If you’re a person who weighs more, finding a mattress that gives you quality support might feel challenging. As the mattress industry continues to become more aware of the needs of shoppers, they’re also designing mattresses specifically for heavier sleepers and that includes Saatva.
Saatva has worked their magic by releasing a mattress that is not just supportive for heavier people but also luxurious, made from a combination of high-quality materials.
Our in-depth review of the Saatva HD Mattress will get into all of those details–firmness, comfort, and who should–and shouldn’t– buy this bed.
Who We Recommend The Saatva HD For:
- Heavier people -The Saatva HD was specifically designed with heavy-weight people in mind, meaning somewhere over 230 pounds.
- Hot sleepers – This mattress will help keep you cool at night as it is a hybrid, constructed with a top layer of breathable latex and a bottom layer of cooling coils.
- Those looking for a firmer mattress – Out of 10, we’d give this a 7 or 8 on the firmness scale. This makes it great for heavier people and average-weight back and stomach-sleepers
Who We Don’t Recommend The Saatva HD For:
- Light to average-weight back sleepers – If you’re a petite or medium-weight sleeper, this mattress might be too firm for you, especially if you sleep on your back.
- Strict side sleepers – If you only sleep on your side, this mattress might be firm enough to hurt your shoulder and neck over time. Try something with a little more give to cushion your shoulders.
- Those looking for a classic memory foam feel– The Saatva HD is firm and not all that contouring; it has more of a sleeping on top rather than in the bed feel. If you want to feel more sinkage, look for a traditional memory foam bed.
- Those looking for a budget-friendly mattress – Saatva’s HD model has a higher price point, which could be a drawback if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly mattress.
First Impressions: Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 8/10
Please remember that firmness is a subjective characteristic and your shape will dictate how you experience a bed. A heavier person whose weight can more easily push through softer comfort and support layers may experience a bed as softer than a lightweight person. The way you are shaped could also play a role here. Consider your weight, shape, and size when evaluating firmness scores.
The Saatva HD rates at an 8 out of 10 on the Sleep Advisor firmness scale, which is considered to be a firm mattress. This is a hybrid mattress, so it’s made from both high-quality coils and multiple foam layers. The coils here are more supportive than in many other mattresses, and they feel firmer toward the center of the mattress to prevent that mattress taco effect–where the mattress sinks in over time. This level of firmness provides great support for the lumbar spine, plus layers of latex and memory foam for comfort.
How Does It Feel?
The Saatva HD has a firm hybrid feel. This mattress feels bouncy like a traditional innerspring mattress because of its innerspring coils and a top layer of latex (a buoyant and breathable material).
Additionally, the Saatva HD will have more of a sleeping “on top of” rather than “in” the bed sort of feel, which may not work for some sleepers, especially lightweight folks. However, for heavier-weight sleepers and those looking for a particularly firm bed, it is great.
What We Like About the Saatva HD
- Fully supportive – The mattress feels just as supportive in the center (no caving in the middle) as it does on the edges. The HD comes with fantastic edge support, making the whole surface of the bed a good place to stretch out.
- Cooling materials – The mattress is designed to be breathable, both with its innerspring coils that allow air to pass through and the latex material on top, which is bouncy, comfortable, and naturally cooling.
- It’s durable – With its quality construction, the Saatva HD is a mattress that should last you a long time. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, attesting to its durability and the brand’s confidence in the quality of their product.
Our Saatva HD Complaints
- Lack of contouring – This bed isn’t the best for those looking for pressure relief or contouring, say, for achy joints or side sleeping. If that’s what you’re looking for, you might do better with a memory foam or softer mattress.
- Not great for motion isolation– Unfortunately, because this is a bouncy bed, it won’t isolate motion well, meaning if someone moves on the other side of the bed, you’ll probably feel it.
- It’s taller than you think – The mattress itself is taller than most mattresses, coming in at 15.5 inches tall. This means, depending on your bed frame, this thicker mattress might look too tall.
