I’ve tested over 100 mattresses ranging from $200 to $14,000 as a sleep reporter. I’ve learned that to find a truly quality mattress that will last you a decade, you should expect to spend at least $1,000. That said, outliers do exist, and you can certainly get a good night’s sleep for less: Take the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress, which retails for $699 for a queen and is one of the best mattresses we’ve found for under $1,000. 

The Nectar mattress has evolved over time from cosmetic cover changes to shifts in memory foam makeup, while remaining an all-around great budget option backed by a lifetime warranty and a 365-night trial. While testing the Nectar Classic mattress, I had some of my best nights of sleep, and it performed well in my tests. Its medium firmness works for all sleep styles, and couples will appreciate the motion isolation and edge support. This latest iteration didn’t dissipate heat as well, but cooling upgrades are available if you get hot.

If you’re considering the Nectar, I’ve outlined everything you need to know before buying below.

Design

The Nectar Classic Mattress features a two-piece cover. The top is quilted poly-blend with polyethylene, designed to offer a cool-to-the-touch feel. The bottom cover keeps the foam layers in position so they don’t shift. While the cover is technically removable, you shouldn’t because it voids the warranty — and it’s hard to put back on.

The 12-inch mattress comprises three layers of CertiPUR-US certified foam. The uppermost layer incorporates a one-inch layer of pressure-relieving memory foam, followed by a three-inch responsive support layer that helps ensure proper spinal alignment. The bottom foundation provides the bed with durability, motion isolation, and support.

Nectar has also introduced a cooling add-on called NectarCool Technology that weaves more cooling fibers directly into the sleep surface. It costs $99 and could be well worth the upgrade if overheating is a concern.

Current editions are notated as fiberglass-free. However, Nectar is currently settling a Class Action lawsuit that applies to mattresses purchased between 2017 and June 30, 2024.

Our review of the Nectar Classic Mattress

Setup

The Nectar Classic Mattress arrives at your door in a box the size of a mini fridge and includes setup instructions and a letter-opener-style cutter inside. I dumped it out of the box onto my adjustable bed frame. Then, I carefully cut through the plastic, making sure not to damage the mattress. The whole process took less than five minutes.

There was a mild initial odor, but that dissipated, and the mattress expanded to full size by the time I went to bed 10 hours later.

If you want to skip setting the mattress up yourself, Nectar offers “Premium In-Home Setup” for $199. With this service, Nectar works with a local service provider to set up your mattress in your home and remove your old mattress.

Comfort

The Nectar Classic Mattress is medium firm. While testing it, I was most comfortable sleeping on my side, but I wasn’t uncomfortable sleeping on my stomach or back. 

I wear the Garmin Forerunner 945 watch while I sleep, and each morning, it assigns me a sleep score based on how much deep, REM, restless, and overall sleep I get. While testing the Nectar, my average (68) was above my overall average for the year (64), and I even had several nights in a row over 70. The bed objectively helped me sleep well.

One complaint I had with the previous Nectar was that I had trouble maintaining a neutral spine and, thus, staying comfortable. The new model improves on this. Using the Mattress Checker app, I found that my spine had a deviation angle of 4.5 degrees, while an angle of 6 or less is considered good. Subjectively, I felt more comfortable.

Heat dissipation

To test heat retention, I use a laser thermometer to measure the mattress’s surface temperature right before lying down and after I get up to gauge how cool it stays. Then, I take another measurement two minutes later to assess how well it dissipates heat. The Nectar was about average in how cool it stayed, increasing by about 20 degrees, from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while I lay on it. Yet its heat dissipation was subpar, dropping by about 9 degrees in 2 minutes.

Subjectively, there were a few nights when I felt a little warmer than I would have liked.

Motion isolation

The Nectar Mattress has outstanding motion isolation. I measure this in two ways. First, I drop a bowling ball from 4 feet above the mattress so that it lands a foot from a soda can. If the can stays upright, the bed has excellent motion isolation. If it falls, the motion transfer could use improvement. I also use a vibrometer to measure the vibrations on the other side of the bed.

