Adjustable air beds came on the scene in the late 1980s, and they’ve been gathering loyal fans ever since. It’s easy to see why. Imagine changing the firmness of your mattress at the touch of a button. It’s a feature that’s especially useful for sleepers who suffer from back or joint pain and couples who have very different mattress firmness preferences.
Relative to other mattress categories, like innerspring, memory foam, and latex, adjustable air beds make up a small but growing share of the market. Saatva recently introduced a new mattress in this category,
Our luxurious customizable mattress with 50 precise firmness options
Here’s a closer look at the key differences between Solaire and another adjustable air bed, the Personal Comfort A8 Bed.
The following information is up-to-date as of June 26, 2019.
Solaire vs. Personal Comfort A8: 6 key differences
Both Solaire and the Personal Comfort A8 feature a range of comfort settings on each side of the bed, controlled via included remotes. They both use the same precise scientific scale for measuring pressure (millimeters of mercury). They both have multiple foam comfort layers above the air chambers to cushion and support your body. They also both come with a home trial (Solaire’s is 365 nights, while Personal Comfort’s is 120 nights) so you have plenty of time to decide whether the mattress is right for you. However, these two adjustable air beds differ in a few key ways.
1. Solaire’s pump is integrated into the mattress
The air pump is the key mechanical component of this kind of mattress, and where it’s located affects not just the bed’s appearance but its overall function as well.
Solaire’s inflator is integrated into the foot of the mattress. (See diagram.) That eliminates any external components, gives the mattress a streamlined design, and ensures quiet operation. Personal Comfort’s pump sits outside the bed frame with visible hoses.
2. Solaire has 5-zone lumbar support
Lumbar support in a mattress is crucial for keeping your spine properly aligned and your back pain-free.
Under its organic cotton pillow top, Solaire has a layer of 5-zone natural latex.
3. Solaire’s components are shielded by a moisture barrier
Precision components need protection. Under certain circumstances mold and mildew can form inside air bed components.
Solaire has a moisture barrier between its memory foam layer and air chambers that protects the internal components against bacteria growth. The Personal Comfort A8 does not have a moisture barrier.
4. Solaire comes with free white glove delivery
A sophisticated product like an adjustable air bed requires professional setup, which is why Solaire comes standard with free white-glove delivery, setup, and old mattress removal.
Personal Comfort offers white glove delivery and setup for $199.99, which adds an additional three to five business days onto the delivery time. If you opt for free standard shipping, the bed will arrive in multiple boxes, and you’ll need to assemble it yourself. (A queen size Personal Comfort A8 weighs 91 pounds, not including shipping boxes.)
5. Solaire has a longer warranty
Unlike conventional mattresses, air beds have mechanical components, which mean parts can wear out or even break, so you’ll want to choose a mattress with a long warranty. (The upside of a bed with parts that can be replaced is that you can get more life out of your mattress.)
Solare carries a lifetime warranty, while Personal Comfort comes with a 25-year warranty. Solaire fully covers the costs of components and repairs for the first five years (as well as all labor costs for the first 15 years), whereas Personal Comfort only covers these costs for the first three years.
6. Solaire’s customer support team is available 24/7
When you have a question about your new mattress at 3 a.m., waiting until regular business hours to get in touch with customer support can feel like an eternity.
At Saatva, you don’t have to wait. Helpful sleep guides are available in Saatva’s New York operations center to answer questions about Solaire 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Personal Comfort’s phone support is available on a more limited basis on nights and weekends.
See how Saatva's adjustable air bed can improve your sleep
Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress
Featuring precise 50 firmness settings on each side of the bed for personal customization. Natural latex and gel-infused memory foam layers provide luxurious comfort and support.
Still haven’t made up your mind? Read our reviews. Ready to buy a new mattress? Head on over to saatva.com now.
