The sleep industry has become increasingly diversified with the entry and success of online-only companies. High-quality mattresses of all types tailored to individuals’ needs, topped with extended money-back guarantees have shifted the balance in the favor of such companies. Two major competitors in this arena are Nectar and Novosbed, both offering high-end memory foam mattresses.
The following Nectar vs. Novosbed comparison breaks down each company’s offering and helps you decide which product would be better for you.
Nectar Breakdown
Nectar sports a unique design, with plush upper layers followed by an exponential increase in the firmness of the lower layers. The mattress might serve as a good choice for someone looking for an everyday memory foam product that comes with warranty-backed reliability.
Construction
Cover
Tencel® is a natural fiber made from the pulp of eucalyptus plants. It is completely organic and doesn’t have any skin complications associated with it. Nectar’s cover is made from this fabric, and in addition to preventing the onset of skin allergies it enhances the breathability of the mattress. Compared to cotton, the fabric is softer, stronger and better at absorbing moisture.
Furthermore, the company offers a free replacement of the Tencel® cover, if it gets damaged. This is separate from the main warranty.
First Layer
1” of quilted gel viscoelastic foam constitutes the first layer of the mattress. The low ILD rating of 14 means the mattress generates an adaptive response, adjusting according to the body’s contour. This relives excess pressure from the joints and the muscles and generates the signature memory foam feel. The layer is injected with gel that has heat mitigating properties. It takes the heat away from the surface and transfers it into the lower layers.
Second Layer
This layer also consists of gel memory foam, however, the thickness and ILD rating differs. With an ILD rating of 15 and a thickness of 3”, the layer is responsible for issuing a slower response compared to the first layer. This prevents deep contours from forming, sinking you too deep into the mattress. In addition, the higher ILD value acts as a stabilizer, keeping your position aligned as you sleep.
Third Layer
The third layer is made up of 0.5” of Adaptive Hi-Core Foam, acting as a middle-layer between the upper and lower base. The layer improves the durability of the entire foam and prevents it from deforming permanently. The striking increase in the ILD rating, i.e. 45 guarantees superior lumbar support, steadily responding to your body’s movements.
Fourth Layer
The lowermost layer, this is made of 5.5” of extra stiff polyurethane foam with an ILD rating of 55. This layer offers unyielding support to the body and prevents the upper layers from progressing downwards. It also acts as a stabilizer for the entire mattress, as it has a density of 2.2 lbs/cu.ft.
Firmness and Feel
Comfort and Support
Nectar has plush upper layers combined with an extra-stiff polyurethane base that cumulatively generates a medium-firm firmness level. In simpler words it means that you get a well-balanced overall feel that has both pressure-relief and the signature plush feel of a memory foam. The Adaptive Hi-Core Foam layer plays a vital part in this as it prevents the body from sinking too deep, eventually trapping you in the mattress. Furthermore, it inhibits permanent deformation over extended periods of time. Novosbed has a similar response as it is also a Memory Foam mattress.
Edge Support
Memory foam mattresses have always been plagued with poor edge support. One would expect the same from Nectar, however, the sharp increase in the ILD rating stops this from happening. The third and fourth layers are too stiff to sink completely and also support the upper layers. This means that if you’re one of those who likes to watch television, fold laundry or do anything else whilst resting on the edge of the mattress, Nectar would be a good choice.
Cooling
Thermal Start
Thermal Finish after twelve and a half minutes
The upper two layers of the Nectar are made of gel foam which greatly enhances their heat dissipation characteristics. This, supported by the breathability of Tencel® and air channels in the base, allows the mattress to keep the temperature maintained at a low level. The natural response of a memory foam mattress may result in cradling action, which could be warmer for some sensitive sleepers. However, once again, the third and fourth layers prevent too much contouring, so its unlikely that you would find yourself trapped in your own heat.
Motion Transfer
As you apply pressure to the mattress, the first two layers are impacted first, absorbing the load and adjusting according to it until the high ILD third layer is reached. From thereon, the load is stopped from creating more contours and impact is absorbed by the lower layers. Almost all loads are absorbed in this manner, without dissipating too much movement in the sideways direction, disturbing the other person on the bed. This makes the Nectar a good contender for shared beds.
Unique Features
Affordably priced
Nectar features two layers of gel memory foams, stiff lower layers, a Tencel® cover and open-ended return policies; still it goes for less than several others on the market, including Novosbed. The manufacturer expresses confidence in their build quality with a 365-day trial more than enough to resolve your concerns regarding the mattress.
Signature viscoelastic feel with lessened sinkage
Memory-foam mattresses are known for their enveloping characteristics, which is sometimes seen in negative light. While it is true that some memory foam products exhibit a trapping response, the same cannot be said for Nectar, thanks to the Hi-Core intermediate and polyurethane base layer that wards off permanent deformation.
Longer money back guarantee period
The Nectar has a lower price tag, but still it offers a full-fledge 365-day trial of its mattress, something the Novosbed doesn’t. This is enough time for someone’s body to get adjusted according to the build of the mattress. If you’re not satisfied, your money is only a phone-call away.
