Selecting the right mattress can greatly influence your sleep quality and overall well-being. DreamCloud and Nectar are both well-known brands that offer unique features to accommodate various sleep preferences. This comprehensive comparison will cover factors such as construction, firmness, cooling, motion isolation, edge support, pressure relief, and more, helping you determine which mattress is better suited for your needs.

Quick Summary: DreamCloud vs. Nectar at a Glance

Factor	Nectar	DreamCloud
Best For	Side sleepers, Couples needing motion isolation	Back/stomach sleepers, Hot sleepers
Firmness	Medium-soft (6/10)	Medium-firm (7/10)
Edge Support	Moderate	Excellent
Cooling	Moderate	Superior due to airflow from coils
Price	Lower price point	Higher but with luxury features

Construction Differences

Nectar Mattress

• Type: All-foam construction
• Layers:
  • Cover: Polyethylene, designed to promote coolness, sometimes quilted for added plushness.
  • Comfort Layer: Gel-infused memory foam, providing contouring and pressure relief.
  • Transition Layer: Softer polyfoam that prevents excessive sinkage.
  • Base Layer: Dense polyfoam for foundational support.
• Feel: A classic memory foam feel, with slow-moving contouring and a “hugging” sensation, suitable for those who enjoy sinking “into” the mattress.

DreamCloud Mattress

• Type: Hybrid construction
• Layers:
  • Cover: Quilted cashmere for a luxurious feel and added plushness.
  • Comfort Layer: Gel-infused memory foam for pressure relief and contouring.
  • Transition Layer: Polyfoam for extra support above the coil system.
  • Support Core: Individually pocketed coils providing lift, bounce, and edge stability.
• Feel: A bouncier and more supportive feel due to the coils, making it suitable for sleepers who prefer lying “on top” of the mattress.

Construction Summary

Feature	Nectar	DreamCloud
Type	All-foam	Hybrid (foam + pocketed coils)
Cover	Polyethylene with cooling properties	Quilted cashmere for a luxurious feel
Comfort Layer	Gel-infused memory foam for pressure relief and cooling	Gel-infused memory foam providing initial pressure relief
Support Core	Dense polyfoam offering stability	Individually pocketed coils providing support and bounce
Edge Support	Limited edge support, may sag	Strong edge support, enhanced stability for edge sleepers
Feel	Slow-moving, contouring, “hugging” feel	Bouncy, supportive, more “on top” feel

Firmness and Feel

• Nectar: Rated around 6/10, making it softer than average. The memory foam layers offer deep contouring and pressure relief, which is ideal for side sleepers.
• DreamCloud: Rated around 7/10, providing a medium-firm feel. The hybrid construction offers more lift and bounce, which is suitable for combination sleepers who move around during the night.

Performance Comparison

Motion Isolation

• Nectar: Excels in motion isolation due to its all-foam design, making it ideal for couples who want to avoid disturbances from each other’s movements.
• DreamCloud: Moderate motion isolation due to the coils. Couples might notice some transfer of motion, particularly in the hybrid models.

Cooling

• Nectar: Uses gel-infused memory foam and a breathable cover, but its all-foam construction may still retain heat.
• DreamCloud: Superior cooling due to airflow through the pocketed coils, making it a better choice for hot sleepers.

Edge Support

• Nectar: Weaker edge support, especially near the perimeter.
• DreamCloud: Excellent edge support, thanks to the coil system, allowing more comfortable use of the entire mattress surface.

Durability

• Nectar: Expected to last 7-10 years with proper maintenance.
• DreamCloud: Slightly more durable due to the hybrid construction, lasting 8-10 years.

Sleep Position Suitability

Side Sleepers

• Nectar: Better for side sleepers, offering pressure relief at the shoulders and hips.
• DreamCloud: May not provide as much contouring, making it less ideal for lighter side sleepers.

Back Sleepers

• DreamCloud: Preferred for back sleepers, as its medium-firm support maintains spinal alignment.
• Nectar: Suitable for back sleepers who enjoy a softer mattress, but may not provide enough support for heavier individuals.

Stomach Sleepers

• DreamCloud: More supportive for stomach sleepers, preventing excessive hip sinkage.
• Nectar: Too soft for most stomach sleepers, potentially causing lower back pain.

Sleep Position and Weight Recommendations

Sleep Position	Nectar (All-foam)	DreamCloud (Hybrid)
Side Sleepers	Great pressure relief for lighter individuals	May not be soft enough for lighter side sleepers
Back Sleepers	Suitable for lighter back sleepers	Ideal for most back sleepers
Stomach Sleepers	Too soft for most stomach sleepers	Better support for stomach sleepers
Lightweight (<130 lbs)	May feel more plush than expected	May feel slightly firmer
Average-weight (130-230 lbs)	Provides balanced support	Offers good support across sleep positions
Heavyweight (>230 lbs)	May not provide sufficient support	More suitable for heavier individuals

Suitability for Different Users

Couples

• Nectar: Best for couples who prioritize motion isolation.
• DreamCloud: Suitable for couples who prefer a bouncier feel, but may not isolate motion as well as an all-foam mattress.

Sex Suitability

• Nectar: With less bounce, Nectar may not be ideal for couples during intimate activities, but it provides good motion isolation and is virtually silent.
• DreamCloud: The hybrid design provides good responsiveness, making it better suited for couples during intimate activities. It also has strong edge support, allowing comfortable use of the entire mattress surface.

