Saatva and Sleep Number are well-established mattress brands in the bed world. While Saatva is a popular online mattress brand, Sleep Number is popular for its adjustable air mattresses.
Which should you choose between the two? To help you choose the perfect mattress, we have compiled a comprehensive Saatva Solaire vs. Sleep Number, so at the end of this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
Saatva Solaire vs. Sleep Number Review
Saatva is one of the original online-only bed retailers. Unlike many popular brands, they don’t compress their mattresses into cardboard boxes. Saatva manufactures many different mattresses; however, the only customisable bed is Saatva Solaire.
Sleep Number is popular for its adjustable air mattress that enables sleepers to change the bed’s support and firmness to meet their needs through a remote. The brand has four-bed series, beginning with the Classic Series and finishing with the 360 Smart Beds. This comparison will focus on the Sleep Number P-5, the most popular Sleep Number model.
Who Should Choose the Saatva Solaire?
- Hot sleepers
- Side sleepers
Who Should Choose the Sleep Number?
- Back sleepers
- People in need of a relatively low-cost adjustable bed
Similarities Between the Saatva Solaire and the Sleep Number
Before diving into the specifics, let’s look into the features these two beds share.
- The beds help alleviate backache.
- The beds are both adjustable with several firmness levels.
- Both mattresses have generous warranties and trial periods.
- The beds provide support for older people and help them sleep comfortably.
- Both mattresses are excellent options for couples since they enable you to adjust the firmness on each side of the mattress (on select beds).
Main Differences Between the Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number
Below are some key differences between the two mattresses:
- Sleep Number P-5 may not offer sufficient pressure relief for many side sleepers.
- Saatva costs more than Sleep Number P-5.
- Saatva Solaire is thicker than Sleep Number P-5.
- Saatva has 50 different firmness settings while Sleep Number has 20.
Feel and Firmness Differences
Mattress Clarity uses a firmness scale ranging from 1 to 10, with 6.5/10 standing for medium-firm.
The Saatva Solaire has 50 different firmness options. However, the range is not as broad as you may expect. The firmest setting rates 8/10 on our scale, and the softest feels like 5.5/10.
Sleep Number’s firmness options range from 1-100 and increase in 5-digit increments. Many sleepers prefer to maintain their sleep number within the 30-60 point range. A sleep number score of 60 feels like 8.5/10 on our firmness scale, and 30 feels like 5.5/10.
Napping on the Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number Mattresses
Although the Saatva Solaire has an impressive firmness range, it might not suit heavier side sleepers. Some individuals may sink deeper into the comfort layers and feel more of the support segment underneath. Following this, Saatva Solaire is best for stomach and back sleepers.
The Sleep Number bed is also great for stomach and back sleepers. Although its comfort layer is thicker than most other Sleep Number beds, the P-5 might not create sufficient pressure relief for heavier side sleepers. Nevertheless, you should remember that firmness is subjective.
What Do the Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number Beds Feel Like?
The Saatva Solaire has an appealing pillow top feel due to its tufted cover. Although this bed has a memory foam layer, it does not have the conventional slow-moving feel. You’ll feel more of the latex comfort layer that makes the bed responsive and bouncy.
The Sleep Number P-5 mattress has a balanced foam feel. The upper layer gently contours the body, and the air chambers provide support. The mattress also has a tufted European pillow top, making it feel particularly luxurious.
Lightweight Sleepers – Below 130 lbs
The Sleep Number P-5 mattress is suitable for all lightweight sleepers. Sleepers who fall under this weight group will get enough pressure relief from the comfort layer. They can also adjust the firmness to their preference.
The same applies to Saatva regardless of your sleeping posture. Lightweight sleepers should get the support and comfort they desire on this adjustable mattress.
Average Weight Sleepers – Between 130 lbs and 230 lbs
It’s likely that average weight back sleepers will opt for a Sleep Number setting between 40 and 50. The setting should feel medium-firm for sleepers who fall under this category — this should create a great balance of support and comfort, which is essential when sleeping on your back.
Side sleepers may wish to make their Sleep Number bed a touch softer since that will provide the pressure relief they require. On the contrary, stomach sleepers may want to place the Sleep Number settings between the fifty to sixty range. This will stop their hips from sinking out of alignment.
