Written by Lisa Bowman, Writer
Kids spend much more time in bed than adults do, which means it’s extra important that they have a well-suited mattress to help them achieve good sleep for their growing minds and bodies.
The Saatva Youth is a special kids’ model from luxury mattress brand Saatva, which was founded in 2010 with the aim of selling premium mattresses directly to the consumer. This mattress is a flippable hybrid, with one side designed for the needs of 3 to 7-year-olds, and the other for 8 to 12-year-olds.
Is it worth the spend? Read on to find out.
Saatva Youth Mattress
A dual-sided kids’ mattress that’s designed to see children through the ages of 3 to 12.
Save 15% off order of $1k+
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Youth Mattress
A dual-sided kids’ mattress that’s designed to see children through the ages of 3 to 12.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Youth Mattress
A dual-sided kids’ mattress that’s designed to see children through the ages of 3 to 12.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Who We Recommend The Saatva Youth For:
- Young back sleepers – With its medium-firm rating and targeted lumbar support, this mattress could be perfect for young back sleepers, who should experience healthy spine alignment, waking up feeling ready for the day.
- Kids who love a bouncy bed – Children might prefer the springy feel of a coil unit for sleeping, and while they may also like bounciness for jumping, we don’t recommend letting your child jump on the bed too much – especially if they’re older/larger – as this could damage the mattress over time.
- Adults looking for a sound investment – This mattress is designed to last your child through to puberty, so if you can afford the initial cost, this could be a great option for their bedroom.
Who We Don’t Recommend The Saatva Youth For:
- Kids who prefer the cushioning of memory foam – Some children might prefer the comforting hug of memory foam, which they won’t get with this innerspring mattress.
- Adults on a smaller budget – It’s understandable that some parents or guardians may not be able to afford a luxury mattress for their child. The good news, though, is that there are plenty of budget mattresses available that are still great-quality options.
- Adults – As this mattress is designed specifically for kids, we don’t recommend it for adults. Rather, adults should look at regular hybrid mattresses.
First Impressions: Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 6.5/10
Please remember that firmness is a subjective characteristic and your shape will dictate how you experience a bed. A heavier person whose weight can more easily push through softer comfort and support layers may experience a bed as softer than a lightweight person. The way you are shaped could also play a role here. Consider your weight, shape, and size when evaluating firmness scores.
Our firmness rating ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being incredibly soft and 10 being extremely firm. The Saatva Youth is flippable, and we found both sides to be 6.5 out of 10, which is considered medium-firm. This is a great firmness for kids, who typically aren’t heavy enough to require an incredibly firm mattress.
We think this versatile firmness should suit a lot of kids, which may be handy if the bed gets passed down to a younger child. While the side for 8 to 12-year-olds does feel slightly firmer, we don’t think even a lightweight child would experience it as incredibly firm.
How Does It Feel?
The Saatva Youth’s cover feels soft to the touch, and this mattress has a high level of bounce on both sides, thanks to its dual-sided innerspring unit. Kids should feel like they’re sleeping on top of the mattress, rather than being enveloped by it, which tends to happen with all-foam models. This could work well for young combination sleepers, who don’t want to struggle when they’re moving around during the night.
What We Like About the Saatva Youth
- Dual-sided – A great thing about this mattress is that it’s flippable – one side is designed to cater to kids 3 to 7, while the other is made for those aged 8 to 12. This saves you from having to buy a new mattress as your child grows.
- Durable – Innerspring beds tend to be incredibly durable, which is handy when kids are constantly rolling around or jumping on the bed.
- Long warranty – The Saatva Youth comes with a lifetime warranty, which is much longer than those offered with many other kids’ mattresses. This should help ease your mind, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Our Saatva Youth Complaints
- Height – At 10 inches, the Saatva Youth is taller than many other kids’ mattresses, which may make it incompatible with a bunk bed. The upper edge of the guard rail needs to be at least 5 inches higher than the mattress, so ensure this is the case before ordering.
- Non-removable cover – Although the cover has water-resistant and waterproof qualities, it can’t be zipped off, which may make cleaning a little harder. Consider a mattress protector if your child is prone to spilling things or wetting the bed.
- Cost – While there’s no doubt your kid will be sleeping on a high-quality mattress, the price is higher than many competitors, which may make it inaccessible for some shoppers.
Testing the Saatva Youth Mattress: How it Performed
To give you the best idea of whether a mattress is a good fit for you, we test each one thoroughly. Some specific things we look for in youth mattresses are firmness level, pressure relief, support, edge support, temperature regulation, and durability.
