Saatva Youth Mattress Review

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Is the Saatva Youth Mattress for You?

Who’s Going to Love the Saatva Youth Mattress

  • Hot sleepers
  • Young sleepers (12 and under)
  • Back and stomach sleepers

Who Should Steer Clear of the Saatva Youth Mattress

  • Teenagers and older sleepers—If you’re looking for another flippable Saatva mattress for older sleepers, check out the Zenhaven bed.
  • Preteen side sleepers—For side sleeping kids who need more pressure relief, try out the Puffy mattress.
  • Budget shoppers—Want to save more on your kid’s next bed? Check out Brooklyn Bedding’s Puffin mattress.

The Nerd’s Take: What’s the Bottom Line?

The Saatva Youth mattress is a flippable and organic innerspring bed that’s great for children under 100 lbs. The bed has a supportive and responsive feel, ideal for kids who toss and turn throughout the night, and the mattress’s firmer side works for bigger kids over eight years old too.

This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.

Saatva Youth Mattress Firmness and Feel

Saatva Youth Mattress Firmness

The Saatva Youth mattress is a flippable bed with dual-sided firmness. In terms of firmness, we found that this bed measured in at a medium-firm 6.5/10. Both firmness levels fall around medium-firm, with the side for younger kids slightly softer and more snuggly than the side for older kids. 

Most children, particularly those who are in the three to 10 age range, sleep best on a medium-firm mattress. The surface is firm enough to protect very young kids from the risk of suffocation, and it supports every sleeping position. 

While this mattress is designed for kids aged three to 12, older kids who sleep strictly on their sides may do better on a bed with greater contouring. A bit more softness helps to evenly distribute body weight for side sleepers, especially if your child weighs 100 or more pounds.  For older kids who need more pressure relief, see the best soft mattresses.

What Does the Saatva Youth Feel Like? 

The Saatva Youth mattress feels a lot like a traditional innerspring mattress with a foam comfort layer. It’s pretty firm on both sides, but the softer side offers a little more cushion. This bed is springy, thanks to a core of flexible steel coils.

What Sleeping Position Is Saatva Youth Mattress Best For?

Body TypeBack SleepersStomach SleepersSide Sleepers
Smaller Kids (< 50 lbs)553
Average-weight (50 – 100 lb)553
Bigger Kids (> 100 lbs)332

1 = Very poor     2 = Not good     3 = Fair     4 = Good     5 = Excellent

Back Sleepers

Smaller and average-weight kids who sleep on their backs are an excellent fit for the Saatva Youth mattress. However, bigger kids over 100 lbs may need to flip to the firm side of the Saatva Youth mattress, or they may need a more supportive bed. That said, only when your child starts to look more like an adult should you consider a thicker mattress built for bigger bodies.

Lastly, both sides of this Saatva bed are medium-firm with reinforced lumbar support, which improves your spinal alignment (i.e. your spine’s neutral posture).

See more: Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers

Stomach Sleepers

Similar to back sleepers, smaller and average-weight kids who like to sleep on their stomachs will find the right level of cushion and support on the Saatva Youth mattress. This is because of firmer foam along the middle of the mattress and extra lumbar support that helps keep little sleepers’ spines aligned. However, bigger kids may need to flip their Saatva to the firmer side.

Remember to flip the mattress onto the firmer side—the one designed for kids age eight and up—at the appropriate time to maintain proper support for the hips and lower back. 

See more: Best Mattresses For Stomach Sleepers

Side Sleepers

The best mattresses for side sleepers are great at relieving hip and shoulder pressure, but many smaller and younger sleepers don’t require this cushioning for their backs until they’re about 10 years old. That said, smaller and average-weight kids should do alright on this bed, but may want to look elsewhere for something else. Bigger kids, on the other hand, are definitely going to sink too far into the mattress.

Combination Sleepers

Most kids are combination sleepers, meaning they tend to change sleeping positions throughout the night. This is why we recommend that young kids sleep on responsive, medium-firm mattresses that facilitate ease of movement. 

The Saatva Youth has a bouncy, innerspring support layer that helps kids move around without feeling stuck. This Saatva Youth’s responsiveness works best for younger sleepers who are smaller or average-weight, while bigger kids can opt for the more firm side of the mattress.

For more responsive mattress options, check out our best mattresses for combination sleepers.

Saatva Youth Mattress Performance

Is the Saatva Youth Mattress Cooling? 

