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Written by
Lauren Fountain
Sleepfoundation.org is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Both Nectar and Purple now offer more than their original all-foam beds. Purple sells the Purple Hybrid and the Purple Hybrid Premier, two coil and foam hybrids that have different price-points. Nectar sells the Nectar Lush, a luxury cooling all-foam bed. Because of the brand similarities, customers might not know how to decide between the two mattress companies while shopping.
If you’re on the fence trying to understand the differences in the Nectar compared to the Purple, keep reading. We’ll analyze how the company’s mattresses vary in terms of price, performance, and feel. We also cover each company’s policies related to shipping, sleep trial, returns, and warranty issues.
Price Range (Queen)$499-$1,799 |
Price Range (Queen)$649-$4,998 |
Firmness OptionsNectar - Medium Firm (6), Nectar Lush - Medium (5) |
Firmness OptionsMedium (5), Medium Firm (6) |
Standout Features
|
Standout Features
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Models |
Models |
Sleep Trial & Warranty365-night sleep trialLifetime warranty |
Sleep Trial & Warranty100-night sleep trial2-year warranty for cover10-year warranty for interior |
Customer ServiceNR |
Customer ServiceA+ |
Choosing the right mattress size is important. The best mattress for you will accommodate your height and body size, any people or pets you share the bed with, and your tendency to sprawl out or move around during the night. Your bedroom’s size and shape might also impact which mattress size you choose.
The height of a mattress provides space for all of the mattress’s components. Customers should be aware that above-average mattress heights require special deep pocket sheets. Although bed frame has the largest impact on how high your bed is from the ground, mattress height does contribute to total bed height too.
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 9.5" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King |
| Height | Size Options |
|---|---|
| 11" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King |
| Height | Size Options |
|---|---|
| 12" or 13" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King |
When comparing Purple vs. Nectar, you’ll see that Purple offers more mattress options. In addition to the original all-foam Purple mattress, they sell two hybrid beds. All three of the Purple mattresses contain the Purple Grid, a unique technology that keeps the bed both cool and responsive. The Purple Hybrid received higher sleeper ratings across all weight groups and sleep position preferences than the Purple, showing that more people find it to be comfortable.
In addition to the Purple and the Purple Hybrid, Purple also offers the Purple Hybrid Premier. This mattress comes in two mattress heights: 12 and 13 inches. They are identical, except one has a 3-inch and the other a 4-inch Purple Grid. These beds rate similarly, though the 13-inch has been found to be better at promoting spinal alignment in side sleepers. The 13-inch bed is also softer, rating 5 out of 10 in terms of firmness vs. the 12-inch bed, which rates 6.
Rather than offering hybrids, Nectar sells two all-foam beds. The Nectar Lush is softer, rating 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale compared to the Nectar’s 6 firmness rating. Because of the difference in firmness, heavyweight sleepers will prefer the Nectar over the Lush. The Lush sleeps cooler than the Nectar due to its cover and a cooling gel infusion.
Although Purple and Nectar look similar at first glance, there are differences between them that make one or the other a better option for different people. While the Nectar uses traditional memory foam and polyfoam in its comfort layers, Purple uses their proprietary hyper-elastic polymer foam, which differs in several ways. Individual factors such as bodyweight and sleep position preference will influence which of these mattresses works best for you.
Nectar offers two mattresses and both feature all-foam construction. The original Nectar mattress measures 11 inches thick and rates medium firm, or 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale. The Nectar Lush measures 12 inches thick and rates medium, or 5 in terms of firmness. Since the Nectar Lush is softer, it better fits sleepers with lower body weights. The types of foam in each mattress account for the difference in firmness, as well as the major difference in price. The Nectar Lush costs about twice as much as the Nectar.
Cover Materials
The Nectar features a Tencel cover, while the Nectar Lush has a polyester/latex/spandex blended cover. Tencel fibers are created from wood or bamboo pulp and generally considered to be more eco-friendly. The polyester blend cover of the Nectar Lush feels softer to the touch, however.
