Published on Oct. 14, 2024
Trying to decide between Saatva and Avocado mattresses? We’ve tested mattresses from both brands. Here’s how to decide which is better for you.
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Choosing the right mattress—especially when shopping online—can be a nightmare. There are countless retailers, all of which make bold claims about things like comfort, technology and luxury materials. With so many big-brand bedding companies claiming to be the best, how do you decide which mattress to go with? Don’t fret; we’ve got you covered like a cozy comforter.
I’ll give you the scoop on two big bedding brands: Saatva vs. Avocado. Then, I’ll break down details and specs on a popular mattress pick from both brands, each of which has been individually tested by our shopping experts. Before writing this piece, I also chatted with Derek Hales, Founder and CEO of NapLab. Hales has tested over 390 mattresses and hundreds of other sleep products, and he’s tested the two mattresses we’re discussing here: the Saatva Classic Mattress and the Avocado Ultimate Organic Mattress.
“The biggest difference between the Avocado Ultimate Organic and Saatva Classic is simply mattress type and material construction,” Hales says. “The Avocado is an organic, all-natural latex hybrid, and the Saatva is a more traditional coil style mattress.” Below, we will get into all the details about each brand and mattress, and we’ll let you know how sleeping on each mattress went for our shopping editors.
Saatva’s motto is “premium quality without traditional retail markups.” By cutting out the middleman, Saatva can offer direct-to-you pricing and luxury products at a much lower price than other luxury retailers. On the other hand, Avocado’s mission is to make healthy sleep accessible and affordable to all. Avocado’s luxury organic mattresses are made from non-toxic, natural and affordable materials.
When it comes to the brands’ most popular mattress models, the Saatva Classic versus Avocado Ultimate Organic, our shopping editors slept on each one for more than an entire year. That’s right: We tested each mattress for more than 365 nights. Here’s what we learned.
The Saatva Classic Mattress has a multi-layer coiled structure that starts with a pillow topper and high-density memory foam, then individually wrapped coils and a base coiled unit that allows for better airflow and a cooler night’s sleep. The layers of responsive coils reduce potential sleep disruptions caused by movement, so if you share a bed, your tossing and turning won’t disturb your partner.
As for materials, the Saatva Classic is free of fiberglass and chemical flame retardants. Plus, it’s made with an antimicrobial treatment to prevent the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. The organic cotton cover is hypoallergenic, too.
The mattress is offered in eight sizes (twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king and split California king) and has two height options: 11.5 and 14.5 inches. Additionally, there are three firmness levels to choose from: plush soft, luxury firm and firm.
Our tester, Editor Madi Koetting, picked the luxury firm model for her Saatva mattress review, which falls in the middle regarding firmness. The luxury firm feel offers plush comfort and support, which is great if you struggle with back pain. It’s also the optimal option for combo sleepers (side, stomach, back) and a good option if you and your partner desire different firmness levels.
The dual-coil design will help disperse body heat if you’re a hot sleeper. Plus, the organic cotton cover is breathable, which helps keep you cool. It’s also one-sided, so you won’t have to worry about flipping the mattress every few months.
Complimentary white glove service is included with every purchase of a Saatva mattress. The company will send a delivery team to set up your bed and remove your old mattress—free of charge. Saatva also offers a 365-night home trial, so you can return a mattress if it’s not right for you. If you fall in love with it like Koetting did, you can expect it to last for years with a lifetime warranty guarding against any defects.
“After one year of use, I can confidently say that switching from an ultra-plush memory foam bed to the Saatva luxury firm hybrid mattress was an excellent decision. I used to wake up with neck and lower back pain due to ‘sinking’ into my previous mattress, but now I wake up refreshed thanks to my Saatva bed,” Koetting says. “I also appreciate that the mattress hasn’t become super plush over time, and I rest easy knowing this investment bed will last me and my partner several years.”
“If hotel-level firmness isn’t your thing, you’re in luck,” Koetting adds. “This Saatva hybrid pick is also available in a plush soft firmness level and a firm level, which is even less plush than the luxury firm model. I highly recommend the plush soft option for sleepers who are unwilling to give up that luxurious ‘burrowing’ feeling.”
