Saatva vs Birch
Saatva and Birch are two quality brands for a new mattress purchase. Both companies provide durable, comfortable mattresses using different designs and materials. This mattress comparison will break down the major differences between Saatva vs Birch, assisting you in selecting the best model for your sleep needs and preferences.
Materials and Construction
The materials and construction of a mattress significantly impact its performance and feel. Saatva and Birch take very different approaches with their mattress designs.
Saatva uses various layers of coils, memory foam, and pillow tops to achieve a classic innerspring mattress feel. Their flagship mattress consists of a support base of Bonnell coils topped with pocketed micro coils for enhanced contouring. On top of this is a thin layer of memory foam followed by a plush euro pillow top crafted from organic cotton. Customers can choose between three firmness and comfort options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm.
Birch takes a more natural, eco-friendly path in their mattress materials and construction. Rather than metal coils and memory foam, Birch utilizes many natural Talalay latex rubber layers as the comfort and support core. This latex is OEKO-TEX certified to ensure it’s free of harmful chemicals. Surrounding the latex center is an encasement of GOTS-certified organic cotton and New Zealand wool. The latex layers provide contouring and pressure relief while the breathable, moisture-wicking encasement regulates temperature. Birch is available in a Medium Firm model.
So while Saatva relies on more traditional mattress components like coils and memory foam, Birch sets itself apart by using premium natural and organic materials for customers who value sustainability.
Firmness and Feel
Saatva and Birch differ significantly in terms of the options for firmness and the feel of their mattresses.
The Saatva mattress comes in three firmness and comfort options that customers can choose from at no extra charge. This includes the ultra-plush Plush Soft, the versatile and most popular Luxury Firm, and the very firm Firm model. Three firmness choices make it easier to customize the mattress to your firmness preferences.
The Birch mattress has just one firmness and comfort option, which they classify as Medium Firm. On their firmness scale, it scores around a 6.5 out of 10. This medium-firm feel works well for side, back, and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds. Heavier individuals or those who need more contouring may wish to pair it with a mattress topper. Birch will also let you swap firmness levels one time if you decide the feel isn’t right, but additional swaps come with fees.
Regarding mattress feel and performance, customers describe Saatva and Birch as very responsive beds that facilitate easy moving and repositioning. The Saatva coil layers and Birch latex layers create a buoyant, floating sensation. However, many latex shoppers describe the Birch as having better pressure relief and contouring than classic innerspring beds like Saatva. But Saatva allows you to choose your firmness upfront, whereas you can only customize Birch feel with a topper. This flexibility gives Saatva the edge for shoppers who know exactly what they want.
Motion Isolation
For couples, evaluating a mattress’s motion isolation is key to restful shared sleeping sessions. You don’t want to feel every single time your partner moves or gets out of bed. Here’s how Saatva and Birch compare to prevent motion transfer.
As an innerspring mattress with substantial coil layers, the Saatva doesn’t excel at isolating movement. Sleepers report feeling vibrations travel across the mattress surface anytime someone moves or changes positions. This could pose challenges if you or your partner are very sensitive to nighttime disruptions or toss and turn a lot.
The Birch mattress, on the other hand, earns high marks in the motion isolation category thanks to its all-latex construction. The dense latex layers absorb movement and prevent vibrations instead of transferring them. Customers praise this mattress for facilitating undisturbed sleep even with active partners. The mattress performs best in this area with two average-weight sleepers. Hefty partners may still notice some motion transfers.
For couples, Birch is the superior choice if you prioritize uninterrupted rest. Latex wins over coils when it comes motion isolation.
Pressure Relief and Support
To keep the spine properly aligned and prevent pain in pressure points, a mattress needs to offer robust pressure relief while still supporting the body’s natural contours. Here’s an analysis of how Saatva and Birch stack up in these important performance areas.
The Saatva mattress provides excellent support through its coil-on-coil design featuring two layers of steel innerspring coils. This system cradles the body just enough while preventing sagging and maintaining spinal alignment. When it comes to pressure relief, customer experiences are mixed. Some report adequate contouring and pain alleviation from the slight memory foam layer. But others find the euro pillow top insufficient for cushioning sharper pressure points. Changing firmness levels may help. Back and stomach sleepers usually get the best balance of support and pressure relief.
