Tuft & Needle vs. Nectar: How Do Their Mattresses Compare?

If you’re shopping for mattresses, then we don’t need to tell you how many options there are to choose from. But hopefully you’re starting to narrow down your search to a few mattress options. This is where things can get tricky, because after a while, they start to all feel the same. Once you get down to your top choices, that’s when it’s time to start thinking like Goldilocks.

Tuft & Needle and Nectar are two bed-in-a-box mattress brand names that you’ve likely seen floating around. Their flagship mattresses are some of our favourite overall foam models, boasting supreme comfort, pressure relief and motion isolation.

But which one is juuustt right for your sleeping needs? Well, that’s where we come in. 

This review is an in-depth comparison of the Tuft & Needle and Nectar mattresses. We put their flagship models side-by-side to evaluate how they stack up in a number of key factors, such as pressure relief, construction and temperature neutrality.

A bit about Tuft & Needle

Tuft & Needle was founded in 2012 by two software engineers who were fed up with the mattress industry. Their goal was to sell an online mattress with no markups, gimmicks or middlemen. All these years later, they’ve evolved into one of the most popular bed-in-a-box mattress companies. While they sell three models in total, they’re most popular T&N Original mattress (flagship model) is known for being simple and streamlined, consisting of only 2-layers.

A bit about Nectar

Nectar launched in 2016 with a goal to revolutionize sleep. Their flagship model, the Nectar Mattress, promises to be a comfortable memory foam mattress made with five levels of high quality memory foam at an affordable price. It’s a medium-firm mattress that boasts a good balance of pressure relief, contouring and comfort.

Right out of the gate, we want to give you the information you need if you’re ready to make a decision.

See how the T&N Original Mattress and The Purple Mattress compare to other mattresses in our Best Memory Foam Mattress page.

We take a closer look at each performance rating below. These ratings are based on thorough research and reviews from mattress owners and trustworthy external sources.

The material quality and mattress construction is an important element to look at closely because it determines the standard of qualities that we get into below.

Even though we’re comparing two all-foam mattresses, you’d be surprised at how much they differ in their design and material composition. Even though they do share a similar support layer consisting of high-density polyfoam, everything else looks different.

The most considerable difference between the two is in the number of layers and material used in the comfort layer. The T&N Original Mattress is a simple streamlined 2-layer mattress, while the Nectar is a 5-layer construction. While the T&N Original Mattress is made with 3 inches of their proprietary, breathable T&N adaptive foam, the Nectar is made with 3 inches of gel memory foam. The former has a more moderate, balanced feel while the latter has more of a slow-moving, cradling feel.

We’re also happy to share that both brands use CertiPUR-US certified materials.

Materials and Construction rating:
★ 5/5 stars

Mattress height:
10 inches

Details:

• Cover: ultra-soft cover that is made from a breathable polyester blend to promote circulation throughout the mattress.
• Comfort Layer: 3 inches of their proprietary T&N Adaptive Foam designed to provide pressure relief and a flexible sleep surface movements throughout the night.
• Support layer: 7 inches of high-density polyfoam to give the mattress support and structure

Materials and Construction rating:
★ 5/5 stars

Mattress height:
11 inches

Details:

• Cover: The top cover is a blend of cotton and cooling tencel then quilted with 1” of gel-infused memory foam
• Comfort layer: Next is 3” of low-density memory foam that has a slow-moving response
• Transitional layer: 1” of Adaptive memory foam
• Support layer: 6” of high-density polyfoam to stabilize and maintain an even surface

Durability is heavily influenced by the materials and build of a mattress. It’s mostly determined by how long the product maintains its structural integrity and comfort before it begins to deteriorate. The average mattress lasts six to eight years. So if you want a mattress by your side longer, you’re going to have to look for ones that are made with quality components.

When it comes to durability, we put the T&N Original Mattress and Nectar Mattress on an equal playing field. Because neither brand has been around longer than 10 years, we’ve looked more closely at their materials. Using high-density foam is a good way to extend the lifespan of a memory foam mattress, so it’s a good sign that both use this in their support base layers.

Overall, they’re both all-foam mattresses that are made with resilient and quality foam materials. But they won’t be nearly as long-lasting as a mattress made with latex or thick coils. Customers can expect to use a good six to eight years of either model.