VIA MERCHANT
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Every Avocado mattress is handcrafted using 100% certified organic materials. Unlike conventional mattresses, organic mattresses are made with natural materials like wool, cotton and latex, which ensures they’re free of potentially toxic foams, chemical fire retardants and off-gassing materials.
The Avocado Ultimate Organic Mattress has a medium-firm feel, what Avocado calls a “gentle firm.” A medium firmness level is great for anyone with back pain, stomach and side sleepers, and heavier individuals. The plush version of the mattress, which adds an extra two inches of support, is ideal for side sleepers because it provides additional pressure relief. Additionally, the innerspring layer is divided into five support zones to distribute weight evenly across the mattress, providing immediate pressure relief for the shoulders, back and hips.
Regarding temperature control, a two-inch, all-natural latex foam is a comfort layer, which most sleepers find cooler than memory foam. To add additional cooling effects, we recommend topping the mattress with a set of cooling sheets. Below the latex are individually wrapped coils to reduce motion transfer. The button-tufted top layer is crafted from soft organic cotton with moisture-wicking properties.
Editor Megan Wood used to review luxury hotel mattresses. She says, “I’ve tossed and turned on my fair share of expensive but sagging beds and woken up with an achy back.” After testing the Avocado Green mattress for more than 365 nights, she says, “Vacations aside, I’ve slept on the Avocado Green mattress for an entire year, and I’m thrilled to report that I’m just as happy with it now as I was on the first night.”
“I used to sleep on my side with a pillow between my knees for better alignment. With the Avocado Green mattress, I ditched the pillow,” Wood says. “The mattress has held up to the addition of my boyfriend and his dog on most nights. I haven’t experienced any sagging, worn spots or discomfort. And I sleep better knowing my loved ones aren’t inhaling fire retardants through the night. Sleeping with a pillow between my knees is a distant memory.”
“My only change was to invest in a mattress protector to keep the Avocado clean and free from stains and spills,” Wood adds. “I’ve recommended the Avocado to multiple friends who are also thrilled with the upgrade to better sleep with fewer chemicals.”
VIA MERCHANT
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According to other real-world tested customer reviews, Saatva is good for back pain, neck pain and other sleeping-related discomforts because it offers a plush feel with enough support for a wide range of sleeping positions.
According to the company website, whether you’ll need to use a box spring with your Saatva mattress depends on the base you’re putting it on. If you have a platform bed, adjustable base or an existing mattress support system that’s in good shape, you probably won’t need to purchase a new box spring.
Avocado’s long list of organic certifications includes Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program. The company has net-zero carbon emissions, making its mattresses ideal choices for eco-conscious shoppers.
I asked Derek Hales—as someone who has tested both the Avocado and Saatva mattresses for himself—to pinpoint the primary differences. Here’s the bottom line regarding Saatva versus Avocado: “Avocado’s latex hybrid design gives it a more polarizing feel. Latex as a material type is highly durable, but it’s also springy, resilient, heavy and dense, and it creates a more generalized body contouring hug. This feeling is neither good nor bad, but it is specific,” he says. “To be comfortable on the Avocado matress, you’ll need to absolutely love the feel of latex.”
“The Saatva Classic is built from layers of coils and foam and designed to create a balanced and even feel that many different types of sleepers can enjoy,” he says. “It’s also available in three firmness levels, which means a wide range of people with different body types and sleeping positions will find it comfortable. In my view, Saatva Classic is a mattress made for mass appeal.”
When asked about the performance between the two, Hales said the Saatva had better cooling, higher bounce, and significantly better pressure relief. “The Avocado’s advantage is its slightly better material responsiveness (due to the latex top layers).”
The Saatva Classic Mattress can only be purchased through the company’s website. A queen-sized mattress retails for $2,095, but the company frequently runs sales and deals.
Avocado has a handful of stores in states like California, New York and Colorado. However, you’ll likely have to shop online, where you can compare mattresses, chat with customer support and more. A queen-sized, medium-firm Avocado Ultimate Organic Mattress sells for $2,800.
