Hey there, mattress shoppers! If you’re stuck deciding between a GhostBed and a Nectar mattress, you’re not alone. These two popular bed-in-a-box brands have been winning hearts with their all-foam designs, affordable prices, and promises of dreamy sleep. But which one’s the right fit for you?

At Mattressnap, we’ve scoured the web, dug into customer reviews, and analyzed expert insights to bring you this in-depth comparison. Let’s break down the key differences and similarities between GhostBed and Nectar in a way that’s easy to understand, so you can make a confident choice. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Overview: GhostBed and Nectar at a Glance

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s set the stage. Both GhostBed and Nectar are well-known players in the online mattress world, offering all-foam mattresses designed for comfort, support, and value. They’re both shipped compressed in a box, come with generous trial periods, and are priced competitively. But their approaches to comfort, materials, and sleep experience differ in ways that could sway your decision.

• GhostBed (by Nature’s Sleep) is a brand with a long history, blending latex and memory foam for a responsive, supportive feel. It’s made in the USA, boasts cooling tech, and has a reputation for durability.
• Nectar is a newer brand (founded in 2016) that focuses on plush, pressure-relieving memory foam with a classic “sink-in” feel. It’s manufactured in China, often comes with unbeatable deals, and emphasizes affordability.

Both brands have their fans, but their mattresses cater to slightly different sleep needs. Let’s compare them across key factors like construction, firmness, comfort, cooling, motion isolation, and more.

Construction and Materials: What’s Inside?

The materials in a mattress determine how it feels, how long it lasts, and how well it performs. Here’s how GhostBed and Nectar stack up.

GhostBed Construction

The GhostBed Classic (the original model we’re focusing on) is an 11-inch all-foam mattress with three layers:

1. Top Layer: 1.5 inches of aerated latex foam. This layer adds bounce, responsiveness, and breathability, helping you stay cool.
2. Middle Layer: 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam. This provides pressure relief and contours to your body without trapping too much heat.
3. Base Layer: 7.5 inches of high-density polyfoam. This sturdy foundation ensures support and durability.

GhostBed’s use of synthetic latex (mimicking natural latex) and high-density foams is a standout. The brand emphasizes quality, with a 4-pound density memory foam (higher than many competitors) and a legacy of US manufacturing. The cover is a soft, stretchy blend of polyester and polypropylene, designed to promote airflow.

Nectar Construction

The Nectar Classic (the flagship model) is a 12-inch all-foam mattress with five layers:

1. Cover: A quilted polyester/nylon blend that’s soft and breathable, with a cooling gel-infused foam layer stitched in.
2. Comfort Layer: 2 inches of gel memory foam for contouring and pressure relief.
3. Transition Layer: 3 inches of dynamically adjusting foam to ease you into the firmer base.
4. Support Layer: 7 inches of high-density polyfoam for stability and durability.
5. Bottom Cover: A shift-resistant layer to keep the mattress in place.

Nectar’s design leans heavily into memory foam, creating a plush, body-hugging feel. The gel foam aims to reduce heat retention, but it’s not as advanced as some competitors’ cooling tech. The mattress is CertiPur-US certified, ensuring no harmful chemicals, but it’s made in China, which some shoppers note as a drawback compared to GhostBed’s US production.

Key Difference: GhostBed combines latex and memory foam for a balanced, responsive feel, while Nectar sticks to memory foam for a deeper, cradling sensation. GhostBed’s materials are slightly higher-end, but Nectar’s thicker profile adds a bit more cushion.

Firmness and Feel: How Do They Sleep?

Firmness is subjective—it depends on your weight, sleep position, and preferences—but it’s a big factor in choosing a mattress. Let’s see how these two feel.

GhostBed Firmness

The GhostBed Classic rates around a 7/10 on the firmness scale, making it medium-firm to firm. Testers describe it as feeling “on top” of the bed rather than sinking in, thanks to the bouncy latex top layer. This firmness suits:

• Back sleepers: The latex and dense base provide excellent lumbar support, keeping your spine aligned.
• Stomach sleepers: The firm feel prevents your hips from sinking too far, which is key for spinal alignment.
• Combination sleepers: The responsive latex makes it easy to switch positions without feeling stuck.

However, strict side sleepers might find it too firm, especially if they’re lightweight, as it may not cushion the shoulders and hips enough.

