As a sleep writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach, I know sleep needs evolve with age. Joints affected by arthritis require deeper cushioning, while reliable edge support becomes essential for getting in and out of bed with ease.
The Saatva Classic is the best mattress we’ve tested, while the Saatva Solaire’s adjustable firmness helps it provide the support, pressure relief and comfort older adults need. So if you’re shopping for a new bed this Black Friday, is the Saatva Classic or Saatva Solaire better?
I’m currently hands-on testing the Saatva Solaire, while my colleague Claire Davies’ Saatva Classic mattress review was written after weeks of thorough testing. Combining our research and first-hand experience, we’re exploring which of these best-sellers is better suited for adults 65+ and how each mattress addresses different sleep needs.
With the best Black Friday mattress deals in full swing, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of the Saatva Classic vs the Solaire, including firmness options, ease of setup and if the Solaire’s adjustable features justify the price.
Where the Saatva Classic wins…
The Saatva Classic is the best hybrid mattress we’ve tested, earning an unparalleled 4.8 out of five stars for its top-tier pressure relief and outstanding edge support. It also offers stellar temperature regulation, thanks to breathable coils which encourage steady airflow for older adults prone to overheating at night.
[I] never felt so comfortable in bed
Claire Davies on the Saatva Classic
Claire Davies, who has logged more than 1,500 hours of sleep on the Luxury Firm Classic, said she’d “never felt so comfortable in bed,” crediting the gentle contouring, memory foam lumbar crown and plush pillow top with delivering a seamless blend of deep comfort and reliable support.
In Saatva’s $400-off sale, you can snag a Classic mattress from just $999 — here’s why I think you should…
Firmness options for different sleep needs
The body becomes more sensitive to pressure build-up and joint stiffness with age, which is why firmness plays a major role in restorative sleep for seniors. The Saatva Classic comes in three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm (comparable to a medium on the mattress firmness scale) and Firm.
Almost every member of the Tom’s Guide sleep team has tested the Luxury Firm Classic and we found it supportive for every sleep position. However, for seniors with arthritis or hip pain, Plush Soft can provide extra cushioning, while Firm benefits those who need strong lumbar stability to keep the lower back in neutral alignment.
“This isn’t a mattress you sink deeply into,” Davies said of the Luxury Firm model. “Instead, you sleep on top of the Classic, with soft contouring to relieve pressure around your shoulders, hips and glutes (or knees, if you’re lying on your side).”
Pressure relief for aching joints
Pressure relief grows increasingly important with age, especially for seniors with arthritis, bursitis, or chronic hip and shoulder pain. The Saatva Classic excels here — it’s our favorite mattress for back pain — especially as the firmness options allow you to choose a mattress for your needs.
Davies gave the Classic a full five marks for pressure relief. “The morning after my first night sleeping on it, I commented to my husband that I hadn’t slept that well since I was a teenager.”
Edges strong enough to rely on
Seniors often rely on a solid edge to a mattress, as it provides a sturdy base to push against when getting out of bed or sitting on the side (like when tying shoes.) The Saatva Classic, with its sturdy foam edge casing and double-coil support system, delivers the strongest edge support we’ve ever tested.
Age-related changes to the bladder and kidneys can also lead to increased nocturia (the need to urinate frequently at night.) This in turn increases the need for sturdy edges, so you can make these trips safely and comfortably.
Ease of movement when changing sleep positions
Changing positions in the night can become more challenging with age and a mattress should help, not hinder, mobility. The Saatva Classic’s coil system creates natural bounce that assists repositioning, creating a highly responsive feel that Davies said never left her feeling “stuck.”
For those who toss and turn, the Classic will feel easy to navigate. It’s a solid choice for combination sleepers who change sleep positions frequently throughout the night and require a mattress that can respond quickly.
What I didn’t like about it…
Frankly, there’s little to dislike about the Saatva Classic. It delivers luxury craftsmanship at a fair price — especially with Black Friday savings — while providing support that works for side, back and stomach sleepers alike.
