities to buy the mattress for less than the retail price.
Pain sufferers
The Saatva Classic is constructed with pressure-relieving foam and supportive coils that are ergonomically designed to target your lower back. Our testers with back pain give this model glowing reviews, with one stating, "I wake up with no low back pain!" and another sharing that their back pain "has much improved" since sleeping on the mattress.
Plus, that layer of structured foam around the edge of the mattress, which makes getting in and out of bed easier, is especially beneficial for seniors and people who have mobility issues.
Sweaty sleepers
Although the mattress isn't designed with any special cooling features, it's constructed with coils (shown here) that are inherently more breathable than solid foam, a feature that can help you stay cool at night.
One Lab analyst who slept on a memory foam mattress before switching to the Saatva Classic was "blown away" by the drastic difference in temperature she feels. She and her partner are now able to sleep soundly without having to move around on the mattress to escape absorbed heat. Our survey panelists agreed, with most of them stating that they sleep at a comfortable temperature with the Saatva Classic Mattress, and many sharing that they don't get as hot at night with this mattress as they did with their all-foam beds.
Online shoppers
Saatva provides the convenience of an online mattress retailer, but it's one of the few that's not offering a mattress in a box. So if you prefer to browse models on a website rather than in a store, but you don't want a boxed mattress, Saatva is a perfect fit.
Materials and construction
The Saatva Classic Mattress is an innerspring mattress that's made primarily of coils and is crowned by a plush pillow top, all of which you can see broken out here:
The layers of materials do vary slightly among the firmness levels, which are Plush Soft, Luxury Firm and Firm.
Here's a breakdown of the materials used, starting with the bottom layer:
- Base coils: Each mattress has steel base coils, which add durability and help prevent the mattress from sagging over time. Plus, the coils allow for airflow, keeping the mattress cooler. According to the brand, a "spinal wire" is attached to the coils around the lumbar zone of the bed for added spinal support.
- Foam rails: Surrounding the base coils are rails of high-density foam, which add structure around the perimeter of the bed, making it easier to get into and out of. This is a favorite design element of our survey panelists and testers, who often highlight the bed's superior edge support. One panelist added, "I can sleep on the very edge and not worry about rolling off because the edges stay firm."
- Pocketed coils: On top of the initial base coils are individually pocketed steel coils that are ergonomically designed to be stronger in the center of the mattress for added lumbar support, which can potentially help prevent and alleviate back pain.
- Memory foam: Next is a thin layer of high-density memory foam for pressure relief and comfort. The Plush Soft option has more padding and is softer than the Luxury Firm, while the Firm option is made with the firmest, most structured foam.
- Pillow top: The mattress is finished off with a tufted, quilted pillow top for a comfortable feel. The Plush Soft mattress has the fullest, softest pillow top; the Firm option has comparatively minimal foam fill. The Luxury Firm pillow top, which has slightly more cushion than the Firm option, still maintains a medium-firm feel.
- Cover: All of the layers are encased in a breathable organic cotton cover. Note that one Lab analyst who tried the mattress noticed significant fraying and loose threads coming from the mattress cover after just a few nights of sleep, and one survey panelist (of more than 100 respondents) also noted experiencing this issue.
Ordering and delivery
Saatva is a direct-to-consumer business that uses an online platform to sell its mattresses, cutting out the storefront to save on some expenses. Unfortunately, this means you're unable to test the mattress in person beforehand unless you live near one of the brand's viewing rooms or the flagship store in New York City.
But Saatva's online interface is user-friendly, and the brand is willing to work with you to pick out your perfect mattress. According to our survey panelists and testers, Saatva's customer service is "superb," with one reviewer sharing, "[It's] the best customer service I have ever seen. Everyone at Saatva is so knowledgeable and kind." When it comes to delivery, Saatva offers white-glove service and set-up, and old mattress removal, which our panelists overwhelmingly rated with perfect scores for being quick and simple.
