I Slept on 2 Saatva Mattresses in Search of Better Sleep—Here’s What I Learned

Despite my fear of change, I knew it was time to say goodbye to that mattress and was recommended the Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress, a medium-firm choice that supposedly slept cool and had ample support for my aches and pains. Here’s how it went.

From the moment we ordered the Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress, the experience felt smooth and well organized. Delivery communication was excellent, and within about 15 minutes of arrival, the mattress was set up in our bedroom. The first thing I noticed was the height. It is only available in one height, 12”, which was noticeably shorter than our old mattress. Visually, that took some getting used to.

The initial feel was also very different from what I was used to, obviously. With softness and wear-and-tear being the predominant reason for replacing our mattress, I was looking for something supportive and firm. However, the Latex Hybrid felt very firm (bordering on way too firm), with little-to-no plush give. I will be honest, the first few nights were rougher than I anticipated. I track my sleep with an Amazfit wearable, and during the first five nights my sleep dropped by nearly two hours—not ideal.

I had been told there was a break in period, but it was clear to me that was going to take a significant amount of time, and after a full week of bad sleep, I was desperate to figure out what to do so I could get some rest. Since we have an adjustable bed frame, my husband suggested I make a small positional adjustment. That definitely helped, and over time my sleep improved. After about a month, I was consistently getting seven to eight hours of sleep, and most nights I was sleeping soundly.

But despite better sleep, it was still too firm for me. I wanted to love my bed. I wanted to look forward to getting into it and not want to leave it in the morning. I wanted the support of this mattress with just a little more give. It was fine, but I wasn’t willing to settle on a mattress that wasn’t quite right.

That’s when I decided to take full advantage of Saatva’s 365-night home trial, which is something I genuinely believe everyone should use if they aren’t 100% satisfied. Instead of guessing online, I visited the Saatva showroom in New York, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made.

The showroom experience was invaluable. Every mattress is available to test, and the saleswoman who helped me—Asya—was incredibly informative and thoughtful. She guided me through the process in a way that removed bias and preconceived ideas.

First, we tried the best-selling (and Prevention editor favorite) Saatva Classic mattress, Asya laid down a disposable sheet on the bed and pillow and asked me to give it a try—without telling me which firmness I was testing. (The Classic comes in three options: Firm, Luxury Firm, and Plush Soft.) Immediately, the mattress felt noticeably softer than the Latex Hybrid, with a slight pillow-top plushness. I moved around, changed positions, and really paid attention to how my body felt.

When I got up, Asya told me it was actually the firmest of the three. I was completely shocked. Despite being firm, the mattress felt like my body was being gently hugged—supported but comforted. That was exactly what I realized had been missing with the Latex Hybrid.

Testing the Classic in Firm. Too firm.

Testing the Classic in Plush. Too soft! (Feeling like Goldilocks!)

Next, she moved me to the Luxury Firm, the medium firmness level, and I loved it instantly. It felt even more enveloping—like my body was being comfortably cradled. It reminded me most of our previous mattress, the one I truly loved, and it felt familiar in the best way.

Lastly, I tried the Plush Soft, which ended up being much too soft for me. I was so grateful I went to the showroom, because before visiting I was convinced I would exchange my mattress for the Plush Soft. Turns out, I was very wrong—and the showroom visit saved me from making the wrong choice.

After testing both mattresses, the differences were wildly clear:

The Saatva Latex Hybrid keeps you uplifted and buoyant. It sleeps cool, offers very little sinkage, and maintains a consistently firm feel, even with a break-in period. It’s supportive and responsive, but comfort comes second to structure. For these reasons, it is a great choice for those who want the pressure-free support of latex and the responsive feel of innersprings—like those with joint issues and lower back pain.

The Saatva Classic (specifically in Luxury Firm), on the other hand, offers a softer, more responsive feel with gentle contouring. Its innerspring and pillow top construction gives it that luxury hotel–style comfort—supportive, but with a plushness that allows your body to relax into the mattress rather than stay on top of it.

Due to firmness alone, I decided to exchange the Latex Hybrid for the Saatva Classic in Luxury Firm, a decision I felt confident about thanks to the showroom experience.

Saatva Classic Mattress

Features at a Glance

Sizes	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King
Firmness	Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm
Construction	Innerspring
Height	11.5” or 14.5”

After one month sleeping on the Saatva Classic in Luxury Firm, I can confidently say I made the right decision. From the very first night, it felt right. Within the first week, I received my first-ever 100% sleep score on my wearable. I’ve been sleeping consistently seven to eight hours a night, sleeping through the night, and waking up feeling genuinely rested.

One practical detail I appreciated with the Classic is that it comes in two height options—11.5” and 14.5”—and we chose the 14.5” version because we genuinely prefer a higher bed. Our old mattress was taller, and after living with the shorter profile of the Latex Hybrid, I realized how much I missed that height. It not only looks more substantial, it also feels easier to get in and out of. Asya had mentioned in the showroom that many older adults prefer taller mattresses because they don’t have to squat down as much, and I completely understand why.

Classic in Luxury Firm. Just right.

I’m an early morning gym person—and there have been many mornings where I’ve stayed in bed longer simply because I was so comfortable and didn’t want to get up. That, to me, says everything. This is the mattress I’m keeping, and the brand’s promises of durability have me hopeful I won’t need to make another change for a very long time.

In terms of delivery and service, both mattresses receive top marks. I truly appreciated how easy Saatva made it to swap one mattress for the other. All the work was done for me with Saatva’s excellent white glove service and incredible 365 day trial period. I never lifted a finger.

However, after testing both the Saatva Latex Hybrid and the Saatva Classic, the difference is clear. If you are searching for excellent and uplifting support, or are a hot sleeper in need of a firm, breathable mattress, the Latex Hybrid is for you. I think the responsive feel would be particularly well-suited for someone who needs help with chronic joint issues and needs to steer clear a too-soft mattress. For me, though, the Classic Luxury Firm offered the perfect level of comfort and gentle contouring my body was craving. That subtle, cradling feel in addition to structural support made all the difference.

This experience reinforced something important: great sleep isn’t just about firmness ratings or materials—it’s about how a mattress makes your body feel. What works beautifully for one person may not work for another, and having the time and flexibility to figure that out makes all the difference, as confirmed by assistant editor Shannen Zitz, who previously explained why the Classic Mattress in Plush Soft was best for her. That’s what ultimately makes Saatva well worth the hype: ease of returns, a year long trial period, and white glove service to ensure you receive the exact perfect mattress for you? A no brainer.

For me, the Saatva Classic Luxury Firm delivered exactly what I was looking for: comfort, support, and the kind of sleep that makes you excited to go to bed again.

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