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Mattress Comparisons

Big Fig Mattress vs. Saatva HD

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14 min read

The Big Fig Mattress is not just another mattress in the market. It's the first mattress explicitly made for fuller figures, a testament to our deep commitment to providing better sleep to the plus-size and big and tall communities. This is not just a product for us, it's a mission, and all our efforts are dedicated to ensuring that our customers get the sleep they deserve. 

The Big Fig mattress reviews speak for themselves. With thousands of satisfied customers and 5-star reviews, we’re not afraid of the new competition. While Saatva HD claims to have the best mattress for a heavy person, we know their mattress falls short of meeting the needs of heavier sleepers. However, we’ll let you decide for yourself. Read on to see our Saatva HD mattress review and the difference between Big Fig vs Saatva HD.

Whether it’s the Titan mattress, Purple mattress, Winkbed Plus, Helix Nightfall, Avocado Green mattress, Cocoon by Seely, or the Saatva mattresses, see how we stack up against ALL our competition with our detailed competitor comparison.

Mattress Firmness Level 

The Big Fig Mattress is rated 7-8 out of 10 on the firmness scale, ensuring substantial support for those with larger frames. High-density foam prevents annoying sagging despite supporting an impressive 550 lbs per sleeper (1,100 lbs total.)

The Saatva HD also claims to fall on the medium-firm scale based on heavier sleepers who weigh between 300 to 500 pounds, which is 50 pounds less per sleeper than the Big Fig. Sleepers under 300 pounds might find the Saatva HD to be on the firmer side. However, it's important to note that the Saatva HD's weight limit is 1,000 lbs, which may not be sufficient for some plus-size sleepers — especially if you’re coupling up.  


Saatva HD: LOSER


Big Fig Mattress: WINNER

Mattress Weight Stress Test

Our commitment to plus-size sleepers goes beyond just words. We've invested significant time and resources in developing innovative techniques to test and validate the quality of our mattress. These techniques were rigorously tested during the R&D phase, long before we launched our mattress to the masses, ensuring that our customers can trust the quality and durability of our product. 

For the mattress weight stress test, we stack 45 lb. weighted plates to show the impact and support of up to 270 pounds of weight on the mattress. This number represents the same pounds per square for each 550-pound sleeper (Big Fig’s maximum weight capacity per sleeper) person sitting on the edge of the mattress. 

We tested the Saatva HD against the Big Fig Mattress; the results are apparent. The Saatva HD simply does not support as much weight as the Big Fig. Check out the results below.

The weight stress test shows the Big Fig supporting the weight without significant compression. The Saatva HD is compressed significantly halfway down to the foundation. The foam is flattened, and the springs are almost entirely compressed. This means that the Saatva mattress sags under pressure, a problem that the Big Fig doesn’t have — perhaps this is why their mattress only supports sleepers up to 500 pounds. It’s all about construction, including coil count and quality and mattress foam quality, which we’ll get into in a bit.



Weight Stress Test
Saatva HD: LOSER


Big Fig Mattress: WINNER

Foundation

As shown below, the Big Fig Foundation is undoubtedly one of the strongest foundations available on the market. It has 18 2.5” slats and two center beams. It’s rated to support up to 2,000 lbs. — that's five times the weight of a typical foundation! This strong foundation is a crucial component of our mattress's overall performance and durability, ensuring that it maintains its shape and support even under the weight of plus-size sleepers.

We've designed it from the ground up with more wood, wider cross slats, increased center support, and exceptional block edge support to bear the weight of our mattress and full-figured sleepers. Our mattress is truly built to last, and we back it up with impressive test results

 The Saatva HD foundation pales in comparison with 60% fewer slats (7 versus 18) and only one cross-beam support. As seen in the GIF above, the Saatva HD foundation bows under the added weight, unable to properly support 270 lbs. It cannot support two bigger-figured sleepers or the Saatva HD’s supposed weight limit of 1,000 lbs. Simply put, the Saatva mattress foundation construction doesn’t hold up.

back of foundations



Foundation
Saatva HD: LOSER


Big Fig Mattress: WINNER

Mattress Edge Support

Mattress edge support is vital because it helps you feel secure in bed. While the Big Fig is constructed with our high-density foam rails along the edges, the edges of the Saatva HB Mattress are just as soft as its unsupportive center. 

To test mattress edge support, we placed 270 lbs. right at the edge of the mattress on both the Big Fig and Saatva HD. The circumference of these weighted plates represents the same amount of pressure as a person who weighs nearly twice that, at ~550 lbs. 

As you can see, the Saatva HD collapses in half under the weight, meaning there’s no support to help you stand up from the edge of the bed, presenting an unwanted challenge. In comparison, the Big Fig provides effortless support, making it easy to get in and out of bed as you please. The difference is evident with our focus on creating the best edge support mattress.

edge support



Edge Support
Saatva HD: LOSER


Big Fig Mattress: WINNER

Mattress Coil Count & Quality

Mattress coils are metal springs that create a supportive, durable sleeping surface. They're designed to flex in response to pressure and movement, providing progressively firmer support. 

In today’s mattress market, most premium innerspring mattresses use individually wrapped coils, such as those shown in the Big Fig Mattress below. However, the Saatva HD uses one of the cheapest spring units available and only provides 400 coils. The Big Fig Mattress features a high coil count of 1,600 individually wrapped coils (50% more than the average direct competitor)) allowing them to move independently of one another.

