Nectar
Purple
| Factor | Nectar | Purple |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Nectar Luxe Hybrid | Purple |
| Performance – High | 8.76 | 8.99 |
| Performance – Low | 8.42 | 7.69 |
| Price – High | $1,799 | $3,099 |
| Price – Low | $649 | $1,099 |
| Firmness – Softest | Medium (5) | Medium (5) |
| Firmness – Firmest | Medium-Firm (6) | Medium-Firm (6) |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 10 years |
| Shipping | $0 | $0 |
| Returns | $0 | $0 |
| Trust | Good | Good |
| Country of Origin | USA | USA |
| Mattress Types Available | Memory Foam Hybrid Memory Foam Hybrid | Specialty |
The Verdict
To date, we have tested 7 Nectar mattresses and 7 Purple mattresses. Nectar manufactures a mix of memory foam, hybrid, and memory foam hybrids. All Purple mattresses are considered “specialty” due to their use of Purple’s proprietary Purple “Grid”, a hyper-elastic grid that makes up a large portion of the comfort layer of Purple mattresses.
Both Nectar and Purple have a firmness range, between 5-6 out of 10, producing mattresses with a medium to medium-firm feel.
Of these two brands, Nectar would be considered to be a more budget-friendly mattress. Nectar has prices that range from $649 to $1,799. Purple mattresses start at $1,099 and go up to $3,099, considering the mattresses that we’ve tested.
Purple does have a higher-end mattress available—the Purple Rejuvenate Premier, priced at $7,495 for a queen mattress. This price is considerably higher than all other mattresses in this comparison. It is unknown if this higher price would create a higher performance level.
Nectar mattresses have a performance average of 8.56, considering 7 models. The highest-performing Nectar is the Nectar Luxe Hybrid, with a score of 8.76, and the lowest-performing mattress is the Nectar Classic with a score of 8.42.
Purple mattresses have a performance average of 8.44, considering 7 models. The highest-performing Purple is the original Purple, with a score of 8.99, and the lowest-performing mattress is the Purple Flex with a score of 7.69.
For sleepers looking for more hug and contour, with the classic feel of memory foam, Nectar is the better option. It is also more budget-friendly, which can be attractive for sleepers looking to stay under $1,800.
Purple mattress, on the other hand, may be better for back or stomach sleepers. Many Purple mattresses have more bounce, and more pushback, compared to Nectar. Lighter sleepers may even say that Purple mattresses create more of a “floating feel”, where you lie more “on” the mattress as opposed to sinking down “in” the mattress.
In This Comparison
Which Mattress Should You Buy? | Compare the Mattresses | Performance Tests
Which Mattress Should You Buy?
The mattresses earning the title of “best overall” from each brand have the highest overall performance. Overall performance is determined by scores from 8 different categories, including cooling, motion transfer, response time, edge support, sex performance, pressure relief, off-gassing, and company.
Sinkage and bounce are also taken into consideration, but they are not direct scoring factors.
Between Nectar and Purple, the two top recommendations are Nectar Luxe Hybrid and Purple.
Best Nectar
Nectar Luxe Hybrid
Type: Memory Foam Hybrid
Firmness: Medium (5)
The Nectar Luxe Hybrid is a 13.5″ memory foam hybrid mattress with a combination of memory foam, poly foam, and pocketed coils. It has a medium feel with very deep sinkage and low bounce. This mattress scores in the top 36% of all mattresses tested to date and has a price that is 12% less than the average hybrid (a savings of nearly $200). It earned a 10/10 for outstanding pressure relief but struggles with edge support. Still, for a top-value hybrid mattress, the Nectar Luxe Hybrid checks a lot of boxes.
Best Purple
Purple
Type: Specialty
Firmness: Medium (5)
The Purple is a 9.5″ specialty mattress with three layers that include a mix of poly foam and the hyper-elastic Purple grid. It has a medium feel with moderate sinkage and very high bounce. This mattress performs in the top 20% of all mattresses to date, with perfect scores for cooling, motion transfer, and fast material response time. Purple also costs 7% less than the average mattress, passing a little over $100 of savings onto sleepers. For a high-quality medium mattress with high bounce, Purple may be the best bed of the bunch.
Both the Nectar Luxe Hybrid and the Purple provide great performance at a good value. Nectar has a more traditional memory foam feel, while Purple offers more pushback (as well as having a higher average price tag).
