Best For
- Budgets under $800 (for a queen mattress)
- Great cooling performance
- Deep sinkage with moderate levels of bounce
Considerations
- Slightly more motion transfer than average
- Slower material response time
- Pressure relief is good, but not great
Our Verdict
The Nectar Hybrid mattress is a 12″ hybrid that has a thin cover with a blend of memory foam, poly foam, pocketed coils, and a support foam base.
This mattress has deep sinkage and moderate levels of bounce.
It is available in one firmness level, 6 out of 10, which gives the mattress a medium-firm feel.
In our performance tests, the Nectar Hybrid earned a score of 8.49, ranking it in the top 63% of all mattresses tested to date. While this is still a below-average score, the advantage is that the price is considerably lower than the average.
For a queen mattress, the Nectar Hybrid costs only $799—40% less than the average hybrid for a savings of over $500. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the few disadvantages, the Nectar Hybrid is a fantastic value pick.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Best For: All Sleeping Positions, All Body Weights
In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs
Performance Tests
At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.
We test 10 different factors that impact the performance, comfort, and value of the mattress. We then take the results of that test and compare to every mattress we’ve tested to date.
Check out the full performance table below to see how this mattress ranks:
| Factor | Nectar Hybrid | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.49 | 8.57 |
| Price (Queen) | $799 | $1,335 (Hybrid only) |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 | 8.7 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.37″ | 2.14″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 8.2 | 8.1 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 8.93 m/s² | 8.81 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 8.0 | 8.9 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.5 sec. | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.1 sec. | 0.9 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 9.87″ | 9.57″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.7 | 8.6 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.25″ | 4.02″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent | Good |
| Sex – Score | 8.7 | 8.5 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 8.0 | 8.7 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 3.0″ | 4.1″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 12.0″ | 12.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.3 | 8.1 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 6 days | 7 days |
| Company – Score | 9.0 | 8.7 |
| Trial | 365 nights | 178 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 25% have lifetime warranties, average of other 75% of mattresses is 13 years |
How is Nectar Hybrid Different?
The Nectar Hybrid has an overall performance level that is slightly lower than the average mattress, but also a price that is lower than average as well. Compared to the average hybrid, the Nectar comes in at only $799—40% less than the average hybrid for a savings of over $500.
Advantages
Beyond the price savings, other advantages of the Nectar Hybrid include better cooling performance and slightly lower levels of motion transfer. It off-gasses 1 day faster than average and has great company policies including a long 365-night trial period and a lifetime warranty.
Neutral Factors
This mattress has deep sinkage and moderate levels of bounce. These are considered neutral factors as different sleepers may have different preferences.
Disadvantages
The Nectar Hybrid has a bit slower material response time and sitting edge support is slightly below average.
Cooling Test
The Nectar Hybrid has excellent cooling. During our tests, I did not feel any significant level of heat retention around my body.
Baseline Temp.
76.3° F
Max Temp.
87.7° F
Ending Temp.
78.7° F
The hybrid design helps to bring plenty of airflow into the mattress. In addition, only using 1.0” of memory foam, while not ideal for pressure relief, does help by limiting the number of foams that more easily absorb and retain heat.
Lastly, the thin knit cover is highly breathable.
Max Temp.
Ending Temp
- 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 (5 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after being lied upon and having no one on it for 5 minutes
In our objective temperature tests, we measured a max surface level temperature of 87.7° F, which is 2.0° cooler than the average of 89.7°, based on all of our tests to date.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
When we consider the complete picture of objective data, subjective experience, and material analysis, I’m confident most sleepers will find cooling to be more than sufficient.
Sinkage Test
The Nectar Hybrid has a deep level of sinkage. During our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 2.37”. This is 0.23” more sinkage than the average sinkage depth of 2.14”, based on all of our tests to date.
Sinkage Depth
2.37″
Sinkage Feel
Deep
Heavier parts of my body definitely feel like they are sinking down deeper into the mattress, especially butt, hips, and midsection. Even so, the mattress creates a balanced level of body contouring hug.
The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.
It’s definitely not an overly dramatic hug, which makes sense given that the mattress only uses a 1.0” memory foam comfort layer.
However, there is still ample body contouring hug due to the combination of memory foam and poly foam comfort layers.
In addition, the thin cover allows for the body to more directly engage with the foam layers, further increasing the contour.
