One of the hardest parts of choosing a mattress, especially when you’re buying it online, is figuring out the right firmness. That’s even trickier when you share the bed with someone, and you both need to be happy. Enter the Saatva Solaire. This adjustable mattress isn’t just soft or firm. It has 50 separate firmness settings, plus dual firmness options for queen sizes and up, so you can find the right feel night after night—no compromise necessary. At least, that’s the idea. So does it deliver — and does that make this smart bed the right bed for you?
The Mattress Clarity team of expert mattress reviewers put the Solaire through a battery of tests to find out. Collectively, we’ve tested over 500 mattresses and 150 sleep products over the last 7 years. In that time, we’ve helped more than 43,000 people find a great bed.
We used that experience to assess the Solaire from top to bottom in several different firmness settings. The bed earned its best score in cooling, with pressure relief right behind it. Overall, we think the adjustability makes the Saatva Solaire a great fit for couples who can’t agree on firmness. Luxury shoppers interested in high-tech features will probably be quite pleased as well.
Our Saatva Solaire Review in a Nutshell
With 50 firmness settings controlled via remote control, the Saatva Solaire takes personalization to the next level. But firmness is only one thing to consider in a great mattress. While this adjustable bed offered impressive cooling, it didn’t wow us in other categories — especially motion isolation and responsiveness. The high price tag for this luxury mattress might also be an issue for some. On the other hand, shoppers looking for premium upgrades and the option for dual firmness on both sides of the bed will definitely find that here.
The Saatva Solaire is the brand’s most luxurious mattress. It’s a 13-inch adjustable model with 50 firmness settings, including dual-firmness options for queen sizes and larger. While that’s ideal for couples with different firmness preferences, the Solaire came up short in our tests of responsiveness and motion isolation. While this high-end mattress stayed comfortably cool, we can’t recommend it for combination sleepers or light sleepers who share the bed with restless sleepers.
Saatva Solaire Mattress Performance: My Overall Rating
When our testers review a mattress, they use the Mattress Clarity testing methodology. It’s a series of tests designed to rate a bed based on key performance factors. Overall, the Saatva Solaire earned 3.6 out of 5. It earned its top scores in cooling, pressure relief, and edge support. Remember, our testers largely assessed the bed in two firmness settings, so there’s some wiggle room in our scores. For instance, some sleepers might notice sharper edges or better responsiveness at higher firmness settings.
Hover over the categories below for performance definitions, and keep reading for our testers’ experience below.
Watch Me Test the Saatva Solaire Mattress
I Recommend the Saatva Solaire For…
- People with changing health conditions. Adjustable firmness is a great feature if you’re pregnant, recovering from surgery, or managing a chronic pain condition.
- Couples with different firmness preferences. This is where the Solaire shines. Both bed partners can personalize the mattress feel to their specific needs.
- Luxury shoppers. The Solaire is Saatva’s most expensive model, featuring premium materials, non-traditional sizes (such as upper-flex king), and personalization options. Those are things that luxury shoppers can really appreciate.
I Don’t Recommend the Saatva Solaire For…
- Light sleepers who share the bed. The Solaire didn’t perform well in our motion isolation tests, so fair warning to anyone who’s easily disturbed by a bed partner’s movements.
- Combination sleepers. If you change positions during the night, the Solaire really doesn’t make it easy. While the pillow top isn’t especially cushioning, the bed’s construction made our testers feel noticeably trapped.
- Budget shoppers. Before sales pricing, a queen Solaire is $4,599. That puts it well out of reach for many.
How Well Did the Saatva Solaire Perform?