Best Mattress by Category
Before we get into the gritty details, let’s honor some specific mattresses first. The mattresses featured below performed exceptionally well when considering each individual category listed.
| Best For | Nectar | Purple |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | Nectar Luxe Hybrid | Purple |
| Side Sleepers | Nectar Luxe Hybrid | Purple |
| Stomach or Back Sleepers | Nectar Premier | Purple Restore Plus |
| Heavy People | Nectar Luxe Hybrid | Purple Restore Plus |
| Cooling | Nectar Ultra | Purple |
| Affordable Mattress | Nectar Premier | Purple Flex |
| Back Pain | Nectar Hybrid | Purple Restore Plus |
| Sex | Nectar Hybrid | Purple |
| Soft Mattress | N/A | N/A |
| Medium-Firm Mattress | Nectar Hybrid | Purple Plus |
| Firm Mattress | N/A | N/A |
For more information within each of these categories, please check out the options below:
Both the Nectar Luxe Hybrid or the Purple mattress would be solid picks for side sleepers. They both have a medium feel and thick comfort foam layers, which help provide contour and hug.
- Click here to read our full review of the Nectar Luxe Hybrid.
- Click here to read our full review of the Purple.
The Nectar Premier or Purple Restore Plus would both be good picks for back or stomach sleepers. They are both 13″ mattresses with a medium feel.
- Click here to read our full review of the Nectar Premier.
- Click here to read our full review of the Purple Restore Plus.
For heavier weighted sleepers the best model from Nectar is the Nectar Luxe Hybrid and from Purple we have the Purple Restore Plus.
Notably, neither mattress offers a specific mattress model designed for heavier people. So while these models from Purple and Nectar aren’t perfect, they are the best options available.
We like both of these mattresses for the same basic reason, they are extra thick at 13″ (Purple Restore Plus) and 13.5″ (Nectar Luxe Hybrid), create excellent support, and have strong overall performance. The additional materials used in these mattresses simply creates more support and better durability, which is especially critical for heavier weighted sleepers.
Lastly, the hybrid design provides better airflow and cooling, which is also critical for heavier people.
- Click here to read our full review of the Nectar Luxe Hybrid.
- Click here to read our full review of the Purple Restore Plus.
The Nectar Ultra has a 4.0″ memory foam layer followed by a 3.0″ poly foam transitional layer. This mattress has a cool-to-the-touch feel for the duration of our cooling test as well as a phase-change material that sits just below the cover.
The Purple mattress has a 2.0″ hyper-elastic grid followed by a 3.5″ transitional poly foam. It doesn’t have as deep of sinkage as Nectar, which really helps to limit heat retention.
- Click here to read our full review of the Nectar Ultra.
- Click here to read our full review of the Purple.
For sleepers on a tight budget, I’d recommend the Nectar Premier or the Purple Flex. Both of these mattresses provide a good value, given their higher performance and relatively lower price tags.
Both of these mattresses come in very near $1,000, with the Nectar being about $150 less than Purple. And considering the value, Nectar brings it home with higher performance than Purple.
If you can splurge a little, but still want something under $1,500, check out the Purple Renew. The Renew offers better performance than the Flex, while still having a medium-firm feel. For reference, a Renew mattress is $1,399 for a queen size.
- Click here to read our full review of the Nectar Premier.
- Click here to read our full review of the Purple Flex.
- Click here to read our full review of the Purple Renew.
If you suffer from back pain, finding a mattress that prioritizes spinal alignment and pressure relief is critically important. Both the Nectar Hybrid and Purple Restore Plus would be solid options for sleepers who struggle with back pain.
This Purple mattress only has minimal sinkage, significantly less than the Nectar, and the bounce is very high, significantly higher than the Nectar. But bear in mind, the price is also very high.
- Click here to read our full review of the Nectar Hybrid.
- Click here to read our full review of the Purple Restore Plus.
For sex performance, the Nectar Hybrid and Purple are our top picks. The Nectar Hybrid earned a sex score of 8.7 and an overall score of 8.49. This mattress only has moderate levels of bounce, but it has excellent edge support and great cooling.
By comparison, the Purple has a sex score of 8.8 and an overall score of 8.99. This mattress has very high levels of bounce, which really carries the sex score in this category (edge support isn’t great on this mattress).
- Click here to read our full review of the Nectar Hybrid.
- Click here to read our full review of the Purple.
Unfortunately, neither Nectar nor Purple has a mattress that is softer than a Medium feel (5 out of 10 on the firmness scale). Click here to read our Best Soft Mattress guide.
If you’re looking for a medium-firm feel, the most widely preferred firmness among sleepers, check out the Nectar Hybrid or the Purple Plus. Both of these mattresses have that true “medium-firm” feel and are very supportive and comfortable. Oddly enough, both mattresses also have exactly the same overall performance score (8.49).
- Click here to read our full review of the Nectar Hybrid.
- Click here to read our full review of the Purple Plus.
