Welcome to Mattressnap, your go-to source for honest, in-depth mattress reviews. If you’re torn between Nectar and Leesa, you’re not alone—these two bed-in-a-box giants are among the most popular choices for foam and hybrid mattress shoppers.
Both brands promise comfort, support, and value, but they cater to slightly different sleep needs. In this 2025 comparison, we’ll break down their flagship models, dive into performance tests, and help you decide which mattress is your perfect match. Let’s get started!
Nectar
Nectar is a household name in the memory foam world, known for its plush, body-hugging feel and budget-friendly prices. Launched in 2016, Nectar offers a range of all-foam and hybrid mattresses, with the Nectar Original, Premier, and Premier Copper as its core lineup.
These beds are designed for sleepers who love that classic memory foam sinkage, excellent motion isolation, and generous trial periods (365 nights!). Nectar’s mattresses are medium-firm, making them versatile for various sleep positions, though they shine for side sleepers and couples.
Leesa
Leesa, a pioneer in the bed-in-a-box industry since 2014, offers a mix of all-foam and hybrid mattresses with a balanced, responsive feel. Their lineup includes the Leesa Original, Studio, Sapira Hybrid, and Legend Hybrid. Leesa mattresses are known for their breathability, bounce, and social responsibility (they donate one mattress for every ten sold). With a medium to medium-firm feel, Leesa beds appeal to combination sleepers and those who want cushioning without sinking too deep.
Our Verdict
Choosing between Nectar and Leesa depends on your sleep preferences. Nectar is the winner for side sleepers, budget shoppers, and those who love a deep, contouring memory foam feel. Its longer trial period (365 nights vs. Leesa’s 100) and lifetime warranty make it a low-risk choice.
Leesa takes the crown for combination sleepers, hot sleepers, and those seeking a bouncier, more responsive bed. Its hybrid models, like the Sapira and Legend, offer better edge support and cooling, ideal for couples or heavier sleepers.
Our Testing & Selection Process
At Mattressnap, we combine hands-on testing, customer feedback, and expert analysis to deliver unbiased reviews. Our team evaluates mattresses in our lab for cooling, motion transfer, sinkage, bounce, edge support, and more. We also field-test beds in real bedrooms to assess comfort across sleep positions and body types.
For this comparison, we’ve analyzed data from sources like Sleepopolis, Mattress Clarity, and NapLab, alongside user reviews from 2025. We focus on the following models: Nectar Original, Premier, Premier Copper, and Leesa Original, Studio, Sapira Hybrid, and Legend Hybrid.
Compare the Models
Nectar vs. Leesa: Who Is the Winner?
Here’s a quick overview of how Nectar and Leesa stack up:
| Feature | Nectar | Leesa |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Queen) | $649–$1,299 | $699–$1,999 |
| Firmness | Medium-firm (6–6.5/10) | Medium to medium-firm (5–7/10) |
| Best For | Side sleepers, budget shoppers, couples | Combination sleepers, hot sleepers |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 10 years (Lifetime for Legend) |
| Cooling | Moderate | Above average (especially hybrids) |
| Motion Isolation | Excellent | Very good |
| Edge Support | Average | Good (hybrids), average (foam) |
Performance Tests
Which Mattresses Are We Comparing?
We’re focusing on Nectar’s all-foam lineup (Original, Premier, Premier Copper) and Leesa’s range (Original, Studio, Sapira Hybrid, Legend Hybrid). These models represent the brands’ core offerings and cater to a wide range of sleepers.
Cooling Test
Foam mattresses can trap heat, so cooling is a key factor. We measure baseline temperature, heat retention, and dissipation over time.
- Leesa Sapira Cooling Test: The Sapira Hybrid excels with its pocketed coils and breathable foam, dissipating heat 20% faster than the average foam mattress. Max temp: 90.8°F.
- Leesa Legend Cooling Test: The Legend Hybrid’s micro-coils and wool layer keep it cool, with a max temp of 91.2°F, 0.2°F cooler than the average.
- Leesa Original Cooling Test: The Original’s breathable LSA200 foam helps, but it’s warmer than hybrids (max temp: 92.5°F).
- Leesa Studio Cooling Test: The Studio’s dense foam retains some heat (max temp: 93°F), making it less ideal for hot sleepers.
- Nectar Original Cooling Test: The Original’s gel memory foam offers moderate cooling (max temp: 93.5°F). It’s not as breathable as Leesa’s hybrids.
- Nectar Premier Cooling Test: The Premier sleeps slightly cooler than the Original (max temp: 92.8°F) due to its phase-change material.
- Nectar Premier Copper Cooling Test: The Copper’s cooling fibers make it the coolest Nectar model (max temp: 91.5°F), rivaling Leesa’s hybrids.