Motion Transfer Test
The Nectar Hybrid has a low level of motion transfer. During our tests, we measured an acceleration range of 8.93 m/s². This is 1% more motion transfer than the average of 8.81 m/s².
Max. Acceleration
4.28 m/s²
Min. Acceleration
-4.65 m/s²
Accel. Range
8.93 m/s²
The foams seem to do much of the heavy lifting for motion. Having a 1.0” memory foam layer definitely helps. In addition, utilizing a support foam on the base of the mattress seems to better stabilize the coil unit.
This combination of factors is allowing the Nectar to achieve a motion level that is surprisingly low.
The level of motion transfer is also documented in the video below.
In our motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we can see the highest motion from 0 to 0.14 seconds. Motion drops off thereafter, but remains spikey until 1.00 seconds when we return to near-zero levels.
While I would love to see a shorter motion duration and fewer motion spikes after the initial drop, it’s hard to complain too much given that the worst of the motion is still within the low tier of motion intensity. All that to say, I don’t expect most sleepers will find motion transfer to be a problem.
Response Test
The Nectar Hybrid is a mixed bag for material responsiveness, with a fast time to mostly recovery, but only a moderate time to fully recover.
Mostly Recovered
0.5 sec.
Complete Recovery
1.1 sec.
In our mostly recovered test, we measured a rebound speed of 0.5 seconds, which is 0.09 seconds slower than the average of 0.41 seconds.
In our fully recovered test, we measured a rebound speed of 1.1 seconds, which is 0.20 seconds slower than the average of 0.90 seconds, based on all of our tests to date.
The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.
While most of the foams respond back to shape quickly, the 1.0” memory foam layer takes a moment or two to return to its original shape.
Fortunately, at least for the sake of responsiveness speed, there is only 1.0” of the slower-responding memory foam.
Even so, these responsiveness speeds put the Nectar Hybrid in the bottom 20% for mostly recovered times and the bottom 23% for fully recovered. More sensitive sleepers could find the slower responsiveness causes it to be more difficult to move around on the mattress.
Bounce Test
The Nectar Hybrid has a moderate level of bounce. During our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 9.87”. This is 0.30” more bounce than the average of 9.57”, based on all of our tests to date.
Max. Depth
6.18″
Max. Rebound
3.69″
Total Bounce
9.87″
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max Bounce Height
While the 1.0” memory foam layer doesn’t do much for bounce, the 2.0” poly foam layer and 8.0” pocketed coil unit are both significant bounce drivers.
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
In addition, the thin cover ensures that bounce energy remains more localized, allowing the mattress to create more bounce. Ideally, I like to see 8-12” of bounce.
Within this range, it’s a sweet spot of sorts that maximizes ease of movement and sex performance while minimizing motion transfer.
The Nectar Hybrid is perfectly positioned within that range. As a result, I expect most sleepers will find bounce to be perfectly satisfactory.
Edge Support Test
The Nectar Hybrid has good edge support for sitting and excellent edge support for lying. In our sitting edge support tests, we measured a sitting sinkage compression of 4.25”.
Max Sinkage
4.25″
Lying Support
Excellent
This is 0.23” more sitting sinkage than the average of 4.02”, based on all of our tests to date. Despite the fact the edge support is a little worse than average, it still feels sufficiently supportive.
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
There was no material collapse even while sitting on the absolute edge. Lying edge support was even more impressive. While lying directly on the edge of the mattress I felt well supported in all sleeping positions.
The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.
Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.
Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.
The mattress uses two rows of reinforced edge support coils. These coils, combined with the good material quality, medium-firm feel, and a thick 12.0” profile create the right conditions for solid edge support.
Based on our objective data, subjective experience, and an analysis of the materials, I’m confident most will find edge support to be sufficient.
Sex Test
The Nectar Hybrid has good sex performance. On the positive side, noise is low, cooling is excellent, and bounce is great at 9.87”.
| Sex Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | 65% | 8.7 | High |
| Edge Support | 20% | 8.4 | Good |
| Noise | 5% | 10 | Minimal |
| Pressure Relief | 5% | 8.0 | Good |
| Cooling | 5% | 9.0 | Excellent |
The higher-than-average bounce is the most critical factor in achieving excellent amorous activity performance. Beyond that, we have edge support earning a good score with just 4.25” of sitting edge sinkage.
