Saatva RX mattress review 2025: Approved by a mattress tester with back pain

Saatva RX mattress review in brief

The Saatva RX is the brand's specially designed luxury mattress for sleepers with chronic and serious back and joint issues. Saatva is known for its attention to spinal health as it incorporates a lumbar zone in many of its mattresses, but the Saatva RX takes it to another level.

The 15" Saatva RX features a Therapeutic Support Core (8" support core of wrapped coils topped with a layer of Wave Tech Foam), a layer of 1" micro-coils sandwiched between two 3/4" slabs of high-density foam, and a 1" strip of gel-infused memory foam across the middle for lumbar support.

Our lead mattress reviewer, who has mild scoliosis and recurring lower back pain, slept on the Saatva RX for one month to see if it makes good on its promise of comfortable, pain-free sleep. We had a broader panel of testers with back and joint issues try it, as well.

Our full Saatva RX review is below, but if you're short on time, here's the abridged version...

Saatva is the brand behind our overall best mattress of 2025, the Saatva Classic. So why choose the Saatva RX instead?

If you're dealing with severe aches and pains, the Saatva RX takes the full-body comfort of the Saatva Classic to another level with the aforementioned Therapeutic Support Core, which helps the mattress adapt to your shape for support and relief in any position.

For our testers, the Saatva RX yielded medium-firm to firm support, with ample pressure relief along our shoulders, hips, knees, and lower back. This is in stark contrast to the 'Supportive Plush' rating from the brand, which Saatva says is around a 3-4 out of 10 on the firmness scale.

Our lead tester, an average-sized side/front sleeper, noticed a marked improvement in her lower back pain after coming from a much firmer (and less forgiving) mattress. Another average-sized side sleeper on our panel, who has arthritic knees, didn't experience any discomfort.

However, the results varied for a petite tester on our panel with chronic pain, who felt pressure buildup in her hips while side sleeping. However, she was able to reap the benefits of the Saatva RX's design when resting on her back. (In fact, our panel overwhelmingly preferred the Saatva RX for back sleeping.)

As for other areas of performance, the Saatva RX sleeps cool — a credit to its breathable organic cotton cover, infused foam, and multiple layers of springs. Motion isolation is also very good, and provided you're not a light sleeper, you shouldn't feel much movement from your partner or pets.

The edge support has mixed reviews from other Saatva customers, but in our experience, the firmer caliper coils along the perimeter provided a sturdy surface for us to push off when standing up or lying down. However, Saatva has updated the design so that the firmer coils are exclusively along the sides, which should only be an issue if you sit at the foot of your bed.

The Saatva RX is among the brand's most expensive mattresses, with a queen retailing for $3,399 MSRP when it's not on sale. That said, you can normally find between 12%-15% off most sizes, and you'll get a lifetime warranty, year's sleep trial, and free old mattress and foundation removal.

The lack of customization is the only glaring issue with the Saatva RX. If you're on the smaller side or want more control over the feel of your bed, read our Saatva Classic Mattress review or our Saatva Contour5 Mattress review. Both feature dedicated lumbar support and come in multiple firmness levels — and with the Saatva Classic, you can also alter the height.

Yes, it's expensive, but if you can afford it, the Saatva RX is a well-built luxury mattress that'll hit the right notes for most sleepers with chronic and severe back and joint issues. You'll also get a full year to try it out at home, which is a generous adjustment period.

Keep scrolling for our complete Saatva RX Mattress review to find out why we rate it as the best mattress for back pain.

• Read more: Which is the best Saatva mattress?

Saatva RX mattress review: Price & trial

• Saatva's second-most expensive mattress after the Solaire
• A queen retails for $3,399 but it's never sold at MSRP
• Includes White Glove Delivery, 365-night trial, lifetime warranty

The Saatva RX is the brand's most expensive mattress after its adjustable Solaire model and some of the larger sizes of its Zenhaven model. A queen Saatva RX mattress retails for $3,399.

Saatva mattress sales usually range between 12%-15% off or occasionally serve a straight dollar-off discount for all mattress sizes. The current offer takes up to $400 off the Saatva Rx, which is a pretty standard deal that's worth grabbing before Saatva's impending tariff price increases.

Here are the official MSRPs for the Saatva RX mattress in 2025:

• Twin MSRP: $1,999
• Twin XL MSRP: $2,249
• Full MSRP: $2,999
• Queen MSRP: $3,399
• King MSRP: $3,999
• California king MSRP: $3,999
• Split king MSRP: $4,498

Specialty mattresses like the Saatva RX tend to command a much higher price tag because of their construction and the quality of their materials. However, Saatva also includes a one-year home trial (with a $99 returns fee), a lifetime warranty, and free white glove delivery with optional removal of your existing mattress. These are the best perks in the sleep industry.

Saatva RX: was from $1,999 now from $1,799 at Saatva
The Saatva RX is a luxury mattress specially designed for sleepers with chronic or serious back and joint pain. It's Saatva's most expensive mattress behind the Solaire and larger sizes of the Zenhaven. However, you get a 365-night trial, a lifetime warranty, and free White Glove Delivery straight to your bedroom, including old mattress removal.

