Saatva Solaire Mattress review: Tested by a Sleep Science Coach
The Saatva Solaire is the brand’s most premium mattress and a standout choice in the adjustable firmness air mattress category. With 50 remote-controlled firmness settings, a flippable latex and memory foam design, and dual air chambers on queen sizes and up, the Solaire, which is down to $3,099 (from $3,499) at Saatva, offers one of the highest levels of customization on the market.
Saatva, of course, is the luxury American sleep brand behind the number one rated option in our best mattress of the year guide, the Saatva Classic (read our Saatva Classic mattress review to learn why we love it).
My full Saatva Solaire mattress review is below, but if you’re short on time, you’ll find the highlights from my three weeks with this adjustable firmness air bed below. And for the latest Saatva offers, see our guide to the Saatva Presidents’ Day sale live.
The Saatva Solaire is like having 50 mattresses in one
- Remote-controlled adjustable firmness
- Dual air chambers on queen sizes and up
- Motion isolation and edge support vary by firmness setting
After three weeks of testing, I found the Solaire most suited to couples with similar or slightly different firmness preferences, since big gaps between settings can create a noticeable “dip” towards the softer side.
Yet when used within a comfortable range, the Solaire delivers excellent pressure relief for all sleeping positions, reliable support and impressively strong motion isolation on softer settings.
Spec
Best for: couples, people with back pain, and hot sleepers
Type: Adjustable air
Firmness: 50 precise firmness settings
Materials: Organic cotton, natural latex, memory foam, and vulcanized air chambers
Depth: 13 inches
Weight: 85-135 lbs
Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, and split king
Build quality is another major plus. The mattress feels durable and carefully constructed, and its projected 25-year lifespan helps justify the higher price tag.
Saatva’s white glove delivery, 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty also add excellent value and a premium experience from start to finish.
However, softer settings reduce edge support and firmer settings allow more noticeable motion transfer, so keep these potential pitfalls in mind. I also found the remote somewhat clunky and tough to use, as it’s hard to land on a precise firmness setting without trial and error.
Overall, the Saatva Solaire is a smart investment for shoppers who want highly adjustable comfort or couples who don’t want to compromise on firmness.
Next, we’ll take a closer look at key performance areas like support, motion isolation and cooling. As you compare beds, don’t forget to check out Tom’s Guide best mattress buying guide for our top picks.
How much does the Saatva Solaire cost?
- The brand’s most premium mattress
- $900 less expensive than key competitor
- Comes with free white glove delivery to increase value for money
The Saatva Solaire sits in the upper reaches of the luxury mattress tier. Most new queen mattresses, even high-quality hybrids or memory foam beds, tend to sell between $700-$1,500, with mid-range hybrids often topping out around $1,800.
To put that into perspective, the Solaire has a list price of $4,599 for a queen, putting it well above typical beds in this size range.
Still, the high price tag is for a good reason. It reflects its premium materials, adjustable dual-air chambers, 50 firmness settings and white glove delivery, as well as an impressive projected lifespan of 25 years (more than double the average bed).
This isn’t a budget bed, but rather it’s designed for buyers willing to invest in long-term comfort.
The best Saatva mattress sale will save you $500 off every size of the Saatva Solaire, but we only see this high discount few times a year – usually before a major holiday.
- Twin XL: MSRP $3,299 (usually sold at $2,924)
- Full: MSRP $4,199 (usually sold at $3,774)
- Queen: MSRP $4,599 (usually sold at $4,074)
- King: MSRP $5,399 (usually sold at $4,874)
- Cal king: MSRP $5,399 (usually sold at $4,874)
- Split king: MSRP $6,598 (usually sold at $6,073)
The Solaire is most comparable to the Sleep Number i10, which also offers adjustable firmness on each side.
While the i10 includes features like a SleepIQ score for personalized sleep insights, it costs $900 more for a queen, making the Solaire the better value if you track sleep through other means, or if you’re simply not interested in sleep tracking.
The iSense Hybrid Premier is another alternative that’s $400 cheaper than the Solaire, but it comes with a shorter 180-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty, which is far less generous than the Solaire’s industry-leading 365-night sleep trial and lifetime coverage.
What is it made of?
The Saatva Solaire has six layers. At the base are dual air chambers on queen sizes and up that allow independent customization on each side. Above the air chambers sits a layer of contouring memory foam for pressure relief.
On the opposite side, a flippable layer of natural latex offers responsive cushioning and a cooler sleep surface. The mattress is finished with a soft organic cotton cover that wicks away moisture to regulate body temperature.
There’s also a moisture barrier to keep your mattress fresh and a power edge enclosure that holds all of the different layers in place.
What is the Saatva Solaire like to sleep on?
