If you’re on this page, you’re likely deciding whether to buy the Nectar or Purple mattress. And I get it — both of these beds are super popular and come highly recommended by experts and layfolk alike. But though they may share a certain level of street cred on the Internet, these bed-in-a-box mattresses couldn’t be more different. So, which one is right for you? Well, let’s find out!
Below, we’re going to pit these mattresses against one another in a full-on slumber party smackdown. That’s right, we’re going to compare and contrast their unique construction specs and feel profiles so you can decide once and for all which bed is the one for you.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into my Nectar vs. Purple comparison! Short on time? Skip down to my comparison summary.
Nectar vs Purple
Product
Firmness
Score
Nectar vs Purple
Nectar vs Purple: Which is Better for You?
Depending on your body type, preferred sleeping position, and whether or not you sleep with a partner or pet, one of these beds is likely to be the best mattress for your needs. Take a look at some of my recommendations below.
Who Should Buy Nectar
- The Nectar is a better choice for anyone who wants a more “in” the bed feel. You’ll really sink into this bed, which can be great for side sleepers and back sleepers who like a lot of contouring.
Who Should Buy Purple
- The Purple is the way to go if you’re a combination sleeper. The Purple offers a grid that has a nice bouncy feel and is easy to move around on.
- I’d recommend hot sleepers go with the Purple. The breathable structure of the grid promotes airflow and prevents the mattress from trapping body heat.
I think both beds are good choices for back sleepers. They’re both around medium-firm, and this firmness level promotes a neutral spinal alignment while lying on one’s back. I’d also readily recommend both mattresses to couples. They both have good motion isolation, meaning you’re unlikely to be disturbed by your partner’s movements at night. However, you may be surprised to find better durability and edge support with the traditional memory foam Nectar, which means you’ll be able to utilize the space of the entire mattress.
Nectar vs Purple
Product
Firmness
Score
Nectar vs Purple
Nectar vs Purple: Similarities and Differences
The Nectar and Purple are both high-quality mattresses. They both use layers of foam and are around the industry standard for medium-firm. However, they have very different overall feels, mostly thanks to the Purple’s unique grid structure. Take a look at how they compare below, and I’d encourage you to check out my full Purple mattress review and Nectar mattress review.
Main Similarities
- Perhaps the biggest similarity between these two mattresses is that they utilize high-density poly foam for support. This base material provides stability and shape to both structures.
- The Nectar and Purple are both bed-in-a-box mattresses, so they arrive compressed and need a day or two to fully expand.
- Though we’re only looking at the original Nectar and Purple models in this comparison, it’s worth noting that both brands sell a variety of different mattresses, some of which we’ll discuss later on in this guide!
Main Differences
- While the Nectar uses gel memory foam in its comfort layer, the Purple uses a Hyper-Elastic Polymer grid. The Purple grid has a very unique feel — you either love it or you hate it. Though I would like to highlight that it gives some great balanced pressure relief and its open structure adds some nice breathability to the bed.
- The Nectar has a memory foam feel and you’ll definitely feel more “in” this bed than “on top” of it. Conversely, the Purple bed has a bouncier and more buoyant feel.
Purple and Nectar Mattress Feel Comparison
Now that we’ve gone over the construction specs, let’s figure out how these beds actually feel. To do this, I’m going to examine these mattresses for different feel factors such as firmness, pressure relief, bounce, and sinkage.
It’s important to note, though, that all of these factors are inherently subjective and can change a lot depending on one’s body size, shape, and weight. So, my read of these beds could very well differ from your own! For reference, I’m 5’3”, weigh around 110 lbs, and prefer to sleep on my side.
Nectar
My coworkers and I decided the Nectar is a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. When compared to the industry standard of 6.5 for medium firmness, this bed is on the slightly softer side.
As we explored above, the Nectar is primarily built of plush memory foam, which means most folks will experience it as quite gentle. Everyone interacts with memory foam differently — some sleepers sink straight through the material while others take a bit longer to do so. Nevertheless, most sleepers will likely feel more “in” the Nectar than “on top” of it. This vibe could work for many folks, but perhaps especially so for back sleepers and side sleepers who are over about 130 lbs (lighter side sleepers might not sink through the Nectar enough). On the other hand, stomach and combo sleepers may find the bed touch too soft for their needs.
