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Sleepfoundation.org is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
If you’ve narrowed your mattress search down to Layla vs. Nectar, you’re on the right track. Both companies offer solid, well-built mattresses at reasonable price-points, and have amassed a large number of positive reviews from happy customers. In addition to their popular mattresses, Nectar and Layla also sell bedding, bed frames, and other sleep accessories.
Layla currently sells two mattresses, the all-foam Layla Mattress and the Layla Hybrid. Both mattresses feature copper-infused memory foam and a flippable design that allows sleepers to choose their favorite firmness level.
Nectar offers two all-foam models, the Nectar and the Nectar Lush. These mattresses use multiple comfort layers and gel-infused foams to deliver balanced comfort and top-notch pressure relief.
Ultimately, choosing between the two companies will depend on the unique set of features that you need from a mattress. Our guide covers everything from specs to sleeper ratings and more to help you decide on your dream model.
Price Range (Queen)$949-$1,499 |
Price Range (Queen)$1,049-$1,649 |
Firmness OptionsMedium (5), Medium Firm (6) |
Firmness OptionsMedium Soft (4), Firm (7-8) |
Standout Features
|
Standout Features
|
Models |
Models |
Sleep Trial & Warranty365 nightsLifetime warranty |
Sleep Trial & Warranty120 nightsLifetime warranty (Layla), 10-year warranty (Layla Hybrid) |
Customer ServiceNR |
Customer ServiceA+ |
Your new mattress will occupy a central part of your bedroom, so it’s wise to give some thought to its dimensions. If you plan to use the mattress with their current bed frame or foundation, make sure to verify whether the manufacturer offers the same size. Some mattress measurements can vary by a few inches, so it’s a good idea to double-check the exact dimensions too.
While it may seem like a small detail, the height of the mattress plays an important role in how easy it is to get in and out of bed. Don’t forget to take your foundation into account when measuring the total height of your setup, and keep in mind that taller mattresses usually require deep-pocket fitted sheets.
The last practical consideration is the weight of the mattress. Apart from making your job more difficult when first setting up the mattress, a heavy, bulky mattress is difficult to flip, rotate, and transport from one room to the other. This may be especially important for people who move often.
Interested in learning more about specific Nectar and Layla mattresses? Check out our individual mattress reviews:
Nectar
Layla
Your new mattress will occupy a central part of your bedroom, so it’s wise to give some thought to its dimensions. If you plan to use the mattress with their current bed frame or foundation, make sure to verify whether the manufacturer offers the same size. Some mattress measurements can vary by a few inches, so it’s a good idea to double-check the exact dimensions too.
While it may seem like a small detail, the height of the mattress plays an important role in how easy it is to get in and out of bed. Don’t forget to take your foundation into account when measuring the total height of your setup, and keep in mind that taller mattresses usually require deep-pocket fitted sheets.
The last practical consideration is the weight of the mattress. Apart from making your job more difficult when first setting up the mattress, a heavy, bulky mattress is difficult to flip, rotate, and transport from one room to the other. This may be especially important for people who move often.
| Height | Size Options |
|---|---|
| 11" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Height | Size Options |
|---|---|
| 12" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Height | Size Options |
|---|---|
| 10" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Height | Size Options |
|---|---|
| 13" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Both the Nectar and the Layla offer their mattresses in the standard mattress sizes, and their flagship mattresses are of average height and weight. Each company started with an all-foam model and went on to develop a second option in an attempt to please a larger proportion of sleepers.
In Nectar’s case, this second option is the Nectar Lush. The Nectar Lush is also an all-foam mattress, but it offers more of a luxury feel. It’s on the larger side for an all-foam mattress, with a higher profile that may appeal to those who like a taller bed.
Layla’s newest mattress is a hybrid mattress, which is flippable just like its flagship model. Due to its flippable design and pocketed coil support core, the Layla Hybrid also has a taller-than-average profile.
The Layla mattresses offer two firmness options in one, making them a less risky option for shoppers with evolving firmness preferences or those who aren’t sure what their preferred firmness level is. The all-foam mattress doesn’t weigh too much, so most people should find it easy enough to flip, although this is certainly a consideration for those who have trouble lifting heavy objects. The hybrid has handles for easier flipping.