Testing Saatva HD Mattress: How it Performed
When we tested the Saatva HD Mattress, there were specific features we were looking out for to come away with a solid idea of who this mattress was best suited for. These include cooling, motion isolation, bounce, and edge support. Additionally, we lie on the mattress in different sleeping positions to see how the bed performs in terms of support and pressure relief in each position.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
According to Saatva, the Saatva HD is designed to comfortably support up to 500 pounds per side of the mattress, which means it should also be good for heavier couples. While the Saatva HD can support this much weight, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a good fit for you just because you are a heavier-weight sleeper. You also need to consider the bed’s other features as well as your go-to sleep position to ensure it’s the best match.
| Weight | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers (-130 lbs) | ☆☆☆ | ★☆☆ | ★☆☆ |
| Average-Weight Sleepers (130-230 lbs) | ★☆☆ | ★★☆ | ★★☆ |
| Heavyweight Sleepers (+230 lbs) | ★★☆ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
Side Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Those under 130 pounds who sleep on their sides will probably find this mattress way too firm. The HD will likely cause your shoulder pain with its lack of cushion and give.
- Average Weight Sleepers – Even average-weight sleepers (between 130-230 pounds) might find this mattress a little too firm for sleeping on their side.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Those who weigh over 230 pounds should be more comfortable sleeping on their side on this mattress, receiving good support, though still, not a whole lot of cushioning on the shoulder.
Back Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Those under 130 pounds will likely find the Saatva HD far too firm, even for sleeping on their backs.
- Average Weight Sleepers – Unless you prefer a very, very firm mattress, even sleeping on your back on the Saatva HD will likely feel too firm for those between 130-230 pounds.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavier back sleepers will appreciate the Saatva HD’s additional lumbar support and should find that their hips sink in comfortably with the added latex comfort layer.
Stomach Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Of all of the positions, sleeping on your stomach may be the most comfortable for light sleepers on this particular mattress, but still, a softer mattress will probably be a better fit for lightweight sleepers.
- Average Weight Sleepers – Thanks to the bed’s denser support layers, average-weight stomach-sleepers should find that it provides a good level of lifting to keep their hips in alignment throughout the night.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavyweight stomach sleepers will feel a comfortable level of support underneath their hips throughout the night on this firmer, more supportive mattress.
Pressure Relief & Pain
Overall, the Saatva HD provides great pressure relief but only for those who are heavier in weight. For those who are light or medium-weight, this mattress will be too firm to provide much pressure or pain relief, and in fact, might cause more.
For those who are heavier, though, this mattress should provide good pressure and pain relief, especially when sleeping on your back or stomach. I would say, the heavier you are, the more pressure and pain relief you will receive from this mattress; the lighter you are, the more pressure and pain it will cause you.
Back Pain – For heavier people, this mattress is perfect for back pain. Your weight should feel evenly distributed across the mattress and the top layers of foam should fill in the lumbar region of your spine comfortably. The HD is also a bouncy bed, so you should be able to move around easily, avoiding exacerbating your back pain.
Hip Pain – Back and stomach sleepers with hip pain will find a lot of pressure and pain relief from this bed. However, if you’re a side sleeper with hip pain, you might want to find a softer mattress.
Shoulder Pain – Again, if you’re a heavier back or stomach sleeper, this mattress should be great for shoulder pain. If you sleep on your side, however, the firmness of the Saatva HD might be too much and could exacerbate shoulder pain, even in those who are heavier.
Support
The Saatva HD reigns supreme when it comes to supporting heavier-weight people. This is due to its construction– a combination of latex, polyfoam, memory foam, and sturdy steel coils.
Furthermore, this bed contains patented spinal support technology, designed to help relieve pressure on joints and support the lumbar spine. While this might feel like “a bit much” for lighter-weight sleepers, for heavier sleepers, it’s just right.
Not only that, but the Saatva HD has increased support in the middle of the mattress and around the edges of the bed, so you won’t have to worry about the mattress drooping over time and throwing your spine out of alignment.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer is important for those who sleep next to someone else and may not be the deepest of sleepers. This term is a gauge for how much you will be able to feel the other person moving on another part of the bed.
