Hästens Excel Mattress Reviews (2026)

The review combined 21 nights of regular sleep with repeatable checks from our standard mattress-testing process. Marcus focused on temperature and the perimeter, while Jenna and Ethan evaluated partner disturbance. We rated support, cooling, pressure relief, motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and durability on the same 5-point scale.

The first few nights made the Excel's balance clear: the top felt cushioned, but the bed never held us in place. Our medium configuration felt like 6 out of 10 for firmness. Hips stayed level while back sleeping, and rolling from the side to the back required no push from the arms. After a 15-pound weight was removed, the surface returned to 90% of its original height in 0.7 seconds, which matched the quick response we felt during normal position changes.

Temperature control was equally consistent. After 30 minutes of lying in one spot, the surface temperature rose 3.2°F and returned to within 0.9°F of its starting point five minutes after we got up. Partner movement was easier to notice: vibration from a fixed-height 15-pound ball drop remained detectable for an average of 1.4 seconds. The reinforced perimeter performed better, compressing 2.4 inches under a 200-pound load compared with 1.9 inches at the center. Those results explain why the Excel feels secure and easy to move on, though it still does not isolate motion like foam.

• What we liked

  • The surface rebounds quickly, so turning and getting out of bed take little effort.

  • The fiber layers release heat quickly and avoid the damp feel that can develop on dense foam.

  • The perimeter stays supportive enough for sitting and sleeping close to the edge.

• Who it is best for

  • Back sleepers and combination sleepers who want buoyant support

  • Hot sleepers who are uncomfortable on heat-retaining foam

  • Couples who value easy movement more than a completely still surface

• Where it falls short

  • Motion isolation is respectable for a spring bed but clearly behind dense foam.

  • Side sleepers with sensitive shoulders may need a softer tension.

  • The tall, substantial system is difficult to reposition once assembled.

• Price depends on region, size, firmness, fabric, topper, and other configuration choices.

• Firmness options are soft, medium, firm, and extra firm. Beds at least 180 cm wide can use a different firmness on each side.

• Standard US sizes include Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King. Bespoke lengths and widths are available up to 225×225 cm.

• The base combines a 13 cm layer of individually wrapped pocket springs with a 13 cm Bonnell innerspring unit.

• Reinforced corner and perimeter springs improve stability when sitting or sleeping near the edge.

• The fiber upholstery includes horsetail hair, wool, cotton, and flax.

• Flax is used within the base and around the corner structure.

• The finger-jointed pine frame is 16.8 cm high.

• The current base is 36 cm high before the topper and legs are added.

• With a 5 cm topper and the recommended 16 cm legs, the complete system stands about 57 cm high.

• Hästens provides a 25-year guarantee against spring or frame breakage, subject to its registration and coverage terms.

Choose the Excel if you want the lift of a spring bed, natural-fiber upholstery, and a surface that works well for people who sleep warm. Medium or firm tensions suit many back sleepers and people with larger bodies, while lighter sleepers may need a softer surface for their shoulders. Couples with different needs should try a split configuration in person. If you want comparable handmade materials, consider the Vispring Devonshire; if budget matters more than traditional construction, the Saatva Classic offers a responsive dual-coil design at a much lower price.

The Excel costs far more than a typical premium mattress, and the topper, fabric, and size can raise the final price further. Its responsive springs make movement easy but also carry more partner motion than dense foam. Side sleepers who need deep pressure relief must choose the tension carefully, and the complete 57 cm setup may feel too tall for some frames or sleepers. Because comfort and pricing depend on the exact build, this is a bed to try in person before ordering.

Vispring Devonshire: The Devonshire is the closest match for shoppers who want handmade construction and natural upholstery. Its single layer of pocket springs and wool-focused comfort layers feel simpler and more gently cushioned than the Excel's two-spring base. Choose it if you prefer a traditional mattress-and-divan arrangement with a softer wool surface; choose the Excel for stronger rebound and a more integrated frame-bed feel.

Saatva Classic: The Classic is not a direct price peer, but it is a useful lower-cost comparison. Its Euro pillow top and dual-coil construction deliver familiar innerspring lift with more conventional foam and fiber cushioning. It is easier to buy online and includes a home trial, while the Excel offers more customization, natural-fiber upholstery, and a markedly more handcrafted build.

Royal-Pedic Premier Natural Cotton w/ Wool Wrap: This two-sided, hand-tufted mattress uses an offset-coil unit with organic-cotton layers and a French-wool wrap. It feels firmer and steadier than the Excel, and optional pillowtop pads add pressure relief. It is the better match for shoppers who want a traditional flippable luxury mattress; the Excel is easier to move on and has a more buoyant surface.

• Choose firmness using your main sleep position and body weight, not the label alone.

• Allow about two weeks for the fiber layers to settle before judging the final feel.

• Use breathable cotton or linen sheets to preserve airflow.

• Avoid thick pads that can mute the surface response.

• Rotate the top mattress regularly during the early break-in period.

• Try combined firmness if two sleepers need different support levels and the bed is at least 180 cm wide.

• Test sitting and lying near the edge during an in-store fitting.

• Keep the bedroom temperature steady; the Excel is breathable, not actively cooling.

• Confirm the finished bed height before choosing legs or a headboard.

• Check the topper and bedding setup before changing the underlying firmness.