Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Senior Editor
Incredible value or affordable luxury? This is the question in our comparison between the Nectar and the Saatva mattress.
Nectar recently updated its Classic all-foam mattress. Although there were some notable changes, we were happy that it still offers sleepers an affordable, but supremely comfortable memory foam bed. The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress with a unique coil-on-coil support system coupled with foam comfort layers and zoned support that should leave sleepers refreshed.
Continue reading so you can figure out which of these mattresses fits your needs. Will it be the comfort and support of coils or the contouring memory foam?
Product
Type
Score
Nectar Mattress
Nectar provides a premium memory foam bed backed up by a year-long trial and a Forever warranty.
Save Up To 50% On Nectar Mattresses
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar provides a premium memory foam bed backed up by a year-long trial and a Forever warranty.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar provides a premium memory foam bed backed up by a year-long trial and a Forever warranty.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Who I’d Recommend the Nectar For
- Light sleepers who share a bed – Memory materials score high in preventing disruptive motion transfer, and Nectar is no exception. Sleepers should expect to sleep soundly with active sleeping partners.
- Memory foam fans who like a firm bed – Nectar recently updated this model and we found that this version is more firm. While it doesn’t offer the slow-moving contouring of traditional memory foam, it is still comforting and welcoming.
- Shoppers who want affordable quality – This brand operates at a competitive budget that is hard to beat for such a quality product.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Who I’d Recommend the Saatva For
- Luxury shoppers – Ideally, you spend a third of your life in bed, so if you were to drop some extra cash on a quality product, this luxury mattress would not be a bad way to go.
- Fans of traditional innerspring mattresses – For those who like the traditional feel of an innerspring mattress, the Saatva Classic is our 2024 Editor’s Pick.
- People who want more customization – Choose between three firmness options that fit you and your specific sleeping needs.
Comparing Saatva vs Nectar: Top Similarities
- Trial and warranty – Both brands offer a year-long trial and lifetime warranties on these beds.
- Support – The Saatva Classic and the Nectar Classic both knock it out of the park when it comes to supporting sleepers in a secure and comforting way.
- Memory foam – Both beds utilize the pressure-relieving capabilities of memory foam in their construction.
Comparing Saatva vs Nectar: Key Differences
- Construction – Of course, the biggest difference between the Nectar Classic and Saatva Classic is their construction. The Nectar is an all-foam memory bed, whereas the Saatva is an innerspring with dual coil units.
- White glove delivery – Another key difference between these beds is their white glove delivery program. With Nectar, you’ll have to pay extra, but Saatva’s white glove delivery is included with your purchase.
- Bounce and motion isolation – The Saatva is going to offer more bounce because of its coils. Conversely, the Nectar will perform better for motion isolation because it’s a memory foam bed without coils.
Comparing Firmness, Support & Feel
Firmness
We rate firmness on a scale from 1 to 10, with one being soft as a cloud. Nectar and Saatva are comparable in this area. The Nectar Classic scores a 7.5, while the Luxury Firm Saatva rates at a 7.
The Saatva is also available in two additional firmness options. The Plush Soft version scores at a 4, which is great for people who like a softer bed. While other sleepers, especially stomach sleepers, might love the Firm mattress model, which is rated at an 8.
Nectar Classic
Saatva Classic (Luxury Firm)
Support
The updated Nectar Classic has a breathable, moisture wicking cover. Under the cover, you’ll find a whopping 12 inches of supportive foam, including an 8-inch stability layer.
The two coil units in the Saatva mattress work together to support your body in different sleep positions, also making it good choice for partners with different preferences and needs. Plus, the Firm version could offer even better support to those who need it more, such as stomach sleepers or people carrying more weight.
I love how the Nectar Classic kept my hips elevated and my spine aligned. I could feel tension melting away.
Sosha Lewis, Senior Staff Writer
Feel
When Sosha tested the Nectar Classic she was a big fan of the security and support it provided. Although it didn’t give her that traditional sinking feeling like a less firm foam bed, she appreciated how cozy and comfortable she felt. On the Saatva, you should notice the memory foam layer contouring your lower back, while the Euro top have alleviate pressure on the shoulders. Also, the lumbar support layer encourages top notch spinal alignment.
Other key areas in which these beds will feel differently are bounce and cooling. The coils in the Saatva will provide both buoyancy and extra airflow.
Related: Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
More Comparisons
Comparing Bounce
Saatva has a slight upper hand on Nectar when it comes to bounce. With its coil-on-coil design, this mattress has sufficient bounce. This should facilitate repositioning as well as getting out of bed.
Nectar’s firmer foam makes it easier to change positions because you’re not as likely to get stuck down in slow moving memory foam. However, it still wouldn’t be on top of the list for folks with mobility issues or sexually active couples.
Comparing Motion Transfer
Bounce is great, but it can also exacerbate motion transfer. Nectar’s lower amount of bounce means that it does it great job of isolating motion. What this means is when someone gets in or out of bed, their movements do not transfer across the surface. This gives Nectar the edge with sleepers who wake easily.
The biggest chink in Saatva’s armor is the amount of motion that carries from one side of the bed to the other. Although it has a plush pillow top, it doesn’t do much to absorb movement. The Saatva Classic could lead to some sleepless nights if you have a restless partner.
