Comparison Guide: Saatva Mattress vs Nectar Mattress

Updated on May 2nd, 2021
Nina Livelo
Written by Nina Livelo

The Saatva mattress and the Nectar mattress are two of the most popular mattresses on the market. But what makes them different and which is the better mattress for you?

Memory foam and other specially engineered foams are the key characteristics of bed-in-a-box mattresses. Unfortunately, traditional memory foam has been known to degrade over time, which can lead to an uncomfortable cradling sensation. Not only is this a support problem, but it can also make getting out of bed harder than it already is.

Saatva and Nectar mattresses both aim to tackle this problem in two different, though equally innovative, ways. Use this Saatva vs Nectar mattress comparison to help you choose the best mattress for your sleeping style and needs.

Construction

The primary differences between the Saatva mattress and the Nectar mattress concern structure and material. The Nectar is a multilayer foam mattress, while the Saatva is a hybrid innerspring mattress.

Saatva Construction

The Saatva mattress includes two coil layers wrapped in a thin memory foam layer and topped with a Euro top. The Euro pillow top gives this mattress a luxury feel, akin to what you would expect at a hotel. Meanwhile, the coil-on-coil that comprises the bulk of Saatva mattress gives it the adaptive support of a traditional innerspring model. The Saatva also includes a stretched organic cotton cover for softness and increased airflow. Here is a closer look at Saatva’s layers:

  • Stretched organic cotton cover (CertiPUR-US®-certified)
  • 25” Euro pillow top layer
  • 3/8” memory foam lumbar support enhancement layer
  • 4” individually-wrapped pocket spring layer with edge support encasement
  • 7” steel coil layer

saatva-construction

Numbers in the above image correspond to (1) foam layer, (2) dual perimeter edge support, (3) lumbar support enhancement, (4) steel coil base support, (5) cotton cover & euro pillow top

Nectar Construction

The Nectar mattress feels similar to a traditional memory foam mattress and consists of four unique foam layers. At its core, the Nectar has a dense base of support foam for durability and stability. It is topped with one layer of transition foam and two gel memory foam layers that encourage a cool night’s sleep. Finally, Nectar mattresses are wrapped with the signature Tencel mattress cover, made with organic materials like Eucalyptus fibers, to circulate air. Here is a closer look at Nectar’s layers:

  • Organic Tencel fiber cover (CertiPUR-US®-certified)
  • 1” quilted gel memory foam layer
  • 3” viscoelastic gel foam layer
  • 5” Adaptive Hi-Core foam layer for lumbar support
  • 5” extra stiff polyurethane foam layer

nectar layers

Numbers in the above image correspond to (1) Tencel cooling cover, (2) quilted gel memory foam, (3) gel memory foam, (4) adaptive hi core memory foam, (5) breathable base layer

Firmness

Saatva – The Saatva mattress is available in three comfort levels: plush, luxury firm, and firm. The plush mattress is the softest and most adaptable Saatva mattress, making it suitable for many sleep positions. The luxury firm mattress balances support and pressure relief, making it the most popular Saatva mattress. The firm mattress has the best edge support and has a similar feel to a traditional innerspring mattress.

Nectar – The Nectar mattress comes in one comfort level that is medium-firm. The gel memory foam layers provide pressure relief and adaptability, while the polyurethane base provides dense support. Like other memory foam mattresses, it contours nicely to the body without over-cradling.

Up to 40% off Visit Nectar

Motion Transfer

Saatva – Motion transfer on Saatva mattresses is minimal. However, as with any spring mattress, some motion transfer is unavoidable. Saatva’s firm mattresses have the highest level of motion transfer, while the plush mattress features the least motion transfer.

Nectar – The Nectar mattress is the better mattress when it comes to motion transfer. Those sleeping with a partner or with a pet experience practically undetectable motion.

Heat Transfer

Saatva – The Saatva mattress is the best mattress for hot sleepers, as the coil layers naturally help promote airflow. The Euro top and foam layers trap heat, but the cotton cover transfers heat to the coils, keeping sleepers cool.