Unfortunately, because of this mattress’s latex and innerspring components, both of which are rather bouncy, the Saatva HD is not the best for preventing motion transfer. If you’re a light sleeper and usually sleep next to someone, having a bed that isolates motion well is critical.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
Good news for those who sleep hot: The Saatva HD sleeps quite cool. There are several reasons for this. First, there’s the latex layer, which is designed to be cooling and well-ventilated Second, the bed contains coils, which promote airflow throughout the mattress.
Performance for Couples
The Saatva HD has some positives and negatives for couples. On the plus side, the mattress has great support over its entire surface, including around the edges and in the middle. This will mean you and your partner won’t slowly roll into each other in the middle of the bed over time. (the taco effect), nor will you feel you’ll fall off the edge of a weak edge.
The HD is also quite bouncy, which some sexually-active couples may prefer. On the other hand, that bounciness means that if you’re a light sleeper, you’ll probably be able to feel your partner moving at night.
Preference-based Features
Free White-glove delivery
Saatva offers free white-glove delivery and setup. They will bring the mattress to you, place it on its foundation for you, and even remove your old mattress– all included in the price.
Lifetime Warranty
Like other Saatva products, this mattress comes with a lifetime warranty. This means that Saatva warrants your HD will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for as long as you, the original purchaser, own the mattress.
Exceptional Edge Support
By including foam rails around the bed’s perimeter, this brand helps to maximize the edge support and the amount of surface area the mattress offers. By using a softer foam, the edges shouldn’t have the harsh feel of stiff wire.
High Bounce
People who change positions a lot or struggle with mobility typically prefer beds with a bit of “push back” or bounce that assists movement. Sexually active couples also benefit from this feature.
Perfect for Heavier Individuals
With the ability to comfortably support up to 500 pounds on each side of the bed, the Saatva HD is specifically designed with bigger bodies in mind.
Construction: What’s Inside Saatva HD?
All Saatva HD mattresses are 15.5 inches tall, whether you’re going for a Twin, Queen, or California King. The mattress has a 3-inch Euro pillow top layer made from hypoallergenic cotton, plus an organic cotton cover. This offers some good pressure relief and cushioning, on an otherwise firm mattress. We’ll go into more detail on the HD’s additional layers below.
- The zoned support layer sits under the Euro top and is made with bouncy Talalay latex. This unit has zoned support, which means it will be firmer at the lumbar region and softer near the head and shoulders. Additionally, this layer should help dissipate any heat because of the naturally cool latex.
- The comfort layer comes next and is made of a section of memory foam. This material is much slower to respond than latex, meaning it will softly contour to your body as you sink into the bed. This foam is underneath the latex layer, so you won’t sink too far into the mattress as you might on something with a memory foam top layer.
- The transition layer will be beneath the comfort layer and is made from poly foam. This section is firm and should curb any excess sinking from the memory foam layer above it.
- The support layer is the bottommost layer and consists of super supportive steel coils. These coils are sturdy and durable, designed to support sleepers of all sizes and weights, and are meant to last a long time.
- The edges of the mattress are bolstered by high-density foam, which means over time, the edges should not sink and you’ll be able to use the entire surface of the bed comfortably.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
Included in the price of the Saatva HD is what is called “White-glove delivery.” This means Saatva will deliver your new mattress, unbox it for you, and set it up on your bed frame. They’ll also take away your old mattress and any wrappings or trash, all included in the price of the mattress.
Like many new mattresses that include latex or foam, when your Saatva HD is first unboxed, you’ll probably notice a slight chemical smell. This is perfectly normal for a new mattress and the smell should completely fade after no more than 48 hours.
Certifications
- CertiPUR-US® certified: The foams in this bed are CertiPUR-US® certified. CertiPUR-US® is a third-party program that ensures the foams meet rigorous health and safety standards. This means they don’t contain harmful substances like ozone depleters, PBDEs, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. They should also have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
- Certified Natural Materials – Cotton in the cover is GOTS-certified, which means the cotton meets the international third-party standard to be certified organic. The mattress’ second layer and tufting yarn are made from GOTS certified wool. The latex is certified by GOLS.