Here’s how the Solaire performed in all our testing categories compared to the average mattress we test.
| Test | Performance | Average |
| Firmness | 7.5/10 – Firm | 6.7/10 – Medium-Firm |
| Side Sleeper Comfort | Good | Good |
| Back Sleeper Comfort | Good | Good |
| Stomach Sleeper Comfort | Good | Good |
| Pressure Relief | 3.9/5 | 3.9 |
| Edge Support | 3.8/5 | 4.1 |
| Cooling | 4/5 | 3.8 |
| Motion Isolation | 2.7/5 | 3.9 |
| Response | 2/5 | 4.3 |
| Sinkage Depth | 3.75” | 3.12” |
| Sinkage Rating | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bounce Height | 21” | 17.89” |
| Bounce Rating | High | Moderate |
| Noise | 5/5 | 4.5 |
| Sex | 3.6/5 | 4.3 |
| Trial Period | 5/5 | 4.2 |
| Warranty | 5/5 | 4.6 |
How Firm is the Saatva Solaire Mattress?
Since body weight and sleep style influence how a mattress feels, firmness ratings are largely subjective. But they can be a helpful baseline for getting a general sense of how a mattress might feel. The Mattress Clarity firmness guide is a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 indicating extreme softness and 10 as firm as it gets.
Unlike most mattresses, which have a single firmness rating, the Solaire has 50. Saatva says settings 1-29 have a soft-to-medium-soft feel for most sleepers, between 3-4/10 on its firmness scale. Settings 30-39 are medium-soft to medium, or 5-6/10, and settings 40-50 are medium-firm to firm, or 7-8/10. That kind of flexibility can be a real asset. According to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, one of our medical advisors, the right firmness strikes a balance between support for sleep positions and comfort.
Mattress Clarity tester Livvi DiCicco assessed the Solaire in three settings — 1, 25, and 50 — but her firmness rating was based solely on her impressions of the middle setting. Livvi is an average-weight sleeper between 130 and 230 pounds, and she found this setting ran quite a bit firmer than advertised — she rated it 7.5/10, which is considered firm. That’s a big departure from Saatva’s own impressions.
Still, that firmness worked well for Livvi when she rested on her side. “I felt like my hips and shoulders were aligned, and that there was only a bit of pressure buildup in my shoulder, but not enough to deter me from sleeping in this way,” she said. On the softest setting (1), her hips sank too much and threw her out of alignment, while the firmness setting kept her from sinking in at all.
Livvi preferred the softest setting on her back. When she tested the middle setting of 25, she noticed pressure in her shoulders. The firmest setting, meanwhile, created pressure all around.
Livvi felt fairly aligned when she rested on her stomach with all three fitness settings. “This makes sense as it’s a relatively firm bed overall,” she noted. “The only problem is the actual shape of the pillow top, which presses into my stomach and chest, especially the latter.”
How Does the Saatva Solaire Feel for Different Body Types and Sleeping Positions?
Because it’s an adjustable mattress, the Solaire should accommodate different sleep styles and body types. Our recommendations below are based on the settings we tested.
| Sleeper Weight | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers |
| Light (under 130 lbs) | Unpleasant | Good | Good |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | Good | Good | Good |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | Unpleasant | Good | Good |
Heavyweight Tester – 6’4”, 245 lbs
“I don’t sink in enough that it contours to the curve of my lower back.”
Average-weight Tester – 5’6”, 155 lbs
“On the middle setting (25), I felt a bit more pressure on my shoulders, leaving my hips feeling like they were out of alignment, even as there was some cushioning around my lower back.”
Lightweight Tester – 5’5”, 128 lbs
“I wouldn’t say I’m super aligned, my hips are higher than my shoulders.”
Saatva Solaire In-Depth Test Results
Pressure Relief
Pressure can build in sensitive areas of the body, such as the hips, shoulders, lower back, and knees, depending on how you lie down and your overall body type. A mattress with good pressure relief distributes body weight to reduce strain on pressure points, which means fewer aches and pains.
Dr. Dasgupta notes that materials like memory foam and latex tend to perform well in this category because they contour well. The Solaire is made with layers of both materials and fared reasonably well, earning 3.9/5.
