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Taking a look online, there are numerous all-foam mattresses to choose from – we have tried a good number ourselves, and two of our favorites are the Nectar and Tuft and Needle mattresses. To help mattress shoppers decide, we put together a Tuft and Needle vs Nectar mattress comparison. Read on to see which mattress is the right fit!
If you’re looking for the best mattress-in-a-box, these two beds will definitely impress. The Tuft and Needle boasts a proprietary Adaptive Foam that is a cooling and responsive alternative to memory foam. The Nectar features slow-moving memory foam that makes it one of the most comfortable mattresses on the market.
While these are two high-quality mattresses, shoppers are only going to choose one. They are a better match for different people, as we will explain in this article:
Who Should Choose the Tuft & Needle Mattress?
Who Should Choose the Nectar Mattress?
Those who are looking for an affordable mattress and want to save money on their purchase
Those who prefer a classic, slow-moving memory foam feel that lets them sink in
Those who prefer a bed-in-a-box mattress with a balanced foam feel
Side sleepers who want to feel excellent pressure relief on their shoulders and hips
People with mobility issues, and those who have trouble moving around at night
Couples who want a mattress to cut down on motion transfer during the night
Tuft and Needle vs. Nectar Mattress Video Comparison
Anyone who wants to see how the Tuft and Needle and Nectar mattresses look side by side should watch our in-depth video comparison; our reviewer, Marten, discusses their construction, his experience with both, and who should get one over the other.
Tuft and Needle vs Nectar: Similarities and Differences
The Tuft and Needle and Casper are similar in a few ways, but that have many differences. Let’s take a closer look!
Similarities
Differences
The Tuft and Needle and Nectar are both all-foam mattresses and do not feature coils in their construction.
The Nectar is slightly taller than the Tuft and Needle mattress.
The Tuft and Needle and Nectar mattresses both feature a similar support layer consisting of base foam.
The Nectar mattress features three foam layers, but the Tuft and Needle only features two.
The Tuft and Needle and Nectar mattresses are in the same firmness range – about medium-firm.
The Tuft and Needle features a proprietary Adaptive Foam in its comfort layer, while the Nectar mattress features memory foam.
Both the Tuft and Needle and Nectar mattresses should be a good fit for combination sleepers and those who switch positions at night.
The Tuft and Needle has more of a responsive, balanced foam feel, and the Nectar has a classic memory foam feel.
The Tuft and Needle is more affordable than the Nectar mattress.
Firmness and Feel Differences
Now, let’s take a look at how firm the Tuft and Needle and Nectar mattresses are, what they feel like, and how it feels to sleep on both.
How Firm Are the Tuft and Needle and Nectar Mattresses?
In our experience, the Tuft and Needle and Nectar feel like 6.5/10, abut medium in terms of firmness. They both feature soft foam layers on top, and then the mattress is firmer deeper down. We will note that lighter and heavier sleepers might find the Tuft and Needle and Nectar to be firmer or softer than we did – lighter sleepers might think they are softer, and heavier sleepers might think they are firmer.
Sleeping on the Tuft and Needle and Nectar Mattresses
Back sleeping on the Tuft and Needle mattress, we are experiencing an excellent balance of comfort and support – our hips sink into the Adaptive Foam while the base foam offers good overall support. Side sleeping, we are feeling some decent pressure on our shoulders and hips, but lighter side sleepers should feel better pressure relief. Stomach sleeping, the Tuft and Needle is too soft for us, and we are bowing in at the hips somewhat.
When we are back sleeping on the Nectar mattress we are also getting a good balance of comfort and support – the memory foam conforms well to the curves of our bodies, and we are getting enough lumbar support as well. Side sleeping, we are feeling better pressure relief on the Nectar mattress but, again, lighter side sleeping should experience even better pressure relief. Stomach sleeping, we do need a more supportive mattress as our hips are sinking too far into the Nectar.
