Though similar in firmness, each mattress has a unique feel due to its use of either memory foam (the Nectar) or latex (the GhostBed).
Nectar vs. GhostBed Mattress Overview
Nectar vs. GhostBed Mattress Overview
Nectar Sleep was founded in 2016 and sells one mattress, its flagship Nectar Mattress. Selling at a price point significantly lower than its competition, the Nectar Mattress nevertheless offers luxury touches such as a quilted gel foam top and very good motion isolation.
At a medium firmness of 6 out of 10, the Nectar is a good choice for a wide range of sleep styles and weights: lightweight and heavier back sleepers will enjoy this mattress the most, but lightweight stomach-sleepers are the only sleep category it doesn’t work well for. A high-density polyfoam support core and three comfort layers add up to a high-quality mattress at an affordable price.
GhostBed was launched in 2015, but its parent company Nature’s Sleep began in 2001. The GhostBed Mattress is the company’s flagship mattress and is a mixed-foam mattress which boasts a high-density polyfoam-core, as well as Dunlop latex and gel memory foam comfort layers.
With good, very good, or excellent ratings across all our sleep rating categories, it comes as little surprise that the GhostBed’s medium firmness (6 out of 10) works well for all sleepers except lightweight stomach-sleepers. Couples will also appreciate that the GhostBed is more suited for sex than many foam-based mattresses, though some may still find it lacks bounce.
Note: In addition to the GhostBed Mattress, GhostBed also offers the GhostBed Luxe and GhostBed Flex models. This page compares only the Nectar and GhostBed flagship mattresses.
Although the Nectar and GhostBed mattresses are similar in some ways (both have a medium firmness rating of 6 out of 10, and both are suitable for many types of sleeper), there are still important differences to keep in mind when choosing between them.
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Specifies how long the product maintains structure, providing comfort and support before it begins to deteriorate. For reference, the average mattress lifespan is 6-8 years.
Our testing showed the dense foam layers of the Nectar offer average to above-average durability, with an expected lifespan of six to seven years.
Durability
x
Specifies how long the product maintains structure, providing comfort and support before it begins to deteriorate. For reference, the average mattress lifespan is 6-8 years.
Our testing showed the dense foam layers of the Nectar offer average to above-average durability, with an expected lifespan of six to seven years.
Motion Isolation
x
A measure of how effectively a mattress absorbs motion across its surface, preventing partner disturbance.
The Nectar mattress absorbs and minimizes motion to a significant extent, and should curb nighttime sleep disruptions for most. Our tests show minimal movement across the surface of the bed.
Motion Isolation
x
A measure of how effectively a mattress absorbs motion across its surface, preventing partner disturbance.
The Nectar mattress absorbs and minimizes motion to a significant extent, and should curb nighttime sleep disruptions for most. Our tests show minimal movement across the surface of the bed.
Off-gassing
x
Most new products emit chemical smells after being removed from packaging. Off-gassing odors are considered non-toxic, but can be quite unpleasant nonetheless.
Off-gassing odors have been reported for newer Nectar mattresses, but these smells tend to dissipate within a few days.
Off-gassing
x
Most new products emit chemical smells after being removed from packaging. Off-gassing odors are considered non-toxic, but can be quite unpleasant nonetheless.
Off-gassing odors have been reported for newer Nectar mattresses, but these smells tend to dissipate within a few days.
Pressure Relief
x
This refers to the degree to which a mattress molds to or cradles the contours of the body. This helps alleviate pressure point pain, especially on the hips and shoulders.
Dual layers of memory foam offer close conforming and pressure and pain relief in the neck, shoulders, and other sensitive areas.
Pressure Relief
x
This refers to the degree to which a mattress molds to or cradles the contours of the body. This helps alleviate pressure point pain, especially on the hips and shoulders.
Dual layers of memory foam offer close conforming and pressure and pain relief in the neck, shoulders, and other sensitive areas.
Temperature Neutrality
x
The temperature of a mattress throughout the night is affected by how much body heat is retained. Several factors affect temperature neutrality, including material composition, layer thickness, and dissipation of heat through airflow.