Like with soft mattresses, neither Nectar nor Purple has a mattress that is firmer than a 6 out of 10, with a medium-firm feel. A true “firm feel” would be closer to an 8 out of 10 or an extra firm feel would be a 9 out of 10. Click here to read our Best Firm Mattress guide.
Compare the Mattresses
The table below shows the overall performance score of every mattress we’ve tested from each brand. In total, 14 mattresses were tested for this comparison.
14
Mattresses Tested
In Comparison
43
Data Points Tested
On Each Mattress
6
In-Depth Mattress Analyses
After comparing 7 Nectar mattresses, the brand average score is 8.56. After comparing 7 Purple mattresses, the brand average is 8.44.
Between the two, Purple has a higher average performance, but Nectar has a lower average price. The average price for a Nectar mattress is $1,134 and the average price for a Purple mattress is $1,884 (for a queen).
Opting for Nectar can deliver a 40% savings of around $750, on average. But bear in mind, the differences aren’t only the price. Nectar and Purple are very different mattresses.
Nectar relies on a more traditional memory foam feel with deeper sinkage and contour, while Purple has a more restrained feel, much higher bounce, and less sinkage.
All Nectar Mattresses Tested
| Nectar Mattresses | Score | Mattress Type | Read Review | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar Classic | 8.42 | Memory Foam | Read Review | Check Price |
| Nectar Hybrid | 8.49 | Hybrid | Read Review | Check Price |
| Nectar Luxe | 8.59 | Memory Foam | Read Review | Check Price |
| Nectar Luxe Hybrid | 8.76 | Memory Foam Hybrid | Read Review | Check Price |
| Nectar Premier | 8.52 | Memory Foam | Read Review | Check Price |
| Nectar Premier Hybrid | 8.43 | Memory Foam Hybrid | Read Review | Check Price |
| Nectar Ultra | 8.71 | Memory Foam | Read Review | Check Price |
All Purple Mattresses Tested
| Purple Mattresses | Score | Mattress Type | Read Review | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purple | 8.99 | Specialty | Read Review | Check Price |
| Purple Flex | 7.69 | Specialty | Read Review | Check Price |
| Purple Plus | 8.49 | Specialty | Read Review | Check Price |
| Purple Renew | 8.28 | Specialty | Read Review | Check Price |
| Purple Restore | 8.31 | Specialty | Read Review | Check Price |
| Purple Restore Plus | 8.88 | Specialty | Read Review | Check Price |
| Purple Restore Premier | 8.47 | Specialty | Read Review | Check Price |
Moving on, let’s talk about specific performance categories. Depending on what factors are most important to you, individual mattresses may rise above others. The table below looks at 10 testing categories and highlights the top-performing mattresses in those particular tests.
| Factor | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Purple | 8.99 |
| Best Cooling | Nectar Ultra, Purple | 10 |
| Most Sinkage | Nectar Ultra | 3.06″ |
| Least Sinkage | Purple Flex | 1.66″ |
| Lowest Motion Transfer | Purple | 10 |
| Fastest Response Time | Purple, Purple Flex, Purple Plus, Purple Renew, Purple Restore, Purple Restore Plus, Purple Restore Premier | 10 |
| Most Bounce | Purple Restore | 14.42″ |
| Least Bounce | Nectar Ultra | 3.85″ |
| Best Edge Support | Purple Restore Plus | 10 |
| Best for Sex | Purple Restore Plus | 9.9 |
| Best Pressure Relief | Nectar Luxe, Nectar Luxe Hybrid, Nectar Ultra | 10 |
| Least Off-Gassing | Nectar Luxe | 9.2 |
| Best Company | Nectar | 9 |
Firmness
Looking at all available mattresses, both Nectar and Purple have a fairly narrow firmness range—only 5 to 6 out of 10. Both of these brands cover the medium to medium-firm feel.
Check the table below to see the details of each mattress.
| Firmness | Rating | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Nectar Classic | 6 | Medium-Firm |
| Nectar Hybrid | 6 | Medium-Firm |
| Nectar Luxe | 5 | Medium |
| Nectar Luxe Hybrid | 5 | Medium |
| Nectar Premier | 5 | Medium |
| Nectar Premier Hybrid | 5 | Medium |
| Nectar Ultra | 5 | Medium |
| Purple | 5 | Medium |
| Purple Flex | 6.5 | Medium-Firm |
| Purple Plus | 6 | Medium-Firm |
| Purple Renew | 6 | Medium-Firm |
| Purple Restore | 5 | Medium |
| Purple Restore Plus | 5 | Medium |
| Purple Restore Premier | 6 | Medium-Firm |
Not sure which firmness you need? Your ideal mattress firmness depends on two major factors—sleeping position and body weight. With the right firmness, your body and spine will maintain proper alignment when sleeping
Lightweight sleepers or those who sleep on their side tend to need a softer mattress. By comparison, heavier sleepers or those who sleep on their back or stomach tend to need more support and a firmer feel.
