Shopping for a bed-in-a-box mattress can be quite difficult. There seems to be an endless number of online mattresses that all promise to be the most comfortable. When trying to narrow down one’s choices, it’s always a good idea to start with the most popular brands, which is why we put together a mattress comparison of Purple vs Nectar — two of the most talked-about online mattresses out there. Those trying to choose between the two should read on for our full Purple vs Nectar mattress comparison below.
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Purple vs. Nectar Mattress Overview
The Purple is a unique bed-in-a-box mattress because it features a proprietary gel grid right on top; there isn’t another mattress that feels like the Purple. The Nectar, on the other hand, offers a feel that many people associate with memory foam mattresses. Its slow-moving memory foam invites sleepers to sink in and feel the mattress envelop them.
While these are both high-quality online mattresses, they are a better match for different types of people. This comparison will discuss who should choose the Purple mattress and who should choose the Nectar mattress.
| Who Should Choose the Purple Mattress? | Who Should Choose the Nectar Mattress? |
| Larger sleepers who require more comfort and support from their mattress | Light- and medium-weight side sleepers |
| Those who are looking for a more responsive mattress that makes it easy to move around | Sleepers who prefer the slow-moving feel of a memory foam mattress |
| Stomach sleepers and back sleepers who need some additional support | Couples who need a mattress that cuts down on motion transfer |
| Hot sleepers who worry about overheating during the night | People who need extra pressure relief |
Purple vs. Nectar Video Comparison
Those who want to see the Purple and Nectar mattresses side by side should watch our in-depth video comparison. Our reviewer, Marten, will go through their construction, and his experience, and discuss who should choose one mattress over the other.
Purple vs. Nectar: Similarities and Differences
Understanding the similarities and differences will help you make the best possible purchasing decision. Check out our handy chart to learn more!
| Similarities | Differences |
| The Purple and Nectar are two wildly popular bed-in-a-box mattresses that are serious best sellers. | The Purple and Nectar mattresses contain some very different materials in their construction. |
| Both mattresses come with some impressive customer service terms such as sleep trials and warranties. | The Purple should be more durable than the Nectar mattress and should last for a longer amount of time. |
| Ignoring discounts, the Purple mattress and Nectar are very close in terms of price. | The Purple is more breathable and should sleep significantly cooler than the Nectar mattress. |
| Depending on someone’s weight, they might feel like the Nectar is softer or firmer than the Purple mattress. | |
| The Purple has a unique, bouncy, gel-like feel, and the Nectar has a slow-moving memory foam feel |
Firmness and Feel Differences
Some of the major differences between the Purple and Nectar have to do with their respective firmness and feel. Let’s take a closer look at the Purple and Nectar’s firmness and feel and what it is like to sleep on each mattress.
How Firm Are the Purple and Nectar Mattresses?
The Purple had a firmness of 6.5/10, medium-firm, and while the top gel grid feels firm at first, it does soften when we apply enough pressure. The Nectar mattress also had a firmness of 6.5/10. The top memory foam layers are very soft, but the layers get progressively firmer the deeper we push. If you want some softer options, read our Nectar Premier mattress review and Nectar Premier Copper mattress review.
The firmnesses might differ for sleepers of different sizes – lighter sleepers might feel like the Purple is firmer because they aren’t heavy enough to activate the gel grid. At the same time, lighter people will most likely feel like the Nectar mattress is softer because they won’t press in quite so far.
Heavier people, on the other hand, might feel like the Purple mattress is softer as their weight will be enough to push into the gel grid. At the same time, they might push further into the Nectar mattress, and they could feel more pressure in certain areas.
Sleeping On the Purple and Nectar Mattresses
Back-sleeping on the Purple mattress, we feel a great balance of comfort and support; the gel grid collapses under our hips and butt, and the rest of the mattress stays flat and supportive. Side-sleeping, we feel some decent pressure relief on our shoulders and hips. Stomach-sleeping, the Purple mattress doesn’t collapse under our hips, and we feel good even support across the entire body. Of the two, it is the best mattress for stomach sleepers.
