Whether you’re buying a new car, a pair of shoes, or random knick-knacks you found on Amazon, we all compare things before we buy. We often have an idea about what we want, but research the competition before we commit just in case. Why should the mattress industry be any different? Today we’re weighing in to discuss two of the industry’s most compared brands – Nectar vs. Tempur-Pedic.
In the spirit of full disclosure, Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet is a proud retailer of both Nectar and Tempur-Pedic. As a result, we obviously believe in the products both brands have to offer – otherwise we wouldn’t carry them. We also believe this gives us the knowledge and freedom to answer your questions truthfully and transparently.
Most people consider Tempur-Pedic to be the gold standard within the mattress industry. But how does Nectar measure up? Is a Nectar just as good as a Tempur-Pedic? Or is a Tempur-Pedic mattress worth the extra price? Let’s dive in below.
Nectar vs Tempur-Pedic | Similarities & Differences
As we said above, Tempur-Pedic is often the premium foam mattress brand against which other mattresses are judged. For many of our readers, Tempur-Pedic likely needs no introduction. As the winner of JD Power’s award for Highest Customer Satisfaction in Mattresses for 4 years in a row, and the winner of the same award specific to mattresses purchased online for 2 years running, Tempur-Pedic is among the most awarded brand in the mattress industry.
By comparison, Nectar Mattress is a relative newcomer that has only been around since 2016. However, they’ve managed to make some real waves in the mattress industry since then. First selling exclusively direct-to-consumer online, but now through brick-and-mortar retail partners like ourselves.
On the surface, it appears that these two mattress companies have very similar products. As a result, this invites tons of questions from mattress shoppers. In actuality, it’s the differences – namely the difference in price – that drives these comparisons. From construction to features to price and everything in between, let’s dive into the differences between Tempur-Pedic and Nectar below.
Tempur-Pedic vs Memory Foam: What’s The Difference? Is There One?
This question right here is at the root of almost every comparison between Tempur-Pedic and Nectar or similar memory foam / gel memory foam mattresses. To fully understand the difference between Nectar and Tempur-Pedic, it’s important to know what TEMPUR material is, and what it isn’t.
Do you have a whiskey snob or champagne connoisseur in your family or friend group? Given an opportunity to flex their knowledge, they’ll be sure to shout information like, “If it’s not distilled in Kentucky, it’s not actually bourbon!”, or “Real champagne only comes from grapes grown in the Champagne region of France!” Whether it’s due to something in the atmosphere, something in the water, or perhaps a secret part of the process, industry terms like “bourbon” or “champagne” can only be used to describe very specific whiskeys or sparkling wines.
Well, that’s not unlike Tempur-Pedic and TEMPUR material. In short, Tempur-Pedic is the oft-imitated original, while memory foams and gel memory foams are the imitation. Tempur-Pedic has been very protective about their proprietary manufacturing processes surrounding TEMPUR material since they developed their first mattress in the 1990s. While TEMPUR material is a viscoelastic foam similar to standard memory foam, it also tends to be more durable over time, more resistant to body impressions, and better able to contour to your body’s shape and temperature. In fact, TEMPUR material’s ability to conform to your body is a direct reaction to your body heat.
However, this doesn’t mean that gel memory foams like those found in Nectar’s mattress lineup are mediocre or poor quality. These are high quality gel memory foam mattresses from a reputable manufacturer. They just aren’t TEMPUR material, and we have to make that distinction. However, for many shoppers that is absolutely okay. It all depends on what is most important for you, the buyer.
[Editor’s Note: For a longer discussion about the difference between TEMPUR material and memory foam mattresses, be sure to read our full write-up.]
Nectar vs Tempur-Pedic | Comparing Products, Prices & Features
Nectar Mattress Lineup
At this time, Nectar Mattress offers 6 different mattresses to shoppers. This includes 3 gel memory foam mattresses (Nectar Classic, Nectar Premier, and Nectar Premier Copper) and 3 hybrid models based on them (Nectar Classic Hybrid, Nectar Premier Hybrid, and Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid). With queen size mattresses starting at just $899** with their top-of-the-line hybrid mattress available for only $1,699**, Nectar’s prices are very competitive and offer an excellent value for the money across the board.
Beginning with their most basic offering, the aptly-named Nectar Classic, Nectar includes more and more premium features as you go up with each tier. While base models already include gel-infused memory foams and moisture-wicking covers, the mid-tier and top-tier mattresses add in features like extra transition foam for more buoyancy and bounce, and phase change material and copper-infused cooling covers to help keep hot sleepers cool. Okay, but what about Tempur-Pedic?
[**All prices stated are for queen size mattresses. Prices are current as of February 2023, but are subject to change.]
Tempur-Pedic Mattress Lineup
With 14 different mattresses to choose from, the Tempur-Pedic lineup is substantial – and maybe a bit overwhelming. Starting at $1,999** for a queen size, the most affordable Tempur-Pedic mattresses are the TEMPUR-Cloud Medium and TEMPUR-Cloud Medium Hybrid. These mattresses are sold online only, are compressed in their own sturdy bag, and are shipped directly to your door. Next are the TEMPUR-Adapt and TEMPUR-Adapt Hybrid, both of which are medium-feel mattresses. These are the direct descendents of the original Tempur-Pedic mattresses from years ago.
It’s possible to compare these entry-level Tempur-Pedics to Nectar’s lineup given their similar features and materials. They all include moisture-wicking or cooling covers, two or three foam layers, and supportive pocketed coils in the hybrid models. However, beyond this point, Tempur-Pedic’s product line is really in a whole other category.
Tempur-Pedic’s mid-tier mattress line includes the TEMPUR-ProAdapt mattress (available in soft, medium, medium hybrid, and firm) and TEMPUR-ProBreeze mattress (available in medium and medium hybrid). Meanwhile, Tempur-Pedic’s most luxurious mattresses of all are the TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt (available in soft and firm) and TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze (also available in soft and firm variants).
Compared to Tempur-Pedic’s base models, these mattresses include numerous cutting edge upgrades. Depending on the mattress model, this may include special types of TEMPUR material for greater pressure relief or motion isolation, additional or thicker layers of TEMPUR material, or advanced phase change materials and cooling features that literally pull excess heat away from your body as you sleep.
[**As stated above, all prices stated are for queen size mattresses. These prices are current as of February 2023, but are subject to change.]
Shipping & Delivery, Warranties & Guarantees
When it comes to the convenience of shipping and delivery, it’s hard to beat Nectar and their line of mattresses. Why? Because Nectar is one of the original pioneers of the mattress-in-a-box craze. As a result, every single Nectar mattress comes in a box that is fully shippable. By contrast, Tempur-Pedic offers shoppers a more traditional mattress buying experience. The only exceptions are the TEMPUR-Cloud mattresses, which can be shipped direct to your home.
Due to their origin as a direct-to-consumer, online, mattress-in-a-box seller, Nectar Mattress (along with sister brand DreamCloud) has the #1 sleep trial guarantee and manufacturer warranty in the mattress industry. In the early days, many mattress shoppers were reluctant to buy a mattress sight unseen off the internet. Nectar countered these fears with an almost unbelievable 365-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty against defects, deterioration and any indentation
s deeper than 1.5 inches. For qualifying defects, Nectar guarantees a replacement for the first 10 years and a repair or replacement beyond that.
While Tempur-Pedic’s 90-day sleep trial is more than enough time for most mattress buyers to make up their minds, it’s also significantly shorter than Nectar’s. Also, Tempur-Pedic offers a very competitive 10-year full replacement limited warranty. One note however, is that it only takes an indentation of .75 inches to qualify for a warranty replacement. So, while the warranty period is shorter, it’s more generous to consumers regarding what qualifies as a viable warranty claim.
Nectar vs Tempur-Pedic – Which Mattress Is the Best Fit for You?
Let’s put it all together. Both brands have multiple mattresses spanning a range of price points and feels. Tempur-Pedic is significantly more expensive, but also has far more options to choose from – including more comfort levels and advanced cooling models. Additionally, both companies offer a variety of hybrid models and foam models, although Tempur-Pedic’s viscoelastic TEMPUR material is superior to Nectar’s gel memory foam.
Tempur-Pedic gets the win in terms of construction quality, premium materials, overall design, and durability. Meanwhile, Nectar Mattress has the clear edge when it comes to its sheer value, ease of delivery / transport, and their absurdly good, industry best sleep trials and warranties. As for comfort, that depends largely on the individual sleeper, their unique build, and their sleep position and preferences.
Do we think it’s worth paying more for a Tempur-Pedic mattress in a vacuum where price is no object? Absolutely. We’d put a top-of-the-line TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze or TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt up against any mattress on the planet. However, for shoppers who put less stock in brand names or luxury, a Nectar mattress can provide some of the same features and comforts at a fraction of the price.
Ultimately, buying a mattress is an incredibly personal decision, and there are just so many other factors to consider. The truth is, we can only tell you so much about the mattresses from these two competing brands. At a certain point, you’ve got to feel the differences for yourself. As a Tempur-Pedic Elite Retailer that also proudly carries Nectar’s full mattress lineup, we invite you to pay us a visit! If you’re in North Georgia or the Metro Atlanta area, swing by any of our 6 furniture or mattress stores.
