Awarded ‘Best Overall Mattress of 2024’ by Good Morning America–But Is It?
Our Review and Analysis
The Saatva Classic mattress has been trending online for its blend of traditional innerspring support and modern comfort features. Designed to cater to a wide range of sleepers, it offers a luxurious sleep experience reminiscent of high-end hotels. With three different comfort levels to choose from, a one year trial period and a durable hybrid build, Saatva Company fans and sleepers of all types should be satisfied with the Saatva Classic, but if you’re stepping into the Saatva world for the first time, you need to know if this is a worthy investment.
Just because something is “trending,” as the kids say, doesn’t always mean it will meet the hype. In a world of influencers paid to splash your top search results with glittering praise in the hopes of earning that commission sale, who can you trust? Reviewers who insist their Saatva Classic is even better than when they first bought it, or long term owners who have reported disappointment in their Saatva Classic for sagging under the weight of time? I’ve compiled all the information to help you make an educated decision.
Our Review Process: At Sleep Examiner, we’re passionate about natural ways to reduce stress, relax the body, breathe better, and improve sleep quality. Our commitment to providing well-rounded, unbiased perspectives ensures that every recommendation is thoroughly researched, helping you discover the practices, products, and tools that can lead to a restful, pain-free night’s sleep. We’ve recently updated our 5 best mattresses for back pain and joint relief, ensuring you have the best options for enhanced comfort and support.
Saatva Classic Mattress Rating
-
1. Back Alignment & Overall Support - 7/10
7/10
-
2. Firmness & Pressure Relief - 7/10
7/10
-
3. Sleeping Position Compatibility - 8/10
8/10
-
4. Edge Support - 7/10
7/10
-
5. Cooling - 7/10
7/10
-
6. Eco-Friendly & Off-Gassing - 6.5/10
6.5/10
-
7. Motion Transfer / Motion Isolation - 7/10
7/10
-
8. Warranty - 9/10
9/10
-
9. Sleep Trial - 10/10
10/10
-
10. Customer & Trusted Ratings - 6.5/10
6.5/10
Summary
Mattress Performance Score
PRODUCT DETAILS
Organic cotton cover, lumbar-support foam, dual-coil system for airflow and durability, antimicrobial treatment.
365 Night Trial Period, free white-glove delivery, arrives factory fresh, not rolled in a box.
Free shipping within the contiguous US, $99 processing fee for return or exchange.
Runs firm; offers Plush Soft, Frim, and Luxury Firm comfort levels (7/10)
Lifetime warranty with 1.5in sag requirement
$1,995-2,998
PERFOMANCE SCORE
How did the Saatva Classic Mattress perform?
Based on user reviews and trusted review sites.
Performance Score: 7.5/10
1. How is back alignment and overall support? (Score: 7/10)
The Saatva Classic comes highly recommended for back sleepers, who should experience significant lumbar support from the mattresses’ build, which can be slightly customized. If you need extra support, all sizes that aren’t split offer some extra height at 14.5” instead of the original 11.5”. This is a mattress you sleep on top of rather than sinking into, so keep this in mind if you’d prefer a sinking Tempurpedic style experience instead. Some customers have returned their SC for not meeting their expectations in the lumbar support department, reporting that the coils were a painful hindrance as opposed to a plus
2. How is the firmness and pressure relief? (Score: 7/10)
The Saatva Classic offers three levels of comfort to choose from: Plush Soft (4/10), Luxury Firm (6.5/10), or Firm (7.5/10), but all three may feel firmer than expected. Side sleepers who need extra pressure relief for their joints should opt for the Plush option or seek out the Saatva Rx instead, but Luxury Firm is considered the most popular option for the average combination sleeper.
Those with a larger body type or stomach sleepers may need the Firm option along with some extra height for appropriate support. Long-term owners report their Saatva Classic losing some firmness over time, and some still experienced pain regardless of their choice.
3. Sleeping Position Compatibility (Score: 8/10)
Since the Saatva Classic offers customization, most sleeper types should be able to find a combination that suits their sleeping habits and preferences. Side sleepers should enjoy the gentle cradling of the Plush option, while a wide variety of sleepers love the Luxury Firm. Stomach sleepers and heavier body types may need the firm comfort level to ensure maximum support for spinal health and alignment.
4. How is the edge support? (Score: 7/10)
Perimeter support of the Saatva Classic receives high ratings by popular reviews and brand influencers. However, long-term owners have reported edge sagging over time, sometimes as soon as 6 months into ownership. Initially, owners of this bed should be able to utilize every inch of the mattress with little to no sagging, thanks to the high-density foam rails designed to make getting out of bed easy. Keep in mind, that this construction may or may not hold up well over the years.