Back-sleeping on the Nectar mattress, we are also experiencing a nice balance of comfort and support; our hips sink in a bit while the top foam layers contour to the curves of our body. Moving to our sides, we sink into the memory foam and feel little pressure on our shoulders and hips. Stomach-sleeping on the Nectar mattress, we are not getting enough support under our hips, and they are bowing in there somewhat.
What Do the Purple and Nectar Mattresses Feel Like?
The Purple has a very unique feel that is both squishy and firm at the same time. Pushing into the gel grid, it stays firm until we apply enough pressure, and then that specific area collapses. There is also a good bit of bounce, and this makes it easier to move around on the Purple mattress.
The Nectar has more of a classic memory foam feel where we slowly sink into the mattress. The memory foam conforms to our curves and there is very little bounce – this might make it a bit more difficult to move around on the Nectar.
Average Weight Sleepers – 130 lbs – 230 lbs
Average weight people who weigh closer to 130 lbs might feel like the Purple is too firm for them when back-sleeping and side-sleeping. However, those who are closer to 230 lbs might feel significantly more comfortable in both positions. Stomach-sleeping, average weight people should get all the support they need when they are lying on the Purple mattress.
Average weight back sleepers should feel an excellent balance of comfort and support on the Nectar, and most average weight side sleepers should feel almost no pressure on their shoulders and hips. If they are closer to 230 lbs, they might feel more pressure in those areas. Stomach-sleeping, they will most likely need a firmer, more supportive mattress to hold up their hips and center mass.
Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230 lbs
Heavyweight sleepers should like the Purple for back- and side-sleeping. Their weight will be enough to collapse the gel grid in the right areas. That being said, those who are 300 lbs or more might want to consider the Purple Hybrid Premier 3″ or 4″ which have a thicker gel grid on top.
Stomach-sleeping, most heavyweight people should feel well supported on the Purple mattress but, if they are over 275 lbs, they should consider one of the Purple mattresses with coils.
Some heavyweight sleepers should get enough comfort and support when they are back-sleeping on the Nectar but, if they are over 250 lbs, they might need the support of an innerspring or hybrid mattress. Side-sleeping, most heavyweight people are going to want a mattress with a thicker comfort layer because they could bottom out. Stomach-sleeping, they will need a mattress that is firmer than the Nectar.
Lightweight Sleepers – Under 130 lbs
Unless they are stomach-sleeping, most lightweight people will think that the Purple mattress is too firm for them. They are probably not heavy enough to press into the gel grid, and the mattress could feel uncomfortable. It will not be the best mattress for back sleepers or side sleepers who are lighter.
However, they should think that the Nectar is a good match for both back-sleeping and some stomach-sleeping. Some very light stomach sleepers might even get enough support from the Nectar.
See our best mattresses for lightweight sleepers.
Mattress Construction Differences
Now, let’s look at the materials that make up both these mattresses. We will start on top and then work our way through each layer of the Purple and Nectar.
Purple
| Layer | Description |
| Cover | The Purple mattress features a Soft Flex cover which is thin, stretchy, and also quite breathable. |
| Comfort Layer # 1 | The top layer of the Purple is a proprietary gel grid that is very interesting – it is made of a hyper-elastic gel polymer and is firm, bouncy, and pressure-relieving at the same time. |
| Comfort Layer # 2 | Below that is a layer of soft and responsive comfort foam that acts as a transition layer. |
| Support Layer | The support layer consists of high-density base foam |
Nectar
| Layer | Description |
| Cover | The Nectar mattress boasts a cover containing polyethylene, a material that is designed to be particularly breathable. |
| Comfort Layer # 1 | The top layer of the Nectar is gel-infused memory foam – it has that slow-moving quality one finds with memory foam, and the gel infusion is meant to help with heat dissipation. |
| Comfort Layer # 2 | Below that, a layer of transition foam adds some more contouring and support to the top of the mattress. |
| Support Layer | The support layer is made of high-density base foam |
Mattress Height
The Purple mattress is 9.25″ tall, and the Nectar is 12″ tall.
