Saatva vs. Nectar Mattress Comparison

Sizing Options

Mattresses come in a variety of sizes, heights, and weights. A queen mattress is typically an appropriate size for most adults and couples. Senior couples who don’t require as much space will often choose a full mattress. Sleepers who prefer a more spacious sleeping area can opt for a king mattress.

However, it is important to consider available bedroom space. Additionally, changing the size of a mattress may require a new foundation and bedding, which adds to the total price.

A higher-profile mattress may require sheets with deep pockets. A heavier mattress may be more cumbersome to set up and may require a sturdier foundation.

Both Saatva and Nectar mattresses are offered in all six standard sizes. However, only Saatva has split king and split California king options. The Saatva Youth Mattress is available in just twin, twin XL, and full sizes, since it’s meant for younger sleepers.

The average height for a mattress is between 10 and 15 inches. Most of the Nectar and Saatva mattresses fall within that range. At 15.5 inches, the Saatva HD has the highest profile and more robust support. The Saatva Classic offers shoppers a choice of height.

Most of Nectar’s mattresses are lighter than Saatva’s lineup, since all-foam mattresses tend to weigh less than innersprings or hybrids.

Construction and Materials Comparison

Since personal preference plays a big role in mattress shopping, understanding the unique layers of mattress construction may help narrow down the options.

Most mattresses consist of a cover, a comfort layer, and a support core. An innerspring mattress is typically made with support coils to provide some bounce. All-foam mattresses tend to offer less bounce but greater contouring. Hybrid mattresses combine a coil support core with a foam or latex comfort layer.

Saatva

Saatva’s lineup includes four unique mattresses constructed of high-quality, GOTS-certified materials. The Saatva Classic, HD, and Youth mattresses are all innerspring models, while the Saatva Latex Hybrid features a pocketed coil support core.

Saatva Classic
Saatva’s flagship mattress is available in three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. These levels correspond to soft (3), medium firm (6), and firm (8) on the 10-point mattress firmness scale. It also has two height options: 11.5 inches or 14.5 inches thick.

• Cover: The 3-inch cover is made of GOTS-certified organic cotton and includes a Euro-top containing polyfoam. It is treated with antimicrobials to reduce the growth of bacteria and mildew.
• Memory Foam: There is a thin layer of high-density memory foam below the cover that is designed to offer back support and pressure relief. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified.
• Pocketed Coils: Beneath the memory foam is an additional comfort layer with pocketed coils made from 14.5-gauge recycled steel. This layer is designed to provide pressure relief and reduce motion transfer.
• Base Coils: The innerspring support core, made of 13-gauge tempered steel coils, provides a durable foundation for the bed system. It is also designed to keep the sleeper cooler by enhancing airflow. This layer is surrounded by a high-density foam perimeter to provide edge support.

Saatva Latex Hybrid
The Latex Hybrid is typically best suited for back or stomach sleepers of average weight. It combines the responsiveness of an innerspring mattress with the contouring pressure relief that a latex mattress typically offers. The overall feel of this 12-inch model is medium firm (6).

• Cover: Made of certified organic cotton, the cover is breathable and treated with antimicrobials.
• Organic Wool: A thin layer of GOTS-certified organic New Zealand wool is just below the cover. Wool is considered a natural flame retardant and is an effective material for moisture wicking and temperature regulation.
• Talalay Latex: Below the wool is a 3-inch layer of Talalay latex, designed for support and pressure relief. Talalay latex has the added benefit of resisting allergens like dust mites and mold.
• Zoned Pocketed Coils: The support layer is made of individually pocketed recycled steel coils. It is designed to contour to the sleeper’s body and reduce motion transfer. The perimeter is reinforced for edge support.
• Eco-friendly Base Pad: Made of GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool, the base is meant to prevent the mattress from shifting on the foundation.

Saatva HD
The Saatva HD is sturdily built and is specifically designed with additional support for sleepers who weigh up to 500 pounds. It is rated as a firm (7) feel and is 15.5 inches thick. Its construction focuses on cooling features and durable support.

• Cover: The cover is a 3-inch Euro-top made from organic cotton and treated with microbials.
• Zoned Talalay Latex: This layer provides support and pressure relief.
• Foam Layer: Made memory foam and polyfoam, this additional comfort layer is designed for contouring and pressure relief. Both foams are CertiPUR-US certified.
• Coil Base: The base is constructed with 12.5-gauge tempered recycled steel coils, which are designed to enhance durability and reduce motion transfer. The perimeter is reinforced with a high-density foam to promote edge support and prevent sagging over time.

Saatva Youth
The Saatva Youth Mattress is designed for children 3 to 12 years old. It is a dual-sided mattress with one side intended for ages 3 to 7 and the other for ages 8 to 12. The softer side of the mattress has a medium (5) firmness intended for the younger age group, while the flip side has a firm (7) feel for older children.

