Nectar vs. Tempur-Pedic Mattress Comparison

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Intro/ summary: Below, we explore the differences and similarities, construction, performance, and key policies (for instance, the shipping, warranty, and sleep trial) of the flagship Nectar mattress and the TEMPUR-Adapt by Tempur-Pedic. Keep reading to learn which might be right for you.

Nectar vs. Tempurpedic Overview

The flagship Nectar is best for value shoppers looking for the signature hug of memory foam on a budget while The original Nectar mattress boasts a three-layer memory foam bed with a medium-firm firmness setting and a traditional memory foam feel.

Nectar is best for…Tempurpedic is best for…
Value shoppersAverage-weight sleepers
Most side and back sleepersBack sleepers
CouplesHot sleepers

Who Should Choose the Nectar Mattress?

  • Value shoppers: A Queen size Nectar costs just over $1,000 and often comes with two free pillows. It’s ideal for people who love memory foam but aren’t looking to spend a fortune. They also have monthly payment options available through Affirm.
  • Most side and back sleepers: The Nectar’s deep pressure relief shines for side sleepers as it prevents “jamming” at the hips and shoulders. Back sleepers should feel pretty comfortable from the pressure relief in the lumbar region and shoulders. For similar options, see the best mattress for back sleepers.
  • Couples: Movement transferring across the mattress when another person got on or off the bed. The movement isn’t significant enough to wake most people up, so we think the Nectar is a great mattress for couples concerned about motion transfer.

Who Should Choose the Tempurpedic Mattress?

  • Average-weight sleepers: The medium feel of the Adapt is well-suited to average-weight sleepers who need a mattress that balances conforming and support. Though slightly on the firmer side, the TEMPUR-Adapt conforms closely to the body, offers pressure relief, and provides support for most sleeping positions if you weigh 130 to 230 lbs.
  • Back sleepers: The medium all-foam and medium hybrid versions of the Adapt are slightly firmer than average, which tends to be the ideal firmness range for back sleepers who need even weight distribution and ample lift at the hips and shoulders.
  • Hot sleepers: Most memory foam beds have a reputation for overheating, but the TEMPUR-Adapt has a cool-to-touch cover that should help with breathability. If you constantly struggle with sleeping warm, we recommend the hybrid version, which has a coil system that promotes airflow.

Nectar vs. Tempurpedic: Top Similarities 

  • Value for money: Both appeal to different types of budget-conscious shoppers. The Nectar is a low-cost, comfortable mattress for memory foam lovers. The TEMPUR-Adapt is the simplest, most affordable mattress in the Tempur-Pedic line.
  • Cooling breathability: The mattress covers are designed to feel cool to the touch and promote breathability.
  • Pressure relief: Both beds offer exceptional pressure point relief for tension and back pain and the sensation of sinking “into” the mattress rather than sleeping “on” it. They are also both virtually silent and isolate motion well.

Nectar vs. Tempurpedic: Top Differences 

  • Price point: Part of the Tempur-Pedic luxury line of mattresses, the TEMPUR-Adapt comes at a much steeper price point but includes white glove delivery and the signature dense, deep body-contouring of a Tempur-Pedic bed.
  • Body and weight difference: While both are rated medium to medium-firm, they accommodate different body types. The Nectar is better for average-weight side and back sleepers, and the TEMPUR-Adapt is best for average-weight back sleepers and people who sometimes change positions at night.

Nectar vs. Tempurpedic: Firmness & Feel Differences

Both the Nectar and the TEMPUR-Adapt fall into the mid-range of the firmness scale, making them suitable for most average-weight sleepers.

What’s the Firmness of the Nectar vs. Tempurpedic Mattresses? 

Both the Nectar and the TEMPUR-Adapt fall into the mid-range of the firmness scale, making them suitable for most average-weight sleepers. The Nectar works especially well for back and side sleepers, and the TEMPUR-Adapt’s slightly firmer feel works very well for back sleepers. Stomach sleepers are likely to feel some unhealthy torso and hip sinkage on both mattresses.

What Do the Nectar vs. Tempurpedic Mattresses Feel Like?

Nectar added stabilizing measures in its construction to balance the hugging feel of memory foam without feeling stuck in the mattress. The Tempur-Adapt mattress feels solid and supportive, even around the edges, giving it a durable feel too. 

What’s It Like to Sleep On the Nectar vs. Tempurpedic Mattresses?

Some of the softer upper layers of the Nectar may cause heavier side sleepers and heavier stomach sleepers to sink into the mattress. If you are a plus-size sleeper, see the best mattress for heavy sleepers. Tempurpedic works great for average stomach sleepers of all weights who need extra hip support, along with heavyweight sleepers too.

