Nolah Vs Nectar Mattress- Which Should You Choose?

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The Nectar and Nolah mattresses are so similar, it can be hard to know which is right for you. They are both all-foam mattresses that have grown in popularity, so we decided to compare the two to make your decision easier.

In our Nolah vs Nectar mattress comparison, we’ll help you decide which one better suits your sleep needs.

Nolah Vs Nectar Overview

These mattresses are similar to one another. They’re both all-foam, excellent for side-sleepers, and boast great pressure relief. The difference in the end will come down to the types of foam used in the mattresses and how thick they are.

Nolah uses AirFoam, which feels super responsive and doesn’t trap heat. Nectar, which uses memory foam, conforms to the body and offers a thicker comfort layer.

Who Might Like The Nolah

  • Hot sleepers
  • Combination sleepers
  • Sleepers who are a fan of a bouncy, hybrid mattress

Nolah Original 10" Mattress

Nolah Original 10

The Nolah Original 10" mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it's sold at a value price.

Clarity Score 4.2/5
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5

Nolah Original 10" Mattress

Nolah Original 10

The Nolah Original 10" mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it's sold at a value price.

Clarity Score 4.2/5
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Nolah Original 10

Nolah Original 10" Mattress

The Nolah Original 10" mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it's sold at a value price.

Clarity Score 4.2/5
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5

Who Might Like The Nectar

  • Those who enjoy slowly sinking into a mattress and having it conform to the body
  • Light or medium-weight side sleepers
  • Fans of classic memory foam

Nectar Mattress

nectar classic update airtable

Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.

Clarity Score 4.3/5
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type couples
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review

Nectar Mattress

nectar classic update airtable

Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.

Clarity Score 4.3/5
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type couples
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
nectar classic update airtable

Nectar Mattress

Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.

Clarity Score 4.3/5
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type couples
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review

Similarities Between The Nolah And Nectar

As we mentioned above, these two bed-in-a-box mattresses share many similarities. Let’s take a closer look at what they have in common.

  • Both have a very similar price point.
  • The Nolah and Nectar are all-foam mattresses.
  • Both are good at motion isolation.
  • The Nolah and Nectar mattresses are great for pressure relief.

For more information, read our full Nolah mattress review.

Key Differences Between The Nolah And Nectar

Now, let’s investigate the differences between the two brands. Which one will work best for you?

  • Nolah uses AirFoam, while Nectar uses memory foam.
  • Nectar is taller and has a thicker comfort layer.
  • Nectar conforms to the body, while Nolah has a more responsive feel.
  • Nectar is made in China while Nolah is made in the US.

Check out our Nectar mattress review for more information.

Firmness and Feel Differences

Both mattresses have a similar firmness but vary in feel. We will compare how each mattress would affect people of different body sizes.

How Firm are the Nolah and Nectar Mattresses?

On our firmness scale, the Nolah feels like a 6/10, which is slightly softer than the average mattress. The mattress does a good job of offering comfort and support to the average sleeper. Heavier sleepers may not get the right pressure relief, though, because they’re likely to sink through the comfort layer.

The Nectar mattress is slightly firmer, coming in at a 6.5/10. The mattress does a good job of offering support to the sleeper. Because it has a taller comfort layer, it may work better for heavier sleepers.

Sleeping On the Nolah and Nectar Mattresses

On the Nolah, back sleepers should receive a good balance of comfort and support. The hips sink into the mattress, while the rest of the body gets plenty of support.

Side sleepers should find the Nolah is especially great at relieving pressure. For average weight sleepers, the AirFoam layers should relieve pressure along shoulders and hips. Heavier sleepers may bottom out, creating additional pressure.

Nolah mattress - side sleeping

In general, the Nolah feels too soft for stomach sleepers. In this sleeping position, you won’t get the proper support. Your hips may sink into the foam and start to feel out of alignment. We recommend you check out our best mattresses for stomach sleepers for better options.

Overall, the Nectar offers solid support for back sleepers, but Nolah is better in our eyes. Back sleepers on the Nectar sink into the mattress more than the Nolah because there is an extra inch of comfort foam, so this might cause stress on the heavier areas of the body which sink lower.

Nectar Mattress - Side Sleeping

Nectar takes the pressure off the shoulders and hips for side sleepers, but heavier sleepers might feel as if they are bottoming out.

Stomach sleepers on the Nectar might find it too soft for their liking as well.

What Do The Nolah And Nectar Mattresses Feel Like?

The Nolah mattress has a soft foam feel, but is more responsive than memory foam. The cover is thin so it doesn’t affect the feel of the mattress too much. It is temperature neutral, so hot sleepers would benefit from this mattress.

The Nectar mattress has a classic memory foam feel. The initial feel of firmness quickly gives way as the foam conforms to the body.

Average Weight Sleepers – 130lbs – 230lbs

Average weight back and side sleepers should feel totally comfortable and supported on the Nolah. The mattress has enough support for the sleeper to not bottom out, and would provide enough support to the shoulders, back and hips for the sleeper to remain comfortable. Average weight stomach sleepers will not have enough support and their hips will sink out of alignment.

The Nectar provides solid support for back sleepers and side sleepers. The mattress provides ample support for hips and shoulders for average weight people. In this weight range, the sleeper would not bottom out and their joints would be supported. The foam provides especially good pressure relief on the hips of average weight people. Stomach sleepers once again should seek more support in their mattresses.

Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230lbs

The Nolah won’t adequately support heavyweight sleepers. Heavier side sleepers run the risk of bottoming out and sleeping the firmer support layers. This can create tension and stress on shoulders and hips, which leads to pain over time. For back and stomach sleepers, there’s not enough support for heavyweight sleepers.

People who weight around 230lbs may get the support they need while sleeping on the Nectar, but heavier sleepers will bottom out. We recommend looking for one of the best mattresses for heavy people.