Since body weight affects pressure relief, we had testers across all three weight classes evaluate the Saatva Solaire on their sides and backs. Most also tested the bed at different firmness settings to see how that changed the experience. In addition to recording their subjective takes, we also use a pressure map that generates a graphic indicating areas of high and low pressure.
| Overall | 3.9 |
| Back | 4.1 |
| Side | 3.8 |
| PSI (Side) | 14.58 |
| PSI (Back) | 12.43 |
Lightweight tester
Our in-house tester in the lightweight category (under 130 pounds) started with the Solaire at the middle setting (25). On her side, she picked up on pressure in her upper back, between the shoulders. “I wouldn’t say I’m super aligned, my hips are higher than my shoulders,” she commented. Her pressure map showed a PSI of 15.26, which is quite a bit higher than average (14.58), especially for this weight group. She rated pressure relief 3/5.
The same setting on her back was an improvement, with improved contouring, minimal sinking, and hip alignment. She noted a touch of tension in her neck but was comfortable overall. Her score in this position was 4 out of 5.
Average-weight tester
For our in-house, average-weight tester, side sleeping on the middle setting was good. “I feel equal pressure throughout my body, with nothing too elevated or sunken,” she said. The pressure map was higher than normal at 14.75, but that didn’t align with her experience. She gave the bed a 4/5.
When our tester dialed the firmness down to a 1, she was even more comfortable on her side. Her pressure map score dropped a bit to 13.29, and she reported feeling evenly supported — very lightweight, with zero pressure. That earned the Solaire a perfect score.
On her back, the firmness setting of 25 meant a little more pressure in the shoulders and low back. “For some reason, I feel like my upper half feels more pressure overall and might need more support in that area,” she noted. Her pressure map was actually better at this setting, showing 12.7. That’s a touch higher than average. She gave the bed 4 out of 5.
When she softened the bed to the lowest setting, the pressure disappeared. “I feel more aligned. On the higher setting, my shoulders were slightly elevated, and now it feels like they’re on the same level with my lower half,” she explained. That was somewhat reflected in her PSI, which slightly dropped to 12.65. Again, she thought the bed earned 5/5 in this setting.
Heavyweight tester
Our heavyweight in-house tester thought the middle setting gave the Solaire an odd sensation when he tested it on his side. “You do feel the air, you’re not really cradled on top of it. It’s still contouring around my body but it’s shallow,” he explained. On the other hand, his hips felt aligned with his spine, earning the bed 4 stars, even though the PSI was a little high at 16.05.
That rose to 17.17 when he dialed the softness down to 1. “I’m definitely sinking in a little more than on the higher setting,” but it gave him the sensation of being “stuck.” He also picked up on pressure in his hip and shoulder. While it wasn’t enough to completely condemn the bed, it wasn’t ideal. He gave the bed a 3/5 rating in this setting on his side.
On his back at the middle setting, the PSI dropped quite a bit to 13.73. But our tester didn’t find that it relieved pressure particularly well. “I don’t sink in enough where it contours to the curve of my lower back. I feel more on top of it,” he said. He gave the bed another 3/5.
In the softest setting, it was a similar experience. His PSI was 13.9, and he reported feeling very “on top” of the mattress. “It feels like when I move, the pressure redistributes to a different area,” he said. “It’s kind of an odd sensation. It’s not fully contouring for the arch in my lower back. I do feel equally supported but I wish I would sink more.” He gave the Solaire the same score here: 3/5.
Longterm Mattress Owner
Although our testers weren’t bowled over by the Solaire’s pressure relief, a colleague and his wife have been sleeping on the mattress for years and give it high praise.
“We got this mattress because we had different firmness needs. The Solaire lets my wife choose something firmer, while I can select a softer feel to help with nagging back pain. We’ve been happy with it for a couple of years!”
Edge Support
Edge support is pretty straightforward. It describes how stable the sides of a mattress are, which tends to be more important for certain sleepers. Seniors or those with mobility issues who need a little assistance getting in and out of bed benefit from strong support on the side of the mattress, and it’s helpful for couples who need room to spread out without feeling like they might topple off the side. The Solaire earned 3.8/5 in this category, which is slightly below average.