The Saatva Solaire suits average weight individuals regardless of their sleeping posture. Side sleepers will probably prefer setting between 25 and 30, while back sleepers may want to set it within the 40-50 range. Stomach sleepers will most likely go for the firmest setting; otherwise, their hips could sink into the comfort layer, which can cause back pain over time.
Heavyweight Sleepers – Above 230 lbs
Heavyweight people will most likely place the Sleep Number bed in a firm setting; otherwise, they may sink into the top comfort layer and experience pain on pressure points. Heavy side sleepers might have trouble attaining the pressure relief required, particularly along the shoulders.
The Sleep Number P-5 may not be supportive enough for sleepers who weigh above 300 lbs.
The situation is similar for Saatva Solaire. This bed suits heavier stomach and back sleepers if you put it in a firm setting. However, heavyweight side sleepers might not attain the comfort they desire.
Bed Construction Differences
These two beds may seem similar but are not identical. Let’s discuss the construction of these mattresses to determine their difference.
Cover
The Saatva Solaire has a tufted pillow top made from 100% organic cotton. Saatva’s zoned comfort layer is the feature that makes it unique. The mattress top feels firmer towards the centre and softer near the head and foot. This helps you maintain the right spinal alignment and attain comfort where you need it most.
The Sleep Number bed has a European-style pillow top tufted with mushy, luxurious material.
Comfort Layers
Saatva Solaire has a comfort layer made of 1-inch natural latex foam. This fabric feels more responsive compared to the conventional memory foam. It also keeps you cool while you sleep. Underneath that, there’s a 2-inch gel-infused memory foam layer. Gel infusion absorbs heat from your body, so you won’t feel hot when napping on the Saatva Solaire.
The Sleep Number P-5 has many foam comfort layers that help to relieve pressure along your hips and shoulders.
Support Layer
The Saatva Solaire bed has an air chamber for adjustable support, enabling you to change the bed’s firmness on a whim.
The Sleep Number P-5 has one or two air chambers, depending on the mattress size. The higher the sleep number setting, the more the air that fills the chambers. Therefore, if you need extra support, you can increase your sleep number and vice versa.
The Sleep Number beds with two air chambers enable you to regulate the firmness of every side of the bed. This option is excellent for couples who have different firmness preferences.
Bed Height
The Saatva Solaire is 13 inches tall, while the Sleep Number P-5 bed is 10 inches tall.
Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number Size Alternatives and Price
Undoubtedly, you’ll need to inquire about the dimensions and price of a bed when shopping for a new one. The following charts display the current dimensions and pricing details of the Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number mattresses:
Saatva Solaire
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ | $2,247 |
| Full | 54” x 75” | $3,095 |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ | $3,245 |
| King | 76″ x 80″ | $3,795 |
| Split King | Two 38″ x 80″ pieces | $4,494 |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ | $3,795 |
| Split California King | Two 36″ x 84″ pieces | $4,595 |
Sleep Number
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ | $2,199 |
| Full | 54” x 75” | $2,474 |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ | $2,599 |
| King | 76″ x 80″ | $3,099 |
| Split King | Two 38″ x 80″ pieces | $3,499 |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ | $3,099 |
If you aren’t certain about these mattresses yet, you can visit our bed comparisons page for alternatives.
Bed Performance Differences
Here is a compilation of the Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number performance features. Continue reading about the mattress’s edge support, motion transfer, cooling features, and more.
Motion Transfer
This is an essential factor to consider if you share a mattress with someone. If a mattress doesn’t isolate motion properly, your partner may wake you when they change sleeping postures at night.
Luckily, these two beds isolate motion properly. They are made with high-quality foams that absorb and isolate motion. This is one of the reasons why these mattresses are a great choice for couples.
Sleeping Cold or Hot
The Sleep Number bed contains plush memory foam. However, even though it feels extremely comfy, it usually traps heat. Therefore, this mattress isn’t suitable for hot sleepers.
On the other hand, the Saatva Solaire has several spectacular cooling features. Latex foam is naturally breathable and does not trap body heat. Additionally, the gel-infused memory foam of the mattress promotes airflow. If you’re a hot sleeper, you should go for the Saatva Solaire.
Edge Support
Edge support is another important feature to consider if you share your bed with a partner. Beds with bad edge support collapse when you apply weight to the sides. This can force you and your loved one to sleep closer to the bed centre and feel cramped.
The Sleep Number P-5 mattress has excellent edge support, but some individuals have complaints concerning the dent left at the centre of dual-chamber beds.