Lightweight Sleepers – Under 130lbs

The Nolah is one of the best mattresses for lightweight sleepers. It offers enough support for the back and side sleepers, and enough for many stomach sleepers as well. That being said, many stomach sleepers will still need a firmer, more supportive mattress.

The Nectar is also a good option for lightweight sleepers. Like the average weight sleepers, the Nectar provides enough support for the joints and will be very comfortable. The stomach sleepers might find they want a mattress offering more support.

Mattress Construction Differences

To really understand how these two mattresses work, we’ll need to take a deep look at their construction.

Cover

Nolah’s cover is made out of a thin, viscous material that should provide plenty of airflow. It does not affect the feel of the mattress overall.

The Nectar has a polyblend cover that feels breathable and cool.

Comfort Layers

The Nolah has three inches of comfort layers. The top two inches are made of AirFoam, which is temperature neutral and relieves pressure. The next inch is made of Avena foam, which feel similar to a bouncy latex material. These top layers create a reactive, pressure relieving top.

Nolah Original - Construction

The Nectar has two more inches of comfort layers than the Nolah does. The top three inches are made of high-density foam that’s pressure-relieving and gel-infused for cooling. This layer is slow-reacting and will allow you to sink in, like traditional memory foam. Under this is two layers of dynamically adjusting foam that feels quite responsive.

Nectar Classic Mattress - Construction

Support Layer

Both mattresses have a base layer made out of 7″ of high-density poly foam.

Mattress Height

The Nolah is 10″ thick and the Nectar is 12″ thick.

Nolah And Nectar Mattress Size Options and Price

Check out the charts below for the most up-to-date prices.

Nolah

Size Dimensions Price
Twin 38” x 75” $999.00
Twin XL 38" x 80" $1199.00
Full 54" x 75" $1349.00
Queen 60” x 80” $1149.00
King 76” x 80” $1749.00
California King 72” x 84” $1749.00

For more great options, read our Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress review.

Nectar

Size Dimensions Price
Twin 38” x 75” $699.00
Twin XL 38” x 80” $899.00
Full 54” x 75” $949.00
Queen 60” x 80” $1099.00
King 76” x 80” $1399.00
California King 72” x 84” $1399.00

Looking for something more luxurious? Read our Nectar Luxe mattress review.

Nolah And Nectar Performance Differences

We’ve learned about their construction, firmness levels, and feel. Now, let’s see how well these mattresses actually perform.

Sleeping Hot or Cold

Thanks to its AirFoam layers and breathable outer cover, the Nolah mattress shouldn’t trap heat like many traditional memory foam mattresses do.

The Nectar mattress is like most traditional foam mattresses, so it may trap some heat. It’s not a great pick for those who already tend to sleep hot at night.

Motion Transfer

Motion transfer is especially important for couples. If your partner has a restless night’s sleep, you’d hate to feel them tossing and turning next to you.

Luckily, foam mattresses are great at eliminating motion transfer. Both the Nectar and Nolah beds have great motion isolation.

Edge Support

After doing edge support tests we determined that Nectar has better edge support than the Nolah. The Nolah is an all-foam mattress, and it behaves like one. The foam compresses near the edge when sitting or lying, but it’s not to the point of falling off.

Nolah Original - Edge Support

The Nectar, on the other hand, had surprising edge support for an all foam mattress. It only collapsed a bit and we felt secure near the edge.

Nectar Mattress - Edge Support

Durability

Both mattresses should last between seven and 10 years. Each should make a solid long-term investment.

Off-Gassing

Both mattresses were shipped so they naturally released a slight chemical odor, but after 48 hours, the smell completely faded.

Noise

Once again, these all foam mattresses behaved as expected. They absorb noise when someone rolls around or moves.

Sex

When shopping for one of the best mattresses for sex, most people want a bed that feels bouncy and responsive. Because the Nectar and Nolah mattresses are made entirely out of foam, they may not be the best choice for getting intimate.

Company Policies

Before purchasing a brand new bed, you’ll want to read the fine print. We’ve outlined Nectar and Nolah’s company policies below.

Warranty Info

Both mattresses come with a lifetime warranty, though Nolah’s is void if the mattress is not paired with the correct support system.

Sleep Trial

Nolah has a 120-night sleep trial, while Nectar has a 365-night sleep trial. This allows you sufficient time to test out the mattress and decide if it suits your preferences and needs.

Return Policy

The Nolah comes with free shipping and returns during the 120 day trial period.

Nectar, though it offers a full refund on the mattress if you return it in the 365-night trial period, does not offer a refund for the service charge.

FAQs

If you’re still wondering about these two popular bed-in-a-box mattresses, read our FAQ section below.

Which mattress is better, Nolah or Nectar?

This is a toss-up. We like them both and they vary for different people based on weight and personal preference.

How long will Nolah or Nectar mattresses last?

Based on estimates, both mattresses should last between 7-10 years.

Can you flip the Nolah or Nectar mattresses?

You should not flip the mattresses as the support layers are designed to go on the bottom and will not offer the same comfort and stress relief as the comfort layers.

Joe Auer

Joe Auer is the editor of Mattress Clarity. He mainly focuses on mattress reviews and oversees the content across the site. He likes things simple and takes a straightforward, objective approach to his reviews. Joe has personally tested nearly 250 mattresses and always recommends people do their research before buying a new bed. He has been testing mattresses for over 5 years now, so he knows a thing or two when it comes to mattress selection. He has been cited as an authority in the industry by a number of large publications. When he isn't testing sleep products, he enjoys working out, reading both fiction and non-fiction, and playing classical piano. He enjoys traveling as well, and not just to test out hotel mattresses! Joe has an undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and an MBA from Columbia University.