- 50 precise firmness settings allow for a personalized feel
- Dual air chambers help couples avoid compromise
- Flippable comfort layer offers a responsive or contouring surface
As a diehard memory foam fan, I was surprised to find myself gravitating towards the responsive feel of the Solaire’s natural latex side.
My husband, who normally prefers a very firm bed (unlike my plush preference), found that softer settings in the 4-18 range were actually more comfortable for both side and back sleeping.
This was a pleasant surprise, as we usually disagree on firmness and tend to compromise on a medium mattress.
The Saatva Solaire’s dual air chambers make it easy to personalize each side, but when one side is set much softer than the other (like 6 vs. 37), it can create a noticeable “hill and valley” effect.
The mattress slopes toward the softer side, which can feel awkward if either of you rolls toward the center. That said, with moderate firmness differences, the bed provides excellent support and keeps our spines aligned without bottoming out.
Living with chronic back pain, I appreciated being able to tweak firmness on a day-to-day basis. After a long day or carrying my toddler around, I could boost firmness for extra support.
The main drawback is the remote. It continues inflating or deflating until you press any button to stop it, making it tough to hit an exact setting.
Yet once you find your ideal level, you can store both sides in a memory setting so you don’t have to fiddle around with the remote.
Overall, the Solaire is a solid choice for sleepers seeking adjustable comfort or couples with similar or slightly different firmness preferences.
How did it perform during testing?
- Sleeps cool overall, especially on the latex side
- Minimal motion transfer on softer settings
- Firmer settings provide stronger edge support
We tested a queen-sized Saatva Solaire for three weeks to evaluate pressure relief, motion isolation, edge support, cooling and setup. The mattress excelled in pressure relief and motion isolation, especially on softer settings, while edge support improved at firmer levels.
Cooling was effective, particularly on the latex side, and setup was effortless thanks to white glove delivery.
Durability is tough to assess in just three weeks, but the high-quality materials, dual air chambers and flippable layers suggest the Solaire can easily live up to its projected 25-year lifespan, delivering the reliable performance we’d expect from a mattress of this caliber.
Setup
I was thoroughly impressed with Saatva’s white glove delivery service, which handled everything from carrying the mattress inside to unboxing and setup.
They even accommodated my daughter’s nap schedule by putting us first on their route. The mattress came with minimal packaging that was quickly removed. Within 30 minutes, it was fully inflated and ready to use.
While two people could technically set up the Solaire without delivery, the service is a great perk because they also walk you through the remote controls and flipping the comfort layer.
The Solaire can sit directly on a standard or adjustable base, making setup seamless and stress-free.
Score: 5 out of 5
Off-gassing
I was pleasantly surprised by the Solaire’s lack of off-gassing, especially since foam mattresses are notorious for initially emitting a noticeable odor.
This was a welcome bonus for my husband and I, since we’re both sensitive to smells and prone to allergies. Unlike other mattresses I’ve tried, we could immediately enjoy a night’s sleep without any lingering smells.
The Solaire uses CertiPUR-US-certified foams, which guarantee it’s free from harmful chemicals like flame retardants, heavy metals and formaldehyde.
This makes it a much safer choice for those with respiratory or health issues.
Score: 5 out of 5
Pressure relief
The Saatva Solaire is trickier to assess for pressure relief due to its adjustable firmness. For testing, I set the mattress to 18, a medium-soft to true medium level that worked well for me and my husband.
To simulate a sleeper’s body weight, I placed a 50lb kettlebell in the center of our queen-sized bed and measured about two inches of sinkage.
This offers noticeable cushioning without bottoming out, though firmer settings reduce sinkage considerably if you’re seeking even greater pressure relief.
Even on softer settings, the mattress kept our spines aligned with no hip, shoulder or knee pain. The flippable layers allow for classic pressure relief on the memory foam side and responsive support that adapts to movement on the latex side.
Flipping the layer is easily a two-person job, so I recommended sticking to one or the other. As combination sleepers, my husband and I felt equally supported on our side, back and stomach.
Compared with other beds I’ve tested, the Solaire delivers excellent pressure relief, outperforming the Glacier Apex Hybrid I tested previously.
It’s an ideal choice for sleepers seeking adaptive support and comfort, and the dual air chambers also let couples customize each side to their liking.
Score: 4.5 out of 5
Motion transfer
To evaluate motion transfer, I used a 10lb kettlebell and an empty wine glass to simulate how movement on one side of the mattress affects a partner sleeping nearby.
Keeping the mattress at an 18, I dropped the weight four inches from the glass and it nearly toppled over.
At 10 inches, the wine glass wobbled slightly, akin to someone getting out of bed. At 25 inches, there was no noticeable movement, suggesting motion transfer from across the bed is unlikely to disturb a partner at these settings.
The Solaire’s dual air chambers also boost motion isolation for couples by allowing each side to remain largely unaffected by the other’s movements.
Softer settings absorb motion best, while firmer settings transfer more noticeable movement.