What Do the Tuft and Needle and Nectar Mattresses Feel Like?
The Tuft and Needle features a balanced foam feel that is both soft and responsive; we sink into the mattress but have no trouble moving around. The Nectar boasts a classic memory foam feel – we slowly sink into the mattress and feel it take the shape of our bodies – this makes it not so easy to move around and reposition.
Average Weight Sleepers – 130 lbs – 230 lbs
Average weight back sleepers should find the Tuft and Needle to be a great match as it offers comfort and support. Side sleepers who are on the lighter end of this spectrum should also feel great pressure relief, but those who are closer to 230 lbs might feel some noticeable pressure. Stomach sleeping, the majority of average weight sleepers might need a firmer, more supportive mattress overall.
Back sleepers who are of average weight should like lying on the Nectar mattress – they will get the support they need, and the memory foam will provide great contouring. Side sleeping, those who are under 200 lbs should receive nice pressure relief on the Nectar mattress but, if they are heavier, they might feel more pressure on their shoulders and hips. Stomach sleeping, those who are over 150 lbs will need a mattress to support them under the hips.
Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230 lbs
Heavier sleepers who are close to 230 lbs should get enough support when they are back sleeping on the Tuft and Needle, but those who are heavier should find a mattress with coils (they can see our best mattresses for back sleepers for more options). When they are side sleeping, the majority of heavyweight people will feel too much pressure on their shoulders and hips and, when they are back sleeping, they won’t get enough support.
Heavy back sleepers who are around 230 lbs should be well supported on the Nectar, but much heavier back sleepers will need a hybrid or innerspring mattress to properly support them. Side sleeping, heavier people will sink too far into the Nectar, and they should feel significant pressure on their shoulders and hips. Stomach sleeping, they will also need to find a mattress that is more supportive than the Nectar.
RELATED: Best Innerspring Mattress 2024
Lightweight Sleepers – Under 130 lbs
Lightweight sleepers should get enough comfort and support back, side, and stomach sleeping on the Tuft and Needle mattress. Similarly, the majority of lightweight sleepers should think the Nectar is a good match for all three sleeping positions. That being said, some might think the Nectar is a bit too soft for stomach sleeping.
RELATED: Best Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers 2024
Mattress Construction Differences
Now let’s pop the hood on the Tuft and Needle Nectar mattresses – we’ll look at each specific layer and discuss how this affects the performance of each mattress.
Tuft & Needle
Layer
Description
Cover
The Tuft and Needle features a stretchy cover that is soft and breathable.
Comfort Layer #1
The Tuft and Needle features a proprietary Adaptive Foam in its comfort layer that is soft and bouncy. It is also infused with graphite and ceramic gel to ensure it will dissipate any heat.
Comfort Layer #2
Below that, there is a layer of Hi Core memory foam that is firmer and acts as a transition layer.
Support Layer
Tuft & Needle’s base layer is made out of durable, high-density polyfoam.
Nectar
Layer
Description
Cover
The Nectar mattress boasts a Tencel cover that is even more breathable and designed to help with cooling.
Comfort Layer #1
The Nectar’s comfort layer contains gel-infused memory foam, which offers body contouring and heat dissipation.
Comfort Layer # 2
Next, there’s a Dynamic Response Split Layer. This allows room for airflow and offers exceptional lumbar support.
Support Layer
The support layer contains high-density polyfoam.
Mattress Height
The Tuft and Needle is 10″ thick, and the Nectar mattress is 11″ thick.
Tuft and Needle vs. Nectar Mattress Size Options and Price
For the most up-to-date size and pricing information for the Tuft and Nectar mattresses, take a look at the following charts:
We put the Tuft and Needle and Nectar mattresses to the test with regard to cooling, motion transfer, and durability – let’s see how they scored!
Sleeping Hot or Cold
The Tuft and Needle and Nectar mattresses are pretty even when it comes to cooling – they are both all-foam mattresses, so they are going to trap some heat. That being said, they feature cooling material infusions to prevent their foam layers from trapping too much heat and redirecting at sleepers.