Winner: Leesa (Sapira and Legend) for hot sleepers; Nectar Premier Copper is a close contender.
Sinkage Test
Sinkage measures how deeply you sink into the mattress, affecting comfort and ease of movement.
- Leesa Sapira: Minimal sinkage (1.8 inches) due to its responsive coils and foam. Great for combo sleepers.
- Leesa Legend: Slightly more sinkage (2 inches) but still balanced, ideal for side and back sleepers.
- Leesa Original: Moderate sinkage (2.2 inches), offering a gentle cradle.
- Leesa Studio: Deeper sinkage (2.4 inches), feeling more hugging.
- Nectar Original: Deep sinkage (2.5 inches), classic memory foam hug.
- Nectar Premier: Very deep sinkage (2.7 inches), best for side sleepers craving plushness.
- Nectar Premier Copper: Deep sinkage (2.6 inches), similar to the Premier.
Winner: Leesa for balanced sinkage; Nectar for deep, contouring comfort.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer tests how much movement travels across the bed, crucial for couples.
- Leesa Sapira Motion Transfer: Good isolation (48% less motion than average hybrids), but coils add slight bounce.
- Leesa Legend Motion Transfer: Excellent isolation (50% less motion), ideal for light sleepers.
- Leesa Original Motion Transfer: Very good (55% less motion), great for couples.
- Leesa Studio Motion Transfer: Excellent (60% less motion), rivaling Nectar.
- Nectar Original Motion Transfer: Outstanding (65% less motion), perfect for restless partners.
- Nectar Premier Motion Transfer: Excellent (62% less motion), slightly less than the Original.
- Nectar Premier Copper Motion Transfer: Excellent (63% less motion), nearly as good as the Original.
Winner: Nectar for superior motion isolation; Leesa Studio and Legend are close competitors.
Response Test
Response measures how quickly a mattress rebounds after pressure, affecting ease of movement.
- Leesa Sapira Response Test: Very fast (0.4 seconds), thanks to coils. Great for combo sleepers.
- Leesa Legend Response Test: Fast (0.5 seconds), responsive for a hybrid.
- Leesa Original Response Test: Moderate (0.7 seconds), balanced feel.
- Leesa Studio Response Test: Moderate (0.8 seconds), slightly slower than the Original.
- Nectar Original Response Test: Slow (1.1 seconds), classic memory foam lag.
- Nectar Premier Response Test: Slow (1.2 seconds), deep contouring.
- Nectar Premier Copper Response Test: Slow (1.1 seconds), similar to the Original.
Winner: Leesa for quick response; Nectar for slow, hugging foam.
Bounce Test
Bounce affects ease of movement and suitability for intimate activities.
- Leesa Sapira Bounce Test: High bounce (10 inches), ideal for combo sleepers.
- Leesa Legend Bounce Test: High bounce (9.5 inches), responsive and lively.
- Leesa Original Bounce Test: Low bounce (6 inches), typical for foam.
- Leesa Studio Bounce Test: Very low bounce (5.5 inches), minimal springiness.
- Nectar Original Bounce Test: Very low bounce (5 inches), classic foam feel.
- Nectar Premier Bounce Test: Very low bounce (4.8 inches), plush and sinking.
- Nectar Premier Copper Bounce Test: Very low bounce (5 inches), like the Original.
Winner: Leesa (Sapira and Legend) for bounce; Nectar for minimal bounce.
Edge Support Test
Edge support measures stability when sitting or lying near the mattress edge.
- Leesa Sapira: Good (4-inch sinkage when seated), coils provide stability.
- Leesa Legend: Good (4.2-inch sinkage), slightly less than Sapira.
- Leesa Original: Average (5-inch sinkage), typical for foam.
- Leesa Studio: Poor (5.5-inch sinkage), not ideal for edge use.
- Nectar Original: Average (5.2-inch sinkage), decent for foam.
- Nectar Premier: Average (5.3-inch sinkage), similar to the Original.
- Nectar Premier Copper: Average (5.1-inch sinkage), slightly better.
Winner: Leesa Sapira and Legend for edge support; Nectar is average.
Sex Test
For intimate activities, we consider bounce, edge support, and noise. Leesa’s hybrids (Sapira: 9.2/10, Legend: 9.0/10) score higher due to bounce and edge support. Nectar’s foam models (Original: 8.5/10, Premier: 8.3/10, Copper: 8.6/10) are quieter but lack bounce. Winner: Leesa hybrids.