Performance Tests
To date, we have tested 7 Nectar mattresses and 7 Purple mattresses. To limit confusion, this particular comparison is looking at the 3 most popular mattresses from each brand.
Listed below are the particular mattresses that we’ll be focusing on.
Nectar Mattresses
- Nectar Classic
- Nectar Premier
- Nectar Premier Hybrid
Purple Mattresses
- Purple
- Purple Restore Plus
- Purple Restore Premier
The table below shows overall scores as well as scores from the individual testing categories.
| Factor | Nectar Classic | Nectar Premier | Nectar Premier Hybrid | Purple | Purple Restore Plus | Purple Restore Premier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.42 | 8.52 | 8.43 | 8.99 | 8.88 | 8.47 |
| Cooling | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 10 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Motion Transfer | 8.0 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 10 | 7.2 | 6.7 |
| Response | 7.4 | 8.8 | 7.8 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Edge Support | 9.4 | 7.9 | 7.8 | 5.1 | 10 | 9.9 |
| Sex | 8.2 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 8.8 | 9.9 | 8.8 |
| Pressure Relief | 8.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Off-Gassing | 8.3 | 8.9 | 8.1 | 8.9 | 7.2 | 2.8 |
| Company | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
This second table shows the data from each test we analyze. We use this data to compare each mattress to others within the brand as well as to compare with over 320+ mattresses we’ve tested to date.
| Factor | Nectar Classic | Nectar Premier | Nectar Premier Hybrid | Purple | Purple Restore Plus | Purple Restore Premier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Queen) | $649 | $949 | $1,099 | $1,299 | $2,599 | $3,099 |
| Cooling | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Outstanding | Excellent | Excellent |
| Sinkage – Depth | 1.91″ | 2.12″ | 2.54″ | 2.24″ | 1.99″ | 1.82″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Minimal | Moderate | Deep | Moderate | Minimal | Minimal |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 9.49 m/s² | 9.77 m/s² | 8.94 m/s² | 2.23 m/s² | 11.27 m/s² | 12.36 m/s² |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.6 sec. | 0.4 sec. | 0.5 sec. | 0.2 sec. | 0.2 sec. | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.3 sec. | 0.7 sec. | 1.3 sec. | 0.3 sec. | 0.3 sec. | 0.3 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 8.07″ | 6.38″ | 7.41″ | 12.79″ | 12.20″ | 9.46″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate | Low | Low | Very High | Very High | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.25″ | 4.75″ | 5.75″ | 7.75″ | 2.75″ | 3.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Mediocre | Outstanding | Outstanding |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.0″ | 5.5″ | 4.0″ | 5.5″ | 5.0″ | 3.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11.5″ | 13.0″ | 13.0″ | 9.5″ | 13.0″ | 13.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong | Strong | Strong | Strong | Strong | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 6 days | 4 days | 7 days | 4 days | 10 days | 26 days |
| Trial | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 100 nights | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
Cooling Test
Both Nectar and Purple impress when thinking about cooling performance, but technically, Purple has the higher average score. Nectar has a cooling average of 9.0 out of 10, with very limited heat retention, and Purple has a cooling average of 9.33 out of 10.
If cooling is of utmost importance, the original Purple mattress is the only one to earn a cooling score of 10/10.
Check out the table below to see how each mattress compares regarding cooling performance.
| Cooling Test | Score | Baseline | Max. Temp. | Ending Temp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar Classic | 9.0 | 76.5° | 88.3° | 80.5° |
| Nectar Premier | 9.0 | 76.1° | 88.6° | 80.7° |
| Nectar Premier Hybrid | 9.0 | 75.7° | 88.2° | 78.3° |
| Purple | 10 | 79.7° | 89.2° | 84.0° |
| Purple Restore Plus | 9.0 | 81.7° | 91.7° | 84.7° |
| Purple Restore Premier | 9.0 | 83.0° | 91.3° | 86.2° |
- Baseline Temperature – the temperature of the mattress before anyone lies on it
- Maximum Temperature (0 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after lying on it for 15 minutes
- Ending Temperature (after 5 minutes) – the temperature of the mattress after being lied upon and having no one on it for 5 minutes
Below, you can watch a video of how the heat dissipates on each mattress during our cooling test. For this test, we lie on the mattress for 15 minutes, get off the mattress, and then take periodic surface-level temperature measurements.