Saatva Youth Mattress
A dual-sided kids’ mattress that’s designed to see children through the ages of 3 to 12.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Youth Mattress
A dual-sided kids’ mattress that’s designed to see children through the ages of 3 to 12.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Youth Mattress
A dual-sided kids’ mattress that’s designed to see children through the ages of 3 to 12.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
The official weight limit for the Saatva Youth is 250 pounds, though as this mattress is designed for kids (who are unlikely to weigh that much), we don’t recommend it for heavyweight adult sleepers. We also assess how the mattress feels and performs while on the side, back, and stomach.
Side Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – As this mattress is designed for kids – who are generally much lighter than adults – we think this mattress would work well for those weighing less than 130 pounds, offering the right amount of support and pressure relief in the hip and shoulder areas.
- Average Weight Sleepers – People weighing closer to 130 pounds should feel comfortable sleeping on their side, which is great news for older or larger kids.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Although it has a weight limit of 250 pounds, we wouldn’t recommend this mattress for heavy people weighing 230 pounds or more, as it’s designed for kids, so you’re unlikely to get the support you need.
Back Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight back sleepers should feel incredibly well-supported on the Saatva Youth, thanks to its targeted lumbar support.
- Average Weight Sleepers – The Saatva Youth is great for back sleepers, and those weighing closer to 130 pounds should feel the benefits of the targeted support system.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – While this mattress is perfect for young back sleepers, heavier people weighing over 230 pounds will require more support than they’ll get from a kids’ mattress.
Stomach Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Front sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds should experience sufficient support in the hip area, creating healthy spine alignment and reducing aches and pains.
- Average Weight Sleepers – You’ll likely feel enough hip support if you weigh in the region of 130 pounds, but if you’re closer to 230, you’ll probably feel your hips dipping, causing discomfort.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Stomach sleepers need exceptional support in the hip area, especially those that weigh more than 230 pounds. You’re unlikely to get the required support from a kids’ mattress.
Pressure Relief & Pain
While we rate both sides of the mattress as medium-firm, the 3 to 7 side is slightly plusher, to accommodate lighter bodies that won’t sink as deeply into the comfort layer. The five-zoned support on this side provides softness at the head and feet for added pressure relief, while the 8 to 12 side features a high-density foam layer to provide comfort and cushioning for older children who are likely to be heavier.
Back Pain – While we rate both sides of the mattress as medium-firm, the 3 to 7 side is slightly plusher, to accommodate lighter bodies that won’t sink as deeply into the comfort layer. The five-zoned support on this side provides softness at the head and feet for added pressure relief, while the 8 to 12 side features a high-density foam layer to provide comfort and cushioning for older children who are likely to be heavier.
Hip Pain – The high-density comfort foam on the 8 to 12 side should offer great pressure relief for stomach sleepers’ hips, while the more plush 3 to 7 side also offers good pressure relief.
Shoulder Pain – Young side sleepers should feel a comfortable level of pressure relief on the Saatva Youth, especially on the 3 to 7 side, which is designed to be a little more plush towards the head and feet.
Support
Children’s growing bodies need adequate support to help keep their spines in a healthy and neutral alignment. This mattress offers great support, thanks to its dual-sided design that caters to the specific needs of different age groups.
The side for those aged 3 to 7 features a sturdy coil unit topped by a supportive comfort layer, which is designed to feel firmer in the center third of the bed, providing vital lumbar support. The 8 to 12 side feels slightly firmer, providing additional support for this age group, who are likely to be heavier.
Motion Transfer
The Saatva Youth doesn’t do a great job at isolating motion, as we could feel movement traveling from one side of the bed to the other. However, motion transfer shouldn’t be too much of an issue for kids, unless they share their bed with a sibling or pet. Plus, high motion transfer often means high bounce – which this bed certainly has – and we believe this to be a more important benefit for a kids’ bed.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
This bed features a breathable cover and a coil unit that provides airflow and breathability. While both these components should help the mattress sleep a little cooler, we think kids who tend to overheat, live in a warm climate, or have sweaty nightmares may be better off on a specialized cooling mattress.
Preference-based Features
Good Edge Support
Edge support is important in a kids’ mattress, as a sagging mattress perimeter could cause a child to roll out of bed if they sleep too close to the edge. It’s also handy for kids who sit on the edge of the bed to get dressed or put their shoes on, or adults who perch there to read bedtime stories. We found this mattress to have good edge support, thanks to strong coils and high-density foam.
High Bounce
Kids tend to move around a lot at night, and the responsiveness of this mattress will aid those transitions, helping them sleep comfortably.
