updated June 2023

Saatva Solaire vs Sleep Number Mattress Comparison
Shopping for an adjustable air bed? The Saatva Solaire and the three mattresses in Sleep Number’s Innovation Series are great options. Read on to see which mattress has more of the features you’re looking for, and which best suits your sleep style.
When you imagine a high-quality air bed that adjusts firmness with the press of a button, Sleep Number is probably the company that comes to mind. The brand was an innovator in the mattress industry and has expanded its air bed options over the years.
But did you know Saatva, the luxury online mattress company, also offers a comparable air bed? Read on to learn about the similarities and differences between the Saatva Solaire and the three mattresses in the Sleep Number Innovation series.
Saatva Solaire vs Sleep Number at a Glance
Saatva Solaire | Sleep Number I-Series | |
Best For |
|
|
Customer Rating | 5/5 |
4.8/5 |
MA Score | 8.6 | N/A |
Price | $3,595 | $2,749-$5,699 |
Firmness | 50 custom firmness levels | 20 custom firmness levels |
Trial | 365 nights | 100 nights |
Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 25-year warranty |
Key Similarities
- Adjustable Firmness: Air chambers compose the support layer of these mattresses. You customize the firmness by adjusting the fill level of the air chambers using either a phone app or remote.
- Excellent Cooling: Both the Solaire and the Innovation Series have unbeatable airflow due to their construction as air beds. In addition, each bed employs breathable and cooling comfort materials to ensure you don’t overheat.
- Accommodating of All Sleep Positions: While many air beds are not ideal for side sleepers because they lack thick comfort layers, both the Solaire and the Innovation Series break the mold in this regard. Back, side, and stomach sleepers can sleep comfortably on these beds.
- Minimal Motion Transfer: Both mattresses have minimal motion transfer due to their dual air chamber construction and foam comfort layers.
- Great for Couples: Because you can adjust the firmness on each side, both beds are fantastic for couples with different firmness preferences.
Key Differences
- Technology: The Innovation Series includes sleep-tracking technology, as well as a “Responsive Air” feature, which inflates and deflates the air bladder while you move at night to provide consistent support. The Solaire does not have these features.
- Durability: The Saatva Solaire is incredibly durable, thanks to its high-quality materials and reinforced base. Sleep Number is not known for durability, though it has excellent customer service if anything goes wrong.
- Edge Support: The Solaire boasts incredible edge support for an air bed, while Sleep Number customers often report sagging edges. Edge support is important for people who sleep toward the edge of the bed, sit on the edge, or need extra stability getting into and out of bed.
- Returns: While neither company offers free returns, you won’t lose as much money if you decide to return the Saatva. Sleep Number charges a non-refundable $249 for mattress setup and a $199 return fee, compared to Saatva’s $99 return fee and free setup.
- Sleep Trial: Saatva offers one of the best sleep trials on the market, at 365 full nights. Sleep Number also provides an acceptable sleep trial, but it’s less generous at 100 nights.

Saatva Solaire Mattress Review Highlights
- Good for Back-Pain Sufferers: The Saatva Solaire offers five-zoned support consisting of latex and memory foam. This contouring support, combined with 50 firmness options, can provide some relief to back pain sufferers.
- Great for Seniors: Along with great support and contouring, the Solaire has top-tier edge support. This is essential for seniors and people with mobility issues who need extra stability getting into and out of bed.
- Accommodating of All Sleep Positions: Because of the wide selection of firmness levels, the Solaire accommodates back, stomach, and side sleepers.
- Eco-Conscious Materials: Saatva is known for using eco-conscious and health-conscious materials, including a hypoallergenic organic cotton cover and CertiPUR-US Certified memory foam, free from heavy metals and dangerous chemicals.
- Other Options: Saatva offers a variety of other mattress types, though this is currently their only air bed.

