Nest Bedding Quail Review

In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs

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	Nest Bedding Quail	Average
Overall Score	9.04	8.63
Price (Queen)	$1,104	$1,099 (Foam only)
Cooling – Score	9.0	8.7
Sinkage – Depth	2.31″	2.15″
Sinkage – Feel	Deep	Moderate
Motion Transfer – Score	10	8.2
Motion Transfer – Acceleration	3.61 m/s²	8.66 m/s²
Response Time – Score	10	8.9
Response Time – Mostly Recovered	0.2 sec.	0.4 sec.
Response Time – Fully Recovered	0.3 sec.	0.9 sec.
Bounce – Height	8.96″	9.70″
Bounce – Feel	Moderate	Moderate
Edge Support – Score	7.5	8.6
Edge Support – Sitting	5.50″	4.06″
Edge Support – Lying	Good	Good
Sex – Score	8.0	8.5
Pressure Relief – Score	9.0	8.8
Comfort Layer Thickness	5.0″	4.1″
Mattress Thickness	10″	12.0″
Off-Gassing – Score	9.7	8.4
Off-Gassing – Smell	Minimal	Strong
Off-Gassing – Days	1 day	6 days
Company – Score	9.0	8.7
Trial	365 nights	168 nights
Warranty	Lifetime	25% have lifetime warranties, average of other 75% of mattresses is 13 years

How is Nest Bedding Quail Different?

The Nest Bedding Quail mattress has better overall performance than average and a price tag that is below average—6% less than the average foam mattress for a savings of $64 (on a queen mattress).

Advantages

Other advantages include better cooling performance, 58% better motion transfer than average, faster material response time, 20% more comfort material than average, and less off-gassing than average.

Neutral Factors

This mattress has 6% deeper sinkage than average as well as 8% less bounce than average. Both sinkage and bounce are preferential factors and not really used to determine if a mattress is good vs. bad, as different sleepers will have different preferences.

Disadvantages

The biggest disadvantage of the Quail is poor edge support, where we measured 33% deeper sinkage when seated directly at the edge (compared to the average mattress). This mattress is only 10″ thick, 2″ thinner than average, so this could also lead to pressure relief or support issues for heavier sleepers.

Overall cooling performance on the Nest Bedding Quail mattress was excellent. In our objective tests, we measured a maximum surface level temperature of 90.2°F.

• 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

This is moderately cooler than the average maximum temperature across all mattresses we’ve tested to date, which is 90.8°F.

Heat dissipation was also excellent on the mattress. After getting off the mattress, by the 1-minute mark it had reduced from 90.2° to 86.6°, a reduction of 3.6°.

The Nest Bedding Quail continued gradual stepdown declines from minutes 2 to 5, finishing at 83.7°F.

Heat Dissipation Over Time

Subjectively speaking, I was pleased with the level of cooling comfort on the mattress.

Despite the all-foam design, the Quail did an excellent job at remaining breathable.

The Energex foam performs notably better than more typical poly foam, in addition to memory foam.

In addition, the transitional 2.0” poly foam layer of convoluted foam helps further improve airflow. These factors combine to keep the mattress on the cooler side.

In our pressure point tests, we measured a sinkage depth of 2.31”.

This is slightly deeper than the average sinkage across all mattresses we’ve tested to date, which is 2.16”.

The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.

Even so, 2.31” is not unreasonable by any stretch. It’s sufficiently deep enough to provide excellent contour and hug around the body, but not so deep as to create new issues.

Mattresses that provide too much sinkage can create support, pressure relief, and cooling issues. 2-2.5’ish inches of sinkage is the sweet sinkage spot for most sleepers.

Motion transfer on the Nest Bedding Quail mattress was extremely low. In our accelerometer tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 3.61 m/s².

These results are significantly better than the average across all mattresses we’ve tested to date, which is 8.52 m/s².

The level of motion transfer is documented in the video below.

An acceleration range of less than 5.0 m/s² is excellent, and the Quail exceeds even that. As a result, the Quail mattress is an excellent bed for couples.

The layers of foam do a nice job at keeping motion to a minimum so partners won’t disturb each other getting in / out of bed or moving around during the night.

