Hybrid mattresses have swiftly taken over the market, offering comfort that is compounded with plushness and conformity. Their entry into the market has been viewed positively as the use of different layers allows manufacturers to partially eliminate the negative aspect of a particular material, e.g. the poor edge support of memory foam through bouncy innerspring units. Nest and Saatva are two such manufacturers that have released such products in the market, incorporating layers of memory foam, modified viscoelastic foams as well as coil systems.
The Nest vs. Saatva comparison puts the two products under the microscope, listing out their suitability for individuals’ needs. Read on and find out more.
Nest Breakdown
The Alexander Hybrid is a popular Nest offering incorporating layers of modified memory foams as well as an innerspring unit, resulting in a plush-conforming response. The mattress is available in two firmness levels.
Construction
Cover
The cover is made up of a quilted poly cotton blend that provides a smooth surface to sleep as well as a visually appealing outlook. In addition to this, Thermic Phase Changing fabrics have been used within the cover that prevent heat buildups, transporting heat outwards. This combination is useful as the mattress incorporates upper memory foam layers that are prone to heat spikes.
First Layer
3 inches of gel-infused memory foam makes up the first layer. The layer adjusts according to the body’s contours as you lay down, providing plush pressure relief. The issue of heat buildups is tackled by gel-infusion that takes away heat from the surface and transfers it to layers below.
Second Layer
A modified version of viscoelastic foam called Energex Visco foam has been used as the second layer. The 1.5-inch thick layer holds properties that are similar to memory foam, however, with added resistivity. This means that the plush response is slowed down, resulting in a smooth transition, neutralizing any feelings of uneasiness. The additional firmness also aligns your spine and helps move around the bed more easily throughout the night. The layer is infused with the conductor copper that rids the surface of heat by transferring it further downwards.
Third Layer
The layer is also 1.5 inches thick and is strategically positioned to provide a smoother transition between the plush upper and conforming lower layers. Absence of this layer may result in your body getting exposed to hard coils in the support core. Thermal regulation is maintained through SmartFlow technology that transfers heat to the coil system below.
Fourth Layer
8 inches of Quantum Edge Pocketed Coil system forms this layer. The purpose of this layer is to counteract the sinkage generated by the plush upper layers, counteracting it with conformity and an inner push. This prevents over-enveloping from taking place, while the firm response also keeps the spine aligned. One major benefit of the coil system is supplementing the mattress in terms of edge support as the memory foam layers are prone to deforming inwards as pressure is applied over the sides.
Firmness and Feel
The top-most layer of the mattress generates a plush response that is slowed down by the second Energex visco foam layer. Further conformity is added by the pocketed coil system that provides an outwards push to the body. As a result, the hug provided by the memory foam layers doesn’t transform into over-envelopment, and the body’s posture remains aligned. The added bounce by the coil system makes it easier to change positions throughout the night and to get out of bed when you wake up. Nest has designed two variants of the mattress: Medium and Luxury Firm. The medium variant provides plush comfort, highlighted by conformity, with the overall response being firmer compared to an all-foam mattress. The latter, i.e. Luxury Firm is more suited for heavier individuals who would like to minimize the risk of the excessive hug while improving the longevity of their mattress.
Edge Support
Edge support is an important parameter when you’re shopping for a new mattress. It is very much likely that you would use your mattress for purposes other than sleeping, such as watching TV, reading a book, etc. In order to do so, you must be able to utilize all corners of the bed. Memory foams provide a sinking response and therefore form a gradient as you move towards the edge. However, the inclusion of the innerspring unit provides bounciness and prevents slopes from forming. This allows you to enjoy all edges of the mattress without any worries.
Cooling
As memory foams are notorious for forming heat buildups in a mattress, Nest has strived hard at all levels to ensure as much heat as possible is dissipated. The Thermic Phase Changing fabrics radiates heat away from the surface, while the gel-infused memory foam minimizes buildups from occurring at the surface. Next, the copper-infused Energex foam takes away heat further downwards, all the way into the aerated innerspring system that provides any easy outlet. All in all, after being heated for 30 minutes, the Alexander Hybrid took about 6 minutes to cool down, whereas the average time stood at 10 minutes.
Thermal Start
Thermal Finish
Motion Transfer
The mattress’ upper memory foam layers generate a dead response to any abrupt movement that may take place as you sleep, either by you or your partner. The resultant disturbance is absorbed locally rather than being transferred laterally. This makes the Alexander Hybrid a viable choice for partners.