Nectar Firmness

The Nectar Classic is softer, scoring about a 6/10 to 6.5/10 (medium to medium-soft). It has a classic memory foam feel, where you sink in slowly and feel cradled. This makes it ideal for:

• Side sleepers: The plush memory foam cushions pressure points like shoulders and hips, reducing pain.
• Back sleepers: It offers decent support for average-weight folks, though heavier sleepers might sink too much.
• Fans of memory foam: If you love that “hugged” sensation, Nectar delivers.

Stomach sleepers and heavier individuals (over 230 lbs) may find Nectar too soft, as it can cause the hips to dip out of alignment.

Key Difference: GhostBed feels firmer and more responsive, great for those who want support and ease of movement. Nectar is softer and more conforming, perfect for sinking into a cozy, pressure-relieving hug.

Comfort and Support: Who’s It Best For?

Comfort is about how well a mattress relieves pressure and keeps your spine aligned. Support is about durability and preventing sagging over time. Here’s how GhostBed and Nectar perform.

GhostBed Comfort and Support

GhostBed’s blend of latex and memory foam creates a balanced feel. The latex top layer responds quickly to movement, reducing the “stuck” feeling of traditional memory foam, while the gel memory foam below contours to your body. This makes it versatile for:

• Back and stomach sleepers: The medium-firm feel supports neutral spinal alignment, with testers noting great lumbar support.
• Combination sleepers: The bounce and responsiveness make repositioning effortless.
• People with back pain: The supportive base and cushioning layers help reduce discomfort.

GhostBed’s edge support is also impressive for an all-foam mattress, making it stable for sitting or sleeping near the edge. However, side sleepers needing deep pressure relief might want a softer option.

Nectar Comfort and Support

Nectar’s memory foam excels at pressure relief, especially for side sleepers. The thick comfort layers contour to your body, easing tension in the shoulders and hips. It’s supportive for:

• Side sleepers: The softer feel cushions joints, making it a top pick for this group.
• Back sleepers: Average-weight sleepers get a good balance of comfort and support.
• Couples: Nectar’s excellent motion isolation means you won’t feel your partner’s movements.

However, Nectar’s support can falter for heavier sleepers or stomach sleepers, as the softer foam may allow too much sinkage. Durability is also a concern—some reviews note body impressions over time, though the lifetime warranty offers peace of mind.

Key Difference: GhostBed offers firmer, more versatile support for multiple sleep styles, while Nectar prioritizes plush comfort for side sleepers and those who love memory foam.

Cooling: Which One Keeps You Cool?

Nobody wants to wake up sweaty. Cooling is a big deal, especially for foam mattresses, which can trap heat. Let’s see how these two fare.

GhostBed Cooling

GhostBed is designed with hot sleepers in mind. Its cooling features include:

• Aerated latex top layer: Latex is naturally breathable, with pinholes for airflow.
• Gel-infused memory foam: The gel helps dissipate heat.
• Ghost Ice fabric (in some models like the Luxe): This proprietary material actively cools the surface.

Testers and customers praise GhostBed for sleeping cooler than many foam mattresses. It’s a great choice for hot sleepers or warm climates.

Nectar Cooling

Nectar tries to combat heat with:

• Gel-infused memory foam: Draws heat away from the body.
• Breathable cover: The quilted cover promotes some airflow.

However, Nectar’s thick memory foam layers can still retain heat, especially for hot sleepers. It’s not as effective as GhostBed or other cooling-focused mattresses like the GhostBed Luxe or Cocoon Chill.

Key Difference: GhostBed sleeps cooler thanks to its latex layer and advanced cooling tech, making it the better pick for hot sleepers. Nectar’s cooling is decent but not top-tier.

Motion Isolation: Good for Couples?

If you share a bed, motion isolation matters. A good mattress absorbs movement so one partner’s tossing doesn’t wake the other.

GhostBed Motion Isolation

GhostBed’s foam layers do a solid job of isolating motion, but the bouncy latex top layer makes it slightly less effective than pure memory foam. It’s still good for couples, especially those who don’t mind a bit of responsiveness. However, if your partner is a restless sleeper, you might feel some movement.

Nectar Motion Isolation

Nectar shines here. Its thick memory foam layers absorb motion exceptionally well, making it one of the best all-foam mattresses for couples. You’re unlikely to feel your partner’s movements, which is a big plus for light sleepers.

