
Nectar Premier Review
Editor's Score
Independently researched & rated
- Pressure relief
- 9.2
- Support
- 8.2
- Cooling
- 7.6
- Motion isolation
- 9.6
- Edge support
- 7.4
- Value
- 9.4
Our Verdict
Best budget-friendly memory foam mattress for side sleepers and lighter individuals
Best For:
Why you can trust this review
See how we research and rate products in our methodology.
What We Like
- ✓Best value memory foam mattress in the budget tier
- ✓Excellent pressure relief for side sleepers
- ✓Phase-change cooling cover manages heat well for a foam mattress
- ✓365-night trial — longest in the industry
- ✓Forever warranty signals confidence in durability
What Could Improve
- ✗Slow foam response makes position changes feel sluggish
- ✗Below-average edge support — common for all-foam mattresses
- ✗May feel too soft for stomach sleepers and heavier back sleepers
The Nectar Premier delivers the classic memory foam experience — deep contouring, excellent pressure relief, and a cozy body-hugging feel — at a price that undercuts nearly every competitor in its class. It's the most affordable mattress in our top picks, and it pairs that low price with a 365-night trial and forever warranty that make the purchase essentially risk-free.
Based on our research, the Nectar Premier is the best option for side sleepers on a budget, lighter individuals who want maximum pressure relief, and anyone who loves the slow, cradling feel of traditional memory foam.
Construction and Materials
The Nectar Premier uses a four-layer all-foam design:
- Phase-change cooling cover — A quilted cover infused with phase-change material that absorbs and releases heat to regulate surface temperature
- ActiveComfort gel memory foam (3 inches) — The primary comfort layer providing contouring and pressure relief with gel infusion for cooling
- Dynamic Support foam (2 inches) — A transition layer that prevents you from sinking too deep into the mattress
- Base layer foam (7 inches) — High-density polyfoam foundation for structure and durability
The total height is approximately 13 inches. The phase-change cover is a meaningful upgrade over the standard Nectar, and it makes a noticeable difference in heat management.
Comfort and Feel
The Nectar Premier rates at approximately 5.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale — medium. This is the prototypical memory foam feel: you lie down, slowly sink into the foam as it responds to your body heat and weight, and the mattress conforms closely to your body shape.
The sinking sensation is more pronounced than hybrid mattresses. If you enjoy the feeling of being cradled by your mattress — like sleeping in a custom-molded surface — the Nectar Premier delivers that experience very well. If you prefer a bouncy, "on top of the mattress" feel, this isn't the right fit.
For side sleepers: Excellent. The 3-inch memory foam layer provides deep contouring that relieves pressure at the shoulders and hips effectively. Independent pressure-mapping reviews show minimal hot spots for average-weight side sleepers.
For back sleepers: Good for sleepers under 200 lbs. The memory foam contours to the natural curve of the spine and the transition layer prevents excessive sinking. Back sleepers over 200 lbs may find their hips sink too deep, creating misalignment.
For combination sleepers: Below average. The slow response of memory foam makes changing positions feel sluggish. You'll leave a body impression that takes several seconds to recover, which can feel restrictive when rolling from side to back.
For stomach sleepers: Not recommended. The medium feel allows too much hip sinking for stomach sleepers, which creates lower back strain.
Cooling Performance
The phase-change cooling cover is the Nectar Premier's answer to memory foam's heat problem. Phase-change material absorbs body heat when the surface gets warm and releases it when the surface cools down, creating a thermoregulation cycle that keeps the surface more consistent than standard foam.
By independent testing and owner accounts, the Nectar Premier sleeps notably cooler than most all-foam mattresses — impressive for memory foam. However, it still sleeps warmer than hybrid mattresses (which have coil airflow) and significantly warmer than the Purple Original's ventilated grid.
The cooling cover makes the Nectar Premier viable for warm sleepers who want memory foam, but if you run very hot, a hybrid or the Purple Original will serve you better.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation is where all-foam mattresses excel, and the Nectar Premier is no exception. The dense memory foam absorbs movement remarkably well. Independent motion-transfer testing and owner reports rate it among the very best for couples of any mattress we cover.
If your partner's tossing and turning keeps you awake, the Nectar Premier will make the biggest difference of any mattress we cover.
Edge Support
Edge support is the Nectar Premier's most notable weakness, and it's a common issue with all-foam mattresses. Without a coil support system or reinforced perimeter, the foam compresses significantly when you sit or lie near the edge. This reduces the usable sleep surface by a few inches on each side and makes getting in and out of bed feel less stable.
For couples sharing a queen, this edge compression can be a meaningful issue. Consider upgrading to a king for more usable space, or look at hybrid alternatives if edge support matters to you.
Value Assessment
The Nectar Premier comes in well below comparable mattresses, making it one of the most affordable picks in its class. The 365-night trial eliminates purchase risk entirely, and the forever warranty suggests Nectar stands behind the product's durability. Nectar also frequently runs sales that push the price down further.
Compared to the pricier DreamCloud Premier, the Nectar Premier sacrifices edge support and responsiveness but gains better pressure relief and motion isolation. It's a trade-off that favors side sleepers and lighter individuals.
Who Should Buy the Nectar Premier?
- Side sleepers who need deep pressure relief at an affordable price
- Budget shoppers who want the best value in memory foam
- Couples who prioritize motion isolation above all else
- Lighter sleepers (under 200 lbs) who will benefit most from the medium feel
- People who love memory foam's classic contouring hug
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Stomach sleepers — the medium feel doesn't provide enough support
- Hot sleepers who need maximum cooling — consider the Purple Original
- Heavy sleepers (230+ lbs) — the foam may compress too much, consider a hybrid
- Combination sleepers who change positions frequently — memory foam's slow response feels restrictive
- Anyone who needs strong edge support — hybrid mattresses are significantly better
Frequently Asked Questions
The Premier adds a phase-change cooling cover, a thicker comfort foam layer, and higher-quality materials throughout. The standard Nectar costs a bit less but sleeps warmer and has thinner comfort layers. For side sleepers, the Premier's extra cushioning is worth the upgrade.
Like most memory foam mattresses, the Nectar Premier has a mild new-foam smell when first unboxed. It typically dissipates within 24–48 hours. The smell is non-toxic (CertiPUR-US certified foam) but can be noticeable in smaller bedrooms. Open a window to speed up the process.
With proper care, the Nectar Premier should maintain its comfort and support for 7–10 years. Using a mattress protector and rotating the mattress every 3–6 months will extend its lifespan. The forever warranty covers manufacturing defects and sagging greater than 1.5 inches.
For side sleepers and lighter back sleepers with pain, yes — the pressure-relieving memory foam reduces stress on the spine and joints. However, heavier individuals or those with back pain who sleep on their stomach should look at firmer options that prevent the hips from sinking.
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