5. How is the cooling? (Score: 7/10)
While Saatva boasts a dual-coil system that is designed to increase airflow, some reviewers say that the cooling doesn’t quite match the hype. If you struggle with overheating, this may not be the mattress for you. Described as “temperature neutral,” the Saatva Classic’s design with a hypoallergenic cover allows temperature regulation–to a point. But with the right sheet set and comforter, the cooling system of the Saatva could be just right.
6. Eco-friendly? How is the off-gassing? (Score: 6.5/10)
On the surface, Saatva claims to have kept lovers of the environment in mind. Saatva advertises a breathable organic cotton cover, a natural plant-based thistle pulp flame barrier, no toxic chemical flame retardants, recycled steel coils, and according to their website is GREENGUARD certified to reduce exposure to volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
Browsers should note that Saatva is in fact not listed on the GreenGuard site, making this a questionable claim. Since each Saatva Classic is made fresh to order, you may notice a slight odor upon delivery, but that should dissipate in less than a month.
7. Does it have good motion isolation? (Score: 7.5/10)
The Saatva Classic is a bouncy hybrid with an internal coil structure in the middle, so sleepers may notice “a little” motion transfer, which is normal for this type of classic style mattress. However, drop tests showed excellent motion isolation.
While its responsiveness comes highly rated and the initial foam layers will certainly minimize motion transfer, this is not a pure foam mattress. When it comes to mattresses that include a coil system, it’s best to be realistic. The bounciness also means this is a good bed for couples who “go at it” often.
8. Warranty (Score: 9/10)
Saatva has a generous “lifetime warranty” that indicates solid confidence in its brand and should give buyers peace of mind for such a long-term investment. Potential buyers should be aware that the phrase “lifetime warranty” comes with some fine print and stipulations, so replacing your Saatva Classic may still come with a price depending on the circumstances.
9. Sleep Trial (Score: 10/10)
Saatva offers free white-glove delivery of your mattress and a generous 1 year trial period to get to know your new bed. While other brands may require you to spend at least a month deciding whether or not you like your new mattress, Saatva does not. Considering you can’t try out their mattresses in person to make a decision, this is a good deal.
10. Customer and Trusted Ratings (Score: 6.5/10)
A quick search will pull up glowing 4 and 5 star reviews of the Saatva Classic from influencers and brand ambassadors who didn’t necessarily take home a Saatva Classic to experience it long-term. Recent reviews on CustomerAffairs tell a different story altogether.
As recently as December 2024, customers reported their Saatva sagging after just 6 months and rendered completely unusable after 2 years, with no helpful response from the company. Some have seriously struggled with their ordering process, tracking, and experience with customer service. Reviews are extremely mixed, so be sure to take in the good with the bad and the ugly before buying a Saatva Classic.
A CLOSER LOOK
A Closer Look at the Saatva Classic Mattress Materials
3″ Organic Euro Pillow Top
Each Saatva Classic features a cover made with hypoallergenic breathable cotton treated with their exclusive Guardin(™) botanical antimicrobial treatment to combat the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. The 3” pillow top with Lumbar Zone Quilting is designed to support where you need it most while ensuring a dry and comfortable experience catered to sensitive skin. Note that only the cover is described as organic, not the entire mattress, so this is a little misleading.
Pressure-Relieving Memory Foam Support Layer
Beneath the pillow top is the only layer of CertiPUR-US certified high-density memory foam designed to keep your spine aligned and supported. This layer is featured in the center of the mattress, geared toward those who struggle with back pain and pressure. Regardless of this enticing description, some customers report the exact opposite experience, insisting that their Saatva Classic did not resolve their back pain in the slightest.
Lumbar Zone Coil Support System
The star of the Saatva Classic is the layer of 14.5” gauge recycled steel coil system. Hundreds of coils are meant to provide precise contouring while minimizing motion transfer and maintaining the traditional bounce couples can appreciate during intimacy. The coils are firmer in the center for maximum back and hip support, but some customers report that this was an extremely painful experience. Additionally, while Saatva claims that their products are made in the US, they do not specify if their components (such as recycled coils) are outsourced or not.
Edge Material & Perimeter Support
Initially, the Saatva Classic seems to have superior edge stability thanks to the high-density foam rail encasing the coil system to provide a stable experience. This edge support design is intended to not only prevent sagging but also gives the sleeper more real estate to utilize, making every inch of the Saatva Classic worth using. In the long run, however, this design is reported to break down rather quickly, resulting in sagging as well as sinking in undesirable places.
