Who is the Nectar mattress most suitable for?
The Nectar is one of the most comfortable mattresses we've ever slept on. 😴
That's saying a lot!
Nectar Sleep is actually owned by the same company that produces the more premium DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress.
With the Nectar, it's almost as if you're getting the premium product for a much better price!
Even though the Nectar is an excellent mattress for a wide variety of sleepers, it won't be the best choice for all.
The Nectar mattress is most suitable for:
- Average-weight sleepers in any sleeping position.
- Heavier-weight side sleepers.
- Couples (the mattress has very low motion transfer).
The Nectar mattress is less suitable for:
- Heavier-weight stomach and back sleepers.
- Lighter-weight people and children.
- The elderly or people with physical disabilities (it's challenging to move as it doesn't have side handles).
We deep-dive into all these points further down. 👇
But, first, let's look at the composition of the Nectar mattress.
Nectar memory foam mattress composition
The Nectar is an all-foam mattress comprised of three high-density foam layers.
The Nectar mattress layers are:
- Quilted cooling cover
- Dynamic support layer
- A pressure-relieving memory foam layer
- 7-zone supportive base
All foams used in the Nectar mattress are Certipur-certified [1].
This means that they are free from any toxins or harmful chemicals. 🧪
We'll expand upon the cooling cover further down.
For now, let's take an in-depth look at the Nectar mattress foam layers. 🧐
Nectar mattress foam layers
1. Dynamic support layer (4 cm / 1.6 inches)
The top layer of the Nectar mattress is made of polyfoam.
Previous versions of the mattress had a "smart gel memory foam layer" as the top comfort layer. 👩🔬
The dynamic support foam was a transitional layer underneath.
In the UK, the polyfoam layer is at the very top.
This not only changes the way the mattress feels but also helps regulate body temperature better. 👍
2. Pressure-relieving memory foam (5 cm / 2 inches)
The second layer is made of high-quality memory foam.
Memory foam is known for its body-contouring comfort and ability to relieve pressure points.
This layer gives the mattress excellent orthopaedic properties and extra comfort.
3. 7-zone supportive cold foam base layer (16 cm / 6.3 inches)
The cold foam base layer provides support and stability.
It is divided into seven comfort zones.
These are designed to give your body the proper support exactly where it needs it most to keep your spine in a healthy alignment. 🦴
How exactly does this work?
The contour zones allow the foams to:
- Compress more in some areas (like the hips and shoulder zones, where you need more sinkage), and
- compress less in others (like the head and feet, where you need more lift).
Healthy spinal alignment prevents back and shoulder pains. 👌
Nectar mattress firmness
The Nectar is often described as a medium-firm mattress.
But, we'd certainly rank it on the firmer end of the scale. 🧱
We've rated it at 7 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.
The firmer feel is due to the top polyfoam layer.
This will give you more of that "lying on top of the mattress" sensation than that "lying in a mattress" feel that's common with memory foam mattresses.
You'll get some sinkage from the middle layer of memory foam, but this won't be as pronounced as with other memory foam mattresses. 🥳
This also explains why the Nectar memory foam mattress feels more similar to hybrid mattresses, like the Simba Hybrid, than to other memory foam mattresses like the Emma Original.
Measuring sinkage depths
To give you a comprehensive Nectar mattress UK review, we wanted to rely on a bit of maths to help better explain the firmness and feel of the Nectar. 🧮
So we measured how deep we sank into the foams in various sleep positions.
By measuring sinkage, you can estimate how supportive a mattress will be for different sleepers.
It also gives a good indication of overall firmness.
We used two test sleepers for our Nectar mattress review and measured their sinkage depths in various positions.
We always measure at the same place:
- If sleeping on the stomach, we measure at the stomach.
- If sleeping on the side or back, we measure at the shoulders and hips.
This ensures fair & accurate results. 👩⚖️
Here are our findings:
Person A (1.75 m / 54 kg) | Person B (1.78 m / 70 kg) | |
Sleeping on the back | 4 cm (1.5 inches) | 5 cm (1.9 inches) |
Sleeping on the side | 5 cm (1.9 inches) | 5 cm (1.9 inches) |
Sleeping on the stomach | 4 cm (1.5 inches) | 5 cm (1.9 inches) |
As you can see, sinkage depths for different sleeping positions and body weights are very similar.
These values are standard for slightly firmer mattresses.
They also affirm the overall stability and support of the mattress.
Neither of our test sleepers sank in too deeply. 👌
This means that the Nectar mattress can offer the right amount of support for average-weight sleepers, regardless of sleeping position.
