About Nectar Sleep#

Nectar Sleep is a US mattress brand that has become one of the most prominent in the UK market, largely on the strength of its 365-night free trial — the longest of any major mattress brand in the UK. Founded in 2017, Nectar targets value-conscious buyers who want quality memory foam without the premium pricing of Tempur or the hype premium of some UK brands. Nectar backs its mattresses with a "forever warranty" (lifetime, subject to conditions).

Nectar Memory Foam: construction#

The Nectar Original is a five-layer foam mattress approximately 25 cm deep:

  • Tencel cover: A moisture-wicking, breathable cover. Tencel (lyocell fibre) is more breathable than standard polyester knit covers — a notable advantage for temperature management.
  • Gel memory foam comfort layer (3 cm): A quilted gel-foam layer provides initial softness and some temperature regulation.
  • Adaptive hi-core memory foam (3 cm): Medium-feel memory foam for pressure relief and body contouring.
  • Shift transition layer (2 cm): A faster-response foam that bridges the contouring layers above and the support base below.
  • Dynamic support base (17 cm): High-density base foam providing the structural support for the mattress.

Firmness and feel#

Nectar rates the Original as medium-firm. Most average-weight UK sleepers find it a genuine medium — slightly firmer on the surface than the Emma Original but with a similar contouring memory-foam feel. The gel quilting in the cover provides a luxurious initial surface feel that many buyers appreciate.

Temperature performance#

Despite being an all-foam mattress, Nectar performs reasonably well on temperature thanks to the Tencel cover and gel layer. It sleeps warmer than a hybrid but cooler than a standard memory foam mattress. Moderate hot sleepers may find it acceptable; very hot sleepers should consider the Nectar Hybrid.

The 365-night trial: what it actually means#

Nectar's year-long trial is a genuine differentiator. The conditions: you must sleep on the mattress for at least 30 nights before initiating a return (giving your body time to adjust), the mattress must be in clean condition, and one return per household. Nectar arranges free collection and donates returned mattresses to charity. In our assessment, this is a genuine, customer-friendly policy — not just marketing.

Value for money#

Nectar consistently offers some of the best price-to-quality ratios in the UK memory foam market. During sales, the Original is available for under £350 for a double with accessories included. At this price, the construction quality exceeds what budget foam competitors offer.

Who Nectar suits#

  • Best for: Side sleepers and combination sleepers of average weight; value-conscious buyers who want quality memory foam; anyone who values the security of a year-long trial; those who want a well-made foam mattress without paying a brand premium
  • Less suitable for: Hot sleepers (consider Nectar Hybrid), heavy sleepers (over 16 stone), those who want a bouncy or spring-like feel

Our verdict#

Nectar's combination of quality construction, competitive pricing and market-leading trial period makes it one of the best-value propositions in the UK online mattress market. It won't suit everyone, but for its target audience it's hard to beat.