Base Layer and Materials
The base of the Saatva Classic is reinforced by an additional layer of 13 gauge thrice heat-treated coils that are intended to prevent sagging, encourage airflow, and provide top-of-the-line lumbar support, though not everyone who owns a Saatva Classic has a pain free experience, citing the coil system as the culprit. Potential buyers should beware of reports of the base material breaking down first, quite literally falling apart in some customers’ hands after 7 to 8 years.
Finally, the Saatva Classic boasts an eco-friendly natural thistle pulp flame barrier as opposed to the chemical based fire retardants or fiberglass often seen in other brands.
PROS & CONS
Here is a list of the pros and cons of the Saatva Classic mattress based on user reviews:
PROS
- Multiple firmness options and heights to suit different preferences: The choices Saatva offers to customize the classic make this appealing to just about anyone, assuming they don’t have any major health issues that may require a more specialized mattress. With two different height options, three different comfort options, and the option to split a King or Cali King for couples with different styles, it’s no wonder the Classic is Saatva’s flagship model.
- Generous trial period and warranty: The fact that Saatva gives you a year to get to know your mattress without a minimum trial period is quite generous compared to a handful of other companies. Throw in the fact that most people say this bed is instantly comfortable, and it’s easy to appreciate the leeway Saatva allows for consumers to learn to love their mattress, especially since you can’t try it in a store first.
- Free white glove delivery: Who doesn’t love free delivery with setup? Saatva employees will even remove your old mattress for free. Rest easy knowing you don’t have to set your mattress up yourself or figure out what to do with your old one.
- Arrives ready-to-go, not rolled in a box: Unlike some companies you order from online, Saatva doesn’t risk the integrity of their mattresses by rolling them up in a box. There’s no waiting for the mattress to fully inflate after freeing it from its French crepe-like compression. You have the option of taking your new Saatva Classic for a spin from the moment set-up is complete, though you might want to wait for the delivery guys to leave first.
CONS
- Mixed reviews suggest early breakdowns: While there are plenty of positive reviews of the Saatva Classic, the negative reviews are horror stories potential buyers should take into consideration. Reports of early sagging, material disintegration, and breakdown of communication between the company and customer indicate browsers should apply extreme caution, as the Saatva Classic may not last as long as they’d like under regular use.“I have had this mattress for a couple of years now. I had to get it replaced within the first year because it sagged on the side that I sleep. The woman I spoke to about it told me I should sleep in the center of the bed instead of the side!! Well, a year or so later it is sagging again and I awake with body aches….back, shoulders, neck. You no longer can flip mattresses. Just turn them. Now both sides sag!” -Jen, CustomerAffairs.com
- Higher price point compared to some competitors: At its full retail price, the Saatva Classic might be a little pricey at around $1,800-$2,000 for a Queen. Many customers say it’s well worth it, but if it seems out of your budget, you might want to wait for a sale or find a third party coupon to bring the price down a few hundred bucks.
- Misleading certification claims: Saatva boasts a GreenGuard certification, but this claim doesn’t line up with GreenGuards’ website. It’s unclear whether their mattress components are sourced from the US or not, which clashes with their “Made in USA” brag. An organic cover doesn’t mean the entire mattress is organic, so this buzzword may mislead those who aren’t looking closely. And thanks to the flood of what are most likely paid positive reviews, many customers return their Saatva beds because they simply don’t meet their internet inspired expectations.
- Experience depends on body type: Unfortunately, the Saatva Classic is not built to handle XXXL customers or couples that exceed 600 lbs together. So if you’re part giant or “big boned,” you’ll likely need to find something a bit heftier to rest your extra fluff on at night. On the other end of the spectrum, if you’re in the featherweight category, the Saatva Classic may feel too firm for you, which could result in some unnecessary pain resulting from pressure on your shoulders and hips. Some customers report a painful experience despite having an average body type.
FINAL SLEEP RATING ANALYSIS
Our Analysis
There are plenty of aspects of the Saatva Classic that are appealing and lots of happy customers. There are no bells, whistles, or cords, just a thoughtful and simple design that just about anyone might enjoy. The option to choose a firmness level and height to suit your needs is a plus, as is the long trial period and free delivery.
The dual-coil system may appeal to those who prefer a traditional mattress experience, though said coils may or may not relieve your back pain as advertised. If you can catch a good sale or find a generous third-party coupon, a Saatva Classic has the potential to be a luxurious experience that won’t break your bank.