Sinkage for side sleepers
You'll also notice that sinkage in the side position is a little more pronounced.
This suggests that even the lighter sleeper can sink in more deeply when sleeping on the side. 👩
The extra sinkage allows the hips and shoulders to drop down further and helps with optimal spinal alignment.
Despite the firm feel, the mattress offers enough sinkage to feel comfortable, no matter your sleeping position.
Sinkage for back and front sleepers
It's interesting to note, though, that side sinkage depths were the same for both sleepers, but back and stomach sinkage depths increased with larger builds.
This is indicative of the fact that sinkage is likely to further increase as the weight of the sleeper increases. ⚖️
Heavier-weight back or stomach sleepers may find the Nectar memory foam mattress too soft.
It also won't be able to support them as well.
We'd recommend people of larger builds opt for spring mattresses [2] instead, which are generally more supportive.
Average edge support
Edge support refers to the amount of support a mattress gives at the very edge. 🧗♂️
Ideally, support will be equal across the entire mattress.
But this is not always the case - especially with memory foam mattresses.
Edge support with the Nectar mattress is average. 🏔
You won't get the feeling that you're sliding off the edge of the bed, but it won't give you as much edge support as a pocket sprung mattress or premium foam mattresses with extra reinforcements.
Average edge support isn't the worst thing in the world.
But, it can affect your purchasing decision.
This is especially true if you're sharing your bed with a partner - or if you often need a moment to sit on the side of your bed before getting up to start the day. ☕️
If you're sharing your bed, you won't be able to rely on the entire length and width of the mattress.
This is why couples should buy a larger mattress, like the king Nectar mattress. 👑
A larger size will ensure that both you and your partner will have enough space to move comfortably.
If great edge support is non-negotiable, we'd recommend looking at pocket sprung or hybrid mattresses like the Otty Hybrid.
What does sleeping on the Nectar mattress feel like?
The Nectar mattress is one of the most comfortable mattresses we've tried.
It's the Goldilocks of mattresses. 👩
Not too firm, not too soft, but just right.
The Nectar mattress offers exceptional support to average-weight sleepers in any position.
It also offers good support for lighter-weight and average-weight stomach and back sleepers.
Is the Nectar mattress good for side sleepers?
We found the Nectar memory foam mattress most comfortable when sleeping on the side.
This may seem surprising for a firmer mattress. 😲
But the Nectar manages to introduce complementary layers:
- It has a firm foundation that ensures your body is well supported.
- It has softer upper layers that ensure your body can sink in where required.
This makes the Nectar mattress a perfect choice for side sleepers. 😃
Why?
Let's explore.
The heavier parts of your body, like the hips and shoulders, can sink into the softer foams.
But the lighter parts of your body, which exert less pressure on the mattress, will remain well supported.
This fine balance of sinkage and support ensures optimal spinal alignment.
Spinal alignment is vital in every sleeping position.
But this is even more so for side sleepers - primarily because it's more challenging to achieve. 🤯
A mattress that's too soft or too firm won't allow for spinal alignment.
This can result in severe lower back pain.
Is the Nectar mattress good for orthopaedic concerns?
The Nectar is a memory foam mattress.
It offers the typical memory effect - and even to a greater degree than some competitive brands!
What is the memory effect?
When pressure is applied to the foam, it will form an indent and stay in position for a short period before returning to its original shape.
This memory imprint gives a memory foam mattress its usual body-hugging comfort. 🤗
Take a look at the memory effect demonstrated in the images below:
This memory effect also makes memory foam mattresses an excellent orthopaedic choice.
Why?
Because the foam moulds so perfectly to your body, it provides good pressure relief and allows your muscles to relax.
This will help relieve aches and pains. 🥳
Good support for average & larger builds
We'd recommend the Nectar to people of average weight and size (under 90 kg / 198 lbs) who prefer a firmer mattress.
The mattress is also suited to heavier-weight sleepers - the Nectar can support over 290 kg (639 lbs)!
It can support heavier-weight side sleepers very well, who will sink in deeply enough for optimal spinal alignment.
But, heavier weight stomach and back sleepers may find that the mattress doesn't support them well enough.
Despite its firm foundation, this is still a memory foam mattress, after all.
The foams are designed to be soft and supportive.
In addition, memory foam tends to heat up during the night and become softer.
This means that support may decrease throughout the night as the foams become softer. 😕
Pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses generally offer better support than all-foam mattresses.
The Simba Hybrid is a suitable alternative. 👌
This mattress combines foams with pocket springs, so it's able to offer more support than an all-foam mattress.
Too firm for lighter-weight sleepers?