Durability rating:
★ 3/5 stars

Details:
This mattress is medium-firm and made with a large, high-density support core of polyfoam, though it’s made with a very simple design of two layers and the comfort layer has a lower density.

Durability rating:
★ 3/5 stars

Details:
The Nectar mattress is made with dense foam layers to provide above-average durability for an all-foam mattress. Even though the foam in the support core is high-density polyfoam, without coils, it may not have the exact same lasting durability as other mattresses.

For people who sleep hot, temperature neutrality is a very important quality. A mattress’s cooling and temperature control all contribute to a mattress’s overall breathability. It refers to how much body heat a mattress retains, and this could be influenced by the materials and layer thickness.

Neither of these mattresses particularly shine when it comes to temperature neutrality because of their foam constructions. Compared to other mattress types (i.e. hybrid, innerspring, latex), foam tends to trap body heat more easily. That being said, we’re pretty impressed with how the brands have used breathable materials in both mattress constructions.

The T&N Original Mattress uses open cell foam in both layers, in addition to adding graphite and cooling gel to the T&N adaptive foam in order to wick away body heat. In terms of the Nectar Mattress, the company has incorporated cooling material as well. Both the breathable tencel cover and gel-infused memory foam keeps the sleeper cool and cozy.

Temperature control rating:
★ 3/5 stars

Details:
The soft knit cover has a soft and breathable feel. The adaptive comfort layer absorbs less body heat because it’s low-density and infused with cooling gel and graphite that helps to further promote airflow in the mattress.

Temperature control rating:
★ 3/5 stars

Details:
This mattress is fairly temperature neutral. Both the Tencel cover and cooling gel infusion throughout the comfort layers helps prevent the mattress from feeling too hot. Those who really struggle with overheating may find this mattress doesn’t help them.

This refers to how well a mattress responds to different parts of your body, adjusts to your movements and bounces back to its original shape. The level of a mattress’s responsiveness determines how easily you can move across a mattress. But it’s also important for those who have mobility issues or change sleep positions frequently during the night.

Between these two mattresses, Tuft and Needle is an easy winner. While Nectar’s adaptive memory foam relieves common pressure points, it gives a deeper hug and moves slower. In contrast, the T&N Original mattress will react much quicker to your body and bounce back to shape.

Responsiveness rating:
★ 4/5 stars

Details:
You won’t feel stuck in this mattress, due to the open cell structure in the T&N adaptive foam that provides flexible support and responsiveness.

Responsiveness rating:
★ 3/5 stars

Details:
Nectar’s memory foam layers hold you more inside of the mattress. And while there is some responsiveness in the transition layer made from Adaptive memory foam, it will still provide more of a plush, body conforming hug.

Edge support references how sturdy and strong the perimeters of a mattress are. If the edges aren’t strong, you might feel like you’re rolling off the edge if you get too close.

Good edge support is the degree to which a mattress supports body weight around the perimeter. If you have trouble getting out of bed or sleep with a partner, it’s important to have use of the entire mattress surface.

The Nectar performs better because some sleepers have reported more sinkage around the perimeter with Tuft & Needle. But ultimately, neither can withstand long-term edge support to the extent that innerspring or hybrid models would because of their denser coil systems.

Edge Support rating:
★ 2/5 stars

Details:
While there is high density polyfoam in the support core, people who sit often near the edge of the mattress, may find it sinks with pressure over time because of the simple, 2-layer construction and lower density foam in the comfort layer.

Edge Support rating:
★ 3/5 stars

Details:
Nectar’s edge support is pretty impressive for an all-foam mattress. The edges feel pretty sturdy and secure when sitting or lying down on the perimeter. And you won’t feel like you’re falling off the bed as you approach the edges. Though over time, you may notice more compression.

Most new mattresses will emit a slight odor once they are removed from their packaging. This is also known as off-gassing, which derives from volatile organic compounds (VOCs); otherwise known as a “new mattress smell”. Once synthetic foams are compressed, they don’t always get the chance to escape the mattress right away.

While off-gassing odors are non-toxic, they can still be unpleasant and problematic for sleepers who are sensitive to smells or have chemical allergies.

You can expect some initial mild off-gassing with T&N Original or Nectar mattress. But long-term off-gassing shouldn’t be an issue for most sleepers and should dissipate after the first couple of days, especially if you leave them in a well-ventilated room.

