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Nest Bedding Quail Review

Derek Hales

Written by: Derek Hales

Updated On:

Nest Bedding Quail cover photo
9.59 Overall Score
Tested With Scoring System 1.1
9.5 Cooling
10 Motion Transfer
10 Response Time
8.8 Edge Support
9.5 Sex
9.5 Pressure Relief
9.9 Off-Gassing
10 Company

Best For

  • Excellent cooling, especially for an all-foam mattress
  • Motion transfer is very low at 3.61 m/s²
  • Lightning-fast response time, tied for fastest among all mattresses we’ve tested to date

Considerations

  • Edge support while both sitting & lying isn’t great
  • Heavy-weight stomach and back sleepers may find the medium firmness too soft

Our Verdict

The Nest Bedding Quail, formerly known as the Love & Sleep, comes in two firmnesses—medium (5 out of 10) and lux firm (8 out of 10). It uses a combination of different types of foam to provide comfort and support for a wide range of sleepers.

In our performance tests, it exhibited excellent cooling, moderate sinkage depth, very low motion transfer, very fast response time, moderate bounce, okay edge support (both sitting & lying), and excellent pressure relief.

It’s a balanced mattress that’s designed to fit the needs of a wide variety of body types and sleeping positions. Given the price point, it’s also one of the best value mattresses we’ve tested to date.

Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium (5), Lux Firm (8)
Best For: All Sleeping Positions, All Body Weights

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

YouTube video

Performance Tests

At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.

We test 9 different factors that impact the comfort and feel of the mattress. Testing categories include:

Test Rating
CoolingExcellent
SinkageDeep
Motion TransferExtremely Low
Response TimeExtremely Fast
BounceModerate
Edge SupportGood
SexExcellent
Pressure ReliefExcellent
Off-GassingExcellent
CompanyExceptional

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.

FactorNest Bedding QuailAverage
Overall9.599.51
Price$1,104$1,168 (Foam only)
Cooling9.59.4
Max Sinkage2.31″2.17″
Total Motion Transfer3.61 m/s²8.52 m/s²
Response Time0.2 sec.0.4 sec.
Total Bounce8.96″9.65″
Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage5.50″4.11″
Mattress Thickness10.0″12.0″
Sex Overall9.59.6
Comfort Material5.0″4.2″
Off-Gassing – SmellMinimalStrong
Off-Gassing – Days1 day5 days
Trial365 nights160 nights
WarrantyLifetime26% have lifetime warranties, average of other 74% of mattresses is 14 years
9.5

Cooling Test

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 Temp.

80.9°F

Max. Temp.

90.2°F

Ending Temp.

83.7°F

Max. Temp.

Nest Bedding Quail before cooling
Nest Bedding Quail before cooling

Ending Temp.

Nest Bedding Quail after cooling
Nest Bedding Quail after cooling
  • 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

Heat Dissipation Chart Nest Bedding Quail
Heat Dissipation Chart Nest Bedding Quail

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.

Sinkage Test

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

Sinkage Depth

2.31″

Sinkage Feel

Moderate

This is slightly deeper than the average sinkage across all mattresses we’ve tested to date, which is 2.22”.

The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.

Nest Bedding Quail sinkage test
Nest Bedding Quail sinkage test

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.

10

Motion Transfer Test

Motion transfer on the Nest Bedding Quail mattress was 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.

Max. Acceleration

1.83 m/s²

Min. Acceleration

-1.78 m/s²

Accel. Range

3.61 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.

Nest Bedding Quail motion transfer chart
Nest Bedding Quail motion transfer chart

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.

10

Response Test

We expected a 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.

Mostly Recovered

0.2 sec.

Complete Recovery

0.3 sec.

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.

Bounce Test

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

Max. Depth

2.96″

Max. Rebound

6.00″

Total Bounce

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.

Max. Sinkage Depth

Nest Bedding Quail max bounce depth
Nest Bedding Quail max bounce depth

Max. Bounce Height

Nest Bedding Quail max bounce height
Nest Bedding Quail max bounce height

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.

8.8

Edge Support Test

Edge support was good, just not great 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”.

Max. Sinkage

5.5″

Lying Support

Very Good

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

Sitting, 140 lbs.

Nest Bedding Quail edge support test
Nest Bedding Quail edge support test

Sitting, 200 lbs.

Nest Bedding Quail edge support vest
Nest Bedding Quail edge support with vest

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.

Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.