Nectar – Like any memory foam mattress, the Nectar mattress contours to sleepers’ bodies. As a result, this can lead to higher body temperatures. The gel memory foam layers are designed to keep sleepers as cool as possible. The Tencel cover is also engineered for maximum absorbency, making it good for those with a sweating disorder.

Unique Features

Saatva and Nectar mattresses can both attribute their market success to a number of unique features that set them apart.

Saatva Features

  • Three comfort levels mean you don’t have to sacrifice luxury for comfort.
  • Saatva mattresses feature unparalleled edge support, making it the top choice for edge sleepers. It is also a good choice for those who spend time sitting on the edge of the bed. Parents of young children or those caring for bedridden individuals, for instance, will all appreciate this feature.
  • The Euro pillow top creates a luxury sensation for sleepers.

Nectar Features

  • Four foam layers make it a more dynamic mattress than other all-foam mattresses on the market.
  • The Tencel fiber mattress cover has excellent breathability and better airflow than Saatva mattress covers.
  • Purchases come with an exceptional year-long trial period with a money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty.

The Best Mattress for Each Type of Sleeper

Back Sleepers – The Saatva mattress provides the best lumbar support, while coil pockets offer focused pressure relief.

Side Sleepers – The memory foam of the Nectar mattress is great for side sleepers who need the most adaptability and pressure relief.

Stomach Sleepers – Neither the Saatva nor the Nectar mattress is optimal for stomach sleepers. However, stomach sleepers will find that the Saatva Mattress provides better support, given the sleeper is of average weight.

15% off orders $1k+ Visit Saatva

Affordability

Though neither mattress would be considered pricey, the Nectar mattress offers a greater overall value than the Saatva mattress. Here is what to expect when purchasing a queen-sized mattress from each company.

Saatva – $1,099 for a queen-sized mattress, including a 120-night trial and a 15-year warranty. White glove delivery and mattress removal are offered for free.

Nectar – $699 for a queen-sized mattress, including a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty. White glove delivery and mattress removal can be purchased for an additional $149.

mattress affordability

Saatva vs Nectar: the Final Verdict

Not only do both brands offer high-quality mattresses; they are both widely successful and receive glowing reviews. But that doesn’t mean both brands are equally suited to you. Here are some final tips to help you choose whether the Saatva mattress or the Nectar mattress is best for you.

Choose Saatva if…

  • You toss and turn in your sleep and need a highly adaptable mattress
  • You are overweight and you need extra support to avoid sinking in
  • You prefer the feel of a plush, luxury pillow top mattress
  • You want to choose your comfort level

Choose Nectar if…

  • You are hesitant about purchasing a new mattress
  • You are looking for a budget mattress
  • You prefer the feel of memory foam
  • You are a side sleeper

Once you’ve taken this mattress comparison guide into consideration, the choice between Saatva and Nectar should be simple!

Nina Livelo avatar

Nina Livelo

Nina Livelo, like many of us, is a big fan of a good night's sleep. She's also an avid writer and has used this passion to review mattresses and other sleep related products professionally.

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Questions & Answers

Luise smith

It seems like any mattress I do purchase after two or three months starts getting a bulge in the middle of the bed so I either have to sleep on one side or the other side cuz the middle of the bed is 2 inches taller. I just wonder what causes that and no matter how expensive it is it still does it.

Hi Luise, It is more likely that your mattress has started sagging on either side, which makes it seem like the center of the mattress is bulging. This can be caused by you and a partner sleeping on separate sides of the mattress, or if you rotate which side of the mattress you sleep on, or even if you are sleeping with a pet in the bed. You should regularly flip and rotate your mattress. Proper support underneath the mattress in the form of a good base is also important. Finally, you should make sure that you invest in a good quality mattress and also look at how much weight the mattress is intended to support.

Nina

Hi Luise, It is more likely that your mattress has started sagging on either side, which makes it seem like the center of the mattress is bulging. This can be caused by you and a partner sleeping on separate sides of the mattress, or if you rotate which side of the mattress you sleep on, or even if you are sleeping with a pet in the bed. You should regularly flip and rotate your mattress. Proper support underneath the mattress in the form of a good base is also important. Finally, you should make sure that you invest in a… Read more »

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