The Nectar Classic passed my motion tests and was great in my subjective experience. The can didn’t tip when I dropped the bowling ball, and the vibrometer registered less intense vibrations than most mattresses. Based on our tests, we’d expect you’re less likely to have disturbed sleep on the Nectar mattress when your partner shifts at night.

Edge support

Couples benefit from good edge support, which gives them more room to spread out comfortably. When lying on the edge of the Nectar, I felt fully supported, and I had to roll quite far before I actually fell off the bed — my standard test. I also used a yardstick to measure how much the mattress sank as I sat on it. It sank 3 inches, less than the 3.5-inch average for mattresses I’ve tested.

Trial period and warranty

Nectar’s home trial is 365 nights and provides a “forever warranty.” Several brands match these, but I don’t know of any with longer trial periods or warranties.

If you choose to return your mattress during the trial period, you will receive a full refund. This is impressive, as other brands have loopholes, like return shipping or restocking fees. Nectar does not.

The warranty, however, has loopholes, including:

• Only valid for the original purchaser of the mattress
• Void if you remove the cover
• If the mattress is over 10 years old, Nectar can repair it (not replace it) and charge you for shipping

The warranty covers defects such as:

• Visible indentation greater than 1.5 inches that is not associated with an indentation or sag from the use of an improper or unsupportive foundation or bed base.
• Any physical flaw in the Mattress that causes the foam material to degrade, split, or crack
• Any manufacturing defect from assembly

Showroom availability

Nectar has widespread availability across 4,000 retail partner showrooms, including Mattress Firm, Ashley, Raymour & Flanigan, and more. This is helpful to compare Nectar’s various mattress options, but note that not every retailer may carry every variation.

Cons to consider

The Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress has subpar heat dissipation, leaving me feeling uncomfortably warm at night. If you’re a hot sleeper, I would recommend checking out our guide for the best cooling mattress.

Given the price, it lacks the dynamic feel of other, more expensive mattresses. That being said, if you’re looking for a bed with excellent motion isolation and edge support, you can’t go wrong with the Nectar Classic Mattress.

Who should buy the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress?

The $699 Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress is the best mattress I’ve tested for under $1,000. I’d recommend this bed if you have a similar budget, like a medium-firm mattress, or share a bed with someone else. The firmness appeals to a broad range of sleepers and the motion isolation and edge support cater to couples.

What are your alternatives?

Nectar offers its signature mattress in a hybrid version with individually wrapped pocket coils for added durability and support. The brand also has Premier, Luxe, and Ultra lines in all-foam or hybrid styles.

The $999 Premier offers better comfort, support, and cooling than the original. The $1,399 Luxe is designed for soft, cool comfort. The $1,999 Ultra provides zoned ergonomic support along with the best support, cooling, and comfort of the brand’s offerings. We haven’t tested these alternatives yet. Each bed is also offered in all-foam or a hybrid

If I had $1,000 to spend, I’d consider the more dynamic DreamCloud Premier Hybrid. As the budget increased, the most comfortable mattresses I’ve ever slept on are the  Leesa Sapira Hybrid and Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud.

If $699 is too steep, you can find other lower-priced mattresses in our best cheap mattress guide. If you’re interested in mattresses with similar features, check out the best mattress for side sleepers guide. While plenty of viable and highly reviewed alternatives exist in our comprehensive best mattress guide, those looking specifically for foam mattresses like the Nectar will want to visit our best foam mattress guide. Also, check out our guides to the best mattress for back pain and the best hybrid mattress.

The bottom line

At $699, you won’t find a better bed than the Nectar Classic. I’ve tested over 15 mattresses at this price or lower, and none compare. It has excellent edge support, motion isolation, spinal alignment, and a medium firmness that will appeal to back, stomach, and side sleepers. You can return it within 365 days if you don’t like it. If you do love it, you’re covered for a lifetime.