The Nectar mattress sleeps somewhat warm, but the lyocell cover and gel memory foam offer more breathability than many competing memory foam models
Temperature Neutrality
x
The temperature of a mattress throughout the night is affected by how much body heat is retained. Several factors affect temperature neutrality, including material composition, layer thickness, and dissipation of heat through airflow.
The Nectar mattress sleeps somewhat warm, but the lyocell cover and gel memory foam offer more breathability than many competing memory foam models
Edge Support
x
The degree to which the perimeter of the mattress supports body weight. In some cases, mattresses may sink when weight is applied. This sinkage, often called “roll-off”, affects how closely you might sleep to the edge of the bed.
The Nectar mattress offers better edge support than most all-foam mattresses at this price range due to its dense foam layers, though some owners have reported sinkage after less than one year of use.
Edge Support
x
The degree to which the perimeter of the mattress supports body weight. In some cases, mattresses may sink when weight is applied. This sinkage, often called “roll-off”, affects how closely you might sleep to the edge of the bed.
The Nectar mattress offers better edge support than most all-foam mattresses at this price range due to its dense foam layers, though some owners have reported sinkage after less than one year of use.
Noise
x
Certain mattresses – particularly those with coils – can be quite noisy when bearing weight. Others are nearly silent. Material composition is often the limiting factor for noise potential.
The Nectar mattress is virtually silent when bearing weight.
Noise
x
Certain mattresses – particularly those with coils – can be quite noisy when bearing weight. Others are nearly silent. Material composition is often the limiting factor for noise potential.
The Nectar mattress is virtually silent when bearing weight.
Sex
x
Mattresses that are bouncier and more responsive tend to be better for sex, as they’re easier to change positions on. In contrast, unresponsive mattresses can cause couples to have trouble switching positions.
The Nectar mattress has some bounce, but — like many memory foam models — it may not be responsive enough for most couples.
Sex
x
Mattresses that are bouncier and more responsive tend to be better for sex, as they’re easier to change positions on. In contrast, unresponsive mattresses can cause couples to have trouble switching positions.
The Nectar mattress has some bounce, but — like many memory foam models — it may not be responsive enough for most couples.
Durability
x
Specifies how long the product maintains structure, providing comfort and support before it begins to deteriorate. For reference, the average mattress lifespan is 6-8 years.
Average to above-average longevity is expected from the GhostBed, but the company has been in business for less than three years and long-term performance has not been evaluated.
Durability
x
Specifies how long the product maintains structure, providing comfort and support before it begins to deteriorate. For reference, the average mattress lifespan is 6-8 years.
Average to above-average longevity is expected from the GhostBed, but the company has been in business for less than three years and long-term performance has not been evaluated.
Motion Isolation
x
A measure of how effectively a mattress absorbs motion across its surface, preventing partner disturbance.
The GhostBed isolates motion to some extent, but not as much as the average foam-latex mattress.
Motion Isolation
x
A measure of how effectively a mattress absorbs motion across its surface, preventing partner disturbance.
The GhostBed isolates motion to some extent, but not as much as the average foam-latex mattress.
Off-gassing
x
Most new products emit chemical smells after being removed from packaging. Off-gassing odors are considered non-toxic, but can be quite unpleasant nonetheless.
The GhostBed emits little to no odor, which is rare for mattresses with memory foam.
Off-gassing
x
Most new products emit chemical smells after being removed from packaging. Off-gassing odors are considered non-toxic, but can be quite unpleasant nonetheless.
The GhostBed emits little to no odor, which is rare for mattresses with memory foam.
Pressure Relief
x
This refers to the degree to which a mattress molds to or cradles the contours of the body. This helps alleviate pressure point pain, especially on the hips and shoulders.
GhostBed mattresses conform closely and alleviate a fair amount of aches and pains for most sleepers.
Pressure Relief
x
This refers to the degree to which a mattress molds to or cradles the contours of the body. This helps alleviate pressure point pain, especially on the hips and shoulders.
GhostBed mattresses conform closely and alleviate a fair amount of aches and pains for most sleepers.
Temperature Neutrality
x
The temperature of a mattress throughout the night is affected by how much body heat is retained. Several factors affect temperature neutrality, including material composition, layer thickness, and dissipation of heat through airflow.