The Saatva Solaire has solid edge support, particularly if you put it in a firm setting. Some softer settings make the bed cave near the sides when applying weight.
Off-Gassing
Off-gassing usually takes place when clients open mattress-in-a-box beds. The mattress releases a slight chemical smell when you peel back the plastic. The smell can linger for two days. Off-gassing isn’t an issue for these two models since they aren’t compressed into cardboard boxes.
Durability
The two beds are made from spectacular and high-tech materials, so they should last for approximately ten years, the average mattress lifespan.
Sex
Looking for a bed suitable for sex? Then you need a mattress you can easily move around on.
The Sleep Number bed is not as responsive as Saatva. The latex foam layer of the Saatva Solaire has a bouncy feel, making it a better option for couples getting it on.
Noise
You might hear some noises when the beds inflate with air. However, both beds become silent once you find your preferred setting.
Company Policies
Don’t make a decision hastily! Ensure you understand the company policies before buying. Below is a quick outline:
Sleep Trial
Saatva offers a 180-night home trial period, while Sleep Number provides a 100-night sleep trial duration.
Warranty
The Saatva Solaire has a 25-year warranty, while Sleep Number beds have 15-year limited warranties.
Return Policy
Clients can return both beds, provided it is within the sleep trial duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before wrapping up, let’s respond to a few of the most frequently asked queries about the beds.
1. How long will Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number beds last?
Both beds should last around ten years, typical for a high-quality mattress.
2. Which bed is better — Saatva or Sleep Number?
This narrows down to what you want in a bed. The Saatva Solaire is excellent for hot sleepers, but the Sleep Number bed is slightly cheaper.
3. Can you flip the Saatva Solaire or Sleep Number beds?
No, you can’t flip the mattresses. The beds have air chambers at the bottom for regulating the firmness level. If the mattresses are flipped, it wouldn’t feel right.
Air-Pedic 800 Series Bed as an Alternative
This bed comprises a responsive 1-inch hypergel plush-top cooling layer and a 1.5-inch gel-infused support layer for extra pressure relief and ventilation.
Even though the next layer isn’t buoyant like the hypergel cooling layer, it prevents sleepers from sinking deeper into the bed. Underneath this is a 1.5-inch HD Flex-Comfort layer that supports your curves and relieves pressure areas while you sleep.
The changeover between the bed’s layers and air chambers comprises a 2-inch Resili-Flex support layer that offers extra pressure alleviation.
At the bottom, it has a 6-chamber multi-zone air system which ensures proper spine alignment due to its springy urethane construction. A distinct lumbar support control is used to adjust comfort levels and an elective Bluetooth control (wireless) through your smart gadget.
The Kool-Flow (Air-Pedic 800 Series) micro-vented bamboo adherent covering is breathable and soft. Exceptionally hot sleepers should go for an extra Airflow Transfer System that further elevates ventilation. The foams used are made in America and are certified by CertiPUR-US.
Air-Pedic beds are available in six sizes: split king, split top king, Eastern king, queen, twin XL, and California king. Each mattress has a 30-year limited warranty, a 120-night trial, and global shipping. You can also find a number of other Sleep Number Alternatives compared on the market here.
Experience the difference for yourself – use Sleepify700 for $900 off the Air-Pedic 800 Bed.
Best For:
- Couples: Couples don’t have to choose one firmness level since the mattress has dual-sided adjustability and separate individual remotes. The model is also available in four different king sizes.
- Hot sleepers: The bed is designed to keep you cool and comfy with its gel-infused cooling foam layers and completely adjustable air chambers. An elective add-on Airflow Transfer System for exceptionally hot sleepers enables bi-directional airflow even when you sleep in the same posture.
- Value seekers: This bed is affordable compared to other adjustable air beds of comparable quality.
- Backache sufferers: The bed’s distinct lumbar support control facilitates correct spine alignment, reducing potential backache.
Not Suitable For
- The accessory- and tech-averse: This bed is not recommended for people who find auxiliary devices and customisation overwhelming. If your sleeping preference is relatively straightforward, you likely don’t need the variability that the Air-Pedic 800 Series provides.
- People on a more restricted budget: Even though this is our top choice for the best value, air mattresses are still slightly more costly than regular mattresses. Thus, they may not be appropriate for individuals on a very tight budget.
