Written by Amelia Jerden, Senior Staff Writer
If you’re in the market for an adjustable mattress, you’ve probably heard of industry titan Sleep Number. Sleep Number is known for its adjustable beds that you can tailor to your individual sleep needs. Saatva, another popular luxury mattress brand, decided to get in on the action when they created the Solaire, the brand’s first adjustable mattress.
Wondering how these different mattresses compare and which might be best for you? In this detailed comparison, I’ll tell you how these beds stack up in factors like feel, pressure relief, motion isolation, price, company policies, and customer service, based on our in-house testing.
Want to know it all but short on time? Feel free to skip down to my review summary and come back for the details later.
Note: In this review, I’ll be comparing the Solaire to the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed. Sleep Number also offers a range of other beds that I will detail later in this review.
Saatva Solaire vs Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed
Product
Firmness
Score
Saatva Solaire vs Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed
Product
Saatva Solaire Mattress
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Score
Product
Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Mattress
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Score
Saatva Solaire vs Sleep Number Mattress Overview
Here’s a brief overview of the strong points of the Saatva and Sleep Number, as well as which type of sleepers are best suited for them.
| Saatva Solaire is best for… | Sleep Number is best for… |
| Hot sleepers | Hot sleepers |
| Sleepers with hip pain | Back sleepers |
| Couples | Side sleepers |
Saatva Solaire vs Sleep Number: Top Similarities
- Construction: Both beds are adjustable and have a range of firmness settings. They both use air chambers that inflate to create a firmer feel, and deflate for a softer feel.
- Quality: Both mattresses are made from high-quality materials and have a luxurious overall feel.
- Motion Transfer: Both beds have low motion transfer, which means you’re unlikely to feel a partner or pet rolling around on the other side of the bed.
Saatva Solaire vs Sleep Number: Top Differences
- Price: The Sleep Number is significantly more expensive than the Saatva Solaire.
- Phone App: The Sleep Number is a smart bed, meaning you can download their SleepIQ® app and get tailored recommendations to improve your sleep.
- Firmness Settings: The Sleep Number has 20 firmness settings, while the Solaire has 50.
Saatva Solaire vs Sleep Number: Construction & Feel Differences
Now that you have an idea about the basics of each of these mattresses, let’s discuss their overall feels. To give you the best idea of feel, I’m going to discuss the mattresses’ firmness levels, motion transfer, edge support, and pressure relieving abilities.
Before we begin, I’d like to note that these factors are highly subjective and can vary significantly based on individual body size, shape, and weight.
What’s the Firmness Difference?
It’s important to understand that, when it comes to mattresses, firmness isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. Your size, weight, shape, and other factors all determine your ideal level of firmness. So your preferences might not be the same as mine. When testing a mattress for firmness, we try to capture the variance different people might feel. I test every bed with colleagues of various body shapes, types, and sizes, then average those responses to determine the final firmness score.
As I tested the Saatva Solaire mattress, I found its 50 firmness options to suit a wide range of preferences. On the lowest setting, I experienced a plush and soft feel, comparable to a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale. It was comfortable and supportive without being overly soft. At its highest setting, the Solaire felt much firmer, approximately a 7.5 out of 10.
This broad range allows sleepers to customize the mattress to their specific positions. For instance, side sleepers might prefer settings in the 20s, back sleepers in the 30s to 35, and stomach sleepers in the 40s to 50.
In comparison, the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed has 20 firmness settings that range from a 5 to an 8 on the firmness scale. While it also provides customizable comfort suitable for various sleeping positions, its range is more limited than the Solaire’s.
What Does Each Mattress Feel Like?
The Saatva Solaire is an airbed that gives sleepers a high degree of adjustability, so how it feels can vary significantly based on the firmness setting you choose. On softer settings, I found that the Solaire provides a plush, cradling sensation, ideal for side sleepers who need pressure relief on their shoulders and hips. As I increased the firmness, I felt the Solaire transition to a more supportive and firm feel that is more suitable for back and stomach sleepers.
The Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed also provides customizable firmness but a different feel. On softer settings, I felt the Sleep Number gently conform to my body and offer good pressure relief on my side. As you adjust to firmer settings, it delivers solid support and a slight bounce, making it a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
How Does The Construction Differ?
Saatva Solaire vs Sleep Number Per Body Type
Every mattress will feel different to sleepers depending on individual attributes and preferences, such as body weight and sleeping position. Up next, I’ll compare how the Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number mattresses perform for various sleepers.