The top latex layer somewhat tempers the GhostBed’s memory foam, but some customers claim the mattress still sleeps relatively hot.
Temperature Neutrality
x
The temperature of a mattress throughout the night is affected by how much body heat is retained. Several factors affect temperature neutrality, including material composition, layer thickness, and dissipation of heat through airflow.
The top latex layer somewhat tempers the GhostBed’s memory foam, but some customers claim the mattress still sleeps relatively hot.
Edge Support
x
The degree to which the perimeter of the mattress supports body weight. In some cases, mattresses may sink when weight is applied. This sinkage, often called “roll-off”, affects how closely you might sleep to the edge of the bed.
The GhostBed offers better edge support than many other memory foam and latex models, but the bed is still susceptible to sinkage in places where people sit.
Edge Support
x
The degree to which the perimeter of the mattress supports body weight. In some cases, mattresses may sink when weight is applied. This sinkage, often called “roll-off”, affects how closely you might sleep to the edge of the bed.
The GhostBed offers better edge support than many other memory foam and latex models, but the bed is still susceptible to sinkage in places where people sit.
Noise
x
Certain mattresses – particularly those with coils – can be quite noisy when bearing weight. Others are nearly silent. Material composition is often the limiting factor for noise potential.
The GhostBed is virtually silent when bearing weight.
Noise
x
Certain mattresses – particularly those with coils – can be quite noisy when bearing weight. Others are nearly silent. Material composition is often the limiting factor for noise potential.
The GhostBed is virtually silent when bearing weight.
Sex
x
Mattresses that are bouncier and more responsive tend to be better for sex, as they’re easier to change positions on. In contrast, unresponsive mattresses can cause couples to have trouble switching positions.
The GhostBed is not particularly bouncy or springy, and the bed may not be responsive enough for some couples.
Sex
x
Mattresses that are bouncier and more responsive tend to be better for sex, as they’re easier to change positions on. In contrast, unresponsive mattresses can cause couples to have trouble switching positions.
The GhostBed is not particularly bouncy or springy, and the bed may not be responsive enough for some couples.
The Nectar Mattress is Good for...
Sleepers below 130lbs or above 230lbs who sleep on their back
Sleepers who want gentle contouring to the body without the associated heat
All types of sleepers (other than lightweight stomach-sleepers) who like medium firmness and memory foam support
The GhostBed Mattress is Good for...
All sleepers (except for lightweight stomach sleepers), particularly back sleepers of any weight
Customers with joint or back pain, or those with pressure point pain
Couples who want a memory foam mattress which is appropriate for sex
Sleep Position Ratings
The Nectar Mattress
Medium-firmness mattresses are often appreciated by a wide variety of sleepers, and the Nectar Mattress is no different. While it is most supportive for back-sleepers below 130lbs or above 230lbs, it is nevertheless still a good choice for people of other weights and sleep styles. (Lightweight stomach-sleepers are the outlier, for whom this mattress is only rated as “fair”.)
While the Nectar does have cooling layers of gel memory foam, making it cooler than most memory foam choices, very warm sleepers may want to choose a mattress with minimal contouring and better temperature regulation.
The GhostBed Mattress
With its excellent contouring and medium (6 out of 10) firmness level, the GhostBed is very appealing to people with a wide variety of sleep styles. People of average weight (between 130 and 230lbs) who sleep on their stomach or back will enjoy the GhostBed the most, it is still rated as “good” for everyone else, aside from lightweight stomach-sleepers.
This makes the GhostBed Mattress a good choice for couples who may have different sleep preferences. Additionally, GhostBed has gel memory foam and an aerated latex core for airflow, but very warm sleepers may still find this mattress overly warm in hot weather.
Nectar Mattress
GhostBed
Weight
Light
Average
Heavy
Sleep Position
Less than 130 LBS
130 LBS - 230 LBS
Greater than 230 LBS
Side
Back
Stomach
Weight
Light
Average
Heavy
Sleep Position
Less than 130 LBS
130 LBS - 230 LBS
Greater than 230 LBS
Side
Back
Stomach
Our Recommendations
Choose the Nectar Mattress if...
