Nectar vs Tuft & Needle Mattress Comparison

Nectar and Tuft & Needle are two of the country’s leading “mattress-in-a-box” online mattress brands. While these companies offer some models that are fairly comparable in terms of construction, materials and firmness levels, there is plenty to distinguish them.

Nectar launched in 2017 with its flagship bed, the Nectar Mattress. This model is constructed with a memory foam comfort layer, followed by polyfoam transitional and base layers. The mattress has a medium firm feel. The company has since released two other all-foam mattresses, the Nectar Premier and Nectar Premier Copper. These models also have medium firm feels, but they are slightly thicker than the flagship Nectar Mattress.

Tuft & Needle has been in business since 2012. The company’s flagship bed, known as the T&N Original Mattress, is an all-polyfoam model with a 3-inch comfort layer and a high-density base. Tuft & Needle also offers the Mint Mattress, which has a top layer infused with graphite and cooling gel to minimize heat buildup on the surface. Both of these beds have medium firm feels.

Tuft & Needle’s third mattress, the T&N Hybrid, is constructed with a polyfoam comfort layer followed by a layer of minicoils over a pocketed coil support core. This coil-on-coil design makes the T&N Hybrid very responsive, but the hybrid has a slightly softer feel than the other two Tuft & Needle beds.

If you’ve narrowed down your search to Tuft & Needle and Nectar, we hope our break down will help you find the brand and model that’s right for you.

Quick Look

We’ve worked hard to show you whether the Nectar or Tuft & Needle is the best mattress for you. Check out our full mattress guides listed below!

Sizing Options

Nectar and Tuft & Needle offer a comparable selection in terms of mattress weight, thickness, and sizing. Neither brand offers any specialty sizes (such as split queen or king), so you’ll need to choose from the six standard sizing options.

Weight is often an overlooked consideration. In addition to setting up the mattress, you should rotate it head-to-foot every three to six months to protect the surface from deep body impressions. All mattresses are relatively heavy and will probably require more than one person to lift and move, but some models are bulkier and more unwieldy than others.

All of the Nectar and Tuft & Needle mattresses are relatively lightweight with the exception of the T&N Hybrid. This is to be expected because beds with coil layers usually weigh a lot more than all-foam models. That said, two people will probably be enough to lift or move any of these mattresses, including the hybrid.

Construction and Materials Comparison

A bed’s construction and materials have a major impact on how soft or firm the bed feels. The composition can also affect other aspects of the mattress, such as support, temperature neutrality, motion isolation, and durability.

Every mattress model is unique, but today’s beds have four general components. Comfort layers refer to the topmost layers of the mattress. These layers usually include polyfoam, memory foam, latex, and other materials that cushion and conform to your body. The transitional layer – located beneath the last comfort layer – prevents you from sinking too deeply into the mattress. Common transitional layer materials include dense polyfoam and minicoils.

The base layers of a mattress are collectively known as the support core. These components stabilize the bed to keep you on an even plane and prevent the edges from sinking too much. Support core materials depend on the mattress type, and they may consist of high-density polyfoam, latex, coil systems, or motorized air chambers. Many beds feature a bottom layer of high-density foam for added reinforcement.

Lastly, the cover encases the entire mattress. Covers are usually made of fabric blends with cotton, polyester, rayon, wool, and other fibers. Most mattress covers are not removable, but some can be unzipped and removed for cleaning purposes.

Nectar

Nectar Mattress

The Nectar Mattress has a 2-inch memory foam comfort layer, followed by a 3-inch transitional polyfoam layer. The bed has a medium firm feel, but these two layers conform very closely to form a deep, pressure-relieving cradle around your body. Many liken this sensation to sleeping “in” the mattress.

The bed’s support core features 7 inches of high-density polyfoam. This material is much firmer and denser than the other mattress layers. While you’ll probably sink deep beneath the surface, the transitional and base layers will keep you on an even plane and prevent excessive sagging. Altogether, the Nectar Mattress measures 12 inches thick.

