Nectar Memory Foam Mattress Review

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Good or bad? Here is my Nectar Memory Foam mattress review for 2024, updated with all the latest test results. As avid readers will know, I try to be as HONEST and UNBIASED as I possibly can be, and hand-test as many mattresses as I possibly can, by actually sleeping on them! With so many similar options on the market, is ‘The Nectar Mattress’ really worth the investment? In this review, I will take a closer look at the Nectar Memory Foam mattress to see if it lives up to the hype.

There are currently several different Nectar memory foam mattresses for sale in the UK. They are:

  1. Nectar Memory Foam (this review)
  2. Nectar Premier
  3. Nectar Premier Hybrid
  4. Nectar Essential Hybrid, and
  5. Nectar Hybrid
In this review, I will focus on the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress: the original, cheapest and best-selling mattress from Nectar. Note that my reviews are always UK-specific – be aware that many other review websites are just translations from other languages and therefore are reviewing international versions or even a product not actually sold in the UK!

So, without further ado, is it worth buying? Or should you opt for another decent memory foam mattress supplier? Read on how to find out!

Overview: Nectar Memory Foam

Every one of these points below (positive & negative) are discussed in more detail further down in my review; but if you want a quick overview of the positives & negatives of the Nectar Memory Foam then here they are:

Pros

  • 365-night trial, the joint-longest available
  • More ‘cooling’ than other memory foams (assessed below)
  • Lifetime warranty to provide peace of mind
  • Old mattress removal included free
  • Firmness suits most sleepers

Cons

  • Some may prefer a hybrid mattress for better support
  • No handles, so hard moving the mattress
  • Not much edge support
  • Cover spot-clean only

Below, I will delve into *each* of these positives/negatives and loads more. Please pull up a chair and read through this entire review if you have the time – it may pay dividends later.

Check out my full list of Nectar Sleep discount codes here.

Overview

Nectar used to be the only bed-in-a-box brand to offer a 365-night home trial period in the UK, which has massively contributed to their popularity here with readers of WhatMattress. However, Eve, a competing company, now offers a year-long trial and a full refund policy too.

So although the year-long trial period is no longer exclusive to Nectar, it certainly is still a major perk if you are considering buying a mattress. The longer trial period affords you the opportunity to give the mattress your full attention and determine whether or not it will meet your needs over the long term…

There are three different types of foam that go into making up a Nectar mattress: a breathable visco memory foam layer that helps control temperature, a soft visco foam layer that helps relieve pressure, and a seven-zone firm foundation layer. There are no dangerous chemicals in the CertiPUR foam used in the mattress, and the firm stands behind their product with a “Forever” guarantee, replacing or repairing your mattress for free if there is a manufacturing flaw.

The Nectar Memory Foam mattress works with any frame, however you’ll want to note that it it doesn’t have convenient handles for transport. The cover is detachable, but unlike some rival products, the manufacturer actaully advises against machine washing it.

A quick look at the layers…

Let’s start with what’s inside the mattress.

Each Nectar mattress has four layers of different foams and materials that make up each one. So what are Nectar Memory Foam mattresses made of?  Here’s a rundown of each of them:

  • Nectar Adaptive Cooling Cover: A proprietary material that’s been “designed to draw heat from your body” and “circulate fresh air as you shift and turn” in your sleep. Nectar claim that their mattress “responds” to changes in temperature – in other words the warmer it gets, the more that the moisture evaporates. To put this into simple English: you won’t get too hot or clammy overnight.
  • Nectar Smart Sleep Layer: This layer is made from a type of memory foam – a familiar component in mid range mattresses. But this fourth-generation foam is up to 30 times more breathable than rival materials, helping to regulate your body temperature as well as adjust to your sleeping position.
  • Pressure-relieving Layer: A secondary layer of memory foam that absorbs energy and works to keep any pressure you’re feeling at a minimum. In other words, it helps to keep you sleeping in an optimal condition.
  • 7-Zone Support Layer: The bottom (and biggest) layer, which offers a mixture of comfort and firm support that’s aimed at the hips and shoulders. These are both vital areas of the body to target to ensure you wake feeling comfortable and well-rested.

Versus: Nectar Memory Foam vs. Nectar Premier

No doubt you’ve seen that Nectar sell the ‘Premier’ alongside the Memory Foam and actually market is as an ‘upgrade’.

