Nectar Premier Mattress Review

An Affordable Mattress That Suits Most Sleepers

The Nectar Premier is a budget mattress that sits in the middle of Nectar’s mattress lineup. This option is significantly less expensive than other memory foam options with similar performance. Though there are some areas where it could improve, most features stand out considering the price point and construction of this mattress. 

Nectar Premier is a good option if you suffer from back pain or sleep too hot at night. It’s also in a great position to be comfortable for Canadians in all sleeping positions, making it a great choice for those on a budget. Here, we’ll look at how this mattress stacks up and how it compares to similar mattresses.

Our Methodology

At Slumber, we believe that you deserve only the best. We select the mattresses we recommend to you based on a few different factors, including how they perform for us during our testing phases. We look at the mattress’s construction, how it holds up in various circumstances, and how it performs in the most popular performance categories. Our in-depth testing methods allow us to choose mattresses that work best for a wide range of Canadians. 

We use both practical and simulation testing to show you how the mattress works. Our team of testers approach each mattress with a detailed eye, providing exhaustive feedback to help you sleep better. Meanwhile, simulation tests (like thermal imaging and weighted ball drops) help give us an empirical look at how the mattress may work during use.

Mattress Details

The Nectar Premier sits at a comfortable spot for us. It offers good performance at a lower cost, which is one of the features that we prioritize when it comes to offering Canadians recommendations for a mattress. It won’t break the bank and doesn’t slack when it comes to features or materials. Further, the company offers a lifetime “Forever Warranty” that covers most issues you could have with the mattress, as well as a 365-night sleep trial to test it out. 

This mattress uses three layers of comfortable foam to create a supportive feel. The medium-firm mattress offers great pressure relief and cooling, two features that most Canadians find to be important. The breathable top cover helps wick away heat, while the lower cover keeps your mattress from sliding around. This stabilization extends to the layers within the mattress, which stay still and won’t slide around during use. 

If you move around a lot, this mattress will stay put. It’s also easier to move around on than some all-foam mattresses, though the materials still have a slower response than some. Most sleepers, even heavier sleepers and those who sleep on their sides will be comfortable on this mattress. However, those who need additional motion isolation to accommodate restless partners should choose a mattress that stops motion a little better. Likewise, those who sleep near the edge of the bed should choose a mattress with firmer, more supportive edges than Nectar Premier offers.

• Price: $899 to $1,599
• Firmness: Medium Firm
• Type: All Foam
• Shipping Cost: Free (To Most Locations)
• Warranty: Lifetime
• Sleep Trial: 365 Nights

The Nectar Premier Mattress is great for:

• Hot sleepers
• Those who move around a lot
• Pressure relief
• Most sleeping positions
• Heavier sleepers

Skip the Nectar Premier if you:

• Share a bed and need motion isolation
• Sleep near the edges of the bed

Nectar Premier Mattress Prices and Sizes

Nectar’s Premier mattress is an affordable option that comes at an extremely reasonable price. It beats out some of the other all-foam options at this price point, as it offers unique materials without breaking the bank. The Queen, which is the most popular size sold in Canada, is just $1,299. 

This 13” mattress comes in five of the six standard mattress sizes. It does not come in California King, and there is no option to purchase a Split King. While there’s no remedy if you need a California King, those seeking a Split King can purchase two Twin XL mattresses to achieve the same effect.

Mattress Construction

The Nectar Premier Mattress uses three layers of foam inside a cooling cover. These layers are made with proprietary materials that work together to create a more comfortable experience.

• The Cover: The cover of the Nectar Premier Mattress is a breathable cooling cover. This cover is quilted with heat-absorbant fibres that help remove heat from the equation. The cover wicks away heat and sweat to help you stay more comfortable throughout the night.
• The 1st Layer: The first layer of foam is a 3” layer of gel-infused memory foam. This CertiPUR-US Certified memory foam contours to your body and moves heat away from you, reducing how much builds up throughout the night. It’s also your first line of defence against pressure points, so you can sleep without discomfort. 
• The 2nd Layer: The transition layer is 3” of dynamic foam. This responsive layer ensures that you can easily move around on top of the mattress. It helps dampen some motion, reducing pressure and keeping you lifted out of the firmer support layer. If you need spinal alignment, this layer can provide it.
• The 3rd Layer: The base of the mattress is a stabilizing foam that provides outstanding and consistent support. This layer is 7” tall and ensures the structural stability of the mattress, all while keeping you comfortable, aligned, and well-supported throughout the night.

While the top cover of the Nectar Premier is a breathable material, the lower cover is stitchbond polyester. This bottom cover prevents sliding when your mattress is placed on a suitable foundation. It also helps the layers stay still, binding them together so they don’t become unstacked within the mattress cover.