The Nectar Mattress has a cover made from a blend of polyester, polyethylene, and nylon. This combination creates an exceptionally soft and breathable material that is also quite breathable.

Nectar Premier

The Nectar Premier has a slightly different makeup compared to the flagship Nectar Mattress. The comfort layer consists of 3 inches of gel-infused memory foam that also contains phase-change material to dissipate heat and help the mattress stay cool. The Premier’s transitional layer is 3 inches thick and the base layer is 7 inches thick, resulting in an overall profile of 13 inches.

Since both the Premier and Nectar Mattress have medium firm feels, most sleepers will find they feel quite similar to one another. However, the phase-change material component should allow the Premier to sleep noticeably cooler. Its cover is also made from a blend of polyester, polyethylene, and nylon.

Nectar Premier Copper

Nectar’s thickest mattress, the 14-inch Premier Copper begins with a 4-inch comfort layer of memory foam infused with gel and phase-change material. The transitional polyfoam layer measures 1 inch thick, while the polyfoam support core measures 9 inches thick.

The Premier Copper is designed for a medium firm feel, as well, but its added height and thicker comfort layer result in a closer body contour for sleepers compared to the Premier or flagship model. Another key difference is the cover, which is infused with cooling copper to promote even more temperature control than the other two Nectar mattresses.

Tuft & Needle

T&N Original Mattress

The T&N Original Mattress has a straightforward design. This medium firm model, which does not include a transitional layer, features a 3-inch polyfoam comfort layer over a 7-inch high-density polyfoam support core. The comfort foam is open-cell polyfoam, so it won’t absorb and trap as much body heat as denser foams found in other models. The foam is also infused with graphite and cooling gel, both of which can help resist heat buildup on the surface.

The absence of a transitional layer may cause some sleepers to sink too deeply into the T&N Original Mattress. The edges are prone to deep sagging, as well, which may make getting on and off the bed somewhat difficult – especially if you weigh more than 230 pounds.

Mint Mattress

The Mint Mattress has a 12-inch profile, making it 2 inches thicker than the T&N Original Mattress, but both beds have medium firm feels. Like the flagship model, the Mint Mattress has a 3-inch polyfoam comfort layer infused with graphite and cooling gel, but it also contains a 2-inch transitional layer infused with the same components. These added cooling components allow the Mint Mattress to sleep noticeably cooler than the T&N Original Mattress and other all-foam models from competing brands.

The Mint Mattress also features a 7-inch support core of high-density polyfoam. Because the mattress has a transitional layer, it provides better sleeper support and perimeter reinforcement than the T&N Original Mattress.

The cover is made from a blend of micro polyamide and polyester blend that is embedded with an antimicrobial protectant designed to prevent microbes – including harmful bacteria – from affecting the lifespan of the mattress. The top half of the cover can be removed and machine washed.

T&N Hybrid

The T&N Hybrid has the same top comfort layer as the other two Tuft & Needle models – adaptive, open-cell polyfoam infused with graphite and cooling gel. The second comfort layer consists of minicoils that conform to your body while keeping you on an even plane. The minicoils, along with a polyfoam transitional layer, make the mattress feel exceptionally responsive even compared to other hybrids.

The bed’s support core features pocketed coils, which provide much stronger support to your body and the edges than high-density foam. Both coil layers also promote steady air circulation to help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature. You won’t experience as much of a body sink on the T&N Hybrid compared to the other two Tuft & Needle models, making it an ideal choice if you prefer sleeping “on” – and not “in” – your mattress.

All three Tuft & Needle mattresses feature the same non-removable cover made from a blend of polyamide – a durable fabric class that includes nylon and Kevlar – and polyester.

