In order to present a thorough overview of the Saatva Classic, our team has personally tested each available firmness and thickness for the mattress. The results of these tests are covered below.
Durability: 4/5 (All Models)
We estimate the lifespan of a mattress by examining its materials. We expect the Saatva Classic to perform for about seven to eight years before you’ll need to replace it. The above-average longevity of this mattress can be attributed to the combination of high-density foams and strong, low-gauge coils. These materials hold up well over time and help the surface resist the deep impressions that can lead to early retirement for less robust mattresses.
Pressure Relief: 4/5 (All Models)
To evaluate a mattress for pressure relief, our testers wear sensors around areas where pressure buildup is common such as the shoulders, lower back, and hips. We then use body-mapping technology to see where pressure is most evident.
The Saatva Classic excels at pressure relief in all firmness levels. While this performance category can be a weak area for innersprings and hybrids, the Classic’s memory foam lumbar pad and dual-layer coil system reinforce the sleep surface very well. This minimizes sinkage around the midsection – a common source of pressure for sleepers – while the Euro-top cushions sensitive areas along the spine.
Motion Isolation: 3/5 (Soft), 2/5 (Medium Firm, Firm)
We evaluate motion isolation by asking two of our testers to lie side by side on the mattress. One person changes positions and gets out of bed while the other records how much movement they feel on their side of the bed, and then they switch roles.
Motion isolation is one area where the Saatva Classic struggles. Models with soft feels absorb some movement and may help couples sleep soundly, but the medium firm and firm models are both rather responsive and bouncy. Our testers noticed movement on all three versions of the mattress. Profile choice did not appear to affect the Classic’s motion-isolating abilities.
Temperature Control: 4/5 (All Models)
We measure heat buildup on the surface of each mattress using a combination of thermal mapping technology and anecdotal feedback from our testers. For accuracy, temperature readings are weighed against the tester’s body temperature.
Temperature control is another area where the Saatva Classic excels at all levels. Innersprings and hybrids tend to sleep cool thanks to steady air circulation throughout their coil chambers. Since Saatva contains two coil layers, this essentially means twice as much airflow. The breathable organic cotton cover also helps the surface maintain a comfortable temperature. For maximum cooling, we recommend the medium firm or firm versions of the mattress.
Edge Support: 4/5 (All Models)
During our edge support tests, we take turns sitting along the mattress perimeter and measure the amount of compression that occurs beneath each of our bodies. This portion of the evaluation process necessitates feedback from testers in all three weight groups.
The Saatva Classic feels exceptionally sturdy along the perimeter. High-density foam encasing the hourglass coils creates generous push-back at the base level. The minicoil layer also adds reinforcement and reduces sinkage. The firm model sank slightly less than models with the other two firmness levels, but the Classic earned exemplary ratings in this category across the board.
Ease of Movement: 3/5 (Soft), 4/5 (Medium Firm, Firm)
We evaluate ease of movement by getting on and off the mattress and changing sleep positions. This simple yet informative process shows how much our bodies sink into the surface during different types of movements. As with edge support, this category relies on testing from individuals in different weight groups.
The Saatva Classic is responsive and supportive enough to facilitate mostly sag-free movements across the surface. Our testers noticed a bit of sinkage moving across the soft model, but not to the extent that they felt trapped or stuck. There was little to no sinkage on medium firm and firm models. Models with 14.5-inch profiles earned slightly higher ratings in this category than those with 11.5-inch profiles.
Off-Gassing: 5/5 (All Models)
After unboxing a new mattress, you may notice a chemical smell reminiscent of plastic or rubber. This is known as off-gassing and occurs due to chemicals emitted by certain mattress materials. We evaluate mattresses for off-gassing during the unboxing process, then continue to do so over the next two to three days.
Initial odor is virtually a non-issue with the Saatva Classic. The mattress does not contain enough foam to emit high concentrations of off-gassing chemicals, and any smells that may occur are quickly flushed out thanks to the two foam layers. You may notice some slight odor during the first day or so, but nothing that should disturb your sleep.
Sex: 3/5 (Soft), 4/5 (Medium Firm, Firm)
Based on surveys and consumer research, we’ve found most couples prefer responsive and supportive mattresses during sex. We evaluate how well or poorly a mattress performs during sex by tabulating our ratings from other performance categories, such as ease of movement, edge support, and temperature control.
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil design makes the mattress highly conducive to sex. The responsive surface helps facilitate rhythmic movements and position changes, while the sturdy edges allow couples to use the entire mattress as they see fit. Strong temperature control ratings also elevate the Classic’s suitability for sex. Limited edge support for the soft model slightly decreases its rating in this category.
