The Sleep Industry has been greatly diversified ever since the introduction of memory foam mattresses in the past few decades. The volley of positive response they’ve generated from customers along with consistent R&D has led to significant breakthroughs in their design, evolving from a heat-trapping viscoelastic structure to a gel-infused open-celled form.
Several brands have invested valuable resources in this foam and have reaped the rewards for their innovations through hefty price tags. But in the past few years, internet-based marketplaces have expanded folds, moving customers away from the traditional retailer-outlet shopping model. This has made the competition even more stringent and ultimately benefited the customer by resulting in a lower price point.
Nectar and Nest are both distinguished online brands that offer top-notch mattresses. While the foam is used as the base material in both mattresses, the manufacturers have strived hard to provide a unique experience through varied compositions and added features, all within an attractive price.
This Nectar vs Nest Alexander Signature Mattress comparison explores the suitability, strengths, and potential drawbacks of these two formidable mattresses.
Nectar Breakdown
The Nectar is your everyday memory foam that comes at an affordable price and features plush upper layers combined with firm lower ones.
Construction
Cover
The cover is composed of Tencel® fiber, which is derived from eucalyptus pulp. The fabric is organic, therefore skin friendly, halting the growth of microbes and onset of skin allergies. It is also very soft, light and breathable leading to a cooler surface as you sleep.
The company offers free replacement of the cover in case it gets damaged. Note that this policy is separate from the main warranty of the mattress.
First Layer
One inch of quilted gel viscoelastic foam forms the first layer of the mattress. With a low ILD rating of 14, the mattress generates a highly cushioned and adaptive response. The layer absorbs the initial shock as you sit/lay on the mattress, transferring the load to the lower layers. The foam used in the layer is infused with a special gel that solves the heat-entrapment problem associated with memory foam products by transporting heat away from the surface.
Second Layer
This layer is formed by another layer of gel foam with an increased thickness of 3 inches and an ILD of 15. This results in increased firmness, i.e. slower response against the contours of the body compared to the upper layer. The layer serves to keep your body’s posture aligned as you sleep.
Third Layer
Memory foam products are often viewed as less durable and prone to permanent deformation upon extended usage. Nectar solves this problem through a layer of Hi-Core Adaptive Viscoelastic foam, sporting a thickness of 0.5 inches and an ILD rating of 45. The sharp increase in ILD rating results in extra-firmness, ideal for providing robust lumbar support.
The layer also acts as a barrier between the plush upper layers and the harder base.
Fourth Layer
The final layer of the mattress offers solid support both to the body and to the mattress’ structure. After the upper layers adapt according to your body’s contours, this layer with an ILD rating of 55 prevents any further sinkage. By doing so, it prevents any stress from causing discomfort to your joints.
The layer is made of 2.2lbs/cu.ft of polyurethane foam.
Firmness and Feel
Comfort and Support
The plush memory foam layers combined with a stiff polyurethane base results in a medium firmness level. This makes the mattress suitable for most people who are looking for both support and pressure relief. Unfortunately, this is the only level of firmness that’s offered, so if you’re not satisfied by the level of firmness, you would have to go another way.
Several people are concerned about the over-enveloping feel generated by memory foam mattresses. Nectar has neutralized any such concerns through the Hi-Core Adaptive Foam layer that prevents the body from sinking too deep, in addition to preventing regression.
Edge Support
The mattress’ design incorporates a sharp increase in the ILD as the third and fourth layers are approached. This allows it to retain its edge’s shape to a much better extent compared to most memory foam products. Nonetheless, the presence of upper layers of memory foams still generates the initial sinking response as you move towards the edges.
Cooling
Nectar’s Tencel® cover layer ensures breathability from the very top. This is followed by two layers of gel memory foam that help maintain a cooler surface by taking heat away from the body instead of trapping it. The base of the mattress is designed with air channels that provide yet another outlet for the accumulated heat.
The higher ILD ratings of the third and fourth layers also have a part to play in this. They prevent the body from sinking too deep into the mattress, lowering the chance of accumulation of heat at one spot.