Nectar Classic
Purple
Nectar Premier
Purple Restore Plus
Nectar Premier Hybrid
Purple Restore Premier
For reference, the average cooling score across all mattresses tested to date is 8.6 out of 10. By this metric, all of the mattresses in this comparison scored better than the average (between 9-10 out of 10).
The Purple grid really helps to maximize airflow and pull heat away from the body. In the case of Nectar, these mattresses mostly use memory foam within the comfort layer.
Traditionally, memory foam has a harder time with cooling performance than other materials. However, Nectar’s specific foam formulation does a nice job of breathing well and reducing heat retention.
Sinkage Test
In terms of sinkage, Nectar has a wider spread of sinkage options compared to Purple. Nectar mattresses include mattress sinkage levels that are Minimal, Moderate, and Deep. But Purple mattresses are either Minimal or Moderate.
The mattress with the least amount of sinkage is the Purple Restore Premier (1.82″) and the mattress with the most amount of sinkage is the Nectar Premier Hybrid (2.54″).
Check out the table below to see how each mattress compares regarding sinkage.
| Sinkage Test | Sinkage Feel | Sinkage Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Nectar Classic | Minimal | 1.91″ |
| Nectar Premier | Moderate | 2.12″ |
| Nectar Premier Hybrid | Deep | 2.54″ |
| Purple | Moderate | 2.24″ |
| Purple Restore Plus | Minimal | 1.99″ |
| Purple Restore Premier | Minimal | 1.82″ |
The level of sinkage for each mattress is documented in the images below.
Nectar Classic
Purple
Nectar Premier
Purple Restore Plus
Nectar Premier Hybrid
Purple Restore Premier
The average sinkage depth across all mattresses tested to date is 2.14″.
Back and stomach sleepers usually prefer less sinkage, which better maintains proper alignment of their spine. The Nectar Classic, Nectar Premier, Purple Restore Plus, and Purple Restore Premier all have less sinkage than average and are also a good value (balance of price and performance).
Generally, side sleepers enjoy a deeper level of sinkage since that typically translates to better pressure relief and contour. For deeper sinkage, opt for the Nectar Premier Hybrid and Purple mattress.
Are you over 300 lbs.? Heavier sleepers generally need a mattress with a firmer feel than what Nectar or Purple can provide. Check out of full list of recommendations in our Best Mattress for Heavy People guide.
Motion Transfer Test
Considering motion transfer, both brands have a similar average, with some mattresses performing better than others. The average motion transfer score of Nectar is 8.03 and Purple average motion transfer score is 7.96 out of 10. Based on this data, Nectar has slightly better motion transfer than Purple (on average)
But the only mattress that scores a 10/10 for low levels of motion transfer is the Purple. This pick has an acceleration range of 2.23 m/s², 75% less motion than average.
The mattress with the highest level of motion transfer is the Purple Restore Premier, at 12.36 m/s². The minimal sinkage creates more pushback on this mattress, which in turn reverberates motion across the surface of the mattress.
Check out the table below to see how each mattress compares regarding motion transfer.
| Motion Transfer Test | Score | Acc. Range |
|---|---|---|
| Nectar Classic | 8.0 | 9.49 m/s² |
| Nectar Premier | 7.9 | 9.77 m/s² |
| Nectar Premier Hybrid | 8.2 | 8.94 m/s² |
| Purple | 10 | 2.23 m/s² |
| Purple Restore Plus | 7.2 | 11.27 m/s² |
| Purple Restore Premier | 6.7 | 12.36 m/s² |
The level of motion transfer on each mattress is also documented in the videos below.
Nectar Classic
Purple
Nectar Premier
Purple Restore Plus
Nectar Premier Hybrid
Purple Restore Premier
For reference, the average motion transfer level across all mattresses tested to date is 8.81 m/s².
Generally speaking, Nectar does a slightly better job of restraining motion transfer. Memory foam is known to be an energy killer, which is great for limiting motion transfer. But it’s not always perfectly clear-cut.
For example, the Nectar Classic is 100% foam, has no coils, and yet still has the highest motion transfer (9.49 m/s²) of any Nectar mattresses in this comparison.
Response Test
Moving on, let’s look at material responsiveness. The response time is how quickly the mattress materials rebound to their original shape.
Purple is the clear winner in this category, earning 10/10 scores from all three of the Purple mattresses in this comparison. The Nectar brand average score for responsiveness is 8.0 out of 10.