Longer warranty
Novosbed has a 15-year warranty, something that is more than enough for some people. However, Nectar offers a lifetime warranty of its mattress, which only reiterates the level of quality their product holds. Surely, you would be planning to buy a new mattress after 15 years, but with Nectar you would be certain that your investment would be safe.
Novosbed Breakdown
Novosbed was launched in 2009, envisioned to provide a risk-free mattress buying experience within the sleep industry. Since then, the company has primarily focused on North American markets, offering memory-foam based mattress, with quality-build and some unique features. The mattress offered by Novosbed is available in three firmness levels, allowing you to pick the one you feel the most comfortable with. A complete breakdown is given below:
Construction
Cover
Novosbed features a Tencel® cover, same as the one used by Nectar. It is soft, resistant to microbes and wicks away moisture, while promoting breathability. Beneath this is an Interlock Blue Core Cover, made of a blend of polyester, silica and modacrylic (a material known for its resistance to chemical solvents as well as mold and mildew). The layer has a nice, soft texture that can be felt through the Tencel® cover. The top is zippered, which allows for easy cleaning and addition of a “Comfort+” layer if required. The Interlock Blue Core Cover is knitted with 2-way stretch technology that aids in cooling and keeps you dry as you sleep.
Comfort+ Layer
Novosbed offers an extra “Comfort+” layer, free of charge, should you need it. You can zip this layer below the cover to make your mattress firmer.
First Layer
The top layer is made of 2” thick memory foam, aerated to increase the breathability and airflow through the mattress. Memory foams are notorious when it comes to trapping heat, however, the extra measures taken by Novosbed are beneficial in this case. Novosbed is offered in Soft, Medium-firm and Firm firmness levels. For a medium-firm experience, for the first layer an ILD of 9 is available as part of their “medium product offering”. In retrospect, Nectar offers a fixed ILD of 14, which means that Novosbed generates a much more contouring response to your body. As a rule of thumb, Soft firmness is recommended for side and back sleepers, medium firmness for any position and firm firmness for back and stomach sleepers.
Second Layer
The second layer consists of Ultra-Dense Memory Foam with 2” thickness and an ILD of 9. The response issued by this layer depends on the chosen thickness of the first layer. Generally, it is slow to respond and regains its original shape as the brunt of the force is absorbed by the first layer. In addition, this layer acts as a buffer between the softer upper layers and the harder lower layer with increased ILD.
Third Layer
The third or base layer is 7” thick and is made of high-density poly foam with an ILD of 32. This provides deep compression support to the body, prevents unnecessary contouring and helps the mattress regain its original shape as load is added/removed.
Firmness and Feel
Comfort and Support
As stated earlier, the mattress is available in three firmness levels, soft, medium and firm. Each firmness level varies the ILD rating of the first layer, while the rest remain the same.
When “Soft” firmness is chosen, you should expect a contouring and plush response. This however, doesn’t mean that the mattress will trap you within itself, as the progressive layers prevent this from happening. When “Medium” firmness is chosen, you get a balance between plushness and conformity, similar to the one offered by Nectar. This level is ideal for sleepers who don’t have a definitive sleeping position. With “Firm” firmness, you get minimal sink-in. The mattress is quick to respond to impact and is stiffer, something that may be preferred by heavy stomach and back sleepers. When testing the “Medium” firm version of the mattress (similar to Nectar), it was found that about 6 inches of sinkage is experienced for someone with a body weight of 130 pounds. This makes the mattress a little firmer than the Nectar, which may be a good or bad thing depending your preference. However, Novosbed offers three different firmness levels. So, if you’re not satisfied, you can always pick an upper/lower level or add the Comfort+ layer to customize the firmness to your needs.
Edge Support
If you plan on spending a lot of time at the edge or occupying the entire area of the mattress then edge support will be an important parameter for you. Novosbed isn’t your typical memory foam mattress as it has a base layer made from high density foam. This brings in much-needed conformity to the upper memory-foam layers. You would notice some compression as you sit on the edge, but it is unlikely that you get the “falling off the edge” feeling with the Novosbed.
Cooling
Novosbed does a really good job at ensuring that you don’t wakeup sweaty in the middle of the night (or the morning!). Even though, the mattress primarily consists of memory foam, unique features such as the Tencel® fabric and Blue Core top layer ensures heat is dissipated downwards. This is followed by the signature “Airflow Memory Foam” that takes away heat from the surface and transmits it to the lower layers. As part of a test, the mattress was laid-on for 30 minutes in a room of 64 degrees Fahrenheit. It took the Novosbed almost 9 ½ minutes to return to this temperature. Note that the average time taken by mattresses in this test is 10 minutes, so the results posted by Novosbed are above-average.
