I tested the cooling bed

I am an amateur sleep expert. I don’t want I’m an amateur sleep expert, but I’ve bought (and replaced) no less than three mattresses in the last 10 years in search of a cooling mattress that does what it says on the tin. I sleep hot, and often mattresses that claim to make me sleep cool don’t make much of a difference. I still wake up drenched in sweat, even though I have cooling sheets on the bed. (TMI, but I know I’m not the only one.)

To complicate matters, my partner shakes in bed unless she’s wearing super cozy pajamas. This also means that we sleep with a duvet on the bed all year round. It’s not a cooling duvet either – it’s a thick down alternative designed to keep you warm and cozy.

When I got the opportunity to test the Saatva latex hybrid mattress, I thought: Why not? I needed to know if this mattress would keep both of us comfortable throughout the night. Here is my honest review.

What is the Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress?

This hybrid mattress offers support through a spring core layer and comfort through a soft latex layer. On a strength scale of one to ten, Saatva says this model is a six. In real life this means it tends to be firmer without being stiff. You sink into the soft top layer, but not so much that you can’t get out of bed in the morning. In my experience, you sleep soundly even when your partner tosses and turns.

Like the top-rated Saatva Classic and the brand’s other models, the Saatva latex hybrid mattress is made to order in the USA. This was very important to me because when I make a large purchase I look for brands that are made in the USA.

Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress Features

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The Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress is this luxury brand’s “best cooling product.” It’s made with multiple layers of materials to help you sleep cool: a naturally breathable and hypoallergenic organic cotton cover, organic wool that wicks away moisture and regulates body temperature, natural latex with air channels for breathability, and individually wrapped coils to maintain it the air circulation throughout the entire mattress.

This mattress is hand-tufted to prevent all layers from shifting. If you’re not familiar with hand tufting, it’s a traditional method of assembling a mattress. Saatva layers all materials into an organic cotton base and then threads a lace through the layers to hold them in place. (The queen size mattress has 30 individual tufts.) This method is the key to a durable, long-lasting mattress and a sleeping surface that stays nice and flat.

If you are allergic to dust mites, note that the mattress’ 3-inch latex layer is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites. Simply choose from the different sizes, from twin to California king, and you’re ready for a restful sleep on this medium-firm mattress.

How I tested it

I slept on the Saatva latex hybrid mattress for a month. This is how I rated it.

Delivery and assembly

Saatva offers free white glove delivery on all of its mattress orders, something I didn’t know I needed but which is a major improvement over delivery in a box. The shipping company called me to schedule a delivery and to my surprise, it showed up on time. The delivery people unloaded the mattress, unpacked it and then carefully maneuvered it into the house. (I had the mattress set up in my living room, but if we had already assembled our new bed frame, they would have put the 120 pound mattress right on the frame for us. Oops.) Saatva also offers free mattress removal for me will be returning my old mattress when the new one is delivered, but I kept mine.

First impressions

This mattress is a beauty! I couldn’t help but lay down on the soft, tufted top and relax. It’s soft without being too soft; There’s just the right amount of solidity beneath the cloud-like top. Saatva advertises itself as a luxury mattress company – and I can say with certainty that this mattress feels luxurious.

comfort

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This mattress did not need to be retracted at all. It was comfortable for the first night (and every night after that). The real test of this mattress was when I unexpectedly tested positive for COVID. It hit me harder than I expected and I ended up spending almost a week in bed. Despite fever and body aches, I was able to sleep 12 hours a night. I’ve never been so grateful to have a comfortable mattress to fall into. This week alone has made me a Saatva fan for life.

Cooling effects

I usually sleep with a hypoallergenic mattress protector, but for this test I put the fitted sheet directly on the mattress. I wanted to feel all the cooling effects. I really didn’t want to wake up sweaty in the middle of the night.

I tested this mattress in August, a notoriously hot and humid month where I live. I didn’t immediately notice that it was cooler, but then it dawned on me: it was 30 degrees Celsius in the house and I slept comfortably. I couldn’t believe it! Saatva makes a cooling mattress that does what it promises. If your partner, like me, is cold at night, you can rest easy – she was warm and comfortable throughout the entire mattress test.