Check out the table below to see how each mattress compares regarding response time.
| Response Test | Score | Mostly Recovered | Completely Recovered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar Classic | 7.4 | 0.6 seconds | 1.3 seconds |
| Nectar Premier | 8.8 | 0.4 seconds | 0.7 seconds |
| Nectar Premier Hybrid | 7.8 | 0.5 seconds | 1.3 seconds |
| Purple | 10 | 0.2 seconds | 0.3 seconds |
| Purple Restore Plus | 10 | 0.2 seconds | 0.3 seconds |
| Purple Restore Premier | 10 | 0.2 seconds | 0.3 seconds |
The level of responsiveness for each mattress is documented in the videos below.
Nectar Classic
Purple
Nectar Premier
Purple Restore Plus
Nectar Premier Hybrid
Purple Restore Premier
The average response time across all mattresses tested to date is 0.4 seconds to be mostly recovered and 1.0 seconds for full recovery.
Among these 6 mattresses tested, the Nectar Classic and the Nectar Premier Hybrid are the only two mattresses that have a slower material response time than average. On these mattresses, full recovery does not happen until 1.3 seconds, 0.3 seconds longer than average.
Again, this is pretty typical behavior for memory foams, which are known for their viscoelasticity and retaining body shape for longer than other materials. Some sleepers will really enjoy this feel and are willing to give up the fast response time for a deeper level of contour.
But not all sleepers will enjoy it. If you’re looking for a mattress that moves with you and responds quickly, Purple is the better choice.
Purple mattresses quickly rebound to their original shape and tie with the fastest material response times tested to date (only 0.3 seconds for complete material recovery).
Bounce Test
While bounce is more of a preferential factor, there are some major differences between how Nectar and Purple mattresses perform.
Nectar mattresses have a low to moderate bounce level, with an average of 7.29″. Purple, on the other hand, has considerably higher levels of bounce, moderate to very high, with an average bounce level of 11.48″.
Check out the table below to see how each mattress compares regarding bounce.
| Bounce Test | Bounce Feel | Bounce Height |
|---|---|---|
| Nectar Classic | Moderate | 8.07″ |
| Nectar Premier | Low | 6.38″ |
| Nectar Premier Hybrid | Low | 7.41″ |
| Purple | Very High | 12.79″ |
| Purple Restore Plus | Very High | 12.20″ |
| Purple Restore Premier | Moderate | 9.46″ |
The level of bounce for each mattress is documented in the videos below.
Nectar Classic
Purple
Nectar Premier
Purple Restore Plus
Nectar Premier Hybrid
Purple Restore Premier
For reference, the average bounce level across all mattresses tested to date is 9.73″.
Mattresses with more bounce are better for ease of movement and increase sex performance. However, higher bounce also typically creates a higher level of motion transfer. So there are pros and cons when it comes to bounce.
Nectar Premier
Purple
All of the Nectar mattresses in this comparison have less bounce than average, with the lowest being the Nectar Premier at 6.38″.
All three of the Purple mattresses in this comparison have significantly more bounce than average, with the highest being the Purple at 12.79″.
Edge Support Test
Concerning edge support, there is a widespread performance across the board. Looking strictly at the average, the brand average for edge support on Nectar mattresses is 8.36 and the brand average for Purple mattresses is 8.33. Technically, Nectar is better for edge support, but it’s not always the case.
Check out the table below to see how each mattress compares regarding edge support.
| Edge Support Test | Score | Sitting Sinkage | Lying Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar Classic | 9.4 | 3.25″ | Excellent |
| Nectar Premier | 7.9 | 4.75″ | Good |
| Nectar Premier Hybrid | 7.8 | 5.75″ | Excellent |
| Purple | 5.1 | 7.75″ | Mediocre |
| Purple Restore Plus | 10 | 2.75″ | Outstanding |
| Purple Restore Premier | 9.9 | 3.25″ | Outstanding |
The level of edge support is also documented in the images below.
Nectar Classic
Purple
Nectar Premier
Purple Restore Plus
Nectar Premier Hybrid
Purple Restore Premier
The average edge support across all mattresses tested to date is a score of 8.6. This number is generated from a max sitting sinkage of 4.05″ and good lying support.
Among the mattresses analyzed, the Nectar Classic, Purple Restore Plus, and Purple Restore Premier are the only mattresses that have better edge support than average.
The Nectar Premier, Nectar Premier Hybrid, and Purple all performed below average.
The Purple Restore Plus had the best edge support of all mattresses tested here (2.75″ sitting sinkage and outstanding support while lying). But by the same token, the Purple mattress had a whopping 7.75″ of sitting sinkage and only mediocre support when lying at the edge.
While both of these mattresses use the patented Purple grid material, the overall edge support is drastically different.
Sex Test
Looking at sex performance, Purple takes the win here. Nectar mattresses have a brand average sex score of 7.56 while Purple mattresses maintain a brand average score of 9.17.
