The Saatva mattress and Nectar mattress are two of the most popular mattresses you can buy online. If you’re hunting for a mattress on the web, you’ve probably encountered these two beds. So, how do you choose between them?
For starters, you can check out this in-depth Saatva mattress vs Nectar comparison. I’ve compiled everything you need to know to choose between these two beds, including their firmness and feel, construction, pros and cons, performance and more. Keep reading to determine which model is right for you.
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Saatva Mattress vs Nectar Mattress Overview
Saatva and Nectar are both brands that sell mattresses exclusively online. But overall, these mattresses are designed for people with vastly different sleeping preferences. The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress and one of the best pillow-top mattresses I’ve reviewed. This versatile mattress comes in three firmnesses (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm and Firm) and two height options (11.5” and 14.5”).
The flagship Nectar mattress is an all-foam bed with a plush memory foam comfort layer offering nice pressure relief. This sits on top of a dense, supportive foam layer which gives it a medium-firm feel.
| Who Should Choose the Saatva Mattress? | Who Should Choose the Nectar Mattress? |
| Larger sleepers who require more comfort and support from their mattress | Light- and average-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 are in need of some additional support | Couples who need a mattress that cuts down on motion transfer |
| Hot sleepers who worry about overheating during the night | Shoppers who want a cheap mattress |
Saatva Mattress Vs Nectar Mattress Mattress Video Review:
In this in-depth review, I’ll go over the construction of each of these beds and share my experience with sleeping in every position on the Saatva and Nectar.
Saatva Mattress vs Nectar Mattress: Similarities and Differences
Several factors distinguish these beds in significant ways. Here’s an overview.
| Similarities | Differences |
| The Saatva and Nectar are both popular mattresses only sold online. | The Saatva has a traditional innerspring feel, while the Nectar has a classic memory foam feel. |
| Both beds use memory foam in their comfort layers. | The Saatva is a more substantial mattress with a more complex construction. |
| Both mattresses could be a good fit for multiple sleep positions. | The Saatva sleeps cooler than the Nectar. |
| Both mattresses are sold with a 365-night trial. | The Nectar is more affordable than the Saatva. |
Firmness and Feel Differences
These factors will tell you a lot about which of these mattresses is the best match for you.
How Firm Are the Saatva and Nectar Mattresses?
I rated the Luxury Firm model of the Saatva around 7/10 on the firmness scale. The industry standard for medium-firmness is 6.5/10, so the Saatva is a touch firmer than average. The Saatva’s soft pillow-top is balanced out by the supportive coils underneath.
Meanwhile, the Nectar is around 6.5/10, or right around medium-firm. The memory foam comfort layer is soft and pressure-relieving. This is balanced by the firmer, more supportive foams underneath. Firmness is subjective, so you might experience these beds a bit differently depending on your body weight and preferences.
Sleeping on the Saatva and Nectar Mattresses
While back sleeping on the Luxury Firm model of the Saatva, I enjoyed a pleasant balance of comfort and support. Side sleeping, I didn’t feel much pressure around my shoulder and hip. That said, people who spend all night on their side will probably prefer the Plush Soft model since it offers even more pressure relief. Stomach sleeping, I felt nice support under my hips, which stayed aligned with my spine. Heavier stomach sleepers may prefer the more supportive Firm model or a mattress made for heavy people.
While back sleeping on the Nectar, I enjoyed plenty of pressure relief as well as spinal support. Side sleeping, I felt a bit of pressure on my shoulders and hips, but not enough to create discomfort. Heavyweight sleepers might experience more pressure because they could press through the softer comfort layers into the firmer support layer underneath. I felt the Nectar was too soft for stomach sleeping— my hips bowed too far into the mattress and tugged the spine out of alignment.
What Do the Saatva and Nectar Mattresses Feel Like?
The Saatva features an innerspring construction with a plush pillow-top feel on top. The dual coil layers create a bouncy feel, making it easy to move around and change positions. The supportive coils won’t let you sink far into the mattress. So, sleepers should feel like they’re lying on top of the bed.
The Nectar has a classic memory foam feel. It has a slow response to pressure. Sleepers should gradually sink into the mattress and feel it conform to the shape of their bodies. They should feel like they’re sleeping “in” the bed instead of on top of it. This means that it takes a bit of effort to move around and change positions on this bed.