Unique Features
Plush Response combined with Conformity
The addition of the innerspring unit as the support core adds firmness to the mattress’ response. However, this has been done primarily to prevent excessive sinkage from taking place, as in such conditions the body is encompassed by a feeling of uneasiness. Therefore, as you lay down on the mattress you can expect a contouring response that hugs your body, but at the same time an opposing force that averts entrapment.
Cooling
The patented Thermic Phase Changing technology provides an easy outlet for heat that may accumulate at the surface of the mattress, resulting in a cooler temperature. Nest has been careful to incorporate some sort of cooling mechanism in every layer in order to tackle issues pertaining to heat buildups in memory foams. Infusion of gel in the first while that of copper in the second layer both help transfer heat further downwards, from where the naturally aerated design of the coils dissipates it. As a result, your mattress remains cool, making it a good choice for temperate climates.
Motion Transfer
The upper memory foam layers have a dead response in the face of sudden movements, absorbing them and transferring them downwards rather than sideways.
Lifetime Warranty
The mattress holds a 15-year warranty, which may be enough for some individuals, however, in comparison the Nest offers a lifetime warranty. This shows the level of trust the manufacturer has in its product and the quality of production processes followed by it.
Dual Variants
The mattress is offered in two firmness levels, Medium, and Luxury Firm. This gives buyers a choice to purchase a mattress that fits their needs in the best manner possible, rather than settling down for a compromise.
Saatva Breakdown
The Saatva combines the contouring response of memory foam with a coil-on-coil structure, offering three different firmness levels to its customers.
Construction
Cover
The mattress has a cover that is made of organic cotton. It is smooth to touch and naturally breathable.
Euro top
The initial impact of your body is cushioned by a 1.25-inch Euro pillow top. Incorporating memory foam, the pillow top absorbs the impact and cradles your posture. It must be noted that the pillow top is seamlessly integrated into the mattress rather than being an extension, which is the case with typical pillow-top products.
First Layer
This is the first proper layer of the mattress and is made of ⅜ inch thick memory foam, tasked with acting as a buffer between the Euro top and the coil-on-coil structure below. This shields your body from the hardness of the underlying coil system, which would otherwise cause nuisance.
Second Layer
A 4-inch long, 14-gauge thick coil system makes up this layer. The independently floating design of the system means adjacent coils don’t interfere with each other’s movements. The response provided by these coils is a contouring one, adjusting according to your posture, and offering targeted support to your body’s pressure points. As the coils float independently, any sudden movement of your body isn’t transferred sideways. Furthermore, the coils are encased in edge support foam that helps the mattress retain its shape as pressure is applied to the sides.
Third Layer
This is the final layer made up of 5.5-inch long innerspring unit with a thickness of 13-gauge, generating a conforming response according to your body’s pressure profile. The innersprings are connected to each other through a helical wire, resulting in a sturdy structure. The purpose of this layer is to help align the body’s posture and provide deep support.
Edge Support Border
The Saatva includes an edge support border that keeps the sides upright, preventing the formation of a gradient as you apply force.
Firmness and Feel
Comfort and Support
The product is offered in three firmness levels. The manufacturer follows its own 1 – 10 scale to express the variants’ comfort levels, with 1 being soft as quicksand and 10 being hard as a wooden tabletop.
Plush
Rated 3 at Saatva’s scale, the version has an overall ILD rating of 18, eliciting a medium-soft response for the sleeper. The mattress offers enhanced cushioning and greater plushness; you’ll seldom feel the bounciness of the coil-on-coil structure underneath. The variant is also great at offering motion isolation out of the three.
Luxury Firm
Rated somewhere between 5 – 7 on the scale, this is the premium model of the mattress, with the overall ILD level hidden on purpose. Nonetheless, the mattress can be described as a medium-firm product, providing conformity along with highlights of plushness. The variant is the most suitable average sleepers without any special needs or requirements.
Firm
The final variant, rated at an ILD of 30, generates a stiff, bouncy response with little plushness, resembling closely to a pure innerspring mattress.
Edge Support
The mattress possesses excellent edge support thanks to the features mentioned earlier, i.e. foam encasing and stiff border. This allows you to utilize all edges of the mattress without the worry of “falling over”. Compared to Nest, Saatva takes the lead as in the case of the former the innerspring unit is placed below the memory foam layers, which results in a certain degree of “crunchiness” before conformity is felt.
