The Saatva Youth’s coil support core allows a good amount of airflow, helping the mattress stay more temperature neutral. A breathable cotton cover also helps keep sleepers cooler by letting air circulate through the mattress. The polyfoam comfort layers don’t hug the body as closely as memory foam, so more body heat can escape.
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Saatva Youth Mattress Review – Test Lab Ratings
Senior Product Editor
Methodology
Up-to-Date
Overall Rating
8.3
Buy more, save more. Up to $500 off.
Price Range: $749 – $999
Mattress Type: Innerspring
Firmness Options: Medium (5), Firm (7)
At A Glance
The Saatva Youth is split into two parts, with one side offering a firmer feel for kids aged 3 to 7 and the other side adding more cushioning for kids aged 8 through 12. Standing at 10 inches, the mattress is made from primarily natural materials with low off-gassing potential and a long expected lifespan.
Ratings Summary
Motion Isolation
5.5/10
Edge Support
7.5/10
Temperature Control
8/10
Ease of Movement
7.5/10
Off Gassing
8.5/10
Pressure Relief
7/10
Pros
-
Flippable design offers two firmness options
-
Water-resistant surface
-
Organic cotton cover
Cons
-
Firm side might not provide enough pressure relief for side sleepers
-
Might be too pricey for some budget shoppers
Table of Contents
Sleep is essential to a growing body, and a quality mattress can make a big difference in a child’s sleep. Kids have different support and comfort needs, but not all companies develop beds specifically for young sleepers. However, Saatva produces the Youth Mattress and the Crib Mattress to accommodate these developmental stages.
Established in 2010, Saatva has a reputation for luxury direct-to-consumer mattresses. The company offers a range of models, including the flagship innerspring Saatva Classic, the latex Zenhaven, and the all-foam Loom & Leaf.
We will focus on the Saatva Youth, a flippable innerspring mattress intended for children ages 3 through 12. With a waterproof barrier on each side and two firmness levels, the model is designed to meet the needs of growing kids. We’ll discuss the features that distinguish the Saatva Youth from the typical adult mattress and highlight the materials, sizes, performance, and company policies to help you decide if this model is right for your child.
The Saatva Youth is a dual-sided model with two firmness levels. One side is intended for children 3 to 7 and has a medium (5) feel. The reverse surface is firm (7) and is designed for kids between 8 and 12.
- Use the Years 3-7 Side if… your child falls into this age bracket and is around the average weight for their age. This medium (5) surface has a slightly plusher feel that contours to smaller bodies while encouraging good spinal alignment. This side may also be appropriate for older children who are small for their age.
- Use the Years 8-12 Side if… your child is in this age range and needs a firmer surface for support. The firm (7) surface of this side might also be a good choice for younger kids who are big for their age.
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Sleeping Style and Body Weight
Side Sleepers
Most side sleepers under 230 pounds experience a balance of contouring and support when using the medium side of the Youth Mattress. The polyfoam comfort layer’s zoning gently cradles the hips and shoulders without letting them sag. However, the softer surface might compress too much for sleepers over 230 pounds, potentially causing poor spinal alignment.
Our testers noted that the firm side does not perform as well for most side sleepers. Its surface doesn’t conform to the body as much as the medium side, so uncomfortable pressure points might develop around a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders. That said, side sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds tend to prefer the firm side because of its added support.
Back Sleepers
The Saatva Youth Mattress’ medium side can accommodate most back sleepers under 230 pounds. Its zoned comfort layer provides extra support for the lumbar region, which can help promote good alignment. However, the hips of children over 230 pounds may sink in too deeply, potentially bending the lower back into an unnatural curve.
Back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also frequently sleep comfortably on the firm side. The convoluted polyfoam provides a more level surface, which many back sleepers enjoy. However, the firm surface might not have enough give for children under 130 pounds, and it might not be supportive enough for those over 230 pounds. Either scenario could jeopardize comfort and spinal alignment.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers usually need a firmer sleep surface to prevent their midsections from sinking too deeply and straining their spines. Both sides of the Youth Mattress are suitable for some kids who favor this position.
Zoned polyfoam on the medium side provides extra pushback below the center third of the bed, helping to promote a straighter spine for children under 130 pounds.
Our testers found that the firm side performs well for stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. The denser polyfoam helps minimize sagging below the midsection, while the strong coil core gives the necessary support for heavier body parts. However, the firm surface might not have enough cushioning for kids under 130 pounds. Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds generally prefer a firmer model with less sinkage.
Saatva Youth – Years 3-7 side
Sleeper Type
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers
Saatva Youth – Years 8-12 side
Sleeper Type
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers
Mattress Performance
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Medium Side: 6.5 / 10
Firm Side: 5 / 10
The Saatva Youth Mattress doesn’t generate as much motion transfer as some innerspring models. While vibrations travel across the coil system, the polyfoam comfort layers dampen them so that they’re less noticeable on the surface. However, sleepers attempting to share a full size mattress may experience sleep disturbances.
The medium side has slightly superior motion isolation due to its plusher polyfoam.
Medium Side: 6.5 / 10
Firm Side: 8 / 10
The support core uses 13.75-gauge steel coils to provide uniform support throughout the mattress. Polyfoam rails wrap around the perimeter, further fortifying the edge.
The firm side has slightly superior edge support because its denser polyfoam compresses less and better resists premature sagging.
Most kids can sleep right up to the edge without feeling like they will roll off the mattress. They can also sit comfortably along the perimeter to get dressed or tie their shoes.
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Saatva Youth Mattress Review Breakdown
Designed for children ages 3 through 12, the Saatva Youth is a flippable innerspring model with two distinct feels. The medium (5) side is intended for kids 3 to 7 and offers deeper cradling to ease pressure points. Its five-zone polyfoam comfort layer combines contouring with targeted spinal support. The reverse firm (7) side is built for children ages 8 to 12 and uses higher-density convoluted polyfoam for a sturdier surface.
Thick Bonnell coils form the shared support core, giving the mattress bounce, breathability, and stability. Firm polyfoam encases the perimeter for enhanced edge support. At 10 inches thick, the Saatva Youth Mattress is of average height.
Both sides feature a soft and breathable GOTS-certified organic cotton cover treated with a water-resistant finish and Guardin, a treatment designed to reduce bacteria, mold, and mildew growth. A waterproof barrier on each side helps shield the mattress from accidents and spills. Patented quilting in the center third of the cover enhances lower back support. The mattress’ nontoxic flame retardant is made from natural thistle.
The foams used in the Saatva Youth are CertiPUR-US certified, indicating that the mattress is free from certain potentially harmful substances.
|
Firmness |
Reversible: Medium – 5, Firm – 7 |
|---|---|
|
Mattress Type |
Innerspring |
|
Construction |
This flippable mattress contains a polyfoam comfort layer on each side with an innerspring support core and reinforced polyfoam rails in the center. Cover Material:Organic cotton Comfort Layer:
Zoned Polyfoam (Medium Side) Support Core:
13.75-Gauge Innerspring Coils |
Saatva Youth Mattress Sizes
The mattress comes in three sizes: twin, twin XL, and full. Parents with taller children might opt for the twin XL, while the full size bed gives kids more room to sprawl out. Compatible foundations are available in 4.75-inch or 8.75-inch options.
Trial, Warranty, and Shipping Policies
Availability
Saatva currently ships to the contiguous U.S. Customers in Alaska and Hawaii can contact Saatva to arrange delivery via a third-party freight forwarder.
The Youth Mattress is sold exclusively through the company’s website. Saatva also operates viewing rooms in several major U.S. cities.
Shipping
Each mattress is made to order, so shipping times vary. Most mattresses arrive 9 to 29 calendar days after you place the order. A representative from Saatva's delivery partner will call to schedule a four-hour delivery window.
Additional Services
Customers in the contiguous U.S. receive free White Glove delivery. Professionals deliver the mattress to your room of choice and set it up. Complimentary old mattress and foundation removal are also included.
Sleep Trial
Each mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial. Customers can return the mattress at any point during this period for a refund. A $99 processing fee applies.
Warranty
A lifetime warranty backs the Saatva Youth Mattress. During the first two years, Saatva will replace the mattress at no charge if it confirms the product is defective.
From years 3 onward, Saatva will repair and re-cover the defective mattress. Customers are responsible for a $149 shipping fee each way.
Saatva also offers a “Fairness Replacement Option” that allows customers to keep their defective mattress and purchase a new one at a reduced cost.
Defects include impressions greater than 1 inch. The policy applies to the original purchaser and does not cover mattresses that have been abused, misused, or subjected to improper support. Other terms and conditions apply.
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Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.