Saatva Solaire Body Weight Scale
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130lbs) |
excellent | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-250lbs) |
excellent | excellent | excellent |
| Heavy (over 250lbs) |
unpleasant | unpleasant | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-150lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 250lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Back Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed Body Weight Scale
| Body Weight | Side | Back | Stomach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (under 130lbs) |
excellent | excellent | excellent |
| Average (130-250lbs) |
excellent | excellent | excellent |
| Heavy (over 250lbs) |
unpleasant | unpleasant | unpleasant |
| Body Weight: Light (under 130lbs) | |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Average (130-150lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | excellent |
| Back Sleeper | excellent |
| Stomach Sleeper | excellent |
| Body Weight: Heavy (over 250lbs) | |
| Side Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Back Sleeper | unpleasant |
| Stomach Sleeper | unpleasant |
Saatva Solaire vs Sleep Number Comparing Mattress Performance
Temperature
The Saatva Solaire features a thoughtful blend of materials to keep you cool at night. When testing this mattress, I thought its organic cotton cover felt breathable and comfortable without excessive heat retention.
When I used a thermal gun to measure the Saatva Solaire’s temperature changes, it only increased by 6 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating it has solid cooling capabilities.
The Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed also has extra cooling features. Its Smart 3D fabric cover actively absorbs and releases body heat, which felt noticeably cooler during my tests. The 6-inch comfort foam layer provided cushioning without making me feel too toasty, although I could still sense a slight heat buildup.
The air chambers in the Sleep Number also help with airflow. While both the Solaire and Sleep Number provide effective cooling, the Sleep Number’s cover material gives it a slight edge in temperature management, though overall, both mattresses kept me comfortably cool throughout the night.
Motion Isolation
The Saatva Solaire and the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed perform well overall when it comes to motion isolation.
While testing the Saatva Solaire, I saw minimal motion transfer. One of these tests involves dropping a 10-pound steel ball from various heights and measuring the disturbance it causes using a seismometer. After dropping the steel ball from three different heights, we found that it didn’t transfer much motion to the other side of the mattress.
In other words, you likely won’t feel your restless partner’s movements on the Saatva Solaire mattress.
Similar to the Solaire, the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed minimizes the impact of movements on the other side of the bed, and during our tests, we saw minimal motion transfer on different firmness settings. However, the Saatva Solaire performed slightly better, thanks to its air chamber design that absorbs and dampens motion.
Edge Support
When comparing the edge support between the Saatva Solaire and the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed, I found a clear winner. The Solaire impressed me with its strong edge support, thanks to its high-density poly foam layer surrounding the air chambers. This design provided a sturdy and supportive edge, which meant I could sit or lie near the edge without feeling like I might roll off.
The Sleep Number 360 i8, while offering decent edge support, didn’t quite match the Solaire’s performance. Although I felt secure sleeping close to the edge, the support wasn’t as robust as the Solaire’s, making it a bit less reassuring when sitting or lying on the edge of the bed. Overall, if strong edge support is a priority for you, the Solaire has a clear advantage here.
Pressure Relief
Both the Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed excel in providing pressure relief, but they do so in slightly different ways. Testing the Saatva Solaire, I was impressed by its ability to relieve pressure across various settings. Regardless of whether I adjusted the firmness to a softer or firmer level, the mattress distributed pressure evenly.
The pressure map test confirmed this, with minimal high-pressure areas across my back, shoulders, and hips. I felt well-cushioned and supported, especially in softer settings, which is ideal for side sleepers who need extra contouring.
The Sleep Number 360 i8 also offered great pressure relief thanks to its adjustable firmness settings. I could tailor the mattress to my preferred level of softness or firmness, which helped alleviate pressure points effectively. Whether I opted for a softer setting to relieve shoulder and hip pressure or a firmer one for lumbar support, the Sleep Number adapted well.
While both mattresses offer excellent pressure relief, the Solaire’s wide range of firmness settings and ability to provide a more customizable experience overall give it the edge here.
Pain Relief
The results of the pressure relief test can indicate whether these mattresses aid in reducing pain in specific areas. The Saatva’s adjustable firmness levels make it versatile for managing back, shoulder, and hip pain, with options to fine-tune support based on individual needs. On the other hand, the Sleep Number also offers good pain relief through its customizable firmness settings, though it may not provide the same level of flexibility as the Saatva.