Most modern-day mattresses can be broken down into two clear sections, the comfort layers and the support core. Within these layers, there are endless possibilities depending on the quality of the materials, the number of layers, and the types of materials used.
The comfort layers are the ones that make direct contact with the sleeper, so their job is to provide a comfortable, cushioning sleep surface that helps relieve pressure points. Common materials found in the comfort layers include latex, memory foam, polyfoam, micro-coils, and fillers such as wool or cotton.
The principal role of the support core is to promote healthy spinal alignment. Most support cores are made of heavy-duty materials such as innerspring coils, high-density polyfoam, or firm latex. These provide a stable base for the mattress and prevent the sleeper from sinking in too far.
Mattress types offered by Nectar and Layla include all-foam mattresses with high-density polyfoam bases, as well as hybrid models with innerspring support cores.
Both Nectar mattresses are all-foam models that sport breathable Tencel covers and gel-infused foams to help prevent heat retention.
Nectar Mattress
The Nectar Mattress is a memory foam mattress with a quilted cover:
Despite the multiple layers of memory foam, the Nectar Mattress has a medium firm feel that is suitable for most sleepers, including those who weigh more than 230 pounds. The layer of Adaptive Hi Core foam keeps sleepers partially “on” the mattress instead of allowing them to sink in. This helps facilitate movement, while still alleviating pressure points and preventing motion transfer.
Nectar Lush
The Nectar Lush is also a memory foam mattress, with a slightly different build:
The medium feel of the Nectar Lush is perfect for those who prefer a plusher mattress. The top layer of memory foam has cooling gel in the center third, helping it sleep cooler than the original Nectar mattress. Like the original Nectar, the Lush has a firmer transitional layer that adds bounce and prevents the feeling of being stuck in the bed.
Layla offers two mattresses, the flagship Layla Memory Foam mattress and the Layla Hybrid. Both mattresses are flippable, with one soft side and one firm side.
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
The Layla has a different firmness level on each side, with a shared polyfoam support core. With the soft side up, the composition of the mattress is as follows:
The medium soft side has 3 inches of memory foam and a 2-inch layer of transitional polyfoam. The polyfoam features surface modification technology (SMT) in the form of cut-out channels for improved airflow and zoned pressure relief. The firm side has just 1 inch of memory foam followed by the high-density polyfoam support core. On both sides, the memory foam is infused with copper, which is said to help transfer heat away from the sleeper. The cover is made of a polyester-viscose-poly/lycra blend that incorporates a ThermoGEL cooling agent.
Layla Hybrid Mattress
Like the Layla Memory Foam mattress, the Layla Hybrid also has a different firmness level on each side. This time, the shared support core is made of pocketed coils. Soft side up, the mattress consists of:
Both the soft and firm sides feature a layer of copper-infused memory foam over a transitional polyfoam layer with surface modification technology. The pocketed coil support core lends extra bounce and airflow, and a double row of reinforced coils around the perimeter improves edge support. As the mattress is quite heavy, Layla has included built-in handles to make the mattress easier to flip.
| Model | Average Rating |
|---|---|
| Nectar Mattress | 4.4/5 |
| Nectar Lush | - |
| Model | Average Rating |
|---|---|
| Layla Mattress | 4.5/5 |
| Layla Hybrid | 4.5/5 |
When comparing mattresses, it helps to have a frame of reference. In the following list, we’ll explore the main factors that influence the comfort and feel of a mattress. Understanding which of these are most important to you can help you narrow down your search.
Durability
Once a mattress starts to lose its integrity, it can no longer provide adequate pressure relief and support. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the materials and design of a mattress before purchasing. Durable mattresses may cost more, but in most cases, you can expect them to perform well for at least a few years longer.
Motion Isolation
For people who share the bed, it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep when the other party is constantly tossing and turning. One solution for sensitive sleepers is to choose a mattress that cuts down on motion transfer. Materials that conform closely, such as memory foam, are generally best at absorbing movements and reducing nighttime disruptions.