Average Weight Sleepers – 130 lbs – 230 lbs
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva should be an ideal match for average-weight back and stomach sleepers, who should enjoy plenty of spinal support as well as some pressure relief. This model could provide adequate pressure relief to average-weight side sleepers. However, side sleepers who like a plusher feel should consider the Plush Soft model.
Average-weight back sleepers should enjoy a pleasant balance of comfort and support on the Nectar. Average-weight side sleepers should get enough pressure relief on this bed. Folks who weigh closer to 230 lbs might find that it feels a bit firm. The Nectar isn’t supportive enough for most average-weight stomach sleepers.
Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230 lbs
Saatva’s Luxury Firm model should offer decent spinal support to back sleepers weighing close to 230 lbs. People weighing more than that may prefer the Firm model or the Saatva HD, which is designed for heavier-weight sleepers. Heavyweight side sleepers should enjoy plenty of pressure relief on the Luxury Firm model because they’ll compress the coils, increasing the pressure relief around the shoulder and hip. Those that are closer to or over 300 lb should look at a softer model to avoid pressure build up while side sleeping. Heavyweight stomach sleepers will require a more supportive bed.
The Nectar should offer adequate support and body contouring to heavyweight back sleepers weighing closer to 230 lbs, while folks weighing 300 lbs or more may require a more supportive mattress with coils. Heavyweight side sleepers will press through the comfort layers into the firmer support layer, making this mattress feel too firm. Heavyweight stomach sleepers need a more supportive bed to maintain healthy spinal alignment.
Lightweight Sleepers – Under 130 lbs
The Saatva’s Luxury Firm model should be a great fit for most lightweight sleepers. Lightweight back and stomach sleepers should get plenty of spinal support, while lightweight side sleepers should enjoy plenty of pressure relief. As I’ve stated previously, side sleepers who like a plusher feel should consider the Saatva’s Plush Soft model.
The Nectar should be a great match for lightweight back and side sleepers. They should enjoy plenty of pressure relief alongside spinal support. Very lightweight stomach sleepers could get enough support on this mattress, but for the most part stomach sleepers will require a firmer bed.
Mattress Construction Differences
Let’s dig beneath the surface of the Saatva mattress vs Nectar to take a closer look at their construction. I’ll detail each layer of these beds’ makeups and share how various materials affect feel and performance.
Cover
The Saatva features an organic cotton cover that is both soft and breathable. It’s tufted and quilted with soft foam to create a pillow-top feel.
The Nectar features a cooling cover made of poly-blend material. This construction is breathable and helps the surface of the mattress stay cool.
Comfort Layers
The main comfort layer on the Saatva is the pillow-top cover. Beneath that, there’s a thin layer of memory foam that offers a bit more softness and pressure relief. This foam is CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning it’s more eco-friendly than conventional foams and is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The Nectar’s primary comfort layer is made from 3” of gel memory foam incorporating phase change material. True to memory foam form, this material has a slow response to pressure and conforms to a sleeper’s body as they sink into the mattress. Meanwhile, the gel infusion draws body heat away and phase change material dissipates heat. Below the memory foam, there’s a 2” layer of Soft Conventional Foam that is higher-density and firmer than the memory foam above. This layer transitions the sleeper from the softer memory foam to the firmer support layer underneath.
Support Layer
The Saatva’s support system is unique. It consists of two sets of steel coils layered on top of each other. The top layer is made of microcoils that are supportive and contouring. When sleepers apply pressure, these coils collapse a bit to provide relief. Under the microcoils, there’s a thicker layer of sturdy, high-grade coils that give the Saatva its supportive feel. The Saatva also features a foam encasement that adds extra edge support to the mattress.
The Nectar features a support layer made from 7” of high-density base foam, which is common in all-foam beds. This material is durable and supportive.
Mattress Height
The Saatva comes in two height options: 11.5” and 14.5”.
The Nectar mattress comes in just one firmness: 12”.
Saatva vs Nectar Performance Differences
I pitted the Saatva mattress vs Nectar in a series of tests to assess their temperature regulation, edge support, motion isolation and more. Read on to see how they performed.
Sleeping Hot or Cold
The Saatva is the clear winner here. Its dual layers of coils allow for tons of airflow throughout the center of the mattress, and it boasts a breathable cover. Sleepers shouldn’t overheat on this bed.
The Nectar sleeps cooler than many all-foam beds thanks to its cooling cover, gel infusion and phase change material. But all-foam beds will pretty much always trap more heat than innerspring mattresses. If you’re worried about overheating, or are an exceptionally hot sleeper, opt for the Saatva.
