Saatva Vs Stearns And Foster – Which Is Right For You?

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If you’re looking for a high-end mattress that offers exceptional comfort and support, you can’t go wrong with a Saatva or Stearns & Foster. But which one is better for your unique needs? 

I personally tested both mattresses and assessed their firmness, feel, cooling features, motion isolation, edge support and pricing. Keep reading to learn which one is best for you!

Saatva vs Stearns & Foster Video Review

Saatva vs Stearns & Foster Overview

Saatva is a popular online mattress brand known for its excellent customer service terms. Saatva mattresses are never compressed into cardboard boxes, and they come with free white glove delivery. There are many different models to choose from, including the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid, Loom & Leaf, Zenhaven and Saatva Latex Hybrid. For this comparison, we’ll focus on the Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic mattress

Stearns & Foster sells mattresses both online and in-store, and they also have a wide variety of models to choose from. We reviewed the Medium Pillow Top model of the Stearns and Foster Lux Estate Mattress

Who Should Get SaatvaWho Should Get Stearns & Foster
People who want to save moneyPeople who want a particularly luxurious mattress
Fans of a traditional innerspring feelFans of a plush pillow top feel
People who want a mattress made with organic materialsThose who want a particularly durable mattress

Saatva vs Stearns & Foster: Similarities and Differences

Before we dive into all of the details, let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between Saatva and Stearns & Foster. 

SimilaritiesDifferences
Both contain coils and foam.The Stearns & Foster mattress has a thicker comfort layer, and it’s made with TEMPUR material. 
Both mattresses come with free white glove delivery, which means someone will place the mattress directly on your bed frame. The Saatva mattress has a traditional innerspring feel, while the Stearns & Foster mattress has a pillow top feel. 
Both mattresses are available in multiple firmness levels. The Stearns & Foster Lux Estate mattress costs more than the Saatva Classic.
Both mattresses are breathable, making them good choices for hot sleepers.The Stearns & Foster mattress isolates motion better than the Saatva Classic. 

Firmness and Feel Differences

Both mattresses are available in multiple firmness options. The Saatva Classic comes in three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm and Firm. The Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Mattress is available in four different firmness levels: Medium, Pillow Top (PT) Soft, PT Medium and PT Firm. For this comparison, we’ll focus specifically on the Saatva Classic Luxury Firm and the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate PT Medium

The Saatva Classic Luxury Firm mattress feels like a 7/10 on our firmness scale, which is firmer than average. The Stearns & Foster Lux Estate PT Medium mattress feels like a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm mattresses. It’s important to note that firmness is subjective and depends on the sleeper’s body type and sleeping position. 

Sleeping On the Saatva and Stearns & Foster

When I slept on my back on the Saatva mattress, I felt a great balance of comfort and support. The sturdy coils helped keep my spine in the proper alignment, while the pillow top cradled my pressure points. I felt a little bit of pressure along my shoulders and hips whenever I moved to my side. If you’re a side sleeper, you may want to consider the Plush Soft model instead. I felt decently supported while stomach sleeping, but heavier people will likely feel their hips sinking out of alignment and should opt for the Firm model. 

man sleeping on his back on the Saatva mattress

On the Stearns & Foster mattress, I felt comfy when I rested on my back and side. Its classic medium-firm feel offered the right amount of cushioning and lumbar support. When I slept on my stomach, the Stearns & Foster mattress wasn’t supportive enough to keep my hips elevated. If I slept on my stomach on this mattress for several weeks, I would probably develop lower back pain.  

sterns foster lux estate back sleeping

What Do The Saatva And Stearns & Foster Mattresses Feel Like?

The Saatva mattress has a classic innerspring feel. This bed has a thin pillow top that doesn’t offer much body contouring or cushioning, so you’ll feel more of the coils underneath. It’s very responsive and easy to move around on top of. 

man side sleeping on the Saatva mattress

The Stearns & Foster mattress has a plush pillow top feel. When I rested on top of it, I felt the thick memory foam contour the curves of my body. Thanks to the coils at the bottom, I didn’t feel “stuck inside” the mattress. It’s still quite easy to move around on the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate mattress. 

stearns foster lux estate feel

Average Weight Sleepers – 130 lb – 230 lb

The Saatva Classic Luxury Firm mattress works well for most average weight back sleepers. The coils should support the spine and prevent sleepers from sinking out of alignment. Some side sleepers who weigh closer to 230 lb may feel some pressure along their shoulders and hips. If you need more cushioning along pressure points, I recommend going with the Plush Soft model. 