On the flip side, very light-weight sleepers may find the Nectar mattress a little too firm.
We also wouldn't recommend the Nectar for children. 🧒
Lighter-weight sleepers may not be heavy enough to sink into the foams sufficiently.
This can result in that uncomfortable "sleeping on a table" sensation and result in back pains.
However, according to customer reviews, a good mattress topper can quickly fix this problem and offer a softer upper layer.
There is no Nectar mattress topper available in the UK, so we've given you some of our favourite alternatives.
Mattress topper recommendations:
Good temperature regulation
Memory foam tends to retain more heat than other types of foam. 🥵
So, memory foam mattresses often feel hotter and clammier than standard foam mattresses.
But the top layer of the Nectar is designed to be more breathable and allow for better temperature regulation. ❄️
Combining this breathable memory foam with an adaptive cooling cover provides non-stop airflow.
Continuous airflow moves heat and moisture away from the body. 💨
This provides for a cooler and more comfortable sleep.
We didn't feel too hot or sweaty while sleeping on the mattress for our Nectar review.
Not ideal for heavy sweaters
But:
We tested the mattress in winter, and we slept warmer than on a pocket sprung mattress.
If you feel hot quickly or sweat a lot, then a pocket sprung mattress may be a better choice for you.
These are generally much cooler. 🧊
A hybrid mattress, which combines foam with springs, is also a good choice.
You could even try the Nectar Hybrid mattress, which combines the Nectar original foams with pocket springs.
If you prefer all-foam mattresses, we'd suggest making use of Nectar's trial period to see if it's cool enough for you.
Luckily, Nectar gives you a full 365 days to try out the mattress!
A good mattress for couples
When deciding on whether a mattress is good for couples, we look at motion transfer and edge support.
We've already looked at edge support above, which refers to the support at the side of the mattress.
But what is motion transfer?
In essence, motion transfer refers to the transfer of movement through a mattress. 🎾
A mattress with low motion transfer doesn't allow movement to be carried through.
This means it's improbable that you'll feel your partner toss and turn at night or wake up if they come to bed later than you.
The Nectar has low motion transfer, which is excellent for couples. 👩❤️👨
We didn't feel our partner come to bed after us at all.
But:
We occasionally felt our partner move on the bed during the night. 🤔
This wasn't the case with the Emma Original mattress.
It may be due to the upper support layer of the mattress.
But, the movements weren't severe enough to be uncomfortable.
We'd still recommend that couples choose a larger mattress size for optimal comfort, especially considering the lower edge support. 👌
Double mattresses may be the standard, but we'd recommend investing in a king-size bed or larger.
Nectar mattress cover
The Nectar mattress features an elegantly designed cover in neutral colours.
- A white quilted moisture-wicking top cover (made of a Tencel cotton mix) with adaptive cooling that draws heat away from your body and allows for breathability and optimal airflow.
- A grey meshed side cover that supports air circulation.
- A non-slip positioning base layer that ensures your mattress remains in place.
We loved the quilted top cover - it's soft, thick, and luxurious. ✨
Does the Nectar cover have side carrying handles?
Unfortunately, the Nectar mattress cover doesn't have any side handles. 😔
This makes the mattress a little more challenging to move around.
We also struggled a bit while changing our sheets, as we couldn't grab the mattress to lift it out of our bed frame.
A cover with side handles makes turning or carrying the mattress easier, which is very convenient.
Most bed-in-a-box mattresses, like the Simba Hybrid, have side handles.
Can you wash the Nectar mattress cover?
While the mattress cover is removable, Nectar UK does not recommend machine-washing it. 🧺
This is because it is made of Tencel fibres, which are very delicate and may be damaged while washing.
We took off the cover to look at the foams, but it was pretty tricky to put it back on again.
So, we wouldn't recommend removing the Nectar mattress quilted cover.
The mattress is hypoallergenic [3], though, and unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
You can spot-wash the cover if need be. 🧼
Nectar Sleep also recommends using a mattress protector to expand your mattress's lifespan and protect it from dirt, stains, and accidental spills.
Luckily, the Nectar mattress protector is a perfect fit and an affordable option.
Get the Nectar mattress protector:
Nectar mattress sizes
The Nectar Mattress UK is available in all the standard UK sizes. 🇬🇧
These include:
- Nectar single mattress: 90 x 190 cm (3' x 6'3")
- Nectar mattress small double: 120 x 190 cm (4' x 6'3")
- Nectar double mattress: 135 x 190 cm (4'6" x 6'3")
- Nectar king size mattress: 150 x 200 cm (5’ x 6’6”)
- Nectar super king mattress: 180 x 200 cm (6’ x 6’6”)
We'd recommend single and small double sizes for children or single adults.
