The Saatva Classic is a luxuriously supportive mattress and one of the most popular beds in the US. One of its many perks is the three customizable firmness levels: Plush vs Luxury Firm vs Firm. But how can you decide which one is right for your body and sleep style?
The Saatva Classic takes the number one spot in our best mattress of the year guide, but choosing the wrong firmness level will prevent you from gaining the full benefit of this top-rated hybrid. Firmness is an important aspect to consider when buying the Saatva Classic (or any mattress) as it determines if the mattress is comfortable and supportive for your sleep needs.
Luckily, this comparison guide will break down the key differences between the Plush, Luxury Firm and Firm levels, helping you decide which to choose based on your sleep style, body type and sleep needs. Plus, with the Black Friday mattress deals just around the corner, now is the best time to buy a Saatva Classic in this year's Saatva Black Friday sale.
What is the Saatva Classic?
The Saatva Classic is the best hybrid mattress on the market. It's a luxury innerspring hybrid made from premium, non-toxic materials, including a hypoallergenic organic cotton cover and 1,000 recycled carbon steel coils. Our Saatva Classic mattress review praised the luxe bed for its great balance of support and comfort, along with its generous benefits: a 365-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free white glove delivery.
Not only can you choose the height of your Saatva Classic (11.5 or 14.5"), but you can also choose between three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm. These firmness choices ensure that whatever your sleep style, there's a Saatva Classic for you. For the most part, each firmness of the Saatva Classic has the same basic build, with the three inches of padded Euro pillow top determining the firmness of the bed.
In this guide we hope to explain the firmness levels of the Saatva Classic so you can pick the perfect one for you. However, if you aren't happy with the feel, you have 365 nights to exchange it for a different firmness (although there is a $99 processing fee).
Saatva Classic Plush vs Luxury Firm vs Firm: Key differences
Before we dive in, a quick explainer on mattress firmness. We rate mattress firmness on a scale of one to 10. One indicates a mattress that's as soft as a marshmallow, while 10 refers to a mattress that's as hard as lying on the floor.
The Plush Soft is the softest level of the Classic and is rated a 3/10 on the firmness scale by Saatva. Saatva explains that extra padding in the pillow top makes the Plush feel soft and cushiony, and recommends it for side sleepers and those of a lighter build.
The Luxury Firm is the medium or 'Goldilocks' level and Saatva rates it 5-7/10 on the firmness scale. It provides a medium-firm surface and is designed to replicate the crowd-pleasing feel of luxury hotel beds. Saatva recommends it for all sleepers (or those who are struggling to pick a firmness). We tested the Luxury Firm version for our Classic review and rated it a 7-7.5/10.
The Firm is the firmest level, rated 8/10 on the firmness scale by Saatva. Saatva recommends this version for stomach and back sleepers or those of a heavier build. It's a mattress you lie on top of, rather than sink into, but the quilted pillow top prevents it from feeling too hard at the joints.
Saatva Classic Plush vs Luxury Firm vs Firm: Support & Comfort
When deciding which firmness level of the Saatva Classic will provide the right support and comfort, you need to consider both your sleep position and body type.
The best mattresses for side sleepers are on the plusher side, as side sleepers need cushioned pressure relief along the shoulders, hips, and knees (key pressure points when side sleeping). Those of a lighter build (anyone who weighs under 130lbs) 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 probably enjoy the Plush Soft Classic, especially if they have a preference for softer beds. However, that doesn't mean all side sleepers or all lightweight sleepers should opt for Plush Soft.
For instance, the best mattresses for stomach sleepers tend to be on the firmer side, as front sleepers need extra support to keep the hips from dropping out of alignment. Keeping the hips upright prevents lower back pain, so it's important for front and back sleepers to avoid a mattress that's too plush. Lightweight to average stomach and back sleepers should consider the Luxury Firm, which has less soft sink.
In terms of body type, heavier people will also need a firmer mattress, to avoid drifting too far into the bed. So a side sleeper with an average to heavier build should opt for the Luxury Firm, not the Plush Soft. And heavy back sleepers or average to heavier stomach sleepers should consider the Classic in a Firm feel.
While everyone is different and firmness tends to come down to personal preference and your sleep set-up, here's a simple, cursory guide that will help you make a decision:
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 yields to the body where you press against the bed. The downside of ultra-plush mattresses, however, is that they tend to lack support for a lot of sleepers (particularly those with bigger builds). Some may even find the added padding to have too much 'sink', leading to a suffocating or stuffy feel.
A firm mattress, on the other hand, can support any sleep style or body type — the Firm Saatva Classic is suitable for heavier weight sleepers weighing 250-300 pounds. It also has a balanced resistant feel that may be better for combination or restless sleepers, who need a responsive bed to easily change sleep positions throughout the night.
The downside? While firm beds offer support, many sleepers, particularly lightweight and side sleepers, will find them too hard — even likening it to sleeping on the floor. Saatva does promise that the Firm Classic provides balanced resistance that’s never hard on the back and joints, but side sleepers might wake up with numb arms and hips.
The Saatva Classic firmness level with the most benefits is the 'one-size-fits-all' Luxury Firm. In fact, this medium-firm level is designed for those who don't know which level to buy or are unsure what their body or sleep style needs. It also serves as a middle ground for bed-sharing couples who want or need different firmness levels.
Saatva Classic Plush vs Luxury Firm vs Firm: Which to choose
Choose a Plush Soft Saatva Classic if...
✅ You love a cloud-like soft bed: If you're used to comfortingly soft mattresses, then choose the Plush Soft for body-hugging relief.
✅ You're a lightweight side sleeper: Lightweight side sleepers need soothingly soft pressure relief for their hips, shoulders, and knees.
Choose a Luxury Firm Saatva Classic if...
✅ You and your partner have different sleep styles: The Luxury Firm is a good compromise if you and your partner have different body weights or sleep styles.
✅ You're of an average build: The Luxury Firm is comfortable and supportive enough for most adult sleepers and positions.
✅ You're a combination sleeper: If you can't decide which firmness level to pick, or you sleep in all different positions, the Luxury Firm will accommodate all your ever-changing sleep style.
Choose a Firm Saatva Classic if...
✅ You sleep on your stomach or prefer a firm mattress: The Luxury Firm provides a non-sinking feel to support the hips of front sleepers and to cater to those who prefer to sleep 'on top of' a mattress.
✅ You weigh between 200 and 300lbs: The Firm will support heavier bodies, keeping spines upright to prevent lower back pain. (If you weight over 300lbs, the Saatva HD mattress is the best Saatva mattress for you — learn more with our guide to what is the Saatva HD mattress.)