When put to the test, the mattress took 12 ½ minutes, two minutes longer than the average, to cool down to room temperature. Still, you’ll be able to sleep cool through the night. If however, you suffer from a condition that abnormally raises your body’s temperature as you sleep, then it’s better to consider Nest.
Motion Transfer
The initial impact of the body is absorbed by the first two layers, and a subsequent contour is generated. The higher ILD ratings of the last two layers prevent the contours from sinking any further. The forces generated by the impact are absorbed locally and aren’t dissipated sideways. This gives the Nectar optimum motion transfer, making it a good choice for individuals who plan on sharing their bed.
Unique Features
Affordably Priced
The Nectar is less costly compared to Nest; period. For a lower price, Nectar promises to offer you the plush comfort of gel memory foam along with the pressure relief of firmer lower layers.
Organic Cover
The Nectar’s cover is made of the Tencel® fiber that is soft, light and breathable. The fabric is resistant to skin-borne diseases and is better at absorbing moisture than synthetic ones.
Longer Money Back Guarantee
The belief Nectar places in its products are evident from the fact that it offers a 365-day trial and a lifetime warranty. This should be enough to offset any doubts raised by the lower price. The yearlong trial is more than enough to get used to the product. Still, if you’re unsatisfied, simply give them a call and you can get a refund.
Nest Alexander Signature Breakdown
The Alexander Signature from Nest is claimed to be a luxury product at an affordable price tag. The mattress makes use of a number of memory foam layers, each studded with a unique feature that results in a combined response that’s different from typical memory foam products.
Read on and find out more.
Construction
Cover
The Nest mattress sports a 1-inch cover that contains Thermic® phase change materials. The patented technology was developed to strike a balance between the body’s heat production and heat loss, resulting in a sensation of thermal relief. In a nutshell, the cover absorbs heat when the body generates too much of it, releasing it as the mercury drops.
First Layer
A layer of 4 lbs/cu.ft. memory foam forms the first layer of the mattress, with a thickness of 2 ½ inches. Just like it was in Nectar’s case, the layer is responsible for absorbing the initial impact of the body, adjusting according to the body’s contours and generating thorough pressure relief. Gel has been incorporated within this layer to counter the issue of heat retention to some extent.
Second Layer
This layer is composed of 1 inch of 4 lbs/cu.ft Visco foam, which generates a resistive response when compared to the first layer. This prevents the body from sinking at the same rate and brings stability to the position.
Third Layer
The layer serves as a passageway between the plush upper layers and the base layer that lies underneath. 2 inches of 1.8lbs/cu.ft SmartFlow Foam is used for this layer, designed with special paths that serve as an outlet for hot air. This greatly enhances the mattress’ heat dissipation ability.
Fourth Layer
This is the final layer, consisting of edge support base foam with a depth of 6 inches. This provides increased resistance to your body that not only keeps your spine aligned but also allows to make use of the edges of the bed without having that “falling over” feeling.
It must be noted that Nectar has used high-density foam materials for the construction of the aforementioned layers making the mattress durable, allowing it to retain its shape for years to come.
Firmness and Feel
Medium
The Medium firmness level lies halfway of the above-mentioned scale, leaning towards the firmer side. This makes it suitable for the average sleeper, generating a typical memory foam contouring response along with conformity through its firmer lower layers. The response can be associated with that generated by Nectar.
Luxury Firm
The Luxury Firm can be rated at approximately 2, making it firmer than usual memory foam mattresses. This translates into a damped-down plush response resulting in more pronounced support from the 6” base layer.
If you’re not satisfied by the Luxury Firm firmness level at any point, you may exchange it for Medium firmness, and vice versa. This gives you a significant range of customizability and peace of mind, something that isn’t possible with the Nectar mattress.
Cooling
Nest has made use of several different materials to neutralize the heat-trapping effect of its memory foam layers. Firstly, a layer of phase change materials makes up the cover that generates a specialized thermal response to your body’s temperature. Next, infusion of gel in the memory foam layers and airflow within the SmartFlow layer ensure that heat is always transported away from the body.
Customers from warm climates have given positive reviews regarding the mattress’ thermal optimization capabilities, which is proof that Nest’s formula works.