Material and Environmental Considerations

Both brands use CertiPUR-US certified foams, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals and meet safety standards.

• Nectar: Uses polyethylene in the cover for a cooling effect, and foam layers designed for pressure relief.
• DreamCloud: Quilted cashmere cover adds a luxury feel, and the coil system allows better airflow.

Unboxing Experience, Off-Gassing, and Initial Setup

Unboxing

• Nectar: Compressed and vacuum-sealed in a box, takes around 24-48 hours to fully expand.
• DreamCloud: Slightly quicker expansion due to the hybrid structure, but still requires at least 24 hours before use.

Off-Gassing

• Nectar: May have a slight new mattress smell for the first 24-72 hours.
• DreamCloud: Less noticeable off-gassing, especially in the hybrid models.

Shipping, Delivery, and White-Glove Service

Nectar and DreamCloud both offer free shipping and 365-night sleep trials.

• DreamCloud: Provides an option for white-glove delivery (where the mattress is delivered, unpacked, and set up for you) and may also offer mattress removal services for an additional fee.

Trial, Warranty, and Return Policies

Both mattresses come with similar policies:

• 365-night trial period: Allows a full year to test the mattress.
• Lifetime warranty: Demonstrates confidence in the mattress durability.
• Free returns: Customers can return the mattress within the trial period without any additional costs.

Customer Reviews and User Ratings

• Nectar: Praised for its comfort and pressure relief, but some users mention heat retention as a downside.
• DreamCloud: Receives positive reviews for its luxury feel and support, but some find it too firm, especially lighter side sleepers.

Pressure Relief and Body Impressions

• Nectar: Excels in pressure relief, making it a great choice for side sleepers. However, over time, it may develop slight body impressions.
• DreamCloud: Provides moderate pressure relief with fewer impressions, thanks to the coil system supporting the foam layers.

Maintenance and Longevity Tips

To extend the lifespan:

• Rotate the mattress every 3-6 months.
• Use a mattress protector: Shield your mattress from spills, stains, and allergens by using a high-quality mattress cover.
• Clean the cover regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Environmental Impact and Certifications

Both mattresses are CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring they meet strict standards for content, emissions, and durability. DreamCloud’s cashmere cover adds a touch of luxury, while Nectar’s foam layers are designed to promote cooling and comfort.

Comparisons to Other Brands

• Casper: Known for a balanced foam feel, but lacks DreamCloud’s hybrid luxury.
• Tuft & Needle: More affordable, but lacks the premium features of Nectar and DreamCloud.
• Saatva: Offers high-end hybrid options, with excellent edge support and targeted lumbar support.

Conclusion: Choosing Between DreamCloud and Nectar

Choose Nectar if:

• You prefer the classic memory foam feel with deep contouring.
• You need pressure relief, especially for side sleeping.
• Motion isolation is a priority, making it ideal for couples who don’t want to be disturbed by movements.

Choose DreamCloud if:

• You want a medium-firm mattress with a balance of bounce and support.
• You are a back or stomach sleeper who needs firmer support to maintain spinal alignment.
• You value cooling and edge support, as the coil system promotes airflow and provides reinforced stability at the edges.

FAQs

1. Are these mattresses suitable for adjustable bed frames? Yes, both Nectar and DreamCloud are compatible with most adjustable bed frames, allowing you to customize your sleep position.

2. How long does it take for these mattresses to fully expand? Both mattresses generally take 24-48 hours to expand, but you can sleep on them after a few hours.

3. Which mattress is better for heavy sleepers? DreamCloud’s hybrid design offers better support and durability for heavier sleepers, especially with the coil system providing extra lift.

4. What’s the best mattress for back pain? DreamCloud may be more suitable due to its medium-firm support and coil-based construction which helps keep the spine aligned. Nectar can still be a good choice for those who prefer a softer feel.

Pressure Mapping and Body Weight Suitability

• Pressure Mapping Results: Tests show that Nectar excels in pressure relief for side sleepers, especially around the shoulders and hips. DreamCloud, with its firmer feel, provides more support for back sleepers, ensuring spinal alignment.
• Suitability Based on Body Weight:
  • Lightweight Sleepers (<130 lbs): May find Nectar more comfortable, as it provides a softer, more contouring feel.
  • Average-Weight Sleepers (130-230 lbs): Can enjoy both mattresses, but DreamCloud’s firmer support may be better for back and stomach sleeping.
  • Heavyweight Sleepers (>230 lbs): DreamCloud is generally a better fit, offering stronger support and less sagging over time.

Comparing Sleep Trials, Delivery, and Return Policies

Both mattresses offer a generous 365-night trial with a lifetime warranty, allowing customers to test the mattress extensively. The return process is straightforward, with free returns within the trial period. DreamCloud also offers optional white-glove delivery for those who prefer professional setup and mattress removal.

Final Thoughts

Both Nectar and DreamCloud provide quality mattresses at affordable prices, with generous customer-friendly policies. The choice between the two comes down to personal preferences, sleeping positions, and specific needs for support and cooling. Nectar is a great option for those who prioritize a classic memory foam feel, while DreamCloud is better for those who prefer a firmer, hybrid design with enhanced edge support.