Sleep Number and Saatva are both well-established brands in their own corners of the sleep industry. Sleep Number is known for its adjustable air beds, and Saatva is one of the most popular online mattress companies.
Which one could be your next bed? To help you figure that out, we put together this Sleep Number vs. Saatva Solaire mattress comparison.
Product
Firmness
Score
Product
Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsScore
Sleep Number vs. Saatva Solaire Overview
Sleep Number may be best known for its adjustable air beds, which allow you to change the firmness and support of the bed to meet your needs via a remote. There are four different series of beds, starting with the Classic Series and ending with the 360 Smart Beds. For this comparison, we’ll focus on the most popular model, the Sleep Number P-5.
Saatva is one of the original online-only mattress retailers, and unlike many popular brands on the market, Saatva never compresses their beds into cardboard boxes. The company sells several different types of mattresses, but the Saatva Solaire is its only customizable mattress, which makes it a natural competitor for Sleep Number.
So who should get which mattress? Here’s a quick overview:
| Who Should Choose the Sleep Number? | Who Should Choose the Saatva Solaire? |
| Shoppers looking for a relatively low-priced adjustable mattress | Side Sleepers |
| Back sleepers | Hot Sleepers |
Sleep Number vs. Saatva Solaire: Similarities and Differences
Before we get into all of the nitty-gritty details, let’s examine the similarities and differences between these two mattresses.
| Similarities | Differences |
| They’re both adjustable mattresses with many firmness levels. | The Sleep Number P-5 costs less than the Saatva. |
| Both beds are known to help people with back pain. | The Sleep Number P-5 might not provide enough pressure relief for most side sleepers. |
| They are great choices for couples because they allow sleepers to adjust the firmness of each side of the bed (on select mattresses). | Sleep Number has 20 different firmness settings, while Saatva has 50. |
| Elderly people find these beds to help them get more restful sleep. | The Saatva Solaire is thicker than the Sleep Number P-5. |
| They both have generous sleep trial periods and warranties. |
Firmness and Feel Differences
Mattress Clarity uses a firmness scale that ranges from one to 10, with 6.5/10 representing medium-firm.
Sleep Number’s firmness options range from one to 100, and they increase in five-digit increments. Most people prefer to keep their sleep number within the 30–60 point range. A sleep number score of 30 feels similar to a 5.5/10 on our firmness scale, and 60 feels like an 8.5/10.
The Saatva Solaire has 50 different firmness options, but the range isn’t as wide as you may think. The softest setting feels like a 5.5/10 on our scale, and the firmest setting feels like an 8/10.
Sleeping On the Sleep Number and Saatva Solaire Mattresses
The Sleep Number mattress works well for most back and stomach sleepers. Even though it has a thicker comfort layer than many other Sleep Number mattresses, the P-5 may not create enough pressure relief for heavier side sleepers. It’s important to remember, though, that firmness is subjective. Take a look at our detailed analysis below for more information about how the Sleep Number P-5 will work with your body type.
Even though the Saatva Solaire has a significant firmness range, it may not work well for heavier side sleepers. Some people might sink deeper into the comfort layers and feel more of the support section underneath. That said, we expect the Saatva Solaire to work for most back and stomach sleepers.
What Do The Sleep Number And Saatva Solaire Mattresses Feel Like?
The Sleep Number P-5 has a balanced foam feel. The top layer gently contours the body, and the air chambers create support. It also features a tufted European pillow-top, which makes it feel especially luxurious.
The Saatva Solaire has a lovely pillow-top feel, thanks to the tufted cover. Even though this mattress contains a layer of memory foam, it doesn’t have that traditional slow-moving feel. Sleepers will feel more of the latex comfort layer, which is what makes the mattress so bouncy and responsive.
Average-Weight Sleepers: 130 lb–230 lb
Average weight back sleepers will most likely prefer a Sleep Number setting that’s between 40 and 50. For people in this weight range, this setting should feel medium-firm. This should create a nice balance of comfort and support, which is exactly what you’ll need while back sleeping.