Motion Transfer
When it comes to motion transfer, Novosbed is impressive as its high-density top layers combined with the poly-foam base work to absorb vibration and isolate impacts. If you plan on sharing the mattress with your partner, then this might serve as a good choice. To study the mattress’s motion transfer capabilities, a ball was dropped to one side of the mattress, followed by another one on the other side. It was seen that the first ball was only momentarily affected by the impact of the second.
Unique Features
Three Comfort Levels
Novosbed offers customizability to its customers by offering three different comfort levels, something that is often overlooked by other manufacturers such as Nectar. A medium-firm build acts as a “one-size-fits-all” and can sometimes be uncomfortable for more sensitive sleepers.
Comfort+ Layer
In case the three firmness levels aren’t good enough for you, the Comfort+ layer can be added to enhance the stiffness. By simply zipping in this extra foam lower you can get the desired level of comfort. Novosbed offers this addition for free; all you need to do is call them. In comparison, Nectar’s layers aren’t customizable and you either have to adapt according to the response or return the product altogether.
Durability
Novosbed is made from high density memory foams. This translates into slower response to abrupt increase in pressure, increased contouring and greater durability along the lifespan of the mattress.
Targeted support from zoned spring system
The 8-inch innerspring unit makes up the bulk of the product. As the spring system is made to fulfill the requirements of three different zones of the body, the result is greater comfort and targeted pressure relief. The Pelvic Area is softer, so is the Shoulder Area while the Lumbar Area is firmer. By offering zoned response, the mattress can prevent the onset of awkward pains in the joints and muscles.
Interlock Blue Core Cover
Apart from a Tencel® cover, Novosbed has an Interlock Blue Core Cover made from a blend of silica, polyester and modacrylic that adds to the moisture-wicking, softness and breathability of the mattress. In contrast, Nectar only has a Tencel® cover, which means it takes longer for it to dissipate heat from the body.
Environmentally Friendly
When you buy a Novosbed mattress, you’re promoting an eco-friendly consumer wave. The manufacturer has a zero-waste policy meaning everything that isn’t used is either recycled or transformed into some other product. In addition, Novosbed is moving onto a closed-loop process which allows its solvents to be recycled for each textile production run.
White Glove Delivery Service
You may want your mattress to be delivered and installed by a team of professionals. The company offers a white glove delivery service, which is optional and comes at a nominal fee.
CertiPUR-US® Certified
All foams, chemicals and materials used by Novosbed have been tested and certified as free from harmful level of toxins, e.g. VOCs, lead, formaldehyde, etc.
Made in USA
Novosbed mattresses are designed and manufactured in the USA, while Nectar has its production facilities in China.
Which One To Get?
Nectar
Here are some reasons to consider the Nectar:
You’re on a budget: The brand offers a highly comfortable, plush sleep solution supported by a stiff base. If you’re looking for the signature memory-foam experience at an affordable price, then Nectar would be a good choice.
You want an authentic memory foam experience: The Nectar is primarily composed of gel-infused memory foam, except for a stiff layer of Hi-Core foam. This means that the mattress generates the slow, contouring response that is sought after by memory foam enthusiasts.
You want more time to try out your new mattress: The mattress is supported by a year-long trial policy. You can try out the mattress for a year, get accustomed to its conformity and plush-response, and if you’re still not satisfied, you can return it.
A longer warranty is important for you: Nectar has a lifetime warranty, something that reiterates the level of trust the company has on its product. If the mattress fails to deliver, you get a free replacement; it is that simple.
Novosbed
However, you might want to go for the Novosbed if:
You’re unsure about the level of stiffness: Novosbed offers three different levels of stiffness by varying the ILD of the first layer. This caters for the needs of sleepers who prefer specific position, i.e. back, stomach and sides. If you wish for a memory foam that adjusts according to your preferences, Novosbed might be a logical choice.
You’re looking for greater durability: The memory foam layers used by Novosbed are all high-density, which makes them more durable. This means that it is very less likely for the mattress to lose its shape or develop a permanent contour with the passage of time.
You prefer a US-made product: Novosbed is 100% built in the USA, something that’s not true for Nectar that is manufactured in China. If you’re conscious USA-made products, then Novosbed may be a better choice for you.
You’re environmentally conscious: Novosbed follows an environment-friendly production process, ensuring minimal waste is produced and maximum recycling is carried out. By opting for Novosbed you can do your part in appreciating the company’s initiative.
Nectar vs Novosbed Comparison
| Nectar | Novosbed | |
|---|---|---|
| Layers Used | 5 layers
|
5 layers
|
| Height | 11 inches | 11 inches |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm | Varies |
| Motion Transfer | Minimal | Minimal |
| Breathability | Slightly below average | Above average |
| Trial Period | 365-day | 120-day |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 15-year |
| Pricing (Queen) | $799 | $1,399 |
| Shipping | Free | Free |
Conclusion
That’s all folks. I tried my best to make the post as informative for you as possible, without boring you all to death (hopefully). If you find it helpful, then please share it with others who are confused in their choice of memory foam beds. For queries, comments and suggestions, please use the section below.