The Nectar Memory Foam mattress is the flagship offering from award-winning sleep specialist Nectar. This affordable mattress in a box (opens in new tab) has exploded in popularity since its launch, thanks in no small part to its highly competitive pricing and generous freebie offers. While Nectar is by no means the only mattress brand to promise you the best night’s sleep ever, few match the $499-worth of accessories the company typically bundles in for free with a mattress purchase. In fact, when it comes to value the Nectar Memory Foam is one of the very best mattresses you can buy. But what’s it actually like to sleep on? That’s where we can help. In our Nectar mattress review, we put the award-winning mattress to the test, to help you decide whether it’s the right option for you. Note: we’re reviewing the US model here. For the UK review, toggle the flag dropdown in the main navigation bar.
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress review in brief
The Nectar has a medium-firm comfort level 11 inches deep, with five layers Made from gel memory foam and foam
Nectar is a sleep brand with offices in San Francisco, New York, Tel Aviv and London, and the Nectar Memory Foam is its best-selling mattress. It’s the cheapest of the brand’s three US options, sitting below the Nectar Premier and the cooling Premier Copper (read our Nectar Premier Copper mattress review for the low-down on that one). Comprising five different layers, the mattress has a super-soft quilted Tencel cover on top, followed by a breathable gel memory foam layer, which helps to distribute your weight and ease pressure points, while diffusing heat to keep your body cool. Next, an adaptive hi-core memory foam adds extra support, helping avoid the sinking feeling that can come with some foam-based mattresses. Under this, a base layer helps stabilize the materials above and offers another layer of support, while the bottom mattress cover prevents slippage on your bed frame (it works with any type) or the floor. The Nectar mattress comes in US, UK and EU sizing. In the US there are six different options, ranging from a twin all the way up to a California king. It’s a bed in a box, which means it’ll be delivered free of charge to your doorstep, rolled up in a vacuum-sealed box. All you have to do is take it out of the box, lay it down and let it expand. Alternatively, for an extra $149 you can choose white glove delivery, where a Nectar representative will set the mattress up for you, and remove your existing mattress. (White glove delivery has been paused during the pandemic though.) One area where Nectar really stands out is its industry-leading 365-night sleep trial, and the company’s impressive forever warranty. Nectar is so confident you’ll love the mattress, it gives you a full year to trial it - that’s three times longer than the 100-night trial offered by most other mattress companies. You’ll typically get just a 10-year warranty for other mattresses, too; not a whole lifetime’s warranty. These are huge perks for first-time memory foam customers, who may need a bit of time for their bodies to adjust to the new material. If you decide your Nectar mattress isn’t a perfect fit, Nectar offers free returns within the 365-night trial period. The company will refund you, and the mattress will be donated or recycled.
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress review: price and deals
Cheaper than Purple and CasperSold with up to $399-worth of free sleep accessoriesComes with 365-night trial and forever warranty
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress sits at the more affordable end of the mattress market. At full price, it’s mid-range mattress, but you’ll basically never find it on sale at full price. The evergreen Nectar mattress sale prices, this mattress sits near the bottom of the mid-range bracket. Memory foam only mattresses tend to be cheaper than innersprings or hybrids anyway, but the Nectar mattress costs significantly less than other leading memory foam mattresses. Here’s the ‘official’ (and actual) pricing for all sizes
Twin: $798 (usually sold at $499)Twin XL: $968 (usually sold at $669)Full: $1,198 (usually sold at $799)Queen: $1,298 (usually sold at $899)King: $1,598 (usually sold at $1,199)Cal King: $1,598 (usually sold at $1,199)
However, where Nectar really stands out is through the fantastic promotions it runs throughout the year, which make the mattress even better value. Back in the day, the Nectar Memory Foam mattress was sold with two free pillows (worth $150). However, for the past few years, that free bedding bundle has expanded in size quite considerably. These days, you’ll typically see mattresses bundles in with pillows, a free mattress protector and a set of sheets, totaling between $399 and $499, depending on the size. Throw in the 365-night sleep trial and Forever Warranty, and the Nectar Memory Foam mattress is exceptional value for money.