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Saatva RX mattress review: Design

• A 15" hybrid mattress with seven layers
• Two layers of springs, including 1" micro-coils
• Features Saatva's patented Lumbar Zone Quilting

The Saatva RX is a 15" hybrid mattress with multiple layers of foam and springs. There have been a few tweaks to the design since we originally tested it in 2023, which we'll cover here.

Above the non-woven base layer is a support core featuring 8" wrapped triple-tempered recycled steel coils. Firmer caliper spring coils line the sides for more stability when getting in or out of bed. (They're no longer along the complete perimeter, which may be a problem if you sit at the foot of your bed to get dressed.)

The individual 2" foam modules above the 8" coils have been replaced with a single layer of Saatva's RX Wave Tech Foam with five ergonomic zones for enhanced pressure relief across your knees, lumbar, hips, and shoulders. The material is otherwise the same: a latex-like foam that's infused with graphite and phase-change material for cooling.

All of that is followed by a layer of 1" micro-coils nestled between two pieces of 3/4" high-density foam. Like the larger 8" coils, the micro-coils at the midsection and sides are firmer.

On top is the lumbar crown, a 1" strip of gel-infused memory foam situated in the middle third of the mattress. It works with the quilted Lumbar Zone on the organic cotton cover to add lower back support and prevent impressions.

Speaking of the organic cotton cover, it's been treated to prohibit the growth of mildew, bacteria, and mold. The cover isn't removable for washing, so you'll want to wrap it in one of the best mattress protectors to shield it from stains and spills.

Saatva handcrafts all of its mattresses in the USA using CertiPUR-US certified foam that's free from toxic chemicals and low in the VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions that contribute to unpleasant off-gassing odors. Instead of fiberglass, Saatva uses a plant-based thistle pulp as a flame barrier.

Saatva RX mattress review: Support & comfort

• Comes in one comfort level, which we rate medium-firm to firm
• Exceptional support and pressure relief for back sleepers
• Some side sleepers with pain may want something softer

Saatva calls its RX mattress 'Supportive Plush,' which it rates a 3-4 out of 10 on its firmness scale, but our testers collectively found it on the firmer side of medium, rating it a 7.5 out of 10. The majority of our wider testing panel said it was at least an 8 (firm).

The Saatva RX was a unanimous hit among our back sleepers, who liked the even distribution of their weight in this position. (One tester said it reminded her of a pool float: cushy but without the fear of sinking.) Front sleepers approved of the RX, as well, and didn't feel their hips sink. The responsive surface allowed combi sleepers to change positions with ease.

Most of our side sleepers thought the Saatva RX achieved the perfect balance of comfort and support, with plenty of give along the shoulders, hips, and knees.

Our lead tester – an average-sized sleeper with lower back pain and mild scoliosis – noticed a marked improvement in her pain when resting on her side. Another average-sized side sleeper with arthritis in her knees slept comfortably on it, too.

However, one of our smaller side sleepers who deals with chronic pain from RSD and several herniated discs felt pressure building up in her hips. For smaller side sleepers with back pain, the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress is a true medium (6/10 firmness) that not only has a lumbar zone but also an upgrade for enhanced lower back pain relief.

In addition to feedback from our human testers, we also performed an objective test with a 50lb weight.

First, we plopped it right in the middle of the mattress to observe the pressure relief of the RX's lumbar crown; it compressed about 3.5". We then moved the weight to the lower third of the bed to measure the pressure relief in that area. We noted around a 2.5" sink there, indicating a gentler hug.

We think the Saatva RX is a sound choice for back sleepers with pain who want a mix of plushness and support. (Stomach sleepers should get on well with it, too.)

However, it might be hit or miss for smaller side sleepers with specific aches. The RX only comes in one comfort level, unlike the Saatva Classic or Contour5 mattresses, which offer varying firmness to appeal to a broader range of sleepers.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Saatva RX mattress review: Performance

• Good motion isolation
• Exceptional breathability
• Above-average edge support

Our veteran lead reviewer slept on a twin Saatva RX mattress for one month and invited six other adults with different body types and preferences to nap on it for at least 15 minutes.

Along with our personal experiences, we also ran several tests to objectively gauge its motion isolation, edge support, and temperature regulation. Here's how we got on...

Motion isolation

The Saatva RX surprised our lead tester with its ample bounce. This worked well for her as a solo sleeper who flops between her side and stomach at night — but would that affect its level of motion isolation?

To gauge the Saatva RX's motion isolation on our twin test model, we set an empty wine glass on the surface and then dropped a 10lb weight from 6" high and varying distances away (4", 12", and 25").

At 4" away, the glass toppled over. (We performed this drop twice for insurance; it fell over both times.) A drop from this distance is equivalent to vigorous movement from a partner, which is more of an exception than the norm.

From 12" and 25" away, the glass stayed upright but slightly swayed. These drops simulate more subtle changes in sleep position and getting in or out of bed, respectively.

We originally classified the motion isolation here as 'weak' but upon re-evaluating these results and comparing them to our experiences with other hybrid mattresses, we're upgrading our score from a 3 to a 4.