In-Depth Ratings

Every sleeper has different mattress preferences. Some want a mattress that contours closely to their body to alleviate pressure and support the spine, while others like the feel of a firmer, more responsive bed. Many shoppers value additional mattress qualities. Hot sleepers, for example, may prioritize their search for beds that sleep cool, and couples may narrow down their choices based on motion isolation, noise potential, and edge support.

Durability
The average mattress will perform for six to eight years before a replacement is needed. Certain materials can extend the lifespan of a bed, such as high-density foam, organic or natural latex, and thick coil systems. For newer mattresses that have not been available for very long, we evaluate them for durability based on the quality of their materials and construction, as well as reviews from verified owners.

Motion Isolation
Some mattresses have comfort layers that absorb motion from sleepers and prevent their movement from transferring across the surface. These beds are great if you share your bed with a partner because you won’t notice any surface movement when your co-sleeper shifts positions or gets in and out of bed, and vice versa. Responsive mattresses that do not absorb motion tend to be more disruptive for co-sleepers.

Sex
Although preferences certainly vary, most couples prefer responsive, springy mattresses for sex. Beds that conform closely tend to sink too deeply, which can restrict movement and make changing positions somewhat difficult. Edge support is also key. Beds with strong perimeter support won’t sag too much, allowing you and your partner to use the entire surface for sex, while models with weak edge support may confine you to the middle of the mattress.

Temperature Neutrality
A temperature-neutral mattress will provide a comfortable balance of coolness and warmth. This quality can usually be attributed to materials that promote internal airflow, such as coil systems and ventilated latex. Breathable cover materials like wool, organic cotton, and Tencel can also ensure a comfortable temperature. Firmer beds tend to sleep cooler than softer ones because you don’t sink as deeply and will experience more surface airflow.

Pressure Relief
The best mattresses for pressure relief will conform to your body and support the spine without sinking too deeply. Beds that feel too soft will likely sag beneath your torso, causing pressure points to develop in your shoulders, lower back, and hips. Excessively firm mattresses do not conform closely enough, which can lead to pressure buildup in sensitive areas of your body. Every mattress provides varying degrees of pressure relief to different people based on their body weight and sleep position. The best mattress for back pain is typically a medium-firm model that provides ample support while distributing weight evenly.

Off-gassing
Virtually every bed has a “new mattress smell” when you remove it from its shipping box. In most cases, these odors will dissipate in a matter of days. However, some beds will continue to emit off-gassing smells for longer periods. Mattresses with polyfoam and/or memory foam layers tend to have the highest odor potential because polyurethane foam produces volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, tiny particles that carry a distinct chemical smell.

Ease of Movement
Ease of movement refers to how much a mattress conforms to your body, and whether or not the surface restricts your ability to move across the surface. Softer beds with adaptive foam layers are often quite difficult to move on, whereas responsive mattresses with coil layers maintain a more even plane across the entire surface. As you can probably imagine, ease of movement can also impact how a mattress feels during sex.

Edge Support
When you sit on the edge of a mattress, you’ll probably notice at least a little sinkage as your body compresses the mattress. Hybrids and innersprings with coil systems usually offer the strongest edge support. You’ll experience some sinkage, but more pushback and support compared to a bed with foam or latex support layers. Mattresses with weak perimeter support can be problematic when getting in and out of bed, and you may not feel as secure sleeping close to the edges.

Nectar

Tuft & Needle

In-Depth Pricing

The average mattress costs between $1,500 and $1,900 in a queen size. That said, several factors can affect the price of a mattress — type of mattress, specific materials used, and the brand itself. Although costs vary significantly, each mattress type has a typical price range. Innersprings and all-foam beds tend to be the most affordable options, and are widely available for $1,200 or less in a queen size. Hybrids and latex mattresses usually have mid-level price-points in the $1,600 to $2,200 range. Airbeds, the most expensive mattress type on average, often exceed $2,500 in a queen size.