I wanted to show you how these two models differ:

Nectar Memory FoamNectar Premier
? Depth25cm28cm
?️ Layers34
?️ Cooling CoverQuilted coverHeat wicking cooling cover
? Memory Foam3cm4cm
? Comfort Layer2.5cm Open cell breathable foam, 3cm memory foam2.5cm Open cell breathable foam, 4cm memory foam
? Support Layer19.5cm 7 zoned base21.5cm Dual layer (7cm + 14.5cm) honeycomb micro-zoned base
? Trial Period365 nights365 nights
? Firmness6.5 /107.5 /10

Read my full review of the Nectar Premier here.

When it comes to relieving pressure on your back and joints, being totally honest, neither the Nectar Memory Foam nor the Nectar Premier are going to fall short. The Nectar Premier’s extra layer of memory foam and precision-engineered honeycomb base countours to sleepers of all sizes and weights, keeping the spine in a neutral position .

  • Both mattresses include cool, breathable, and heat-wicking coverings to provide a restful night’s sleep.
  • The Nectar Memory Foam has a firmness rating of 6.5 out of 10, while the Nectar Premier has a firmness rating of 7.5 out of 10. In other words, the Premier is firmer.
  • The Nectar Memory Foam is 25 centimetres deep, including the quilted cooling cover. That’s 3cm of memory foam, 2.5cm of open-cell breathable foam, and 19.5cm of 7-zoned base.
  • A heat-wicking cooling cover, 4cm of memory foam, 2.5cm of open-cell breathable foam, and a 21.5cm dual-layer honeycomb micro-zoned base are all part of the Nectar Premier’s 28cm depth.

The good news is that you can sleep on either of these mattresses risk-free for an entire year and will be protected for the rest of your life thanks to their generous 365-night trial periods and lifetime warranties respecitvely.

Will it suit my sleeping style?

This mattress was famously designed to cater to as many people as possible – think of it as the everyman mattress, or the Ford Focus.

That said, side sleepers who prefer a very soft mattress may find the Nectar Memory Foam too firm for their liking. It is also worth noting that heavier sleepers (over 120kg or 16.5 stone each) may find the mattress less supportive, and may prefer a firmer option with more robust support.

Who might like it:

  • Those who prefer a true medium firmness (6.5 / 10)
  • Those on a tigher budget
  • Those who prefer the feel of memory foam
  • Those who want a mattress with a long trial period and warranty

Who might not like it:

  • Those who prefer a very soft or very firm mattress
  • Those who don’t like the feel of memory foam
  • Those who prefer a mattress with more bounce or responsiveness
  • Those who don’t want a mattress with a cover made of polyester
  • Those who might want a more eco-friendly mattress made of natural materials eg latex, wool

Cover: In Review

The quilted cover of the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is 100% polyester. Polyester has some advantages over cotton – surprisingly perhaps – when it comes to mattress covers. One major advantage is that polyester is a synthetic material, which means it is generally more durable and longer-lasting than natural materials like cotton. Polyester is also less likely to shrink or stretch, so it will maintain its shape and fit on the mattress better over time.

You may unzip the cover of your Nectar Memory Foam Mattress and throw it in the washing machine. To clean any spills or stains, the manufacturer suggests using a gentle detergent and warm water, rather than bleach or other harsh chemicals. You shouldn’t wash the cover in the washing machine, since doing so would ruin the fabric and the foam layers inside.

Depth & Performance review

Now, on to the actual tests.

The Nectar mattress’s thickness immediately stood out to me after I removed it from its packaging and laid it flat. Thicker mattresses don’t always perform better, but I’ve found they provide more support on flexible, sprung slat beds like the Eve Hybrid and Ikea Morgedal.

The 26cm Nectar mattress, thankfully, did not have this problem. Upon initially resting on it, I felt well supported and at ease. Unlike on the firmer Eve Original mattress, my hips fully sank into the soft foam before feeling any resistance from the mattress’s firm base.

The overall feel is comparable to the Simba Hybrid, even though that’s a more premium product. Even on a sprung slatted bed, the Nectar’s solid base provides a secure sleeping surface.

One concern I do have with the Nectar mattress is how the top comfort layers change from firm to soft when the mattress warmed up over the night. This didn’t significantly reduce the mattresses support, although it could become annoying for sleepers who tend to overheat or those who weigh more than 15 stone.

It’s worth noting that the Nectar Memory Foam mattress did not sleep any hotter than any other all-foam mattress I’ve tried. Its breathable outer layer also did a respectable job of wicking moisture away from the body.

The Nectar mattress’s absence of any discernible ‘odour’ was one of its most impressive features, though. The Nectar had very little of that famous “new mattress smell”, unlike many other bed-in-a-box mattresses, which tend to have an overpowering “off-gassing” smell for the first couple of days after being unboxed.

How long do Nectar Mattresses last for?