Nectar vs. Tempurpedic Mattresses By Body Type

Nectar Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:

Body Type:BACK SLEEPERSSTOMACH SLEEPERSSIDE SLEEPERS
Lightweight (< 130 lbs): 433
Average-weight (130–230 lbs):425
Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): 223

Tempurpedic Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:

Body Type:BACK SLEEPERSSTOMACH SLEEPERSSIDE SLEEPERS
Lightweight (< 130 lbs): 443
Average-weight (130–230 lbs):434
Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): 323

1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent

Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)

Average-weight back sleepers should find their spines stay aligned on top of the Nectar, the same with side and combination sleepers who should sink into the contouring layers designed to keep the spine aligned. Stomach sleepers who want to avoid pressure build-up in their hips should consider other mattresses.

Tempurpedic is best for back sleepers of all weights as it has the contouring relief of memory foam and the support of a firmer mattress. Also ideal for stomach and side sleepers to relieve pressure. Combination sleepers may need to stray away as it feels more sinking than responsive.

Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)

For the Nectar heavyweight back sleepers, it could feel like the mattress sinks more than they’d like, together with stomach and combination sleepers who may feel sinkage on the hips. However, side sleepers should sink into the contouring layers designed to keep the spine aligned.

Tempurpedic is best for back and side sleepers of all weights as it has the contouring relief of memory foam and the support of a firmer mattress. Stomach and combination sleepers may find it too soft and unresponsive and may need more firmness. 

Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)

Lightweight back sleepers should find their spines stay aligned on top of the Nectar. Offering plenty of support for stomach and combination sleepers with its memory foam, side sleepers may want to opt for a softer mattress.

Tempurpedic is best for back and side sleepers of all weights as it has the contouring relief of memory foam and the support of a firmer mattress. Stomach sleepers may find its support firm enough but combination sleepers will have a hard time as it is not as responsive to movement.

Differences In Mattress Construction 

Introducing the mattress construction and builds to further know about the adaptability and the science behind the Nectar and Tempurpedic.

Nectar Mattress Materials Nectar Mattress Materials
Knit blendDual-Layer SmartClimate cover
2” Gel memory foamTEMPUR-ES memory foam
4” Soft conventional foamTEMPUR support layer
6” Polyfoam

Cover

The Nectar cover is woven with a fabric blend, which is breathable and helps keep the mattress cool compared to other all-foam mattresses. The TEMPUR-Adapt is encased in a cool-to-touch cover that’s described as “premium knit technology for superior cool-to-touch feel,” but the exact composition of the cover is not disclosed.

Comfort Layers

In the comfort layer of the Nectar is 3″ of gel memory foam. The gel infusion is intended to prevent some of the heat-trapping properties of memory foam. The top layer of the Adapt is a TEMPUR-ES comfort layer. TEMPUR-ES memory foam offers a softer feel that Tempur-Pedic says works well to both support and relax the sleeper.

Support Layers

The base layer of the Nectar is a 7” layer of high-density foam, which provides structure, durability, and lift to encourage spinal alignment. The support core of the all-foam version is a high-density foam, or the Original TEMPUR Support Layer.

Nectar vs. Tempurpedic Pricing

SizeNectar PricesTempurpedic Prices
Twin$$
Twin XL$$
Full$$
Queen$$
King$$
California King$$

For exclusive discounts on both beds see our Nectar mattress coupons and Tempurpedic mattress coupons.

Nectar vs. Tempurpedic Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences

Nectar Mattress

The Nectar is a value memory foam mattress that excels at providing pressure relief and minimizing motion transfer. The medium-firm feel is ideal for cradling pressure points. Plus, it comes with a yearlong trial period and a Lifetime warranty.

Nerd Score

3.7/5 

TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress

With decades of expertise making memory foam beds, it’s hard to not love TEMPUR-Pedic. The TEMPUR-Adapt is the baseline memory foam mattress model they offer and is sure to deliver a return on your investment.

Nerd Score

3.5/5 

Temperature

Both beds incorporate some cooling features, but we don’t think you will sleep actively cool on either mattress. If you select the hybrid version of the TEMPUR-Adapt, you’re likely to experience a much cooler night’s sleep thanks to the ample airflow through the coil layer. Check out the best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers for more top picks.

Motion Transfer

If you share a bed with a partner, you may be easily disturbed by their movements at night. The Nectar and the all-foam version of the TEMPUR-Adapt offer very low motion transfer and make virtually no noise, making both great choices for couples and co-sleepers who toss and turn at night. For other motion-isolating mattresses, see the best mattresses for couples.

