When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreThe Nectar Classic Mattress has a medium firmness along with outstanding motion isolation, spinal alignment, and edge support.James Brains/Business InsiderI've tested over 100 mattresses ranging from $200 to $14,000 as a sleep reporter. I've learned that to find a truly quality mattress that will last you a decade, you should expect to spend at least $1,000. That said, outliers do exist, and you can certainly get a good night's sleep for less: Take the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress, which retails for $699 for a queen and is one of the best mattresses we've found for under $1,000. The Nectar mattress has evolved over time from cosmetic cover changes to shifts in memory foam makeup, while remaining an all-around great budget option backed by a lifetime warranty and a 365-night trial. While testing the Nectar Classic mattress, I had some of my best nights of sleep, and it performed well in my tests. Its medium firmness works for all sleep styles, and couples will appreciate the motion isolation and edge support. This latest iteration didn't dissipate heat as well, but cooling upgrades are available if you get hot.If you're considering the Nectar, I've outlined everything you need to know before buying below.DesignThe Nectar Classic Mattress features three layers of CertiPUR-US-certified foam.NectarThe Nectar Classic Mattress features a two-piece cover. The top is quilted poly-blend with polyethylene, designed to offer a cool-to-the-touch feel. The bottom cover keeps the foam layers in position so they don't shift. While the cover is technically removable, you shouldn't because it voids the warranty — and it's hard to put back on. The 12-inch mattress comprises three layers of CertiPUR-US certified foam. The uppermost layer incorporates a one-inch layer of pressure-relieving memory foam, followed by a three-inch responsive support layer that helps ensure proper spinal alignment. The bottom foundation provides the bed with durability, motion isolation, and support. Nectar has also introduced a cooling add-on called NectarCool Technology that weaves more cooling fibers directly into the sleep surface. It costs $99 and could be well worth the upgrade if overheating is a concern. Current editions are notated as fiberglass-free. However, Nectar is currently settling a Class Action lawsuit that applies to mattresses purchased between 2017 and June 30, 2024.Our review of the Nectar Classic MattressSetupThe Nectar Classic Mattress features a quilted poly-blend cover that's cool to the touch.James Brains/Business InsiderThe Nectar Classic Mattress arrives at your door in a box the size of a mini fridge and includes setup instructions and a letter-opener-style cutter inside. I dumped it out of the box onto my adjustable bed frame. Then, I carefully cut through the plastic, making sure not to damage the mattress. The whole process took less than five minutes.There was a mild initial odor, but that dissipated, and the mattress expanded to full size by the time I went to bed 10 hours later.If you want to skip setting the mattress up yourself, Nectar offers "Premium In-Home Setup" for $199. With this service, Nectar works with a local service provider to set up your mattress in your home and remove your old mattress.ComfortThe Nectar Classic Mattress is medium firm. While testing it, I was most comfortable sleeping on my side, but I wasn't uncomfortable sleeping on my stomach or back. I wear the Garmin Forerunner 945 watch while I sleep, and each morning, it assigns me a sleep score based on how much deep, REM, restless, and overall sleep I get. While testing the Nectar, my average (68) was above my overall average for the year (64), and I even had several nights in a row over 70. The bed objectively helped me sleep well.One complaint I had with the previous Nectar was that I had trouble maintaining a neutral spine and, thus, staying comfortable. The new model improves on this. Using the Mattress Checker app, I found that my spine had a deviation angle of 4.5 degrees, while an angle of 6 or less is considered good. Subjectively, I felt more comfortable.The Mattress Checker app shows my spine stayed aligned while lying on the Nectar Classic Mattress.Mattress Checker app; James Brains/Business InsiderHeat dissipationTo test heat retention, I use a laser thermometer to measure the mattress's surface temperature right before lying down and after I get up to gauge how cool it stays. Then, I take another measurement two minutes later to assess how well it dissipates heat. The Nectar was about average in how cool it stayed, increasing by about 20 degrees, from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while I lay on it. Yet its heat dissipation was subpar, dropping by about 9 degrees in 2 minutes.Subjectively, there were a few nights when I felt a little warmer than I would have liked.Motion isolationThe Nectar Mattress has outstanding motion isol
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