- Guardian™ treatment – Each Saatva HD mattress is treated with this patented, nontoxic, botanical antimicrobial treatment, designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Noteworthy Updates:
- Saatva recently launched a new memory-foam hybrid mattress. This bed also uses cooling technology and provides that patented Saatva lumbar support, but is a good option for those who want more contouring and less bounce than the HD.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
- Shipping – Shipping is free within the United States.
- White Glove Delivery – Professional installation is included with the price and will be arranged at your time of purchase. No heavy lifting!
- Trial – You can keep this product for 365 nights to make sure it’s your dream mattress, and if it isn’t, the company will refund your money.
- Warranty – This mattress comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Return Policy – If you’re not satisfied with your Saatva HD mattress at any point during your 365-day trial, you are welcome to return it and receive a full refund. Saatva will charge a $99 transportation fee for picking it up.
Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38” x 75” x 15.5” | $1,795 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 15.5 | $1,995 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 15.5 | $2,595 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 15.5 | $3,195 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 15.5 | $3,695 |
| Split King | Two 38” by 80” pieces | $3,990 |
| Split Cali King | 72” x 84” x 14.5” | $3,990 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Saatva HD mattress sag?
The Saatva HD is designed to support more weight than most mattresses, and it is reinforced along its edges and in the middle, which makes it highly unlikely to sag. Overall, this mattress is considered durable and very high quality.
How much does the Saatva HD weigh?
The weight of this mattress varies depending on what size you’re getting.
Twin – 80 pounds
Twin XL – 85 pounds
Full – 110 pounds
Queen – 135 pounds
King, California King, and Split King – 169 pounds
Is the Saatva HD mattress too firm?
The Saatva HD is not too firm for those who weigh more and need more support. In some cases, it might not feel too firm for those who are average weight (between 130 – 230 pounds), such as those who sleep on their stomachs or average-weight back sleepers who prefer a firm mattress.
For side sleepers or lightweight people, though, this mattress will probably feel too firm.
Is it bouncy?
Due to the support layer of innerspring coils plus the layer of Talalay latex, this mattress has a good amount of bounce to it. This makes it ideal for getting up off the mattress, changing positions, or easily moving around, for whatever reason.
Saatva vs Other Brands
Saatva HD vs Titan Plus
- Designed for bigger bodies
- Firm (8/10)
- 365-night trial period
- Designed for bigger bodies
- Medium firm (6.5-7/10)
- 120-night trial period
Who We Recommend the Saatva HD For
- Those who are specifically looking for a firm-feeling mattress
- Those who want a lifetime warranty
- Back and stomach sleepers
Who We Recommend the Titan Plus For
- Those looking for a mattress with a little more give/softness
- People where budget is a factor
- Back, stomach, and side sleepers
Learn more in our Titan Plus Mattress Review.
Saatva HD vs WinkBed Plus
- Designed for bigger bodies
- 8 / 10 on the firmness scale
- Over $2,500
- Designed for bigger bodies
- 8 / 10 on the firmness scale
- Under $2,000
Who We Recommend the Saatva HD
- People who weigh more
- People looking for a firm-feeling mattress
- Those who want a longer trial and warranty deal
Who We Recommend the WinkBed Plus
- People who weigh more
- People looking for a firm-feeling mattress
- Those who want to save more money
Check out our WinkBed Plus Mattress Review.
Saatva vs Other Saatva Models
Saatva HD vs Saatva Original
- Designed for bigger bodies
- Firm
- Hybrid
- Designed for average-sized bodies
- Plush, medium, or firm available
- Innerspring
Who We Recommend the Saatva HD For
- People who weigh more and need extra support
- Those who want a firm mattress
- Those who want to spend more money on a hybrid with latex
Who We Recommend the Saatva Classic
- People who are lightweight or average-weight
- Those who want a soft or medium-firm mattress
- Those who want to save money on an innerspring (with no latex layer)
Check out our full Saatva Classic Mattress Review.