You want an extra-long trial period (365-night) or warranty period (lifetime)
You are a back sleeper, particularly if you weigh under 130lbs or over 230lbs
You find other memory foam mattresses too warm and want one with a cooling gel foam layer
You have a smaller budget but want top-quality materials and luxury details
Choose the GhostBed Mattress if...
You have pain issues (particularly joint or pressure point) and want a mattress with very good contouring
You sleep on your back
You want a memory-foam mattress which is suitable for sex
You want a mattress which ranks well across all sleep categories
Technical Details Comparison
Sizing and Pricing
Twin$499 Nectar$545 GhostBed
Twin XL$569 Nectar$745 GhostBed
Full$699 Nectar$920 GhostBed
Queen$799 Nectar$995 GhostBed
King$999 Nectar$1,175 GhostBed
Cali King$999 Nectar$1,195 GhostBed
Split King$1,490 GhostBed
Mattress Construction
Next let’s look at how the Nectar and GhostBed Mattress models are made. The table below lists firmness, thickness, weight, and composition specs for both beds.
1.5″ Synthetic Dunlop Latex
2″ PCF Gel Memory Foam
Cover Composition
Quilted Memory Foam, Tencel® Lyocell and Cotton
Polyester
How Is the Nectar Mattress Built?
In our initial review, our team appreciated Nectar’s commitment to offering high-quality materials at an affordable price. All materials used are CertiPUR-US®-Certified, meaning that they are non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, and the mattress’s construction features some luxury touches.
One of these, the gel memory foam layer quilted into the mattress cover, provides contour support and cooling airflow. This is followed by another comfort layer (3″ of gel memory foam), supported by the 7″ core of high-density memory foam and polyfoam.
The Nectar Mattress’s construction allows for better-than-average motion isolation, as well as better edge support than competitors at its price point. (However, some users have found that this edge support lessens over time.) Like most other memory foam mattresses, the Nectar is also virtually silent and conforms very well to the body.
How Is the GhostBed Mattress Built?
The GhostBed Mattress is built on a thicker-than-usual, 7.5″ support core of high-density polyfoam. This provides excellent support and durability, two of the mattress’s key strengths. However, customers are more likely to be aware of the two-step comfort layer system: a 1.5″ layer of springy synthetic Dunlop latex (which has been aerated for airflow), and 2″ of gel memory foam.
Together, these provide top-of-class contouring to potentially reduce pain while mitigating some (though not all) of the heat created by that contouring. However, heavy materials like latex bring the weight of a queen GhostBed Mattress to 89lbs, 15lbs more than the Nectar.
GhostBed has a commitment to being eco-friendly, beginning with ensuring all mattress materials are CertiPUR-US®-Certified. Their mattresses also have minimal off-gassing, a significant difference from many of their competitors. (Off-gassing, while not dangerous, can make it difficult for some people to sleep on their new mattress until the process is complete.)
Nectar Sleep Trial, Warranty, and Delivery
Sleep Trial 365-night with 30-day break-in period
Shipping Free shipping within contiguous U.S.
Warranty Lifetime
Made In USA
Trial Period Details
Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial for the Nectar Mattress.
Many direct-to-consumer mattress companies offer a sleep trial as an alternative to the brief bounce test on a showroom model. However, Nectar is unusual in that they offer a very generous 365-night sleep trial, ensuring that you are totally happy with your purchase before they remove the chance for a refund. Nectar also has a mandatory 30-day “breaking in” period before the trial begins, giving you 395 days after delivery to decide whether or not you want to keep your mattress.
For customers who choose to return their mattress, Nectar refunds all fees except any white glove delivery or Hawaiian/Alaskan delivery costs. The company will also work with your local services to have your mattress either donated or disposed of as necessary.
Warranty
Nectar offers a lifetime warranty.
Nectar offers a lifetime warranty, which it calls a “Forever Warranty”. For as long as the company exists, they will replace your mattress in the event of manufacturing defects (for both the foam itself and the integrated cover), or any lingering impressions 1.5 inches or deeper.
For the first 10 years post-purchase, Nectar will replace your mattress with no fees whatsoever. After the ten year mark, they will charge two 50-dollar shipping fees (one for your previous mattress, and one for the replacement) unless they determine the damage is due to a manufacturing error.
