Layla vs. Nectar Mattress Comparison

Between these memory foam mattresses, you can’t make a bad choice! Two of the most popular bed-in-a-box brands, the Layla and Nectar mattresses are built to relieve pressure through cradling memory foam layers. While both are similar in construction, their overall feel makes them best suited for different types of sleepers.

The softer side of the flippable Layla mattress is recommended for light (<130 lbs.) to average-weight (130–230 lb.) side sleepers, and the firmer side may work for light to average-weight stomach sleepers. However, we think the Nectar is better for back sleepers, thanks to its balanced comfort and supportive feel around the lower back and hips. Read our full review to understand why these similar memory foam mattresses might feel very different when you lie down.

Comparing Layla & Nectar Mattresses

The best part about these memory foam mattresses is the pressure-relieving qualities of their various memory foams. Unlike a bouncier hybrid or a latex mattress, the Layla and Nectar will allow the sleeper to sink into the comfort layer. If you don’t like the feeling of sleeping “in” your mattress, check out our picks for Best Hybrid Mattresses.

Differences

• The Nectar is a traditional memory foam mattress, while the Layla can be flipped for a different firmness level
• The Nectar comes with a 365-night sleep trial, while the Layla comes with a 120-night trial
• The Layla has two firmness levels in one bed, but the Nectar is only sold in one firmness option
• The Layla is made in the USA and the Nectar is made in China
• The Layla’s soft foam feel makes it better for side sleepers, and the Nectar’s denser foam feel makes it better for strict back sleepers and stomach sleepers
• Nectar offers White Glove delivery for a flat fee of $149, but Layla does not offer this service
• The Nectar’s medium firmness setting makes it a more versatile choice for couples with different sleeping preferences
• Both beds have similar price points, but Nectar offers more discounts ($100 to $300 off) throughout the year

Similarities

• The mattresses share similar heights (11” Nectar, 10” Layla)
• Both offer good contouring, meaning they cradle the body
• Each are backed by a Lifetime warranty
• Both ship for free to the contiguous U.S.
• The mattresses are available on the brands’ websites and at third-party retailers like Amazon.com
• Both feature temperature-regulating materials

Who the Layla Mattress is Best For 

Best For…

• Sleepers looking for two firmness settings in one mattress
• People who enjoy a soft memory foam feel
• Side sleepers (especially the soft side of the mattress)
• Couples who prioritize motion isolation and noise reduction
• Those with arthritis who need an adaptable mattress

May Not be Best For…

• Heavyweight sleepers (> 230 lbs.)
• People who like a responsive, bouncy mattress
• Shoppers looking for a mattress with great edge support

Read our full Layla mattress review to learn more! 

Who the Nectar Mattress is Best For 

Best For…

• People who enjoy a slightly denser memory foam feel
• All sleeping positions, particularly the stomach and back, and even combination sleepers
• Couples who prioritize motion isolation and noise reduction
• Value seekers searching for a below-average price point

May Not be Best For…

• Most lightweight sleepers, who may find the bed to be too firm
• Shoppers looking for a softer, deep contouring memory foam hug

Read our full Nectar mattress review to learn more! 

Deciding Between Layla & Nectar

Firmness / Feel

The Layla is a flippable bed, and it has different firmness settings on each side. This gives sleepers more flexibility, offering two chances to “get it right.” For example, if you’re a stomach sleeper and find the soft side too soft, you can flip it and enjoy the firm side. The soft side of the Layla has a medium-soft feel, so it’s best for side sleepers. The firm side of the Layla is medium-firm, making it best for back, stomach, side and combination sleepers. With regards to feel, the Layla has more of an airy, fluffy, soft memory foam feel. It also ranks high in helping to relieve back pain and hip pain.

In comparison, the Nectar has more of a dense, firm memory foam feel and is roughly a medium to medium-firm on the firmness scale. This setting makes it great for all sleeping positions and body types, but it has the edge over Layla when it comes to strict back and stomach sleepers. Some lightweight sleepers (< 130 lbs.) may find the Nectar too firm, regardless of their sleeping position.

Motion Isolation

Most foam mattresses excel in motion isolation, and the Nectar and Layla are no exception. Memory foam mattresses tend to dull motion and noise much more effectively than hybrid and innerspring mattresses, which are naturally more responsive and bouncy because of their coil support cores. The Layla and Nectar have slower response times from the thicker foam comfort layers, making them a great option for sleepers who are easily disturbed by movements on the bed’s surface from a partner, pet or co-sleeping child.

Edge Support

Edge support refers to how well a mattress withstands pressure along its edges, such as sitting on or sleeping close to the edge, without sinking. Most foam mattresses perform worse than beds made with coil cores simply because foam is not as dense or resilient as steel springs. The Nectar and Layla won’t necessarily sink so much that you’ll roll off the bed during the night, but if you sit on the edges of the bed (especially the soft side of the Layla), you might notice considerable sinkage. This is an important mattress quality to consider if you have trouble getting in and out of bed or you’re concerned with overall durability and longevity.

Pressure Relief 

Memory foam is known for close conforming and pain relief for the neck, shoulders and other sensitive areas. Both the Layla and Nectar have layers of memory foam in the comfort sections of the bed, and the Nectar has memory foam in its transitional layer as well. Pressure relief is therefore one of the outstanding qualities of both mattresses, and they’ll both alleviate painful points in most sleeping positions. How the relief feels, however, will vary. The soft side of the Layla has a deep, sinking feel that many side sleepers love. The firm side of both the Layla and the Nectar will provide less physical sinking, but both beds still contour to pressure points and provide relief for pain throughout the body.

