Saatva Classic Plush vs. Luxury Firm vs. Firm: How to Choose the Right Mattress Feel for Your Body and Sleep

The Saatva Classic is a luxuriously supportive mattress and one of the most popular beds in the US. Among the many benefits are the three customizable firmness levels: Plush versus Luxury Firm versus Firm. But how can you decide which one is best for your body and sleeping style?

The Saatva Classic is number one this year best mattress guide, but if you choose the wrong firmness level you won’t get the most out of this impressive bed. Firmness is an important aspect to consider when purchasing the Saatva Classic (or any mattress) as it determines whether the mattress is comfortable and supportive for your sleeping needs.

Luckily, this comparison guide will break down the key differences between the Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm levels, so you can decide which one to choose based on your sleep style, body type, and sleep needs. Moreover, with the Black Friday mattress deals just around the corner, now is the best time to buy a Saatva Classic in the near future Saatva Black Friday Sale.

What is the Saatva classic?

The Saatva Classic in a well-lit bedroom.

(Image credit: Saatva)

The Saatva Classic is the best hybrid mattress on the market. It’s a luxurious innerspring hybrid made from high-quality, non-toxic materials, including a hypoallergenic organic cotton cover and 1,000 recycled carbon steel coils. Us Saatva Classic Mattress Review praised the luxury bed for its great balance of support and comfort, along with its generous benefits: a 365-night trial, lifetime warranty, and free supply of white gloves.

Not only can you choose the height of your Saatva Classic (11.5 or 14.5″), but you can also choose from three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm or Firm. These firmness choices ensure that no matter your sleeping style, a Saatva is Classic for you Each firmness of the Saatva Classic largely has the same basic structure, with the ten centimeter padded Euro pillow determining the firmness of the bed.

In this guide, we hope to explain the firmness levels of the Saatva Classic so you can choose the perfect one for you. However, if you’re not happy with the feel, you have 365 nights to exchange it for a different firmness (although there will be a $99 processing fee).

Saatva Classic Plush vs Luxury Firm vs Firm: Key Differences

Close-up of the top of the pillow on a Saatva Classic mattress

(Image credit: Future)

Before we dive in, a quick explanation firmness of the mattress. We rate mattress firmness on a scale of one to 10. One indicates a mattress that is as soft as a marshmallow, while 10 refers to a mattress that is as hard as lying on the floor.

The Plush soft is the softest level of the Classic and is rated by Saatva with a 3/10 on the firmness scale. Saatva explains that extra filling in the top of the pillow makes the Plush feel soft and cushiony, and recommends it for side sleepers and those with a lighter build.

The Luxury company is the medium or ‘Goldilocks’ level and Saatva rates it 5-7/10 on the firmness scale. It offers a medium-hard surface and is designed to recreate the pleasant feeling of luxury hotel beds. Saatva recommends it for all sleepers (or for those who have trouble choosing a firmness level). We tested the Luxury Firm version for our Classic test and rated it 7-7.5/10.

The Sturdy is the firmest level, rated 8/10 on the Saatva firmness scale. Saatva recommends this version for stomach and back sleepers or people with a heavier build. It’s a mattress you lie on, rather than sink into, but the quilted pillowcase prevents it from feeling too hard around the joints.

Saatva Classic Plush vs. Luxury Firm vs. Firm: Support and Comfort

Saatva Classic mattress, photographed from the side

(Image credit: Future)

When deciding which firmness level of the Saatva Classic will provide the right support and comfort, you should consider both your sleeping position and your body type.

The best mattresses for side sleepers are on the softer side, because side sleepers need cushioned pressure relief along the shoulders, hips, and knees (key pressure points when side sleeping). Those of a lighter build (anyone weighing less than 300 lbs.) will also need something softer, as their light bodies won’t sink too far into even a soft mattress.

Based on this, a lightweight side sleeper will likely enjoy the Plush Soft Classic, especially if they prefer softer beds. However, that doesn’t mean that all side sleepers or all lightweight sleepers should choose Plush Soft.

A woman sleeps comfortably on her stomach and smiles on white sheets

(Image credit: Getty Images)

For example the best mattresses for stomach sleepers tend to be on the firmer side, as front sleepers need extra support to keep the hips from falling out of alignment. Keeping the hips upright helps prevent lower back pain, so it’s important for both front and back sleepers to avoid an overly soft mattress. Lightweight to moderate stomach and back sleepers should consider the Luxury Firm, which has less soft sinks.

In terms of body type, heavier people will also need a firmer mattress to prevent them from sinking too far in bed. A side sleeper with an average to heavier build should therefore choose the Luxury Firm, not the Plush Soft. And heavy back sleepers or average to heavier stomach sleepers should consider the firm-feeling Classic.

While everyone is different and firmness usually comes down to personal preference and your sleep patterns, here’s a simple, quick guide that will help you make a decision:

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Plush soft	Lightweight side sleepers
Luxury company	Combination sleepers; Lightweight to average back and stomach sleepers; Medium to heavy side sleepers
Sturdy	Heavyweight back sleepers; Average to heavyweight stomach sleepers

Saatva Classic Plush vs Luxury Firm vs Firm: Pros and Cons

One of the main benefits of a plush mattress is the cloud-like softness and pressure relief it provides to side sleepers. It gives way to the body where you press against the bed. The downside of ultra-soft mattresses, however, is that they often lack support for many sleepers (especially those of larger stature). Some may even find that the added filling ‘sinks’ too much, leading to a suffocating or stuffy feeling.

A firm mattress, on the other hand, can support any sleep style or body type – the Firm Saatva Classic is suitable for heavier sleepers weighing 250-300 pounds. It also has a balanced, firm feel that may be better for combination or restless sleepers, who need a responsive bed to easily change sleeping positions throughout the night.

Woman sleeps peacefully on her side and hugs her pillow

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The downside? Although firm beds provide support, many sleepers, especially lightweights and side sleepers, will find them too hard – even comparing it to sleeping on the floor. Saatva does promise that the Firm Classic offers balanced resistance that is never hard on the back and joints, but side sleepers may wake up with numb arms and hips.

The Saatva Classic firmness level with the most benefits is the ‘one-size-fits-all’ Luxury Firm. Basically, this medium-firm level is for people who don’t know which level to buy or aren’t sure what their body or sleep style needs. It also serves as a middle ground for couples who share their bed and want or need different levels of firmness.

Saatva Classic Plush vs Luxury Firm vs Firm: Which One to Choose

Choose a Plush Soft Saatva Classic if…

You like a cloud-like soft bed: If you are used to wonderfully soft mattresses, choose the Plush Soft for close-fitting relief.

You are a lightweight side sleeper: Lightweight side sleepers need soothing, gentle pressure relief for their hips, shoulders and knees.

Choose a Luxury Firm Saatva Classic if…

You and your partner have different sleeping styles: The Luxury Firm is a good compromise if you and your partner have different body weights or sleeping styles.

You are of average build: The Luxury Firm is comfortable and supportive enough for most adult sleepers and positions.

You are a combination sleeper: If you can’t decide which firmness level to choose, or you sleep in a variety of positions, the Luxury Firm will suit all your ever-changing sleep styles.

Choose a Firm Saatva Classic if…

You sleep on your stomach or prefer a firm mattress: The Luxury Firm provides a no-sink feeling to support the hips of front sleepers and cater to those who prefer to sleep ‘on’ a mattress.

You weigh between 200 and 300 kg: The company supports heavier bodies and keeps the spine upright to prevent lower back pain. (If you weigh more than 300 kg, the Saatva HD mattress is the best choice best Saatva mattress for you – learn more with our guide to what is the Saatva HD mattress.)