Saatva’s Luxury Firm model isn’t firm enough to support average weight stomach sleepers. If this is your preferred sleeping position, you should opt for the Firm model instead.

The Stearns & Foster mattress is great for most average weight back and side sleepers. It feels both supportive and comfy, which is what back and side sleepers need. Average weight stomach sleepers won’t get the necessary support on the PT Medium model, however. If you fall in this category, I recommend the PT Firm option.

Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230 lb

Back and side sleepers who weigh between 230 and 250 lb will likely prefer the Saatva Classic Firm model because it offers the most lumbar support. Those who weigh more than 250 lb should consider the Saatva HD, a mattress that was designed specifically for heavier people.

The Stearns & Foster PT Firm model will work well for people who weigh closer to 230 lb, but it isn’t supportive enough for those who weigh more than 250 lb. If you’re a heavier person, you may want to consider getting one of the best mattresses for heavy people

Lightweight Sleepers – Under 130 lb

The Saatva Classic works well for most side sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers will likely prefer the Luxury Firm model because it has an extra boost of support. Lightweight side sleepers should consider getting the Soft option because it offers more pressure relief. 

The PT Medium model of the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate mattress should work well for lightweight sleepers–no matter the sleeping position. Smaller people won’t compress the comfort layer too much, so they will still get the lumbar support they need while back and side sleeping. 

Mattress Construction Differences

Now, let’s see what these mattresses are made out of. 

Cover

The Saatva Classic mattress has a cover made out of organic cotton. This material feels soft and breathable, so it’s great for hot sleepers. 

The Stearns & Foster mattress has a quilted cover made with TENCEL™ material, which feels cool-to-the-touch and helps wick away moisture.

Comfort Layers

The Saatva Classic’s main comfort layer consists of a Euro pillow top. The tufted fabric helps cushion joints and alleviate pressure, but it’s not as plush as the TEMPUR material found in the Stearns & Foster mattress. 

A side view of a mattress.

The Stearns & Foster Lux Estate mattress has a thick layer of TEMPUR-Indulge™ Memory Foam, which is made from the slow-moving material found inside TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses. This material contours the body and is particularly helpful for side sleepers with hip pain. 

stearns foster lux estate construction

Support Layer

The Saatva mattress has two sets of coils, which help support the body and promote the proper spinal alignment. The coils also aid in airflow, which helps sleepers stay cool at night.

The Stearns & Foster mattress contains IntelliCoil® innersprings, which feel strong and responsive. There’s also a layer of coils surrounding the sides of the mattress, which enhances the bed’s edge support.

Mattress Height

The Saatva mattress is available in two heights, 11.5” and 14.5.” We reviewed the 11.5” model

The Stearns & Foster Lux Estate PT Medium mattress is 16” tall

Saatva and Stearns & Foster Performance Differences

We put these mattresses through a number of tests to determine how well they isolate motion, stay cool and more. Let’s see how well they performed:

Sleeping Hot or Cold

While both mattresses contain breathable materials, the Stearns & Foster mattress takes the win. The Lux Estate mattress is surrounded by TENCEL™ material, which is one of the most effective cooling fabrics on the market. It actually feels cool-to-the-touch.

Motion Transfer

The Stearns and Foster mattress is much better at isolating motion than the Saatva. Because the Stearns & Foster mattress has thick foam on top, it keeps movements concentrated to one side of the bed. This is great for couples, because it means neither person should feel their partner’s movements come over to their side of the bed at night. 

Edge Support

Stearns & Foster wins again. The extra layer of innersprings around the side of the mattress gives it excellent edge support. I can sit and rest near the side of the Stearns & Foster mattress without feeling like I will roll off.

stearns foster lux estate edge support

The Saatva Classic mattress has decent edge support, but I feel myself sinking through the pillow top a bit. 

A man sits near the edge of the Saatva mattress

Durability

Because the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate mattress is several inches thicker than the Saatva Classic, it is much more durable. We expect the Stearns & Foster mattress to last over a decade, while the Saatva Classic should last between eight and 10 years. 

