Saatva Classic vs Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid: Which mattress is right for you?

The Saatva Classic is arguably one of the most famous mattresses in America, while the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is the brand's most affordable bed. Here we compare both mattresses to help you choose which one (if either) is right for your sleep. 

Both the Saatva Classic and the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid are handcrafted in the USA from fiberglass-free and eco-friendly materials, and both are highly rated by our experts and customers alike. The Saatva Classic is our top recommendation for the best mattresses of 2024 for all sleepers, and after over a year of testing we are still praising the excellent full body support, pressure relief, and temperature regulation it delivers. 

But don't rule out the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress just yet. For a start, it's cheaper than the Classic, and the thicker foams used to make it have plenty of benefits for people who share a bed with a restless sleeper.

Here we're comparing both models in terms of build, support, temperature regulation and price to help you decide if the Classic or Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress is right for you. Here's what you need to know...

Saatva Classic vs Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress: Price & trial

• The Saatva Classic is a premium mattress usually on sale for $1,795
• The Memory Foam Hybrid is slightly cheaper at $1,569 for a queen on sale
• Both have a forever warranty, year's trial, and free white glove delivery

Saatva makes some of the best luxury mattresses around so although the Memory Foam Hybrid is the most affordable Saatva adult bed, it's still a premium buy: the queen has an MSRP of $1,845. However, you'll rarely have to pay full price. Our favorite Saatva sale is $400 off (we saw this for Labor Day and Memorial Day) and reduces a queen to $1,445.

The Saatva Classic is more expensive than the Memory Foam Hybrid, and we'll dive into what you'll get for that upgrade below. The queen has an MSRP of $2,095, reduced to $1,695 when that $400 off deal hits. 

Saatva mattress sales occur frequently throughout the year and can help you save on these luxury beds — but for the best deal, you have to time your shop right. Regular Saatva sales include 15% off and a tiered discount that often reduces a queen size by $300 to $350. Although neither deal is quite as good as the $400 off discount, they do pop up more regularly.  

Both mattresses come with the impressive Saatva benefits: a 365-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free white glove delivery. That includes mattress delivery and installation, plus free removal of your old bed. 

Saatva Classic Mattress: was from $1,395 $1,186 at Saatva
The Saatva Classic is a premium mattress that our tester agreed delivers a premium performance. You'll rarely pay full price for this mattress, and the current 15% off sale reduces a queen to $1,781 (was $2,095). It's not the best price we've seen this year (it was $1,695 for Labor Day), but still a good discount.

View Deal

Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress: was from $1,295 $1,101 at Saatva
If you want Saatva luxury at a lower price, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress is the most affordable bed in the line. The 15% off sale reduces a queen to $1,569 (was $1,845), but if you aren't in a rush to buy, you can save more in other Saatva sales. 

View Deal

Saatva Classic vs Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress: Materials & design

• Saatva Classic is a hybrid innerspring available in 14.5" and 11.5"
• Classic has dual spring layers, zoned foam and a pillow top
• Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is 11.5" with thick foams and a single coil layer

Both made by Saatva, both hybrid mattresses, and both taking a place in our guide to the best hybrid mattresses of the year, you'd be forgiven for thinking there are plenty of similarities between these beds. But that's not the case. Let's break down the build, to decide which is the best Saatva mattress for you. 

The Saatva Classic Mattress is an innerspring hybrid available in three different firmness levels and two heights (11.5" and 14.5"). It is a hybrid, meaning it contains foam and coils, but the majority of the build is spring focused. In fact, there are two layers of springs; an upper layer with a reinforced central third plus foam railings, and a base layer for enhanced durability.

Sitting above the spring is a "lumbar crown", a layer of of high-density memory foam zoned to the lumbar region. Finally, the Classic is finished with a quilted pillow top, made with breathable organic cotton. And, again, a reinforced central third for enhanced lumbar support.

The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress also uses springs and foams, but you'll find a much thicker foam layer here. Beneath the cotton cover with lumbar quilting sits an ergonomically zoned 1/2" layer of gel foam, followed by contouring memory foam. Next are the individually wrapped coils, with foam railings for edge support. And a final foam layer adds stability. The Memory Foam Hybrid is only available in one firmness level and height (11.5"). 

