Saatva Classic vs. Saatva HD: 8 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. We have two luxury hybrid mattresses in our portfolio,

Saatva Classic
saatva classic innerspring mattress
Saatva Classic

America’s best-selling online luxury innerspring

and

Saatva HD
saatva hd mattress
Saatva HD

The first luxury hybrid innerspring for bigger bodies

.

Both mattresses are made with premium materials and come with our signature 365-night trial, lifetime warranty, and 24/7 customer support, but they do have some key differences. Here, we break down the most important differences between our 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

We use 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 14-gauge coils, 25% stronger than the industry standard, for maximum durability and resistance to sagging.

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 a Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire, which encircles and strengthens the area from shoulders to hips. The mattress also has Lumbar Zone® individually wrapped coils (firmer coils in the center third of the mattress) and Lumbar Zone® Quilting (tighter stitching in the middle of the mattress that offers more support and body impression resistance in the center third).

The Saatva HD adds lumbar support with the same Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire used in the Saatva Classic. It also has a 1 1/2-inch layer of 5-zone natural latex for additional back support. Natural 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 and an adjustable base.

8. Price

A mattress made with premium materials, designed specifically for the needs of the heavier sleeper, comes at a higher cost than a traditional hybrid mattress. Here’s the breakdown of our pricing for comparison:

Saatva Classic: $2,099 (queen)

Saatva HD: $3,399 (queen)

Shop our best hybrid innerspring mattresses

Saatva Classic Innerspring Mattress

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.

Shop our best hybrid innerspring mattresses

Saatva HD Mattress

This luxury hybrid innerspring mattress is specifically engineered to support people weighing between 300 and 500 pounds. Plush upper layers made of foam and latex deliver comfort, while a high-durability coil base offers support.

How do the Saatva Classic and Saatva HD stack up against the competition? Find out:

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