Livvi began her edge support tests by sitting on the side of the bed. She immediately picked up on a strange sloping, which she chalked up to the bed’s internal air chambers. Livvi found that this sensation made her feel like she was going to slide off — even though she didn’t. Worse, she found the sensation was the same regardless of the firmness setting. “I think that this would be an unnerving feeling for folks with mobility concerns,” she concluded, giving the Solaire 3/5 for this test.
When she assessed edge support by lying down near the side, the sloping sensation was still evident. In fact, testers performing other tests also commented on it. It was worse on her back, when she could both feel and see that the foot closest to the side was lower. “I noticed a similar feeling on my side and stomach, especially the latter, as I felt like I was going to roll off the side of the bed,” she said. Livvi gave the bed 2/5.
To gauge edge support across different weight classes, Livvi used three weighted plate stacks. From lightest to heaviest, the Solaire’s edge sank 3, 3, and 3.5 inches, earning scores of 5/5, 5/5, and 4/5. The difference between our subjective and objective tests suggests the bed may have greater stability along the perimeter.
Cooling
| Less than a 4-degree change | 5/5 |
| 4-6 degree change | 4.5/5 |
| 6-8 degree change | 4/5 |
| 8-10 degree change | 3.5/5 |
| 10-12 degree change | 3/5 |
| 12-14 degree change | 2.5/5 |
| 14-16 degree change | 2/5 |
| 16+ degree change | 1/5 |
Managing temperature is an important feature in a mattress. Some materials, like memory foam, can contribute to overheating by retaining body heat, which is problematic for restful sleep. The Solaire earned its highest score in this category with 4/5.
In our cooling test, Livvi used a thermal gun to measure the bed’s surface temperature before and after lying on it for seven minutes. The Solaire increased by 7.4 degrees, indicating good cooling performance. While she didn’t think the construction made the Solaire conducive to active cooling, it doesn’t have a lot of foam layers for major heat retention.
Plus, the latex layer might be helpful since it promotes temperature regulation. On the other hand, it doesn’t have coils to promote airflow. Livvi’s impression was that the Solaire might be hit or miss for hot sleepers, though the experience might be better at higher firmness settings, which means less sinkage.
Motion Isolation
Motion transfer is another category that could be really important for some, and not for others. Some materials transfer motion across the entire surface, meaning movement on one side of the bed is felt on the other. If you’re a light sleeper with a bed partner, that can be a nightmare. Unfortunately, the Solaire earned one of its lowest scores here, with an average score of 2.7/5.
Livvi placed a glass of water on one side of the bed and then climbed on and off the other side. The result? A wobbly glass and serious sloshing. “I think that if anyone who weighed more than me got into the bed, they would’ve tipped that glass over,” she said.
In test two, Livvi rolled between different sleep positions to see how those movements affected the water. “Even just rolling over gently caused plenty of disturbance in the water and the glass itself,” she said.
For the third and final test in this category, Livvi lay on one side with a blindfold while another tester moved around on the other side. The test involves one tester raising their hand when they feel movement, and Livvi had her hand in the air pretty much the entire time. “It didn’t matter whether he was getting in or out of bed or moving around next to me. I felt like I was sitting on top of jello, each movement jostling both me and the bed. Talk about rocking the boat,” she said.
Response
A responsive mattress springs back into position after the release of pressure. It’s a feature that’s especially important for combination sleepers, who need to be able to switch positions with ease. The Solaire really tanked in this category, earning just 2/5.
On the middle setting, Livvi described the bed as “strange.” While it has a pillow top, she didn’t find it particularly cushioning or sinking — but she still felt stuck when she tried to move. “Even small shifts like moving my legs or pushing up onto my arms feel weirdly impeded,” she noted. “I’d say this bed is somehow actively trying to grab onto me and keep me from moving.”
The experience was the same when she tested it on the softest setting, and it only slightly improved when she dialed it to the firmness setting. “I felt more ‘on top’ of the bed, but I still couldn’t move,” said Livvi.