Here's what you need to know about ordering and delivery:
Ordering
Simply buy it online directly from Saatva's website. The user-friendly site makes it easy to select your preferred mattress size, height and firmness level. Our tests confirmed the site's ease of use: The ordering process got great reviews from our testers. And if you need help making a decision, Saatva's customer service representatives are not only willing to assist, but they excel when it comes to helpfulness and expertise — 0ur panelists and testers were wowed by their customer service experience.
At Saatva, all mattresses are made to order, which means the beds aren't sitting in a warehouse waiting to be shipped out. Instead, once a customer places an order, the brand's team of craftspeople assembles the mattress.
Delivery
Mattress delivery is free. Saatva works with delivery partners who will contact you after you've made a mattress purchase to schedule a delivery date. The day before your scheduled delivery date, you'll receive a four-hour window for the mattress to be delivered. You can always adjust your time and date or cancel your delivery for no additional fees.
Set-up
The delivery partners do all the heavy lifting, so you don't have to. They'll bring your mattress and any additional accessories, like a bed frame or base, into your room and will assemble everything for you. Plus, when they're done setting up your brand-new bed, they'll remove your old mattress and foundation for free (though note that conditions apply).
Trial and returns
Good news: You can test the Saatva Classic Mattress out before fully committing. It can be tough to commit to such a large and important purchase without being able to experience it first. Saatva offers a 365-day trial period, so you can sleep on the mattress for up to a year before deciding if it's the perfect pick for you. If you ultimately decide the mattress isn't the one, or if you want to switch to another firmness level, you can receive a refund — minus a $99 return fee. Saatva will send movers to your home to retrieve the unwanted mattress, and they'll replace it with a new Saatva mattress if you choose.
Firmness levels
Although there's more to choosing a mattress than sleep position and body type, these factors can play a key role in figuring out which option is right for you. Saatva's Classic Mattress is available in three firmness levels:
Plush Soft
Rated a 3 out of 10 for firmness, this one is great for side sleepers who benefit from more cushioning because it allows their shoulders and hips to sink into the mattress for pressure relief. It's also best for lower body weights, as smaller frames need a mattress with some give to keep their bodies in alignment. Some of our panelists and testers found even the Plush Soft model to be too firm, which isn't surprising because it's still a coil-based model and won't feel as cradling as foam.
Luxury Firm
This one is Saatva's most popular option. It's more like a "medium" level and rated as a 5–7 on the firmness scale. It's ideal for back sleepers, combination sleepers who change positions throughout the night and couples looking to compromise on preferences. It's also suitable for average body weights since it's not too soft yet not too firm.
Firm
Saatva rates its firm as an 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale. It's meant to feel like you're sleeping on top of the mattress, rather than sinking into it, which is the best bet for a stomach sleeper who needs the structure to maintain a neutral position. The sturdier foam helps to align your spine, hips and shoulders while you're sleeping. This is also a good choice for those with heavier body weights, since a firmer mattress will help prevent the bed from sinking in too much.
Note: If you weigh more than 250 pounds, you may not get the support you need from the foams and coils used in the Saatva Classic Mattress. Instead, you may be interested in trying Saatva's HD mattress, designed specifically to provide support for "bigger bodies."
Pro tip: When it comes to choosing a firmness level, don't second-guess yourself. It can be tempting to pick the most popular mattress, the Luxury Firm, but several users told us that they initially went for the popular option and wished they had gone with their gut and picked either the Plush Soft or Firm mattress instead.
How long it lasts
According to a brand representative, with proper maintenance, a Saatva Classic Mattress can last for 10 to 15 years.
In our latest survey of more than 100 Saatva mattress users (some of whom have had their beds for nearly a decade), many respondents reported that the beds maintain their quality and firmness, even after years of nightly use. The brand does offer a lifetime warranty and will replace or repair defective mattresses under certain conditions.