Check out the table below to see how each mattress compares regarding expected sex performance.
| Sex Test | Sex Score | Bounce | Edge Support | Noise | Pressure Relief | Cooling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar Classic | 8.2 | 7.5 | 9.7 | 10 | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| Nectar Premier | 7.2 | 6.5 | 7.8 | 10 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Nectar Premier Hybrid | 7.3 | 7.1 | 6.6 | 10 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Purple | 8.8 | 10 | 4.1 | 10 | 9.0 | 10 |
| Purple Restore Plus | 9.9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Purple Restore Premier | 8.8 | 8.4 | 9.7 | 10 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
The average sex score across all mattresses tested to date is 8.5 out of 10.
All three Purple mattresses tested have better sex performance than average, meanwhile, all three Nectar mattresses perform worse than average.
While we’re looking at a combination of 5 different factors, a lot of it comes down to bounce and edge support. Mattresses that excel in both of these areas (ie: Purple Restore Plus) earned higher sex scores.
Mattresses that do well with one, but not the other (ie: Purple Restore Premier or Nectar Classic) have a lower, but still acceptable score.
Mattresses that have low bounce and worse edge support (ie: Nectar Premier) are the lowest performers in this category.
Pressure Relief Test
Most all of these mattresses have great pressure relief. Of the 6 mattresses tested here, 5 earned a 9 out of 10 for pressure relief. The only mattress that scored slightly lower is the Nectar Classic, which earned an 8 out of 10.
Check out the table below to see how each mattress compares regarding pressure relief.
| Pressure Relief Test | Score | Comfort Layer | Support Layer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar Classic | 8.0 | 4.0″ | 7.5″ |
| Nectar Premier | 9.0 | 5.5″ | 7.5″ |
| Nectar Premier Hybrid | 9.0 | 4.0″ | 9.0″ |
| Purple | 9.0 | 5.5″ | 4.0″ |
| Purple Restore Plus | 9.0 | 5.0″ | 8.0″ |
| Purple Restore Premier | 9.0 | 3.0″ | 10.0″ |
The average pressure relief score across all mattresses tested to date is 8.8 out of 10, with a 4.1″ comfort layer.
Typically speaking, pressure relief has a strong correlation to the thickness of the comfort layer. A thicker comfort layer (paired with a thicker support layer) is one of the most effective ways to see improved pressure relief on a mattress.
This is especially true for side sleepers who may engage more deeply in mattress layers, especially in areas of high pressure like the hips and midsection.
The Nectar Premier, Purple, and Purple Restore Plus all have comfort layers that are thicker than the 4.1″ average.
The Nectar Classic, Nectar Premier Hybrid, and Purple Restore Premier have comfort layers that are thinner than average. But among those three, the Nectar Premier Hybrid and Purple Restore Premier have a support layer that is between 9-10″ thick.
The support layer on the Nectar Classic is only 7.5″ thick. A thinner comfort layer AND a thinner support layer are likely two of the main causes of less-than-amazing pressure relief on this mattress.
Off-Gassing Test
Generally, off-gassing on the Nectar mattresses has a shorter duration than off-gassing on the Purple mattresses. Nectar has a brand average of 5.6 days to off-gas, while the Purple brand average is 13.3 days.
Check out the table below to see how each mattress compares regarding off-gassing.
| Off-Gassing Test | Score | Initial Smell | Smell Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar Classic | 8.3 | Strong | 6 days |
| Nectar Premier | 8.9 | Strong | 4 days |
| Nectar Premier Hybrid | 8.1 | Strong | 7 days |
| Purple | 8.9 | Strong | 4 days |
| Purple Restore Plus | 7.2 | Strong | 10 days |
| Purple Restore Premier | 2.8 | Strong | 26 days |
The average off-gassing duration across all mattresses tested to date is 6 days.
The Nectar Premier and Purple mattresses both off-gas faster than average, a total of only 4 days upon unboxing.
The Nectar Classic takes 6 days and is right at the average level.
The Nectar Premier Hybrid takes slightly longer, at 7 days, for off-gassing and the Purple Restore Plus is just slightly longer, at 10 days.
But the Purple Restore Premier comes in at a whole new level, taking nearly a full month to off-gas (26 days).
Company
Comparing Nectar vs. Purple isn’t always just about the mattress, it’s also about the brand that stands behind the mattress. Of the two brands, Nectar has a higher company score, marked by a longer trial and a longer warranty.
Check out the table below to see how each mattress compares regarding company policies.
| Company | Nectar | Purple |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 9.0 | 8.5 |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 10 years |
| Shipping | $0 | $0 |
| Returns | $0 | $0 |
| Trust | Good | Good |
| Country of Origin | China | USA |
Comparing 98+ brands tested to date, the average trial period is 176 nights and the average warranty is 13 years, excluding 39% of mattresses that offer a lifetime warranty.