Edge Support 

Edge support, or the resistance to sinkage around the perimeter of a mattress, is key for people who like to sit on the edges of the bed. Edge support is also great for some elderly individuals and for couples who want to use the full surface area of a mattress. It can also be a key indicator of a mattress’ durability. The Nectar and the all-foam TEMPUR-Adapt perform as expected for memory foam beds, sinking significantly close to the edges. The TEMPUR-Adapt hybrid version offers better performance in this category. 

Pressure Relief 

Both the Nectar and the TEMPUR-Adapt mattress are known for their ability to cradle a sleeper closely, allowing just enough sinkage for the body to relax without a sagging sensation in the spine. If we had to choose, we’d say the TEMPUR-Adapt offers better pressure relief than the Nectar from the brand’s signature, proprietary TEMPUR-ES foam. The Nectar mattress, however, offers superb pressure relief for the price. For other pressure-relieving mattresses, see the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Pain Relief 

A mattress that keeps your spine in its natural “S” curve throughout the night is essential to sleep health. If you’re a lightweight sleeper, we think you’ll feel better on the slightly softer Nectar, which can allow you to sink in more deeply for proper spinal alignment. Average-weight sleepers can achieve spinal alignment on either bed. Heavyweight sleepers likely need a firmer or more supportive mattress, but some plus-size side and back sleepers may find the spinal alignment they’re looking for on the hybrid version of the TEMPUR-Adapt.

Durability 

Both beds have average to above-average durability because of their thick layers. Still, memory foam has been known to break down faster than other materials. The Nectar’s Forever warranty (a Lifetime warranty) provides customers with some peace about cracks or body impressions associated with durability issues. Tempur-Pedic’s specialty memory foams may also have longer-than-average lifespans, performing well for seven to 10 years. 

Shipping, Returns, & Warranties 

Nectar 

Nectar Sleep offers free shipping across continental U.S. Customers in Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico may incur a shipping fee. It also comes with 365 nights of sleep trial and a 30-day break-in period.

Nectar comes with a 10 year warranty, Nectar Sleep will replace defective mattresses at no cost to the owner, including shipping and transportation fees.

Tempurpedic

Tempurpedic offers free shipping across continental U.S. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and other U.S. territories costs $600 per mattress. It also comes with 90 nights of sleep trial and a 30-day break-in period.
Tempurpedic comes with a 10-year warranty period.

More Nectar Mattresses

This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.

Read our Nectar Premier mattress review for more information.

This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.

Read our Nectar Premier Copper mattress review for more information.

More Tempur-Pedic Mattresses

This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.

Read our Tempur-Pedic Adapt mattress reviews for more information.

This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.

Check out our TEMPUR-Cloud mattress review to learn more.

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

Our Final Take

The Nectar and TEMPUR-Adapt mattresses are both bed-in-a-box memory foam mattresses that are widely available online and in brick-and-mortar mattress stores. Price might be a large factor in your decision between the two. Value shoppers who want to spend around $1,000 should opt for the Nectar, and luxury mattress shoppers who are curious about the Tempur-Pedic brand but don’t want the most expensive Tempur-Pedic mattress should enjoy the TEMPUR-Adapt. Both work well for couples because they reduce both motion isolation and noise.

Both also work well for average-weight sleepers in most sleeping positions. If you’re a strict side sleeper, the Nectar’s slightly softer feel may suit you better. Back sleepers can do well on either mattress, and strict stomach sleepers should opt for a firmer mattress. If you sleep particularly hot, we recommend the hybrid version of the TEMPUR-Adapt, which has a cool-to-the-touch cover and coil support core to enhance airflow, keeping you cool.

Nectar vs. Tempurpedic FAQs

Do You Flip Your Tempur-Pedic Bed?

No. You don’t need to flip your Tempur-Pedic bed to improve its durability or to change the firmness level of your mattress. The Tempur-Adapt, along with other Tempur-Pedic beds, are durable and designed to return to their original shape each year, without needing to be flipped.

Will the Nectar have a strong off-gassing smell?

As with almost all memory foam mattresses from online mattress companies, customers will experience some off-gassing when they first unbox a new Nectar Mattress. The smell is normal and expected: it comes from the materials used to create the foams. It should start to go away within two to three days of airing out. See More FAQs at nectarsleep.com.

Does the Forever Warranty really mean forever?

Yes! As long as you are the original owner, Nectar will replace your mattress if something goes wrong. Nectar claims that, if you own a Nectar Sleep Mattress, that is the only mattress you should ever own.