Couples should opt for the Nectar mattress double size, Nectar mattress king size, or larger.
Nectar mattress depth
The Nectar memory foam mattress has a height of 25 cm (10 inches).
This is standard for bed-in-a-box mattresses, though you'll often find much thinner mattresses on the market.
No science says thicker mattresses are better, but, in our experience, they give you more of that luxurious feel.
They also look better on your bed frame. 🙃
Nectar mattress weight limit
The Nectar mattress features high-density foams.
This is a good indicator of the mattress's overall quality, durability, and lifespan.
It is one of the most durable beds on the market and can support over 290 kg (639 lbs). 🏋️♂️
This is also why Nectar can offer you a lifetime guarantee!
You can expect your mattress to last for a very long time.
Nectar mattress prices
The Nectar mattress UK is a very competitively priced product. 👌
It is similar in price to the Emma Original and the Ergoflex, two comparable memory foam mattresses.
(Note: prices listed below are standard prices excluding any current coupons & discounts)
Nectar mattress discount codes
Nectar is a premium mattress that offers very competitive pricing. 🤑
But, the brand also offers regular discounts, promotions, and sales so you can get the Nectar mattress at the best price in the UK!
Discount codes can get you anything from 10% to 50% off. 🎉
Don't worry; you don't have to browse the internet to find the best Nectar mattress discount codes.
We collect all the best discounts for you on our discounts page.
Any current Nectar mattress sales will also be displayed throughout this article.
Nectar mattress NHS discount
Nectar Sleep offers an NHS discount.
This is available to a wide variety of UK essential workers, including:
- Registered health workers
- Emergency personnel
- Police and security services
Details of the discounts change regularly.
Please visit NHS Discounts [4] for more information.
Save more with bundle purchases
While you can purchase the Nectar as a stand-alone mattress, the company also offers fantastic bundle deals that can save you over £500. 💵
These deals bundle together the:
- Nectar memory foam mattress, Nectar Hybrid mattress, or Nectar Premier mattress
- Mattress protector
- Bedding set (which includes a duvet cover, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases)
- Two pillows
- One of the Nectar bed frames*
* Bed frames only included in the Premium, Luxury, and Ottoman Bundles.
Here is a summary of our favourite Nectar bundle deals:
Nectar mattress sleep accessories
While the Nectar memory foam mattress is the star of the Nectar Sleep brand, they also offer many other sleep accessories.
Within the Nectar brand, you'll find the following:
- Mattress protectors
- Pillows
- Nectar bedding set and linen
- Duvets
- Nectar beds
If you're investing in a new mattress, it may be worth considering other accessories as well. 🛏
Don't forget that you can also get a combination of these through the bundle purchases (see above).
Below, you'll find an overview of some of our favourite Nectar sleep products and accessories.
We've also linked to our other Nectar reviews, so you can read up more about each product. 👇
Nectar Premium Pillow
The Nectar Premium Pillow is a high-quality memory foam pillow with a quilted outer shell for superior comfort.
It also features Tencel cooling fabric and a breathable mesh border for excellent ventilation.
The Nectar Premium Pillow comes with free shipping and a 2-year warranty.
Nectar duvet
The Nectar duvet is a 10.5 tog all-season duvet that's perfectly temperature-controlled.
The duvet features Smartfil fibres, blended with 20% modal (derived from natural wood pulp), to wick away moisture.
It is exceptionally breathable.
The Nectar duvet is machine-washable at 60℃. 🛀
Nectar mattress UK delivery conditions
The Nectar mattress is delivered free of charge within five business days.
Currently, Nectar Sleep only delivers within mainland UK. 🇬🇧
Like other bed-in-a-box mattresses, the Nectar is delivered rolled up and compressed in a compact box.
Nectar also offers a two-person delivery service at an extra cost, where your mattress is delivered to your room of choice.
But: If your building doesn't have a lift, Nectar Sleep UK will only be able to deliver up to the 2nd floor.
The Nectar isn't overly heavy though, and one person can easily carry the box.
The weight of the Nectar mattress in its box:
- Single: 22 kg (49 lbs)
- Small double: 31 kg (70 lbs)
- Double: 31 kg (70 lbs)
- King: 36 kg (80 lbs)
- Super king: 43 kg (94 lbs)
If you struggle with heavier weights, have a physical disability, or are elderly, it may be worth asking a friend or family member for help when receiving your Nectar mattress.
How do you unpack the Nectar mattress?