Mattress Performance Test Results

We evaluated the Nectar Premier based on a host of features and feedback, from our testing scores to our expert opinions. We looked at all of the available information to bring you a score that we know accurately represents most experiences with the mattress. 

Temperature Control (9.2/10)

Waking up overheated and sweaty isn’t uncommon, even among Canadians in cooler climates. Heat tends to build up as we sleep, and most will need a mattress that mitigates at least some of that heat. If you want to sleep cooler, you should start with your mattress. A mattress with cooling features should have a score of at least an 8 out of 10 in this category to remain comfortable for Canadians who sleep hot.

The Nectar Premier uses layers of breathable and cooling materials to promote a more comfortable sleep. The cooling cover and cooling gel foam layers work together to reduce heat as it builds up, funnelling it away so it doesn’t affect you. Our testers noted that this mattress effectively dealt with heat throughout the night, reducing how hot they felt overall. Some of our hottest testers noted that they were still a little warm, but most Canadians will have no problem with this mattress. 

Motion Isolation (7.6/10)

Motion isolation is extremely important for those who share a bed. Often, your partner’s movements can make the bed shake, vibrate, and move. If they are frequently tossing, turning, and getting in and out of bed, this motion transfer can affect how you sleep. It can wake you up or, in some cases, lead to less restful sleep. If you sleep light or have a particularly restless partner, you should look for mattresses with at least a 7.5 out of 10 in this category. 

We rated the Nectar Premier at 7.6, so just above what we would recommend for couples. While this isn’t a terrible performance, it isn’t the best we’ve seen. Most Canadians will find that this is adequate, but those who need extra motion isolation will still feel most of the motion from the other side of the bed. Our testers did notice most movements, though only the larger ones were disruptive. Still, lighter sleepers should look elsewhere if they need better motion isolation.

Edge Support (7.8/10)

Some Canadians naturally gravitate towards the edge of the bed as they sleep. Those who sleep with partners may need extra room to sleep comfortably, and others may like to sit on the edge of the bed in the morning to wake up properly. If any of these sounds like you, you need a mattress with edge support to stay comfortable. Hybrid mattresses are sometimes better at edge support, as the support in all-foam mattresses can drop off as you approach the edge. If you need edge support to stay comfortable, choose a mattress with at least a 7 out of 10 here.

The Nectar Premier offers middling support at the edges of the mattress. While it doesn’t completely drop support, there is a noticeable loss near the edge. This is especially true for heavier Canadians, as the materials compress deeper with more weight. Some testers found that this mattress was fine, while those who routinely slept nearer the edge found they needed additional support.

Firmness and Feel of the Nectar Premier Mattress

When we test a mattress, we assign it a score on our firmness scale. These scores take into account the firmness level that the manufacturer promotes but also reflect our own experiences with each option. A mattress that earns a rating of 1 on our scale is extremely soft (often too soft to be comfortable). Meanwhile, a mattress that earns a rating of 10 is extremely firm. 

The Nectar Premier is a 6.5 on our firmness scale, which makes it a medium-firm mattress. The comforting layers help reduce pressure, but strong support from the foam core helps promote better alignment for those who need it. There is moderate sinkage when you lay on this mattress, and it may be difficult to move around. The materials don’t respond quickly, so you may feel a bit stuck. This usually won’t be a problem if you aren’t moving around too much during the night. 

There are low levels of bounce, so this may not be the best option for those who need some feedback from their mattress. The materials allow you to sink in, conforming to the shape of your body to provide the best possible level of support.

Performance for Different Weights and Sleeping Preferences

Any mattress you research will perform differently for you based on a few factors. Your body type and sleeping position can change how a mattress feels for you, so it’s important to consider these things before choosing a mattress. We’ll take a look at how it may perform differently below.

Weight Considerations

Different body types will experience a mattress differently. Heavier sleepers sink further into a mattress than lighter sleepers, which may produce more pressure and less support. At the same time, lighter sleepers may not sink far enough into a mattress to get all of the benefits it offers. 

The Nectar Premier is a good choice for most sleepers. Regardless of your body type, the materials are firm enough to give you the support you need. Heavier sleepers may feel a bit stuck in the materials, as they aren’t as quick to respond as other types of memory foam. However, the mattress doesn’t allow you to sink far enough to feel the firmness of the supportive core below. Because of these features, we can recommend the Nectar Premier to sleepers of all body types.

Sleeping Positions

How you sleep can also play a role in how a mattress works for you. Each sleeping position needs different things from their mattress, including different levels of pressure relief and support. Here’s how the Nectar Premier mattress worked for our testers in these sleeping positions.

• Side Sleepers: Side sleepers need alignment and pressure relief to remain comfortable. Without these things, side sleepers can develop pressure points and discomfort throughout their bodies. The Nectar Premier doesn’t offer zoned support like a hybrid option might, but it does keep side sleepers aligned and cushioned to combat pressure. 
• Back Sleepers: Back sleepers need contouring to maintain comfort without sacrificing support. The Nectar Premier contours well to your body, reducing pressure and maintaining alignment for comfort. It’s a good choice for back sleepers of all body types.
• Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers need a softer top for better pressure relief, but benefit from stronger support to avoid aches. Because of the way that the Nectar Premier contours to your body, it can provide good support and pressure relief. For this reason, it’s a good choice for stomach sleepers who don’t mind a firmer mattress.
• Combination Sleepers: Combination sleepers need to be able to move around freely. They also benefit from support profiles that favour each sleeping position, as they often cycle through them throughout the night. While the Nectar Premier has this covered, it can be a bit difficult to move around. This mattress can make you feel stuck or make it more difficult to move around than other all-foam options.

Delivery, Sleep Trials, & Returns

Nectar manufactures mattresses in Mexico, but they keep warehouses in Canada for their models available here. This means that you get your mattresses quickly. Shipping is free to most locations, and they ship within 1 to 3 business days. It can take up to 5 to 7 business days to receive your mattress, but it shouldn’t take much longer unless you live in a remote area of Canada.

When you receive your mattress, your sleep trial begins. You’ll have a full year to determine if the mattress is right for you. During this time, we recommend using a mattress protector. You must keep the mattress for the first 30 nights, as this is usually how long it will take your body to adjust to a new mattress. After this period, you can initiate a return.

Returns are free. Used mattresses are donated to charities as long as they are in usable condition. You will get a full refund once your mattress has been picked up or received at the warehouse.

• Shipping Cost: Free (to most locations)
• Time to Delivery: 5 to 7 Business Days
• Courier: Various
• Sleep Trial Length: 365 Nights
• Warranty: Lifetime
• Ease of Return: Full refund after an initial 30-day period

Company Background

Nectar is a relatively new company in the Canadian mattress scene. They began in 2016 with the original Nectar mattress, and their offerings have been revised many times to help meet the needs of their customers everywhere. Nectar is a US-based company that started in Illinois and manufactures mattresses in Mexico. They use materials from around the world, seeking the best and highest quality for their customers. 

Nectar offers three mattresses, including the Nectar Mattress, the Nectar Premier, and the Nectar Premier Copper. They also sell bed frames and some bedding, though their products are always expanding.

Commitment to the Environment

Unfortunately, Nectar doesn’t have an outright commitment to eco-conscious practices or materials. All foams used within this mattress are CertiPUR-US Certified, but there are no further claims of a commitment to the environment. All used Nectar mattresses returned during sleep trials are donated to keep them out of landfills, however.

Nectar Premier vs Other Nectar Mattresses

Nectar offers two mattresses in addition to the Premier. The first is a budget mattress that performs a little worse, while the second is an upgrade that offers increased performance in nearly every category. Here’s how the Nectar Premier stacks up to other mattresses in Nectar’s lineup.

Nectar Premier vs Nectar Mattress

The original Nectar Mattress is even more affordable than the Nectar Premier. It starts at just $499 for a Twin, with a Queen at only $899. This is the same price as you can expect to pay for the Twin size in the Nectar Premier. The Nectar is a 12” mattress that uses a thinner comfort layer to reduce costs, with a slight impact on performance.

The Nectar suffers in pressure relief, support, and cooling, though the difference to the latter is negligible at best. This mattress performs well for its price point and exceeds the performance of mattresses at a similar price. It uses three layers of foam, which is not standard for a budget mattress. Still, the Nectar Premier may be the better choice if you have a bit more to spend.

Nectar Premier vs Nectar Premier Copper

Nectar’s Premier Copper mattress is the upgraded version of the Nectar Premier. This option is mostly the same when it comes to construction, but it includes a thicker layer at the top of the mattress. The cover is also infused with copper to reduce overheating further. Performance is mostly comparable. 

However, the Premier Copper has quicker response times and better motion isolation. We can only assume that this is due to the thicker materials at the top of the mattress. The edge support, however, is a little worse – it’s bad enough to be noticeable. Cooling is about the same in each mattress, so you don’t have to worry about overheating. The Copper is about $300 more expensive across the board, though.

Competing Canadian Mattress Comparisons

Now we’ll compare the Nectar Premier to two popular mattresses that also sit in the middle of their lineup. The all-foam Douglas Alpine and Octave Mirage occupy the same spot at their respective companies, so let’s see how they compare.

