Nectar vs. Tuft & Needle Mattress Comparison
On the hunt for a new bed but can’t say yes to the mattress? The Nectar and Tuft & Needle are both great options! In this comparison, the Nerds will show you its features and benefits, sizing and pricing, what material it’s made of, and more. Be sure to check out what others are saying in our testing methodology.
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Nectar vs. Tuft & Needle Overview
The Tuft & Needle mattress is an all-foam mattress with advanced cooling technology that moves hot air away from the body and prevents the mattress from trapping heat. The Nectar is ideal for those who need more pressure relief, those who have sensitive joints, and people with arthritis.
| Nectar is best for… | Tuft & Needle is best for… |
| Side sleepers | Back sleepers |
| Couples | Those who tend to sleep hot |
| Those who are looking for pressure point relief | Stomach sleepers |
Who Should Choose the Nectar Mattress?
- Side sleepers will love the extra plushness that comes from the three layers of memory foam in this mattress.
- Couples will appreciate that the memory foam design cuts down on motion transfer.
- Those who are looking for pressure point relief will find it in this all-foam, cushioning bed, especially when it comes to hip pain; the Nectar is one of our best mattresses for hip pain.
Who Should Choose the Tuft & Needle Mattress?
- Back sleepers who want to keep their spine elevated and aligned, rather than sinking into the mattress, should love this model.
- Those who tend to sleep hot will find cooling comfort in the T&N’s open-cell base foam layer.
- Lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers will find that the firmness of the Tuft & Needle adaptive foam keeps their hips elevated and supported.
Nectar vs. Tuft & Needle: Top Similarities
- Foam: The Nectar and Tuft & Needle mattresses incorporate foam in their construction.
- Shipping: Both companies offer free shipping within the continental U.S.
- Pressure Relief: Each mattress offers good pressure relief, making them each great mattresses for back pain.
Nectar vs. Tuft & Needle: Top Differences
- Firmness: The Nectar memory foam mattress has a medium firmness level, while the Tuft & Needle Original is slightly more firm, making the Nectar ideal for side sleepers and the Tuft & Needle better for back sleepers.
- Pricing: The Nectar mattress is significantly more expensive than the Tuft & Needle Original.
- Warranty: The Nectar memory foam mattress comes with a Lifetime warranty and a one-year trial period; the Tuft & Needle offers a 10-year limited warranty and a 100-night sleep trial period.
Nectar vs. Tuft & Needle: Firmness & Feel Differences
Your mattress’s firmness and how it feels are important factors to consider when purchasing a new mattress, find out more about it in this section.
What’s the Firmness Of the Nectar & Tuft & Needle Mattresses?
The Nectar mattress is a 12-inch thick foam that has a medium firmness which is ideal for side sleepers, while the Tuft & Needle has an Adaptive Foam that is fairly soft but once you press into the mattress, it has a medium firmness that back sleepers will find comfortable.
What Do the Nectar & Tuft & Needle Mattresses Feel Like?
The Nectar hugs your body—making it ideal for those who prefer to sleep “in” rather than “on” the mattress. The Tuft & Needle has a soft and breathable material that is slightly more firm than the Nectar, so sleepers won’t sink as much.
What’s It Like to Sleep On the Nectar & Tuft & Needle Mattresses?
Because of its all-foam construction, the Nectar is great for hip pain sufferers and ideal for side sleepers. The Tuft & Needle is a top-rated choice for hot sleepers thanks to its open-cell base foam layer that cools you throughout your REM cycle.
The Nectar vs. Tuft & Needle Mattresses By Body Type
Nectar Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 4 | 2 | 5 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Tuft & Needle Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 3 | 2 | 2 |
1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent
Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)
The Tuft & Needle provides moderate spine support without excessive hip dip for average-weight back sleepers and side sleepers. Meanwhile, the Nectar mattress is the best bet for average-weight side sleepers because of its pressure-relieving foam under the shoulders and hips, it is also a great mattress for keeping the spine aligned throughout your sleep.
Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)
Heavyweight side sleepers and stomach sleepers might not find the support they need on the Nectar mattress since it is not dense enough unlike coil mattresses. The Tuft & Needle mattress is also too soft for heavyweight combination sleepers.
Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)
Lightweight back sleepers and stomach sleepers will comfortably enjoy the Tuft & Needle, however, it could be too firm for side sleepers. Lightweight side sleepers who use the Nectar mattress might not sink beyond the top layer, thus less likely to benefit from its pressure-relieving properties, but the Nectar should support that stomach sleepers need.
Differences In Mattress Construction
The Nectar Mattress has five layers. The Tuft & Needle only has three. Find out more about their mattress construction and the materials used in this section.
| Nectar Mattress Materials | Tuft & Needle Mattress Materials |
| Quilted memory foam mattress cover | Ultra-soft cotton cover |
| Gel memory foam | T&N Adaptive foam |
| Adaptive Hi-Core memory foam | N/A |
| Base layer | Open-cell memory foam layer |
| “12” | “10” |
Cover
The Nectar mattress uses a breathable top cover that is soft to the touch. While the Tuft & Needle uses a plush cotton cover.
Comfort Layers
The Nectar’s comfort layer is made of gel memory foam that is infused with cooling gel. The Tuft & Needle is designed with T&N Adaptive foam which is durable, breathable, flexible and supportive.
Support Layers
The Nectar mattress helps stabilize the layers above while enhancing edge support. The Tuft & Needle foam support layer delivers superior motion isolation.