Spine Alignment 

The ideal firmness and thickness settings for the mattress that will keep your spine aligned largely depends on your body weight and preferred sleeping position.

The Layla’s soft side shines for lightweight sleepers (< 130 lbs.) of all positions and average-weight side sleepers (130–230 lbs.). The extra padding on the soft side will encourage appropriate contouring for side sleepers at the hips and shoulders, which will promote spinal alignment. Average-weight sleepers will experience nice contouring on both sides of the Layla, but side sleepers in this weight category should choose the soft side. We find the firmer side is best for spinal alignment for back, combination and stomach sleepers. Most heavyweight sleepers (>230 lbs.) should experience good spinal alignment on the firmer side of the Layla.

The Nectar’s thick comfort layers conform closely to the body without too much sinking, which promotes a hug that also improves spinal alignment for all sleeping positions. Lightweight sleepers will experience spinal alignment but may find the mattress too firm, while average-weight and heavyweight sleepers will find the mattress supportive yet comfortable, with adequate pressure relief and little to no sagging in every sleeping position. This firmness level will encourage proper spinal alignment.

Durability 

The Layla and the Nectar are on par with other memory foam mattresses when it comes to durability. The average mattress lasts seven to 10 years, and these beds are expected to last anywhere from six to eight years. Memory foam mattresses tend to be less durable than beds made with coil cores because foam is more susceptible to forming impressions and breaking down faster over time. Still, each mattress offers a Lifetime warranty.

Temperature 

Most beds with memory foam layers trap some heat, but the Layla and the Nectar are designed to help prevent body heat from building up. The Layla’s copper-infused memory foam sleeps cooler than standard memory foam, and its transitional polyfoam layer encourages air to circulate on the softer side. The Nectar’s lyocell cover and gel memory foam offer more breathability than many competing memory foam models.

Layla Construction

The cover of the Layla Mattress is a polyester-blend material with the brand’s signature hexagonal design. It’s zippable for easy removal and can be dry cleaned. The top comfort layer of the mattress varies by side, with the softer side featuring a 3” top layer of copper-infused memory foam for a deep cradle and the firmer side featuring just 1” of the same foam for a less extensive hug. The copper infusion on both sides of the mattress helps the bed sleep cool compared to most memory foam beds.

The soft side of the Layla has a 2” transitional layer of convoluted polyfoam that serves as a buffer between the dense support core and the sleeper’s body. The firm side does not have a transitional layer, which results in more support for heavy body types. The beds share a single support core, which consists of 4.5” of high-density polyfoam and serves as a stable base for each side. Altogether, the mattress measures 10” tall, which is average for a memory foam mattress.

Nectar Construction

The cover of the Nectar is a blend of TENCEL lyocell and cotton, which helps the surface of the bed stay breathable. The cover is also removable and machine-washable for easy cleaning. Beneath the cover, the comfort section of the mattress contains two layers of memory foam. The densities of these memory foams allow the bed to conform closely to the body without too much sinking, and they also sleep cooler than higher-density memory foams. The comfort section gives the Nectar its signature balanced feel, which distributes weight evenly and consistently while providing a nice hug to alleviate aches and pains.

The transitional layer of the Nectar is made of 1.75” of high-density memory foam, and the support core of the Nectar is 5.25” of high-density polyfoam. This foam provides a firm base that helps make it versatile enough to support most sleeper types. Altogether, the Nectar measures 11” tall, which is a little thicker than the average memory foam mattress. The added few inches of height may make it a better option for people who have trouble getting in and out of shorter beds.

Sizing & Price Comparisons 

Though these mattresses are each great value picks, check out our Nectar Mattress Coupons page and our Layla Mattress Coupons page for more deals!

Shipping and Returns for Layla & Nectar

Layla

If you live in the contiguous United States, a new Layla mattress will be delivered to your door for no charge. Shipping to Hawaii or Alaska might cost you a bit more. All Layla mattresses come with a 120-night sleep trial, during which time customers can return the mattress for no charge if they decide it’s not quite right for them. Layla is backed by a Lifetime warranty, a great policy that can add an extra sense of security when you’re buying a mattress without testing it out like you might at a traditional mattress store.

Nectar

The Nectar and Layla each ship free to all U.S. states other than Hawaii and Alaska. Both the Nectar and the Layla are shipped as a bed-in-a-box and need a few days to fully expand after unboxing, although many customers report being able to sleep on them within a few hours. Nectar comes with a 365-night sleep trial, which we think is one of the best in the mattress industry. Returns within the trial period are free for Nectar purchases, and each mattress comes with Nectar’s Lifetime “Forever” warranty.

More Layla Mattresses

See our Layla Hybrid Mattress Review to learn more.

More Nectar Mattresses

See our Nectar Lush Mattress Review to learn more.

Haven’t made a decision yet? Check out these other comparisons:

Nectar vs. Casper

Nectar vs. Purple

Nectar vs. Tuft & Needle

Nectar vs. Puffy

Nectar vs. GhostBed

Nectar vs. Lull

Nectar vs. Loom & Leaf

Layla vs. Casper

Layla vs. Purple

Our Final Take

So, what’s the bottom line in this Layla vs. Nectar matchup? Each of these memory foam beds are well-suited for different body types and feel preferences. If a flippable memory foam bed with a soft, plush memory foam feel sounds appealing to you, or if you’re a lightweight strict side sleeper, we recommend the Layla. If you’re looking for a bed with a firmness level that’s more suited for back and stomach sleeping positions, and you don’t like the feel of sinking deeply into your mattress, we recommend the firmer Nectar.