Motion Transfer
The Nectar takes the win. Its thick memory foam comfort layer helps absorb motion and minimize disturbances across the surface of the mattress. This could make the Nectar a great option for couples. Because the Saatva is bouncy and responsive, it doesn’t isolate motion very well.
Edge Support
The Saatva wins. Not only does it have two layers of sturdy coils, but it also features a foam encasement for extra edge support. I felt very secure while sitting and lying down near the edges of the Saatva.
The Nectar features decent edge support, although its edges aren’t as sturdy as the Saatva’s. But I did feel pretty secure near its perimeter and found that it performed better than many all-foam beds.
Durability
This one is too close to call. The Nectar and Saatva are both durable mattresses made with high-quality materials. With proper care, both mattresses should last between 7 and 10 years. Because the Saatva uses long-lasting coils, it might last longer than the Nectar.
Off-Gassing
The Saatva wins here. Unlike conventional bed-in-a-box mattresses, it doesn’t arrive rolled up in a box. Instead, the company offers free white glove delivery. This means the Saatva doesn’t really emit a chemical smell. The Nectar is one of the best bed-in-a-box mattresses, but you can expect a slight chemical smell when it first arrives. This should dissipate after 48 hours.
Noise
I didn’t notice any significant noise from either of these beds during my testing. That said, because the Saatva uses coils, they could start to squeak a bit over the long-term. The Nectar is all-foam, so it should stay quiet.
Sex
The Saatva takes another win. Its bouncy and responsive feel makes it easy for sexual partners to move around and change positions. In contrast, the Nectar’s slower-moving feel might make it more challenging for partners to reposition.
RELATED: Best Mattresses for Sex
Saatva vs Nectar Mattress Size Options and Price
Curious about the size and/or pricing info for the Saatva and Nectar? Then take a peek at the charts below, which offer the most up-to-date info for both beds.
Saatva
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 38" x 75" | $1095.00 |
| Twin XL | 38" x 80" | $1395.00 |
| Full | 54” x 75” | $1895.00 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | $1995.00 |
| King | 76" x 80" | $2495.00 |
| California King | 72" x 84" | $2495.00 |
| Split King | 76" x 80" | $2790.00 |
| Split California King | Two 38" x 80" pieces | $2790.00 |
Nectar
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 38” x 75” | $599.00 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” | $769.00 |
| Full | 54” x 75” | $899.00 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” | $999.00 |
| King | 76” x 80” | $1299.00 |
| California King | 72” x 84” | $1299.00 |
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Company Policies
Before purchasing any mattress, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the company policies in question. Here’s a quick look at the warranty, sleep trial, and return information for the Saatva and Nectar.
Warranty Info
The Saatva mattress comes with a lifetime warranty, which is longer than the warranty for many online mattresses.
The Nectar mattress comes with a limited Forever Warranty that covers major deterioration, physical flaws, and manufacturing defects. Note that the warranty is voided if the mattress’s cover is removed.
Sleep Trial
Both the Saatva and Nectar come with a 365-night sleep trial, so you can test out either of these mattresses for an entire year risk-free.
Return Policy
If you purchase the Saatva and find that it’s not a great fit, you can return it during the 365-day sleep trial. The company will issue a full refund or exchange minus a $99 fee that covers the cost of labor and gas for the mattress pickup.Not loving the Nectar? You can return it during the 365-night sleep trial for a full refund (minus any fees paid for shipping, white glove service, or state-based recycling). I recommend giving either mattress 30 days before deciding to return or exchange them.
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Saatva Mattress vs Nectar Mattress FAQs
Still pondering the Saatva and/or Nectar mattress? Consider the answers to these commonly asked questions!
Which mattress is better, Saatva or Nectar?
The Saatva and Nectar are popular online mattresses with a lot to offer, but they’ll be better suited to different types of sleepers. The Saatva is a great match for most back and stomach sleepers, fans of innerspring beds and people who want a firmer mattress. The Nectar is well-suited to people who enjoy a memory foam feel, side sleepers and people who want a more affordable mattress.
How long will the Saatva and Nectar mattresses last?
The Saatva and Nectar are both durable mattresses made with high-quality materials. With proper care, each should last at least 7 to 10 years.
Can you flip the Saatva or Nectar mattress?
No, you cannot flip the Saatva or Nectar mattress. This would cause you to sleep on the firm support layers instead of the softer comfort layers on top.