Sex
Given the choice, most people are happiest with a bouncy mattress for sex. Materials like latex and innerspring coils provide the responsiveness needed to facilitate motion and keep couples from feeling “stuck” in the bed. That said, all-foam mattresses also have their advantages, and may be a better choice for those who prefer a quiet mattress with a certain amount of traction.
Temperature Neutrality
Sleeping temperature is affected by a myriad of factors, including the temperature of the room, the sheets and blankets, the pillow, and the internal thermostat of the sleeper. However, for those who run hot, it can help to choose a mattress that maintains a neutral temperature overnight. This can be accomplished passively, by constructing the mattress with breathable materials and leaving room for airflow, or actively, such as with the use of phase-change material.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is one of the most important functions of a mattress. Mattresses that contour to the sleeper can help cushion contact points such as the hips and shoulders. Close contouring may also help encourage proper spinal alignment, reducing pressure build-up in sensitive areas like the lumbar region. Pressure relief is closely tied to body type and sleeping position, meaning that a mattress that performs well for one sleeper may not be as effective for another.
Off-gassing
When unboxing a new mattress, many customers notice a characteristic “new mattress” smell. This is commonly referred to as off-gassing, and it is a result of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced during the manufacturing process. The odors usually go away within the first few days, but some people may find them bothersome. Short of buying a mattress with all-natural materials to avoid these odors, one option is to leave the mattress in a well-ventilated room for a few days before sleeping on it.
Ease of Movement
Combination sleepers and those who have trouble switching positions may want to explore mattresses that have a quicker response to pressure. Latex or hybrid mattresses provide pushback that makes it easier to move around on top of the mattress. Active sleepers with a penchant for all-foam mattresses should favor firmer models, as plush models can conform too closely and restrict movement.
Edge Support
Mattresses that compress significantly around the perimeter can lead to feelings of instability when sleeping near or sitting on the edge of the bed. To avoid excessive compression around the edges, some mattresses are reinforced with high-density polyfoam or stronger coils. As a general rule, those who value edge support should avoid mattresses that are extremely plush, as these will sink more around the edges when pressure is applied.
|
|
Nectar Mattress | Nectar Lush |
|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium Firm (6) | Medium (5) |
| Durability | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Motion Isolation | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Sex | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Sleeps Cool | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Off-Gassing | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Ease of Movement | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Edge Support | 3/5 | 2/5 |
|
|
Layla Mattress | Layla Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium Soft (4), Firm (7-8) | Medium Soft (4), Firm (7) |
| Durability | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Motion Isolation | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Sex | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Sleeps Cool | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Off-Gassing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Ease of Movement | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Edge Support | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Mattress prices range from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury, and the vast discrepancies in price may seem arbitrary at first glance. However, upon closer examination, most mattress prices do have some logic behind them. While a higher price is not always a guarantee of a better-quality mattress, you can often deduce the reason behind the price tag by factoring in the following elements:
Mattress companies have a reputation for offering frequent discounts, particularly around major holidays. As a result, it’s quite rare for customers to pay the full asking price. Below are the suggested retail prices of the Nectar and Layla mattresses.
|
|
Nectar Mattress | Nectar Lush |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | $499 | $1099 |
| Twin XL | $569 | $1149 |
| Full | $699 | $1349 |
| Queen | $799 | $1499 |
| King | $999 | $1799 |
| California King | $999 | $1799 |
|
|
Layla Mattress | Layla Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | $599 | $1199 |
| Twin XL | $699 | $1299 |
| Full | $899 | $1499 |
| Queen | $999 | $1599 |
| King | $1099 | $1799 |
| California King | $1099 | $1799 |
The Nectar and Layla mattresses have similar price-points that fall within the average range compared with competing models. The all-foam Layla offers great value, especially considering it’s flippable. While it has a similar build to the Layla, the Nectar mattress is priced slightly higher, which may be a deciding factor for some shoppers.
