Prices shown are approximate. Verify current pricing before purchasing.
Nectar and Purple are two of the most popular online mattresses, and they could not be more different. Nectar is memory foam with deep contouring; Purple is a polymer grid with bouncy responsiveness. Both have legitimate fans. Both have legitimate critics. Choosing between them comes down to a few specific feel preferences.
This comparison covers the head-to-head data and gives a clear pick for each sleeper type.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Nectar Premier | Purple Original |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Memory foam | Polymer grid |
| Price (queen) | ~$500-700 | ~$799-1,200 |
| Firmness | Medium-firm | Medium-firm to firm |
| Cooling | Good (with cooling cover) | Excellent |
| Pressure relief | Excellent (deep contour) | Good (no sinking) |
| Motion isolation | Excellent | Good |
| Edge support | Fair | Good |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Forever (lifetime) | 10 years |
Where Nectar wins
Price
Nectar Premier at $500-700 is significantly cheaper than Purple Original at $800-1,200. For most shoppers, the price gap alone tips the decision toward Nectar.
Trial period and warranty
365 nights versus 100 nights is a meaningful difference. Forever Warranty versus 10 years adds another layer of long-term confidence. If you are a cautious buyer, Nectar reduces risk.
Pressure relief for side sleepers
Memory foam contours more deeply than Purple’s grid. Side sleepers with significant shoulder or hip pressure issues consistently rate Nectar higher for relief at those points.
Motion isolation
If you share the bed with someone who tosses or gets up at different hours, Nectar isolates motion better than Purple. Couples with one light sleeper benefit notably.
Check Current Nectar Price on Amazon →
Where Purple wins
Cooling
Purple’s open grid structure allows continuous airflow. It sleeps cooler than memory foam, including the Nectar Premier’s cooling cover. For hot sleepers in warm climates or hormonally-affected sleepers, Purple is the clear cooler option.
Responsiveness
Combination sleepers (people who change positions during the night) move on Purple more easily than on Nectar. Memory foam contours and slowly recovers; Purple’s grid responds instantly. If you toss and turn, Purple feels less like fighting the mattress.
No “stuck in the bed” feeling
Some sleepers dislike the “sinking” sensation of memory foam. Purple’s grid cradles without containing. If you have tried memory foam and found it claustrophobic, Purple solves that problem.
Edge support
Purple’s grid plus reinforced edge construction provides better edge support than Nectar’s all-foam build. If you sit on the edge of the bed regularly or want to use the full mattress surface, Purple has the edge.
Check Current Purple Price on Amazon →
Pick by sleeper type
Side sleeper, average weight
Pick Nectar Premier. Better pressure relief at shoulders and hips at a lower price.
Back sleeper, average weight
Tie. Both work well for back sleepers. Pick based on cooling preference (Purple) versus motion isolation (Nectar).
Stomach sleeper
Pick Purple. Slightly firmer feel keeps the spine aligned better than memory foam contouring.
Hot sleeper
Pick Purple. The grid cooling is meaningful and consistent. Nectar with cooling cover is good but not as cool.
Couple, mixed sleep styles
Pick Nectar Premier. Motion isolation is the deciding factor for couples. The 365-night trial also gives you flexibility if it does not work out.
Combination sleeper (changes positions)
Pick Purple. Responsiveness makes movement easier.
Heavier sleeper (200+ lbs)
Pick Purple. Memory foam compresses more with heavier weight; Purple’s grid plus base support holds up better long-term.
Budget-constrained buyer
Pick Nectar Premier. Lower price plus longer trial period plus longer warranty.
Premium/luxury buyer
Pick Purple Hybrid Premier (not Original). If you are paying premium, the upgraded Purple model with thicker grid is the right choice.
What if you cannot decide?
Use the trial period flexibility. Nectar’s 365-night trial gives you nearly a year to test. If the Nectar does not work, return it and try Purple. Most sleepers find their preference within 30-60 days.
If you want to test in person before deciding, Purple has more retail showroom presence than Nectar. You can lie on a Purple at Mattress Firm, Macy’s, or some Costco locations. Nectar’s in-store availability is limited.
Verdict
Nectar Premier is the safer pick for most sleepers and the better value at the price. Purple Original is the right pick if cooling matters more than pressure relief, if you hate the “sinking” feel of memory foam, or if you specifically want the unique grid feel.
If both feel close on the criteria above, default to Nectar — the lower price, 365-night trial, and Forever Warranty reduce risk meaningfully.
Reminder: Confirm current pricing before purchase.