• Cover: Both sides have a breathable, GOTS-certified organic cotton cover with an antimicrobial treatment and waterproof barrier.
• Foam Layer: The softer side contains zoned polyfoam, while the firmer side features denser convoluted polyfoam. These breathable foam layers are intended to provide support for growing bodies.
• Dual-Sided Coil Center: Made of 13.75-gauge recycled steel coils, this center support layer  benefits both sides of the mattress. The coils are intended to provide proper spinal alignment and lumbar support for ages 3 to 12.

Nectar

Nectar’s lineup of mattresses includes three medium firm (6) all-foam models: the Nectar Mattress, the Nectar Premier, and the Nectar Premier Copper. Because many foams are known to trap heat, the company employs different cooling techniques to help promote airflow and breathability in each model. The foams are CertiPUR-US certified.

Nectar Mattress and Nectar Premier
The Nectar Mattress is typically suitable for side sleepers of any weight, and back or stomach sleepers under 230 pounds. The Nectar Premier is usually best for side sleepers over 130 pounds and lightweight back sleepers. The Premier offers more cooling components in some of the layers, which makes it more likely to sleep cooler than the Nectar Mattress.

• Cover: Both models feature a breathable polyester blend cover designed to keep the sleeper cool.
• Gel Memory Foam: The Nectar’s first layer under the cover contains 2 inches of memory foam infused with gel. In the Premier, this layer measures 3 inches thick. Memory foam is known to be contouring, but tends to sleep hot. The gel infusion is designed to disperse heat. Additionally, the Nectar Premier includes phase change material in this layer that is intended to automatically respond to changes in body temperature.
• Polyfoam: The next layer is designed to provide responsiveness and support. These layers in both the Nectar Mattress and Nectar Premier Premier measure 3 inches thick.
• Base Layer: The bottom layer contains 7 inches of polyfoam for support. The base includes a cover meant to prevent shifting of the mattress.

Nectar Premier Copper
The Nectar Premier Copper is often preferred by side sleepers over 130 pounds and also performs well for back sleepers under 230 pounds. It is designed with hot sleepers in mind and tends to sleep cooler than the other mattresses in Nectar’s lineup.

• Cover: Similar to the other Nectar mattresses, the Premier Copper cover is made with a breathable polyester blend. The main difference is that it is also blended with copper fibers, which are intended to pull heat away from the body for a cooler sleep.
• Gel Memory Foam: This layer includes 4 inches of gel memory foam with phase change material designed to respond to changing body temperatures.
• Polyfoam: An inch of polyfoam sits atop the base to provide additional support and responsiveness. This section is thinner than the other two models’ polyfoam layers.
• Base Layer: The bottom layer is 2 inches thicker than the other Nectar mattresses, providing a 9-inch base to enhance durability and support. The Premier Copper base also has a cover designed to prevent shifting.

Pricing Information

Mattress pricing is affected by a number of factors such as the materials, construction, and certifications acquired.

Natural materials are typically more expensive than synthetic components, for example. Hybrid and latex mattresses tend to cost more than innerspring and foam mattresses. Certifications such as CertiPUR-US or OEKO-TEX may add to the retail price, while buying a mattress online is usually cheaper than purchasing in a store.

Saatva and Nectar are similarly priced overall, though most of the Saatva models are slightly more expensive. Since Nectar’s lineup includes only all-foam mattresses, it is not unusual for its models to be less expensive than Saatva’s hybrid and latex designs. Both brands fall within the industry average for retail pricing.

The Saatva HD is the most expensive model of either brand, likely because it is a higher-profile mattress designed with ample support. Its construction includes specialized materials, such as a natural Talalay latex layer, which may also contribute to its higher price-point. Saatva offers additional split king and split California king sizing options for some of its models.

Nectar’s lineup includes three all-foam mattresses with a variety of cooling features. The Nectar Premium Copper Mattress is the company’s most expensive model. The price difference is partially due to the use of cooling copper fibers throughout the cover.

The original Nectar Mattress is the least expensive of all models besides the Saatva Youth, which is made specifically for children and is only offered in smaller sizes.

Mattress Performance Ratings

Shopping for a new mattress can be an overwhelming experience. When all mattresses start to look the same, it can be helpful to focus on a few of the more important features.

Durability
The average lifespan of a mattress is between 6 and 8 years, although some may last 10 to 20 years without showing major wear. The materials and construction of the mattress, in addition to the sleeper’s body weight and the level of maintenance and care given to the mattress, also affect its lifespan.

Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to a mattress’ ability to reduce the transfer of movement from one part of its surface to another. Couples may find this feature particularly important to reduce sleep disturbances caused by the other person moving or changing sleep positions. Memory foam models and other contouring mattresses are often the most effective at isolating motion. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses tend to have more bounce to them, causing more motion transfer.

Sex
Mattresses are not always just for sleep. Many people also want a mattress that is conducive to sex. People tend to prefer a mattress with some bounce for sexual activity, which includes some hybrid, latex, or innerspring varieties. Since memory foam often traps heat and has high contouring and very little motion transfer, it generally is less conducive to sex.