Off-gassing rating:
★ 3/5 stars

Details:
Some initial off-gassing might occur after unboxing this mattress but it should evaporate within a couple of days.

Off-gassing rating:
★ 3/5 stars

Details:
Mild off-gassing odors are likely to be present upon opening up the mattress and taking off the plastic, but will dissipate faster than most memory foam models.

Supportive pressure relief is what most people look for in a mattress. It’s primarily responsible for restorative sleep because it influences how well a mattress contours to your body, promotes better spinal alignment and relieves tension at pressure points like the hips, lower back and shoulders. A mattress that offers good pressure relief is particularly important  for those who struggle with chronic aches and pain.

Both these models offer a good balance of body-conforming and support. The T&N is made with adaptive foam that is designed with pressure relief in mind. However, the Nectar might feel slightly more pressure-relieving, especially for side sleepers, because of the deeper cradling effects and slow response to pressure.

Pressure Relief rating:
★ 4/5 stars

Details:
The T&N alleviates pressure well for sleepers in between 130-230 pounds. The adaptive foam comfort layer is particularly good at spreading pressure build-up, but it won’t be as contouring as memory foam.

Pressure Relief rating:
★ 4/5 stars

Details:
The Nectar mattress’ thick layers of memory foam and deep contouring properties will distribute your weight evenly and target pressure relief in the neck, shoulders and hips.

Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress absorbs motion across the surface. So it’s an important consideration if you sleep with a partner, child or even a pet. If one person is a light sleeper or has a different schedule or sleep-wake cycle, then good motion isolation helps to reduce those interferences.

While both these models do a great job at isolating motion, the Nectar comes out on top. Because of its thick memory foam layers on top, it absorbs motion to a significant extent. No need to worry about waking up your partner or vice versa with this one!

Motion Isolation rating:
★ 4/5 stars

Details:
Even though it’s not made with memory foam, sleepers will notice very little motion transfer on the T&N Original surface, thanks to the flexible, contouring adaptive foam.

Motion Isolation rating:
★ 5/5 stars

Details:
You can count on Nectar’s mattress for providing superior motion isolation. With four layers of high density memory foam, it does an excellent job at reducing movement across the mattress surface. The slow-moving memory foam is a material that cuts down and absorbs motion really well.

Let’s not ignore the obvious—mattresses are used for more than just sleeping. Looking at what makes a mattress better for sex, generally the most important traits are: bounce, responsiveness and edge support.

And this is where the T&N Original Mattress performs better; its comfort layer is flexible and has a slight bounce to it that the Nectar is missing. It will be much easier to move around without feeling trapped on the Tuft & Needle mattress.

Sex performance rating:
★ 3/5 stars

Details:
While the T&N lacks good edge support, it provides flexible responsiveness that gives more of an “on top” feeling that couples may be looking for to engage in bedroom activities. It’s also a very quiet mattress.

Sex performance rating:
★ 2/5 stars

Details:
The Nectar mattress might have a bit of bounce, but it’s very limited like many all-foam models, especially considering the deep cradling feeling that it produces.

Side sleepers who weigh between 130-230 pounds will experience the best balance of pressure relief and support on the T&N Original. But due to its medium-firm feel, it might be too firm for lightweight sleepers. Keep in mind that the 3-inch adaptive foam comfort layer provides good contouring but not as deep of a cradling hug that most side sleepers crave.

The Nectar is good at providing pressure relief and comfort for side sleepers at most weight groups. The slow-response memory foam provides a soft, comfortable surface. And curvier pressure points of your body, like the hips and shoulders, will feel extra supported. This makes it an especially good mattress for arthritis sufferers.

Back sleepers will find the T&N Original mattress to be quite comfortable and supportive. It’s balanced, medium firm feeling will keep your spine aligned while cushioning around your midsection. However, back sleepers over 230 pounds may experience some sinkage near their hips.

Back sleepers will appreciate the balance of comfort, support and contouring that the Nectar mattress offers. The Nectar provides good lumbar support, especially for back pain sufferers. Not to mention, because it has a medium firm feeling, it will be less likely to sag compared to softer memory foam models. This allows the back and spine to be cradled, which helps to disperse pressure, especially around the hips.