Sleep Number Innovation Series Mattress Review Highlights
- Three Mattress Options: The Innovation Series features the i8, iLE (limited edition), and i10. They are similar mattresses, with the i8 and i10 having a cloud-like surface and the iLE having a more supportive feel.
- Cooling: A temperature-regulating surface material absorbs and dissipates your body heat, keeping you cool.
- Technology: The Innovation Series showcases the best of Sleep Number’s technology. Sleep-tracking technology (called SleepIQ) allows you to gain insights into your sleep, while other advanced features, such as head adjustability and foot warming, are available as extras.
- Adjustability: You can choose between 20 firmness levels using a phone app. A remote control is available for an additional $40.
- Responsiveness: The Innovation Series boasts Responsive Air technology, which automatically adjusts the fill level of the mattress to keep you well-supported and comfortable while you sleep.
- Other Options: Sleep Number offers a wide array of other air beds, including the Classic Series, Performance Series, and a memory foam smart bed.
Compare Dimensions/Sizes
The Solaire and Innovation Series come in standard sizes. In addition, both companies offer an upper flex-top option, allowing you to adjust your head height independently of your partner’s side when using an adjustable base. This is available for queen and king mattresses from Saatva, and king and California king beds from Sleep Number.
Saatva Solaire | Sleep Number Innovation Series | |
Thickness | 13” | i8 and iLE: 12”; i10: 13” |
Twin XL | 38” x 80” | 38″ x 80″ |
Full | 54” x 75” | 54″ x 75″ |
Queen | 60” x 80” | 60″ x 80″ |
King | 76” x 80” | 76″ x 80″ |
Split King | 38″ x 80″ (X2) | 38″ x 80″ (X2) |
Cal King | 72” x 84” | 72″ x 84″ |
Split California King | 36″ x 84″ (X2) | 36″ x 84″ (X2) |
Learn more about mattress sizes.
Compare Prices
The Solaire and Innovation Series are luxury adjustable mattresses, and their prices reflect that. Saatva’s air bed is significantly less expensive than the i10 and moderately less expensive than the i8.
It’s also important to consider the cost of an adjustable base for any of these mattresses if you plan to take advantage of features such as head and foot elevation. These bases cost a couple of thousand dollars on top of the cost of the mattress. Also note: Neither Saatva nor Sleep Number accepts returns on adjustable bases.
Keep in mind that the prices below do not include discounts, promotions, or exclusive Mattress Advisor deals. For more information on current discounts, visit our mattress deals page.
Saatva Solaire | Sleep Number i8 | Sleep Number i10 | Sleep Number iLE | |
Twin XL | $2,595 | $3,449 | N/A | $4,799 |
Full | $3,395 | $3,724 | N/A | $5,074 |
Queen | $3,745 | $3,899 | $5,399 | $5,399 |
FlexTop Queen | $4,175 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
King | $4,395 | $4,599 | $6,099 | $6,099 |
Split King | $5,190 | $5,699 | $7,299 | $7,299 |
FlexTop King | $4,925 | $5,699 | $7,299 | $7,299 |
California King | $4,395 | $4,599 | $6,099 | $7,299 |
Split California King | $5,190 | $5,699 | $7,299 | $7,299 |
FlexTop California King | N/A | $5,699 | $7,299 | $7,299 |
Compare the Construction
While the Saatva Solaire and the Sleep Number Innovation Series share much in common as luxury air beds, they vary in their construction. Below, we’ll explore each bed layer by layer..

Inside the Saatva Solaire
The Saatva Classic consists of five layers, designed especially for comfort and lumbar support. Because it’s available in plush, luxury firm, and firm, the mattress is a great fit for many sleepers.
An organic cotton cover and Euro pillow top bring a luxurious and comfortable feel to the Saatva Classic. This layer differentiates the three firmness levels, as the density of the foam varies between plush, luxury firm, and firm.
Next, the back support layer is crafted especially for lumbar support. Saatva uses copper wire to reinforce a layer of high-density memory foam across the lumbar region, delivering support and contouring.
The first coil layer’s individually pocketed coils react to your movement, keeping you comfortable while changing sleep positions. The coils are sturdier in the center of the bed, further enhancing lumbar support.
The Saatva Classic’s edge support is great, thanks to the next layer of high-density foam rails. This layer exists solely for edge support, extending your sleep surface and providing exceptional stability along the bed’s edges.
Lastly, tempered steel coils comprise the bottom layer of the mattress. This heavy-duty layer enhances durability, as it minimizes potential sagging. It also allows for increased airflow.
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- Organic Cotton Pillow Top (3”): A fluffy, breathable Euro pillow top provides cushioning and a cool sleep surface.
- Zoned Latex Layer (1”): Naturally cooling and hypoallergenic, the latex comfort layer offers a bouncy feel while keeping the spine aligned.
- Gel-infused Memory Foam (2”): Cooling gel infuses the Solaire’s memory foam layer, keeping the layer from trapping heat. The memory foam offers contouring support, which is especially important for side sleepers.
- Moisture Barrier: Saatva is all about producing durable mattresses, and this moisture barrier does precisely that by protecting the air chambers below from damage.
- Air Chambers: Vulcanized air chambers make up the support layer of this bed. Saatva uses a multi-directional box baffle design to provide even support across the mattress.
- Power Edge Enclosure: A reinforced power edge enclosure serves many purposes. It houses mechanical components out of view, insulates you from any sound those components make, and acts as a supportive base for the layers above.