While this is a little worse than average it’s still serviceable and shouldn’t be a major detractor for most dancers without pants. Lastly, pressure relief is good, though not quite great.
But as with edge support, it will be perfectly serviceable. While there are absolutely mattresses with better amorous performance, the overall sex performance is still good.
Pressure Relief Test
The Nectar Hybrid has a good level of pressure relief. During our tests, I did not feel any significant level of pressure point build-up.
Comfort Layer
3.0″
Support Layer
9.0″
The mattress is equipped with a 3.0” comfort layer consisting of 1.0” memory foam and a 2.0” poly foam layer. I was most pleased with the topmost memory foam layer, which looks and feels to be a higher-quality foam.
However, I’m not blown away by the second layer of poly foam. This poly foam just feels far more basic by comparison.
Based on all of our tests to date, the average comfort layer is 4.0” thick. When we consider that the Nectar Hybrid is a bit short of this with just 3.0” of comfort material, in combination with the poly foam layer being underwhelming in terms of quality and feel, it leaves me wanting more.
All that said, pressure relief was still good. I didn’t feel any notable pressure points and the mattress was comfortable.
However, the comfort layer thickness and quality do worry me about longevity.
For most sleepers, if you can afford the more expensive Nectar Premier Hybrid or Nectar Luxe Hybrid, those feel like easy choices, as the comfort layer is notably better.
Pressure Map – Side Sleepers
| Pressure Relief (PSI) | Average | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | 0.20 | 1.02 |
Pressure Map – Back Sleepers
| Pressure Relief (PSI) | Average | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Back Sleepers | 0.11 | 0.97 |
Pressure Map – Stomach Sleepers
| Pressure Relief (PSI) | Average | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Sleepers | 0.11 | 0.52 |
Off-Gassing Test
Off-gassing on the Nectar Hybrid was strong right out of the box and the odor lasted for 6 days. The mattress smell mimicked the odor of wet paint and was pretty offensive.
Initial Smell Strength
Strong
Off-Gassing Period
6 days
That being said, the average mattress takes a full 7 days to off-gas. Even with the odd smell, it still stopped smelling just one day faster than average.
Company
Nectar mattresses have a 365-night trial period and a lifetime warranty. Shipping is free and returns are too if the mattress ends up not working out.
| Company Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Period | 15% | 10 | 365 nights |
| Warranty | 10% | 10 | Lifetime |
| Shipping | 5% | 10 | $0 |
| Returns | 20% | 10 | $0 |
| Trust | 50% | 8.0 | Good |
| Country of Origin | 0% | USA |
When it comes to company terms, this is basically the best you can get. It checks all our boxes with both a trial and warranty that are longer than the average (comparing over 250+ mattresses tested to date).
How firm is Nectar Hybrid?
The Nectar Hybrid is available in a single firmness, 6 out of 10, which gives the mattress a medium-firm feel.
Support & Sleeping Positions
The Nectar Hybrid has excellent support. During our tests, I felt well-supported in all sleeping positions.
The mattress is equipped with a 9.0” support layer consisting of an 8.0” pocketed coil unit and 1.0” of support foam on the base of the mattress. At 9.0” the Nectar Hybrid’s support layer is notably thicker than the average support layer thickness of 7.9”, based on all of our tests.
While the coil unit isn’t the absolute highest-end unit we’ve tested (no zoned support), it’s not bad by any stretch. I’m pleased to see the 1.0” support foam on the base, which helps to stabilize the total mattress with a strong foundation.
In addition, the coil unit includes two rows of reinforced edge support coils.
Lastly, the mattress has a medium-firm feel. Medium-firm is an ideal firmness and is appropriate to the needs of most sleepers. Overall, I’m pleased with the level of support and expect most sleepers will be as well.
Check out the table below to see the sleeper weights and sleeping positions that would be best suited for this mattress.
| Sleeper Weight | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 150 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 150-250 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 250-300 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Design
The Nectar Hybrid takes the foam-based elements of the original Nectar and combines them with the benefits of pocketed coils. It is 12″ thick and has a medium-firm feel (6 out of 10).
Type
Hybrid
Thickness
12″
Firmness
6
Materials
This mattress includes a combination of foam layers and a pocketed coil support system. From top to bottom, the layers include:
- 1.0” memory foam
- 2.0” poly foam
- 8.0” pocketed coils
- 1.0” support foam
The Law Tag outlines the full breakdown of materials included in this mattress.