The T&N Original won’t be supportive or firm enough for the majority of stomach sleepers. While the firmer adaptive foam comfort layer may be enough for lightweight sleepers, most individuals will feel their hips slightly sink into the mattress, putting strain on the spine.

The soft, plush feeling of the Nectar mattress won’t be supportive enough for strict stomach sleepers. Mattresses that are too soft will often put additional strain on a sleepers spine. While it is a medium-firm mattress, you could experience some dipping around your midsection due to the layers of memory foam.

The T&N Original Mattress has a balanced, medium-firm feeling. It’s going to feel like you’re “on” the mattress more than “in” it. That being said, it’s also soft and provides moderate cushioning for your body without sinking in too deeply. The adaptive foam comfort layer gives a unique balance of responsiveness and pressure-relief, but it won’t be as deep as memory foam. It’s a perfect feel for light and medium weight side or back sleepers.

The Nectar mattress has a medium-firm feel, classic memory foam feeling that is slow moving to weight and pressure. Because it’s made with thick top layers of memory foam, it offers sleepers more plush softness. When you sleep or lie on it, you can feel that it’s providing good contouring to the shape of your body, making it a great option for side or back sleepers that typically suffer from joint pain.

Where can I buy the T&N Original mattress?
You can buy the T&N Original Mattress on the Tuft & Needle website and Amazon. They also own and operate eight stories across the country in these locations: Gilbert, AZ; Scottsdale, AZ; Glendale, CA; Leawood, KS; Raleigh, NC; Beaverton, OR; Dallas, TX; and Seattle, WA. Tuft & Needle has also partnered with a few third-party vendors, including Crate & Barrel, Lowe’s, and Unruh.

Where do they ship?
Tuft & Needle ships free to the 48 contiguous United States and for an added fee to Alaska and Hawaii.

How long is the trial period?
All Tuft & Needle mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial period. You can exchange or return your mattress for a full refund at any time during this period.

What is Tuft & Needle’s warranty policy?
Tuft & Needle offers a 10-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing and workmanship defects in the mattress. It includes things like sagging, or body impressions that are greater than 3/4 of an inch. It’s also going to cover any material breakdown of the foam that causes it to split, crack, or deteriorate in any other way.

Where can I buy the Nectar mattress?
Nectar’s mattresses are available for purchase on their website, Amazon, and over 1,000 mattress stores across the U.S.

Where do they ship?
Nectar offers free shipping to anywhere within the contiguous U.S., not including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. They will, however, ship to Alaska and Hawaii for an additional $150.

How long is the trial period?
Nectar sets the industry standard high with a 365-night sleep trial. By then, you’ll have used your mattress for a full year before committing.

What is Nectar’s warranty policy?
Related to their industry standard trial period, they also have an industry standard in their Forever Warranty. This means that if you’ve purchased a Nectar mattress and it breaks from normal use, they will replace it at no extra charge—whether it’s 10, 20 or 30 years later.

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We can’t for sure say what mattress has the better overall value because only you can play the role of Goldilocks. We do know that they’re both highly comfortable and supportive mattresses, they just provide different sleeping experiences.

The Nectar Mattress is a great option for couples, side and back sleepers. Its memory foam layers make you feel as though you’re wrapped in a deep pressure relieving hug. The slow response to pressure helps to alleviate aches and pains. And according to a random Nectar survey, 90% of customers said their Nectar mattress helped reduce overall aches stiffness and soreness.

The T&N Original Mattress is made with a more responsive layer of proprietary foam on top of high density polyfoam. Compared to Nectar, this might be a better value mattress for back or side sleepers who want a firmer surface or combination sleepers that want to move around easily. It’s also a good option for couples interested in minimizing motion disruption across the mattress surface.

Neither mattress is better than the other one, they might just be better depending on what you need. And if you don’t like it? Then you can sleep soundly knowing that both brands have generous return policies.

The T&N Original and Nectar mattresses are pathways to better sleep. They are both great value and boast tons of long-lasting benefits. Ultimately, it’s up to you to use all the information you have to make the best choice for your needs. But in summary:

Check out the latest price of the T&N Original Mattress and Nectar mattresses now.

Disclaimer

Here at Best Mattress Finder, we do our best to provide accurate, honest product recommendations and brand reviews based on the best available information. However, stats and products are subject to change and may have updated since this page was posted.

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