Nectar mattresses come with a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty. By comparison, Purple mattresses only have a 100-night trial (265 nights shorter than Nectar) and a 10-year warranty.
Shipping and returns are free from both companies. Another note to mention is that Purple mattresses are produced in the US and Nectar mattresses are manufactured out of China and shipped into the US for sales.
Nectar vs. Purple Testing Data
| Mattress Name | Overall Score | Cooling Score | Motion Transfer Score | Response Time Score | Edge Support Score | Sex Score | Pressure Relief Score | Off-Gassing Score | Company Score | Type | Thickness | Firmness | Sinkage | Bounce | Trial (days) | Ships To | Price (Queen) | Read Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purple | 8.99 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 5.1 | 8.8 | 9 | 8.9 | 8.5 | Specialty | 9.5" | Medium | 2.24" | 12.79" | 100 nights | USA, Canada | $1,299.00 | Review |
| Purple Restore Plus | 8.88 | 9 | 7.2 | 10 | 10 | 9.9 | 9 | 7.2 | 8.5 | Specialty | 13" | Medium Slightly Firm | 1.99" | 12.2" | 100 nights | USA, Canada | $2,599.00 | Review |
| Nectar Luxe Hybrid | 8.76 | 9 | 8.1 | 9 | 7.8 | 7.3 | 10 | 8.6 | 9 | Memory Foam Hybrid | 13.5" | Medium | 2.62" | 7.27" | 365 nights | USA, Canada | $1,399.00 | Review |
| Nectar Ultra | 8.71 | 10 | 9.1 | 5.6 | 8.1 | 6.4 | 10 | 8.6 | 9 | Memory Foam | 15" | Medium | 3.06" | 3.85" | 365 nights | USA, Canada | $1,799.00 | Review |
| Nectar Luxe | 8.59 | 9 | 8.7 | 7.9 | 6.8 | 6.5 | 10 | 9.2 | 9 | Memory Foam | 13.75" | Medium | 2.45" | 5.37" | 365 nights | USA, Canada | $1,249.00 | Review |
| Nectar Premier | 8.52 | 9 | 7.9 | 8.8 | 7.9 | 7.2 | 9 | 8.9 | 9 | Memory Foam | 13" | Medium | 2.12" | 6.38" | 365 nights | USA, Canada | $949.00 | Review |
| Nectar Hybrid | 8.49 | 9 | 8.2 | 8 | 8.7 | 8.7 | 8 | 8.3 | 9 | Hybrid | 12" | Medium-Firm | 2.37" | 9.87" | 365 nights | USA, Canada | $799.00 | Review |
| Purple Plus | 8.49 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 7.3 | 9.1 | 9 | 6.9 | 8.5 | Specialty | 11" | Medium-Firm | 2.03" | 11.28" | 100 nights | USA, Canada | $1,699.00 | Review |
| Purple Restore Premier | 8.47 | 9 | 6.7 | 10 | 9.9 | 8.8 | 9 | 2.8 | 8.5 | Specialty | 13" | Soft Medium-Firm | 1.82" | 9.46" | 100 nights | USA, Canada | $3,099.00 | Review |
| Nectar Premier Hybrid | 8.43 | 9 | 8.2 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.3 | 9 | 8.1 | 9 | Memory Foam Hybrid | 13" | Medium | 2.54" | 7.41" | 365 nights | USA, Canada | $1,099.00 | Review |
| Nectar Classic | 8.42 | 9 | 8 | 7.4 | 9.4 | 8.2 | 8 | 8.3 | 9 | Memory Foam | 11.5" | Medium-Firm | 1.91" | 8.07" | 365 nights | USA, Canada | $649.00 | Review |
| Purple Restore | 8.31 | 9 | 6 | 10 | 8.9 | 9.6 | 8 | 6.1 | 8.5 | Specialty | 11" | Medium Slightly Firm | 1.9" | 14.42" | 100 nights | USA, Canada | $1,999.00 | Review |
| Purple Renew | 8.28 | 9 | 8.5 | 10 | 7 | 7.9 | 7 | 8.6 | 8.8 | Specialty | 11" | Medium-Firm | 1.98" | 8.87" | 365 nights | USA | $1,399.99 | Review |
| Purple Flex | 7.69 | 8 | 6.5 | 10 | 7.1 | 9.1 | 6 | 8.9 | 8.5 | Specialty | 8" | Medium-Firm | 1.66" | 11.29" | 100 nights | USA, Canada | $1,099.00 | Review |
