The sleep industry has greatly matured over the years, mainly due to the innovations that have taken place in material development. Today, almost every basic material out of which mattresses are made, i.e. memory foam, innerspring coils, etc. have been modified greatly, all for one purpose: maximal comfort. It is true that every person has his/her own definition of comfort, some preferring plushness while others opting for conformity. Nonetheless, too much of one of these qualities can result in a discomforting experience.
The hybridization of mattresses has allowed customers to enjoy the best of both worlds, with manufacturers using layers of different materials to generate a unique plush-conforming response. Today, the Nest vs. DreamCloud comparison aims to explore two hybrid products that encompass layers of modified viscoelastic foam, pocketed coils and natural latex rubber, in the quest to provide sleepers with the greatest comfort.
Nest Breakdown
Nest Alexander Hybrid Mattress has been selected for this comparison as it is a popular choice among customers, while the design features layers of modified memory foam and pocketed coils. The manufacturer’s strategic design has been in a bid to eliminate the pitfalls of memory foam while providing cushioning at the same time.
Construction
Cover
Quilting polycotton blended with Thermic Phase Changing fabrics have been used for the mattress’ cover. The patented Thermic technology was developed to deal with excessive heat issues within cushions, mattresses, etc., absorbing excess heat and releasing it outwards. Combined with polycotton blend, the user gets a soft and smooth sensation upon touch.
First Layer
3 inches of gel-infused memory foam forms the first layer of the mattress. The layer is responsible for absorbing the initial impact made by the body, adjusting itself according to the body’s contours, leading to pressure relief through plushness. Gel has been infused within this layer to prevent heat buildup issues from occurring, ensuring you get a cool surface temperature.
Second Layer
This layer is made of 1.5 inches of copper-infused Energex Visco foam that was developed to modify the classic response of viscoelastic foams, adding it with resistivity. The addition of resistivity means that the body does attain plush comfort but at a steady pace, with some inner push that allows you to change position as you lay down. The added firmness of the layer also helps align your spinal posture.
The layer has been infused with copper, which is a conductor, transports heat from the surface to the layers below, promoting thermal regulation.
Third Layer
This marks the end of the comfort layer. Featuring 1.5 inches of SmartFlow Support Foam, the layer acts as a transitional gateway to the support core underneath. This prevents the body from directly feeling the firmness of the coil system below, while SmartFlow technology ensures that heat keeps progressing downwards.
Fourth Layer
The layer consists of 8 inches of Quantum Edge Pocketed Coil system and forms the support core of the mattress. The coil system has been put in place to prevent the plushness of the upper layers from sinking the body in too deep. At the same time, the inner push provided by the coils provide pressure relief and keep the body’s posture aligned.
The presence of the coil system also resolves the long-standing issue of poor edge support within memory foam mattresses, allowing you to use the entire surface. Finally, as the system has an aerated design, it promotes breathability, helping dissipation of heat into the environment.
Firmness and Feel
Comfort and Support
The initial layers of the mattress generate a largely plush response according to the body’s curvature. The Energex Visco foam prevents the body from going into the mattress to quickly, while the pocketed coil system provides further cushioning, pushing you upwards. The latter also adds bounce to the mattress that makes it easier to change positions as well as get out of the bed in the morning.
Medium and Luxury Firm is the two firmness levels in which the mattress is available. The medium level of firmness generates a plush response that gives you more hug and softness, but at the same time being firmer that typical memory foam mattresses. However, this variant isn’t suited for heavier individuals as they may experience entrapment. For them, the luxury firm would prove to be a better option as it minimizes sinkage and improves the durability of the mattress.
Edge Support
From time to time, you would find yourself moving toward the edge of a mattress, whether it’s for watching TV or at times when you’re sharing your bed. Whatever the reason might be, edge support becomes a vital parameter. Viscoelastic mattresses are inherently soft and therefore don’t provide adequate edge support. Nest’s hybrid design means the firmness of the innerspring unit comes into play and prevents the mattress from deforming as pressure is applied to the sides. As a result, you get a mattress whose entire area can be utilized without the worry of rolling over.
Cooling
All layers of the Nest Alexander hybrid feature some kind of thermal regulation technology. The cover of the mattress possesses Thermic Phase Change Materials that works to keep the surface cool, while the initial layer is infused with gel to prevent heat buildups. The Energex foam is infused with copper helping in the transfer of heat downwards, which is ultimately cleared by the aerated design of the innerspring unit.