Comfort Layers
For comfort layers, the Nectar has one inch of memory foam quilted into the cover, 1 inch of gel-infused memory foam, and another 3 inch of memory foam (3.5 PCF density) below that. The Nectar Lush’s comfort layers are 3 inches of gel-infused memory foam (3.5 PCF) atop a 2-inch layer of polyfoam (2.5 PCF). The differing constructions in comfort layers account for the firmness differences between the two mattresses. Gel infusions help keep both mattresses cool, counteracting memory foam’s tendency to trap body heat.
Support Core
Both Nectar mattresses have a polyfoam support core. The support core of the Nectar Lush measures 7 inches compared to the Nectar’s 6-inch support core. The Nectar’s support core polyfoam is 2.2 pounds per cubic feet (PCF), which is high-density. High density foams are generally more durable and considered higher quality. Nectar doesn’t share the density of the Nectar Lush mattress’s support core foam.
Customer characteristics will determine which mattress construction is preferred. Heavier sleepers weighing over 230 pounds will likely prefer the Nectar, since it’s firmer and can provide them better support. Among lightweight sleepers, position preference could determine which bed is best. The Nectar Lush excels at providing spinal alignment to side sleepers in this group, while the Nectar doesn’t.
Purple offers the Purple, the Purple Hybrid, and the Purple Hybrid Premier, which comes in two thickness options. The Purple is an all-foam mattress, while the Purple Hybrid and Hybrid Premier both combine pocketed coil support cores with foam comfort layers. All three mattresses feature the Purple Grid, a hyper-elastic polymer grid comfort layer that allows airflow and makes the bed feel responsive.
The Purple is budget priced, while the Purple Hybrid costs about twice as much as the Purple at every size. The Purple Hybrid Premier costs a few hundred dollars more than the Purple Hybrid at each size (and more than that if you opt for the larger thickness option). The size of the Purple Grid in each mattress is the largest determinant of its price.
Cover Material
All Purple mattresses have identical cover materials, so that isn’t a differentiating factor among them. The Purple covers are made of a blend of polyester, viscose, and lycra. They feel smooth and soft to the touch.
Comfort Layers
Comfort layers are very similar across models of Purple mattresses. The Purple has a 2-inch Purple Grid atop a 3.5-inch layer of high-density polyfoam (1.8 PCF). The Purple Hybrid and Purple Hybrid Premier contain a Purple Grid atop a one-inch layer of transitional polyfoam (2 PCF). The thickness of the Purple Grid is the only difference among the hybrid models. The Purple Hybrid’s Grid measures 2 inches, while the Hybrid Premier has 3 and 4-inch options.
Support Core
When it comes to support cores, the Purple contains 4 inches of high-density polyfoam (2 PCF). All other Purple mattresses contain 7.5 inches of pocketed coils. Pocketed coils give beds a more responsive feel, and allow for cooling airflow. Beds with pocketed coils generally transfer more motion than all-foam beds, though individual encasement of coils helps reduce some motion transfer. Because of coils, hybrid beds are generally louder than all-foam mattresses.
The Purple Hybrid and Hybrid Premier will likely last longer than the Purple due to their pocketed coil layers. Hybrid mattresses are known to be more durable and long lasting, since coils do not change much over time while memory foam can develop body impressions. All Purple mattresses should last a minimum of several years, however.
The Purple Hybrid Premier that measures 13 inches thick is softer than the other Purple mattresses, rating medium or 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale compared to the 6 rating held by all other Purple beds. This difference in firmness makes the 13-inch Purple Hybrid Premier a better choice for most lightweight sleepers and a less appealing choice for heavyweight individuals.
| Model | Average Rating |
|---|---|
| Nectar Mattress | 4.4/5 |
| Nectar Lush | - |
| Model | Average Rating |
|---|---|
| Purple Mattress | 4.3/5 |
| Purple Hybrid | 4.4/5 |
| Purple Hybrid Premier | 4.4/5 |
Let’s look in-depth at mattress features you should consider when mattress shopping. The factors that matter most to you will depend on your own personal characteristics. People who sleep hot will want a temperature neutral bed. Those who experience pain seek pressure relief. Couples who share a bed want motion to be well isolated, while those who sleep alone aren’t as concerned about that.
