I love the Saatva Classic, but the cheaper Memory Foam Hybrid is better for ‘body-hugging’ comfort

The Saatva Classic and the Memory Foam Hybrid are the most affordable standard mattresses in Saatva's line-up, particularly as you can save $300 on all sizes when you follow our links, but they still deliver heaps of luxury comfort.

The Saatva Classic is, simply put, the best mattress we've tested for most sleep styles. Its blend of support and cushioning is akin to sleeping on a cloud and because it comes in a variety of feels, you can tailor the mattress to your needs.

However, we're retesting Saatva's Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress right now and not only is it cheaper in the Saatva mattress sales, it just might come out on top for a certain type of sleeper...

Best for body-hugging comfort

Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid (twin): was $1,349 now $1,049 at Saatva

Saatva's Memory Foam Hybrid is the cheapest standard mattress at Saatva — a queen is now $1,799, down from $2,099 — but the premium foam ensures it still delivers indulgent comfort. All Saatva mattresses come with a 365-night trial, lifetime warranty and Saatva's free white glove delivery service, which are market-leading benefits.
Our Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress review: ★★★★½
Customer score: ★★★★★

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Best for responsive support

Saatva Classic (twin): was $1,399 now $1,099 at Saatva

We recently retested the Classic and it earned effusive praise from our Saatva Classic review team thanks to its exceptional support, comfort and temperature control. A queen is now $1,879 (was $2,179) and as it comes in three firmness levels, we think the versatility makes it worth the upgrade for most sleepers.
Our Saatva Classic Mattress review: ★★★★★
Customer score: ★★★★★

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Who should buy the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

We first tested Saatva's most affordable standard mattress several years ago, giving it a good write up in our Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress review.

But three years and numerous mattress reviews later, we decided it was worth another look at the Memory Foam Hybrid. Experienced mattress writer Alison Barretta took a twin size home with her.

What makes this mattress stand out is its AirCradle Foam, a 1.5 inch layer of premium memory foam shaped into a "unique wave" to enhance airflow and comfort. Here's what that means for your sleep.

'Phenomenal pressure relief capabilities'

In our initial testing of the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress we described it as on the "firmer" side of the mattress firmness scale but still "perfect for all types of sleepers."

We praised the pressure relief in particular, calling it "phenomenal" and noting that it was capable of "removing any strain."

In our retests, Alison initially found the Memory Foam Hybrid a little too firm but it was, almost literally, fresh off the assembly line.

Now she's had a chance to break the mattress in, she describes it as "just right" territory, with the balance of comfort and support she "craves as a side sleeper." (Could this be a new contender for our guide to the best mattresses for side sleepers?)

That layer of dense, premium AirCradle foam is able to lift the body while gently cradling it. It moves slowly to keep you in its 'hug', but because of the mattress's integrated support features, you shouldn't find yourself sinking uncomfortably into the surface.

'The right balance of comfort and support for my needs'

Alison has reoccurring back pain and had, unfortunately, hurt her knee just before the testing period commenced. So she was looking for a bed that could deliver some much needed relief.

So far, she's found the Memory Foam Hybrid to be exceptionally supportive (and a definite upgrade from her old mattress, the now discontinued Cloverlane.)

The Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress features Saatva's unique Lumbar Zone Quilting and a lumbar crown foam, to add support to the central third of the bed.

As a result, you should feel lifted and aligned, to reduce strain on the back.

Who should buy the Saatva Classic instead

So the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress has impressed us... but for an extra $80 more for a queen, you can invest in the brand's flagship luxury bed.

The Classic is an innerspring hybrid that features targeted lumbar support, hotel-style comfort and eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester.

It's also the best hybrid mattress we've tested. Here's why...

'Soothing cushioning in all positions'

Lying on the Saatva Classic Mattress was an 'ahhh' moment for me. It was as though the bed took responsibility for aches, pains and weight, so I could focus on simply relaxing.

Over the testing period, we asked a lot of people with different body types and sleep preferences to try the Classic and the praise was almost unanimous (we tested the Luxury Firm feel.)

The only holdout on our testing team was Frances Daniels, a lightweight side sleeper who loves a soft mattress. Luckily, the Classic has her covered — the Plush Soft version should fit her preferences, while the Firm is good for stomach sleepers.

However, with a maximum weight limit of 600lbs, the Classic doesn't suit sleepers with a bigger build. Try the WinkBed Plus mattress instead.

'Softens to offer soothing contouring around your body'

As mentioned, we tested the Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic. That's not the most descriptive term so to put it into lived experience; you don't sink, but you never feel like the bed pushes against you. It's a true medium-firm.

One of the reasons we love the Classic is that it nails that oh-so important blend of relief and support. The microsprings and quilted Euro top gently yield beneath the body without ever causing you to sag, for a feel I would truly describe as weightless.

However, it's also a bed with some bounce. There are a lot of coils and the quilted top is highly responsive, so the bed springs back into place whenever you move.

I love this aspect — it means I can twitch and turn as much as I like without ever feeling like the mattress is struggling to keep up.

But if you prefer a body-cradling feel similar to the best memory foam mattresses, you won't get it here. While the Classic might be our favorite bed overall, in this aspect the memory foam hybrid has it beat.

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

• Buy the Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress for body-hugging comfort
• Choose the Classic mattress for responsive, bouncy support
• With more options and feels, we think the Classic is worth the upgrade

It's hard for any mattress to topple the Classic — our recent re-tests reaffirmed it's place as the best mattress you can buy online.

It excelled all-round in our tests, plus, with three firmness options and two heights, the Classic ticks the boxes for almost every sleep style. In my opinion, it's worth paying the extra to upgrade to the Classic and open up the variety of comfort options.

But the Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress isn't far behind in terms of performance, particularly when it comes to full-body support. While I'm not ready to declare the Memory Foam Hybrid a usurper to the Classic's top mattress throne, I'm eager to see how Alison's testing continues.

And there's one type of sleeper who should opt for this bed over the Classic. If you prefer a slow-moving, body-hugging feel over bouncy cushioning, the Memory Foam Hybrid is the better option.

Alternatively, for those on a tighter budget, the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress delivers similar slow-moving support at $1,099 for a queen from Nectar.

Or for even squishier pressure relief, try the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress, from $1,699 at Tempur-Pedic.