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress review: performance
Extremely comfortable and supportive6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scaleDoesn’t get too hot at night
Nectar classifies the memory foam mattress as medium firm, rating it in the middle of the firmness scale at 6.5 (10 is the firmest). We would agree. We tested the Nectar mattress for over two months. Two of our reviewers had never slept on a memory foam mattress before, and it took them a few nights to get used to the soft, cushioned feel of the Nectar mattress, compared to a standard box spring mattress. After they adjusted, they loved how the mattress contoured to their bodies, providing full, tailored support, while cushioning pressure points like shoulders and hips. Overall, we found the Nectar mattress manages to deliver a fantastic balance of softness and support, providing luxury comfort without the feeling of sinking into the mattress. Edge support was good – we didn’t notice any sagging when sitting on the side of the mattress, or getting in and out of bed. We also found the cooling properties of the Nectar mattress to be excellent, especially during the hot summer season. We had wondered whether a memory foam mattress designed to hug the body would cause us to overheat during the night, but we stayed cool all night long. While it’s not a specialist cooling mattress, the Nectar mattress does use gel-infused foams and breathable fabrics to help regulate temperature, and they certainly seem to work – the mattress remained cool over the summer. Something to keep in mind though: one of our stomach-sleeping reviewers found their hips sinking in, which became uncomfortable after a while. It’ll depend on your weight, but if you sleep on your front your body might not benefit from this type of mattress. As a rule of thumb, people who sleep on their front or back, and/or are heavier in weight, will benefit from a firmer mattress, while side sleepers and lighter weight sleepers may get on better with softer options. If you’re not sure if the sleep feel will suit, you, use the 365-night trial and see how you get on.
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress review: what we didn’t like
Removable cover isn’t machine-washableCan take a little longer to fully expandSome testers found it slightly too firm
One feature we’d have liked to see in the Nectar Memory Foam mattress is a machine-washable cover. Although you can unzip the cover, Nectar advises against removing and machine washing it – the Tencel fibres may become damaged if you do. Instead, Nectar recommends spot cleaning any spills with a safe, mild detergent or hand soap. (Prevention is better than cure though, and we advise buying one of the best mattress protectors (opens in new tab) too.) If that’s a deal breaker, there are brands that have machine washable, removable covers – the memory foam Amerisleep AS3 (opens in new tab), for example, or anything from Tempur-Pedic. The latter is expensive, so keep an eye out for a Tempur-Pedic mattress sale (opens in new tab) to bring the price down a little. Both brands let you can remove and machine-wash the covers of their mattresses in a cool cycle. It’s potentially worth noting the setup time as well. It took just over 48 hours for our Nectar Memory Foam mattress to fully expand after we opened the vacuum-sealed bag. That’s well within the 24-72 hour time period Nectar specifies (and the company does say you can safely and comfortably sleep on the mattress right away), but it’s longer than some of the other bed-in-a-box mattresses we’ve tested. The Helix Midnight mattress (opens in new tab), for example, took 45 minutes. We found that the corners and ends took the most time to fully develop, so just bear in mind you might have to wait a day or two for optimal sleep performance. The other thing to consider is that if you’re switching from a spring mattress to the Nectar mattress, it might take some time to get used to the memory foam. Although Nectar does provide one of the firmer memory foam mattresses around, it could take a while to get used to the feeling of the mattress contouring to your body shape, especially if you’re a stomach sleeper.
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress review: User reviews
Average score of 4.7/5 from over 26,000 user reviewsMajority say they love how comfortable it isA few think the edges could be firmer
Should you buy the Nectar Memory Foam mattress?