Lasting impressions

My previous mattress was a hybrid innerspring and memory foam mattress. It was comfortable, but it didn’t take long for me to overheat in bed. Saatva offers free removal of your old mattress when the new one is delivered, but I opted to leave my mattress in the starting blocks. I wasn’t sure if latex was the right material for me and wanted to be able to go back to my old but imperfect mattress. At the end of my 30-day test of the Saatva latex hybrid mattress, I was completely convinced and sent my final mattress to a friend’s guest room for a second life.

Advantages

• Proven cooling effect
• Suitable for all sleeping positions
• Hybrid structure
• A six on the strength scale
• Plush, cloud-like top layer
• The break-in didn’t take any time
• 12 inches high, so no foundation is required
• No box spring required
• Free delivery and setup
• Free mattress and foundation removal
• 365-night home trial
• Lifetime guarantee

Disadvantages

• Heavy at 120 pounds
• Mild smell of natural latex
• Exchange or return processing fee: $99

Why you should trust us

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Reader’s Digest goes beyond thoroughly researching a product – although we do that too – and taking the time to get our hands on it. Our editors and testers tried out a range of mattresses, meaning we learned about the brands’ ordering processes, delivery services, assembly protocol and, of course, the mattress itself. From the Nectar Premier mattress to the Helix Midnight Elite mattress to the Purple Restore mattress, our team has personally tested all types of mattresses. For this story, I slept on the Saatva latex hybrid mattress for over 30 days to give a real-life insight.

FAQ

Can I try a Saatva mattress in person?

Yes, Saatva has viewing rooms in 13 states and Washington, DC. You can try out the different mattresses and also check out bedding and other home goods. There’s no pressure to buy anything – the staff are sleep consultants answering questions, not salespeople. Before you go, just take a look at our guide to buying a mattress.

What is Saatva’s return policy?

You can exchange or return a Saatva mattress at any time during the 365-night home trial. In any case, you only pay a processing fee of $99.

Do Saatva mattresses come with a warranty?

Yes, Saatva mattresses (and bases) come with a lifetime guarantee: the company guarantees that its products will be free of defects for as long as you own them.

What other reviewers had to say

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Other shoppers share their Saatva latex hybrid mattress reviews and, spoiler, it gets two thumbs up.

Five-star reviewer Lois says: “We had our new mattress delivered about two weeks ago. We absolutely love it. Back pain and general discomfort disappear!”

“I bought this mattress three years ago and am still happy and satisfied with the decision!” writes five-star reviewer Candice. “My husband and I look forward to sleeping on the bed every night and notice a huge difference in the quality of our sleep and how our bodies feel after being away for a few days. The mattress is rather firm and has nice elasticity. I sleep on my stomach and have no pain in this bed.”

Product comparison: Saatva Latex Hybrid vs Zenhaven Latex Mattress

If you are looking for a Saatva latex mattress, you will also come across the Zenhaven mattress. The Zenhaven has a natural latex core with no coil layer. It’s double-sided, so you can choose your comfort level: one side is a softer four or five on the firmness scale, while the other is a seven or eight. Saatva recommends the plush side of the Zenhaven for side sleepers and the firm side for stomach sleepers. (The latex hybrid mattress is a six on the firmness scale and is suitable for all sleeping positions, but is particularly ideal for back sleepers.) However, both mattresses are made from similar cooling materials: organic cotton and New Zealand wool.

The Zenhaven mattress is slightly more expensive than the Saatva latex hybrid: $3,295 for a queen-size mattress instead of $2,395. As is usual with a Saatva mattress, there are rave reviews for both models.

Final verdict

The Saatva latex hybrid mattress is both soft and supportive and delivers on its promise of providing a cool, comfortable night’s sleep. It’s expensive, but worth the investment if you’ve tried numerous other cooling mattresses without success. Take it from a notorious hot sleeper: it definitely solves the problem of night sweats.

Where to buy the Saatva latex hybrid mattress?

For an adult-sized mattress, the price starts at $1,295 for a Saatva mattress and $1,595 for the latex hybrid mattress. However, keep an eye out for seasonal sales as I’ve seen discounts ranging from $300 to $650. This isn’t a cheap mattress, but it’s worth the investment if staying cool is important. The only place you can buy Saatva products is on the brand’s website and the process is seamless.