Nectar and Purple are super popular online mattress brands that have existed for a long time. Both brands have consistently updated their mattresses over the six-plus years I have been testing beds. Usually, when I do mattress comparisons, the beds are very similar; the minor differences in firmness, feel and price set them apart. With the Nectar Classic and the Purple Mattress, there are very few similarities and many differences. Your choice between the two brands should be relatively easy based on your preferences.
Nectar Mattress
Like
- Affordable for people on a budget
- Fans of true memory foam will love the material
- Slightly firm and meant for a back or stomach sleeper
Don't like
- Not quite supportive enough for people over 230 pounds
- May cause resistance for a combination sleeper
- Not soft enough for side sleepers
Product details
- Type Memory Foam
- Firmness Medium-firm
- Shipping Free
- Trial 365 Nights
- Warranty Forever
- Returns Free
- Sleeper Type Back, Stomach and Combination
Purple mattress
Like
- Extremely breathable because of Purple grid technology
- Soft enough to relieve pain around hips and shoulders, but firm enough for spine support
- Suitable for every sleeper type
Don't like
- Might feel too out of the norm for those who want a regular mattress
- Not quite supportive enough for heavy people
- Not ideal for people on a tight budget
Product details
- Warranty 10-year warranty
- Trial 100 nights
- Firmness Medium or 5
- Type Hyper-Elastic Polymer mattress
What do Purple and Nectar have in common?
Nectar Classic and Purple Mattress construction similarities
The only real similarity between these two beds, aside from being able to buy them online, is that both use dense support foam as the primary support layer. We generally call these types of beds "all-foam" beds, but that's not entirely true of Purple because of its proprietary top layer that is not made of foam.
Having foam support layers means that both beds will be more suited for medium to petite-sized individuals. Heavier people (225 lbs and up) should opt for a hybrid bed with coils because they provide more long-term support and durability.
Having foam support layers also means improved motion isolation in comparison to hybrids, which is great for light sleepers who are sharing a mattress. It will be lighter and easier to move than most hybrids.
Nectar and Purple both offer hybrid options; with Nectar you can get virtually the same mattress, as the Nectar Classic Hybrid simply substitutes the support foam for coils and is only slightly more expensive. With Purple, they offer an entirely different mattress that is significantly more expensive.
Video: Nectar vs Purple
Watch me compare the Nectar Classic to the Purple mattress.
How are these beds different?
Nectar Classic and Purple Mattress construction difference
Aside from using foam for support, the construction of these two mattresses couldn't be more different.
On the Nectar Classic, there is the support foam and then a transition layer is what Nectar calls "Dynamic Response Foam," and the top layer is a slow-to-respond, traditional memory foam.
On the Purple Mattress, there is the support foam, a layer of comfort foam and then a two-inch-thick layer of the proprietary "GelFlex Grid" that is only found on Purple beds.
The key difference between these beds is the top layer of each mattress, which we usually call the "primary comfort layer."
Nectar Classic and Purple Mattress feel difference
Thanks to the different primary comfort layers, the way these beds feel are polar opposites.
You get the prototypical sink-in, body-conforming sensation on the Nectar Classic that is slow to respond. Slow responsiveness means that when you remove weight or pressure from the foams, they will take time to return to their original shape -- a common characteristic of memory foam. This means if you're the kind of person who tosses and turns at night, the memory foam can make rotating between sleeping positions a bit more challenging.
I currently sleep on a Tempur-Pedic mattress and I find that the slow-to-respond nature of foams means I toss and turn much less and I often wake up in the exact same position I fell asleep in and I feel like my sleep is more restful. There are people who report feeling "stuck" in a memory foam bed and it doesn't feel comfortable.
The Purple Mattress, on the other hand, has an entirely unique feel that can only be found on a Purple bed. I like to say the feel of the Purple Mattress is very "gel-like." The origin of the GelFlex Grid material was actually for medical purposes, as a cushion for wheelchairs to help prevent sores.