Prices and Sizing

Nectar

Tuft & Needle

Nectar and Tuft & Needle prices are fairly comparable – which is to say, each brand offers relatively inexpensive mattresses. The flagship Nectar and T&N Original Mattress models, in particular, are very affordable compared to all-foam beds from competing brands. If you have a limited shopping budget, neither of these models will break the bank and both have earned strong performance ratings across several categories.

The Mint Mattress is slightly more expensive than the T&N Original Mattress, but its price-point is still below-average and this model is also a great value given its high-quality construction.

If your budget is a little more flexible, you might consider the Nectar Premier, Nectar Premier Copper, or T&N Hybrid, all of which have relatively expensive price-points. Mattress type is a key distinction here. The Nectar Premier and Premier Copper are fairly expensive compared to other memory foam beds, but the T&N Hybrid costs less than the average hybrid model.

Trials, Warranty and Delivery

Shipping

Nectar and Tuft & Needle are both “mattress-in-a-box” brands, meaning they compress their mattresses and ship them in compact boxes. The compression process does not damage the mattresses.

Both brands offer free ground shipping within the contiguous U.S. via FedEx Ground, and they will deliver mattresses to Alaska and Hawaii for an added charge. Whether you order from Nectar or Tuft & Needle, expect your mattress to arrive within seven business days of your purchase.

In addition to standard shipping, Tuft & Needle offers same-day delivery for customers in certain U.S. cities for a flat fee of $50. This shipping method is not available from Nectar. However, both brands also offer White Glove delivery, which includes scheduled delivery, in-home mattress assembly, and old mattress removal. For both brands, this service is exclusive to customers in the contiguous U.S. Nectar charges $149 for White Glove delivery, and Tuft & Needle charges $150.

Sleep Trial and Returns

Sleep trials are a major distinction between these two brands. Nectar offers a 365-night trial, which is exceptionally long compared to the trials from other brands. You’ll need to test out your Nectar bed for at 30 nights in order to break it in, but after that benchmark, you’ll be able to return it for a full refund or exchange it for another size or model. If you decide to return your Nectar model, the company will send a courier to retrieve the mattress from your residence and transport it for recycling or donation.

Tuft & Needle’s sleep trial is 100 nights, which is much shorter than Nectar’s but more in line with the average trial period. There is not a mandatory break-in period, so you can return your Tuft & Needle mattress at any point of the 100-night trial. Tuft & Needle issues a full refund for all returns, as well. The company encourages customers to recycle or donate the mattress themselves, but if this isn’t possible for you, couriers will come to your house and pick up the mattress at no extra cost.

Warranties

Nectar is one of the few mattress brands that have a lifetime warranty, which means the bed will be covered for as long as you own it. The warranty is also completely non-prorated for the first 10 years. If a defect develops during this period, Nectar will cover all costs associated with repairing or replacing it, including to-and-from transportation charges. After year 10, the company still covers most of these costs, but you’ll need to pay a flat shipping fee of $100 ($50 each way) to have your mattress repaired or replaced.

The Tuft & Needle warranty spans 10 years in length. While shorter than the Nectar warranty, in theory, any Tuft & Needle mattress will probably need to be replaced within 10 years, so the warranty coverage should be sufficient. This warranty is also non-prorated. If a defect develops at any point during the 10-year warranty period, Tuft & Needle will repair or replace the mattress at no extra charge to the owner.

When reviewing a mattress warranty, be sure to read which issues are and are not recognized as defects. In the Nectar warranty, any body impression in the surface that measures 1.5 inches or deeper qualifies as a defect. For Tuft & Needle’s warranty, the minimum impression depth is .75 inches. This essentially means an impression must be twice as deep on a Nectar mattress in order to qualify for a repair or replacement.

The bottom line: whether a warranty spans 10 years or the entire length of your ownership, a mattress will probably need to be replaced within eight years or less. Avoid buying a more expensive mattress based on a longer warranty. In all likelihood, you won’t need the extra coverage.