Unpacking the Nectar mattress is easy:
- Place the delivery box on your bed.
- Remove the rolled-up and vacuum-sealed mattress from the box.
- Unfold it.
- Cut open the plastic wrapping with the handy cutter provided in the box.
You may notice a slight odour when you first unwrap the mattress.
We didn't experience this, but it is common with memory foam mattresses.
This is called off-gassing, but it is neither toxic nor harmful.
The smell will dissipate quickly, though we'd recommend unpacking your new mattress in a well-ventilated room. 🏡
Once you've removed the plastic wrapping, your mattress will expand to its correct size.
Our mattress took about half an hour to inflate, but it can take up to 4 - 6 hours to expand fully. ⏰
Once inflated, your Nectar mattress set-up will be complete and you'll be ready to snooze away.
Nectar old mattress removal service
Nectar can also remove your old mattress for a small fee.
This saves you the trouble of having to dispose of it. 🗑
Mattress removal does not take place at the same time as new mattress delivery.
This is because Nectar relies on its removal partner, AnyJunk, to arrange for and collect your old mattress.
Worn mattresses are recycled. ♻️
Mattresses in good enough condition are donated to the British Heart Foundation [5].
Nectar mattress 365-day trial period
Most online mattress manufacturers offer a risk-free trial period.
This gives you the chance to test the mattress in the comfort of your own home. 🏡
As an industry leader, Nectar Sleep provides a revolutionary 365-night home trial period.
That's one full year to try the mattress. 😲
This 365-day trial period is considerably longer than the industry standard.
Many competitive brands, such as Simba, offer 200-day trial periods.
Nectar mattress returns policy
Nectar mattress returns are hassle-free.
All returns are free of charge, and Nectar arranges the entire process.
All you need to do is contact customer service via phone, e-mail, or online chat, and they'll walk you through the return process. ☎️
We list all the Nectar mattress contact details at the end of this article.
Nectar refurbished mattresses
Returned mattresses are often refurbished and resold at fantastically discounted prices.
All Nectar refurbished mattresses are sold through their partner, ClearCycle, via eBay.
Sometimes, you'll get up to 70% off a mattress!
Nectar mattress comparisons
You may be more familiar with a different mattress and would like to find out how the Nectar mattress compares.
The following mattress comparisons may be helpful. 😉
Emma vs Nectar
Both the Nectar mattress and the Emma Original mattress are high-quality memory foam mattresses.
In our experience, though, the Emma Original is quite a bit softer than the Nectar mattress.
This makes it more suitable for lighter-weight side sleepers and those who prefer a softer feel.
The Emma Original also has side carrying handles.
This makes it ideal for the elderly or those with a bad back who need assistance in turning the mattress.
Simba vs Nectar
The Nectar mattress and the Simba Hybrid are two very different mattresses.
While the Nectar is an all-foam mattress, the Simba mattress is a hybrid.
It combines quality foams with pocket springs.
This enhances its support and breathability. ❄️
We would recommend the Simba Hybrid to heavier sweaters and restless sleepers.
Should you buy the Nectar mattress?
The Nectar memory foam mattress is one of the most comfortable beds we have ever slept on.
It's a high-quality, medium-firm mattress that offers exceptional comfort and support. 🏆
We can recommend the Nectar mattress as a best-buy option for:
- Average-weight sleepers with any sleeping position preference.
- Heavier-weight side sleepers.
- Couples.
We would not recommend the Nectar mattress for:
- Heavier-weight back and stomach sleepers.
- Very light-weight sleepers or young children.
- The elderly or those with physical disabilities.
But if you're not sure, there's no need to worry.
Nectar Sleep UK offers an unparalleled 365-day risk-free trial period, giving you plenty of time to try the mattress for yourself. 🗓
But with a very low return rate - 3% vs the industry standard at well above 10% - you're likely to fall in love with your Nectar mattress and enjoy the best night's sleep of your life, night after night.
Contact Nectar Sleep UK
Customer service: To contact Nectar Sleep UK directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at hello@nectarsleep.co.uk, call them on 0808 501 5373, or visit their live online chat [6]. Nectar Support is available seven days a week from 9 am - 5:30 pm.
Registered office: Nectar Sleep, 100 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 1FH
Table of Contents
Who is the Nectar mattress most suitable for?
Nectar memory foam mattress composition
What does sleeping on the Nectar mattress feel like?
Nectar mattress discount codes
Nectar mattress sleep accessories
Nectar mattress UK delivery conditions
Nectar mattress 365-day trial period
Alternatively, message us directly via the Contact Us page.