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 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 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:
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.
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® Pocketed 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. Because of its durable construction, it’s not compatible with an adjustable base.
8. 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 of our pricing for comparison:
Saatva Classic: $1,770 (queen)
Saatva HD: $2,970 (queen)
How do the Saatva Classic and Saatva HD stack up against the competition? Find out:
