The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid and Nectar Classic Memory Foam are two flagship mattresses known for their high-quality yet affordable design. If these mattresses are on your radar, you may have a difficult time determining which one is the best mattress for you.
The good news is that weโve tested over 500 mattresses and helped more than 43,000 readers find their perfect mattress match. Our expert testers, including chief medical product tester Dr. Hannah Habeeb, hand-tested and evaluated both beds to get a feel for who will love them and who will hate them. We also called upon our chief medical expert, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, for further insight.
In this overview, weโll go over the need-to-know information, including where these beds differ and where theyโre similar. By the end of it, youโll know whether the DreamCloud or Nectar is the bed youโve been waiting for.
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Should You Choose the Nectar or DreamCloud?
The DreamCloud and Nectar mattresses each have unique feels and features that appeal to different types of sleepers. In general, the DreamCloud is great for folks looking for a bouncy, firm, and supportive mattress. The Nectar will do better for folks who like a more balanced memory foam feel.
| Who Should Choose the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid? | Who Should Choose the Nectar Classic Memory Foam? |
| Combination sleepers | Back sleepers |
| Heavyweight sleepers needing firm support | Hot sleepers who like memory foam |
| Sexually active couples | Couples who need extra motion isolation |
Nectar vs. DreamCloud Mattress Video Comparison
DreamCloud vs. Nectar Performance Scores
Our methodology encompasses a wide range of tests, both subjective and objective, ensuring that we evaluate every aspect of a bedโs performance. We tested both the DreamCloud and Nectar mattresses firsthand in our studio, covering all the bases. Below, you can see how they compare to each other and what we see on average.
To find out more about each individual score, you can look at our dedicated DreamCloud review or Nectar review.
| Test | DreamCloud | Nectar | Average |
| Firmness | 7.5/10 โ Firm | 7/10 โ Medium-Firm | 6.7/10 โ Medium-Firm |
| Side Sleeper Comfort | Good | Unpleasant | Good |
| Back Sleeper Comfort | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Stomach Sleeper Comfort | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Pressure Relief | 4.4/5 | 3.7/5 | 3.9 |
| Edge Support | 4.4/5 | 3.4/5 | 4.1 |
| Cooling | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3.8 |
| Motion Isolation | 4/5 | 4.7/5 | 3.9 |
| Response | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4.3 |
| Sinkage Depth | 3.5โ | 3.35โ | 3.12โ |
| Sinkage Rating | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bounce Height | 28โ | 15โ | 17.89โ |
| Bounce Rating | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Noise | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5 |
| Sex | 4.6/5 | 4/5 | 4.3 |
| Trial Period | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.2 |
| Warranty | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.6 |
Trying the Nectar and the DreamCloud Back-to-Back
Certified Sleep Science Coach and tester Riley Otis went back and forth between these two beds to give a firsthand, real-time comparison.
โComparing these mattresses is like comparing apples and oranges; they donโt feel anything alike!โ she said. โThe Nectar provides that classic body-hug sensation that youโd expect from a memory foam mattress. Its upper layers are soft, providing great pressure relief in any position, but you quickly settle onto the firmer support layer.โ
Trying the DreamCloud, she felt โmore on top of the mattress.โ She added, โIt still feels medium firm, but leans just a tad firmer than the industry standard. This makes it super easy to move around on and switch positions. While I felt like I was getting a bit stuck in the Nectarโs foam layers, I was able to roll around on the DreamCloud with ease. The DreamCloudโs hybrid construction also helped it stay more supportive around the edge, whereas I sank right through the Nectarโs all-foam construction.โ
DreamCloud vs Nectar Prices
| DreamCloud Price | Nectar Price | |
| Twin | $1081.00 | $1081.00 |
| Twin XL | $1148.00 | $1148.00 |
| Full | $1498.00 | $1498.00 |
| Queen | $1664.00 | $1664.00 |
| King | $2131.00 | $2131.00 |
| California King | $2131.00 | $2131.00 |
The above prices may not reflect current sales or promotions.
The DreamCloud and Nectar mattresses are both great options for budget shoppers. A queen-size Nectar will run you about $649 with sales and coupons, while the DreamCloud is a smidge more expensive at $799. The higher price is likely because the DreamCloud features coils and a luxurious-feeling pillow top.
Key Differences Between the DreamCloud and Nectar
The Nectar is Somewhat Softer
Firmness is rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with mattresses getting firmer the higher you go. Most folks are comfortable on a medium-firm mattress, which falls at a 6.5/10 on our scale. The Nectar is pretty close to that at a 7/10, and its balanced foam feel lends it some contouring.
At 7.5/10, the DreamCloud is a bit firmer. The coils give the bed a bit of a lifted boost, and thereโs more of an โon topโ feel to this mattress. If you like a firm feel, opt for this mattress.
The DreamCloud Has Better Pressure Relief
The DreamCloud mattress scored slightly higher in overall pressure relief than the Nectar mattress. Both received favorable ratings for back-sleeping pressure relief, but they differed in side-sleeping.
Even with the DreamCloudโs firmer feel, it was a hit with even our lightweight testers. โI donโt feel any pressure buildup when Iโm lying on my side, but I would like more contouring,โ our lightweight tester said after rating the position at a 4.5/5. It was also a huge hit with our heavyweight tester on his side, who praised the bedโs mix of cushioning and support for his weight category.
By comparison, the Nectar didnโt offer the right amount of support and softness for our lightweight pressure relief tester, which brought down the overall rating. Her main complaint was that her hips were lower than her shoulders, throwing off her alignment and increasing pressure on the shoulders, which could cause pain.
The DreamCloud is Bouncier
The Nectar mattress is an all-foam mattress, while the DreamCloud contains coils. This, plus the bedโs firmer feel, makes it more responsive and easy to move around on. If youโre a combination sleeper or sexually active, you shouldnโt feel โstuckโ in this mattress as you switch positions on the surface.
When I tested the Nectar mattress, however, I noticed a bit of a doughier feel, which impeded my movement. It wasnโt as slow-moving as some of the softer foam beds Iโve tested, but definitely less responsive than the DreamCloud.
The Nectar is Cooler
All-foam beds like the Nectar arenโt always the best for temperature regulation, due to the heat-trapping nature of dense memory foam. However, this bed features a cooling cover that actually pulls its weight. Though I didnโt find it cool to the touch when I rested on it, our thermal gun test yielded impressive results. After lying on the mattress for about 7 minutes, I recorded a less than 5-degree increase, which is pretty exceptional for a memory foam mattress.
The DreamCloud by no means had a poor showing in the cooling department, but it was just about average. Our in-house tester noted that the bed heated up beneath her, but never to the point of discomfort. โThe overall feel is temperature-neutral and breathable, so I donโt think the average sleeper would have concerns about overheating,โ she explained. Therefore, the Nectar is likely the better cooling mattress.
The DreamCloud Has Better Edge Support
When sitting down at the perimeter of the Nectar mattress, I noticed quite a lot of sinkage beneath my weight. I expected this from an all-foam mattress, but as someone who uses the edge of my bed as a seat, I was a bit let down. Older adults and those with mobility concerns may also have difficulty getting in and out of bed with this added instability.
The DreamCloud, on the other hand, offered some pretty sturdy edge support. โThe edge barely collapses when you sit down on it,โ explained our in-house tester. โIt even has a responsive feel that helps bounce you out of the bed.โ You should easily be able to use the edge to sit and tie your shoes, for example.
Similarities Between the DreamCloud and Nectar
Both Have Good Motion Isolation
Given the significant differences in their feels and responsiveness, I expected the Nectar and DreamCloud mattresses to diverge significantly in motion isolation. This refers to how well a bed stops movement from traveling across the surface, absorbing it before it can disturb whoever is sleeping on the other side.
The Nectar scored a near-perfect 4.7/5 in this area, while the DreamCloud scored a 4/5. As a light sleeper who tried out the Nectar, I couldnโt feel much of anything with another tester rolling around in the bed. I only felt it when he got out of bed, as the mattress dipped a bit.
Still, the DreamCloudโs performance was nothing to scoff at. Our in-house tester noted that the level of disturbance she experienced during our coupleโs test wouldnโt be enough to wake her. โWhen my fellow tester got in and out of bed next to me, I could barely feel anything, which is impressive for a bouncy hybrid,โ she said.
Both should be good options for couples that include a rowdy bedmate.
Both Are Great for Back Sleepers
Each of these mattresses offers a balance of softness and support that creates the perfect sleep environment for back sleepers of all weight categories. The coils in the DreamCloud and the firm support foams in the Nectar work to properly align the spine, while their softer layers on top contour to the lower back and fill in the gap there.
Physical therapist Dr. Hannah Habeeb further recommended both for these sleepers, especially if they are dealing with lower back pain. โThe Nectar works to keep your hips from dipping out of alignment in this position, and the DreamCloud provides great lumbar support to keep a neutral spine,โ she explained.
Theyโre Both Affordably Priced
These mattresses are each great options if youโre looking for a queen-size bed under $1,000. The Nectar retails for $649, while the DreamCloud is $799. Aside from their quality construction and impressive performance, you also get some nice perks when it comes to customer service, which only increases their value. Both brands offer a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty with the purchase of any mattress.
Which Bed Is Better For Your Body Type?
Lightweight Sleepers (Up to 130 lbs)
Lightweight stomach sleepers should be able to rest comfortably on their stomach on either the Nectar or the DreamCloud, as both should provide the necessary support to keep their hips elevated.
For side sleepers, so long as you like a firmer feel, opt for the DreamCloud. Despite its firmness, the lightweight tester for this bed thought it felt โpretty goodโ on her side. โItโs a tad too firm if you have sensitive joints, but thereโs not much pressure across my body, and I feel aligned overall,โ she explained. Conversely, our lightweight tester didnโt find the same alignment on the Nectar, complaining that there was pressure in her shoulders from her lower half sinking too far.
Our mattress expert also liked the DreamCloud for back sleeping, noting it cushioned her well while keeping her spine aligned. On the Nectar, the lightweight tester reported a little pressure in her lower back but still thought it was better than side sleeping.
Average-Weight Sleepers (130-230 lbs)
Most average-weight sleepers should likely feel comfortable on their stomach on either bed, though some folks may have to be a bit more careful on the Nectar. When I rested on my stomach on the Nectar, I felt a bit more sinkage in my hips, but not enough to compromise my alignment. The DreamCloudโs firm, โon topโ feel is perfect for average-weight stomach sleepers.
Sosha Lewis was our average-weight pressure relief tester for both beds, and she had vastly different experiences for each mattress, especially for side sleeping. Sosha liked the Nectar for this position, though she noted it felt a bit firmer than expected. โThereโs a really nice balance of contouring and support,โ she said. On the DreamCloud, side sleeping caused โa significant pinchโ in the lower back, caused by the lower half of her body feeling lower than the top. Average-weight side sleepers may like the Nectar more.
For back sleeping, Sosha had good things to say about each mattress. Both of them provided a balanced feel that kept her upper and lower body elevated and in line. The DreamCloudโs pillow top conformed nicely to her lower back, while the Nectarโs foam provided a gentler contour. She ultimately preferred the DreamCloud, but noted its firmer feel might not be for everyone.
Heavyweight Sleepers (230 lbs and Up)
Heavyweight stomach sleepers need a supportive sleep surface to keep them from sinking in too far, especially around the hips. Oftentimes, a firm or extra-firm mattress does the trick, so the DreamCloud hybrid is the better option for these folks. On the Nectar, theyโll likely bottom out on the uncomfortable support layer.
When sleepers over 230 pounds rest on their sides, much of a mattressโs firmness can be lost as they sink deeply into the surface. This is why both the Nectar and DreamCloud were hits for side sleeping with our heavyweight testers, despite each bedโs medium-firm and firm feel, respectively.
Our heavyweight tester for the Nectar noted it was โsurprisingly firm,โ but only complained of a small amount of pressure buildup in his hips. The DreamCloudโs heavyweight tester praised the bedโs cushioning and padding from the pillow top, noting a twinge of pressure in his shoulder, but commented this was a typical complaint on any bed. (He actually ended up purchasing the DreamCloud Classic within a few months.)
Both heavyweight testers liked the mattress in the back-sleeping position. The Nectar mattress helped with extra pressure relief around our testerโs lower back. On the DreamCloud, the other tester noticed a small amount of sinkage, but overall felt โgood.โ Heavyweight back sleepers should have the luxury of choice with these beds, perhaps coming down to whether they prefer memory foam or hybrid mattresses.
DreamCloud vs. Nectar Construction and Materials
| DreamCloud | Nectar | |
| Type of Mattress | Hybrid | Foam |
| Number of Layers (Including the Cover) | 5 Layers | 4 Layers |
| Height | 12โ | 12โ |
| Pillow Top | Yes | No |
| Organic Materials | No | No |
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress, meaning it has coils and foam comfort layers in its construction, which diverges from the Nectarโs all-foam construction. It also has a pillow top, versus Nectarโs flat but still cushioning surface. Both mattresses are 12โ tall, and neither contains any organic materials.
DreamCloud vs. Nectar Company Policies
| DreamCloud | Nectar | |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Shipping is free in the contiguous United States, fees for Alaska and Hawaii | Shipping is free in the contiguous United States, fees for Alaska and Hawaii |
| Return Policy | Free returns | Free returns |
Both of these mattresses offer similar and very generous policies. You get a full year to try them out, plus a limited lifetime warranty, should you decide to keep your new mattress. Shipping is free if you live in the contiguous United States, and the same goes for returns.
DreamCloud vs. Nectar: Clarityโs Conclusion
Both of these beds are great options for back sleepers on a budget. The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid mattress is a bit firmer and a whole lot bouncier, while the Nectarโs cushioning foams provide more motion isolation for couples. Sleepers over 230 pounds should enjoy the DreamCloudโs added support from its coil unit. If youโre a lightweight sleeper, you may want to look for a bed thatโs softer than either option.
|  | |
| DreamCloud Original Mattress | Nectar Mattress | |
| Rating | ||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | โ | |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nectar softer than DreamCloud?
In our experience, the Nectar mattress is softer than the DreamCloud. Lying on top of the Nectar, we sank in more than we did on the DreamCloud. However, the DreamCloud earned higher ratings for pressure relief overall.
Is DreamCloud or Nectar better for back pain?
Both mattresses should work well for people with back pain, but the DreamCloud is best if youโre looking for more robust support. The coils will keep you more propped up and help ensure your spine stays in neutral alignment during the night, which can ease and prevent back pain. The Nectar should still be a good option for back pain, but note that some sleepers, especially those with a larger frame, may sink a bit too far into its surface, compromising their alignment.
Do the DreamCloud and Nectar mattresses arrive in a box?
Yes, both these mattresses will come to your house in a cardboard box. Simply take out the rolled-up mattress, place it on your bedframe, and then cut away the packing plastic. The mattresses will expand immediately, but for the best results, wait at least 24 hours before sleeping on them.