As an innerspring mattress with breathable coils, the Saatva Youth sleeps cooler than many other beds designed for kids. If you’re looking specifically for a cooling mattress as your child grows older, you may want to check out our article on the best cooling mattresses

Edge Support 

Good edge support can prevent your kid from accidently rolling off the bed, which is especially important on bunk beds. Thanks to strong coils and dense foams, the edges of the Saatva Youth bed are both sturdy and comfortable. Solid edge support can help you sit comfortably on the edge for storytime or getting ready in the morning.

Responsiveness

The medium-firm surface of the Saatva Youth is easier to move around on than a plush surface. Also, it keeps your kids safe during a time when an ultra-soft top layer can be dangerous due to suffocation risk. This is one of the reasons we consider the Saatva Youth to be one of the best mattresses for kids.

Motion Isolation: Is it good for those who share a bed?

Kiddos who share this bed will likely feel movement when their sleeping buddy gets up to go to the bathroom. That’s because coils have a lot more kick-back than, for example, memory foam. Younger kids are so lightweight that they may not even jostle the mattress enough to bother anyone else in bed.

Noise

The Saatva Youth stays pretty darn quiet for a mattress with coils. You should be able to get up from bedtime cuddles without waking your sleeping kid too.

Off-Gassing

When foams are produced, they emit a chemical odor as they air out—it’s one of the reasons the interior of a new car has such a distinct smell. Usually foams off-gas in the factory, but sometimes the odor gets trapped in the foam when it’s packaged.

You may notice a slight “new mattress smell” when the Saatva Youth is delivered, but Saatva doesn’t compress their mattresses for delivery, so if there’s any odor, it will be less than you’d smell with a compressed and rolled bed in a box. The odor is temporary and non-toxic. Saatva uses CertiPUR-US certified foams that pass tests for no harmful chemicals and low emissions.

Durability 

The Saatva Youth mattress is made from high-quality materials known for their support and durability. Resilient innerspring coils and durable high-density foams create a mattress that’s likely to last 10 or more years, although we still recommend switching to a bed designed for adults once your child turns 13 or exceeds 100 lbs.

Saatva Youth Mattress Construction: What’s it made of?

The Saatva Youth is a simple three-layer mattress with an organic and flippable design, with a softer and more firm side. It has a coil core, foam comfort layers, and extra lumbar support that helps keep children’s spines properly aligned while they sleep.  

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Layer #1: Organic Cotton: The handcrafted, hypoallergenic cover is made from soft organic cotton. The cover also has a water-resistant finish, an all-natural antimicrobial treatment, and an internal waterproof barrier. 

Layer #2: Foam Comfort Layer: This softer comfort layer is better for younger and smaller kids from 3–7 years old. It has five firmness zones, including extra support under the hips and lower back. It’s a little softer than the other side, since younger kids typically don’t compress the foam as much and need the extra cushion.

Layer #3: Durable Coil Support Core: A layer of bouncy, breathable recycled steel coils supports both sides of the mattress. Also, this bed’s innerspring gives the mattress a more responsive feel, which is great for combination sleeping kids and restless sleepers.

Layer #4: Spinal Wire Zone: A wire frame under the lumbar region of the mattress provides extra support to your kid’s lower back. This helps to maintain proper spinal alignment for younger back sleepers and stomach sleepers.

Layer #5: High-Density Comfort Foam: The comfort layer of this side is a simple, high-density support foam best for bigger kids over eight years old. When the mattress is flipped to the side for younger kids, this layer helps support the springs above it and improve overall durability for the mattress.

How Much Does the Saatva Youth Mattress Cost?

Mattress SizePriceDimensionsHeightWeight
Twin$38” x 75”10”80 lbs
Twin XL$38” x 80”10”82 lbs
Full$54” x 75”10”100 lbs

For more great deals on a Saatva mattress, check out our Saatva mattress coupons. If you’re shopping for a quality product at a good price, see the best mattresses for the money.

How Do the Policies Measure Up?

Shipping & Unboxing

The Saatva Youth ships with Saatva’s free white glove delivery and old mattress removal service anywhere in the U.S. (excluding Hawaii and Alaska). Also, the bed isn’t compressed when it ships, which means the bed won’t be rolled and packaged as a bed-in-a-box, like many online mattress brands. So, it’ll be ready to sleep on as soon as it arrives.

Warranty

The Saatva Youth is backed by a Lifetime warranty for the original owner. Saatva will replace the mattress during the first two years at no additional cost to the consumer if it’s deemed defective. The brand will repair and re-cover a Saatva mattress—adding a fee of $99 for shipping each way—during the rest of the warranty period.