Temperature Neutrality
Some memory foam mattresses tend to trap heat and cut off airflow around the body, though many incorporate more advanced technologies designed to keep sleepers cooler at night. Many memory foams are gel- or copper-infused, while others use open-cell technology to promote airflow. Hybrid and innerspring models tend to encourage more airflow through the coil layers.

Pressure Relief
Side sleepers typically put more pressure on their shoulders and hips, while back sleepers generally put the most pressure on the lower back area. A contouring mattress can help relieve pressure in these areas. When considering the best mattress for neck and back pain, shoppers should keep in mind that the amount of contouring and pressure relief they experience will depend on their sleeping position and body weight.

Off-gassing
Off-gassing refers to the odor that emanates from a new mattress after unboxing it. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released from a compressed mattress when it is removed from its packaging and begins to decompress. The VOCs are unpleasant to most people but are not known to be harmful. When a mattress is opened in a well-ventilated room, the odor tends to dissipate within a few hours or a few days.

Ease of Movement
Ease of movement is how easily a sleeper can change positions or get in and out of bed. Mattresses made of soft foams or those that offer deep contouring have the tendency to restrict movement. A responsive mattress tends to offer easy movement, which is especially important for combination sleepers or those who prefer more bounce to a mattress. Bear in mind that a responsive mattress tends to allow more motion transfer.

Edge Support
Extra support around the edges of a mattress can help reduce sagging over time and extend its usable surface. Proper edge support is also beneficial for sex or for people who like to sit on the edge of the bed. All-foam mattresses or very soft mattresses tend to lack edge support. A mattress with strong edge support generally includes a reinforced perimeter.

Saatva

Nectar

Trials, Warranty, and Delivery

Shipping

Shipping policies vary by company, and it is important to learn the specifics before purchasing. Many online bedding companies offer free shipping, but there may be additional fees for orders outside the contiguous U.S. Some companies require the customer to be present at the time of delivery.

Saatva Shipping Policies
Saatva offers free White Glove delivery within the contiguous U.S. For Alaska or Hawaii residents, the company can help arrange delivery through a freight forwarder on the West Coast.

Saatva schedules a 4-hour arrival window, during which customers need to be present for the delivery and setup. Delivery includes new mattress setup, as well as free mattress removal.

Nectar Shipping Policies
Nectar offers free shipping within the contiguous U.S. For customers in Alaska or Hawaii, an additional fee of $150 per large item is added. Shipping fees for Alaska and Hawaii deliveries are non-refundable.

Nectar mattresses are compressed and shipped in a box. Most mattresses take approximately 2 to 5 business days to arrive once shipped. If White Glove delivery is requested, an additional 2 to 3 business days may be needed to coordinate an appointment.

Nectar’s White Glove service costs $149 and includes new mattress setup and old mattress removal. Extra items such as a headboard, frame, or foundation cost $45 per item for White Glove delivery and setup.

Sleep Trial and Returns

Many companies offer the option to return a mattress within a trial period. Although many companies accept returns free of cost, some charge a shipping or handling fee. Typically, the company coordinates a time with the customer to send a team for the mattress removal. If the product is still in good condition, it is not uncommon for the lightly used mattress to be donated to a local charity.

Saatva Sleep Trial and Return Policy
Saatva offers a 365-night sleep trial. The company will refund the amount originally paid, less a $99 transportation fee. Returned mattresses are typically donated.

Nectar Sleep Trial and Return Policy
Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial. A 30-night break-in period is required before initiating a return. The company helps customers find a local charity to donate the mattress. The mattress cost is fully refundable during the trial period, less any original shipping fees.

Warranty

A warranty is a company’s guarantee of the quality of its mattress. The average warranty length is around 10 years and typically covers manufacturing defects, such as tears in the fabric or broken coils. Many warranties also cover significant sagging. When shopping for a new mattress, it is important to read the product’s specific warranty terms to understand what is covered and for how long.

Saatva Mattress Warranty
All Saatva mattresses are covered by lifetime warranties. For the first 2 years of ownership, the company will replace a defective mattress at no cost. From year 3 to the end of the warranty period, Saatva will repair a qualifying mattress for a $149 transportation fee each way.

The warranty includes body impressions greater than 1 inch. It does not include burns or other damage caused by the consumer. Additional terms and conditions apply.

The company also offers a Fairness Replacement Option that allows customers to keep their original mattress and purchase a new mattress at a prorated percentage of the original price. This option includes a $99 transportation fee for the new mattress delivery.

Nectar Mattress Warranty
Nectar offers a lifetime limited warranty. If a mattress qualifies as defective within the first 10 years of ownership, Nectar will replace the item at no cost. After 10 years, the company will repair, re-cover, or replace the mattress for a $50 transportation fee each way. The additional transportation fees will be waived if Nectar confirms a qualifying defect. In some cases, the company will accept photographic evidence of a defect.

The warranty covers cracking or splitting of the foam material and indentations greater than 1.5 inches that are not the result of an improper foundation. It does not cover damages resulting from accidents or violations of the mattress instructions. Additional terms and conditions apply.