Pressure Relief Test
Pressure relief is key for side sleepers. Nectar’s deep sinkage (Original: 9.5/10, Premier: 9.7/10, Copper: 9.6/10) excels for shoulder and hip cushioning. Leesa’s balanced feel (Original: 9.0/10, Sapira: 9.2/10, Legend: 9.3/10, Studio: 8.8/10) suits lighter side sleepers. Winner: Nectar for side sleepers.
Off-Gassing Test
Both brands have mild off-gassing that dissipates within 1–2 days. Leesa’s Studio and Nectar’s Original may take slightly longer (2–3 days). Winner: Tie.
Company
Nectar offers a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty, outshining Leesa’s 100-night trial and 10-year warranty (lifetime for Legend). Leesa provides free shipping to Alaska and Hawaii, unlike Nectar. Winner: Nectar for policies; Leesa for social impact.
Firmness
- Nectar: Medium-firm (6–6.5/10). Original and Premier Copper feel slightly softer (6/10), Premier is plusher (5.5/10).
- Leesa: Medium to medium-firm (5–7/10). Original and Studio are softer (5–5.5/10), Sapira and Legend are firmer (6.5–7/10).
Support & Sleeping Positions
- Nectar: Best for side sleepers (all models) and back sleepers (Original, Copper). Stomach sleepers over 230 lbs may find it too soft.
- Leesa: Ideal for combination sleepers (Sapira, Legend) and back/stomach sleepers (Original, Sapira). Side sleepers under 130 lbs prefer the Original or Legend.
Design
Nectar’s all-foam design emphasizes deep contouring and motion isolation. Leesa’s mix of foam and hybrid models offers responsiveness and breathability. Hybrids (Sapira, Legend) use pocketed coils for bounce and support, while foam models (Original, Studio) provide a balanced feel.
Materials
Leesa Sapira
- Cover: Breathable poly-blend
- 1.5″ cooling foam
- 1.5″ memory foam
- 6″ pocketed coils
- 1″ support foam
Leesa Legend
- Cover: Organic cotton/wool
- 1″ poly foam
- 1.5″ micro-coils (head), poly foam (center)
- 6″ pocketed coils
- 1″ support foam
Leesa Original
- Cover: Poly-blend
- 2″ LSA200 foam
- 2″ memory foam
- 6″ support foam
Leesa Studio
- Cover: Poly-blend
- 1.5″ memory foam
- 1.5″ transition foam
- 7″ support foam
Nectar Original
- Cover: Tencel cooling
- 3″ gel memory foam
- 2″ transition foam
- 7″ support foam
Nectar Premier
- Cover: Poly-blend
- 3″ gel memory foam
- 3″ transition foam
- 6″ support foam
Nectar Premier Copper
- Cover: Copper-infused poly-blend
- 4″ gel memory foam
- 1″ transition foam
- 7″ support foam
Which Mattress Should You Buy?
Should You Buy the Leesa Sapira?
- Yes, if: You’re a combination sleeper, hot sleeper, or need strong edge support. Price: ~$1,399 (queen).
- No, if: You prefer deep memory foam sinkage or are on a tight budget.
Should You Buy the Leesa Legend?
- Yes, if: You want a plush hybrid with excellent cooling and responsiveness. Price: ~$1,999 (queen).
- No, if: You’re a strict side sleeper or want a budget option.
Should You Buy the Leesa Original?
- Yes, if: You’re a side or back sleeper under 200 lbs seeking a balanced foam feel. Price: ~$999 (queen).
- No, if: You need strong edge support or sleep hot.
Should You Buy the Leesa Studio?
- Yes, if: You’re a budget shopper or side sleeper wanting a simple foam bed. Price: ~$699 (queen).
- No, if: You need bounce or robust edge support.
Should You Buy the Nectar Original?
- Yes, if: You’re a side sleeper, couple, or budget shopper loving memory foam. Price: ~$649 (queen).
- No, if: You need bounce or sleep very hot.
Should You Buy the Nectar Premier?
- Yes, if: You’re a side sleeper craving ultra-plush comfort. Price: ~$999 (queen).
- No, if: You’re a stomach sleeper or need responsiveness.
Should You Buy the Nectar Premier Copper?
- Yes, if: You’re a side sleeper or hot sleeper wanting premium foam. Price: ~$1,299 (queen).
- No, if: You prefer a bouncy hybrid or are on a tight budget.
Final Thoughts
Nectar and Leesa both deliver quality, but they cater to different needs. Nectar’s memory foam beds are a steal for side sleepers and couples, with unbeatable trial and warranty terms. Leesa’s versatile lineup, especially its hybrids, suits combination sleepers and those prioritizing cooling and bounce. Visit Mattressnap for more reviews, and let us know in the comments which mattress you’re leaning toward!