Trial Period & Returns

Saatva offers a generous 365-night sleep trial. During this lengthy sleep trial, if you decide the bed is just not right for you, the company will come to your door and pick it up. After it’s been picked up, expect a full refund minus a $99 transportation fee. Also, Saatva donates returned mattresses to veterans’ shelters or offers them to employees.

Addressing Saatva Youth Mattress Complaints

Price

Although the Saatva Youth is a high-quality and durable mattress that should last your kid through much of their childhood, many buyers are nonetheless disappointed that the Saatva Youth is one of the more expensive kids’ beds out there. For example, a Full sized Saatva Youth will cost nearly $900.

Too Firm

When you think of kids beds, you might think super soft and cuddly; however, the Saatva Youth’s firm and lifted feel actually provides better sleep for smaller, growing children. That said, older and bigger kids may feel like the Saatva Youth is too firm and doesn’t provide enough cushion on either side for their body weight.

Comparing Different Saatva Youth Brand Mattresses

Saatva Youth Mattress vs. Saatva Mattress

Saatva Youth Mattress Is Best For…Saatva Mattress
Kids (3–12 years old)Sleepers with back pain
Hot sleepersStomach sleepers
Eco-conscious shoppersCouples

The Saatva Classic is a luxury hybrid mattress designed for adults. Similar to the Saatva Youth, the Classic uses springs in the support layer. This makes both beds cool and easy to move around on. 

We like the Saatva Classic for kids who have aged out of the Saatva Youth. The Classic comes in three firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. The softest model is the best choice for side sleepers. The Luxury Firm works well for those who like the medium-firm feel of the Saatva Youth but are simply too big. The Firm is ideal for older kids and teens who sleep on their stomach or back.

See our full Saatva Classic Mattress Review to learn more. 

Saatva Youth Mattress vs. Loom & Leaf Mattress

Saatva Youth Mattress Is Best For…Loom & Leaf Mattress Is Best For…
Kids (3–12 years old)Combination sleepers
Hot sleepersSide sleepers
Eco-friendly shoppersSleepers needing pressure relief

Unlike the polyfoam and innerspring materials of the Saatva Youth, the Loom & Leaf is a memory foam mattress. The all-foam construction provides better pressure relief than the Saatva Youth and is a good option for older kids and teens who need a mattress that can last them through college. 

The Saatva Youth has a flippable design with two medium-firm sides, though one is slightly more cushioning. The Loom & Leaf is available in two firmness options: the Luxury Firm has a similar firmness to the Youth, while the Firm has a much sturdier feel. While the Youth’s surface is a bit springier, the Loom & Leaf better minimizes motion transfer, which is great for kids who share their bed.

Read our full Loom & Leaf Mattress Review to learn more. 

Saatva Youth Mattress vs. Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress

Saatva Youth Mattress Is Best For…Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress Is Best For…
Kids (3–12 years old)Firm mattress fans
Hot sleepersBack and stomach sleepers
Eco-conscious shoppersCombination sleepers

The Saatva Latex Hybrid is a high-end, eco-friendly mattress. Both the Saatva Youth and Saatva Latex Hybrid have responsive coils that make switching positions easy and keep the sleeping surface cool.

Only go for the Saatva Latex Hybrid if your child likes a firmer mattress. Its feel is on the firmer side of medium-firm, and it’s definitely stiffer than the Saatva Youth. The Latex Hybrid is excellent for kids with allergies thanks to its all-natural design, but it’s not built for side sleepers. 

Check out our full Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress Review to learn more.

Comparing Saatva Youth Brand to the Competition

Saatva Youth Mattress vs. Helix Kids Mattress

Product
Firmness
Score
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Helix Kids Mattress
Multiple firmness options
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Product
Helix Kids Mattress
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Score
Saatva Youth Mattress Is Best For…Helix Kids Mattress
Eco-conscious shoppersBudget shoppers
Back and stomach sleepersSide sleepers
Combination sleepersSleepers needing more pressure relief

Between these two mattresses, the Helix Kids is ideal for younger sleepers wanting a softer bed and more pressure relief, especially side sleepers. On the other hand, the Saatva Youth has a firmer, more lifted feel. This is because the Saatva is an innerspring bed, while the Helix Kids is a hybrid mattress.

Also, the Helix Kids is the more affordable mattress option, but the Saatva has a more generous trial period and warranty.