Looking at our motion transfer chart we can see that the initial medicine ball drop generates a moderate level of motion for 0.3 seconds.

However, that motion is quickly dissipated by the layers of foam. There is a very low level of energy detected from 0.3 to 0.7 seconds, after which we return to zero motion.

We expected a extremely fast response time from the Quail mattress, but certainly not this fast.

Within 0.2 seconds the mattress is mostly recovered and by 0.3 seconds the materials have fully rebounded to their original shape.

The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.

This is lightning fast. In fact, it’s tied for the fastest response time we have tested to date (tied with mattresses including Purple’s mattress line, Awara’s latex hybrids, EcoSleep’s hybrid, Ghostbed Luxe, and a handful of others).

The incredibly fast response time means you’ll never feel stuck in the mattress. The materials within the mattress move as quickly as you do, dynamically and rapidly adjusting to your body so you always feel well-supported.

There is a high level of bounce on the Nest Bedding Quail mattress. In our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 8.96”.

This is just a little less than the average, which comes in at 9.65”. Nearly 9 inches of bounce for an all-foam mattress is pretty rare though.

The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.

The top layer of Energex foam does really seem to play a big factor. It has the same type and level of bounce as you often see with latex foam.

As a result, this gives the mattress a more traditional feel, which can help make it an easier transition for sleepers who have historically slept on spring mattresses.

All of that said, having more bounce isn’t necessarily better or worse. It’s more a preferential factor. However, in my view, 8-12” of bounce is sort of the sweet spot.

It’s enough that the mattress feels easy to move around and is enjoyable for sex, but not so much or so little that you end up with other problems.

Edge support was fair, but nothing special on the Nest Bedding Quail. While sitting directly on the edge of the mattress we measured a maximum compression of 5.5”.

This is a good bit more than what we see on average, which is 4.11”.

The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.

Generally, I like to see a compression around 4.0” or less, so we’re a good bit away from that at 5.5”.

In addition to sitting edge support being less than great, edge support while lying on the mattress also leaves something to be desired. Again, it’s not bad, just not as good as I’d like to see.

The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.

While lying directly on the edge of the mattress I have a sensation of being rolled off of the bed.

In addition, I just don’t feel as well supported at the edge as I do in the center of the mattress. If you frequently sleep on or near the edge, the Nest Bedding Quail mattress probably isn’t the best choice.

The best mattresses for sex have high bounce, good edge support, quiet materials, and good pressure relief and cooling.

These 5 factors make up the NapLab sex performance score.

Sex Factor	Factor Weight	Score	Rating
Bounce	65%	8.1	High
Edge Support	20%	6.9	Mediocre
Noise	5%	10	Minimal
Pressure Relief	5%	9.0	Excellent
Cooling	5%	9.0	Excellent

Let’s break down that score.

First, bounce. Bounce is one of the most important aspects of good sex on any mattress as it creates an energizing and engaging surface. It’s paramount to good sex.

Edge support is another fairly important factor and it’s a bit lacking on the Quail. I generally like to see 4.0″ of sinkage or less and the Quail came in at 5.5″, which is far from ideal.

Beyond these two factors, noise, pressure relief, and cooling were all satisfactory. The mattress is quiet, breathable, and has good pressure relief. Good scores all around!

Overall, I found pressure relief to be excellent. The Nest Bedding Quail mattress has 5.0” of comfort in a 10” total thickness.

That means 50% of the total mattress is dedicated to providing pressure relief and comfort. Energex is one of my all-time favorite poly foams (is it weird to have a favorite branded poly foam formulation?).

It’s been around for many years and has the best characteristics of both memory foam and latex foam, while minimizing their less desirable attributes.

When you add the 3.0” Energex layer to the 2.0” transitional poly foam the Quail mattress has all of the necessary layers to create excellent pressure relief for the majority of sleepers.

There was only a minor level of odor upon the initial unboxing of the mattress.

What little smell there was has fully dissipated within 1 day. This is just about as good as it gets when it comes to off-gassing for standard poly foam mattresses.

The company score takes a look at factors that may influence your experience with the mattress.