Purple
The Purple is a much firmer mattress, so snagged a 7 out of 10 from me. Again, when compared to the industry standard of 6.5 for medium firmness, this bed is solidly firm.
Like the Nectar mattress, the Purple’s overall vibe is dominated by a single material — its Purple Grid™. However, where Nectar’s memory foam layers produce a ton of sinkage, body-contouring, and pressure relief, Purple’s grid establishes a vibe that’s bouncy, supportive, and firm. This could be a slam dunk for combination sleepers who need to move around and change positions in the night. Back and stomach sleepers may also enjoy the firm lift they’ll receive from the Purple mattress. Side sleepers, on the other hand, likely won’t get the relief they need at the shoulders and lower back to make the Purple a sound choice for them. It’s also worth noting that the Purple is quite breathable and cool.
Comparing What it’s Like to Sleep on the Nectar and the Purple
Each mattress will feel different depending on your personal preferences and attributes like body weight and sleeping position. Let’s see how the Nectar and Purple mattresses perform for a variety of sleepers!
Nectar
Back — This bed’s firmness is a touch softer than medium-firm, but its support will still keep these sleepers’ spines neutrally aligned. And for the back sleepers who like to feel “in” the bed, there’s some great contour here too.
Side — There’s a lot of conforming to the body here that side sleepers will love. However, sleepers on the lighter side may not sink to their desired level.
Stomach — These sleepers often require a 7 out of 10 and above on the firmness scale, which means this bed could be a bit too soft.
Body Weight — The Nectar will feel firmer for people under 130 lbs since they won’t necessarily feel all the sink it has to offer, while it will likely be far too soft for people over 250 lbs.
Purple
Back — These sleepers should enjoy the “on top” of the bed feeling they get with this mattress. It should offer the right amount of firmness and lift to keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Side — If you’re in need of shoulder or lumbar pain relief, this mattress won’t offer what you need, so I wouldn’t recommend it.
Stomach — Stomach sleepers should also enjoy the lift on this mattress, which will keep their spine in a healthy alignment.
Body Weight — Sleepers under 130 lbs will likely find the Purple to be too firm, while those over 250 lbs might find that it’s not firm enough.
Comparing Purple and Nectar Prices
When deciding between the Nectar and Purple mattresses, your decision may very well come down to price! So, let’s take a peek at how much they cost in our pricing chart. And remember that you can always visit our Nectar coupon page or Purple coupon page to save big on both of these mattresses.
Prices listed will be before discount or offer for each size.
Size Nectar Purple Twin $798 $699 Twin XL $968 $899 Full $1,198 $1,099 Queen $1,298 $1,299 King $1,598 $1,699 California King $1,598 $1,699
Nectar vs Purple
Product
Firmness
Score
Nectar vs Purple
Comparing Nectar and Purple Mattress Materials
In this section, I’m going to give you a brief rundown of each bed’s unique construction. Though these are both foam beds without innerspring coils, their materials are quite different.
Nectar
Cover – The party kicks off with a cozy mattress cover that’s made from quilted polyester and nylon that’s nice and breathable.
Comfort Layer- Beneath the cover, you’ll land on a top layer of gel memory foam. This material has a slow response to pressure, so provides plenty of space for the sleeper to sink in for deep contouring relief at the shoulders, hips, and lower back. And though memory foam has a slight reputation for overheating at night, Nectar has mitigated this issue with a cooling gel infusion.
Transition Layer – Underneath the first layer of memory foam lies a section of what Nectar calls soft conventional foam. With a quicker response to pressure than the memory foam above it, this layer helps to ease the sleeper into the firmer base below.
Base Layer – As mentioned above, the base layer is made of high-density poly foam. This firm material gives the bed its stability and shape, working to cradle and support the softer foams above it.
