The Noalh and Saatva mattresses both provide an excellent night’s sleep, but which is right for you? This Nolah vs. Saatva mattress comparison will make your buying decision easier.
We’ll compare and contrast the Nolah and Saatva to see which one would better suit you. If you want to see how these compare to other mattresses, check out our mattress comparison page.
Nolah vs. Saatva
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Nolah Vs Saatva Overview
Known for their high-quality bed-in-a-box mattresses, Nolah continues to impress customers. They sell a wide variety of different beds, and there’s something for everyone’s budget. If you want a luxury model, opt for the Nolah Evolution Hybrid. Looking for something a bit more affordable? The Nolah Signature might be the perfect pick.
In this mattress comparison, however, we’ll take it back to the Original Nolah. This 10″-thick mattress works well for lightweight sleepers who love sinking into soft layers of memory foam.
Unlike many online mattress brands, Saatva doesn’t compress their mattresses into cardboard boxes. Instead, the Saatva customer service team coordinates white glove delivery. That means you don’t have to wait for the bed to off-gas and expand!
Saatva sells everything from the customizable Saatva Solaire to the organic Loom & Leaf mattress. But you really can’t beat the baseline model, The Saatva Classic. This bed is available in three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. Additionally, customers can choose between the 11.5″ and 14.5″-thick models. In this mattress comparison, we’ll focus specifically on the Saatva Classic 11.5″ Luxury Firm mattress.
Who Should Get The Nolah
- Fans of all-foam mattresses
- Side sleepers
- Sleepers who don’t want to feel their partner moving at night
Nolah Original 10″ Mattress
The Nolah Original 10″ mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it’s sold at a value price.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original 10″ Mattress
The Nolah Original 10″ mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it’s sold at a value price.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original 10″ Mattress
The Nolah Original 10″ mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it’s sold at a value price.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Who Should Get The Saatva
- Fans of hybrid mattresses with foam and springs
- Stomach or back sleepers
- Those looking for one of the best mattresses for back pain
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Similarities Between The Nolah And Saatva?
First, let’s see how these two mattresses resemble each other. Here’s a quick overview of how the Saatva and Nolah are similar.
- Both are good for hot sleepers.
- They’re both great options for couples.
- Each mattress has a soft option.
- Both have a trial period and free shipping.
Check out our other mattress comparisons, as well as our Nolah mattress review.
Key Differences Between The Nolah And Saatva?
Now, the interesting part! Let’s take a closer look at how these two beds differ from each other.
- Nolah is an all-foam mattress, while Saatva utilizes springs and foam.
- Nolah is better for side sleepers, while Saatva is best for back sleepers.
- Nolah costs less than the Saatva.
- Nolah is a soft option while Saatva comes with a soft, medium firm and firm option.
Check out our other mattress comparisons, as well as our Saatva mattress review.
Firmness and Feel Differences
When shopping for an online mattress, you’ll want to pay close attention to firmness and feel. Each person needs something different, so it’s important to take the time to consider what is best for you.
How Firm Are The Nolah And Saatva Mattresses?
On our firmness scale, 6.5/10 is considered medium firm. To us, Nolah feels slightly softer than average, coming in at 6/10. Nolah offers great comfort and support to the average sleeper, especially if they sleep on their side. The mattress loses some of the stress relieving aspects if the sleeper is heavier than average, as they will be resting less on the soft top layers and more on the support layers.
While the Saatva offers three firmness options, the Luxury Firm is closest to the industry standard of 6.5/10. The Plush Soft feels like a 5.5/10 and the Firm is a 7.5/10. Saatva provides plenty of support and has a soft top layer, which is why we named it one of the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Sleeping On the Nolah And Saatva Mattresses
Back sleepers should get plenty of support on the Nolah. If you fall in this category, you’ll feel your hips sink into the foam layers, but you’ll still get the necessary support from the base layer underneath.