Nectar Premier vs Douglas Alpine

Douglas Alpine is the midline mattress from Douglas, a popular company that sells great mattresses at a reasonable price. The Alpine improves on all aspects of the Douglas Original, which was built to reduce complaints associated with standard all-foam and memory foam mattresses. It performs better in most categories. 

Still, the Douglas Alpine provides similar cooling and pressure relief, which are huge areas of concern for many Canadians. Alpine offers significantly better motion isolation and edge support, though. The trade-off here is the features that you need to stay comfortable. It’s also worth noting that the Douglas Alpine is about $200 less than the Premier throughout most size options.

Nectar Premier vs Octave Mirage

The Octave Mirage is an all-foam mattress from Octave. It is 13” high and uses four layers of proprietary foams to boost performance. These foams respond very fast, making it easy to move around on top fo the mattress. When it comes to performance, it’s equal to the Nectar Premier or slightly better in some areas. 

Mirage features comparable cooling and motion isolation scores. The materials respond just a bit quicker in the Mirage, but the edges are firmer and it relieves pressure better. However, the Mirage is also $100 less in most sizes, including when it comes to the Queen size. 

Should You Buy the Nectar Premier Mattress?

In our opinion, the Nectar Premier offers great value for your money. It comes with a 365-night sleep trial that allows for returns starting at night 30, which allows you plenty of time to get used to the mattress. With better temperature control than we expect and a response time that works for most Canadians, this mattress could be a worthwhile investment for you. Plus, you’ll get a lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and construction. The risk-free sleep trial and comfortable price put this mattress in a great place. We think you should try it if you are looking for a new mattress. If it doesn’t work out, returns are free and you’ll get a full refund.

Highlights of the Nectar Premier Mattress

Nectar Premier stands out in a few areas. The first, of course, is the price. This mattress is affordable and brings some great performance for its price point. It offers better cooling than we generally expect from all-foam mattresses, with a middling response time and moderate sinkage for pressure relief. This mattress is also suitable for most sleepers, with testers of all body types and sleeping positions finding comfort here. These areas make it easy to recommend the Nectar Premier to most Canadians.

Areas for Improvement

While we appreciate most aspects of this mattress (and none of our performance tests returned truly terrible results), there are a few areas where the Nectar Premier could improve. It didn’t get the worst scores in motion isolation or edge support, but there could be better performance here for sure. Those who need additional help with these features may need to look elsewhere. The materials are less bouncy than some may prefer, with a slower response time that may hamper some movement as well.

Our Recommendations for the Nectar Premier Mattress

Based on the results of our testing, we can recommend the Nectar Premier mattress for sleepers in any position, including back, stomach, and side sleepers. Even heavier sleepers will be comfortable on this mattress, as it does a great job with pressure relief. This mattress is also good for hot sleepers and Canadians on a budget. If you need strong edge support or total motion isolation, the Nectar Premier probably isn’t the mattress for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Nectar Forever Warranty covers indents of 1.5” or more, as well as defects in the materials, construction, and workmanship of the mattress.

Is the Nectar Premier a better choice than the Nectar Premier Copper mattress?

The Nectar Premier is a less expensive mattress than the Nectar Premier Copper. While the Copper version does feature some better performance, the difference may not be noticeable to some. In some areas, such as cooling, they perform in comparable ways.

How long does it take this mattress to off-gas?

The Nectar Premier only takes a few days to off-gas after you unbox it. This is faster than the average off-gassing period, which can take up to a week or two in other all-foam mattresses.

Where are Nectar mattresses made?

Nectar sources their materials from around the world. They want to find the best materials possible, which is why they look outside of Canada. Nectar mattresses are currently made at a facility in Mexico.

Are used Nectar mattresses donated?

When you return a Nectar mattress during your sleep trial, it is donated to local charities where possible. Nectar does its best to find a place to donate your mattress so it doesn’t end up in a landfill after minimal use.

What can I do to honour my sleep trial? 

If you aren’t sure about the mattress, you may need to be very careful with it during your sleep trial. Nectar, like most mattress brands, requires that a mattress is in a sanitary condition to accept a return. This means that you should use a mattress protector. They also ask that you use a compatible foundation to maintain support and prevent sinkage and sagging, which can help them provide donated mattresses that are in usable condition. 

Is the cover of the Nectar Premier washable? 

The cover can be spot cleaned, but should not be removed. You cannot remove the cover and wash it at home, as doing so would void your warranty and cause damage to the cover itself.

Is the Nectar Premier good for back pain? 

The Nectar Premier tested well for our groups that suffer from back pain. It is extremely supportive and relieves pressure, so alignment is maintained throughout the mattress.