Durability
Durability refers to how much wear a mattress can withstand, and is generally analogous to how long a mattress will last. The average mattress lasts about 6-7 years, but some mattresses can last decades. Durability will be most important to customers who want a mattress that will last for years and years to come without suffering in terms of comfortability.
Motion Isolation
When a mattress isolates motion well, weight put on one part of the mattress doesn’t transfer across the surface of the mattress very far. Motion isolation is important to people who share a bed with someone. If a mattress doesn’t isolate motion well, motion will transfer when one person rolls over or gets in or out of bed during the night. This motion transfer could wake up the other person.
Sex
Sleep isn’t the only thing people do on mattresses. Mattresses that have “bounce” to them are generally considered better for sex because they do not inhibit movement. Highly conforming mattresses can inhibit movement and make changing sexual positions more difficult. Mattresses with poor edge support can also cause problems with sex since they limit the usable surface area of the mattress.
Temperature Neutrality
A temperature neutral bed will not feel too hot or too cold during the night. Some people tend to sleep hot and, as a result, have their sleep interrupted when they wake up during the night feeling sweaty. A temperature-neutral bed will help alleviate this problem. Manufacturers promote cooling by engineering airflow into mattresses and using cooling materials, such as gel infusions and phase change material.
Pressure Relief
When a mattress has good pressure relief, sleepers don’t experience pressure points anywhere in their body while lying on it. Side sleepers in particular need to seek mattresses with exceptional pressure relief. Otherwise, they will find pressure points developing in their shoulders and hips as they lie on their sides. Pressure relief occurs when the body is properly cradled and a mattress isn’t too soft or too firm for the person lying on it.
Off-gassing
Nearly all mattresses off-gas some after being manufactured. Off-gassing occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released into the air from a manufactured product. Off-gassing often comes with a chemical smell, which can bother some people. With most mattresses, the smell dissipates within days. Polyfoam tends to off-gas more than other mattress materials. Customers who are sensitive to smells might want to avoid their mattress the first day or two after opening it.
Ease of Movement
Ease of movement refers to how easy it is for sleepers to move when they’re on top of the bed. Generally, more responsive beds are very easy to move on. Highly contouring memory foam mattresses can be more difficult to move on if the foam doesn’t quickly “bounce back” and the sleeper feels stuck in an indentation.
Edge Support
When a mattress has good edge support, the edges of the bed stay strong and firm when weight is put on them. With good edge support, it’s possible for sleepers to sit or sleep on the edge of the bed without feeling at risk of rolling off. Strong edge support allows sleepers to use the full surface of a mattress. Edge support can also make getting in and out of bed easier.
|
|
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 |
|
|
Purple Mattress | Purple Hybrid | Purple Hybrid Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium Firm (6) | Medium Firm (6) | Medium Soft (5), Medium Firm (6) |
| Durability | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Motion Isolation | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Sex | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Sleeps Cool | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Off-Gassing | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Ease of Movement | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Edge Support | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Materials and construction heavily influence mattress prices. Innerspring mattresses are one of the oldest mattress types, and they tend to be the least expensive category of mattress available. Polyfoam and memory foam are pricier mattress components, so all-foam mattresses and hybrids that contain foam usually cost more than innersprings. That said, there is a vast spectrum of quality when it comes to both polyfoam and memory foam, and budget prices are available.
Latex is one of the most expensive mattress materials. Natural latex costs more than synthetic, and organic latex is the costliest of all. Additional technologies incorporated in mattresses, such as cooling infusions or the Purple Grid, add to a mattress’s total cost.