Motion Transfer
The Nectar handles motion transfer better than the Tuft and Needle because it features memory foam right on top. This material is known for isolating motion quite well, and we are seeing less transfer on the Nectar. Those who need the best mattress for couples should consider the Nectar mattress.
Edge Support
When it comes to edge support, the Nectar performs better than the Tuft and Needle – we feel more secure sitting and lying down near the edge of the Nectar mattress. Those who sleep with a partner or want to sleep close to the edge of their mattress might be better off with the Nectar.
Durability
The Tuft and Needle and Nectar are both close with regard to durability; they are both all-foam mattresses that feature resilient foams. Both mattresses should last for at least 5 to 7 years.
Off-gassing
When we unboxed the Tuft and Needle and Nectar, we did not notice some initial chemical smell, but this is totally normal with bed in a box mattresses. We left each mattress in a well-ventilated room, and they completely off-gassed within 24 to 48 hours.
Noise
When we move around on the Tuft and Needle and Nectar mattresses, we are not hearing too much noise. Neither mattress features coils, so this not particularly surprising.
Sex
Those who need a mattress for sex usually want to find something that is bouncier and more responsive. Between these mattresses, the Tuft and Needle is more responsive and should make it easier for sexual partners to move around without feeling trapped.
Warranty Info
The Tuft and Needle comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty, and the Nectar comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a Forever Warranty.
Now, we would like to answer some frequently asked questions about the Tuft and Needle and Nectar mattresses:
Which mattress is better, Tuft and Needle or Nectar?
We would not say that one mattress is better than the other, but the Tuft and Needle and Nectar are better for different types of sleepers. The Tuft and Needle is a better option for those who like a balanced foam feel, those who have mobility issues, and those who want to save money on their mattress purchase. The Nectar is better for those who like a slow-moving memory foam feel, side sleepers, and couples.
Which mattress is more affordable, the Tuft and Needle or Nectar?
The Tuft and Needle is more affordable than the Nectar – for instance, the Tuft and Needle Queen size costs about $600 less than a Nectar Queen size.
Which mattress is better for side sleepers, the Tuft and Needle or Nectar?
The Nectar should be a better mattress for side sleepers as it features two layers of pressure-relieving memory foam right on top.
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Joe Auer
Founder/Managing Editor
About Author
Joe is the founder of Mattress Clarity and has been reviewing mattresses and other sleep products for more than five years. Joe knows a lot about mattresses, having tested more than 100 personally. Through his experience, he has developed a straightforward and practical approach to making mattress recommendations.
Joe does not believe there is one best mattress for everyone and that a more tailored approach is often the most helpful to mattress shoppers. He tries to make clear what types of sleepers a particular mattress would be good for. He also notes what considerations people should make when looking at a particular type of bed.
His extensive knowledge of mattresses, and the mattress industry, has garnered him some media attention. He’s been interviewed and featured in several online publications, including Inc.om, Business Insider, New York Magazine, Huffington Post, and Forbes.
Thanks to his expertise, Joe has tested countless approaches to improving his own sleep quality. He has two top sleep tips that he’s benefitted from personally. He limits his caffeine consumption to 100 mg a day and meditates for 15 minutes daily.
Joe has an undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and an MBA from Columbia University, where he studied entrepreneurship.
When he isn’t reviewing mattresses, Joe loves to play classical piano, read fiction and non-fiction, and travel.
When we are back sleeping on the Nectar mattress we are also getting a good balance of comfort and support – the memory foam conforms well to the curves of our bodies, and we are getting enough lumbar support as well. Side sleeping, we are feeling better pressure relief on the Nectar mattress but, again, lighter side sleeping should experience even better pressure relief. Stomach sleeping, we do need a more supportive mattress as our hips are sinking too far into the Nectar.