The Nolah is known as one of the best mattresses for side sleepers for a reason. The AirFoam layers, which act as a more responsive version of memory foam, work well to relieve the most common stress points: the shoulders and hips. Heavier sleepers (over 230 pounds) unfortunately won’t be able to experience all of these benefits, however, as they might end up sinking through the top layers of foam and resting more on the firmer support layers.
The Nolah is not the right option for people who sleep on their stomachs. The foam is too soft, which can cause the hips to sink out of alignment.
The Saatva is a near perfect mattress for back sleepers. This mattress is one of the best mattress for lower back pain and creates plenty of lumbar support. The soft layer on top allows you to sink in slightly, but the coils underneath keep you supported.
Most side sleepers will feel enough pressure relief on the Saatva Luxury Firm model. However, heavier folks may prefer the Plush Soft version because it has a thicker comfort layer. If you sleep on your stomach, we suggest getting the Saatva Firm. In fact, we named it one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers!
What Do The Nolah And Saatva Mattresses Feel Like?
In general, the Nolah feels more responsive than traditional foam mattress. The Nolah utilizes AirFoam technology, which is not only temperature neutral, but it also prevents sleepers from trapping heat within the layers.
The Saatva feels like a traditional coil mattress that also has a pillow top on it. The soft layer on top allows for a cushiony feel before you get to the springy support layers underneath.
Average Weight Sleepers – 130lbs – 230lbs
Like we previously stated, the Nolah offers good support and stress relief for side sleepers in this range. Though the support is good for back sleepers, they would be better off with the Saatva. Stomach sleepers would probably not fare too well as they would sink too far into the mattress and might experience hip pain.
Saatva is known as a great mattress for average weight sleepers. Side sleepers, though they would do fine, would probably enjoy the Nolah more. Stomach sleepers in this weight range would also enjoy this mattress’s support, but we recommend the Firm option.
Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230lbs
Heavyweight sleepers don’t tend to enjoy soft foam mattresses as much as others, and the Nolah is no different. If you are on your side you might bottom out and end up sleeping on the firm support layers. If you are on your back or stomach you will receive little support. It is better to go with a firmer mattress.
For the heavyweight sleepers considering the Saatva, we would recommend the Firm choice for every sleeping position. For back and stomach sleepers it would allow you similar sleeping experience for the average weight sleepers on the Luxury Firm; a fully supported and cushioned back and/or hips with good lumbar support. The side sleepers would fare better here then they would on the Nolah because they would get the pressure relief from the pillow top without bottoming out. For more options, check out our list of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Lightweight Sleepers – Under 130lbs
The Nolah is one of the best mattresses for lightweight sleepers. For back and side sleepers, it is soft enough to give you the cushion and support you need. Stomach sleepers, however, may find the mattress feels too soft. If this is your preferred sleeping position, we recommend finding a firmer mattress.
The Saatva can also be great for lightweight sleepers. For back sleepers, the Luxury Firm or the Plush Soft option will offer a great balance of cushion and support. For side and stomach sleepers, the Luxury Firm will provide enough comfort and support to relieve joint stress and keep your joints aligned.
Mattress Construction Differences
Next we will go over how the mattresses are constructed to help you determine whether they’re right for you.
Cover
The Nolah’s cover is thin and breathable. It allows for airflow and does not affect how the mattress feels in any major way.
The Saatva cover is made out of organic cotton and foam that allows for it to be soft and breathable.
Comfort Layers
The Nolah has 3″ of comfort layers that allow for optimal cushion before the support layers. The first 2″, comprised of AirFoam, are a more reactive version of foam compared to memory foam. The top layer is also breathable and temperature neutral so the sleeper will not overheat. The next inch is made from Avena foam, a latex-like and bouncy foam.
The Saatva is most known for its 3″ pillow top, which offers a great soft feeling on top. Underneath it is a layer of memory foam that provides even more cushion before getting to the coils.