Yes. The Nectar Memory Foam mattress is easy for us to highly recommend. For comfort, quality, and sheer value for money, we think it’s the best mattress (opens in new tab) you can buy. Ours was exceptionally comfortable and supportive, and kept us cool during the hot summer months. We also liked that the medium firmness of the Nectar mattress helped us adjust from sleeping on a regular box spring. Overall, we found that the supportive cushioning of the quilted memory foam cover provided ample comfort for our side and back sleeping reviewers. However if you’re a front or heavier sleeper, you may prefer a firmer bed – a good option to consider is the Siena Memory Foam mattress, which is similarly budget-friendly. If you have a little more cash to splash, you could also check out the luxurious Loom & Leaf from Saavta, which is available in two firmness options (keep an eye out for a Saatva mattress sale if you want to save. You’ll find all three in our best memory foam mattress guide, along with more alternatives for different sleep preferences. Overall though, if you’re looking for outstanding value at a more affordable price, the Nectar Memory Foam mattress is a clear winner. Add in the huge 365-night trial, forever warranty, and convenience of free bed-in-box shipment, and we think the Nectar Memory Foam mattress is a superb option for anyone who wants a brilliant night’s sleep without spending thousands of dollars.
Nectar Memory Foam mattress review: Competitors
1. Emma Original Mattress
Type: Mattress in a box Firmness: 6 out of 10 Materials: Airgocell foam, visco-elastic memory foam, polyester, polypropylene Height: 12 inches MSRP: $699 - $1,599 The Emma Original mattress is close competition for the Nectar Original although you can expect to pay more for Emma’s memory foam mattress. For your money you get 3-zone technology with a firmer middle for support and a more plush feel at the head and feet for extra pressure relief and contouring. Like Nectar, the Emma Original uses high-quality foam ideal for all body weights and sleeping positions. The Emma reaches 6 on the firmness scale, so it’s a touch softer than Nectar’s 6.5. It is also made using the brand’s own breathable and adaptive Airgocell foam ideal for hot sleepers who are also looking to stay cozy. Choose it if: you want extra cushioning for pressure points Avoid it if: you are looking to keep things super-affordable
2. Purple Original mattress
Type: Mattress in a box Firmness: 6.5 out of 10 Materials: Hyper-Elastic Polymer, polyurethane, viscose, polyester Height: 16 inches MSRP: $799 - $1,998 Purple’s Original foam mattress features a unique GelFlex grid – a proprietary layer of hyper-elastic polymer that cushions pressure points and also adds support. While the price of the Purple Original is higher than the Nectar Original, you get what you pay for here, not just in added features but in actual height too, with the Purple coming in at 16 inches – four inches taller than Nectar’s Original. The GelFlex grid is a welcome feature if you sleep hot, with the 1,400-plus air channels allowing plenty of airflow and breathability. The Purple Original also has a dual-layer comfort foam base and a SoftFlex cover for all-round comfort. Choose it if: you sleep hot and need extra cooling comfort Avoid it if: you are looking for a shallower mattress
3. Saatva Modern Foam mattress
Type: Standard Firmness: 6 out of 10 (10 is firmest) Materials: Organic cotton, natural latex, comfort foam, cooling-gel infused memory foam Height: 11 inches MSRP: $795 - $1,895 This beautiful eco-friendly mattress from Saatva is proof that organic comfort and luxury doesn’t have to cost the Earth, and the materials used in Saatva’s Modern Foam mattress are ideal if you are looking for a more naturally made mattress over the Nectar Original, which contains synthetic foam. There is layer upon layer of natural foam comfort here for contouring and ease of movement. The Saatva also has features including dual-phase cooling technology, which actively draws away body heat, plus there’s a patented lumbar zone design to keep your posture aligned as you sleep. Meanwhile, natural latex adds plenty of pressure relief. Choose it if: you want an eco-friendly organic mattress Avoid it if: you want a longer trial and warranty
Saatva Modern Foam at Saatva for $795 (opens in new tab)
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