Nectar vs. Leesa Mattress Comparison

Sizing and Weight Options

Before selecting a mattress, you should determine your ideal mattress size based on the dimensions of your bedroom, your box spring or foundation, and whether or not you share your bed with a partner. Mattresses sold today come in six standard sizes. These include the twin, twin XL, and full for single sleepers, and the queen, king, and California king for two or more people. Some models are also sold in additional sizes, such as split models for adjustable bed bases.

Height is an important consideration, as well. Some people find sleeping on a low-profile mattress (shorter than 10 inches) is most comfortable, whereas others prefer the ample padding of a high-profile mattress (more than 12 inches).

Lastly, you should take weight into account when ordering a mattress from a boxed mattress brand. These companies deliver mattresses directly to your doorstep, meaning you’ll need to carry the shipping box inside the house and set up the mattress on your own. If the box is excessively heavy, then you’ll probably need assistance lifting and carrying the mattress.

Weight, height, and available sizes are listed below for all Nectar and Leesa mattresses.

As you can tell, the size, weight, and thickness options from Nectar and Leesa are fairly comparable. Both brands offer their mattresses in all six sizes with the exception of the Leesa Legend, which is not available in a twin size. Neither brand offers split models or other additional sizes.

As is typical for these mattress types, the all-foam models from Nectar and Leesa are lighter and easier to lift than the Leesa hybrids.

Construction and Materials Comparison

The material composition and overall design of a mattress can impact how well it performs. A bed with layers that absorb and trap body heat will sleep warmer than another model constructed with breathable layers. If a mattress is designed with durable materials, it will likely last longer – potentially years longer – than a competing bed with materials that wear out quickly. Construction also affects pressure relief, motion isolation, and other performance categories, as well as the feel and firmness of the mattress and its price-point.

Most mattresses are constructed with the same core components, including a comfort layer to cushion and conform to the body, a transitional layer to prevent excessive sinkage, a support core to reinforce the comfort layers and provide stability to the bed, and a cover to encase the entire mattress. Below, we’ll go over the designs and materials for all Nectar and Leesa mattresses.

Nectar

The flagship Nectar Mattress is constructed with a 2-inch memory foam comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam. This layer contours moderately and evenly to cradle the body without too much sink.

Although the mattress has a medium firm feel, you’ll feel a deep, pressure-relieving cradle as the foam slowly adapts to your figure. This sensation is common for memory foam beds, and is best described as sleeping “in” – and not “on” – the mattress. The top layer is infused with cooling gel intended to help the mattress sleep cool, but some of our testers found that the Nectar still sleeps somewhat warm.

The Nectar Mattress also contains a 3-inch transitional polyfoam layer, followed by a high-density foam support core measuring 7 inches thick. These materials are fairly sturdy and should provide good stability for the entire mattress, especially around the edges where sinkage is likely to occur when you get in and out of bed. Perimeter support is above-average for the Nectar Mattress compared to other all-foam models.

At 12 inches thick, the Nectar Mattress is on the cusp of medium- and high-profile models. Nectar Sleep’s other beds, the Premier and Premier Copper, measure 13 and 14 inches thick, respectively. Like the Nectar Mattress, each of these models offers a medium firm (6) feel.

Both feature memory foam comfort layers infused with gel and phase-change material, which dissipates heat and helps reduce excessive warmth. The Premier Copper also contains copper fibers in its cover for added cooling. Those who sleep hot may want to consider the Premier or Copper Premier over the flagship Nectar.

Leesa

The flagship Leesa Original is a mixed-foam mattress featuring a 2-inch polyfoam comfort layer and a 2-inch memory foam transitional layer. Polyfoam is more responsive than memory foam, so the Leesa Original won’t conform quite as closely as the Nectar Mattress but it still cushions the body quite well. Comparing the flagship Leesa mattress vs. Nectar in terms of firmness, the Leesa feels noticeably softer.

The Leesa Original contains a 6-inch support core consisting of high-density polyfoam. However, this mattress does not provide the same level of edge support and you’re likely to sink excessively when getting on and off the mattress. This can mostly be attributed to the Leesa Original’s softer medium feel.

The Studio by Leesa is the brand’s other all-foam model, as well as its newest mattress. This model offers a more traditional memory foam design with a 1.5-inch memory foam comfort layer over denser polyfoam in the transitional and base layers. Like the Nectar Mattress, the Studio by Leesa has a medium firm (6) feel, but it will contour closely to the body. Both the Leesa Original and Studio by Leesa include covers made from a polyester-blend fabric. These mattresses each measure 10 inches thick.

