Saatva Classic vs. Saatva HD: 9 Key Differences
Innerspring mattresses have been around forever (well, since the 1880s anyway)—and in recent years they’ve gotten a major upgrade. Often called hybrid mattresses, these newer versions of innerspring mattresses feature a coil base topped with foam layers for added comfort and support. Saatva has two luxury hybrid mattresses in its portfolio, Saatva Classic and Saatva HD.
Both mattresses are made with premium materials and come with Saatva’s signature 120-night trial and 24/7 customer support, but they do have some key differences. Here, we break down the most important differences between the Saatva Classic and Saatva HD so you can determine which one is right for you.
1. Weight limit
Your weight should inform what type of mattress is best for you. Hybrid mattresses are a good option for a wide range of body types because they’re responsive, supportive, and sleep cool.
The Saatva Classic is suitable for most body types and supports up to 300 pounds per side. The Saatva HD is the first luxury mattress designed exclusively for bigger bodies and supports up to 500 pounds per side. If you’re under 300 pounds, we recommend the Saatva Classic; if you’re over 300 pounds, we recommend the Saatva HD.
2. Comfort levels
Saatva uses a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest) to describe how each of our comfort levels feels. The Saatva Classic is available in three comfort levels. Spinal support is the same regardless of comfort level—it’s just the softness or firmness of the foam layers that make a difference. Here’s what you need to know about each one:
- Plush soft (around a 3) has a deep, body-hugging feel thanks to softer foams and extra padding in the pillow top. It’s ideal for side sleepers and lighter-weight individuals.
- Luxury firm, our #1 seller, has a medium-firm feel (around a 5-7). It’s great for a range of sleep positions and light- to average-weight individuals.
- Firm (around an 8), has firmer foams and is recommended for stomach sleepers or anyone who prefers the feel of a very firm mattress.
The Saatva HD has one comfort level—medium firm (around a 5-7). The reason the Saatva HD is only available in one comfort level is that bigger bodies sleep better on a firmer mattress. A medium-firm to firm comfort level will help keep your spine aligned without causing the mattress to sag.
The Saatva HD’s durable coil base is engaged only when a high-weight person lies on the mattress, resulting in a firm, responsive feel comparable to the Saatva Classic Luxury Firm comfort level. A person weighing less than 300 pounds will experience only the plush upper layers of the Saatva HD for a feel similar to that of a luxury memory foam mattress.
3. Coil construction
The heart of a hybrid mattress is the coil base. The Saatva Classic features a “coil-on-coil” system, consisting of a steel coil support base made with tempered, recycled steel to provide stability and resist sagging. This is topped with a second layer of individually wrapped coils to add contouring ability and reduce motion transfer. Both layers of coils are encased in foam for increased edge support.
The Saatva HD has a single layer of tempered, recycled steel coils in its base. These coils are threaded with a helical wire to add contouring ability and eliminate motion transfer. The entire coil unit is encased with high-density foam for increased edge support, which makes it easier to get in and out of bed.
4. Coil gauge
Coils come in different thicknesses, known as gauge. The higher the gauge, the thinner and more flexible the coil. The lower the number, the thicker and more supportive. A premium mattress should have a coil gauge between 12 and 15.
The Saatva Classic’s base layer of coils is made with 13-gauge coils for durability, while the individually-wrapped comfort coils in the top layer are made with 14.5-gauge coils. The top layer of coils is thinner and more flexible so it can respond and contour to your body.
Bigger bodies should choose a mattress with thicker coils, as this will prevent sagging and ensure you don’t wake up with back pain. The Saatva HD’s single coil unit is made with 12.5-gauge coils, the strongest in the industry, for maximum durability and resistance to sagging. The helical wire is made from flexible 17-gauge steel for contouring.
Shop Saatva’s Luxury Hybrid Mattresses
Saatva Classic Innerspring
Our flagship luxury mattress is expertly engineered with coil-on-coil construction for durability, a layer of memory foam for enhanced back support, and a cushiony Euro pillow top for extra comfort.
Saatva HD Hybrid Mattress
Engineered to support people between 300 and 500 pounds. Plush upper layers made of foam and latex deliver comfort, while a high-durability coil base offers support.
5. Lumbar support
Lumbar zone reinforcement strengthens a mattress in the center third, where most people’s weight is concentrated. Sleeping on a mattress without proper lumbar support will throw off spinal alignment and lead to aches and pains.
The Saatva Classic adds lumbar support with active wire technology, which encircles and strengthens the area from shoulders to hips. The mattress also has a 1/2-inch layer of memory foam in the lumbar region. The cushioning foam provides a layer of pressure relief, while the extra support helps maintain a healthy spinal position.
The Saatva HD adds lumbar support with the same active wire technology used in the Saatva Classic. It also has a 1 1/2-inch layer of 5-zone firm Talalay latex for additional back support. Talalay latex provides a cooler sleep surface (beneficial for heavier people who sleep hot) and added support under the shoulders and hips.
6. Pillow top
A pillow top is an extra layer of cushioning on the top surface of the mattress. The extra padding can help relieve pressure on hips and shoulders as well as add extra contouring and support.
Both the Saatva Classic and the Saatva HD have a Euro pillow top covered in breathable organic cotton. A conventional pillow top is sewn onto the surface of the mattress, while a Euro pillow top has the padding underneath the top cover and flush with the mattress edges. This creates a cleaner look and ensures the pillow top won’t shift or lose its shape.
There is one difference in the pillow tops, though: The Saatva HD’s is hand-tufted. Hand-tufting is a method of securing the top layer to the layers underneath it. Hand-tufting keeps the layers in place and prevents shifting that can lead to sagging, a common mattress problem among heavier people.
7. Foundation
Once you’ve chosen a mattress, you’ll need to make sure you put it on the right surface, or else it won’t hold up as long or provide the support that it should.
The Saatva Classic is compatible with most foundations, box springs, platform beds, and adjustable bases. It can also be paired with our 4.75″ or 8.75″ foundation.
For ideal performance, the Saatva HD should be paired with our special HD foundation, which is stronger than a typical foundation or box spring. The HD foundation is available in 4.75″ and 8.75″. The Saatva HD can also be paired with a solid platform bed with vertical center support. Because of its durable construction, it’s not compatible with an adjustable base.
8. Warranty
A high-quality hybrid mattress should last for more than 10 years. We stand behind the quality of our products, so we offer a 15-year warranty for the Saatva Classic and a 20-year warranty for the Saatva HD. The Saatva HD’s warranty is slightly longer because it’s handcrafted with extra-durable materials especially for people weighing between 300 and 500 pounds.
Both warranties are non-prorated and work the same way. If your mattress is deemed defective during the first two years, we will replace it with a brand new mattress, free of any charges. After that, we will repair and recover the mattress for the cost of transportation ($99 each way).
9. Price
Saatva offers consistently low prices year-round. We’re able to do that by selling directly to you online, cutting out retail overhead. That said, a mattress made with premium materials, designed specifically for the needs of the heavier sleeper, does come at a higher cost than a traditional hybrid mattress. Here’s the breakdown on our pricing for comparison:
Saatva Classic: $599 for a twin, $749 for a twin XL, $999 for a full, $1,099 for a queen, $1,499 for a king or Cal king
Saatva HD: $1,499 for a twin, $1,599 for a twin XL, $1,899 for a full, $2,499 for a queen, $2,799 for a king or California king
How do the Saatva Classic and Saatva HD stack up against the competition? Find out:
