Written by Sosha Lewis, Senior Staff Writer
When you’re shopping online, it’s hard to tell if a mattress will truly work for you, which is where adjustability can be a big help. Some brands offer beds pre-made in different firmness levels, but the Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number 360° i8 are unique in that you can adjust how they feel in real-time. Don’t like how soft it is? Make a bit firmer.
If you’re in the market in for an adjustable bed, I’ll share my experience with the Saatva Solaire and feedback from colleagues on the 360° i8. I’ll also cover the how the brands behind these mattresses differ in terms of their policies and pricing.
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
Saatva vs. Sleep Number Mattress Overview
| Who Should Get the Saatva Solaire? | Who Should Get the Sleep Number 360° i8? |
|---|---|
| Eco-conscious shoppers | Shoppers who also want sleep tracking data with their purchase |
| People who want free shipping | Sleepers in need of good pressure relief |
| Couples | Hot sleepers |
Saatva vs. Sleep Number: How Are They Similar?
- Adjustable firmness – You can adjust the firmness setting on the Solaire and 360° i8.
- Cooling features – Each bed contains cooling mechanisms aimed at creating a more temperature-pleasant sleep space.
- Luxury brands – Saatva and Sleep Number are both considered luxury brands, with beds that typically run more than the average mattress.
Saatva vs. Sleep Number: How Are They Different?
- Sleep tracking technology – Sleep Number mattresses come with sleep tracking technology in the mattress that measures your heart rate, breathing rate, and movements to give you a sleep score. They provide the results through their SleepIQ® app. The Solaire doesn’t have any type of feature like this.
- Number of firmness levels – While the Solaire has a whopping 50 firmness firmness levels, the Sleep Number only has 20 in comparison. In the case of the 360° i8, it also has an automated system called Responsive Air® technology that can actually adjust the firmness based on your sleep position.
- Shipping fees – Saatva provides customers in the continental U.S. free shipping, which includes complementary in-home delivery. However, Sleep Number requires customers to purchase their premium in-home delivery service for an extra $249. As part of this, Sleep Number reps will set up the bed and show you how to use it.
Saatva vs. Sleep Number: Firmness, Feel, and Construction
Firmness & Feel
When we evaluate a mattress’s firmness, we’re covering how soft or hard it feels. These two beds are uniquely adjustable, so we didn’t give them defined firmness ratings but rather, they’ll provide a range of feels based on the setting you have them at.
| Mattress | Sleep Advisor Firmness Rating | Feel | Tester Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva Solaire | Adjustable | Medium to Firm | Even though the Solaire has a whopping 50 firmness levels, I didn’t notice a substantial difference between the highest and lowest settings. Overall, I felt the bed wavered between a medium and a firm feel. |
| Sleep Number 360° i8 | Adjustable | Soft to Firm | You’ll get 20 different firmness levels with this Sleep Number bed, so the feel can range between soft and firm, depending on the setting and your body type. |
Mattress Construction
The Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number 360° i8 both feature vulcanized air chambers, which are the specific layers that make these beds have that adjustable firmness. These chambers inflate or deflate based on how hard or soft you want the mattress.
While the Solaire has considerably more layers to it than the Sleep Number, they’re not too far off in height. The Solaire is 13 inches tall, whereas the Sleep Number is 12 inches.
What’s the Saatva Solaire Made Of?
- Organic cotton cover
- 3-inch thick Euro top
- 1-inch of natural latex foam
- 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam
- Another 2 inches of gel memory foam
- Moisture barrier for protection against bacteria
- Vulcanized latex air chamber
- Power Edge enclosure encasing the perimeter
What’s the Sleep Number 360° i8 Made Of?
- Breathable poly-blend cover
- Duvet pillow top made with Hypersoft Foam
- Seven-zoned PlushFit Foam
- 24-gauge vulcanized rubber air chamber
- High-density foam base layer
Saatva vs. Sleep Number: Body Type and Sleep Position
Saatva Solaire
| Body Type | Weight Range | Side Sleeping | Back Sleeping | Stomach Sleeping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | Less than 130 pounds | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Average-Weight | 130-230 pounds | Average | Excellent | Average |
| Heavyweight | More than 230 pounds | Poor | Good | Average |
Sleep Number 360° i8
| Body Type | Weight Range | Side Sleeping | Back Sleeping | Stomach Sleeping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | Less than 130 pounds | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Average-Weight | 130-230 pounds | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Heavyweight | More than 230 pounds | Average | Good | Average |
Saatva vs. Sleep Number: Mattress Testing Performance
Pressure Relief
Both of these mattresses bring something to the table for those seeking pressure relief. When I tested the Solaire, I found that setting it at a 30 firmness level or lower provided good pressure relief, enhancing that contouring around my shoulder, lower back, and hips.