The Birch mattress receives high marks for both robust support and enhanced pressure relief. The plush Talalay latex comfort layers cradle delicate areas like the shoulders and hips without allowing excessive sinking. Meanwhile, the firmer base latex layers promote even spinal alignment across most sleeping positions and body types. Because latex contours differently than memory foam, it may feel more supportive and responsive for those who don’t enjoy a “stuck in the mud” feeling. Customers praise this mattress for providing comfy cushioning without compromising posture.
If your top priority is pressure relief, Birch is the best choice, thanks to the contouring properties of latex. But both models should support average weight back and stomach sleepers well. Side sleepers almost always benefit from plusher comfort layers for padding the shoulder and hip, so they may favor Birch or a softer Saatva.
Cooling and Temperature Regulation
Temperature regulation is crucial for mattress comfort, especially for people who sleep hot or live in warm climates. Excessive heat retention can undermine sleep quality and lead to night sweats and discomfort. Below, we detail how Saatva and Birch compare for hot sleepers.
The Saatva gets mixed reviews when it comes to sleeping cool. The classic innerspring design allows for decent airflow so the mattress doesn’t retain too much warmth itself. However, the layer of memory foam does absorb some heat. Hot sleepers who select the Plush Soft comfort option seem most likely to overheat since softer foams trap more heat. Choosing a firmer model can help. Overall, the Saatva suits warmer climates and hot sleepers relatively well but not quite as effectively as some coil hybrid models.
Birch, on the other hand, earns glowing feedback for its cooling capabilities and temperature regulation. The wool and cotton encasement wicks away moisture, while the latex layers facilitate generous airflow rather than trapping heat. Hot sleepers comment on the noticeable cooling sensation and lack of night sweats. And they love that materials like wool and cotton help regulate temperature year-round by insulating from cold and releasing heat. For this reason, Birch is a standout choice for hot sleepers thanks to its moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating materials.
Edge Support
A mattress’s edge support determines how sturdy and supportive the perimeter of the bed feels. For couples sharing a smaller mattress or individuals who sit on the edge while putting on shoes, adequate edge support is key.
The Saatva mattress delivers sturdy, long-lasting edge support as an innerspring model. The two sets of steel coils prevent sagging along the perimeter compared to all-foam beds. Saatva has even reinforced the edges with firm foam encasement. Sleepers report very minimal sinking when sleeping near the edges. And the mattress makes getting in and out of bed easier thanks to the reinforced edges. Compared to other innerspring mattresses in its price range, Saatva earns excellent marks for edge support performance.
With its all-latex construction, the Birch mattress doesn’t quite match the stellar edge support you see in the Saatva model. Although natural latex is a very durable and resilient foam alternative, most foam mattresses still show more compression along the perimeter without the help of coils. Birch reviewers note some slight sinking when sitting or sleeping along the edge. But many still find the edge support adequate for their needs, especially if they utilize the whole sleeping surface. For couples or those wanting to maximize space, Saatva would still be the superior option.
Durability and Longevity
Mattress durability plays a big role in determining overall value and whether the model will provide comfortable sleep for many years. Here we break down what to expect in terms of lifespan, owner experiences over time, warranty coverage, and more.
Saatva is designed to provide lasting comfort and retain its shape and performance for at least a decade. The robust coil system delivers excellent structure and durability with its interconnected hourglass shapes. Saatva backs their mattress with a 15-year non-prorated warranty, reflecting confidence in how long it should last. Owners report their Saatva still feels incredibly supportive and comfortable after five years or more. The brand even offers Fairness Replacement options at year six to twelve for only transportation fees. Given quality materials and stellar owner experiences, expect your Saatva to last 12-15 years or possibly longer.
Birch mattresses also earn high marks regarding durability and longevity thanks to the remarkable resilience of natural latex rubber foam. High-density latex resists sagging, cracks, and impressions very well. It should retain its shape for at least 8-10 years and usually longer. Birch provides a 25-year warranty with some proration after year 11. Overall, customers note few issues with durability, even through years of use. And Birch’s warranty also includes allowances for comfort exchanges if softening exceeds 1”. Given construction and experience, expect your Birch mattress to serve you well for 10-12 years.
Both Saatva and Birch produce high-quality, durable mattresses with stellar lifespans. You can’t go wrong with either brand if you want a lasting bed. Saatva may have a slight edge but both should withstand years of regular use.
Trial Period and Returns
Saatva and Birch stand behind their mattresses with generous sleep trials so customers can make sure they choose the optimal model. Here we detail policies for in-home trials, returns, and any fees.
Saatva gives customers 180 nights to test out their new mattress at home. If you decide the Saatva mattress isn’t the right fit during this period, you can return it hassle-free. Saatva even coordinates delivery team pick-up and helps facilitate donations or recycling of the mattress. There are no restocking or return shipping fees. Their 180-night trial and free returns make it easy to take your time deciding.
Birch also provides exceptional convenience for shoppers with their 365 night sleep trial. This gives you a full year to evaluate your Birch mattress at home. If you decide to return your mattress during that year, Birch also offers free mattress removal and coordinates donations when possible. There are no fees or penalties for returns within the first 100 nights. Between 100-365 nights, returns come with a $99 transportation fee to deliver your mattress to charity.
As you can see, both Saatva and Birch make shopping for a mattress online risk-free with generous trial windows and hassle-free returns. Birch wins out when it comes to trial length but Saatva comes out ahead for completely free returns up to 180 nights.
Pricing and Value
| Mattress | Size | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva Classic | Twin | 38″ x 75″ | $931 |
| Birch | Twin | 39″ x 75″ | $1,399 |
| Saatva Classic | Queen | 60″ x 80″ | $1,696 |
| Birch | Queen | 60″ x 80″ | $1,799 |
| Saatva Classic | California King | 72″ x 84″ | $2,195 |
| Birch | California King | 72″ x 84″ | $2,099 |
When evaluating mattresses, it’s always important to weigh pricing and construction to determine the best deals. Let’s see how Saatva and Birch mattresses compare regarding cost.
Saatva Classic pricing starts at just $950 in the Twin size and ranges up to $2,095 for a Split California King. With an MSRP starting under $1,000, Saatva earns praise from shoppers for delivering hotel-level luxury materials like organic cotton and dual coil layers without the excessive costs seen in retail stores. Their three firmness options come with no upcharge, either. Given the quality components like dual steel coils, antimicrobial organic cotton cover, and super soft euro pillow tops, Saatva offers tremendous value at every standard size.
Birch mattress pricing is slightly higher, ranging from $1,399 for a Twin to $2,799 for a King or California King. $400 to $700 more than some competing latex models. But Birch utilizes ultra-premium materials like organic cotton, natural wool, and Talalay latex from sustainable sources. And they frequently offer $200 off all sizes. When factoring in the eco-friendly, natural construction with 25-year warranty, Birch still brings solid value to the latex category albeit at a slightly higher price tag.
Saatva comes out ahead for value and quality components at lower price points across all standard sizes for shoppers on a stricter budget. But Birch still delivers lasting comfort and materials designed to help regulate temperature and facilitate recovery. So while Birch costs more upfront, it may provide superior sleep for certain individuals.
Summary and Recommendations
After this comprehensive review, let’s recap some key differences between Saatva and Birch to help you select the right model.
The biggest differences come down to materials and price. Saatva leverages classic components like memory foam and dual steel coil layers to achieve contouring and support, while Birch utilizes natural and organic materials like Talalay latex, wool, and cotton for an eco-friendly feel. Saatva gives you more firmness options to choose from whereas Birch has just one level of firmness. But Birch performs better for cooling, pressure relief, and motion isolation thanks to latex properties. Finally, Saatva costs significantly less than Birch at every standard size.
Here are some quick recommendations based on your priorities:
- Best on a budget: Saatva
- Most firmness choices: Saatva
- Best pressure relief: Birch
- Best cooling and breathability: Birch
- Best for eco-friendly materials: Birch
- Best motion isolation: Birch
- Best edge support: Saatva
No matter which you choose, Saatva and Birch deliver exceptional comfort, support, and quality backed by over 15+ years of mattress industry experience. Reliable customer service teams ensure your complete satisfaction. Just pick which unique strengths matter most as you upgrade your sleep experience.