- Materials
- Outer Cover
- 78% polyester
- 13% viscose
- 3% barrier coating
- 3% filament poly
- Outer Cover
- Made by: Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC 234 Turner Industrial Park Road Saltillo, MS 38866 USA
- Date of Delivery:
- Finished Size: 60” x 00”
- Net Weight of Filling Mat: 80
- Model: M14031UN
The Cover
The cover of the Nectar Hybrid is a similar cover as what we’ve historically seen on other Nectar mattresses being that it is thin, stretchy, and breathable. It is made of a combination of polyester and viscose.
The sides of the Nectar Hybrid have wide strap handles that make it easier to rotate or transport the mattress.
The Comfort Layer
The comfort layer of the Nectar Hybrid is made up of two layers—a memory foam and a transitional poly foam.
The 1.0″ memory foam (orange) sits at the top of the mattress and is the first material sleepers engage with directly below the cover.
The 2.0″ poly foam (green) is below the memory foam and works as a transitional layer to ease the transition between memory foam and the support material below.
The Support Layer
The support layer includes an 8″ layer of pocketed coils. These coils are individually encased in fabric and these separate pockets allow each spring to move independently of each other, resulting in better pressure relief.
Below the coils is a base layer of 1.0″ high-density support foam. This foam at the base helps to provide stability and structure to the mattress.
Product Evolution
The Nectar Hybrid was launched in August 2022. It is the first hybrid mattress sold by Nectar in the USA.
We first tested this mattress in 2022 and then again in 2024 when the design was updated.
Check out the table below to see how the two models compared over time.
| Specs | Nectar Hybrid (2022) | Nectar Hybrid (2024) |
| Thickness | 12″ | 12″ |
| Cover | Thin cover | Thin cover |
| Comfort Layer | 2.0″ gel memory foam 1.0″ poly foam | 1.0” memory foam 2.0” poly foam |
| Support Layer | 8.0″ pocketed coils 1.0″ support foam | 8.0” pocketed coils 1.0” support foam |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm (6.5) | Medium-Firm (6) |
| Overall Score | 7.87 | 8.49 |
There are a number of aesthetic changes that happened between the two mattress versions.
The most notable change happens in the comfort layer, where the mattress lost 1.0″ of memory foam and gained 1.0″ of poly foam between 2022 and 2024. In addition, it’s clear some of the specific foam types, suppliers, and manufacturers have also changed between the two versions.
The combination of these changes was a significant positive boost to the overall performance and score for the 2024 redesigned Nectar Hybrid.
Other Mattresses to Consider
Not sure if the Nectar Hybrid is the right pick for you? Check out these three other hybrid mattresses for under $1,000 you may want to consider.
For Performance
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite
9.20 Overall Score
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite is a 13″ hybrid with a medium-firm feel. It has minimal sinkage, very high bounce, and outperforms or ties the Nectar Hybrid in 7 out of the 8 testing categories we score for. Comparing all mattresses tested to date, the Emma is the best hybrid under $1000.
For Cooling
Casper Cooling Select
8.63 Overall Score
The Casper Cooling Select is an 11.75″ hybrid designed for better cooling performance. It has minimal sinkage and moderate levels of bounce with a price tag that closely mimics the budget price of the Nectar Hybrid.
For Side Sleepers
Bear Pro Hybrid
8.54 Overall Score
The Bear Pro Hybrid is a 10″ hybrid mattress with a plush quilted cover and deep sinkage. It is available in two firmness levels, medium (5) or medium-firm (6), and would be a good option for side sleepers looking for that deeper level of sinkage without the hug of traditional memory foam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Nectar Hybrid mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.
Here are the current prices, with any sales or promotions reflected below:
Twin: $499
Twin XL: $749
Full: $749
Queen: $799
King: $999
Cal. King: $999
Split King: $1,498
*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.
The Nectar Classic is an all-foam mattress and the Nectar Hybrid uses a combination of foam and pocketed coils. Compared to the Nectar Classic, the Nectar Hybrid has a slightly higher overall performance (8.42 on the Classic compared to 8.49 on the Hybrid). But the Classic has a lower price tag. A queen Nectar Classic is $649, but a queen Nectar Hybrid mattress is about $150 more ($799 for a queen).