Average-weight side sleepers might want to make their Sleep Number mattress a touch softer because that will create the pressure relief they need. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, should place their Sleep Number settings within the 50–60 range. This will help prevent the hips from sinking out of alignment.
The Saatva Solaire should work well for average-weight people – no matter the sleeping position. Back sleepers will most likely prefer the 40–50 range, while side sleepers might want to set it between 25 and 30. Average-weight stomach sleepers will want to put the mattress on its firmest setting. Otherwise, their hips could sink into the comfort layer, which can lead to back pain over time.
Heavyweight Sleepers: Over 230 lb
Heavyweight sleepers will want to put their Sleep Number mattress on a firm setting. Otherwise, they might sink into the top comfort layer and develop pain along pressure points. Some heavier side sleepers may have trouble getting the pressure relief they need, especially along the shoulders. If you weigh more than 300 lb, the Sleep Number P-5 probably won’t be supportive enough for you. Instead, we recommend checking out our list of the best mattresses for heavy people.
It’s a similar situation with the Saatva Solaire. This mattress works well for heavier back and stomach sleepers if the bed is placed on a firm setting. Heavyweight side sleepers still may not get the comfort they need.
Lightweight Sleepers: Under 130 lb
The Sleep Number P-5 mattress is great for lightweight sleepers. People in the weight category will get plenty of pressure relief from the comfort layer, and they can easily adjust the firmness to their liking.
The same can be said for Saatva! No matter the sleeping position, lightweight people should get the comfort and support they need on this adjustable bed.
Mattress Construction Differences
These two mattresses may seem identical, but they aren’t quite the same. Let’s take a look at the constriction of each bed to see how they differ.
Sleep Number
| Layer | Description |
| Cover | The Sleep Number mattress has a European-style pillow-top that’s tufted with soft, luxurious fabric. |
| Comfort Layer #1 | The Sleep Number P-5 has several foam comfort layers which help sleepers relieve pressure along shoulders and hips. |
| Support Layer | Depending on the size of the mattress, the P-5 has either one or two air chambers. The higher your sleep number setting, the more air fills up these chambers. So if you want more support, you can simply raise your sleep number and vice versa.
Sleep Number mattresses with two air chambers allow sleepers to adjust the firmness of each side of the mattress. This is a great option for couples with different firmness preferences! |
Saatva Solaire
| Layer | Description |
| Cover | The Saatva Solaire also has a tufted pillow-top, but this one is made from 100% organic cotton. |
| Comfort Layer #1 | One thing that makes the Saatva unique is its zoned comfort layer made of natural latex foam. The top of the mattress feels firmer toward the center and softer near the head and the foot. This helps sleepers maintain the correct spinal alignment and get comfort where they need it most. |
| Comfort Layer # 2 | Underneath that, you’ll find a 2” layer of gel-infused memory foam. Gel infusions help pull heat away from the body, so you shouldn’t feel hot on the Saatva Solaire at all! |
| Support Layer | The Saatva Solaire mattress contains air chambers for adjustable support. These allow sleepers to change the firmness of the mattress on a whim. |
Mattress Height
The Sleep Number P-5 mattress is 10” tall.
The Saatva Solaire is slightly taller, coming in at 13”.
Sleep Number and Saatva Solaire Size Options and Price
When shopping for a new mattress, you’ll no doubt want to know about pricing and dimensions. Check out our handy charts below for the most up-to-date information.
