Welcome to our in-depth review of the Nectar Hybrid Mattress on Mattressnap! If you’re shopping for a mattress that balances affordability, comfort, and support, the Nectar Hybrid might be on your radar. Known for its memory foam heritage, Nectar has ventured into the hybrid space, combining foam and coils to appeal to a broader range of sleepers.
We’ve scoured the web, analyzed expert reviews, and dug into performance data to bring you a conversational, easy-to-read breakdown of this mattress. Let’s dive into whether the Nectar Hybrid is the right fit for your sleep needs!
Best For
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for a hybrid mattress under $1,000 (queen size retails at $799).
- Back sleepers who need a medium-firm feel for spinal alignment.
- Couples seeking good motion isolation to minimize partner disturbances.
- Hot sleepers who want a breathable hybrid design to stay cool.
- All body weights due to its supportive coil system and medium-firm feel.
Considerations
- Side sleepers under 130 pounds may find it too firm, leading to pressure buildup at the shoulders and hips.
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds might experience excessive sinkage, affecting spinal alignment.
- Combination sleepers could struggle with slower foam response when switching positions.
- Edge support is only average, so it may not feel secure for those who sleep or sit near the edge.
- Off-gassing takes about a day, which could be an issue for odor-sensitive sleepers.
Our Verdict
The Nectar Hybrid is a solid value pick for budget shoppers who want a hybrid mattress with decent cooling, good motion isolation, and reliable support for back sleeping. Scoring 8.49/10 in performance tests, it ranks in the top 63% of mattresses tested, despite being 40% cheaper than the average hybrid.
Its medium-firm feel (6/10) suits most sleepers, but side sleepers under 130 pounds and heavyweight stomach sleepers may want to explore softer or firmer options. With a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty, it’s a low-risk choice for those prioritizing affordability and company policies.
Performance Tests
To give you a clear picture, we’ve compiled insights from rigorous testing by sleep experts, focusing on key performance metrics like cooling, sinkage, and pressure relief. Here’s how the Nectar Hybrid stacks up.
How is Nectar Hybrid Different?
The Nectar Hybrid stands out from Nectar’s all-foam lineup by incorporating pocketed coils for added support and breathability. Unlike the original Nectar Classic, which is softer and foam-heavy, the hybrid offers a medium-firm feel with a bit more bounce and responsiveness. Priced at $799 for a queen, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to pricier hybrids like the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite or Bear Star Hybrid, though it sacrifices some edge support and pressure relief for cost savings.
Cooling Test
The Nectar Hybrid earns high marks for cooling, making it a great pick for hot sleepers. Its breathable polyester cover, minimal 1-inch memory foam layer, and pocketed coil system promote airflow, reducing heat retention. During tests, testers noted no significant heat buildup, with baseline and ending temperatures staying comfortable. Compared to all-foam mattresses, the hybrid design excels at dissipating heat, though it’s not as advanced as premium cooling mattresses like the Casper Cooling Select.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
- Baseline Temp: Cool to the touch before lying down.
- Max Temp (15 mins): Slight warmth but no overheating.
- Ending Temp (5 mins post-lying): Returns to near-baseline, indicating good heat dissipation.
Sinkage Test
The Nectar Hybrid has deep sinkage (2.36 inches at pressure points), which is 0.21 inches more than the average of 2.15 inches. This creates a gentle hug, ideal for those who like a bit of contouring without feeling stuck. However, lightweight side sleepers may find it too firm, while heavier sleepers might sink too far, especially when stomach sleeping.
Motion Transfer Test
With a score of 8.5/10, the Nectar Hybrid performs well for couples. Its memory foam layer and individually wrapped coils absorb movement effectively, reducing disturbances from a restless partner. Motion transfer is slightly better than the average hybrid, though it doesn’t match the near-perfect isolation of all-foam models like the Nectar Classic.
Response Test
The Nectar Hybrid’s response time is slower than average due to its 1-inch memory foam layer, which takes about 0.8 seconds to fully recover. This can feel sluggish for combination sleepers who change positions frequently. Hybrids like the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite, with faster-responding foams, may be better for those needing quick adaptability.
Bounce Test
The mattress has moderate bounce (9.87 inches), slightly above average, thanks to its pocketed coils. This level of bounce supports ease of movement and contributes to its good sex performance (score of 8.8/10). However, it’s not as lively as high-bounce mattresses like the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite (11 inches).
Edge Support Test
Edge support is a weak point, with 4.25 inches of sitting sinkage (slightly worse than the 4.67-inch average). The reinforced edge coils provide decent stability when lying near the edge, but sitting support feels squishy, which could be an issue for seniors or those who use the edge frequently. Couples may also find the usable surface area limited.
Sex Test
The Nectar Hybrid scores well for sex (8.8/10) due to its moderate bounce, quiet materials, and excellent cooling. However, its average edge support and slower response time slightly hinder performance compared to bouncier hybrids like the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite. It’s a solid choice for intimacy but not the top performer.
Pressure Relief Test
Pressure relief is good but not exceptional (8.5/10). The 1-inch memory foam layer provides light cushioning, best for back sleepers and side sleepers between 130-230 pounds. Side sleepers under 130 pounds may feel pressure at the shoulders, while those over 230 pounds might need a thicker comfort layer, like the Nectar Luxe Hybrid’s 5 inches.
Pressure Map – Side Sleepers
- Lightweight (<130 lbs): Noticeable pressure at shoulders due to firmness.
- Average (130-230 lbs): Balanced cushioning at hips and shoulders.
- Heavy (>230 lbs): Slightly inadequate relief due to thin foam layer.
Pressure Map – Back Sleepers
Pressure Map – Stomach Sleepers
- Lightweight (<130 lbs): Firm surface prevents midsection sagging.