In the case of the Sleep Number 360° i8, it has a unique seven-zoned comfort foam to provide pressure relief for those sensitive areas. Based on our experience, it should work for most folks, though some heavier sleepers may experience pressure on the Sleep Number model.
Support
I gave the Solaire a rave review for support when I tested it. A lot of this had to do with how adjustable its air chamber is, which allowed it to support me well in different positions. It was especially impressive for stomach sleeping, which often needs support the most to keep the hips level.
In a similar fashion, the adjustable chamber on the Sleep Number also lends itself to stellar support, which is further enhanced by the zoning in its construction. The drawback here is that this particular model is the softest in Sleep Number’s line, which may not work for very heavyweight sleepers, even on the firmest possible setting.
Motion Isolation
If you’re in need of a bed that’s going to help keep you from feeling it every time your bedmate tosses and turns, I loved the motion isolation on the Solaire, which did a fantastic job absorbing motion during my testing, which you can see by the lack of spikes in my seismograph reading below.
However, the Sleep Number has a unique advantage: two air chambers in larger sizes for two people along with a thicker comfort layer. Together, these should help motion more isolated.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
When it comes to cooling, the Solaire surprised me in that it went up roughly 7 degrees after lying on it for five minutes but at the 10-minute mark, it actually started cooling down. However, it didn’t feel cool to the touch.
The Sleep Number’s cooling includes a Smart 3D cover that the brand says is 50 percent more breathable than other covers, which should promote great cooling at the surface.
Both of these beds also have the advantage of those air chambers, which should provide less heat retention that additional foam there.
Bounce
Bounce is a feature we evaluate because it helps facilitate easier repositioning, which is often most helpful for sexually active couples, combo sleepers, and people with limited mobility. The Solaire and Sleep Number didn’t impress us in this category, with neither bed really delivering exceptional bounce. For some additional options, you can check out our favorite innerspring beds.
Edge Support
The Solaire was exceptional here. It kept me nice and secure while lying down at the edge and sitting here. This means couples should feel comfortable spreading out when they sleep or if they utilize the sides to get ready in the morning.
The Sleep Number 360° i8 also delivers good edge support. Between these two, though, I’d go with the Solaire for edge support, only because the Sleep Number is comparatively softer overall.
Learn more: What is edge support and why it matters in a mattress
Couples
Whether we consider a mattress good for couples comes down to how it performs in other categories most useful for co-sleepers: overall support, cooling, motion isolation, bounce, and edge support. We also like to recommend beds with a versatile feel that can better accommodate two people.
The Solaire has a lot going for it, though sexually active couples may be put off by the lack of considerable bounce on it. Other than this, though, I’d consider it a solid pick.
Conversely, the i8 has the unique appeal of two separate air chambers in larger sizes, meaning that you and your partner can each set your side of the bed to the feel you like best. If you and your bedmate have very different preferences, then I’d go with the i8 in this case.
Saatva vs. Sleep Number: Comparing Company Policies and Price
Company Policies
| Saatva | Sleep Number | |
| Shipping | Free shipping in the contiguous United States. You can contact the company to arrange shipping to Alaska or Hawaii. | No free shipping. You must pay for $249 for in-home delivery on Sleep Number beds. |
| White Glove Delivery | Free in-home delivery and old mattress removal to customers in the continental U.S. | As mentioned, you are required to pay for the in-home delivery service. For an extra $49, they’ll remove your old mattress. |
| Trial | 365 nights | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 15-year limited warranty |
| Return Policy | You’ll get a full refund within the trial period, but there’s a $99 processing fee for returns. | You can receive a full refund within the trial period but are required to at least have the bed for 30 nights. You must either arrange shipping yourself and cover that cost, or you can pay $249 for Sleep Number to pick it up. |
Sizing and Prices
| Size | Saatva Solaire Price (w/o discount) | Sleep Number 360° i8Price (w/o discount) |
| Twin | N/A | N/A |
| Twin XL | $3,295 | $3,449 |
| Full | $4,095 | $3,724 |
| Queen | $4,495 | $3,899 |
| King | $5,295 | $4,599 |
| Cali King | $5,295 | $4,599 |
| Split King | $6,590 | $5,699 |
| Split Cal King | $6,590 | $5,699 |
| Queen Upper Flex | $5,195 | N/A |
| King Upper Flex | $5,995 | N/A |
| FlexTop King | N/A | $5,699 |
| FlexTop Cali King | N/A | $5,699 |
More Saatva Comparisons
More Sleep Number Comparisons
Comparing Other Mattresses from Saatva and Sleep Number