This warranty does not cover normal wear-and-tear, misuse, damage, changes in the owner’s comfort preference, a normal softening of the foam, or impressions less than 1.5 inches. In addition, the warranty is voided by improper support for the mattress, and cannot be transferred in the event that you sell or give your mattress away.
Delivery Details
How is the Mattress Shipped?
Nectar ships their mattress compressed and rolled in a protective sleeve.
Where Do They Ship?
Customers within the contiguous U.S. have free shipping, while Alaskan and Hawaiian customers must pay a 150 dollar fee. International shipping is unavailable.
White Glove Delivery
Nectar offers white glove delivery and set-up for a 149 dollar fee, plus 45 dollars for any additional items.
Full Shipping Details
Customers in the contiguous U.S. can take advantage of Nectar’s free shipping, although Alaskan and Hawaiian customers must pay a fee of 150 dollars. (International shipping is currently unavailable.) Shipping is reasonably swift, with your mattress shipping within 1-2 days of payment, and arriving (in the contiguous states) approximately 3-5 days after shipment. As the packed mattress weights between 45 pounds (Twin) and 105 pounds (California King, you may consider opting for the white glove delivery option, particularly if you have mobility issues or need your old mattress removed. However, choosing white glove delivery can also delay your mattress, so we suggest estimating a 5-7 day wait when using this option.
Old Mattress Removal?
After purchasing white glove delivery, you can have your previous mattress removed for an additional 45 dollars. Extra recycling fees apply in California, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
Nectar Coupons and Discounts
Get $399 worth of free accessories with every Nectar mattress purchase.
Sleep Trial 101-night, including a 30-day break-in period
Shipping Free within the contiguous U.S.
Warranty Partially-prorated 20-year warranty
Made In USA
Trial Period
GhostBed offers a 101-night sleep trial for the GhostBed Mattress.
In order to ensure you love your GhostBed mattress, they allow for a 101-night sleep trial during which you can return your purchase for a full refund (including any handling or transport charges). This trial does begin with a mandatory 30-day “breaking in” period, as during the first 30 days your mattress will slowly attain its final sleep feel. (It also takes approximately 30 days for you to adjust to a new mattress.)
After this period, you have 70 days to return the mattress, which gives most people lots of time to decide whether it works for them or not. Note that there is only one mattress return allowed per household, but they do offer exchanges, so that you can upgrade to the GhostBed Luxe or GhostBed Flex if you believe they would work better for you.
Warranty
GhostBed offers a 20-year partially-prorated warranty.
If you purchase a GhostBed Mattress directly from the company or through an official seller, you will automatically be eligible for their 20-year, partially-prorated limited warranty. During the first 10 years you own your GhostBed, all repairs or replacements will be non-prorated, meaning you will not pay anything (aside from shipping and handling) to take advantage of the warranty. After ten years, this becomes a prorated warranty: you will pay 5 percent multiplied by the number of years you have owned your mattress, starting with 55 percent in year 11.
The warranty itself covers indentations over one inch, visible sagging, and faults in the mattress causing the memory foam to warp, crack, or split. The warranty is void if you do not support your mattress correctly, and it cannot be transferred if you give away or sell your mattress.
Delivery Details
How is the Mattress Shipped?
GhostBed ship their mattresses rolled, vacuum-sealed, and in a protective box.
Where Do They Ship?
Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S., but Alaskan and Hawaiian customers must pay a 600 dollar surcharge. International delivery is not available.
White Glove Delivery
GhostBed does not currently offer white glove delivery or setup.
Full Shipping Details
Once you order your GhostBed Mattress the shipment process will begin immediately, so ensure your details are correct before ordering. (Cancelling your order will incur a 15 percent restocking fee taken from your refund.) Orders are shipped by FedEx within 24 hours of payment receipt, and deliveries to the contiguous states should be expected in 3-5 business days. Shipments to Alaska and Hawaii are done via freight, making the wait longer. FedEx only offers delivery to your door, so plan for help in unpacking and moving your new mattress, but other delivery details can be accessed through a FedEx Manager account.
Old Mattress Removal?
As GhostBed ships through FedEx, they do not offer mattress removal.
GhostBed Coupons and Discounts
Tuck readers get 25% off the GhostBed Mattress with code: TUCK25