Sleep Number
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin XL | 38" x 80" | $2299.00 |
| Full | 54” x 75” | $2574.00 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | $2699.00 |
| King | 76" x 80" | $3199.00 |
| Split King | Two 38" x 80" pieces | $3799.00 |
| California King | 72" x 84" | $3199.00 |
Saatva Solaire
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin XL | 38" x 80" | $3295.00 |
| Full | 54” x 75” | $4095.00 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | $4495.00 |
| King | 76" x 80" | $5295.00 |
| Split King | Two 38" x 80" pieces | $6590.00 |
| California King | 72" x 84" | $5295.00 |
| Split California King | Two 36" x 84" pieces | $6590.00 |
Product
Firmness
Score
Product
Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsScore
Not sure about these beds yet? Take a look at our mattress comparisons page for more great ideas.
Sleep Number And Saatva Solaire Performance Differences
Now, let’s take a moment to examine performance features. Keep reading to learn about each bed’s cooling features, motion transfer, edge support, and more.
Sleeping Hot or Cold
The Sleep Number mattress contains plush memory foam, and while that feels super comfy, it does tend to trap heat. We don’t recommend this mattress for especially hot sleepers.
The Saatva Solaire, on the other hand, has many impressive cooling features. Latex foam feels naturally breathable, so it doesn’t trap body heat easily. Plus, the gel-infused memory foam helps promote airflow. If you’re a hot sleeper, opt for the Saatva Solaire.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer is an important element to consider if you share a bed with a partner. If a bed doesn’t isolate motion well, you might wake up when your partner shifts sleeping positions during the night.
Good news! Both mattresses isolate motion well. They contain high-quality foam, which absorbs and isolates movement. This is just one of the reasons why these products are some of the best mattresses for couples.
Edge Support
You’ll also want to consider your mattress’s edge support if you share a bed with a loved one. Mattresses with poor edge support collapse when weight is applied to the sides. This can force couples to sleep closer to the center of the mattress and feel cramped.
The Sleep Number P-5 has nice edge support, but some sleepers complained about the indentation left in the center of dual-chamber mattresses.
The Saatva Solaire has solid edge support, especially if placed on a firm setting. Some of the softer settings cause the mattress to cave in near the sides when weight is applied.
Durability
Both mattresses contain impressive and high-tech materials. We expect them to last about 10 years, which is the average lifespan of a mattress.
Off-Gassing
Off-gassing often occurs when customers open bed-in-a-box mattresses. When people peel back the plastic, the mattresses emit a slight chemical odor for about two days.
Because both of these models are not compressed into cardboard boxes, off-gassing won’t be an issue.
Noise
You may notice some noise when the mattresses inflate with air. However, once you reach your desired setting, both mattresses should remain silent.
Sex
Looking for the best mattress for sex? Usually, that means you need a bed that’s easy to move around on.
The Sleep Number mattress isn’t quite as responsive as the Saatva Solaire. The Saatva’s latex foam layer has a bouncy feel, which is a better choice for couples getting intimate.
Company Policies
Don’t rush your decision! Make sure you thoroughly understand the company policies before purchasing. Here’s a quick overview:
Warranty Info
Sleep Number mattresses are backed by 15-year limited warranties.
The Saatva Solaire is backed by an impressive 25-year warranty.
Sleep Trial
Sleep Number offers a 100-night sleep trial period.
Saatva has a 180-night home trial period.
Return Policy
You can return both mattresses as long as it’s within the sleep trial period.
Product
Firmness
Score
Product
Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsScore
Sleep Number vs. Saatva FAQs
Before we wrap up, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Sleep Number and the Saatva mattress.
Which mattress is better, Sleep Number or Saatva?
This ultimately boils down to what you want from your mattress. The Saatva Solaire is a better choice for hot sleepers, but the Sleep Number mattress costs a bit less.
How long will Sleep Number and Saatva Solaire mattresses last?
Both mattresses should last about 10 years, which is typical for a high-quality bed.
Can you flip the Sleep Number or Saatva Solaire mattresses?
No, you can’t flip these beds. Both of them have air chambers at the bottom, which allows sleepers to adjust the firmness level. If you flipped either mattress, it wouldn’t feel quite right.