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Saatva Solaire Mattress | Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Mattress | Loom & Leaf Mattress | Sleep Number 360 c2 Smart Mattress | Saatva HD Mattress | Sleep Number 360 c4 Smart Mattress | Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress | Sleep Number 360 i10 Smart Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Sleep Number 360 m7 Smart Mattress | Saatva Youth Mattress | Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Mattress | Zenhaven Mattress | Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart Mattress | Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid | Saatva Crib Mattress | Sleep Number 360 iLE Smart Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | Contour5 | |
| Rating | |||||||||||||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium: 5/10 | |
| Material | Other | Other | Foam | Other | Hybrid | — | Latex | Other | Innerspring | Foam | Innerspring | Other | Latex | Other | Hybrid | Hybrid | Other | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 15-year limited warranty | Lifetime warranty | 25-year limited warranty | Lifetime warranty | 15-year limited warranty | Lifetime warranty | 15-year limited warranty | Lifetime warranty | 15-year limited warranty | Lifetime warranty | 15-year limited warranty | Lifetime warranty | 15-year limited warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty | 15-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime |
| Shipping | Free white glove delivery | Flat-rate white glove delivery | Free shipping | Flat-rate white glove delivery | Free white glove delivery | Flat-rate white glove delivery | Free white glove delivery | Flat-rate white glove delivery | Free white glove delivery | Flat-rate white glove delivery | Free white glove delivery | Flat-rate white glove delivery | Free shipping | Flat-rate white glove delivery | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Flat-rate white glove delivery | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 Nights | 45 Nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights |
| Best For | Couples, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hip Pain | Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Side Sleepers | Back Pain, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Couples | Stomach Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Couples | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain | Kids, Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Couples, Back Pain | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Couples, Hip Pain, Joint Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Kids | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Back Pain, Hip Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Seniors | Back Pain, Couples, Back Sleepers |
Saatva vs. Sleep Number FAQs
How does Saatva compare to Sleep Number?
Both Saatva and Sleep Number are luxury brands in the industry. Saatva also offers exceptional variety in the types of beds they make. Conversely, Sleep Number is a more tech-focused brand that gives customer the chance to track their sleep data as part of their bed purchase.
What bed is better than a Sleep Number?
This honestly depends on what you need from a mattress, and everyone’s needs are unique. The Saatva Solaire has an adjustable design similar to Sleep Number beds but doesn’t have the sleep data tracking. One area where the Sleep Number i8 lacked was bounce, so in this case, Saatva’s Rx matress would be better since it performed well in this category.
What is the lawsuit against Sleep Number beds?
A 2024 class-action lawsuit against Sleep Number alleges that the company’s “pepetual” sales are misleading for consumers.
What are the cons of Sleep Number?
Perhaps the biggest con to Sleep Number beds is the price. These are definitely more costly mattresses. On top of that, you have to pay the required delivery fee so they can set up the bed, whereas other brands at least have in-home delivery included in the price or offer it as an optional service if it costs extra.
Our Final Thoughts on Saatva vs. Sleep Number
Saatva and Sleep Number bring the luxury with their distinctive beds. As a brand, Sleep Number is more tech-oriented with their sleep data tracking but also focuses on the unique needs of customers with their famous ‘sleep number settings’. As a brand Saatva definitely has more range in the types of mattresses they offer, with the Solaire arguably the closest comparison.
Between the Solaire and the 360° i8, they both have similar benefits (most notably, adjustable air chambers to modify the feel) and similar drawbacks (lack of bounce, high price). While the Sleep Number goes a step further for couples by giving you two air chambers for larger sizes, Saatva includes a year-long trial, lifetime warranty, and complimentary in-home delivery for exceptional value.
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
To bring you the most comprehensive overview of these two mattresses, myself and other testers evaluated the Solaire and 360° i8 in different performance categories like cooling, edge support, motion isolation, and bounce. We used a combination of subjective experiences and data tools to see how well they delivered in these categories.
As part of our testing, we also tried them out in each sleeping position, seeing how well they relieved pressure and supported us. We also tried to incorporate feedback from testers of different body types.
Learn more: Sleep Advisor’s product review process.
Sosha Lewis
Senior Staff Writer
About Author
Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleep Advisor. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach