COUPON: Save $25 on any Sparrow mattress with code NAPLAB25.
Best For
- Great pressure relief and comfort for sleepers of all sizes
- Excellent cooling, despite having a pretty significant level of hug and sinkage
- Lifetime Exchange Renewal program provides good value for long term use
Considerations
- When lying directly on the edge it’s not as supportive as it is closer to the middle
- 2.7″ of sinkage is on the deeper side. Sleepers will need to like a more pronounced hug.
Our Verdict
The Nest Bedding Sparrow, originally named the Alexander Signature Hybrid, is a blended mattress made with coils and foam. It comes in three different firmness levels—plush, medium, or firm.
This mattress offers excellent cooling, moderate to deep sinkage, moderate motion transfer, fast response time, high bounce height, good sinkage, and exceptionally good pressure relief.
Overall, this is a fantastic mattress for a wide range of sleepers. The Sparrow offers exceptionally good performance across the board. When you consider the price point there just isn’t much to complain about.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Plush (3.5), Medium (5), Firm (8)
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 9 different factors that impact the comfort and feel of the mattress. Testing categories include:
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cooling | Excellent |
| Sinkage | Very Deep |
| Motion Transfer | Very Low |
| Response Time | Extremely Fast |
| Bounce | High |
| Edge Support | Excellent |
| Sex | Excellent |
| Pressure Relief | Exceptional |
| Off-Gassing | Excellent |
| Company | Exceptional |
How is the Nest Bedding Sparrow Different?
The Nest Bedding Sparrow has a better overall performance than the average mattress, but is also more expensive—35% more than the average hybrid mattress.
Advantages
Advantages for the Sparrow include slightly higher cooling performance, 15% less motion transfer than average, slightly faster material response time, 4% less sinkage when sitting directly at the edge of the mattress, and 1.8″ more comfort material.
Neutral Factors
This mattress also has 23% deeper sinkage than average as well as 10% more bounce than average. These two factors are neither good nor bad, but more a matter of personal preference than anything else.
Disadvantages
The Sparrow barely beats the average mattress in nearly every single performance category. The only real disadvantages to this mattress are the slightly higher cost as well as the slightly longer off-gassing period.
| Factor | Nest Bedding Sparrow | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.76 | 9.52 |
| Price | $1,812 | $1,340 (Hybrid only) |
| Cooling | 9.5 | 9.4 |
| Max Sinkage | 2.70″ | 2.18″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 7.12 m/s² | 8.34 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.3 sec. | 0.4 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 10.64″ | 9.62″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 4.00″ | 4.14″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 12.0″ | 11.9″ |
| Sex Overall | 9.9 | 9.6 |
| Comfort Material | 6.0″ | 4.2″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Moderate | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 2 days | 5 days |
| Trial | 365 nights | 165 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 27% have lifetime warranties, average of other 73% of mattresses is 14 years |
Cooling Test
The Nest Bedding Sparrow mattress has good cooling performance overall. In our objective tests, we measured a maximum surface level of temperature 90.6°F.
This is slightly better than the average across all mattresses we’ve tested to date, which is 90.9°F. I was pleased with the heat dissipation curve on the Sparrow mattress.
Baseline Temp.
81.1°F
Max Temp.
90.6°F
Ending Temp.
83.6°F
Within 1 minute after I got off of the mattress the surface temperature had declined to 86.1° F, a drop of 4.5°.
That drop is also notably better than the average, the average being a 3.9° decline by 1 minute. We saw another significant temperature drop from 1 to 2 minutes before it more gradually leveled up through the 5-minute mark.
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
This type of heat dissipation curve indicates that the mattress is able to dissipate most of the retained heat within the first 2 minutes.
Most mattresses we’ve tested have a more gradual dissipation that takes the full 5 minutes. My subjective experience while testing the cooling on the mattress matched what we recorded with our objective data.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
The mattress felt cool for the duration of the test. Despite a fairly significant level of hug and sinkage, the mattress does a nice job at breathing well and keeping any hot spots away from sleepers. I did not feel warm during the cooling test.
Sinkage Test
In our sinkage test we measured a pressure point sinkage of 2.70”. This is deeper than average, which is 2.18” across all mattresses we’ve tested to date.
Sinkage Depth
2.70″
Sinkage Feel
Very Deep
The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.
Much of this sinkage is to be expected, as the top quilted layer easily gives way to pressure. So while the absolute sinkage number is higher, it’s not the same type of sharp contouring sinkage that more classic memory foam mattresses are known for.
The Nest Bedding Sparrow mattress has a more generalized contour around the body.
This prevents you from feeling overly trapped or “stuck” within the layers of foam. The added sinkage does have the benefit of creating truly amazing pressure relief (which we discuss in-depth below).
Motion Transfer Test
Motion transfer was good, but not great on the Nest Bedding Sparrow mattress. In our accelerometer tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 7.12 m/s².
This is a good bit more than the average across all mattresses we’ve tested to date, which is 8.33 m/s².
The level of motion transfer is documented in the video below.
Given the material construction of the Sparrow mattress, it makes sense. You have a mattress with responsive foams and a pocketed coil base.
Those elements are almost always going to create more motion transfer. The quilted cover does help to minimize the motion to some degree, but it still ends up being more than the average.
Max. Acceleration
4.60 m/s²
Min. Acceleration
-2.52 m/s²
Accel. Range
7.12 m/s²
What does this all mean in layman’s terms?
Well, if you sleep with a partner and are easily disturbed by motion on the mattress, then you may want to consider a different mattress.
Nest Bedding’s all-foam Quail mattress (read review) performed significantly better when it comes to motion, keeping the acceleration range to only 3.61 m/s².
If you are set on a hybrid there are a handful that we’ve tested that still have very low motion transfer levels, despite the hybrid design, including: Layla’s hybrid (2.45 m/s²), the Leesa Legend (4.38 m/s²), and the Purple Hybrid (4.49 m/s²).
Response Test
Overall response time on the Nest Bedding Sparrow mattress was fast. Within 0.3 seconds most of the materials recover back to their original shape.
A full recovery of the materials does take longer at 0.6 seconds.
Mostly Recovered
0.3 sec.
Complete Recovery
0.6 sec.
The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.
Even so, both the mostly recovered and full recovery levels are considerably better than the average across all mattresses we’ve tested to date.
On average we see a mostly recovered time of 0.61 seconds and a full recovery time of 0.97 seconds.
Bounce Test
Bounce was high on the Nest Bedding Sparrow. In our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 10.64”.
Max. Depth
6.15″
Max. Rebound
4.49″
Total Bounce
10.64″
This is a little higher than the average of 9.50”, but nothing crazy. In general, I would say any mattress bounce in the 8-12” range is a typical and comfortable level.
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max Bounce Height
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
It’s high enough that it’s easy to move around on the mattress, and the mattress is also good for sex. However, it’s not too high as to feel excessively bouncy, or too low as to feel dead.
Edge Support Test
Edge support on the Sparrow mattress was great while sitting, but not quite as good while in a lying position.
Max Sinkage
4.0″
Lying Support
Very Good
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
In our sitting tests, we measured a sinkage depth of 4.0”. This is very much within the good to great range and shows a mattress that remains supportive, even when direct pressure is applied to the edge.
Support while lying directly on the edge was good, but not great. The coils themselves feel well supported, by the quilted cover, and the top layer foams feel like they are compressing too much at the absolute edge.
The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.
Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.
Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.
As a result, it just doesn’t feel as supportive while lying directly on the edge as it does more towards the center of the mattress.
Again, it’s certainly not a bad level of edge support, but not quite to the level of many others we’ve tested.
Saatva’s Classic and the Winkbed mattress are other hybrid mattresses that have better edge support, based on our objective data and subjective testing experiences.
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 Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | 60% | 10 | High |
| Edge Support | 20% | 9.5 | Excellent |
| Noise | 10% | 10 | Minimal |
| Pressure Relief | 5% | 10 | Exceptional |
| Cooling | 5% | 9.5 | Excellent |
For the Nest Bedding Sparrow, these individual factors generated a sex score of 9.9.
Looking into the breakdown of what factors make up the sex score, let’s talk through the Sparrow.
First, we’ve got bounce. Bounce makes up 60% of the score and the Nest Sparrow scores a perfect 10—perfect for sex. Edge support is 9.5, which is fantastic and fully supportive. This support leads to great pressure relief that provides a better surface for good sex.
There is really nothing to knock about the Nest Bedding Sparrow when it comes to sex. It’s cool, supportive, bouncy, and engaging.
Pressure Relief Test
Pressure relief is really where the Sparrow mattress outshines others. In my view, Nest Bedding’s quilted covers are some of the absolute best in the industry.
Comfort Layer
6.0″
Support Layer
6.0″
The quilted covers, in combination with the other high-grade foams and pocketed coils, deliver a level of pressure relief that we’ve rarely seen.
The mattress is just a delight to lie on in every position. It’s comfortable and soft, while still being supportive, responsive, and cool.
It does everything I’m looking for when it comes to the pressure relief dynamic.
Off-Gassing Test
There was a moderate level of smell right out of the box. The smell lingered for 2 days.
Initial Smell Strength
Moderate
Off-Gassing Period
2 days
After that, the level of smell was basically gone. On average we see mattresses smell for 2.57 days (based on all of our tests to date).
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 Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Period | 25% | 10 | 365 nights |
| Warranty | 25% | 10 | Lifetime |
| Shipping | 25% | 10 | $0 |
| Returns | 25% | 10 | $0 |
| Country of Origin | 0% | USA |
Nest Bedding first launched in 2011 with an online marketplace as well as a brick-and-mortar store. They have continued to grow, online as well as opening more physical store locations.
As a company, Nest Bedding offers a long 365-night trial period, lifetime limited warranty, and free shipping / returns.
Note: This applies to only one mattress return or exchange per calendar year.
Lifetime Renewal Exchange
Nest Bedding Lifetime Renewal Exchange program is quite unique among the broader mattress world. Essentially, it allows you to get a brand new comfort layer for Nest Bedding mattress (Sparrow, Owl, or Finch models only).
You can request the new comfort layer once per mattress. And you can do it at any time, within the first year, or many years after use.
Nest Bedding will send a replacement comfort layer, which you then simply replace your existing comfort layer by unzipping the cover.
How firm is the Nest Bedding Sparrow?
The Nest Bedding Sparrow comes in three firmnesses—plush, medium, and firm.
While we haven’t tested all firmnesses personally, I estimate the plush to be around 3.5 out of 10 and firm to be around 8 out of 10.
The medium, the firmness we tested, is a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, a true medium.
Support & Sleeping Positions
Support on the Nest Bedding Sparrow mattress was excellent. There is nothing within the design, firmness, or feel that has the potential to create any significant support issues for sleepers.
Since the Sparrow mattress is available in 3 different firmness levels you’ll want to make sure you choose the right firmness for your body.
The vast majority of sleepers are best served by the medium-firm feel. If you’re unsure what firmness is right for you, that usually means you should go with the medium.
If you mostly sleep on your back or stomach AND you weigh more (especially over 300 pounds) then the firm version might be a better option.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you are a side sleeper AND are also fairly lightweight (especially 140 pounds or less) then the plush / soft might be better.
For everyone else, the medium is generally the best choice.
Design
The Nest Bedding Sparrow mattress is a hybrid design, which means it’s made from layers of coils and foam. It has a plush quilted cover that provides contour, hug, and a 12″ profile.
Type
Hybrid
Thickness
12″
Firmness
3.5 / 5 / 8
Materials
The materials from top to bottom are listed below:
- 3.0″ poly foam
- 1.0″ support faom
- 6.0″ pocketed coils
- 1.0″ support foam
The Cover
The cover on the Sparrow is a soft and quilted cover with wing-like stitching. The fabrics are a blend of stretchy, knit cotton.
There are also handles on both long sides of the mattress. These handles use a durable fabric with reinforced stitching that makes it easier to move the mattress.
What’s New? A Zippered Cover
One of the most unique parts of the Nest Bedding Sparrow is the zippered cover. This cover allows you to unzip the top and access the top comfort layer. This feature allows you to replace the primary comfort layer down the road.
The Comfort Layer
The comfort foam consists of a 3.0″ layer of poly foam and a 1.0″ layer of transitional support foam. The comfort foam comes in three firmnesses—plush, medium, and firm.
Nest Bedding offers a program where if you buy the wrong firmness or want to exchange that top layer for any reason, you can. Simply unzip the cover, swap out the foam, and reclose the mattress.
Swapping foams can alter the firmness or extend the life of the mattress of a firmness that is perfect.
Split Firmnesses
You can also select a different firmness for each side (on the King or Cal King only at this time). This is a nice feature for couples with different sleep preferences.
The Coil Layer
The 6.0″ layer of pocketed coils sit directly below the foam layer. This layer contains hundreds of pocketed coils that are individually encased in fabric. This design helps to keep the mattress quiet and also improves pressure relief (since each coil moves independently from one another).
Below the coils is the final layer of support, a single 1.0″ layer of support foam. This layer simply supports the coils and provides the necessary pushback for the coils to do their job.
Product Evolution
Nest Bedding has been making mattresses since 2011, but since the rebranding in 2021, many of their popular models received new names.
For instance, the Love & Sleep became the Quail. And the Natural Latex Hybrid became the Owl.
The Sparrow is one of Nest Bedding’s most popular mattresses, originally coined the Alexander Signature Hybrid.
With the new name also came a few design changes.
What’s New?
The coils on the Sparrow are 2″ shorter than they originally were on the Alexander Hybrid and the foam is no longer copper-infused. This gives the Sparrow a sleeker profile than the original Alexander Hybrid had.
Additionally, the cover has received a significant design aesthetic update.
Beyond that, everything else is more or less the same.
Other Mattresses to Consider
Looking for other options to consider? Check out three alternate recommendations below for mattresses that are similar to the Sparrow.
For Less Bounce
Nest Bedding Quail
All Foam Construction
The Quail by Nest Bedding is an all-foam mattress with a 10″ profile. Because there are no coils, this mattress has less bounce, 8.96″ as opposed to 10.64″ on the Sparrow.
For More Sinkage
Nest Bedding Owl
Natural Latex Hybrid
The Nest Bedding Owl is another hybrid, but it uses natural latex foam instead of poly foam. It has more point sinkage at 2.84″ whereas the Sparrow has 2.70″. Both mattresses have a similar overall score.
For Lower Cost
EcoSleep Luxe
Hybrid on a Budget
The EcoSleep Luxe hybrid uses latex foam and pocketed coils for comfort and support. This mattress has a lower price tag and also a flippable design, which offers two firmnesses—medium or firm, within a single mattress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Nest Bedding Sparrow mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.
Here are the current prices, with any sales or promotions reflected below:
Twin: $759
Twin XL: $919
Full: $1,079
Queen: $1,359
King: $1,599
Cal. King: $1,599
Split Cal. King: $919 (one side)
*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.
The trial is 365 nights, with a 30-night adjustment period.
If after the first 30 nights, you still don’t love it, you can request a return. Shipping and returns are free.
The LRE is a one-time comfort guarantee that can be redeemed either during your first 365-nights of sleep or years after. This program allows you to replace the top layer of foam, at no cost to you, for a brand new layer of foam.
Note: The Sparrow Signature Hybrid, Owl Natural Latex Hybrid, and Finch Natural Latex are the first mattresses to offer the LRE program.
The Nest Bedding Mattress Warranty covers most defects for as long as you own your Nest Bedding mattress. The warranty is a limited lifetime.
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.
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.