While it’s clear that Saatva aims to make the purchase as stress free as possible, this doesn’t seem to always be the case, though one could argue that no company is perfect. They certainly raise up the Classic as their flagship model with an enticing description and put their best reviews forward, but a closer look reveals some misleading claims, struggles with customer service, and concerning reports from long term owners.
Customer Insights
Positive reviews from Saatva Classic owners emphasize the way the mattress hugged them right where they wanted it, underscoring the dual-coil system that is thoughtfully designed with your lower back and hips in mind. While the Saatva Classic is primarily meant for back sleepers, combination and even stomach sleepers report experiencing a good and comfortable night’s sleep, as long as they chose the appropriate firmness option for their alignment.
However, as previously stated, long term owner’s reports do not match the initial hype, and reveal that the Saatva Classic breaks down sooner than they expected. Other first-time buyers reveal the occasional poor customer service experience and shady delivery practices that have left them in the dark. Overall, it looks like the Saatva Classic could only last 2-6 years before showing signs of serious issues.
The Final Verdict: 7/10
The Saatva Classic is Here For a Good Time, Not a Long Time
A mattress purchase is a big decision, one that can affect your health and quality of life, which is why it’s important to do thorough research before making said purchase. That being said, Saatva has put a lot of effort into convincing browsers that the Saatva Classic is a luxurious and affordable traditional style mattress with a twist that almost anyone will love.
The Saatva Classic may be a match for the average combination sleeper who doesn’t suffer from intense body pain or frequent overheating. With the right bedding and frame, there’s a chance it will provide a luxury hotel-like experience, but only for a few years before it needs to be replaced.
The Saatva Classic would make an ideal guest bed to extend its life, assuming your guest doesn’t mind the coils. Overall, I recommend caution and consideration of reviews from across the satisfaction spectrum before purchasing the Saatva Classic, because the marketing doesn’t fully align with real customer experiences.
Sleep Solutions Specialist
SLEEP EXAMINER
Judith Reynolds, Sleep Solutions Specialist
MATTRESS SIZES & PRICES
(price may not include discount or sale items)
| Size | Dimensions | Regular Price |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38” W x 75” L | $1,399 |
| Twin XL | 38” W x 80” L | $1,499 |
| Full | 54” W x 75” L | $1,999 |
| Queen | 60” W x 80” L | $2,099 |
| King | 76” W x 80” L | $2,299 |
| Cal King | 72” W x 84” L | $2,299 |
| Split King | 76" W x 80” L | $2,698 |
| Split Cal King | 76" W x 80” L | $2,698 |
PRODUCT WARRANTY & VALUE
Saatva Mattress Warranty
First 2 Years: Saatva offers a free replacement if your mattress is deemed defective within the first two years.
Years 3 and Beyond: Starting in the third year, Saatva provides a “Fairness Replacement Option” where you can purchase a new mattress at a discount based on the original price:
- Years 3 to 5: 50% of the original price
- Years 6 to 10: 60% of the original price
- Years 11 to 15: 80% of the original price
A $99 processing fee applies for delivering the new mattress.
Important Considerations:
- Final Sale: Replacement mattresses under the Fairness Replacement Option are considered final sales. They cannot be returned or exchanged, and they do not come with a new 365-night home trial.
- Warranty Continuation: The original warranty remains in effect after replacement, but replacement mattresses do not come with an additional warranty period.
Learn more about Saatva’s warranties here.
Check out our Top 5 Mattresses for Back Pain
For an in-depth look at our top picks, complete with detailed reviews, comparisons, and an easy-to-read analysis chart, visit our best mattresses for back pain review, where we feature our comprehensive 10-point mattress performance rating system.
Disclosure
Our review process blends actual customer feedback, comprehensive research and analysis, and insights from expert sources to create well-informed, unbiased recommendations. We independently assess each product, but to support our efforts, we participate in affiliate partnerships that allow us to continue providing valuable sleep guidance. These partnerships help us fulfill our mission to guide people toward better sleep solutions. For a complete overview, see our review process here and full disclosure here.
Our Review Process
At Sleep Examiner, we’re passionate about natural ways to reduce stress, relax the body, breathe better, and improve sleep quality. Our commitment to providing well-rounded, unbiased perspectives ensures that every recommendation is thoroughly researched, helping you discover the practices, products, and tools that can lead to a restful, pain-free night’s sleep. We’ve recently updated our 5 best mattresses for back pain and joint relief, ensuring you have the best options for enhanced comfort and support.
FEATURED REVIEWS:
Top-Rated Mattresses For Back Pain