Saatva Youth Mattress vs. Purple Kids Mattress

Saatva Youth Mattress Is Best For…Purple Kids Mattress Is Best For…
Hot sleepersSide sleepers
Organic mattress shoppersSoft mattress fans
Kids (3–12 years old)Sleepers needing pressure relief

The Purple Kids bed is made with several layers of foam topped by the brand’s proprietary Purple Grid: a soft grid-shaped polymer that buckles strategically under pressure from a sleeping body. This technology creates a surface that’s softer than the Saatva Youth’s. Thanks to superior pressure relief, the Purple Kids mattress is better for side sleepers.  

While the Purple Kids mattress is very comfortable and pressure-relieving, we like the Saatva Youth for kids who toss and turn a lot. Its firmer surface is more responsive, so it’s easier to get comfy in a new position. We love the cooling properties of each mattress. The Purple Kids bed has a lower price tag but comes only in Twin size, while the Saatva is also available in Twin XL and Full size. 

See our Purple Mattress Review for our take on what it’s like to sleep on a Purple mattress.

Saatva Youth Mattress vs. Casper Element Mattress

Saatva Youth Mattress Is Best For…Casper Element Mattress Is Best For…
Kids (3–12 years old)Older kids (10+ years old)
Eco-conscious shoppersCombination sleepers
Hot sleepersMedium-firm mattress fans

The Casper Element is an affordable all-foam mattress that’s best for older kids, teens, and young adults. Thanks to its medium-firm feel and breathable top foam layer, it’s a good alternative to the Saatva Youth, particularly for kids 10 or older.

Because the Element isn’t as bouncy as the Youth, we believe the Youth is a better bed for kids three to eight. Younger kids benefit from the extra support and responsiveness of coils. For older kids, the Element is an excellent alternative to a child’s mattress because it works for all sleeping positions and can last as your child grows into a young adult.

See our Casper Element Mattress Review to learn more

Saatva Youth Mattress FAQs

Is the Saatva Youth easy to clean?

One major perk of the Saatva Youth’s simple, flippable, three layer design is that it includes a natural waterproof layer and antimicrobial treatment. So, accidents or spills in bed are easier to clean up and, with a water-resistant finish, you won’t have to worry about your kids damaging the mattress.

Which mattresses are best for kids?

Youth mattresses are designed to stay with kids as they age through childhood. These mattresses are usually firmer to prevent suffocation risk and provide a stable surface for kids’ growing bodies. However, if your kid is over 10 years old, an adult mattress may work too.

Is the Saatva Youth worth it?

Although the Saatva Youth is on the pricey end of kids’ beds, if you’re looking to invest in a high-quality mattress that will last for years, the Saatva Youth may be worth the cost. Some other perks of this bed include waterproof cover and interior, plus its double-sided firmness options.

The Nerd’s Scores for the Saatva Youth Mattress

Performance FactorOut of 5
Motion Isolation3
Pressure Relief3
Ease of Movement5
Edge Support5
Temperature Control 5
Durability5

Saatva Latex Pillow

Saatva Latex Pillow

The Saatva pillow features a pillow-on-pillow design that enables users to easily adjust the height to their needs, leading to a great night’s sleep.

Mattress Nerd Score
4.80 / 5 starstarstarstarstar
Read Full Review
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Accessories Details

Material
Material

Latex

Trial Period
Trial Period

45 nights

Warranty
Warranty

1-year limited warranty

Financing
Financing

Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy
Return Policy

Free returns

Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper

Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper

Saatva makes one of the best memory foam mattress toppers in terms of keeping you comfortable and cool at the same time. Their latex topper is great for hot sleepers who sleep on their back, and the high-density foam topper is a great solution for stomach sleepers looking for comfortable support.

Mattress Nerd Score
4.80 / 5 starstarstarstarstar
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Accessories Details

Material
Material

Memory foam, Cotton

Trial Period
Trial Period

180 nights

Warranty
Warranty

1-year limited warranty

Financing
Financing

Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy
Return Policy

Free returns

Saatva Organic Sateen Sheet Set

Saatva Organic Sateen Sheet Set

The Saatva Organic Sateen sheets are luxurious, 300 thread count sateen weave sheets. Their silky and buttery feel, and lightweight feel make them perfect for shoppers looking to splurge a bit on quality sheets.

Mattress Nerd Score
5.00 / 5 starstarstarstarstar
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Accessories Details

Material
Material

Cotton

Trial Period
Trial Period

45 nights

Warranty
Warranty

1-year limited warranty

Financing
Financing

Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy
Return Policy

Free returns