The Nectar Memory Foam mattress is one of the best mattress models in the UK – from one of the most-trusted sleep tech brands. Here, a writer who sleeps on their side and back put it through its paces for 30 days.
It wasn’t until recently that I truly grasped the fact we spend about a third of our lives asleep – which might explain why, for so long, I never prioritised investing in quality sleep products. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to truly appreciate how essential a good night’s sleep is – especially as it’s become harder for me to achieve. I’ve turned into a much lighter sleeper, waking up at the slightest movement from my partner or the first hint of sunlight. And once I’m awake, getting back to sleep isn’t easy. In an effort to change that, I started researching about mattresses.
I’d always loved my old memory foam mattress – even though it came with a bit of a backstory. It originally belonged to my boyfriend, who’d had it since his university days, and it spent years stored under his mum’s bed before we started using it about five years ago. Needless to say, it was definitely time for an upgrade. So, for the past four weeks, I’ve been testing the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress to see if it lives up to the hype. Here's my verdict.
SKIP TO: Fact file | First impressions | Comfort & design | Final verdict
Nectar memory foam mattress review: at a glance
- Tested by: Louisa Bryant, GLAMOUR's Associate Visuals Editor (size tested: UK Double).
- Tested for: One month. You can find out more about how we test products here.
- Firmness: 6.5 out of 10.
- Pros: Good price point, temperature control, supportive to the body/neck/head, forever warranty, light and comes with side handles for easy transportation.
- Cons: Absorption of movement isn't typical of previous memory foam mattresses I've had before (slight bounce).
- Price: £349-£599.
Nectar memory foam mattress first impressions
When it came to the mattress being delivered, Nectar made it simple and as hassle-free as possible. They offer free named delivery, which essentially means upon checkout, a calendar will be provided where you can select your preferred free delivery date. You will receive an email with a tracking link and a 3-hour delivery window the evening before your chosen scheduled delivery date. Simple. I worked my delivery around my old mattress being collected by my local council.
The delivery team called ahead to give me a specific time slot that they expected to arrive. Alas, they brought the hefty box down some steps to my basement flat. My double size mattress had been vacuum-packed and rolled up into the box. I was provided a cutting tool to rip open the plastic encasing the mattress. Though it's ready for use within 3 to 5 hours, Nectar says it can take up to 48 hours for it to fill and air out.
When taking it out of the big box, I was surprised at how light it is to carry to my bed frame. There is a strong, overpowering spongy smell, which over time eventually went away. I would definitely recommend leaving the window open when you're waiting for it to fully expand. The mattress itself is visibly less thick than my old memory foam mattress which left me slightly worried on how comfortable it would be. The overall design is simple and quilted cool cover soft.
GLAMOUR road test: comfort and design
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress is a medium-firm mattress that the brand says provides excellent body support and spinal alignment. Overall, the mattress is definitely firmer than my old beaten one, however, I'd have to agree to Nectar and give this a 6.5 or 7 out of 10. I noticed how supportive the mattress was instantly. It was a perfect balance of firmness, comfort and support, without it being too solid and awkward to sleep on. If you're looking for a memory foam mattress with full sink then this probably isn't the model for you.
The first night, me and my partner had a debrief the next day. He struggles with back and neck pain occasionally. He was astonished at how amazing he slept, likewise for me. We both had the deepest and dreamiest of sleeps. Something I will note is that the mattress does have some bounce to it which at first, did disrupt me getting to sleep but over time, I gotten used to it.
After a month of using the mattress, I have found that the cooling credentials took into effect. With the mattress arriving during a heatwave in the UK, it was put to the test. The mattress contains 5 layers, the top being a quilted cool cover, which is designed to draw heat away from your body and circulate fresh air with every movement. Underneath this is a dynamic supportive layer which also helps with air flow so there are 2 out of the 5 layers that aims to cool you down during your sleep, which we both definitely felt worked. The additional layers all provide comfort and support. I can say that I didn't woke up hot at all and was cool as a cucumber.
Nectar memory foam mattress review: the verdict
I would definitely recommend the Nectar memory foam mattress to those who are either looking for a beginner memory foam mattress or are generally looking to replenish their old mattress. Its medium firmness is perfect for support and overall makes any sleep position comfortable.
Myself and my partner have had the best sleep since it was delivered and I'm not exaggerating. My partner is a day napper and loves this mattress so much. We fall asleep instantly. He hasn't suffered any back or neck pain since we started testing it out so if you suffer from this, I would definitely recommend with assistance on alignment.
It has helped me sleep through warming nights with the cooling layer working effectively. This mattress is more affordable to other brands, but don't let that put you off. The quality of the materials and sleep I've gotten doesn't bother me, in my opinion. You don't need to spend thousands of pounds for a mattress, this one is perfect.
After more sleep content? We've got mattress toppers, the best pillows for side sleepers, plus cooling pillows.