The Leesa Sapira Hybrid features polyfoam and memory foam comfort layers measuring 1.5 inches apiece. The mattress also includes a transitional polyfoam layer, a 6-inch pocketed coil support core, and an additional layer of base polyfoam. The Leesa Sapira Hybrid is considered medium firm (6) and delivers excellent support, so it will probably feel most comfortable for people who weigh at least 130 pounds. The coils also promote steady airflow to help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature. As a result, you’ll likely sleep cooler on this mattress than on the Leesa Original, Studio by Leesa, or either of Nectar’s mattress models. The Leesa Sapira Hybrid measures 11 inches thick.

The Leesa Legend is also a hybrid mattress. This model begins with a 1-inch layer of aerated polyfoam that promotes airflow near the surface, followed by 1 inch of memory foam. The third 1.5-inch layer consists of dense polyfoam buffered with microcoils. This component is designed to support the lower back and hips while cradling lighter areas of your body. A transitional polyfoam layer rests beneath the microcoils for added reinforcement.

The Leesa Legend has a 6-inch pocketed coil support core and base polyfoam layer, as well. Like the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, this model offers a medium firm feel. Its coil-on-coil design also makes the surface feel very responsive and springy. The cover is crafted from a premium fabric blend that includes recycled polyester, merino wool, cotton, and spandex. At 12 inches thick, the Leesa Legend is the company’s thickest mattress – as well as its most expensive model.

In-Depth Ratings

Every mattress will perform well in certain categories and less so in others based on its firmness, thickness, and material composition. We evaluate every mattress using testers belonging to different weight and sleep position groups to see how it will perform for different individuals. Our ratings for Nectar and Leesa mattresses are listed in the tables below. First, let’s take a closer look at what each category means and how we evaluate mattresses for it.

Durability
The average mattress will perform for six to eight years before you should replace it. The comfort, transitional, and support materials will wear out over time, causing the mattress to feel less supportive in certain areas. Deep sagging and surface-level body impressions often occur as a result. You can preserve your mattress a bit by rotating it head-to-foot every three to six months, but it’s unlikely you’ll feel comfortable and adequately supported on the average mattress past the eight-year mark.

Motion Isolation
Mattresses that feel responsive and bouncy on the surface often generate ripples of movement across the surface when someone gets in and out of bed or changes sleep positions. This motion transfer can be disruptive for other people sharing the mattress. On the other hand, less responsive mattresses can absorb movement from sleepers and confine it to certain areas of the mattress, reducing the potential of sleep disturbances for anyone else in the bed.

Sex
Although opinions vary, most couples prefer responsive mattresses for sex. A strong bounce on the surface allows you and your partner to move across the bed rather easily without sinking or feeling like your movements are restricted. However, couples that maintain the same position for prolonged periods of time usually need some conforming to provide adequate traction. Additionally, strong edge support allows you to use the entire mattress for sex, whereas a bed with weak edges may isolate you and your partner to the middle.

Temperature Neutrality
Some mattress materials, particularly polyfoam and memory foam,are known to absorb and trap body heat from sleepers, causing bed surfaces to feel uncomfortably warm. Other materials offer better breathability and promote steady airflow to help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature. These materials include ventilated foam and latex layers, open coil systems, and covers blended with cooling fibers like organic cotton and Tencel lyocell. Those who run hot at night should definitely consider temperature neutrality when choosing a mattress.

Pressure Relief
The best mattress for pressure relief depends on your position and body type. That said, the mattress should support areas where you carry more weight – such as the midsection and hips – while cradling your lighter areas to keep your body on an even plane. For side sleepers, ample cushioning is also needed to promote even spinal alignment and reduce pressure along the lower back. Back and stomach sleepers typically need less padding and more support to prevent excessive sinkage in their heavier areas. The best mattress for back pain is typically a medium-firm model that evenly distributes your weight.

Off-gassing
After removing your mattress from its shipping container, you may notice some initial odor that can be described as rubbery or plastic-like. This is particularly common with beds featuring polyfoam or memory foam layers. The smells should mostly dissipate in a matter of days, but if the foam is exceptionally dense, you may notice off-gassing odor for a week or longer. In the event that smells persist beyond two or three days, try placing the mattress in a well-ventilated room for another day or so.

Ease of Movement
If a mattress sinks deeply beneath your body, you may have a hard time moving across the surface when getting in and out of bed. Some liken this sensation to feeling trapped by the mattress. Changing positions can be more difficult, as well. Firmer and more responsive beds promote easier movement. You may also notice more sinkage if you weigh more than 230 pounds, especially if the mattress already has a softer feel.

Edge Support
On most mattresses, you’ll notice at least a little sinkage along the perimeter when getting in and out of bed. Some mattress materials offer more responsiveness and bounce-back to prevent excessive sinkage, while others will sink quite a bit – especially for people who weigh more than 230 pounds. Mattresses with weak edge support will feel less stable when you sleep near the perimeter, and this can confine you – and possibly your partner – to the center of the mattress. Over time, expect edge support to worsen as mattress materials deteriorate.`

Nectar

Leesa

In-Depth Pricing

Many factors can affect the price of a new mattress. Size is one example; in most cases, the cost of a mattress will increase with each larger size. Mattress type is another consideration, as some materials and designs tend to be more expensive than others. The average all-foam mattress costs $900 to $1,200 in a queen size, while the average hybrid costs $1,600 to $2,200 in the same size. Additionally, thicker mattresses often cost more due to being built with extra padding layers.