Inside the Sleep Number Innovation Series Mattresses
The Sleep Number Innovation Series consists of three mattresses, which differ mostly in the structure of their foams. Unfortunately, the company does not share the exact composition of these layers, so there is some mystery in the features and longevity of the comfort system.
The cover of each mattress is a blend of polyester, polypropylene, and elastane designed for cooling and a glove-like fit. Next come the comfort layers, where the mattresses differ most notably.
- i8: The i8 has a 6” comfort layer containing a ceramic-based temperature-balancing foam. Sleep Number reps report that this bed feels lighter and fluffier than the iLE.
- iLE: The iLE uses 6” of comfort foam, including gel-infused foam for cooling. Per Sleep Number reps, the iLE has a denser, more supportive feel than the i8, making it better for heavier folks.
- i10: The i10 has a similar cloud-like feel as the i8, but with an additional inch of foam, it’s the best in this series for side sleepers who like a soft feel. It boasts the best cooling of these three beds.
After the comfort layers, we reach the air chambers that provide adjustable support. Depending on your bed’s size, you’ll find one or two air chambers. Two air chambers allow you to select a different firmness level (or sleep number) for each side.
- Cover: A blend of polyester, polypropylene, and elastane compose the breathable covers of the Innovation Series.
- Comfort Layer (6-7”): Each of the Innovation Series boasts two types of proprietary foam. The i8 and i10 have foams that provide a fluffier feel, while the iLE feels denser. All of the foams have cooling features, though the i10 is the most advanced.
- Air Chambers (6”): One or two air chambers provide adjustable support via a phone app or remote control. An air pump and hose that controls the chambers rests within the mattress.
Compare Testing and Customer Feedback
At Mattress Advisor, we personally test the vast majority of our mattresses. However, because we have yet to apply our rigorous testing to the Innovation Series, we scoured customer reviews to compare with our review of the Saatva Solaire.
Read on to learn where each mattress shines and where it falls short.
Edge Support
Saatva is known for outstanding edge support in the brand’s more traditional mattresses, and it has kept that reputation going with the Solaire. We rated the Solaire at 8.5/10 in edge support—which is a solid score for any mattress, and an amazing one for an air bed.
Unfortunately, the Innovation Series does not seem to have solid edge support, as multiple customer reviews mention drooping or sagging edges.
Edge support is essential for couples who sleep near the bed’s edge and anyone who likes to sit on the bed while getting dressed. It is also vital for older adults and people with limited mobility who rely on sturdy edges to get safely into and out of bed.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer is one category in which the Solaire and the Innovation Series both shine. The combination of dual air chambers and thick foam comfort layers drastically minimizes how much you feel your partner’s movement.
This is important for restless sleepers and those who wake up easily. We gave the Solaire 9/10 for motion transfer, and based on customer reviews, the Innovation Series is similarly outstanding in this category.
Responsiveness
While all four mattresses perform well in this category, the Innovation Series has the edge over the Saatva Solaire due to its “Responsive Air” technology. Sleep Number uses sensors in the mattress to determine when to inflate or deflate the air bladder throughout the night. This keeps you at your ideal level of support, regardless of your position.
That said, the Solaire still scored an 8/10 in responsiveness, so it is also responsive to your movements. It’s just hard to compete with a mattress that senses your movements and adjusts while you peacefully snooze.
Which Is the Best Mattress for You
The Saatva Solaire and Sleep Number Innovation Series are luxury air beds that suit most sleepers, including couples and hot sleepers.
We recommend the Solaire for back-pain sufferers due to its five-zoned support, and for older adults due to its outstanding edge support. The Solaire is also a good option for more cost-conscious shoppers, as it offers much of what Sleep Number provides at a lower price point.
The Innovation Series is great for restless sleepers due to its “Responsive Air” technology, and for tech-savvy shoppers who would make use of the sleep-tracking technology.
Finally, the Saatva Solaire is a better choice if you think you may end up returning the mattress if it doesn’t work for you. Saatva’s 365-night sleep trial is longer than Sleep Number’s 100 nights, and you’ll only be out $99 compared to a total of $448 with Sleep Number (delivery plus a return fee).
More Saatva Comparisons
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