Durability
When comparing the durability of the Saatva Solaire and the Sleep Number 360 i8, it’s a close call. Both beds benefit from their robust air chamber systems that help maintain their shape and support over time. However, I think the Saatva Solaire’s impressive edge support and high-density polyfoam give it a slight advantage over the Sleep Number 360 i8.
Company Policies
Saatva Policies
- Trial Period – 365-night trial
- Shipping – Free shipping and white glove delivery
- Mattress Warranty – Lifetime warranty
Sleep Number Policies
- Trial Period – 100-night trial
- Shipping – Free shipping when you order a mattress and base
- Mattress Warranty – 15-year warranty
Saatva Customer Service Rating
- Good: I gave Saatva this rating because I had to wait 25 minutes to be paired with a live agent using their website’s live chat function. Although my question was answered, they took longer than I would have liked. I also considered the bed’s warranty and trial period in my rating. Saatva’s 365-night trial and lifetime warranty (as high as you’ll find in the sleep industry) help them out quite a bit here.
Sleep Number Customer Service Rating
- Good: I gave Sleep Number’s customer service a Good rating because I used their chat function multiple times and each time I was answered within moments with a detailed response to my question. I also enjoyed how the customer service agents each told me their preferred Sleep Number setting.
Comparing Saatva Solaire vs Sleep Number Price
When deciding between the Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number 360 i8, your decision may come down to price. Let’s take a peek at how much these beds cost in our pricing chart. Keep in mind that you can always visit our Saatva mattress coupon page for a nice discount.
Prices listed will be before discount or offer for each size.
| Size | Sleep Number 360 i8 | Saatva Solaire |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | N/A | $2,147 |
| Twin XL | $3,149 | $2,895 |
| Full | $3,424 | $3,045 |
| Queen | $3,599 | $3,595 |
| King | $4,299 | $3,595 |
| Cal King | $4,299 | $4,294 |
Other Saatva and Sleep Number Mattress Comparisons
Wondering how other Saatva and Sleep Number mattresses stack up to some of their competitors from other online mattress companies? Take a look at some of our other comparisons below.
Saatva
- Saatva vs Purple
- Saatva vs DreamCloud
- Saatva vs Helix
- Saatva vs Aireloom
- Saatva vs Sleep Number
- Saatva vs Allswell
- Saatva vs Loom & Leaf
- Saatva vs Amerisleep
- Saatva vs. WinkBeds
- Saatva vs Casper
- Saatva vs. Simmons Beautyrest Black
- Saatva vs Tempur-Pedic
- Saatva vs Loom & Leaf vs Zenhaven
Sleep Number
Comparing Other Mattress Models
Saatva Solaire vs Sleep Number Frequently Asked Questions
How do the Saatva and Sleep Number mattresses ship?
Saatva offers free shipping and a white glove delivery service, where they will deliver and move your new mattress for free. Sleep Number offers free delivery with the purchase of a mattress and base.
What are the return policies for the Saatva and Sleep Number mattresses?
Saatva offers a 365-night trial for their beds and Sleep Number offers a 100-night trial. If you decide you don’t like your mattress within this period, you can return it for a full refund.
Does the Saatva Solaire have more firmness settings than the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed?
Yes. The Saatva Solaire provides more flexibility with 50 firmness levels compared to the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed’s 20 settings.
Are the Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number 360 i8 mattresses good for hot sleepers?
Yes, both the Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number 360 i8 mattresses are good for hot sleepers. The Solaire features gel-infused memory foam and Talalay latex for enhanced cooling, while the Sleep Number 360 i8 uses a Smart 3D fabric to regulate temperature. However, extra hot sleepers might prefer one of our best cooling mattresses.
Our Final Take
Before we wrap up this comparison, I’d like to highlight what I like most about the Saatva Solaire and point out some of my complaints.
As we finish this comparison, I’ll leave you with what I like most about the Sleep Number and some of its drawbacks.
Our Review Process
Our Sleepopolis reviewers personally test each mattress. We start by unboxing the mattress to figure out how difficult (or easy) it is to get the mattress from the box to the bed. Then, we spend time laying on the bed in different positions, taking time to assess it on our backs, stomachs, and sides. Next, we perform our Sleepopolis tests, using specialized tools to measure qualities like motion transfer, bounce, and pressure relief. Our last step is to open up the mattress and take a look at each layer. These steps allow us to give our final verdict on the mattress. Jump back to our mattress picks.