Hi! 130lb solo side sleeper. Can you help me?
I have a 2022 Saatva classic and wake up with an incredibly sore back and hips.
The mattress has developed 3” divots at the top under my shoulder area.
The Saatva replaced an early 2000 Westin Heavenly Bed that I loved. I am hesitant to get another heavenly bed because I believe the bed is made differently now, and because of the education I’ve received here.
I am hoping you can help me with a suggestion for a new mattress.
Hey Ws124,
Welcome to the community and thanks for your question!
When a mattress starts to show those sagging spots or divots, it’s usually a sign that it’s time to either retire it or check if you can get a warranty replacement. BIA, the company behind Saatva, is actually a solid manufacturer. Saatva is their most popular mattress, but with big marketing often come some trade-offs. I tend to like their single spring support mattresses they offer, over the classic dual spring layers. Although, mattresses with microcoils, logically and thoughtfully placed can offer contouring, comfort and increased airflow. That said, BIA makes some really good stuff, the @Glacier Apex is a great example. It’s got airflow foams to help keep you cool and a euro-style comfort layer that feels pretty similar to what you get with a Westin mattress.
Another one to check out is the @BackScience 3. It gives off a similar vibe to the Westin, plus it has customizable options. You get a similar construction and feel, with some patented airflow comfort layers that make it sleep cooler.
From what I’ve found, the Westin mattress was built with the following layers:
2.25" Eurotop Cover
Plush and tufted for that soft, luxury hotel feel.
0.5" Gel-Infused Memory Foam
Helps with cooling and adds some nice contouring.
2.0" Polyurethane Foam
Gives extra cushioning and support.
8.0" Pocketed Coil System
Individually wrapped coils for better support and reduced motion transfer.
0.5" Fiber Pad
Rounds things out for durability and comfort.
This setup gave the mattress a medium firmness and about 13.25 inches in height. The combo of support and cooling probably explains why you liked sleeping on it.
The good news is there are quite a few mattresses out there that are pretty close in feel to the Westin Heavenly. Another one worth looking at is the @WinndomMattress Dogwood or Magnolia. It just depends on whether you prefer something a bit more plush or a bit more firm.
Hope this helps!
Maverick
This is helpful. I appreciate your detailed response.
I just thought I would add to Maverick’s very detailed response with why the Back Science mattress won’t cause you the same issues as your Saatva. With Back Science, you get that perfect balance in a mattress: a soft, plush feel for your shoulders, but with robust support for your low back that prevents your hips from sinking too deeply. That’s a common challenge, and as a chiropractor and mattress designer, it’s exactly the kind of problem I set out to solve with Back Science mattresses.
I believe the Back Science Series 3 Hybrid mattress should be an excellent choice in specific, since it is built for side sleepers and is engineered to provide that luxurious, plush comfort you desire for your shoulders, allowing them to sink in just enough to relieve pressure, while simultaneously delivering powerful support to your low back. This is achieved through our patented Lumbar-Flex Zoned Support, which provides targeted support to your lumbar spine, ensuring it stays in proper alignment and preventing your hips from sinking excessively. This unique design creates a comfortable cradle for your shoulders while actively supporting your core.
The combination of our pressure-relieving and buoyant Hypergel foams, working in harmony with the over 1000 count individually wrapped coils and Quantum edge support, ensures consistent support that won’t bottom out. This means you get that initial soft feel without sacrificing the crucial support needed to prevent hip sinkage and maintain spinal health.
We also offer a 365-night sleep trial, so you can truly experience the Back Science Series 3 in your own home, risk-free. If for some reason it’s not absolutely perfect, our GripLock Modular cover system allows for easy customizations to adjust the firmness and support to your exact needs, all at no extra cost. We also offer free exchanges and returns if we can’t get it just right for you.
And, as a Mattress Underground member, you’re eligible for a special discount! Don’t forget to use the code TMU10 at checkout for 10% off your purchase.
I’m here to help in any way I can, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss your options in more detail.
Thanks!
Dr. Rick Swartzburg, D.C.
Founder and Head of Product Design Back Science