We tried to quantify the cooling properties of the mattress and found out that it took the mattress 6 minutes to cool down to room temperature after being heated for 30 minutes, where the average time stands at 10 minutes.
We tried to quantify the cooling properties of the mattress and found out that it took the mattress 6 minutes to cool down to room temperature after being heated for 30 minutes, where the average time stands at 10 minutes.
Motion Transfer
The mattress is a viable choice for couples as the initial memory foam layers’ dead response absorbs unnecessary movements and prevents them from distributing sideways.
Unique Features
Thermic Phase Change Cover
Even after modifications, memory foam products are prone to heat buildups. As the mattress’ initial layer is viscoelastic, the manufacturer’s inclusion of Thermic Phase Change materials in the cover helps keep the surface temperature to a cool level.
Plush Conformity
This mattress is a hybrid product and provides a response that is characterized by both plushness and conformity. The plush response generated by the upper layers follow a steady pace, neutralizing the possibility of any sudden sinkage. The innerspring unit at the base provides bounciness, which translates into cushioning, preventing the body from contouring beyond a certain level.
Motion Transfer
As you’ll find out later on, due to the presence of thick memory foam layers, the mattress is able to provide greater motion isolation compared to DreamCloud whose prime response is generated by the innerspring coil layer.
Dual Variants
The mattress is available in two firmness level, medium, and luxury firm. This gives individuals who prefer a sturdier response to enjoy the mattress in their desired level of firmness, while also catering to the requirements of heavier individuals.
Less Expensive
The price of the mattress is lower compared to DreamCloud, meaning for an affordable price you get a hybrid product that strikes a balance between plushness and conformity. The price can be brought down further by $150 through TheSleepJudge’s coupon code!
Dreamcloud Breakdown
The DreamCloud is also a hybrid mattress and incorporates layers of memory foam, latex as well as innerspring units, resulting in a contoured response highlighted with conformity.
Construction
Cover
The cover is composed of a blend of cashmere, with tufts embedded into the surface with fine fibers. The latter makes the mattress highly luxurious upon touch, but in case you’re worried about every day wear & tear, it is recommended you purchase a protector.
Memory Foam Layers
0.4 inches of gel-infused memory foam in combination with 1 inch of quilted foam forms this layer. The initial impact of the body is translated into a contouring response. The inclusion of gel in the upper layer means heat is taken away from the body and transferred downwards.
Natural Latex Layer
The plush response is supplemented by conformity by the presence of 0.4 inches of Natural Latex that is inherently bouncy. Due to the minimal thickness of this layer, the overall response isn’t greatly affected, but at the same time contours are slowed down.
Supporting Memory Foam
2 inches of DreamPlush supporting foam forms this layer, whose prime purpose is to provide deep contouring while cradling your spine as you sleep.
BestRest Coils
The BestRest coils are split into five zones, each with a level of firmness according to the pressure points of the body.
- Head
- Shoulder
- Hips
- Knees
- Lower Legs
Each zone generates a special response according to the body’s weight distribution so that the body’s posture is aligned. This has been explained further in the next section.
High-density Memory Foam
This is the last layer of the mattress and contains 1.5 inches of high-density. The purpose of this layer is to absorb any unwanted movements, thus aiding in motion isolation, while also increasing the longevity of the mattress.
Firmness and Feel
The DreamCloud is available in only one firmness level: medium-firm.
Comfort and Support
As you lay down on the mattress, your body will experience a contouring response that will be slowed down by the presence of the bouncy rubber latex. Next, the BestRest coils will prevent you from sinking too deep into the mattress, while adding conformity according to the body’s pressure points. If you’re looking for a typical memory foam product, then the DreamCloud isn’t it; however, if you want a mattress that has a viscoelastic-conforming hybrid response, then this is a viable option.
The BestRest coils dominate the mattress’ response as they form the thickest region. Greater support is provided to the hip and head as this is where most of the body’s weight is distributed, which helps in the overall alignment of the body’s posture.
Compared to the medium variant of Nest, the mattress is firmer and features greater inner-push.
Edge Support
The mattress sports a reinforced parameter around each of the layers that protects you from sliding off as you move towards the edges. The bouncy response of the latex rubber, as well as the conformity of the innerspring unit, translate into excellent edge support. In comparison, as the Nest has thicker layers of memory foam, it provides a lower degree of support.