Purple
Cover – The Purple cover is crafted from a soft knit fabric that’s gentle and stretchy.
Comfort Layer- Right underneath the cover is where you’ll spy the brand’s signature Purple Grid™. This bouncy, almost rubbery material has a quick response to pressure with walls that collapse under the sleeper’s weight. This creates a slight contouring feeling that should provide some nice comfort to the pressure points at the shoulders and lower back. It’s worth noting, however, that the pressure relief here won’t be as deep (or intense!) as the relief you’re likely to experience on the Nectar mattress.
Transition Layer – Below the grid lies a layer of transitional poly foam, which functions primarily to support the bouncy comfort layer and ease the sleeper into the firmer foam base below.
Base Layer – Once again, we arrive at a foundational layer of high-density poly foam. As in the Nectar, this material brings shape and stability to the overall structure.
Nectar vs Purple: Best Qualities
After giving these mattresses a thorough vetting, it’s time to wrap up this comparison with a few final thoughts. Below, I’ll highlight all my major takeaways and provide you with some expert recommendations to help you choose the right new mattress for you.
First and foremost, I think those in need of deep pressure relief at the shoulders, hips, and lower back should stick with the Nectar mattress. Built as it is with thick layers of plush memory foam, this bed provides plenty of body-contouring and sinkage. If you’re someone who wants to feel more “in” your mattress than “on top” of it, this could be the bed for you.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who wants to feel more “on top” of your mattress, then I’d recommend going with the Purple. This bed has a bouncy, supportive, medium-firm vibe that should work well for combo sleepers or other folks who want to move and change positions in the night. I’d also add that the Purple sleeps cooler than the Nectar, which could be an important consideration for hot sleepers and couples.
To get even more specific about my recommendations, let’s summarize a few of my favorite aspects of each mattress.
Nectar Best Features
- If you’re a fan of memory foam mattresses, you could find a lot to love in the Nectar mattress. In my opinion, this bed embodies all the best attributes of the material, namely its deep sinkage, cozy body-contouring, and targeted pressure relief.
- For that reason, side sleepers with shoulder pain could be especially well-suited to the Nectar. These folks are likely to experience plenty of relief as they press into the structure overnight.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The original Nectar mattress is a pressure-relieving, yet supportive, bed. It’s made with a thick layer of gel memory foam, which allows the sleeper to really sink into its surface.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The original Nectar mattress is a pressure-relieving, yet supportive, bed. It’s made with a thick layer of gel memory foam, which allows the sleeper to really sink into its surface.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Purple Best Features
- I like this mattress best for back/side combo sleepers, thanks in large part to its immense bounce and medium firm vibe.
- It’s also a great cooling mattress option for hot sleepers as the open-cell Purple Grid™ promotes plenty of airflow in the night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Purple has a unique comfort layer of GelFlex Grid, which offers great pressure-relief and cooling. It has a medium-firm feel should appeal to a range of sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Purple has a unique comfort layer of GelFlex Grid, which offers great pressure-relief and cooling. It has a medium-firm feel should appeal to a range of sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Purple Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Purple Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Purple Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Comparing Company Policies
Nectar Policies
- Trial Period – 365-night trial
- Shipping – Free
- Mattress Warranty – Forever warranty (which is really just a lifetime warranty)
Purple Policies
- Trial Period – 100-night sleep trial
- Shipping – Free
- Mattress Warranty – 10-year warranty
Comparing Purple and Nectar Customer Service
Here at Sleepopolis, we like to personally interact with each brand’s customer service representatives. This way, you’ll know whether or not the brand will be there to help if you need it. Each brand can receive one of four scores: Stellar, Great, Satisfactory, or Poor.
Purple Sleepopolis Customer Service Rating
Stellar: When I went on Purple’s site the customer service chat function immediately popped up to ask if I had any questions, and when I did ask a question it was answered politely and in detail.
Nectar Sleepopolis Customer Service Rating
Great: I gave Nectar a Great rating because when I asked a question in their chat function, I was immediately paired with a helpful agent. He answered my question thoughtfully and even offered to hop on the phone to help me place my order.