Direct-to-consumer online mattress retailers are able to offer mattresses at lower prices by cutting their costs. Since they have fewer or no showrooms and fewer staff, they can operate on a tighter budget and pass the savings onto customers.
|
|
Nectar Mattress | Nectar Lush |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | $499 | $1099 |
| Twin XL | $569 | $1149 |
| Full | $699 | $1349 |
| Queen | $799 | $1499 |
| King | $999 | $1799 |
| California King | $999 | $1799 |
| Split King | - | - |
|
|
Purple Mattress | Purple Hybrid | Purple Hybrid Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | $649 | N/A | N/A |
| Twin XL | $749 | $1299 | $1899 or $2499 |
| Full | $949 | $1499 | $2099 or $2699 |
| Queen | $1099 | $1599 | $2199 or $2999 |
| King | $1399 | $1899 | $2699 or $3499 |
| California King | $1399 | $1899 | $2699 or $3499 |
| Split King | $1498 | $2598 | $3798 or $4998 |
The Purple and Nectar mattresses are both all-foam beds priced for budget shoppers. The Purple mattress costs about a couple hundred dollars more than the Nectar at all sizes, however. Since the foams used in both beds are similar densities, it’s likely that a major factor influencing price is due to the country in which each mattress is manufactured. Both Purple and Nectar make their mattresses in the US.
The Nectar Lush is another all-foam bed, and it costs roughly double the price of the Nectar. The Nectar Lush is one inch thicker, so it contains more materials overall, which add to its price. The cover and some components of the Nectar Lush are higher quality and more durable, which results in it costing more than the Nectar.
The Purple Grid technology is another factor that likely contributes to Purple’s higher mattress costs. The Purple Grid gives the mattress a responsive feel and aids with temperature neutrality.
Within the Purple Hybrid mattresses, the amount of Purple Grid present accounts for most of the differences in construction and price. The Purple Hybrid contains 2 inches of Purple Grid. The Purple Hybrid Premier comes in options with 3 and 4 inches of Purple Grid and is priced accordingly. Purple Hybrid Premiers also cost more because they come with white glove delivery.
Sleep Trial & Returns
| Warranty | Shipping |
|---|---|
| Limited Lifetime | Free |
Sleep Trial & Returns
| Warranty | Shipping |
|---|---|
| 10 Year, Non-prorated | Free |
Shipping – Nectar offers free shipping to customers in the contiguous US. The mattress comes compressed and shipped in a box that’s delivered by either UPS or FedEx Ground. Customers in Alaska or Hawaii may have Nectar mattresses shipped for a $150 fee. International shipping isn’t available.
Nectar offers white glove delivery and old mattress removal for $149. With white glove delivery service, they will set up your mattress exactly where you want it. They will also haul away your old mattress if you no longer want it. You may have additional items removed at the same time for $45 per item.
Returns – Returns are free within Nectar’s 365-night sleep trial. Customers must break in a mattress for 30 nights before they can initiate a return.
Warranty – Nectar offers a lifetime warranty. They will replace your mattress if it is defective at any point in time. The warranty doesn’t cover body impressions that are 1.5 inches or less in depth. There’s no additional cost to activate the warranty.
Shipping – Purple ships to the contiguous US customers for free via FedEx. They will also ship to Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada for a fee. International shipping beyond Canada isn’t available.
White glove delivery is available for certain beds. The original Purple cannot be delivered with white glove delivery. The Purple Hybrid may be delivered with white glove delivery for a fee of $149. White glove delivery comes with the Purple Hybrid Premier beds at no additional charge. With white glove delivery, Purple will set up your bed frame and mattress for you and remove your old mattress.
Returns – Customers may return their mattress at no cost within Purple’s 100-night sleep trial. There is a required 21-night break-in period first, however, during which customers cannot yet initiate a return. Once a return is initiated, Purple will coordinate to have the mattress picked up and driven to a place where it can be donated.
Warranty – Purple offers two separate warranties: one for the cover and one for the interior of the mattress. The zippered mattress cover is under warranty for 2 years, during which time it could be repaired or replaced if defects arise. Customers will be held responsible for related shipping costs associated with fulfilling this warranty.
Purple offers a 10-year warranty on the interior of its mattresses. The warranty does not cover mattress indentations that are less than 1 inch in depth. It does cover mattress indentations over 1 inch deep, along with any cracks or other damage that occurs through normal use. The warranty is only valid if the mattress has been sitting on a flat, firm, non-adjustable bed frame and has had a covering on it.
The mattress will not be replaced or repaired under the warranty if Purple deems it has been abused by the customer, or if it has stains, odors, or bodily fluids on it. Purple may request that the customer sends photos of the mattress so they can determine if the warranty covers the damage.