The only potential challenge is picking the right firmness if you and your partner have different comfort needs. While Saatva’s 365-night trial gives you time to test the bed at home, you might find no version of the Classic can truly meet your requirements.
That’s why we turned to the Saatva Solaire, to see if its adjustable firmness could solve this common dilemma.
How does the Saatva Solaire hold up in comparison?
The Saatva Solaire features fully adjustable firmness with 50 precise settings controlled by a remote. Even with a Saatva Black Friday sale the Solaire is an ultra-premium mattress; I’m in my second week of testing to see whether the high-tech features justify the premium price.
As expected, the high-tech Solaire comes with a slight learning curve
Unlike the Classic’s hybrid build of foam and coils, the Solaire consists of a vulcanized air chamber topped with foam layers. It also offers flippable comfort layers: one side features memory foam for gentle contouring of sensitive joints, while the other side has breathable natural latex for hot sleepers and those who prefer a more responsive surface to get in and out of bed often.
As expected, the high-tech Solaire comes with a slight learning curve, while the Classic arrives ready to use. It took a few nights for me to get comfortable with the remote. However, Saatva’s set-up team did walk me through the controls and with use, I expect to become even more familiar with them.
And for seniors dealing with fluctuating back or hip pain, the Solaire can be a game-changer. Flare-ups can lead to regularly changing comfort needs, something the Classic isn’t equipped to respond to. On the Solaire, you can fine-tune the firmness for whatever your body needs that night.
But even with its best-in-class construction, the Solaire does come with some drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look.
What I didn’t like about it…
The foam-heavy construction and airtight chambers of the Solaire don’t circulate air as efficiently as some other mattresses. My husband and I stayed comfortable, but those prone to night sweats may prefer the Classic’s stronger cooling performance (it aced our temperature regulation tests.)
The Solaire provides decent but not exceptional edge support. The air chambers naturally compress toward the edge and choosing a softer setting can further reduce stability. Seniors with mobility concerns are best sticking to a firmness level of 25 or higher, reducing the versatility of the Solaire.
Even as a self-proclaimed tech-savvy adult, I found the remote rather clunky and more of a hassle than a convenience. While the Solaire comes with white glove delivery, its air chambers and digital remote may not appeal to older adults who prefer a simpler, electronics-free design.
Pricing is also a major factor for those on fixed incomes. If you regularly use the adjustable features and need customizable pressure relief for changing health needs, the Solaire might be worth the investment, especially with Black Friday savings. But if you don’t anticipate changing firmness often, the Classic offers better value for the cost.
The luxury mattress seniors should buy during Saatva’s Black Friday sale
After testing the Saatva Solaire and reviewing Davies’ experience with the Saatva Classic, I can confidently say which I’d recommend to seniors looking for the best Saatva mattress in the mattress sales.
The Saatva Classic offers universal comfort for side, back and stomach sleepers
The Saatva Classic offers universal comfort for side, back and stomach sleepers, with excellent spinal support, pressure relief and cooling. It’s no wonder it’s the highest-scoring mattress we’ve ever tested, and my top choice for most seniors shopping for a new mattress.
For seniors who need strong edge support and a straightforward, supportive design, it’s hard to beat the Classic, especially considering its value compared to the pricier Solaire. That being said, the Solaire may be a better fit for certain sleepers if budget isn’t a concern:
Sleepers with fluctuating pain: The Solaire’s fully adjustable firmness with 50 precise settings allows you to fine-tune pressure relief during arthritis flare-ups or changing health needs. The Classic offers three firmness options, but you can’t adjust them after purchase.
Partners with different comfort preferences: If you love a medium-soft bed and your partner gets better rest on a firm mattress, the Solaire solves the problem with dual vulcanized air chambers on queen-sized beds and larger, letting each side be adjusted independently.
Longevity seekers: The Classic is built to last 10-15 years with normal use, while the Solaire’s high-end latex and air chamber construction can withstand up to 25 years. Though it comes with a higher upfront cost, the Solaire may be worth the investment if you want a mattress that stands the test of time.