Let’s take a look at how two of the biggest players in the online mattress space – Nectar and Purple – compare to each other.
These mattresses both have tons of stellar customer reviews, but they are different from each other on many levels. For starters, Nectar is a memory foam mattress while Purple is made with a unique top layer of hyper-elastic polymer.
To help you see how these mattresses measure up to one another on important factors like price, trial period, pressure relief and responsiveness, we’ve created this easy-to-follow comparison guide. Take a look below and see if the Nectar or Purple will be the better mattress for your budget and sleeping style.
Nectar vs. Purple at a Glance
Customer Rating
MA Score
Summary
Firmness
Type
Trial Period
Warranty
Customer Rating
MA Score
8.7/10
Summary
Affordable quality mattress with excellent trial period
Firmness
Medium-firm: 5.5-6/10
Type
Gel memory foam
Trial Period
365 days
Warranty
Lifetime warranty as long as you own the mattress
Customer Rating
MA Score
8.4/10
Summary
Proven pressure relief for people with back pain; good for back and side sleepers
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Type
Hybrid: hyper-elastic polymer and foam
Trial Period
100 days
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Nectar
Purple
Customer Rating
MA Score
8.7/10
8.4/10
Summary
Affordable quality mattress with excellent trial period
Proven pressure relief for people with back pain; good for back and side sleepers
Firmness
Medium-firm: 5.5-6/10
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Type
Gel memory foam
Hybrid: hyper-elastic polymer and foam
Trial Period
365 days
100 days
Warranty
Lifetime warranty as long as you own the mattress
10-year limited warranty
The Nectar and Purple mattresses are different in many ways, but are also similar where it counts. Both mattresses offer high-quality materials designed for durability and optimal comfort and support.
They differ mainly in their construction; the Nectar gives you that cozy memory foam feel of sinking into the mattress while the Purple is a hybrid and feels more like you’re sleeping ‘on’ the mattress.
Side sleepers would enjoy either of these mattresses for the pressure relief they both provide. The Nectar is better suited for couples with its layers of memory foam that promote motion isolation. The Purple keeps you cooler than the Nectar which can run hot to some.
Key Similarities:
- Our testers loved the Purple and the Nectar for their pressure-relieving layers. Both mattresses are a great choice for side sleepers, and the Nectar even made the list for best mattresses for side sleepers.
- Both the Purple and the Nectar mattresses provide excellent edge support. Our testers were equally impressed with the secure edges of each mattress. If you sleep with a partner who hogs the bed, or you’re a combination sleeper who rolls around throughout the night, edge support guarantees you won’t fall off the side of the bed.
- Both run medium-firm, but the Nectar does feel slightly more soft because of its thick foam layers. The Purple feels slightly firmer because of its hybrid design.
Key Differences:
- The Purple mattress is a hybrid with a hyper-elastic polymer cover while the Nectar is a memory foam mattress infused with gel.
- The Purple is a much better choice for hot sleepers in need of a cooling mattress. This is because of Purple’s hybrid design and breathable cover that works to keep you cool. Since Nectar is an all-foam mattress, it doesn’t keep you very cool.
- The Nectar is more budget-friendly than the Purple.
- The Nectar offers a more generous sleep trial and warranty. Nectar gives you a 365-night trial and a forever warranty that covers you for as long as you own the mattress.
Nectar Mattress Highlights
- The Nectar mattress has a pretty happy (and well-rested) fan base – they have overwhelmingly positive reviews and fewer than 3% of customers end up returning their Nectar mattress.
- Its proprietary cover is specifically designed to keep out dust mites – which is good because this mattress should last you a while.
- Nectar is so confident that they make the best mattress for the price that they offer a lifetime warranty and trial period that lasts an entire year.
Purple Mattress Highlights
- The Purple is a mattress with a big personality, but it does have a lot to boast about: it sleeps cool, it supports spine alignment and does well with reducing any movement you’ll feel from other people (or animals).
- Customers who own the Purple have claimed it’s helped them relieve back and neck pains.
- This hybrid mattress is topped with pressure-releasing material that is especially great for back and side sleepers – when you lie on your back, it will help your spine maintain its natural curve and when you lie on your side, it will help keep your spine straight.
- Check out our reviews of Purple’s other models: Purple .2 and the Purple Hybrid Premier.
Compare Mattress Specs/Sizes
The Nectar and Purple mattresses only differ by an inch or so in their dimensions. The main difference between the two is their thickness. The Nectar is slightly thicker than the Purple which means its foam layers are denser overall. Because the Nectar uses high-density foam, the mattress feels more soft and cushiony.
Nectar |
Purple |
|
| Thickness | 12″ | 9.5″ |
| Twin Size | 38″ x 75″ | 38″ x 75″ |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ | 38″ x 80″ |
| Full Size | 54″ x 75″ | 54″ x 76″ |
| Queen Size | 60″ x 80″ | 60″ x 80″ |
| King Size | 76″ x 80″ | 76″ x 80″ |
| Cal King Size | 72″ x 84″ | 72″ x 84″ |
Learn more about mattress sizes.