The average replacement time for most people (i.e. how often they change their mattress) is about 9 years — and indeed this is getting less and less with every passing year.

So if you are looking for long-term usage, you may want to consider another type of mattress. For example, pocket-sprung mattresses tend to live a bit longer. Or you may want to consider (if your budget can stretch that far) a more ‘Premium’ or hand-made mattress.

Currently, at the time of writing, Nectar (as a company/all products…) are rated 4.3 / 5 on Trustpilot, which is good to very good. To compare this to other brands:

  • OTTY – rated 4.6 / 5
  • Simba Sleep – rated 4.6 / 5
  • Brook & Wilde4.3 / 5
  • Eve mattress – 4.6 / 5
  • Emma mattress – 4.4 / 5

Therefore using the above data alone, it’s clear that Nectar are one of the better mattresses – when using Trustpilot reviews as a barometer anyway.

About the company

Nectar aren’t a British company, but their mattresses are made in the UK. More on this later.

Nectar are actually owned by the same company as DreamCloud, called Resident, a US company. Avid readers of my website will know that DreamCloud  conversely, are one of the best rated mattresses you can buy – they have won many awards, but they are fairly expensive. I like to think of Nectar as being a slightly cheaper, mass-market version of the DreamCloud mattresses.

The good thing about both DreamCloud and Nectar is that they offer a full year trial, this is one of the longest free trial periods for any mattress. That’s right, a full 365-nights. More on that in the next section.

Nectar Mattress Review: Returns & Trial

In the United Kingdom, both Nectar and Eve offer test periods of 365 nights, or a full year. Nectar and Eve stand out from the crowd in comparison to Simba, who for example offers a 200-night trial period..

If you aren’t happy with your Nectar mattress, you can always send it back at any time during the first year for a full refund, in other words.

Now, I know that ‘sleep trials’ get a lot of slack and in many cases that is justified.

A lot of companies try to whiggle out of replacing your mattress, but Nectar seem to be one of the few (along with DreamCloud, same company) who actually do honour their promises. Though you’ll want to check out their dedicated returns page to be sure it lives up to your standards, before buying.

Tell me about the Nectar warranty…

In addition to the sleep trial, comes an “unlimited” warranty. Often people get them confused, but think of this like you would for a Kia Motors’ 7 year warranty.

For this next part of this Nectar mattress review, let’s look at something more interesting. Note that their Mattress Warranty does NOT cover the following:

  • Any Mattress or Mattress Cover which has been subject to misuse, neglect, accident or used in violation of instructions, including instructions to place the Mattress on proper bed frame.
  • A normal increase in softness of the foam pressure-relieving material which does not affect the pressure-relieving qualities of the Mattress.
  • Comfort preference.
  • Defects caused by physical abuse or damage to the structure and/or cover material, including but not limited to, burns, cuts, tears, liquid damage, or stains.
  • Mattresses or Mattress Covers sold “reconditioned”, “used”, “returned”, “previously owned”, or any other similar wording indicating that the Mattress or Mattress Cover is not “new” or of “first quality”, or has previously been purchased or used by another consumer.

You should always read the smallprint in the warranty before buying anything, and a Nectar mattress warranty is no different. Neglect, unintentional damage, and general wear and tear are all explicitly not covered by the Nectar mattress warranty because they have nothing to do with manufacturing faults or bad workmanship. Any of these actions will void the warranty and leave you responsible for the costs of repairing or replacing the mattress.

 

Reviews of the mattress itself

It’s important to note that most mattress companies ask their users to leave a review pretty quickly after purchase. Some of them before the mattress have even arrived! And often they will include incentives to encourage you to do that – for example, some companies offer a ‘chance to win back your mattress’ i.e. a refund if you leave a review, as mentioned in this Guardian article.

My point is that many reviews you might have read will be reviewing only a small part of the mattress – the delivery, the packaging, even the ease-of-use of the website.

But one of the big positive points of Nectar is them apparently being “very highly rated” or even one of the “best rated”, according to websites like Slumbersearch here. But is this accurate?

To try to find and read reviews of the actual day to day usage of the mattress becomes a bit harder. But this is what I have attempted here, using the Trustpilot page reviews for Nectar.

How to find long-term Nectar mattress reviews

This is actually easier than you may think.

Simply load up each Trustpilot review page for each mattress seller, hit Ctrl + F (on desktop) and then search for specific keywords like “year” or “month”. This will highlight any reviews from people who are longer-term users of the mattress, and give you a clearer idea of what to expect after 1,2 or even 5+ years of usage!