Comparing Cooling
The Nectar utilizes a moisture-wicking, breathable cover to help foster cooling at the surface. It is made from memory foam, which is known to trap heat. However, we tested the Nectar using a temperature gun and it heated up less than 9 degrees over the course of our testing, which makes it a good choice for hot sleepers who like memory foam.
The Saatva features a cotton cover. Cotton’s natural breathability should help the top of the bed remain cool. The downside to Saatva is that it doesn’t include gel in its memory foam layer, but it makes up for this with two coil units for extra airflow.
Both of these beds would likely be suitable for people who get warm, but there are better choices for sleepers who get hot.
Comparing Construction (Materials & Quality)
Nectar Construction
Nectar’s complete foam design makes it ideal for being rolled, compressed, and sent to your home in a box.
Related: Best Bed in a Box
The mattress features a breathable, moisture-wicking cover. This fabric’s design supports surface cooling by allowing air to flow freely through.
The cover protects and secures the 12 inches of the mattress beneath.
- The top is made up of 1-inch of memory foam, allowing you to sink into the bed some.
- The center is 3 inches of support foam to make up the support layer that helps align your spine as well as eases the weight of your body into the foundation of the mattress.
- The third layer stands at 8 inches and is composed of standard conventional foam that provides the bed with durability, stability, support, and it enhances motion isolation.
Saatva Construction
The Saatva is shipped in its complete size and comes with a two-person crew to install the mattress in your bedroom free of charge.
The cotton-covered Euro top is filled with 3 inches of comfort foam. There is a 14.5-inch version and an 11.5-inch version of this mattress. Our construction breakdown focuses on the 11.5-inch model.
- Below the Euro top is a layer of memory foam in the center of the mattress. This design feature helps keep the back’s lumbar region supported and alleviates pressure.
- The second layer contains individually-wrapped coils. These help to isolate motion, contour your curves, and foster airflow.
- The base features 7-inch steel support coils. Their primary function is to provide durability to your mattress and prevent sagging.
- The sides are reinforced with a dual perimeter edge support system. This high-density foam also helps to prevent sagging by equipping the sides of your mattress with strong support.
Comparing Company Policies & Price
- Warranty – Nectar offers their Forever warranty, and Saatva has a similar deal with a lifetime warranty.
- Shipping – Nectar ships for free within the contiguous U.S., and there’s an additional cost for shipments to Alaska or Hawaii. Nectar also offers optional white glove delivery for an added $199 fee. A Saatva mattress purchase comes with free white glove delivery. Deliveries to Alaska or Hawaii can be arranged with the company.
- Trial Period – Both beds come with a 365-night trial period.
- Returns – Nectar returns are free for the contiguous U.S. states, but there’s a transportation fee for returns from Alaska or Hawaii. Saatva also offers free returns, but you’ll have to pay a $99 transportation fee.
- Price – Saatva mattresses will cost more than Nectar, though this is typical for hybrids since they’re usually more expensive than all-foam beds.
| Size | Nectar Price (w/o discount) | Saatva Price (w/o discount) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | $699 | $1,395 |
| Twin XL | $899 | $1,495 |
| Full | $949 | $1,995 |
| Queen | $1,099 | $2,095 |
| King | $1,399 | $2,595 |
| Cali King | $1,399 | $2,595 |
| Split King | $1,798 | $2,990 |
| Split Cali King | N/A | $2,990 |
Nectar vs. Saatva Compared Side-by-Side
| Features | Nectar | Saatva (Luxury Firm) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12” | 11.5” or 14.5” |
| Cover | Poly-blend quilted to memory foam | Cotton Euro Pillowtop with blended foams |
| Materials | Gel memory foam and conventional foams | Memory Foam, Pocket Coils, Steel Coils |
| Cooling | Breathable, moisture wicking cover | Coils |
| Firmness | 7.5/10 | 7/10 |
| Support | 👍 | 👍 |
| Motion Transfer | 👌 | 👎 |
| Edge Support | 👌 | 👍 |
| Sinkage | Slight | Gentle Cradle |
| Bounce | No | Yes |
| Warranty | Forever | Lifetime |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 365 nights |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® | CertiPUR-US® |
| Adjustable Base Compatible | Yes | Yes (only in 11.5”) |
| Shipping | Ships to U.S., White Glove Delivery is optional | Ships to the United States with free White Glove Delivery within contiguous U.S. |
| Made in the USA | ❎ | ✅ |
| Read Full Review | Nectar Mattress Review | Saatva Mattress Review |
| Shop Now | Nectar Mattress | Saatva Mattress |
Final Thoughts
Which bed comes out on top? Truly, the final verdict is the customers and depends on what they are looking for. Nectar’s prices are hard to beat, while Saatva offers nighttime luxury and class that make this a competitor among the upper tier sleep products.
Both get the job done by allowing you a great night’s sleep, but they provide different perks worthy of your vote. If you feel you need some more information to seriously mull it over, don’t forget to check out our in-depth articles on both these products.
Product
Type
Score
More Nectar Comparisons:
Jill Zwarensteyn
Senior Editor
About Author
Jill Zwarensteyn is the senior editor for Sleep Advisor and a certified sleep science coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.
Combination Sleeper