Nest Bedding Quail side sleeping
Nest Bedding Quail side sleeping

Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.

Nest Bedding Quail side sleeping vest
Nest Bedding Quail side sleeping with vest

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.

9.5

Sex Test

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 FactorFactor WeightScoreRating
Bounce60%9.7Moderate
Edge Support20%8.8Good
Noise10%10Minimal
Pressure Relief5%9.5Excellent
Cooling5%9.5Excellent

For the Quail, these individual factors generated a sex score of 9.5.

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.

Nest Bedding Quail stomach sleeping
Nest Bedding Quail stomach sleeping

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!

9.5

Pressure Relief Test

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

Comfort Layer

5.0″

Support Layer

5.0″

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.

9.9

Off-Gassing Test

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

Initial Smell Strength

Minimal

Off-Gassing Period

1 day

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.

Nest Bedding Quail unboxing
Nest Bedding Quail unboxing
10

Company

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 FactorFactor WeightScoreData
Trial Period25%10365 nights
Warranty25%10Lifetime
Shipping25%10$0
Returns25%10$0
Country of Origin0%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).

How firm is the Quail?

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.

firmness - 5 out of 10 - medium

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

firmness - 8 out of 10

Support & Sleeping Positions

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 WeightStomach SleepersSide SleepersBack Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.YesYesYes
150-250 lbs.YesYesYes
250-300 lbs.YesYesYes

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 WeightStomach SleepersSide SleepersBack Sleepers
Under 150 lbs.MaybeNoMaybe
150-250 lbs.MaybeNoMaybe
250-300 lbs.YesMaybeYes

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.

Type

Foam

Thickness

10″

Firmness

5 or 8

Nest Bedding Quail mattress side
Nest Bedding Quail mattress side

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
Nest Bedding Quail material layers
Nest Bedding Quail material layers

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.

Nest Bedding Quail mattress cover
Nest Bedding Quail mattress cover

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.

Nest Bedding Quail middle poly foam
Nest Bedding Quail middle poly foam

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.

Nest Bedding Quail support foam
Nest Bedding Quail support foam

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.

For More Bounce

Nest Bedding Owl material layers

Nest Bedding Owl

Blend of Foam + Coils

The Owl by Nest Bedding is a classic hybrid that has a quilted cover, latex foam, poly foam, coils, and a support base. It offers more bounce, but also about 4X the level of motion transfer compared to the Quail.

For Edge Support

Nest Bedding Sparrow mattress logo

Nest Bedding Sparrow

Combo Foam on a Budget

The Nest Bedding Sparrow is a hybrid of foam and coils. It has a slightly higher overall score (9.76) compared to the Quail and a lot of the advantage is the edge support. The Sparrow only has 4.0″ of sinkage at the edge and the Quail has 5.5″ of sinkage.

For More Contour

GhostBed Luxe cover

GhostBed Luxe

More Sinkage + Hug

The GhostBed Luxe is a 100% foam mattress with a thicker 13″ profile and a plush quilted cover. The cover uses a phase-change material that also prevents heat retention. This would a good option for side sleepers who are looking for more contour and hug.

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.

How much does the Quail mattress cost?

The cost of the quail memory foam mattress varies depending on what size you’re looking for. Here are the current prices, with any sales or promotions reflected below:

Twin: $584.10
Twin XL: $629.10
Full: $764.10
Queen: $899.10
King: $1,079.10
Cal. King: $1,079.10

*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.

How long is the trial?

The trial is 365 nights, with a 30-night adjustment period.

What is the return policy?

If after the first 30 nights, you still don’t love it, you can request a return. Shipping and returns are free.

How long is the warranty?

The Nest Bedding Mattress Warranty covers most defects for as long as you own your Nest Bedding mattress. Check out Nest Bedding’s complete warranty policy to know things that may not be covered.

Can you try the Quail before you buy?

Yes. Nest Bedding has a number of different showrooms across the country. If you don’t happen to live by one, you can also opt to just buy the mattress and take advantage of the 365-night trial period to see if it’s the right mattress for you.

How to clean a Nest Bedding mattress?

Vacuum dry debris. For other stains or liquid messes, spot clean with cold water and mild detergent. To avoid stains and spills altogether, consider adding a waterproof mattress pad or a 6-sided mattress encasement.

About Derek Hales

Derek Hales

Derek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast CompanyReader's DigestBusiness InsiderRealtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. Derek has personally tested over 320+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.