The Saatva HD mattress is constructed with a single layer of offset coils that create a hinging effect when compressed, which allows them to conform to the body's curves. However, the interconnected spring unit leads to motion transfer, meaning when one coil moves, they all move. So, when your partner comes to bed late or gets up in the middle of the night, you’re guaranteed to feel it on the other side of the mattress — so much for a good night’s sleep. 

coils



Coil Count & Quality
Saatva HD: LOSER


Big Fig Mattress: WINNER

Mattress Foam Quality

In a mattress, high-density and high-quality foam are far more critical than the quantity of foam. The Saatva HD attempts to compensate for its lackluster spring unit with multiple layers of what it claims to be “high-quality memory foam.” Yet, the reality is that this foam is not supportive enough for heavier sleepers, so it will break down over time, causing premature sagging and compromising the mattress's overall durability. 

The foams used to construct the Big Fig Mattress are 50% more dense than those used in a standard mattress, including three- inches of high-density foam cushioning with densities ranging from 1.8 to 2.5 pcf (pounds per cubic foot). Here’s the breakdown: 

  • One layer of gel-infused, ventilated latex
  • One layer of high-density 1.8 lb polyurethane foam
  • Two layers of high-density 2.5 lb polyurethane foam
  • Edge Support – 80 ILD high-density foam

Unlike the Saatva mattress construction, Big Fig’s high-density foam makes it the best mattress that won’t sag while providing the same level of comfort and support throughout 20 years.

foam comparison



Foam Quality
Saatva HD: LOSER


Big Fig Mattress: WINNER

Mattress Cooling Features 

The Big Fig Mattress utilizes THERMOGEL COOLING ® technology, which is built-in just beneath the surface of this luxurious mattress. It cools your body temperature while sleeping, so you can say goodbye to icky night sweats. As if that wasn’t enough to get you to wipe your sweaty brow in relief, the Big Fig also utilizes a layer of perforated gel-infused foam (the green foam shown above) to promote airflow throughout the night. 

The Saatva HD has nothing more than cotton fabric on the top surface of the mattress. While cotton is a quality material, it’s not ideal for hot sleepers, which is a common issue for plus-size folks. 

The bottom line is that Big Fig's THERMOGEL COOLING ® is the better choice, as cotton simply does not have the technology to provide the cooling features that hot sleepers need to stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.

mattress tufting comparison



Cooling
Saatva HD: LOSER


Big Fig Mattress: WINNER

Warranty & Customer Ratings

The Big Fig Mattress is guaranteed for 20 years with an unmatched, complete repair and replacement warranty at no additional charge. 

Saatva HD claims to have a 20-year warranty. Still, after reading the fine print, you will quickly discover they only offer a free replacement warranty for two years after the initial purchase. After two years, repair coverage comes with transportation fees, and replacement coverage is prorated. 

The Saatva mattress warranty is one where you should read the fine print. Starting in year three and for as long as you own your mattress, the brand will repair and re-cover your Saatva mattress for a $149 processing fee. 

Instead of having Saatva repair your existing mattress, you can choose the Fairness Replacement Option. The brand will deliver and set up a new Saatva — again, it comes with a cost. 

  • From years 3 to 5, you’ll pay 50% of the original total retail price at the time of purchase.
  • From years 6 to 10, 60% of the original total retail price at the time of purchase.
  • From years 11 to 15, 80% of the original total retail price at the time of purchase.
  • There’s also a $99 processing fee attached. 

When it comes to reviews, the Big Fig currently has just over 8,000 nearly five-star satisfied customers, whereas Saatva HD comes in with only a little over 130. Reviewers especially appreciate the comfort, quality, especially when dealing with sleep issues and back pain. Looks like dreams really do come true!

stats



Warranty & Customer Ratings
Saatva HD: LOSER


Big Fig Mattress: WINNER  

Mattress Price

The Big Fig beat out the Saatva HD in terms of material quality and comfort, so it must cost more, right? Wrong! Just check out the incredible price variances between costs of the same size bed. 

Big Fig

Twin: $1,500

Twin XL: $1,599

Full: $1,699

Queen: $1,899

King: $2,099

Cal King $2,099

Split King $2,699

Saatva HD

Twin: $1,995

Twin XL: $2,195

Full: $2,995

Queen: $3,295

King: $3,945

Cal King: $3.945

Split King: $4.390

Big Fig Mattress vs Saatva: Published Test Results 

While Saatva HD claims to offer long-lasting support, where are the test results to support these claims? We even question just how high-quality the Saatva HD Mattress is in the first place, considering they suggest you preserve its longevity by adding an additional solid layer like a bunkie board, plywood, or a masonite board.

The Big Fig Mattress was subjected to rigorous testing at a third-party facility focusing on durability and longevity under heavy-weight conditions. The Big Fig passed with flying colors, and we’re proud to sharethe detailed test resultson our site.

test results



Published Test Results
Saatva HD: LOSER


Big Fig Mattress: WINNER

So many mattresses claim to be made specifically for the plus-sized community without having a design that solves problems exclusive to bigger-figured sleepers. Saatva HD falls into this marketing trap yet has no test results to support its claims. That said, Big Fig remains the first and only true mattress for the plus-sized community and at a more reasonable price point, considering the quality of materials and construction. 

One last note for consideration: While both Big Fig and Saatva now offer adjustable bases, the Saatva HD won’t work with their base! Not to mention, using the Saatva mattress adjustable base completely voids the Saatva HD warranty. However, a Big Fig mattress will work with any adjustable base, although we recommend ours since, just like everything else we sell, it was designed specifically to support heavier bodies. 

Now that you see who the clear winner is, it’s time to start sleeping better as soon as possible. Therefore, The Big Fig Mattress is made to order in our factory and delivered to your doorstep in just 7-10 business days. On average, the Saatva HD takes a full two weeks to be delivered, just sayin’.

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