Edge Support
The mattress features a Solid Edge Support Base Foam that allows it to retain its shape when the sides of the bed are occupied. There is very slight compression along the edges, which is amazing, given the plush upper layers that are designed to generate a contouring response. In this regard, the Alexander fares much better than the Nectar.
Motion Transfer
Your partner won’t be affected by any sudden movements thanks to the combination of viscoelastic foam layers. Disturbances will be absorbed and transferred to the bottom-most layer instead of traveling sideways.
Unique Features
Premium Thermal Regulation
Memory foams are notorious for being heat traps, which is one of the main reasons several people look for alternates. Nest’s customers also complained of similar issues until it decided to upgrade the mattress with Thermic fabrics, allowing the body’s heat to be absorbed, when needed. In addition, the cover tends to release heat in case the body’s temperature falls. This gives you a dynamic and sophisticated response, which isn’t often possible at such a price point.
In addition, the underlying layers also work to promote thermoregulation, first through gel-infusion and then through the SmartFlow foam layer that contains airways, serving as an outlet for hot air.
Customizability
The Alexander is available in two firmness levels, Medium, and Luxury Firm. This gives you ample customizability. You can go with Medium firmness in case you’re looking for a typical memory foam mattress while you can choose Luxury Firm if you want the contouring response of a memory foam, but with greater conformity.
Solid Edge Support
Edge support has been a lingering concern within the domain of memory foam mattresses. However, you need not worry yourself about it with Alexander, thanks to the Solid Edge Support Base that keeps the edges from compressing as you sit on them.
Lifetime Comfort Guarantee
You can exchange the mattress as many times as you want, for free, whenever you feel that the comfort level is failing to provide the level of comfort you’re looking for. This feature remains valid as long as the 100-day trial period has not ended. After this period, if you want to avail a replacement, you can do so but at 50% of the product’s retail price.
Which One To Get?
Nectar
Here are some reasons to consider the Nectar:
- You require a cheaper mattress: The Nectar offers a memory foam sleep solution, supported by stiff lower layers at a very low price when compared to the options available in the marketplace.
- You want more time to try out the mattress: Nectar has a 365-day trial policy, much longer than Nest’s 100-day one. This gives you ample time to try out the mattress, see if it matches your needs, and if not, call the manufacturer to ask for a refund.
- You prefer the feel of an organic cover: Although the Nest mattress has a more advanced phase change cover, if you’re a traditionalist who only feels comfortable with natural material next to their skin, then you may be more inclined to get the Nectar with its Tencel® based organic cover.
Nest Alexander Signature
However, you might want to choose Nest if:
- You’re looking for customizability in firmness: If you’re not satisfied by the medium-firmness level of the mattress and are looking for a more resistive response then Nest might be the choice for you.
- Thermal regulation is important for you: The Alexander Signature incorporates several thermal regulation mechanisms that allow it to be used in varying climatic conditions. The Thermic phase change materials allow the transfer of heat to/from your body when the need arises, giving you an optimum sleep experience.
- You want greater edge support: If you plan on spending a lot of time on the sides of the bed or if you wish to make good use of the entire mattress surface then Nest may be a better option since it sports Solid Edge Base Support Foam that helps retain the mattress’ shape along the edges.
- You want to keep your options open: If it’s difficult for you to decide right away regarding the level of firmness that would suit you best then go for Nest. You can replace your existing firmness level for a more/lesser firm version free of cost, given the trial period hasn’t ended. After that, you’ll have to pay 50% of the retail price.
I’ve tried to keep things engaging yet informative in this comparison – if you think it’s helpful, do share it with friends or family looking to get a new mattress. As always, leave your comments and/or suggestions in the section below.
Nectar vs. Nest Comparison
| Nectar | Nest – Alexander Signature | |
|---|---|---|
| Layers |
|
|
| Height | 11 inches | 12.5 inches |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm | Medium, Luxury Firm |
| Motion Transfer | Minimal | Minimal |
| Breathability | Slightly below average | Above average |
| Trial Period | 365-day | 100-day |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Pricing (Queen) | $799 | $1,199 |
| Shipping | Free | Free across the US |