Purple vs. Nectar Mattress Size Options and Price
To see how these two compare in terms of mattress size and price, look at the following charts:
Purple
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 38" x 75" | $999.00 |
| Twin XL | 38" x 80" | $1099.00 |
| Full | 54” x 75” | $1399.00 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | $1499.00 |
| King | 76" x 80" | $1999.00 |
| California King | 72" x 84" | $1999.00 |
| Split King | 76" 80" | $2198.00 |
Nectar
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 38” x 75” | $699.00 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 75” | $899.00 |
| Full | 38” x 75” | $949.00 |
| Queen | 38” x 75” | $1099.00 |
| King | 38” x 75” | $1399.00 |
| California King | 38” x 75” | $1399.00 |
Check out our Mattress Clarity coupon for the best deals on the Purple and Nectar mattresses.
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Purple vs Nectar Performance Differences
We tested the Purple and Nectar mattresses to see how they performed with regard to motion transfer, cooling, and edge support – let’s see who wins out in each category!
Sleeping Hot or Cold
Between these two mattresses, the Purple should be the cooler-sleeping option. Its gel grid allows for great airflow, letting sleepers stay cool all night.
The Nectar, on the other hand, could cause some people to overheat during the night. Even with its gel infusion, the memory foam might trap heat and direct it back at sleepers.
Motion Transfer
The Purple mattress isn’t the best at handling motion transfer because the gel grid is very bouncy, and the mattress did not absorb so much motion when we moved around.
However, the Nectar handled motion transfer remarkably well. This is not surprising as memory foam makes great motion isolation mattresses.
Edge Support
The Purple and Nectar mattresses both feature equally solid edge support, and we feel secure when we are sitting and lying down near the edge of each mattress.
Durability
While the Nectar shouldn’t sag very quickly, the Purple should be the more durable, longer-lasting mattress. The gel grid is one of the most durable mattress materials on the market, and it should keep the Purple in good shape for a number of years.
See our top picks for the best mattresses that won’t sag.
Off-gassing
When we unwrapped the Purple mattress, we did not experience that chemical smell one gets from a newly-unboxed memory foam mattress. We were able to sleep on the Purple mattress pretty much immediately.
With the Nectar mattress, we did get some of that chemical smell after we unboxed it. However, we left the mattress in a well-ventilated room and, after 48 hours, the off-gassing was complete.
Noise
When we were moving around on top of both mattresses, they did not make any real noise. Neither mattress features coils which, when they get older, can squeak and creak.
Sex
Those who need a mattress for sex usually want to find something that is more responsive and makes it easier to move around. Keeping this in mind, the Purple should be the better mattress for sex – it is bouncy and shouldn’t make sexual partners feel stuck in the mattress.
Company Policies
It’s always a good idea to look at the fine print when you’re shopping for a mattress. Let’s see what Purple and Nectar have to offer!
Warranty Info
The Purple comes with a 10-year warranty. The limited warranty covers defects due to faulty workmanship or materials.
The Nectar comes with a Forever Warranty. It covers deterioration, manufacturing defects, and physical flaws as long as the mattress was used and handled with care.
Sleep Trial
The Purple comes with a 100-night sleep trial, and the Nectar comes with a 365-night sleep trial.
Return Policy
If the Purple mattress isn’t working for you, and it is undamaged, you can return it for a full refund. Purple asks that you try the mattress out for 21 nights before making your decision. If the Nectar isn’t the best match, you can also return it for a full refund.
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Purple vs. Nectar Mattress FAQs
Now let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Purple and Nectar mattresses:
Which mattress is better, Nectar or Purple?
We wouldn't say that one mattress is better than the other, but they are a better fit for different types of sleepers. The Purple should be a better choice for heavier people, back and stomach sleepers, and hot sleepers. The Nectar should be ideal for light- and medium-weight side sleepers, couples, and those who prefer a memory foam feel.
Which mattress sleeps cooler, the Purple or Nectar?
The Purple should sleep cooler than the Nectar mattress - its gel grid promotes airflow through the top of the mattress, keeping sleepers cool at night.
Which mattress is better for side sleepers, the Purple or Nectar?
Both mattresses could be a good fit for side sleeping, depending on the size of the person. Larger side sleepers should feel better pressure relief on the Purple, and light- and medium-weight side sleepers should feel better pressure relief on the Nectar.