Key Difference: Nectar is the clear winner for motion isolation, making it ideal for couples. GhostBed is decent but not as effective.

Durability and Warranty: Which Lasts Longer?

A mattress is an investment, so you want it to last. Let’s look at durability and warranty.

GhostBed Durability and Warranty

GhostBed’s high-density foams and premium materials suggest strong durability. The 4-pound memory foam and continuously poured synthetic latex are less likely to sag or crack. Customer reviews often mention years of consistent support.

• Warranty: 20 years (10 years non-prorated, 10 years prorated).
• Trial Period: 101 nights.
• Return Policy: Free returns after a 30-day minimum trial.

Nectar Durability and Warranty

Nectar’s foam is durable for its price point, but some reviews note body impressions over time, especially for heavier sleepers. The lifetime warranty offsets this concern, as it covers defects and sagging over 1.5 inches.

• Warranty: Lifetime (forever warranty).
• Trial Period: 365 nights.
• Return Policy: Free returns.

Key Difference: GhostBed likely has a slight edge in durability due to higher-quality foams, but Nectar’s lifetime warranty and longer trial period are hard to beat for peace of mind.

Price and Value: Which Offers More Bang for Your Buck?

Price is a big factor, especially when both brands are budget-friendly. Here’s a look at 2025 pricing for a queen-size mattress (prices may vary with discounts):

• GhostBed Classic: ~$1,200–$1,400 (often discounted to ~$800–$1,000).
• Nectar Classic: ~$900–$1,100 (often discounted to ~$600–$800).

Nectar is typically cheaper, especially with frequent promotions (like up to 66% off bundles). GhostBed’s higher price reflects its premium materials and US manufacturing. Both offer great value, but:

• GhostBed is worth it if you prioritize cooling, durability, and a firmer feel.
• Nectar is a steal for budget shoppers who love soft memory foam and want a long trial period.

Key Difference: Nectar is more affordable, but GhostBed justifies its price with better materials and cooling.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

What do real users say? We checked reviews across the web, including sites like Sleepopolis, CNET, and Consumer Reports, plus customer feedback.

GhostBed Reviews

• Rating: ~4.8/5 from customers.
• Praise: Users love the supportive feel, cooling properties, and ease of movement. Back and stomach sleepers often report reduced pain and better sleep. The US-made quality and responsive customer service get high marks.
• Complaints: Some side sleepers find it too firm. A few mention off-gassing (a temporary foam smell) after unboxing.

Nectar Reviews

• Rating: ~4.7/5 from customers.
• Praise: Side sleepers rave about the pressure relief and cozy memory foam feel. Couples appreciate the motion isolation. The 365-night trial and lifetime warranty are big draws.
• Complaints: Some report heat retention and delivery delays. Heavier sleepers note sagging over time. A 2021 FTC settlement over false origin claims raised eyebrows, though Nectar has since focused on transparency.

Key Difference: GhostBed has a slight edge in customer satisfaction and brand trust, but Nectar’s affordability and trial period keep it competitive.

Who Should Buy Which Mattress?

Let’s sum it up with clear recommendations based on your needs.

Choose GhostBed If:

• You’re a back or stomach sleeper who needs firm support.
• You’re a combination sleeper who changes positions often.
• You sleep hot and want advanced cooling tech.
• You value US-made quality and premium materials.
• You want a balanced, responsive feel over a deep memory foam hug.

Choose Nectar If:

• You’re a side sleeper or love a plush, cradling memory foam feel.
• You share a bed and need excellent motion isolation.
• You’re on a tight budget and want the best deal.
• You prefer a longer trial period (365 nights vs. 101).
• You don’t mind a softer mattress and moderate cooling.

Final Verdict: GhostBed or Nectar?

Both GhostBed and Nectar are fantastic mattresses, but they cater to different sleepers. GhostBed is the better all-rounder, offering a firmer, cooler, and more durable option for back, stomach, and combination sleepers. Its premium materials and US manufacturing add a layer of trust.

Nectar, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly gem for side sleepers and memory foam lovers, with unbeatable motion isolation and a generous trial period.

At Mattressnap, we lean slightly toward GhostBed for its versatility and cooling, but if you’re after a cozy, affordable memory foam experience, Nectar is tough to beat. Consider your sleep style, budget, and priorities, and you’ll find the perfect match. Sweet dreams!