When lying down on your back or your stomach, the bed feels buoyant, like you are almost weightless and floating on top of the material. If you switch to your side, the bed will conform to your body's shape and provide cradling support. Plus, the bed is ultra-responsive, which means it moves with you and facilitates rotating between sleeping positions, unlike the Nectar Classic.
Most people who try a Purple mattress have a pretty strong reaction to it because it is so different. The reaction is usually positive, but sometimes it is negative. I personally love the feel of Purple, but it is by no means universally comfortable.
Nectar Classic and Purple Mattress firmness difference
Another key difference between the Nectar Classic and the Purple Mattress is firmness. The Nectar Classic is significantly firmer than the Purple Mattress and will be ideal for back and stomach sleepers.
In our testing, we found the Nectar Classic to be a proper medium-firm on our scale, while the Purple Mattress is a flat medium that can generally accommodate any sleeping position but is ideal for combination sleepers and couples.
When we put both beds on the new Mattress Smasher 9000, the scores came out as expected. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 is the firmest, and 1 is the softest.
- Nectar Classic Memory Foam score: 8.1
- Purple Mattress score: 5.9
The Purple Mattress scored on the firmer end of the medium range, but it is significantly softer than the Nectar Classic, making it a better option for side sleepers.
The Nectar Classic Hybrid mattress scored much closer to the Purple Mattress, a 6.1 out of 10 and the Nectar Premier and Nectar Luxe mattresses are much softer than the Classic. Purple also has softer options available like the Purple Plus and the Purple Restore Premier.
Nectar Classic and Purple Mattress pricing
One area where the Nectar Classic really outshines the Purple Mattress is pricing. After factoring in discounts, the Nectar Classic is almost half the price of the Purple Mattress in a queen-size.
- Nectar Classic Memory Foam discounted price: $649 queen-size
- Purple Mattress discounted price: $1,199 queen-size
Depending on the time of year, especially around major holidays like Independence Day, Black Friday and President's Day, you might be able to score a slightly better deal on Purple with a bundle on an adjustable base, but Nectar is flat out more affordable.
Nectar Classic and Purple Mattress temperature regulation
The area where the Purple Mattress objectively outshines the Nectar Classic is with temperature regulation. The Nectar Classic is just fine in this category, but the design of the Purple Mattress gives it excellent performance.
It isn't active cooling with a cold cover like the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe, or the 8-Sleep Pod cover -- but the GelFlex Grid material doesn't retain much heat in comparison to mattress foams, and the lack of surface area allows for lots of natural airflow.
I don't think you'll be sleeping hot because of the Nectar Classic, but the Purple Mattress is one of the best beds at not heating up throughout the night.
I slept on a different Purple bed for five years and it did help me get restful sleep throughout the summer when the temperature started to rise.
Nectar Classic and Purple Mattress edge support and motion isolation
Edge support and motion isolation are key factors for couples, and these beds perform well in both -- with the Purple Mattress having a slightly more supportive edge thanks to having support foam along the perimeter and the Nectar Classic having superior motion isolation thanks to its memory foam top layer.
The differences are minor, but light sleepers who wake up easily when their sleeping partner tosses and turns might prefer the Nectar Classic.
Nectar Classic and Purple Mattress policy differences
There are also some significant differences between Purple and Nectar when it comes to the policies and buying experience. Both beds will ship inside a box at no additional cost, which is pretty standard these days.
Both beds will also come with an in-home trial period to give you a chance to test it out and make sure it will work for you for the long haul. Purple provides a standard 100-night trial period and Nectar goes for much longer, providing a 365-night trial period.
Both brands allow you to return the mattress within the trial window for free at no-extra cost which makes buying either one virtually risk-free, you just have much longer to decide if you want to return the Nectar Classic.
Should you decide to keep either mattress, both are backed by warranties -- Purple comes with a standard ten-year warranty, and Nectar comes with a "forever" warranty, which offers a bit more protection after the first ten years.