Here are some examples:

Nectar Mattress Review from Trustpilot

I have selected the first two reviews that have come up, using the above methodology. While they are reasonably critical of the longer-term use, these kinds of drawbacks are NOT unique to Nectar Sleep. Generally speaking, all memory foam mattresses won’t “stay firm” for more than a few years, according to various experts.

Memory foams will last for a few years, but the truth is that if you’re looking for a long-term mattress that will last for 15+ years, you’re going to have to spend a bit more on a higher end hybrid or innerspring mattress by the likes of Hypnos, Brook & Wilde, Tempur and so on.

FAQs about Nectar Memory Foam mattresses

Here are the top questions and answers that I get asked about this particular mattress.

Are Nectar mattresses made in China?

No. Nectar mattresses sold in the UK are made in Britain, according to their website.

 

Are Nectar CertiPUR approved?

Yes! And the good news is you can read more about CertiPUR and why it’s best to buy a CertiPUR mattress here. Their packaging is also FSC-approved, meaning it has previously been recycled where possible.

Nectar Sleep, the company, are also now completely carbon neutral. The company has been working with ClimatePartner to calculate its production-related carbon footprint, pinpoint problem areas, and compensate for the remainder. By the time Nectar Memory Foam (or any of their mattresses) reaches the customer, Nectar will have completely neutralised its environmental impact. Though this is a huge step in the direction of eco-friendly manufacturing, some may still question the effectiveness of these policies and if it’s just greenwashing.

In addition, the Nectar Memory Foam mattress comes with free removal of an old mattress, but customers outside of mainland UK aren’t covered by this: you will have to take care of the disposal of you old mattress on you own if that’s you. Sorry!

Anything else I need to know?

One of the most notable benefits of the Nectar mattress is that the company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. As a CO2 neutral company, Nectar offsets all of its carbon emissions by investing in renewable energy projects, making it a more environmentally conscious choice for consumers.

With the purchase of a new Nectar mattress, you also receive free pickup and disposal of your old one – free! For individuals who don’t want to or can’t get rid of their old mattress on their own, that service is a huge help, meaning you won’t have to worry about paying extra or going through extra difficulty to get rid of your old mattress down at the local council’s tip!

Nectar Mattress pricing in the UK

I’m loathe to mention actual prices here – because they change so often. 🙂

But note that the Nectar mattress was more expensive than its rivals when it launched, however, the company has since reduced the prices – and kept them there. This is a budget memory foam mattress, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in the basic features you’ll need.

The price of a double Nectar mattress has sat for a while around £550, with the king size around £650. In terms of value for money, this is a significant improvement over the OTTY Hybrid, formerly a market leader and best pick here at WhatMattress.

Note that when comparing the double or king sizes, the Emma Original is a tad less expensive than the Nectar. But all of this can change with promotions or discount codes, of course.

Nectar mattress prices are lower, compared to many competitors, without sacrificing comfort or quality. It’s almost impossible to find a cheaper, good memory foam mattress with the same level of quality that’s made in the UK.

?️ Mattress size? Nectar cost
Single£569
Small Double£719
Double£719
King£779
Super King£869
California KingNo longer sold 🙁

These prices do not include any Nectar discount codes or vouchers.

As you can see, Nectar aren’t the cheapest, but they also aren’t as pricey as more premium brands such as Brooke & Wilde.

But is this a fair comparison? Probably not… where Nectar pricing really shines is in the bundles that they do. Strangely, it is CHEAPER to buy a bundle (which includes the mattress), 2 pillows, and a sheet, than it is to buy the mattress alone!

Bundles

Nectar are also now selling a wide range of furniture and bed frames in the UK too, which I have not reviewed here – but intend to cover in a later post.

Buying this bundle in the above image means you’re actually saving -£100, and you get the extras thrown in. If you aren’t looking for a whole new bedding set then perhaps this won’t appeal, but if you are, then this bundle does look like a super deal to me. And it isn’t the only one either, the Nectar website has many bundles like this for all different mattress sizes.

 

Conclusion: So the Nectar Memory Foam, is it good?

Having slept on the Nectar Memory Foam mattress, I can say it should meet the needs of a diverse number of people. The 365-night sleep trial is an excellent perk that acts to reassure anyone who is wary about buying a mattress online. The Forever Warranty (aka lifetime) is an additional feature that can provide purchasers peace of mind about their purchase.

The Nectar Memory Foam mattress performs well because it is soft but supportive, with a medium firmness that works for a wide variety of sleepers and sleeping styles. The thick construction ensures a steady sleep surface, while the memory foam on top facilitates pressure point relief and a cushy feel.