Eco-Conscious Materials
This mattress features multiple eco-friendly materials. The flame-retardant barrier is made from thistle pulp rather than chemical sprays, and Saatva’s Guardin™ botanical microbial treatment is non-toxic. The mattress also features an organic cotton cover, recycled steel coils, and CertiPUR-US® certified foams, which meet strict environmental safety standards.
Check out our picks for the best organic mattresses.
Bunk Bed Compatible
The Saatva Youth can be used on bunk beds, so long as the top edge of the guard rail is at least 5 inches higher than the mattress, for safety. As the Saatva Youth is taller than many kids’ mattresses, it’s best to check compatibility with your existing bunk bed.
Made in the USA
Saatva prides itself on manufacturing its mattresses in the United States. All of the foams and 85 percent of all other materials used are sourced from within the U.S.
Construction: What’s Inside the Saatva Youth?
The Saatva Youth is a 10-inch, dual-sided innerspring mattress that features a soft, breathable organic cotton cover on both sides. One side is designed for 3 to 7-year-olds, while the other is for those aged 8 to 12. The age ranges are embroidered, so you can see which side is which. We’ll walk you through the layers of the side for ages 3 to 7.
- The quilted cover has a water-resistant finish as well as a waterproof barrier, to take the stress out of any bedwetting accidents or spillages. It’s also treated with Saatva’s exclusive Guardin™ botanical microbial treatment, which discourages the growth of mold, bacteria, and mildew. In the center third of the cover, you’ll find Lumbar Zone® quilting, to provide more support in this area for healthy spine alignment.
- The comfort layer on the 3 to 7 side also works as a support layer, offering five-zoned support, with a firmer feel in the center third of the mattress to help keep young spines at the correct level.
- A dual-sided coil unit makes up the primary support unit, with 13.75-gauge recycled steel coils that offer durability and flexibility to cater to growing bodies. The coils provide airflow, helping to keep the mattress cool, as well as buoyancy for easier repositioning throughout the night.
- A high-density comfort foam sits underneath the coils, and if you flip over the mattress, this is the initial comfort layer.
Set-up & Off-Gassing
This bed arrives fully expanded and ready to go, so there’s none of that unpleasant off-gassing. This is great news for kids who are sensitive to odors. Thankfully, free white glove delivery is offered, so you won’t need to do a single bit of heavy lifting.
Certifications
- Eco-Friendly Certifications – The foams in this bed are CertiPUR-US® certified. CertiPUR-US® is a third-party program that ensures the foams meet rigorous health and safety standards. This means they don’t contain harmful substances like ozone depleters, PBDEs, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. They should also have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
- Shipping – Shipping is free within the United States, apart from Alaska and Hawaii. If you need a bed shipped to either of these states, Saatva will help arrange freight forwarding, at the buyer’s own expense.
- White-Glove Delivery – Your new mattress will be set up in your bedroom of choice free of charge, and they’ll even remove your old mattress.
- Trial – Your child will have 365 nights to decide if they love this mattress.
- Warranty – The Saatva Youth comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Return Policy – You’ll receive a full refund if the mattress is returned within the trial period. However, this is a 99-dollar processing fee.
Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
| Twin | 38” x 75” x 10” | $795 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 10” | $935 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 10” | $1,055 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weight limit of the Saatva Youth?
Saatva states that the weight limit of this mattress is 250 pounds, which should be more than enough to accommodate young children.
What country is Saatva from?
Saatva is an American company, and each of their mattresses is handcrafted to order in one of their 19 factories across the U.S.
Do you need a box spring for a Saatva Youth bed?
No, you don’t need a box spring for the Saatva Youth. This mattress is compatible with most bases, box springs, and platform beds. You can purchase a foundation that’s specially designed for the Saatva Youth, with a choice of two heights. Bed frames for use with the foundation are also available.
Is Saatva worth the money?
Saatva excels in making high-quality, luxury mattresses at a lower price than they might be at a retail store, as it sells direct to consumers. While they’re not the cheapest mattresses around, they do offer good value for money with premium materials, high-quality workmanship, and long-lasting durability, making them a sound investment.
What mattress should a 10-year-old have?
Medium-firm mattresses like the Saatva Youth are usually considered suitable for children, as they provide adequate support for their ever-growing bodies.