Sinkage: Moderate
| Light Sinkage | 0-2.5” |
| Moderate Sinkage | 2.6-4” |
| Deep Sinkage | 4+” |
Given the low response score, it makes sense that the Solaire scored well in our sinkage tests. We placed a 44-pound kettlebell in the center of the bed and measured how far it sank. Anything over 4 inches is considered deep, and the Solaire was just under that at 3.75 inches. That’s liable to change depending on the bed’s firmness setting.
Bounce: High
| Light Sinkage | 0-2.5” |
| Moderate Sinkage | 2.6-4” |
| Deep Sinkage | 4+” |
The Solaire’s response score was low, but it’s surprisingly bouncy. We dropped a ball on the surface of the bed and measured the bounce height. At 21 inches, this was well into high bounce territory. That amount of spring is surprising given the bed’s lack of coils.
Noise
No one wants to be awakened in the middle of the night by a creaking or squeaking bed. Our testers found that once the bed is on your preferred setting, it is whisper-quiet. The lack of coils is likely a good explanation for the Solaire’s perfect noise score. Our testers reported hearing no sounds at all.
Sex
A good mattress for sex tends to score well in responsiveness, edge support, and noise. That combination usually means a surface that doesn’t impede sexual activities. The Solaire earned 3.6/5, which makes it reasonably conducive to sex.
Adjustable Base Compatibility
Saatva sells the Solaire with an adjustable base upgrade, but proceed with caution. In our tests, the Solaire just doesn’t do well with a base that tilts and moves. Not only does it seem to pose a risk of damage to the internal components, but it also lacks the flexibility to move well with the base.
Saatva Solaire Customer Experience Scores
When we talk about customer experience, we’re considering details like shipping and general brand policies.
Trial Period
Saatva is a popular mattress brand for a reason — and its generous 365-night sleep trial is part of that. Customers get a full year to test any Saatva mattress, which is plenty of time to decide whether it’s working out.
Just be aware that you’re on the hook for a $99 processing fee if you decide to return your mattress.
Warranty
Saatva’s lifetime warranty is another selling point. It protects against workmanship and material defects under normal use for as long as the original purchaser owns the mattress.
This offer is prorated, meaning fees apply only during specific timeframes. For instance, from years 6 to 10, you’re responsible for 50% of the cost of parts and processing, while Saatva covers 100% of labor costs. Your share of repair cost increases the longer you own the mattress.
Delivery and Set-Up
The Solaire isn’t a bed in a box. It ships flat, with free in-room delivery and setup. Plus, removal of your old mattress is included.
Saatva Solaire Construction
Since the Solaire is an adjustable mattress, its construction isn’t typical. While we usually cut into the cover to peek at the internal layers, we didn’t do that with the Solaire to avoid damaging its components.
Mattress Height & Weight
The Solaire is 13” tall. A queen-size mattress weighs 114 pounds. Delivery and setup are included, so you don’t have to worry about lugging a big box to your bedroom. You can even arrange for Saatva to haul away your old mattress for no charge.
Materials
As an adjustable air mattress, the Solaire combines materials like memory foam and latex with vulcanized air chambers.
Layers
The Solaire features a 3-inch Euro pillow top and a quilted cover made from a breathable organic cotton blend. It has an antimicrobial treatment designed to combat bacteria, mold, and mildew. The top layer is a comfort layer — one inch of zoned Talalay latex to support spinal alignment, positioned over a 2-inch layer of gel-infused, CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam. Next up is a moisture barrier that protects the bed’s mechanical components.
Vulcanized air chambers make up the bed’s support layer — this is what makes the bed adjustable. The base of the Solaire houses the air inflator and hoses.
Remotes
The firmness level is adjusted by remote control. The model that we tested was wired into the mattress. It had an antiquated, clunky feel. However, since then, Saatva has upgraded the Solaire’s remote to a wireless model. Although we haven’t yet tested it first-hand, we are betting it is a big upgrade.
How To Try and Buy The Saatva Solaire Mattress
The Solaire is available on the Saatva website and comes with a 365-night sleep trial. If you really want to see the bed in person before buying, the brand has retail locations known as Saatva Viewing Rooms across the US.
