Saatva HD mattress review: A solution for people with heavy bodies

A good first step for plus size sleepers is to look for a hybrid mattress with a longer height. Over the years, I’ve found that a mattress height of 12 inches or more is a good indicator that it’s designed to support larger bodies. Often times, heavier sleepers may find themselves sinking deeper into the mattress because the materials are not firm enough. The mattress can’t push back enough to keep the sleeper hovering on top of it, so the sleeper slides outward and hits the supporting core of the inner spring coils or firm foam. They do not get any of the benefits of the upper classes and generally feel unsupported, which manifests itself in back pain or joint pain. At 15.5 inches long, the Saatva HD is untetherable. It is one of the most durable hybrid mattresses I have come across. Its seven-layer design lives up to its “heavy-duty” name, with both sides rated to support 500 pounds.

The level of firmness of the Saatva HD will ultimately depend on the sleeper’s construction. I found it to be a really firm mattress, and I gave it a 7 out of 10. However, my father rated it a softer 5 out of 10. This is to be expected – as the pressure on the mattress increases, the materials compress more. This ultimately results in a softer feel, even if the bed’s overall firmness rating is higher according to the manufacturer.

Engine and shaker

I thought the Saatva HD distributed my body weight well, keeping my lower back from sinking out of alignment. I don’t get as much contouring or “sinking in” as other memory foam and latex hybrids I’ve tried, like Wolf Memory Foam is a firm hybrid foamThis is what I prefer for side sleepers. However, I must keep in mind that I am not the target demographic for this bed. This hybrid mattress does a relatively good job of relieving pressure on structures like mine — it just feels more buoyant on a deep cushioning pad. I find this very nice for back and stomach sleepers looking for a little hip cushioning while maintaining a straight spine. However, if you sleep plus size, you will experience more of a sinking feeling along with lower back support.

When I asked my parents for feedback on their experience, they praised the Saatva HD mattress as a mattress for sleepers with different body types. Many couples with different builds may find transferring movement an issue. Every time the larger sleeper moved, the smaller sleeper would often shake from the movement generated. When it comes to the Saatva HD, my mum says she can barely feel my dad move in his sleep – which is impressive, as she said it felt like she was rocketing off her last bed from even the smallest movements.

If I’m testing a mattress with a very soft surface, I can feel a sort of digging effect from my husband next to me. This didn’t happen even once while testing the Saatva HD. The density and durability of HD materials helps maintain equal support for both ends. This applies to the outer edges as well. I can confidently say that every Saatva mattress I’ve tested provides solid edge support, including the Saatva HD. I can sit, lie down, or get in and out of bed without fear of falling to the floor.