Compared with other mattresses I’ve tested, the Solaire performs well in this category, especially for combination sleepers or light sleepers who want minimal disruption from a restless partner.
Score: 4 out of 5
Temperature regulation
The Solaire didn’t strike me as especially cooling during the first week, but after three full weeks of testing, I can confidently say it stays comfortably cool overnight, especially on the more breathable natural latex side.
Its flippable design, breezy cotton cover and dual air chambers all support airflow and help disperse heat.
We slept under cotton sheets and a standard down duvet in a 68°F bedroom, and neither of us overheated (a major win for me as a hot sleeper).
While it lacks active cooling technology, it maintained a neutral temperature and outperformed most memory foam beds I’ve tested, though the Glacier Apex Hybrid still runs cooler.
Score: 4 out of 5
Edge support
Edge support is an essential part of any mattress. It helps you get in and out of bed comfortably, provides a stable surface for sitting while dressing, expands usable sleep surface and helps prevent premature sagging.
With the Solaire, edge support varies significantly depending on your chosen firmness level. At our testing level of 18, I measured about three inches of sinkage along the edges using a 50-lb kettlebell.
The compression is definitely noticeable and makes the edges feel softer than the center.
I was able to sit and sleep near the edge without slipping off, but I’d recommend choosing a firmer setting if you need extra stability for mobility reasons, or prefer a sturdier perimeter.
Compared with other mattresses I’ve tested, the Solaire’s edge support is average at best. It’s solid when firmer, but considerably weaker at softer settings.
Score: 3.5 out of 5
Durability
I’m actually very impressed with the Solaire’s durability. My toddler has jumped on it and two mischievous kittens have attempted to claw it, yet the mattress still looks and feels brand new.
There’s been no sagging, shifting of comfort layers or loosening at the edges. The air chambers have also stayed perfectly stable without losing air overnight, which was one of my biggest concerns going into testing.
I’m curious how they’ll hold up over the years, but the materials feel premium throughout the entire bed.
Given the build quality, brand reputation and adjustable design, I expect the Solaire to hold up very well over time, especially at this price point.
Score: 5 out of 5
What do customers think of the Saatva Solaire?
The Saatva Solaire has a 4.7-star average from 155 reviews on Saatva’s website, and most feedback centers on how much users appreciate its high level of adjustability.
Users highlight the dual air chambers and 50 firmness settings as major perks, especially for couples with different sleep styles or people with back pain.
A common frustration among reviewers is shipping delays, which I understand as my delivery arrived two weeks late.
Still, owners consistently praise Saatva’s excellent customer service, noting that any issues are handled quickly and professionally.
The complimentary white glove delivery is also cited as a standout perk. While the majority of reviewers call the Solaire the comfiest mattress they’ve ever owned, a few mention weaker edge support and ongoing difficulty with the remote, both of which matched my own findings during testing.
Should you buy the Saatva Solaire mattress?
The Saatva Solaire is a solid choice for sleepers seeking highly adjustable comfort.
After three weeks of testing, it stood out for its pressure relief, motion control on softer settings and excellent customization, especially for couples with similar or moderately different firmness preferences.
With dual air chambers, 50 firmness levels and a flippable latex/memory foam layer, it’s easy to fine-tune the feel. I was also impressed by the durability, 365-night trial and lifetime warranty, which help justify the premium price.
Still, the Solaire isn’t perfect for everyone. Couples with very different firmness needs may feel a dip between sides and edge support is noticeably weaker on softer settings.
The remote controls also have a learning curve, though saving your preferred setting fixes most of that. Plus, if you’re working with a budget, this isn’t a cost-effective option.
I recommended the Solaire for couples with mild firmness disagreements, hot sleepers who enjoy neutral cooling and anyone managing back pain who wants adaptable support.
If you prefer a traditional hybrid feel or rely on strong edge support, a different model may suit you better.
We tested the Saatva Solaire according to our mattress methodology 1.0. For our latest approach to testing, see our newly released 2.0 mattress methodology.
Alternatives to consider
1. Sleep Number i10 Smart Bed
The Sleep Number i10 is the Solaire’s closest competitor, offering independent adjustability and insightful SleepIQ sleep tracking. It’s much pricier at about $900 more for a queen, but it’s a great choice if you want precise biometric insights to help you improve your sleep health.
2. iSense Hybrid Premier Mattress
The iSense Hybrid Premier offers adjustable firmness similar to the Solaire, but comes in several hundred dollars cheaper. It also provides strong pressure relief and a crowd-pleasing hybrid feel, though its 180-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty are less generous than Saatva’s.
If you don’t need adjustable firmness and prefer a classic memory foam hug, the Tempur-Adapt is an excellent alternative. It has strong motion isolation and better edge support than the Solaire, especially for side sleepers or people with joint pain, and adapts to your unique body shape. Learn more in our Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress review.
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