Compare Nectar vs. Purple Mattress Prices
Cost is one of the most important factors when deciding to purchase a mattress which is why we’ve broken down the prices of each mattress side by side. Take a look at the numbers to decide which is best for you based on your own budget.
The Nectar is more affordable than the Purple, and is known as one of the best budget mattresses. You can score a queen size for under $1,000! While the Purple is definitely pricier than the Nectar, it pays off with the unique Purple Grid and hyper-elastic polymer cover that work in tandem to create a more supportive, breathable mattress.
Keep in mind that these are the brand’s standard prices without considering sales, promotions, or exclusive Mattress Advisor discounts.
Nectar |
Purple |
|
| Twin | $499 | $649 |
| Twin XL | $569 | $699 |
| Full | $699 | $899 |
| Queen | $799 | $999 |
| King | $1,099 | $1,299 |
| Cal King | $1,099 | $1,299 |
Differences in Construction
The inside makes all the differences. Let’s take a look at each of the layers of the Nectar and Purple to see how they differ in construction.
The Nectar has three thick foam layers encased in a quilted cover. The foam layers work to relieve pressure point pain by gently contouring to your curves and creating an even sleep surface.
On the contrary, the Purple bed uses foam and a hyper-elastic polymer layer to increase breathability and pressure relief. The polymer layer works together with the Purple Grid to create a stretchy, but soft surface that cushions problem areas. The dual-layered comfort foam feels both soft and supportive, and is made from dense foam so it can last you for years.
Because of the differences in construction, the Nectar is more suited for couples and those who love the feel of memory foam. The Nectar hugs you while the Purple feels like you’re sleeping on an elevated surface. This makes the Purple better for back sleepers. Our testers loved how straight the Purple kept their backs which is reflected in Purple’s high spine alignment score.
Inside the Nectar
The Nectar has three layers of premium foam that promote air circulation and offer support and appropriate weight distribution, plus a cooling cover.
- Polyethylene and knit cover: promotes air circulation and is bed bug resistant
- Gel memory foam: evenly distributes body weight and conforms to your body
- Adaptive hi-core memory foam: third layer that provides full body support
- Base layer: polyfoam foundation that stabilizes the mattress, preventing any sinkage.
- Bottom mattress cover: keeps mattress in place so there’s no slippage.
Inside the Purple Mattress
The Purple mattress is made with a layer of hyper-elastic polymer (designed to provide great pressure relief) on top of two layers of high-density polyurethane foam (designed for durability, support and motion isolation). Here’s a look at the layers, described from top to bottom:
- Soft Flex Cover: Soft and stretchy cover that helps maximize the flexing properties of the Purple Grid. The breathable design also promotes airflow to help you sleep cool.
- Purple Grid: Second layer designed to cushion your shoulders and hips (pressure points), and support your body’s natural shape.
- Dual-Layered Comfort Foam: Responsive comfort layer that sits atop the support layer. Composed of dense foam designed for durability and optimal comfort.
- Support Foam: Medium-firm, high-density polyurethane foam provides structural support to the mattress.
Compare Mattress Advisor Testing Scores
Take a look at how both the Nectar and Purple mattresses performed in our personal lab testing and evaluations. Be sure to pay close attention to the factors that matter to you.
Our testers were blown away by both the Nectar and the Purple’s ability to relieve pressure. The Purple has a leg up on the Nectar in spine alignment while the Nectar limited motion transfer better.
| Nectar | Purple | |
| Shipping | 9 | 7 |
| Trial Period | 10 | 9 |
| Return Policy | 10 | 10 |
| Warranty | 10 | 9 |
| Set-Up Test | 8 | 6 |
| Motion Transfer Test | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| Edge Support Test | 9 | 8.5 |
| Pressure Relief Test | 8 | 8.5 |
| Spinal Alignment Test | 7.5 | 9.5 |
| Responsiveness Test | 8.5 | 7 |
| Cooling Evaluation | 8.5 | 8 |
| Durability Evaluation | 8.5 | 9 |
| Customer Service Score | 8.5 | 9 |
| Social Impact Score | 5 | 4 |
| TOTAL SCORE | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
Summary: Which is Best for You?
So who comes out as the winner between Nectar vs. Purple? The main difference between the two is that the Nectar is a gel memory foam mattress and the Purple is a hybrid. Purple’s prices run higher than Nectar, but you can always check for deals and plan the best time to buy a mattress.
If you prefer an all-foam bed or sleep with a partner, the Nectar is the way to go. If you often feel stifled by your own body heat or generally sleep hot, the Purple is the better option.
The good thing is there isn’t much risk when you purchase either the Nectar or the Purple. Purple offers free returns as does Nectar, and you can return either mattress for a full refund during the respective trial periods.
In our testing, Nectar and Purple both performed well. If you’re looking for more advanced pressure relief, spine alignment, and durability in your mattress, we recommend the Purple mattress. But if you’re looking for a cheaper option that still offers great quality, you can’t go wrong with the Nectar.
Compare Nectar and Purple to Other Mattresses
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