Cooling
Gel has been injected into the upper memory foam layer that keeps the surface temperature cool. This is followed by a layer of latex rubber, which being a natural coolant promotes breathability. Further thermal regulation is added by the aerated coil units that allow dissipation of heat outwards, ultimately resulting in a cooler temperature compared to Nest Alexander.
Motion Transfer
The DreamCloud features independently wrapped coils that are encased in foam. This is combined with a five-zone split that prevents any sudden movement from spreading all over the mattress. However, as the Nest Alexander has thicker layers of memory foam, it is able to absorb irregularities to a greater extent.
Unique Features
Firmer Response
Both Nest Alexander and DreamCloud are hybrid mattresses, but they have quite different compositions. The Nest Alexander has a greater percentage of memory foam compared to the DreamCloud and thus generates a response that is plusher rather than firm. On the other hand, the DreamCloud features a layer of latex rubber as well as a 5-zoned spring system, both of which add conformity to the mattress. As a result, you get a mattress that is firmer than usual, but at the same time features the characteristic of viscoelastic foam, allowing your body to sink in.
Cooling
The upper layer of the mattress is composed of gel-infused memory foam as well as latex rubber, both of which work to take away excess heat from the body. Furthermore, the presence of aerated coil system adds to the product’s breathability, keeping it cool and suitable for temperate climates or individuals who are ridden by episodes of hot sweats.
Edge Support
A reinforced border, layer of natural latex rubber as well as the inherent firm response of the independently wrapped BestRest coils gives the mattress superior edge support in comparison with the Nest mattress.
Longer Trial Period
If this is your first hybrid mattress then the body may take some time to adjust to it. DreamCloud makes this transition easier with a 365-day trial that allows you to make a well-informed decision. If you’re not satisfied, your money is only a phone call away.
Which One to Get?
Nest Alexander Hybrid
Here are some reasons to consider Nest Alexander Hybrid:
You want an affordable mattress: The Nest mattress is cheaper than the DreamCloud, with the price being brought down further by $150 through our coupon. Given the product’s lifetime warranty, you can get your hands on a hybrid mattress featuring both plush and conforming response at an affordable price.
You want a plusher hybrid mattress: The Nest Alexander is a mattress that has both plush and conforming layers, however, compared to DreamCloud, the response is more leaning towards the viscoelastic side. If you’re looking for a mattress that gives you greater hug but prevents entrapment, the Nest would be a sensible choice.
You want a choice in firmness: When buying the Nest Alexander, you get to pick the variant that suits your needs best. If you have an average weight and want greater plushness, you can opt for the medium-firm variant, whereas if you carry a lot of weight and thus risk entrapment, then you can choose the luxury firm version.
You want greater motion isolation: The dead response of the memory foam layers within the mattress means any sudden movements are quickly absorbed rather than spreading horizontally.
DreamCloud
However, you might want to choose DreamCloud if:
You want a mattress with greater conformity: The hybridized response of the DreamCloud is different than that of Nests. The mattress’ prime source of comfort is generated by the conforming BestRest coils, leading to a greater push from the inside. This makes the mattress suitable for people who want contouring but with greater firmness.
You want a 5-zoned system: The BestRest system features independently floating coils that have varying firmness as you move from top to bottom. This gives each major part of the body with specialized support, keeping it well-aligned irrespective of the position you decide to sleep in.
You want greater edge support: The mattress sports a reinforced border along with independently floating coils that prevent movement from one part of the mattress to influence the other. This means that as you move towards the edge, you won’t find yourself sliding down a dynamically increasing slope.
You want greater cooling: Featuring gel-infused memory foam, latex rubber as well as naturally aerated coil unit, the mattress does a great job at taking away heat from the body and transferring it outwards.
You want a longer trial period: The DreamCloud has a 365-day trial period, which provides you more than enough time to test the mattress’ response and see if it suits your body’s preferences.
That’s all from my side. I tried my best to make the comparison comprehensive and helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please use the section below.
Nest vs DreamCloud Comparison
| Nest Alexander Hybrid | DreamCloud | |
|---|---|---|
| Layers Used |
|
|
| Height | 12.5 inches | 14 inches |
| Firmness | Medium, Luxury Firm | Above Medium |
| Motion Transfer | Minimal | Minimal |
| Breathability | Above average | Well above average |
| Trial Period | 100-day | 365-day |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Pricing (Queen) | $1,199 | $1,299 |
| Shipping | Free across the US | Free across the US |