Nectar vs Purple: which mattress should you buy?

By The FindMattress team · Updated Oct 8, 2026 · How we pick

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The short answer

In the Nectar vs Purple matchup, choose Nectar if you sleep on your back or stomach and want the most mattress for the money: the Nectar Classic is firm, often around $699 for a queen, and comes with a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty. Choose Purple if you're a side or combination sleeper, run warm or dislike the stuck feeling of memory foam: its GelFlex Grid cushions pressure points and springs back instantly. If you're a side sleeper set on Nectar, skip the Classic and buy the Nectar Premier Hybrid.

Key differences at a glance

Nectar Classic Memory Foam is firmer (7.5 vs 6.0/10). Purple Mattress will feel more cushioned at the shoulders and hips; Nectar Classic Memory Foam keeps hips more level for back and stomach sleeping.
Nectar Classic Memory Foam costs about $900 less for a queen at typical prices ($699 vs $1,599).
Nectar Classic Memory Foam is clearly better for edge support (5/5 vs 3/5).
Trial: Nectar Classic Memory Foam gives 365 nights; Purple Mattress gives 100 nights.
Warranty: Lifetime vs 10 years.

Firmness compared

Nectar Classic Memory Foam

Soft7.5/10 · FirmFirm

Purple Mattress

Soft6.0/10 · Medium-firmFirm

Performance head to head

Nectar Classic Memory FoamPurple Mattress

Pressure relief
3 vs 4

Cooling
4 vs 4

Motion isolation
4 vs 4

Edge support
5 vs 3

Bounce
2 vs 3

Specs side by side

Spec	Nectar Classic Memory Foam	Purple Mattress
Type	Memory foam	Memory foam
Firmness	7.5/10 (Firm)	6.0/10 (Medium-firm)
Queen price (approx.)	$699	$1,599
Height	12″	9.3″
Sleep trial	365 nights	100 nights
Warranty	Lifetime	10 years
Pressure relief	3/5	4/5
Cooling	4/5	4/5
Motion isolation	4/5	4/5
Edge support	5/5	3/5
Price check	See today’s price	See today’s price

Prices are approximate queen prices when we last checked and change often. Ratings are 1–5 from published specs and independent test results — see how we score.

How they feel: memory foam vs the Purple grid

The Nectar Classic Memory Foam is firmer than many people expect. Nectar now labels it Firm, and independent testers rate it about 7.5 out of 10. With just 1 inch of memory foam on top of support foam, you rest on the surface with a light hug. It earns a 5 out of 5 for edge support in our review-based ratings, but only 3 out of 5 for pressure relief.

The Purple Mattress is a true medium-firm, about 6 out of 10, and it feels like nothing else. The 2-inch GelFlex Grid collapses under your shoulders and hips, then pops back as you move. It scores 4 out of 5 for pressure relief and cooling and has more bounce than the Nectar. The trade-offs are a slim 9.25-inch profile and average edges.

Who should pick each: side, back and stomach sleepers

Pick Nectar if you sleep on your back or stomach, want a firm, flat surface, or need strong edges for sitting. It's also the clear budget pick. Skip it if you sleep on your side: its pressure relief is the weakest part of its profile.

Pick Purple if you sleep on your side or switch positions through the night, if you sleep warm, or if memory foam has made you feel trapped before. Skip it if you're a heavier stomach sleeper who needs firm support, or if the grid's unusual feel sounds off-putting.

Each brand has another model that can change the answer. The Nectar Premier Hybrid is a medium (about 6.5) coil hybrid that's far better for side sleepers, often around $1,199. The Purple Restore Hybrid puts the same grid over 8-inch coils for stronger edges, at around $2,399 on sale.

Value and policies: Purple vs Nectar price, trial and warranty

Nectar wins value easily. Its Classic is routinely sold for around $699 for a queen, while Purple's list price is about $1,599, with periodic discounts. Nectar also offers a 365-night trial and lifetime Forever Warranty, compared with Purple's 100 nights and 10-year limited warranty.

Read more in our Nectar and Purple brand guides, see Casper vs Purple, or take the mattress quiz.

Frequently asked questions

Is Purple better than Nectar?

Purple is better for side sleepers, hot sleepers and people who dislike memory foam, thanks to its pressure-relieving, responsive grid. Nectar is better for back and stomach sleepers and budget shoppers, and it has a much longer trial and warranty. Neither is better for everyone; your sleep position should decide it.

Which is better for side sleepers, Nectar or Purple?

Between the two flagships, Purple. The Nectar Classic is firm, about 7.5 out of 10, with only 3 out of 5 for pressure relief in our review-based ratings, while Purple is about 6 out of 10 with better pressure relief. If you prefer Nectar's price and policies, the Nectar Premier Hybrid is the side-sleeper option to consider.

Does Purple sleep cooler than Nectar?

Slightly, in practice, though both score 4 out of 5 for cooling in our review-based ratings. Purple's open grid lets air move and doesn't trap you in a body-shaped pocket, while Nectar uses a cooling cover over memory foam. Hot sleepers who want more airflow should look at the Purple Restore Hybrid, which adds coils.