- Average (130-230 lbs): Mild sinkage, but generally supportive.
- Heavy (>230 lbs): Excessive sinkage may misalign spine.
Off-Gassing Test
The Nectar Hybrid has a mild off-gassing odor that dissipates in about 1 day, faster than the 6-7 day average for most mattresses. This is a plus for those sensitive to smells, though airing out the room is recommended during setup.
Company
Nectar offers industry-leading policies:
- 365-night trial: One of the longest, giving you a full year to test.
- Lifetime warranty: Covers defects and impressions over 1.5 inches.
- Free shipping and returns: Hassle-free delivery and returns.
- Made in China, but quality control is solid, with CertiPUR-US certified foams ensuring no harmful chemicals.
How Firm is Nectar Hybrid?
The Nectar Hybrid rates 6/10 on the firmness scale, a medium-firm feel that’s slightly softer than the Nectar Classic Hybrid’s 7/10. It strikes a balance between cushioning and support, making it versatile for most sleepers. Back sleepers will appreciate the firmness, while side sleepers may prefer a softer option like the Nectar Premier Hybrid (5/10).
Support & Sleeping Positions
The Nectar Hybrid’s 12-inch profile and pocketed coil core provide robust support for all sleeping positions, though some groups fare better:
- Back Sleepers: Ideal for all weights, with coils and foam maintaining neutral spine alignment.
- Side Sleepers: Best for 130-230 pounds; lightweight sleepers may feel too much pushback, and heavy sleepers need more cushioning.
- Stomach Sleepers: Great for those under 130 pounds; heavier sleepers risk midsection sagging.
- Combination Sleepers: Moderate bounce helps, but slower foam response may hinder quick transitions.
Design
The Nectar Hybrid is a 12-inch hybrid mattress blending memory foam comfort with innerspring support. Its straightforward design prioritizes affordability without skimping on essentials like cooling and motion isolation. The medium-firm feel and budget-friendly price make it a practical choice for value-driven shoppers.
Materials
The Nectar Hybrid’s construction includes six layers, each serving a specific purpose.
The Cover
A breathable polyester blend cover with antimicrobial treatment keeps the surface cool and hygienic. It wicks moisture and enhances airflow, contributing to the mattress’s excellent cooling performance.
The Comfort Layer
- 1-inch gel-infused memory foam: Provides light contouring and pressure relief while minimizing heat retention.
- 2-inch adaptive polyfoam: Adds responsiveness and prevents excessive sinkage, supporting spinal alignment.
The Support Layer
- 8-inch pocketed coils: Individually wrapped for motion isolation and support, with thicker edge coils for perimeter stability.
- 1-inch polyfoam base: Reinforces the coils, reduces noise, and enhances durability.
All foams are CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring they’re free of harmful chemicals.
Product Evolution
The Nectar Hybrid is an evolution of Nectar’s all-foam Classic, introduced to offer more support and breathability. Recent updates include a fiberglass-free design and refined coil system for better edge support and airflow. Compared to the Nectar Premier Hybrid (13 inches, softer at 5/10) and Luxe Hybrid (more cooling and plushness), the Classic Hybrid remains the most affordable hybrid in Nectar’s lineup.
Other Mattresses to Consider
If the Nectar Hybrid doesn’t fully meet your needs, here are three alternatives based on performance, cooling, and side sleeping.
For Performance
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite
- Price: ~$999 (queen).
- Why: Outperforms Nectar in 7/8 test categories, with better cooling, less motion transfer (38% less), and superior pressure relief. Its minimal sinkage and high bounce suit combination sleepers. However, off-gassing takes 8 days.
- Best For: Those wanting top-tier performance under $1,000.
For Cooling
Casper Cooling Select
- Price: ~$799 (queen).
- Why: Matches Nectar’s price and cooling but offers a thicker comfort layer (4.5 inches) for better pressure relief. It has minimal sinkage and moderate bounce, though edge support is weaker. Off-gassing takes 15 days, a notable drawback.
- Best For: Hot sleepers on a budget.
For Side Sleepers
Bear Pro Hybrid
- Price: ~$999 (queen).
- Why: Offers deeper sinkage and a plush cover, ideal for side sleepers needing pressure relief (9/10 score). Available in medium (5/10) or medium-firm (6/10), it’s better for lighter sleepers than Nectar.
- Best For: Side sleepers seeking a softer, contouring feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does the Nectar Hybrid cost?
A: A queen-size Nectar Hybrid retails for $799, with frequent discounts. Check Nectar’s website for current promotions.
Q: Is the Nectar Hybrid good for couples?
A: Yes, its strong motion isolation and cooling make it great for couples, though edge support could be better for maximizing surface area.
Q: How long does off-gassing last?
A: The mild odor typically dissipates within 1 day, faster than the 6-7 day average.
Q: Can I return the Nectar Hybrid?
A: Yes, Nectar offers a 365-night trial with free returns, giving you ample time to decide.
Q: Is it suitable for heavy sleepers?
A: It supports all weights but may not provide enough pressure relief for side sleepers over 230 pounds or firm enough support for stomach sleepers in that range.
Final Thoughts
The Nectar Hybrid is a compelling choice for budget shoppers who want a hybrid mattress with solid cooling, good motion isolation, and reliable back-sleeping support.
Its medium-firm feel and affordable price make it versatile, though it falls short for lightweight side sleepers and heavyweight stomach sleepers. With a generous 365-night trial and lifetime warranty, it’s a low-risk option that delivers impressive value.
If you’re after a balance of cost and performance, the Nectar Hybrid is worth a try—just be mindful of its edge support and response time limitations. Ready to give it a shot? Head to Nectar’s website to explore pricing and promotions!