The Nectar Lush is built with higher-quality materials that indicate it may have a longer lifespan if it is properly cared for. In terms of performance, the Lush rates better on some metrics and worse on others. It’s up to each individual shopper to decide if the steeper price is worth the comfort according to their own personal criteria.
The most expensive of the mattresses is the Layla Hybrid. Hybrid mattresses tend to cost more than all-foam mattresses due to their more sophisticated design, and the price of the flippable Layla Hybrid is still more than reasonable for a mattress of this caliber. Those who appreciate the benefits of a hybrid mattress, such as temperature neutrality and bounce, may find that the Layla Hybrid is a worthy contender.
In a bid to make online mattress shopping as risk-free as possible, mattress companies have developed a fairly standard set of customer-friendly standards. We’ll go into detail about what these are, and compare the Nectar vs. Layla mattress policies.
Bed-in-a-Box Shipping
Most mattresses are shrink-wrapped and compressed for shipping, a method that has earned the moniker “bed-in-a-box.” Mattresses are usually shipped for free via ground shipping from a distribution center in the U.S. They can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to arrive.
Once the mattress arrives at your home, all you need to do is move it to the room where you want to set it up and carefully remove the plastic. It should expand almost immediately, but it may take a few days to regain its full size. Bulky mattresses may be easier to set up with help from a second person.
Customers in Hawaii, Alaska, or international destinations may need to pay additional shipping fees, and not all mattresses are sold in these locations.
Layla offers free shipping in the contiguous U.S., with an extra fee for Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada.
Shipping is free for Nectar mattresses ordered within the contiguous U.S., while additional fees may apply for orders in Hawaii and Alaska.
White Glove Delivery
With White Glove delivery, a third-party provider will deliver and set up the mattress in the room of your choice. Some companies also include old mattress removal with this service.
White Glove delivery and old mattress removal almost always come at an extra cost. You should expect delivery times to take longer, as you will have to coordinate with the third-party service to schedule a delivery window that works for you. These services may not be available in all locations.
Nectar customers can add on White Glove service for an added fee, which includes the cost of old mattress removal where desired. Layla does not currently offer White Glove service or old mattress removal.
Virtually every mattress sold online comes with a sleep trial, which starts on the day you receive the mattress. Sleep trials can be anywhere from 30 nights to a full year, with the norm being around 100 nights.
Customers who decide to return the mattress during the sleep trial can contact the company, who will usually send someone to pick up the mattress and arrange for donation or recycling. Some companies charge a nominal handling fee for mattress returns.
Layla mattresses come with a 120-night sleep trial, subject to a 2-week mandatory break-in period to allow time for your body to adjust to the feel of the new mattress. Returns are free, but shipping fees are non-refundable.
Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial in the contiguous U.S. for both its mattresses, which is well above the industry average. Returns are free, but Nectar requests that customers wait at least 30 nights before initiating the return process. Shipping fees, White Glove delivery fees, and promotional items are non-refundable.
Most companies include a warranty of at least 10 years with the mattress purchase in order to protect consumers against premature defects. In some cases, customers are responsible for an increasing portion of the repair or replacement costs as time goes on. This is referred to as prorated warranty coverage.
Mattress warranties may cover manufacturing and workmanship defects in the cover, splitting or cracking of the foam, permanent indentations, or other such defects. In general, mattresses that are soiled, smelly, or otherwise abused, as well as mattresses that have been used without a proper foundation, are not eligible for warranty coverage.
Layla offers a lifetime warranty for its flagship mattress and a 10-year warranty for the Layla Hybrid. Both mattresses are guaranteed against visible indentations of at least 1 inch. Customers may be charged a small return shipping fee.
Nectar backs both its mattresses with a forever warranty that covers defects including, but not limited to, permanent indentations of at least 1.5 inches. Nectar will replace defective mattresses during the first 10 years and repair them after the first 10 years have passed. There is no shipping or handling charge for warranty claims.
Sleep Trial & Returns
| Warranty | Shipping |
|---|---|
| Limited Lifetime | Free |
Sleep Trial & Returns
| Warranty | Shipping |
|---|---|
| Lifetime | Free shipping to contiguous U.S. |