Support Layer
The support layer for the Nolah is very simple. It is made up of 7″ of high-density polyfoam, a firmer material that offers support to the sleeper.
The support layers on the Saatva are more complicated. It starts with a ring of dense foam around the outside of the mattress which provides for great edge support. Underneath the layer of foam there is an individual coil system, designed to contour to your body. It’s composed of 884 coils on the queen size. The base unit is made of tempered steel support coils.
Mattress Height
The Nolah is 10″.
The Saatva is available in a 11.5″ and 14.5″ thickness.
Nolah And Saatva Mattress Size Options and Price
If you want to learn more about pricing and size options, check out our charts below.
Nolah
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 38” x 75” | $999.00 |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ | $1199.00 |
| Full | 54″ x 75″ | $1349.00 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” | $1149.00 |
| King | 76” x 80” | $1749.00 |
| California King | 72” x 84” | $1749.00 |
If you want something higher-end, take a look at our Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress review.
Saatva
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 38″ x 75″ | $1395.00 |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ | $1495.00 |
| Full | 54” x 75” | $1995.00 |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ | $2095.00 |
| King | 76″ x 80″ | $2595.00 |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ | $2595.00 |
| Split King | 76″ x 80″ | $2990.00 |
| Split California King | Two 38″ x 80″ pieces | $2990.00 |
Don’t want to purchase a brand new mattress yet? Check out our Saatva mattress topper review.
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Nolah And Saatva Performance Differences
Next we will review how these mattresses perform under certain tests.
Sleeping Hot or Cold
The Nolah is one of the most temperature neutral foam mattresses, as the AirFoam does not trap very much heat.
The Saatva has two distinct coil systems and a breathable cover so the air flow is great, earning this mattress a cool ranking.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer measures how much the mattress is affected by movement. The Nolah handles motion transfer great. You probably would barely feel a partner getting out of bed. The Saatva, which handles motion transfer well for an innerspring mattress, just cannot compete in this category.
Edge Support
Edge support measures how sturdy the mattress is when pressure is applied to the edge. The edge support on the Nolah is pretty decent for a foam mattress, but the ring of support around the Saatva takes the cake in this scenario. You will not feel like you’ll fall off when resting close to the edge on the Saatva.
Durability
When it comes to durability, it’s a close race. However, Saatva outperforms Nolah because of its edge support and steel coils.
Off-Gassing
Off-gassing occurs when a compressed mattress expels gas after it’s out of the box. The Nolah, because it arrives in a box, will expel some gas for about 48 hours. You may notice a slight chemical smell at first, but it will completely fade after two days.
The Saatva, which comes delivered and set up by a white-glove delivery service, does not expel any gas. You can sleep on this mattress right away.
Noise
Both mattresses are very quiet. The all-foam Nolah is relatively silent. Even Saatva, with its steel coils, does not make any noticeable noise (after years of wear and tear, this might change).
Sex
Both mattresses are responsive and easy to move around on, so they should be good for sexually active partners.
Company Policies
Don’t click ‘add to cart’ just yet! Take a look at the company policies first.
Warranty Info
Nolah has a lifetime warranty and Saatva also has a lifetime warranty.
Sleep Trial
Nolah’s sleep trial is 120 days and Saatva’s is 365 days.
Return Policy
Nolah’s return policy allows you to return the mattress for a full refund up to 120 days, after the 30 day break in period. They will pick it up for free if you email support@nolahmattress.com.
You can return your Saatva mattress as long as it’s during the initial 180 day trial period. Please note: The company does charge a $99 transportation fee for picking up your old mattress.
FAQs
Now, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Nolah and Saatva mattresses.
How do I set up the Nolah mattress?
Move it into the room you want it in, unbox it, position it, unwrap it and enjoy.
How long will the Nolah and Saatva mattresses last?
Most likely 7-10 years for both mattresses.
Can you flip the Nolah and Saatva mattresses?
No. For both, it is important to have the support layers on the bottom and the comfort on the top.