Comparing Other Models from Purple and Nectar
As I mentioned at the beginning of this comparison, both Nectar and Purple sell a few different mattresses. So, let’s explore some of them below!
Nectar Lush
- This supremely soft mattress is made up of five foam layers for a feel that’s deeply pressure-relieving and luxurious.
- So, if you’re a side sleeper looking for a super plush feel, I think the Lush could be a fantastic option for you. It also sleeps a little cooler than the original Nectar.
- One thing to note, though, is that the Lush is more expensive than the Nectar, which could be a dealbreaker for budget shoppers.
- For more on this bed, check out my full Nectar Lush mattress review.
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
Purple Hybrids
Aside from the original Purple mattress, the brand also sells a few different hybrid mattresses. All of these beds combine the brand’s signature Purple Grid™ with layers of springy pocketed coils. If you’re looking for hybrid mattresses, I recommend taking a look at our top picks for best hybrid mattresses.
- Purple Hybrid: The firmest Purple mattress, the Purple Hybrid features a 2-inch thick Purple Grid™ over a tall section of pocketed coils. This produces a firm and bouncy feel that could work well for back and stomach sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Purple Hybrid is a cooling, responsive bed that is a great option for back sleepers. It's made with Purple's proprietary grid layer, which has a unique feel that combines comfort and responsiveness.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Purple Hybrid is a cooling, responsive bed that is a great option for back sleepers. It's made with Purple's proprietary grid layer, which has a unique feel that combines comfort and responsiveness.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Purple Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Purple Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Purple Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
- Purple Hybrid Premier: There are two Premier models, one of which is built with a 3-inch Purple Grid™ and one of which is built with a 4-inch grid. Therefore, these beds are much softer than either the original Purple mattress or the Purple Hybrid. For that reason, I’d recommend them for side and combination sleepers.
The Purple Hybrid Premier is a softer version of the Purple Hybrid. It comes in two versions: the Hybrid Premier 3 and the Hybrid Premier 4. These numbers refer to the thickness of the mattress's comfort layer. Back sleepers should be happy on the Premier 3, while the Premier 4 is a nice choice for side sleepers looking for added pressure relief.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Purple Hybrid Premier is a softer version of the Purple Hybrid. It comes in two versions: the Hybrid Premier 3 and the Hybrid Premier 4. These numbers refer to the thickness of the mattress's comfort layer. Back sleepers should be happy on the Premier 3, while the Premier 4 is a nice choice for side sleepers looking for added pressure relief.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Purple Hybrid Premier is a softer version of the Purple Hybrid. It comes in two versions: the Hybrid Premier 3 and the Hybrid Premier 4. These numbers refer to the thickness of the mattress's comfort layer. Back sleepers should be happy on the Premier 3, while the Premier 4 is a nice choice for side sleepers looking for added pressure relief.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Purple Hybrid Premier Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Purple Hybrid Premier Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Purple Hybrid Premier Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Other Common Purple and Nectar Comparisons
Wondering how the Purple and Nectar stack up to some of their competitors from other online mattress companies? Take a look at some of our other comparisons below.
Nectar
- Nectar vs Casper
- Nectar vs GhostBed
- Nectar vs DreamCloud
- Nectar vs Leesa
- Nectar vs Puffy
- Nectar vs Tuft & Needle
Purple
- Casper vs Purple
- Purple vs Puffy
- Leesa vs Purple
- Purple vs Tempurpedic
- Layla vs Purple
- DreamCloud vs Purple
- Nectar vs Purple
Our Review Process
Our Sleepopolis reviewers personally test each mattress. We start by unboxing the mattress to figure out how difficult (or easy) it is to get the mattress from the box to the bed. Then, we spend time laying on the bed in different positions, taking time to assess it on our backs, stomachs, and sides. Next, we perform our Sleepopolis tests, using specialized tools to measure qualities like motion transfer, bounce, and pressure relief. Our last step is to open up the mattress and take a look at each layer. These steps allow us to give our final verdict on the mattress. Jump back to our mattress picks.