FeatureNectar Memory Foam
?️ Mattress TypeMemory foam
?️ CoolingOpen, airy and breathable cover with a light top foam layer
? Good forSupport and cushioning for joints and back
? Firmness LevelMedium-firm, 6.5
⏰ Sleep Trial365 nights
? WarrantyLifetime
? Mattress Depth25cm

The Nectar Memory Foam mattress may be more susceptible to heat retention due to its all-foam design; nonetheless, I found that it still did a great job of temperature regulation, in part because of the mattress’s porous top layer. Another nice surprise was the absence of any off-gassing odour.

Are Nectar mattresses like the Memory Foam model any good? In short, yes. These mattresses get consistently higher ratings than other companies like Emma and Eve. Speaking of Emma, read my comparison of Emma vs Nectar mattresses side-by-side here.

While they are not a British company, Nectar products sold here are made in the UK. If you’re looking for an affordable memory foam mattress then it’s really hard to fault Nectar. If you’re not happy, you can always send it back: you get a full year to decide.

If you are planning to buy a Nectar mattress then make sure to use one of my mattress discount codes – you can often get anything up to 61% off. And if you wish to protect your investment then Nectar offer their very own mattress protector. Alternatively, you can try one of our top 5 recommended mattress protectors.

Check out my full list of Nectar Sleep discount codes to save 61% off, here.

Was this article helpful?
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How long does it take for the Nectar Memory Foam mattress to fully expand?

It typically takes 24-72 hours for the mattress to fully expand, but you can sleep on it once it has reached its full size.

Is there a sleep trial for the Nectar Memory Foam mattress?

Yes, Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial for the Nectar Memory Foam mattress, giving you a full year to try out the mattress and decide if it's right for you.

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How we reviewed this article:

Edit History:

Our experts continually monitor the mattress & sleep tech space, and we update our reviews & articles when new information becomes available.

  • 4th May 2023
    Current Article - By Carrie Taylor
  • 5th May 2023
    Checked & Reviewed - By Jean Marshall
  • 21st April 2023
    Copy Edited - By Carrie Taylor
  • 30th December 2023
    Reviewed - By Carrie Taylor

15 comments on “Nectar Memory Foam Mattress Review

  1. best most comfortable mattress I have had so far. Very comfortable, I did not change the butt to any other👍

  2. My first Nectar double mattress was ok for about a year and then it started to sag. Got in touch with Nectar they sent someone to test it and said it was breaking up inside, so they replaced the mattress.

  3. I had a terrible experience with Nectar. Their customer service was horrible. After a few months the side of the bed I got in and out of started sagging. I saw in other reviews that others had the same issue. It was a challenge getting Nectar to honor their warranty and replace the mattress. ALSO, my first mattress was shipped from CHINA and the replacement mattress was shipped from VIETNAM so to say that Nectar mattresses are made in the UK and not China is incorrect.

    1. Hi Michelle, Are you in the UK?

      I can’t vouch for where Nectar make their mattresses for other countries such as the USA, it’s possible that they’re made elsewhere. But the UK ones are made in the UK.

  4. ave no clue as to why, but my Nectar mattress is so firm I almost feel as if I am sleeping on a hospital bed, or air mattress. Kind of a mix of both I guess you could say…

  5. I have recently tried to return a mattress under 365 guarantee. I’ve had over 15 emails with them and they constantly say they are in the process of initiating return but then Stall with questions and other suggestions. I want return! This went on months! Then the year mark came and went and now they refuse to take the matress back claiming the return cannot be processed! How did 12 different agents never start the procedure even though I clearly requested it and met all the requirements!

  6. I have had a nectar mattress for a couple of months now and I find the sleep on this mattress far more leisurely and deep , at present I am suffering badly with sciatic pain , but sleeping on this mattress help me not to bother about the pain l they are a really good mattress for me so I would recommend them fully .

  7. I’m pretty sure this company uses fiberglass in their products, I want to call customer support to confirm but that’s pretty dangerous (try and defend sleeping on glass)

    1. Hi there,

      There has been a lot of coverage of this lately, but that is for the US Model. In the UK I am told by Nectar’s support staff that the UK models do NOT contain fibreglass. If this concerns you still, I would recommend a latex or wool mattress. Anyway, I am preparing a new article on this issue shortly!

  8. Nectar are great I have 3 of them now, and planning to buy a 4th. Can you please do a review of their bedding sets. Thanks a lot for your hard work.

  9. I am looking at buying a nectar with the pillow set and the air duvet, the price is £699 but the delivery is 2 weeks, even though i am mainland uk. do you know why this is, and how to get it quicker? we are living without a mattress due to being messed around by another company.

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