Off-Gassing

“Off-gassing” refers to the chemical smell that’s often emitted after unboxing a memory foam mattress. Because neither bed is a bed-in-a-box mattress, you don’t need to worry about off-gassing.

Noise

Both mattresses were completely silent whenever we tested them, but it’s possible the coils could start to squeak after several years of use. 

Sex

Couples looking for one of the best mattresses for sex usually want a bed that feels particularly bouncy and responsive. For that reason, the Saatva is the best mattress for getting intimate. The Saatva doesn’t have a thick comfort layer, so you’ll feel more of the coils underneath. Though the Stearns and Foster mattress is relatively easy to move around on, couples may find themselves “sinking” into the top layer of memory foam.

Saatva vs Stearns & Foster Mattress Size Options and Price

We can’t forget to examine pricing and size options! Take a look at our charts below for the most up-to-date information. 

Saatva

SizeDimensionsPrice
Twin38″ x 75″$1395.00
Twin XL38″ x 80″$1495.00
Full54” x 75”$1995.00
Queen60″ x 80″$2095.00
King76″ x 80″$2595.00
California King72″ x 84″ $2595.00
Split King76″ x 80″$2990.00
Split California KingTwo 38″ x 80″ pieces$2990.00

For more options, read our Saatva mattress comparison.

Stearns & Foster

SizeDimensionsPrice
Twin XL38″ x 80″$2899.00
Full53″ x 75″$
Queen60″ x 80″$2999.00
King76″ x 80″$3599.00
California King72″ x 84″$3599.00
Split California King72″ x 84″$5798.00

Company Policies

It’s also important to read the fine print. Here’s a closer look at the Saatva and Stearns & Foster company policies:

Warranty Info

The Saatva Classic mattress is backed by a lifetime warranty, which means that the company will replace or repair your mattress if it is deemed defective. 

The Stearns & Foster Lux Estate mattress is backed by a 10-year warranty. This means that, if you notice a manufacturer’s defect within the first decade of owning the mattress, the company will replace or repair it for free. 

Sleep Trial 

Saatva’s sleep trial lasts 365 days, which means customers have one year to issue a return. 

Stearns & Foster offers a 90-night sleep trial, which gives customers about three months to decide whether the bed works for them. 

Return Policy 

You can return your Saatva mattress within the first year of owning it, but you’ll need to pay a $99 processing fee

If you need to return or exchange your Stearns & Foster mattress, you can do so within the first 90 days for a $175 processing fee

FAQs

Which mattress is better, Saatva or Stearns & Foster?

Both mattresses are high-quality and comfortable, but they each work better for different types of people. The Saatva Classic mattress is great for people who prefer a traditional innerspring feel. The Stearns & Foster mattress is better for those who want a plush pillow top feel.

How long will the Saatva and Stearns & Foster mattresses last? 

The Saatva mattress should last between eight and 10 years, while the Stearns & Foster mattress should last at least a decade.

Can you flip the Saatva or Stearns & Foster mattress?

No, you can’t flip either mattress. Both beds have coils at the bottom and comfort layers on top. If you flipped the beds, they wouldn’t feel comfortable.

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Elisa Regulski

Elisa Regulski

Editor and Certified Sleep Science Coach

About Author

Elisa is an editor at Mattress Clarity where she tests mattresses, accessories, and writes about all things sleep. A certified sleep science coach, Elisa’s tested more than 300 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories, and her sleep tips have appeared in Readers Digest, Homes and Gardens, and 21 Oak.

Elisa earned a M.A in Mass Communication from Texas State University and a B.F.A in Acting from Oklahoma City University. While earning her master’s degree, Elisa wrote an extensive case study about bed-in-a-box brands and discovered a newfound excitement for the mattress industry. With so many options available, purchasing a mattress can feel daunting. Elisa is passionate about helping people find the best bed for them.

Before joining the Mattress Clarity team, Elisa wrote about Austin’s best restaurants and attractions for Only In Your State. She is also an avid music-lover and has covered the Austin City Limits music festival for Glide magazine and Speakers In Code.

When she isn’t testing memory foam or writing about innersprings, Elisa can be heard singing nostalgic hits with her national party band, Saved By The ‘90s. She also performs with Austin-based arts collective New Manifest Theatre Company.

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