Factors include length of the trial period, warranty, shipping / return costs, and country of origin.

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

Nest Bedding first launched in 2011 with an online marketplace as well as brick-and-mortar stores located in the California Bay Area off the Pacific coast.

Since its inception, Nest Bedding has continued to grow in size and in mattress offering.

They have a handful of different models now and a consistent set of terms and policies to support their lineup.

All Nest Bedding mattresses have a 365-night trial period and a lifetime limited warranty or for as long as you own the mattress.

Shipping is free and returns are free. (Note: This applies to only one mattress return or exchange per calendar year).

The Nest Bedding Quail mattress comes in two firmnesses—medium and lux firm.

Medium is around a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, a true medium.

The firmer one is called the Lux Firm and I’m estimating the firm to be around an 8 out of 10.

Overall, I felt well-supported by the mattress. It’s slightly softer than many medium-firm mattresses, which is still within the normal range that most sleepers will find comfortable.

You can use the table below to see who we recommend the Quail mattress for:

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

Given that it’s a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale I could see some heavier weight (especially 300+ pounds) back and stomach sleepers finding that it doesn’t quite have enough support.

Heavier sleepers may prefer the firmer Lux Firm Quail. The table below shows who may be best suited for this option:

Sleeper Weight	Stomach Sleepers	Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.	Maybe	No	Maybe
150-250 lbs.	Maybe	No	Maybe
250-300 lbs.	Yes	Maybe	Yes

For those sleepers, you’re probably better off going with Nest Bedding’s Owl or Sparrow mattresses. However, for all other body types and sleeping positions, the Nest Bedding Quail offers excellent support at a budget-friendly price point.

Many heavier sleepers may find the firm version is better suited, simply as there will be more pushback and support in all sleeping positions.

All of that said, most sleepers (around 85% according to most surveys I’ve seen) still prefer a medium feel in the 5-7 firmness range. So do keep that in mind when deciding on what firmness is right for you.

Design

The Nest Bedding Quail mattress is a combo foam mattress with a 10″ profile and a balanced feel. It uses two different kinds of poly foam and high-density support foam for an all-foam construction.

Materials

Here is an inside look at the materials that fall between the cover. There are three layers:

• 3.0″ poly foam
• 2.0″ poly foam
• 5.0″ support foam

One important note, the material layers on the Nest Bedding Quail firm version are quite different. Instead of 3 layers there are only 2 layers, including:

• 2.0″ Polyfoam (Energex)
• 8.0″ Support foam

The Cover

The cover on the Quail mattress is a soft, breathable fabric with an off-white and light gray pattern.

This cover also has phase change properties which helps to prevent heat retention while you sleep.

The Comfort Layer

The comfort layer is made up of two layers of poly foam. The top layer is a 2.0″ Energex poly foam followed by a secondary layer of convoluted poly foam.

This lower layer has ridges and valleys, which promote airflow and breathability within the mattress as well as provide softness.

The Support Layer

The last layer of this mattress is the base of comfort foam. This foam is the highest-density material in the mattress and supports the foam layers above.

Product Evolution

The Quail mattress, formerly known as the Love and Sleep, was originally launched as a budget option for sleepers looking for an affordable mattress at a lower cost than their luxury options like the Alexander Signature or Alexander Hybrid (now called the Nest Bedding Sparrow mattress).

Originally as the Love & Sleep, the mattress was made up of:

• Top: Energex poly foam (3.0″)
• Middle: Poly foam (1.0″)
• Bottom: Support foam (5.0″)

Today, the Love & Sleep, now called the Quail, has 1 extra inch of convoluted poly foam in the middle. The layers are listed below:

• Top: Energex poly foam (3.0″)
• Middle: Poly foam (2.0″)
• Bottom: Support foam (5.0″)

This extra inch of poly foam adds softness, improves breathability, and also improves pressure relief by offering a thicker comfort layer—5.0″ instead of just 4.0″ on the original Love & Sleep.

Other Mattresses to Consider

Not sure that the Nest Bedding Quail is the right pick for you? Consider these other options below for our top recommendations that have slightly different offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Nest Bedding Quail mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.