Saatva Youth vs Other Brands
Saatva Youth vs Helix Kids
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Product
Saatva Youth MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10Trial Period
365 nightsWho We Recommend the Saatva Youth For
- Kids aged 3 to 12
- Those looking for a mattress that will last their child until the teenage years
- Luxury shoppers
Who We Recommend the Helix Kids For
- Kids who need a more distinct difference in feel on each side
- Shoppers on a slightly tighter budget
- Kids aged 3 to 12
Saatva Youth vs Other Saatva Models
Saatva Youth vs Saatva Classic
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Product
Saatva Youth MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10Trial Period
365 nights
Product
Saatva MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsTrial Period
365 nightsWho We Recommend the Saatva Youth For
- Young sleepers aged 3 to 12 years old
- Adults looking to purchase a premium mattress for a child
- Those looking for targeted lumbar support
Who We Recommend the Saatva Classic For
- Adults who need good back support
- Those who love the comfort of a plush pillow top
- Back and side sleepers
Learn more in our Saatva Classic Mattress Review.
Saatva Youth vs Saatva Latex Hybrid
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Product
Saatva Youth MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10Trial Period
365 nights
Product
Saatva Latex Hybrid MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 7/10Trial Period
365 nightsWho We Recommend the Saatva Youth For
- Eco-conscious consumers
- Shoppers looking for a flippable kids’ mattress
- Young back sleepers
Who We Recommend the Saatva Latex Hybrid For
- Hot sleepers
- Stomach sleepers
- Heavyweight sleepers
Check out our full Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress Review.
Overall Summary
The Saatva Youth is a mattress that should suit most children, regardless of body weight or sleeping position. The hybrid design keeps sleepers on top of the mattress, which may be preferable for combination sleepers or restless kids.
Side Sleepers
5/5
We think both sides of the Saatva Youth would suit young side sleepers, as they offer comfortable cushioning, with plenty of support. The side for 3 to 7-year-olds is a little more plush, allowing for optimal pressure relief and comfort.
Back Sleepers
5/5
This bed could be a great choice for back sleepers, thanks to its medium-firm rating. This level of support should help keep your kid’s spine in good alignment, which is essential for healthy growth. The side for 8 to 12-year-olds is slightly more supportive, to accommodate their likely heavier bodies.
Stomach Sleepers
5/5
The Saatva Youth offers great support, which is good news for kids who sleep on their front. The side for ages 3 to 7 features targeted support at the hip area, helping to keep the spine in healthy alignment. The slightly firmer 8 to 12 side also performs well in this area.
Combination Sleepers
4/5
The Saatva Youth mattress is suitable for a wide range of young sleepers, and its responsive feel means they’ll be able to change positions more easily in the night, compared to a memory foam mattress that could leave them feeling more ‘stuck’.
Heavy Sleepers
1/5
We categorize heavy sleepers as weighing 230 pounds or more, and it’s unlikely that kids will weigh this much. Any heavyweight adults tempted to have a nap on this should reconsider as you’re unlikely to get the support you need, and may wake up feeling stiff and achy.
Lightweight Sleepers
5/5
Lightweight sleepers weighing 130 pounds or less, which is likely to include most children, should sleep incredibly well on this mattress, as it offers a great balance of comfort and support in all sleeping positions. The side for those aged 8 to 12 offers extra support for kids on the larger end of the scale.
Average Weight Sleepers
3/5
Those weighing closer to 130 pounds should feel sufficiently cushioned and supported on the 8 to 12 side of this mattress, but if you weigh closer to 230 pounds, you’re unlikely to experience the level of support you need to keep your spine in alignment.
Overall Value
5/5
We think the Saatva Youth is a great value, as it should suit most children, no matter their sleeping preference. While the initial cost may be high, this mattress is made with durable, premium materials, and is designed to last your child from ages 3 to 12. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, for peace of mind.
Our Verdict
It’s imperative that kids feel well-rested to prepare them for a big day at school – or play – and we think the Saatva Youth could easily provide that. Suitable for all kids, no matter their sleeping position, it’s a versatile choice, provided they prefer the feel of an innerspring bed, rather than memory foam.
Designed with durability in mind, this mattress is made with the quality materials and workmanship that Saatva is known for, with a dual-sided construction that caters to growing kids. If you can afford the initial investment, it may make more sense than buying a cheaper bed that may need replacing as your kid develops.
Saatva Youth Mattress
A dual-sided kids’ mattress that’s designed to see children through the ages of 3 to 12.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Youth Mattress
A dual-sided kids’ mattress that’s designed to see children through the ages of 3 to 12.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Youth Mattress
A dual-sided kids’ mattress that’s designed to see children through the ages of 3 to 12.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Lisa Bowman
Writer
About Author
Lisa is a content writer for Sleep Advisor, which combines two of her greatest passions – writing and sleeping. She can also be found writing about fitness, sustainability and vegan food.
Combination Sleeper