Our initial score, admittedly, was too critical — a coil-based mattress is going to have minimal reverb at best. In this case, we don't think the motion transfer of the Saatva RX will be disruptive for most people.

Score: 4 out of 5

Temperature control

Temperature regulation is key if you have back pain and tend to run hot at night. Tossing and turning to find that elusive cool spot can potentially torque your back and make your injury worse. (Waking up to adjust the thermostat in the middle of the night isn't great for your sleep quality, either.)

The Saatva RX boasts a breathable organic cotton cover, a cooling gel-infused foam lumbar crown, and 2" foam modules fortified with graphite and phase-change material for maximum temperature control. Its dual coil layers also help boost airflow.

We tested the RX in October, when Mid-Atlantic evenings shift from warm to cool. Our lead tester – who tends to sleeps hot but can't get comfy without being bundled up – didn't feel the urge to ditch her sheets or mid-weight comforter, and she never woke up sweaty.

The Saatva RX isn't profoundly cool but it did an excellent job of wicking away heat and moisture, a testament to its design. A specialized cooling mattress might be the way to go if you deal with severe night sweats.

Otherwise, the Saatva RX should suit most people seeking cooler, pain-free sleep.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Edge support

For back pain sufferers, a mattress with sturdy edges is a must as it'll allow them to sit on the sides to safely get in or out of bed. Plus, robust edges help maintain the integrity of a mattress by preventing premature sagging. With the RX, Saatva addresses these issues by placing quantum-edge coils along the perimeter.

Overall, our testers were satisfied with the stability of the Saatva RX's edges – more so along the middle than the corners. Our lead reviewer didn't fear she was going to fall over when she rolled toward the edges during the night. This bodes well for larger sizes of the RX, as twin mattresses typically lack in this area.

For our objective test, we placed a 50lb weight in the middle perimeter. It compressed about three inches, though the bunching of the material beneath it made gathering an exact measurement a little tricky. Still, the sinkage at the edge is less than what we recorded at the center of the bed for pressure relief, which is a good thing.

These results indicate that sleepers with mobility issues should have no problem using the edges of the Saatva RX when getting up or down. Plus, if you're inclined to sprawl out starfish style or inch toward the edge while you sleep, you won't have much to worry about, either.

However, the updated design of the Saatva RX only has these firmer caliper coils along the sides and not the head or foot.

Score: 4 out of 5

Saatva RX mattress review: Delivery & setup

• Arrives flat via free White Glove Delivery
• Optional mattress removal is also included
• Ready to sleep on right away, with no off-gassing

The Saatva RX arrives flat as part of the brand's complementary White Glove Delivery. This is a real boon for back pain sufferers as this is a tall, heavy mattress. (Saatva doesn't disclose an exact weight on the RX product page – but trust us, even a twin is massive.)

All we had to do was schedule time for a local delivery service to come by and set everything up (and clear a delivery path, too, of course). Per Saatva's instructions, we had to indicate ahead of time whether we needed our existing mattress taken away. (We did.)

A two-person crew came by and placed a twin Saatva mattress on our platform bed frame, removed its plastic wrap, and hauled away our previous mattress. The whole process took less than five minutes.

A benefit of traditional truck delivery is that you can sleep on your new mattress as soon as it arrives. Unlike beds-in-a-box, you don't have to wait hours (or days) for it to expand fully.

Another advantage is no off-gassing since the mattress hasn't been vacuum-sealed and boxed up for a long time. (According to the tag, Saatva manufactured our mattress in September 2023, the same month we received it.)

Saatva RX mattress review: Customer reviews

As of June 2025, the Saatva RX has a 4.7-star rating out of 5 from over 200 reviews.

Those who are satisfied with the Saatva RX say it's a high-quality mattress that's already helped ease their aches and pains. Several of those accounts come from customers with a history of back and joint injuries and/or surgeries.

Less complimentary reviews mention the firmness (either too soft or too firm), unsupportive edges (which was the opposite of our experience), and delivery issues with the third-party logistics companies.

Should you buy the Saatva RX mattress?

The Saatva RX is a gorgeous, hotel-quality mattress that's cozy and supportive, especially for back sleepers with chronic and serious pain.

Most of our testers with frequent aches felt consistent relief. Our lead reviewer, in particular, was no longer waking up with a stiff lower back like she had been with her previous mattress.

However, for lightweight side sleepers, the firmer support of the Saatva RX may create more issues than it solves, and a towering 15" height could burden shorter individuals with mobility problems.

Then there's the matter of cost. The Saatva RX is one of the brand's most expensive models, and even regular mattress sales won't do much to bring the price down to a more manageable figure. If money is no object, the large, luxurious Saatva RX will be worth the investment if you want to feel like you live at an exclusive 5-star resort.

The lack of customization does put the Saatva RX at a disadvantage versus the Saatva Classic, which also emphasizes back support but comes in variable firmness and height levels at a much lower cost. If you want more control over the feel and look of your mattress, spend a little less by opting for Saatva's flagship bed instead.

First reviewed: October 2023
Updated: April 2025

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