Saatva Classic vs Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress: Comfort & support

• Saatva Classic comes in three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm
• Memory Foam Hybrid is a medium-firm mattress, best suits 
• Both excel at edge support, Memory Foam Hybrid better absorbs motion

If you have your eye on the Saatva Classic, then your sleep style almost doesn't matter — there are three feels to choose between, plus two heights. We rate firmness on a scale of one to 10 (one indicating soft and 10 hard), so with a Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm feel, the Classic covers much of that scale.

We tested the Luxury Firm feel for our Saatva Classic Mattress review, and placed it at a seven out of 10 on the scale, roughly accurate to the Saatva classification. From this, we'd assume the other feels are accurate to the Saatva description.

Our testing panel found the Saatva Classic comfortable from the very first night. It isn't a mattress you sink into but that quilted pillow top contours to the joints to provide pressure relief. We recommend the Luxury Firm for side and back sleepers, while the Firm will suit stomach sleepers, and the Plush Soft dedicated side sleepers.

Another highlight of the Saatva Classic is the lumbar support. It can't quite compare to its sister model, the Saatva RX mattress, but it's still an excellent mattress for back pain.

The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress is only available in one feel, which Saatva classes as medium. In our Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress review we felt it was closer to medium-firm, as the mattress pushes against the body to offer responsive support. 

Despite only coming in one firmness level, we found the Memory Foam Hybrid suitable for a range of sleep styles. The supportive build holds the spine in comfortable alignment, to reduce back aches, while the impressive pressure relief prevents sore hips and shoulders. 

While the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress is comfortable for most sleep styles, lightweight side sleepers might prefer a softer feel. Similarly, heavy stomach sleepers should consider a slightly firmer bed.

The best memory foam mattresses tend to excel at motion isolation, and the bouncier feel of the Classic does lead to minor motion transfer. Most sleepers won't be disturbed, but if your partner is a real wiggler, the Memory Foam Hybrid is better at absorbing movement. But both beds deliver exceptional edge support — you can sit on the sides without worrying you'll slide off. 

Saatva Classic vs Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress: Temperature control

• Both mattresses have tall springs for increased air flow
• Saatva Classic includes a breathable cotton cover and minimal foam
• Memory Foam Hybrid uses AirScape foam to enhance air flow

Neither the Classic nor the Memory Foam Hybrid come with the dedicated cooling tech you can find in some of the best cooling mattresses, but they both impressed our testing panel with their temperature regulation. And the tall spring layers are a big part of this, as they encourage consistent air flow.

The Classic uses minimal foam, leaving plenty of space for hot air to circulate and cool. This is backed up by a breathable cotton cover, plus a lack of sink that prevents air from getting trapped. The Memory Foam Hybrid has more foam, but Saatva has increased the cooling by using gel foam to draw heat away, plus AirCradle foam with breathable air pockets. Even hot sleepers should feel comfortable after a night on either mattress.

Saatva Classic vs Memory Foam Hybrid mattress: Which should you buy?

Buy the Saatva Classic mattress if...

✅ You want plenty of choice: Available in three firmness levels and two heights, the Saatva Classic can suit almost every sleep style. The Luxury Firm is a good all-rounder, but go for Plush Soft if you're a lighter side sleeper, and the Firm if you like a supportive feel when you lie on your stomach. 

✅ You like a traditional feel: The minimal foam layers give the Classic a fairly similar feel to an innerspring. Although the quilted pillow top adds delightful pressure relief, this is still a bed with some bounce.

✅ You have back pain: There are multiple lumbar support layers in the Classic, including a lumbar crown and an active spinal wire designed to hold your back in neutral alignment throughout the night. 

Buy the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress if...

✅ You're on a tighter budget: The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress is the cheapest adults bed in the Saatva line up, and the most affordable way to enjoy Saatva quality luxury.

✅ You share a bed with a restless partner: The thicker foams of the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid absorb a lot of movement, making it the better choice if your partner wriggles all night long.

✅ You want a slightly plusher feel: The Memory Foam Hybrid isn't the plushest hybrid mattress (consider the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress if you want a sumptuous feel), but the thick layers of foam absorb bounce for a more cushioned finish.