Sleep Number i8 vs. Nectar Mattress Comparison
Sleep Number and Nectar mattresses are both highly distinct mattresses, especially in terms of the benefits they can offer. If you’re looking for a mattress but can’t decide which of these mattresses suits you best, we got you covered. You can also check more reviews about these mattresses on our testing methodology.
Sleep Number i8 vs. Nectar Overview
The i8 mattress is from Sleep Number’s Innovation Series. On the other hand, the Nectar mattresses are also the most efficient for various sleepers. Check out more about where these mattresses excel from the review below.
| Sleep Number I8 is best for… | Nectar is best for… |
| Side sleepers | Those who have aches and pains |
| Lightweight sleepers | Combination sleepers |
| Couples | Budget-conscious shoppers |
Who Should Choose the Sleep Number i8 Mattress?
- Side Sleepers: The Sleep Number i8 uses a special three-inch Plushfit foam contoured to the body in seven different places. If you like to sleep on your side, this can help provide more cushioning for your hips and shoulders.
- Lightweight Sleepers: The Sleep Number 360 i8 mattress may be too soft for heavier people, but it provides good support for lightweight folks who like to be cradled in bed.
- Couples: Couples, especially those with separate sleeping preferences, will benefit from the bed’s customization.
Who Should Choose the Nectar Mattress?
- Those who have aches and pains: The Nectar mattress is perfect for those with joint and hip pains. This foam mattress has a pressure-relieving sensation that gives you pain relief all night.
- Combination Sleepers: Those who tend to toss and turn while sleeping will indulge in the motion isolation of the Nectar mattress.
- Budget-conscious Shoppers: The Nectar mattress isn’t the cheapest mattress on the market, but it comes at a much lower price point than the Sleep Number i8.
Sleep Number i8 vs. Nectar: Top Similarities
- Pain Relief: These mattresses are perfect for pain relief as they allow sleepers to have a cradling sensation. The i8 mattress can change its firmness to your liking, while the Nectar is a foam mattress that is doughy enough to offer a soft mattress feel while also getting enough support.
- Motion Isolation: Combination sleepers can enjoy motion isolation from these mattresses, especially those who sleep together.
- Pressure Relief: If you deal with aches and pains from an uncomfortable mattress, the pressure-relief , perfect for those with joint and hip pains.
Sleep Number i8 vs. Nectar: Top Differences
- Warranty: The Sleep Number i8 mattress has a lifetime warranty, while the Nectar mattress offers a warranty to their customers for 15 years.
- Mattress Construction: As the i8 mattress comes from the Innovative Series of Sleep Number, it has advanced technologies to offer extensive benefits. Meanwhile, the Nectar mattress is a foam mattress with a pressure-relieving sensation.
- Firmness Options: The i8 mattress can offer multiple firmness options, which is highly beneficial for couples who like different firmness levels.
Sleep Number i8 vs. Nectar: Firmness & Feel Differences
In this section, let us review how Sleep Number i8 and the Nectar mattress feel for a wise choice ahead.
What’s the Firmness of the Sleep Number i8 & Nectar Mattresses?
Since the I8 is a highly advanced mattress perfect for all body types and weights, light to heavyweight sleepers can enjoy sleeping in this bed. They can even change the firmness option of the mattress to match their preference. On the other hand, the foam mattress of Nectar is suitable for light to average-weight sleepers for that equal support and comfort sensation.
What do the Sleep Number i8 & Nectar Mattresses Feel Like?
Since the Sleep Number i8 mattress has firmness options that you can specifically curate for your preference, you can choose whether you want it doughy or have that lifted feeling. In contrast, the Nectar mattress may provide you with more of a lifted and, at the same time, body-hugging cushion due to its foam mattress.
What’s it Like to Sleep on the Sleep Number i8 & Nectar Mattresses?
The Sleep Number i8 is best for all body types, even for heavy sleepers. Combination sleepers can feel supported while also being comfortable sleeping on this mattress. On the other hand, the Nectar mattress is best for light to average-weight back and side sleepers. Those with hip and joint pains will feel support from their shoulders to their hips.
The Sleep Number i8 vs Nectar Mattresses by Body Type
Sleep Number i8 Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 4 | 2 | 5 |
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 | 3 | 5 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 2 | 2 | 3 |
1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent
Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)
Average-weight side and back sleepers can benefit from the pressure-relieving foam mattress of Nectar. This mattress is perfect if you have hip and joint pains. Meanwhile, since the i8 is an innovative mattress, it is perfect for all, especially for combination sleepers who like to toss and turn.
Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)
Nectar mattress’s contouring layers are specially intended to maintain your spine in alignment, making it a good choice for side sleepers of average to heavyweight body types. On the other hand, those who weigh a lot to lay on their side or stomach may not get enough of it in the Nectar. Those who weigh a lot should look for a sturdy bed that can hold their weight without sagging as they sleep. The i8 may be suitable for heavier side sleepers who prioritize deep contouring sensations around the hips and shoulders.
Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)
Those who are lightweight back sleepers or of medium weight should discover that they maintain spinal alignment by lying on the top of the bed. The pressure-relieving properties of the Nectar may not fully manifest for this body type who won’t be able to sink all the way to the bed’s top layer. Only a tiny percentage of Nectar users will experience significant pressure while lying on their sides. The i8, on the other hand, will have a fluffier feel and make you sink deeper into the bed, making it a better option for side sleepers who often require more pressure relief.
Differences in Mattress Construction
| Sleep Number i8 Mattress Materials | Nectar Mattress Materials |
| Smart 3D Fabric Mattress Cover | Quilted Memory Foam Cover |
| 3-inch Comfort Foam Layer | Gel-Infused Top Memory Foam Layer |
| Single or Dual Air Chambers | Adaptive Memory Foam Layer |
| Base Pad | Foam Base Pad |
Cover
The i8 mattress has a Smart 3D fabric mattress cover for that advanced mattress technology. On the other hand, the Nectar mattress has a soft plush cover for extra cushion.
Comfort Layers
Nectar incorporates a gel cooling system to its top layer of memory foam to reduce sleeping hot. On the other hand, the i8’s thinner layer of comfort foam makes it seem even more airy and supple.
Support Layers
The adaptive memory foam layer in the Nectar mattresses responds to your shifting positions faster than standard memory foam. The i8 mattress has air cells that can be inflated or deflated to provide the perfect support for each sleeper.
Sleep Number i8 vs. Nectar Pricing
| Size | i8 Prices | Nectar Prices |
| Twin | $ | $ |
| Twin XL | $ | $ |
| Full | $ | $ |
| Queen | $ | $ |
| King | $ | $ |
| California King | $ | $ |
For exclusive discounts, see our Nectar mattress coupons.
Sleep Number i8 vs. Nectar Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences
In this section, we will describe how these two mattresses compare for an informed mattress preference.
Temperature
The i8 mattress has advanced cooling technology, perfect for those who sweat excessively when sleeping. It is cooling and suitable for light to heavyweight sleepers. Meanwhile, the Nectar can absorb heat since this is a foam mattress. This mattress is suitable for those who get cold quickly when sleeping.
Motion Transfer
Movements can be isolated from both mattresses, which makes the i8 and Nectar mattresses suitable for couples. However, suppose you are a couple with different preferred softness on their mattresses. In that case, the i8 may be the perfect match for you since you can have the division, thus isolating motion more efficiently.
Edge Support
Sleep Number beds have air chambers that reach right to the edge, so you’ll have plenty of support whether you like to sit on the side or stretch across the entire surface.
Pressure Relief
The i8 mattress is best suited for lighter or average-weight sleepers due to its softer feel and deeper sinkage. On the other hand, pressure points will feel perfectly cradled by Nectar’s medium-firm texture.
Pain Relief
A Sleep Number bed may help you get a good night’s rest even if you have chronic discomfort from your joints or spine. The foam layers of the i8 mattress work to spread your weight throughout the bed, thereby reducing pressure points and the associated pain they can cause. The Nectar is a good choice if you regularly have soreness in your shoulders and hips because it provides adequate pressure relief to cushion even average-weight side sleepers. Individuals who suffer from back pain, especially in the lower back, should purchase a mattress like the Nectar, which is firm enough to keep the hips and lower back elevated when sleeping.
Durability
Regarding durability, the Nectar mattress is known to last for up to 7 years. On the other hand, the i8 mattress may be more durable, lasting 10 years.
Shipping, Returns, & Warranties
Sleep Number i8
No cost for shipping or the optional white glove delivery service comes with every Sleep Number bed. If you decide to keep the bed after the 100-night trial period, you will be covered by a 15-year warranty. Please be aware that this is a limited warranty and that any service after the first year will increase in price for you.
Nectar
Free shipping applies only to the 48 contiguous states. Nectar mattresses are 11″ high, making them heavier than other bed-in-a-box options. For a fee, Nectar now provides a “white glove” delivery service. There’s a full year (365 nights trial period) to try it out, and the warranty lasts forever.
Other Models Available
Our Final Take
If you want a budget-friendly mattress, you can opt for the Nectar mattress, which is suitable for those who are back and side sleepers experiencing joint and hip pains. However, if you are a heavyweight sleeper who requires more support and a combination sleeper, you might want to choose the i8 mattress. It might be pricier, but the benefit it offers is extraordinary.
Sleep Number i8 & Nectar FAQs
What makes Sleep Number beds unique?
While all Sleep Number beds feature SleepIQ technology, the degree and type of comfort foam used in their construction varies widely. As a result, some beds provide more pressure relief than others, giving the impression of deeper contouring and cushioning, while others provide more support.
Do Nectar mattresses have a lifetime of warranty?
Yes, as long as you are a proud owner of this mattress, the company states they will take full responsibility for its durability. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST, they are available by web chat or email. They will guide you through the steps.
Which mattress is more budget-friendly?
Considering your budget when purchasing a mattress, you can opt for the Nectar mattress since it’s more budget-friendly. However, if you do not care about price and want highly advanced mattresses, you can directly choose the i8 mattress.