Cooling
The upper layers are made of memory foam that is notorious for trapping heat, however, the spring layers underneath have an aerated design that helps set up an airflow, cooling down the mattress. In comparison, the Nest fares much better as it tackles surface heat through Thermic Phase Changing fabrics as well as a gel- and copper-infusion.
Motion Transfer
Motion is restricted locally thanks to the viscoelastic foam in the pillowtop as well as the targeted response of the pocketed coils that float independently. Surely, some movements may make it all the way into the mattress’ spring core that may amplify it, but such occurrences are rare.
Unique Features
Price Tag
The Saatva is more affordable compared to the Nest, giving you the opportunity to buy a hybrid mattress that incorporates memory foam as well as a coil-on-coil structure.
You may want to read: Saatva HD Coupon
Longer Trial Period
Compared to Nest, you get 20 extra days during which you can explore the suitability of the mattress to your body.
Bouncy response combined with conformity
The mattress incorporates a relatively thin layer of memory foam followed by two spring layers, making its response closer to that of an innerspring product rather than a memory foam one. The variant you pick will ultimately decide the level of contouring/firmness you get, however, generally, you should opt for the Saatva if you’re fond of a hybrid response that is overshadowed by bounciness.
Edge Support
The mattress provides excellent edge support through foam encasing of the pocketed springs and an edge support border along the coil layers, making it a perfect choice for couples or individuals looking to utilize all extent of their mattress.
Euro Pillow Top
A Euro pillow top enunciates luxury from a mattress. Saatva has been able to incorporate this into its reasonably priced product, giving you a sumptuous platform to rest, one that has a response similar to that of viscoelastic layers.
Durability
The steel coil-on-coil design not only adds bounciness to the mattress’ response but also makes it sturdy and durable. It must be noted that innerspring coils are highly durable and ensure that the mattress retains its structural integrity, therefore, their presence in the Saatva means that the product will stand the test of time.
Which One To Get?
Nest Alexander Hybrid
Here are some reasons to consider Nest Alexander Hybrid:
You want better cooling: The Nest incorporates various mechanisms to ensure that the mattress remains as cool as possible. For instance, the Thermic Phase Changing fabrics combined with gel- and copper-infusion work to rid the surface of heat, resulting in a cool night’s sleep. This makes the mattress a viable option for hot sleepers or individuals living in humid environments.
You want a hybrid response highlighted by conformity: The mattress’ upper layers are composed of memory foam that generates a plush response; this is supplemented by the innerspring system’s push, preventing the body from sinking in too deep. As a result, you get a response that is majorly contouring featuring a uniform inner push.
You want greater motion isolation: The upper memory foam layers have a dead response in the face of excess movements. They are absorbed locally and don’t travel sideways, making the mattress a good candidate for someone who plans on sharing his/her bed.
You want longer warranty: The Nest Alexander features a lifetime warranty, giving you complete peace of mind regarding your investment over the years.
Saatva
However, you might want to choose Saatva if:
You want a cheaper mattress: The Saatva is a cheaper mattress compared to the Nest that provides a majorly spring response combined with the plushness of a memory foam layer.
You are after a bouncy response with lesser plushness: If you enjoy sleeping on an innerspring mattress then the Saatva is for you, as it offers a similar response with added comfort thanks to its memory foam layer as well as the coil-on-coil core.
You want greater edge support: Thanks to independently floating coils as well as a durable edge support border, you can utilize the maximum surface area of the mattress, without worrying about rolling over the sides.
You want a Euro top: The idea of a Euro pillow top is an appealing one as it imitates a luxurious hotel room. If such an idea is tempting to you, then going for the Saatva would be a good choice, especially when you get it at an affordable price.
You want greater durability: The steel coil-on-coil design improves the durability of the mattress and makes it a good companion for the years to come. The 120-day trial period is ample-enough time to explore the response of the mattress and its suitability to your body.
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Nest vs Saatva Comparison
| Nest Alexander Hybrid | Saatva | |
|---|---|---|
| Layers Used |
|
|
| Height | 12.5 inches | 11.5 inches / 14.5 inches |
| Firmness | Medium, Luxury Firm | Soft, Medium-Firm, Firm |
| Motion Transfer | Minimal | Minimal |
| Breathability | Above average | Slightly below average |
| Trial Period | 100-day | 120-day |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 15-year non-prorated |
| Pricing (Queen) | $1,199 | $999 |
| Shipping | Free across the US | Free across the US |