Where you buy your mattress can also impact price-point. Brick-and-mortar stores are typically expensive because these establishments face high overhead costs associated with their daily operations. Online brands operate few, if any, brick-and-mortar locations, allowing them to sell mattresses for much less. If you reside in Alaska or Hawaii, also keep in mind that very few mattress-in-a-box brands offer free shipping to these locations, and delivery fees on their own can amount to hundreds of dollars.

Prices for all Nectar and Leesa models in each available size are listed below.

Nectar

Leesa

As you can see from the tables, Leesa’s all-foam mattresses are a bit more affordable than the Nectar models. The Studio by Leesa has a below-average price-point compared to the average all-foam model, while the Leesa Original’s price is in line with industry averages. The Nectar Mattress is also on par with the average all-foam bed in terms of cost, but the Nectar Premier and Premier Copper have above-average price-points. All that said, none of these mattresses are too expensive and all offer distinct value for owners based on their performance in categories like motion isolation and pressure relief.

The Leesa Sapira Hybrid’s price-point is in line with the average hybrid model’s. The same is true for the Leesa Legend, but this model costs considerably more than the Leesa Sapira Hybrid.

Trials, Warranty, and Delivery

Shipping

Nectar offers free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S., but customers in Alaska and Hawaii need to pay additional delivery charges. This is a fairly typical policy for an online mattress brand. Leesa also provides free ground shipping but extends this offer to customers in all 50 states. Leesa delivers to international locations such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany for additional fees.

If you opt for ground delivery, your mattress will be compressed, vacuum-sealed, and shipped in a compact box. The mattress will be left on your doorstep, so you won’t need to sign for the package or be at home when the mattress arrives. After the delivery takes place, carry the box into the room where you plan to use the mattress and unbox it there. The mattress should reach its full shape within 48 hours.

Nectar also offers White Glove delivery for a flat fee of $149. This service includes in-home mattress assembly and old mattress removal upon request. Leesa offers the same White Glove service for a flat fee of $150. If you select White Glove delivery, the mattress will not be compressed for shipping. You or another adult will need to be at home to receive the couriers when the mattress arrives; prior to delivery, the couriers will reach out to schedule a date and time window.

Returns

Online mattress companies usually offer some sort of sleep trial that allows you to test out the mattress and return it if you aren’t satisfied. Sleep trials are useful because most online brands don’t operate any brick-and-mortar stores where you can lie down on different mattress models.

Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial, which is one of the longest trials in the industry. This trial requires a 30-night break-in period, but after that, you can initiate a return at any point if you are not happy with the mattress. For no extra charge, Nectar will arrange for couriers to pick up the mattress at your residence and transport it for recycling or donation.

Leesa’s sleep trial is 100 nights in length. There is no mandatory break-in period for this trial, but Leesa requests that you test out the mattress for at least 30 nights. In the event of a return, Leesa will issue full refunds to customers in the contiguous U.S. and coordinate a free mattress pickup. The company also arranges mattress pickups for those who reside in Alaska and Hawaii, but these customers must pay a $100 return fee.

Warranties

Manufacturers offer warranties for products in order to take responsibility for defects and other issues. If the product needs to be repaired or replaced, the warranty stipulates the company will cover most, if not all, associated costs. The majority of mattresses sold today come with warranties spanning at least 10 years in length.

For Nectar mattresses, you’ll receive the “Forever” lifetime warranty, meaning the mattress will be covered against defects for as long as you own it. This warranty is also completely non-prorated. If a defect develops on the mattress during the first 10 years, Nectar will repair or replace the bed at absolutely no charge to you. After 10 years, you’ll pay $100 in transportation fees to have the mattress repaired or replaced, but Nectar will cover the remaining expenses.

The Leesa warranty covers each mattress for 10 years. This warranty is also non-prorated. You’ll need to pay shipping and transportation fees if your Leesa mattress develops a defect, but the company will cover all repair and replacement costs.

Covered defects differ slightly by brand. For Nectar, sagging and body impressions in the sleep surface measuring 1.5 inches or deeper are considered defects. Under the Leesa warranty, these impressions must measure 1 inch or deeper to qualify as defects. Both the Nectar and Leesa warranties cover physical flaws with the mattress that cause materials to deteriorate prematurely. Other issues may not be considered defects.

Keep in mind that mattress warranties are non-transferable. You will receive the warranty as long as you buy the mattress directly from the manufacturer or an authorized retailer. Anyone who buys or receives the mattress from the original owner or a non-authorized retailer does not qualify for the warranty.