Should you choose Nectar or Purple?
When trying to decide between the Nectar Classic and the Purple Mattress, the biggest factor is the difference in the primary comfort layer.
Purple's GelFlex Grid makes it an entirely unique bed with impressive temperature regulation and a mattress feel that you won't find anywhere else. If you are looking for something new for your next mattress, it is really hard to argue with Purple. This mattress is incredibly comfortable, assuming you aren't put off by the unique feel and its medium firmness profile should work fairly well for everyone.
If you have tried memory foam beds in the past and enjoy that type of mattress feel, then the Nectar Classic should be an easy choice. It is super affordable and will provide that body-conforming, sink-in quality memory foam fans enjoy. It is pretty firm, but the Nectar Classic Hybrid is noticeably softer for only $150 more and the Nectar Premier is a flat medium and is also more affordable than the Purple Mattress.
The name Nectar "Classic" is pretty informative in this case -- if you like the idea of a classic memory foam bed, I would go with the Nectar Classic, but if you want something new, I would choose the Purple Mattress.
How does the Nectar Classic Memory Foam compare to other similar mattresses?
Nectar Classic Memory Foam vs. Bear Original
The Bear Original and each iteration of the flagship Nectar have been direct competitors for years. Both beds are very similar with the same type of dense memory foam feel, roughly the same firmness profile that is best suited for back and stomach sleepers, and both are the same price after discount (at the time of writing).
There are a few subtle differences: Bear has an optional celliant cover, which costs a bit extra but is supposed to provide many sleeping benefits for athletes, and Nectar has an optional cooling cover at an additional price.
The biggest difference though is the policies offered by Nectar, namely the trial period being much longer and that could move the needle for some shoppers.
Nectar Classic Memory Foam vs. Leesa Studio
The Leesa Studio mattress is very similar to its ultra-popular Leesa Original mattress, but instead of using memory foam as a transition layer, memory foam is the main comfort layer of the Leesa Studio.
The feel of both the Nectar Classic and the Leesa Studio is very similar and the price points of both are also very similar, with the Leesa Studio usually coming in about $50 less after a discount. The Leesa Studio is a bit softer as well, coming in closer to a medium. Nectar does win on the policy front.
How does the Purple Mattress compare to similar mattresses?
Purple Mattress vs. Leesa Original
The Leesa Original is the flagship foam mattress from Leesa, one of my favorite mattress brands. Aside from the GelFlex Grid, the construction of both is pretty similar, with dense support foam and a pressure-relieving transition layer. Both mattresses have medium firmness profiles, so they are accommodating for most sleepers.
These beds differ the most in price and feel. The Leesa Original has a very comfortable, soft, neutral feel that pretty much everyone likes. It is also much more affordable than the Purple Mattress. For people not interested in a new type of mattress, I think the Leesa Original is a safe choice.
Purple Mattress vs. Casper One
The Casper One is the flagship foam mattress from Casper, which is another one of the most popular online mattress brands. Aside from using foam support layers and being from popular brands, the Purple Mattress and the Casper One actually don't have all that much in common. The Casper One is significantly firmer than the Purple Mattress, coming in at a proper medium-firm on our scale, which means it is ideal for back and stomach sleepers, and it has a simultaneously dense and responsive feel.
The biggest reason to get the Casper One is its price point. After a discount, it regularly goes for $900 or less for a queen size, which is a big savings compared to the Purple Mattress.
Purple & Nectar mattress FAQs
Is the mattress cover machine washable?
No. The covers on the Purple Mattress and the Nectar Classic both include a zipper, but neither brand recommends removing them. If the cover gets dirty, it should be spot-cleaned.
Do Purple and Nectar have free returns?
Yes, if you decide to initiate a return within each brand’s trial period, you can get a full refund and return the bed at no extra cost.
Are these beds safe?
Yes, both Nectar and Purple are CertiPUR US certified and contain no fiberglass.