Saatva HD vs Saatva Loom & Leaf
- Hybrid mattress
- Bouncy and supportive
- Lightweight & easy to move
- Memory foam
- Contouring and pressure-relieving
- Heavy & more cumbersome
Who We Recommend the Saatva HD
- People who are looking for a firm, hybrid mattress
- People who weigh more and want a more supportive feel
- Those looking for a thicker mattress (15.5”)
Who We Recommend the Loom & Leaf For
- People looking for different firmness options
- People who want a more contouring feel
- Those looking for a lightweight, thinner mattress (12”)
Learn more in our Loom & Leaf Mattress Review.
Overall Summary
The Saatva HD is a luxury mattress specifically designed to support people with bigger bodies. This specialty bed will work better or worse for various people, depending on body weight and sleep position.
Side Sleepers
Those who sleep specifically on their sides might find this mattress too firm. This is especially true for light-weight or average-weight sleepers, who will likely find there isn’t enough give to the mattress to relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips when sleeping on their sides.
Back Sleepers
For those who sleep on their backs, this mattress can be great. The HD includes patented lumbar support and great edge support to prevent the mattress from sagging and throwing your back out of alignment. Those who weigh more will find this mattress more supportive on their back than those who weigh less.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers must watch out for spine alignment because the hips (which typically carry our extra weight) tend to dip in this position, which can mess with proper sleep posture. Exclusive stomach sleepers who are average-weight or heavier will appreciate this mattress’s firmness. This bed should keep the spine in proper alignment.
Combination Sleepers
The Saatva HD’s firmer feel means it likely wouldn’t work for average-weight combination sleepers, though heavier combination sleepers should feel adequately supported in multiple positions on this bed. Another quality this bed has that’s a benefit for this group is its buoyancy, which should make it easier to change positions during the night.
Couples
This bed is designed to support up to 500 pounds per side, so it is great for two people who are average weight or more. This Saatva model also has the benefit of great edge support and center support. While it is bouncier, which many couples enjoy, the reduced motion isolation could be a drawback for light sleepers.
Heavy Sleepers
This mattress is specifically designed for people who are 230 pounds and up and can support up to 500 pounds per side of the mattress. For a person who weighs more, this firm mattress (an 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale) will feel more like a 6.5 or 7 (medium-firm) and should be comfortable and supportive.
Lightweight Sleepers
We don’t recommend this mattress for lightweight sleepers (130 pounds or less). The Saatva HD will likely feel too firm and rather than relieve pressure on the shoulders, hips, or back, it might actually create pressure and cause discomfort. Lightweight sleepers would be better looking at the Saatva Classic.
Average Weight Sleepers
Average sleepers who want a firm mattress and extra lumbar support should find the Saatva HD to be a good match. This will be especially true for those average-weight sleepers who sleep on their stomachs since this group usually needs a firmer mattress. This bed might be too firm, though, for average-weight side sleepers and back sleepers who want extra pressure relief.
Overall Value
The Saatva HD is not cheap. That said, this mattress is truly luxurious, with layers of high-quality, eco-friendly materials. The HD is also protected by a lifetime warranty and comes with free White Glove Delivery. This mattress should last a very long time, so the upfront cost should be worth it as a long-term investment in your health and comfort.
Our Verdict
The Saatva HD is a great mattress for sleepers of any position who weigh more than 230 pounds, and it has been carefully designed with extra lumbar support, edge support, and some of the highest quality, eco-friendly materials to prevent sagging.
We feel Saatva’s HD bed is great for those who sleep hot and for those who want a firm-feeling mattress. Keep in mind that heavier people will feel this mattress is more of a “medium firm” whereas average-weight people will feel it is “firm,” and light-weight people will feel it is “very firm.”
This mattress will be the least beneficial for those who are lightweight or average-weight side sleepers.
Natalie G.
Natalie is a content writer for Sleep Advisor with a deep passion for all things health and a fascination with the mysterious activity that is sleep. Outside of writing about sleep, she is a bestselling author, improviser, and creative writing teacher based out of Austin.
When she's doing none of these things, you will most likely find her outdoors, at the gym, or... asleep.