Of the 100-plus users surveyed, two spoke of the foam rails around the edge losing structure with use, and three respondents — one has been sleeping on the mattress for just seven months, one for two years and one for seven years — complained specifically of mattress depressions and sagging. According to our panelists and testers who had these issues, Saatva's customer service team was efficient at helping to resolve their problems. If you experience significant depressions in your mattress or sagging, it could be the result of the base you use. Here are some tips for handling mattress sagging:
- Use a quality foundation: Not every mattress requires the same style of base or foundation, so it's best to check with the brand to determine what kind of base you should use. If you choose a slatted base, make sure the slats are fairly close together so the mattress doesn't sink, and look for a foundation with additional legs in the middle of the bed for extra support. Saatva offers its own foundation and bed frames that are compatible with its mattresses and recommends using a base with "slats spaced less than four inches apart and a center support for Queen and larger sizes."
- Rotate your mattress: Sleeping in the same position night after night creates pressure in targeted areas of a mattress that can eventually lead to dips or sagging. Rotating your mattress, or switching the direction of the foot and head of your mattress, can help maintain the longevity of the mattress by distributing the pressure across different areas. Saatva recommends rotating your mattress after the first six months of use and to continue rotating it on a yearly basis.
- Add a topper: A mattress topper evens out your sleeping surface, so it can serve as an extra layer of protection for your mattress and an extra layer of support for you. If your mattress is already sagging, adding a topper isn't going to resolve the issue fully, but it can help you sleep more comfortably and may help prevent further sagging.
Pro tip: Remember to regularly clean your mattress according to the manufacturer's instructions to prolong the life of your mattress and keep it in tip-top shape.
How Saatva compares to other brands
With so many popular online mattress companies promising to give you exceptional comfort and support, it can be tricky figuring out whether one brand is right for you over another. Here's how the Saatva Classic compares to some of our top-tested mattresses:
- Casper Original Mattress: Casper is credited with helping the online mattress industry hit the mainstream. The main differences between the two models are that Casper is entirely foam, costs less and ships compressed in a box, whereas Saatva is mostly coils and includes full-service delivery and set-up. Casper has more of a sink-in, cradling feel than Saatva, while Saatva feels more resilient and have better edge support.
- Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress: This model and the Saatva Classic both contain coils and foam, but Bear is a true hybrid mattress with more foam than Saatva. Like Saatva, it offers three firmness levels, but it feels more cushioning because it has more foam. It also costs a bit less than Saatva.
- Avocado Green Mattress: This one feels most similar to Saatva because it doesn't use memory foam and therefore doesn't have that cushy, sink-in feel. It's also priced similarly to Saatva, though it doesn't go on sale as frequently. The main difference is that this one is a latex hybrid (meaning it combines latex with coils), so Saatva still has more of the traditional innerspring design. Avocado's is also certified organic.
- Allswell Luxe Hybrid: Our recommendation for the best value mattress, Allswell's model is only a fraction of the cost of the Saatva Classic. It's a hybrid that feels more plush than Saatva, but it doesn't have as much edge support. Allswell tends to be preferred by young adults, whereas Saatva is highly praised by users of all ages.
Bottom line: Is the Saatva Classic Mattress worth it?
Although there's no one perfect mattress for everyone, the Classic is suitable for most people and receives positive feedback from plenty of testers. Even better, the Saatva Classic Mattress offers a great value with high-quality materials that are breathable, supportive and potentially helpful for providing pain relief. Plus, the Classic continues to receive excellent ratings from our testers and survey panelists for comfort and overall sleep quality. Because it's primarily constructed with innersprings and only one layer of pressure-relieving foam, it may not be the mattress for you if you prefer the soft, conforming cushion of a memory foam bed. If you're on the fence, you can always test out the Saatva Classic Mattress for a whopping 365 nights before committing.
Other Saatva mattresses
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amanda Constantine is a home and apparel reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She regularly reviews mattress brands (including Tempur-Pedic, Puffy and Allswell) and reports on bedding like duvet covers, down comforters, waterproof mattress protectors and more. For this article, she tested out the Saatva Classic Mattress herself, analyzed the Textiles Lab's mattress-testing and survey data regarding the mattress, spoke with representatives from the Saatva brand and worked with our Executive Director of Strategy & Operations, Lexie Sachs, who has also updated this article with new information.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