Saatva Solaire Prices & Sizes
| Size | Price |
| Twin XL | $3499.00 |
| Full | $3774.00 |
| Queen | $4598.99 |
| King | $5399.00 |
| Split King | $6998.00 |
| California King | $5399.00 |
| Split California King | $6998.00 |
| Upper-Flex Queen | $5,299.00 |
| Upper-Flex King | $6,499.00 |
How The Saatva Solaire Compares
Comparing the Solaire to other popular mattresses can help you zero in on the performance factors that really matter to you, making it easier to find the best mattress. Here’s how this adjustable luxury model stacks up to other options.
- Saatva Classic – Better for combination sleepers
- Helix Midnight Mattress – Budget-friendly and versatile
- Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress – Classic memory foam feel
|  |  |  | |
| Rating | ||||
| Firmness | Multiple Firmness Options | Multiple Firmness Options | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Other | Innerspring | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — |
| Best For | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Couples | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Saatva Solaire vs. Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic has all the perks of the brand — same complimentary white-glove shipping and setup, same long trial window, same warranty. But it’s much more affordable than the Solaire, and it comes with three firmness options and two height options (both chosen at checkout). It’s not adjustable, but it far outperformed the Solaire in every category except motion isolation (they have the same score in this category). If pressure relief, cooling, edge support, and responsiveness are priorities, the Classic is probably the better option.
Both beds could do better at isolating motion, but the Classic is marketed as a luxury innerspring, so a springy, bouncy feel is part of the design.
Read more in our Saatva Classic mattress review.
Saatva Solaire vs. Helix Midnight
While the Saatva Solaire is definitely a luxury mattress, the Helix Midnight is more of an entry-level model. Still, with its medium-firm feel and impressive scores, it’s a surprisingly versatile option that works for a wide range of sleepers.
The Helix Midnight earned a 4 or above in every category but cooling — the Solaire is actually the better option here. But for pressure relief, edge support, motion isolation, and responsiveness, the Helix model came out ahead. We like it for light to average-weight back and side sleepers.
If you’re interested in a luxury option and firmness adjustability is important, go with the Solaire. We also think it’s a better fit for dedicated stomach sleepers, who are likely to appreciate its firmer feel.
Check out our Helix Midnight mattress review for more details.
Saatva Solaire vs. Nectar Classic
The Nectar Classic is about as different from the Solaire as a bed can be. This all-foam bed-in-a-box has the classic cushy feel of memory foam. It’s priced economically, with a queen listed at $689, making it several thousand dollars cheaper than the Solaire.
The only similarities between these two mattresses? They both offer a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.
The Classic tested well in cooling, motion isolation, and response, but came up a little short in pressure relief and edge support. For people who want a budget-friendly mattress with the signature sink of memory foam, it’s the better choice. Those seeking luxury upgrades and personalization will likely prefer the Solaire.
Read more in our Nectar Classic mattress review.
Saatva Solaire Mattress FAQs
What makes the Saatva Solaire different from other adjustable mattresses?
The Solaire has a few differentiators from other adjustable mattresses, like Sleep Number. In addition to 50 firmness settings and dual firmness on both sides in queen beds and larger, it pairs its vulcanized air chambers with layers of zoned natural latex and memory foam. Plus, it has a 365-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and it has complimentary white-glove delivery and setup.
Can each side of the bed have different firmness levels?
Yes, both sides of the Saatva Solaire have independent firmness options for queen and larger sizes. In twin XL and full sizes, firmness settings apply to the entire mattress.
Does the Saatva Solaire work with adjustable bases?
In our testing, the Saatva Solaire didn’t work well with an adjustable base. It lacked the flexibility to move well. According to the brand, however, this model is compatible with adjustable bases.
How durable is the Saatva Solaire?
The Solaire is made with high-quality materials, but it does have components you don’t find in the average mattress. Still, it’s reasonable to expect good performance for 10 years or so.