Nectar vs. Tuft & Needle Pricing
| Size | Nectar Prices | Tuft & Needle Prices |
| Twin | $599.00 | $645.00 |
| Twin XL | $769.00 | $695.00 |
| Full | $899.00 | $795.00 |
| Queen | $999.00 | $895.00 |
| King | $1299.00 | $1095.00 |
| California King | $1299.00 | $1095.00 |
For exclusive discounts on both beds see our Nectar mattress coupons and Tuft & Needle mattress coupons.
Nectar vs. Tuft & Needle Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences
The Nectar 3.7/5
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 Lifetime warranty.
The Tuft & Needle 3.7/5
The original Tuft & Needle is an all-foam mattress for those who want an entry level bed with broad appeal. The Tuft & Needle is budget-friendly and has a medium-firm feel that balances cushioning and support. It’s best for back and side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Temperature
The Tuft & Needle uses open-cell base foam and cooling graphite to draw heat away from your body as you sleep. The Nectar, however, retains some body heat. For the best cooling mattress, we recommend looking into a hybrid mattress. The coil system in hybrid mattresses naturally increases airflow around the body.
Motion Transfer
The Nectar memory foam mattress is softer and offers a deeper contour for the body, making it a bit better for couples than the Tuft & Needle. Still, each all-foam mattress should isolate motion reasonably well.
Edge Support
Edge support is necessary for people with back pain or those who have trouble getting in and out of bed. Typically, you’ll find greater edge support in hybrid or coil mattresses that offer a reinforced mattress border. The Nectar and Tuft & Needle mattresses do not offer reinforced edge support, but the Tuft & Needle has a slightly higher level of firmness that makes it a little better in this area.
Pressure Relief
The Nectar features adaptive contouring memory foam that alleviates pressure points under your shoulders, hips, and legs. The Tuft & Needle’s proprietary open-cell structure also adjusts to your body as you move throughout the night. If you’re looking for pressure relief, the Nectar will provide a slightly softer feel for those with sensitive joints. Still, the Tuft & Needle is the better mattress for combination sleepers because it allows for more effortless movement and changes of position.
Pain Relief
Depending on your sleep position, both beds can deliver optimal spinal alignment. The Nectar mattress will keep your spine aligned while cradling your shoulders if you are a side sleeper, and the Tuft & Needle will provide firmness that creates great alignment for back sleepers.
Durability
Both of the mattresses feature highly durable base layers that reduce sagging and wear and tear for a long time, but the Nectar comes with a lifetime “Forever warranty.” The Tuft & Needle includes a 10-year limited warranty, which is the industry standard. While memory foam mattresses don’t tend to hold up as long as mattresses with sturdy steel coils, we’re still impressed with the thick foam layers in these beds.
Shipping, Returns, & Warranties
Nectar
The Nectar mattress offers free shipping within the contiguous U.S., and to Alaska and Hawaii for an additional charge of $150. Nectar mattresses come with a generous 365-night sleep trial period that starts on the day of delivery. Nectar’s Forever warranty also covers defects for as long as you own the mattress.
Tuft & Needle
When you purchase a Tuft & Needle mattress, you can have peace of mind knowing that your product will be carefully compressed and vacuum-sealed before being shipped free to your home (that is, if you live within the contiguous U.S.). Tuft & Needle offers a 100-night sleep trial period and also comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
More Mattresses to Consider
Product
Firmness
Score
Haven’t made a decision yet? Check out these other comparisons:
- Nectar vs. Bear
- Nectar vs. Brooklyn Bedding
- Nectar vs. Casper
- Nectar vs. DreamCloud Premier
- Nectar vs. GhostBed
- Nectar vs. Layla
- Nectar vs. Leesa
- Nectar vs. Loom & Leaf
- Nectar vs. Lull
- Nectar vs. Nolah
- Nectar vs. Puffy
- Nectar vs. Purple
- Nectar vs. Tempur-Pedic
- Tuft & Needle vs. Avocado
- Tuft & Needle vs. Bear
- Tuft & Needle vs. Brooklyn Bedding
- Tuft & Needle vs. Casper
- Tuft & Needle vs. GhostBed
- Tuft & Needle vs. Helix
- Tuft & Needle vs. Layla
- Tuft & Needle vs. Leesa
- Tuft & Needle vs. Lull
- Tuft & Needle vs. Nectar
- Tuft & Needle vs. Puffy
- Tuft & Needle vs. Purple
- Tuft & Needle vs. Nectar
- Tuft & Needle vs. Nolah
Our Final Take
Both the Nectar memory foam mattress and the Tuft & Needle Original mattress are good sleep options, but depending on your sleep type, one may be better than the other. If you’re a side sleeper or if you share a bed with someone, the Nectar may be the best fit for you. If you prefer to sleep on your back or stomach, tend to sleep hot, or want more budget-friendly mattresses, then we recommend the Tuft & Needle Original.
Nectar & Tuft & Needle FAQs
What are the cons of a Nectar mattress?
The Nectar high-quality foam mattress provides ample support and pressure relief. However, hot sleepers may find their body heat to build up and be absorbed uncomfortably in the Nectar mattress. It may also be an issue for heavyweight sleepers since they sink more deeply into the mattress.
Is a Tuft & Needle mattress firm or soft?
The Tuft & Needle mattress is a medium-firm mattress. We consider the Tuft & Needle to strike the right balance between softness and support. Its T&N Adaptive Foam does a great job of providing durable, breathable, and flexible comfort. This firmness from the Tuft & Needle will keep you well-rested all night.
Does a Tuft & Needle mattress get softer?
The Tuft & Needle mattress may get softer over time, but this does not compromise comfort and support. Upon receiving your brand-new mattress, some might find that the mattress is too firm. However, breaking in your new mattress will soften it and thus become more comfortable in the long run.
