Nectar Vs. DreamCloud: Which Popular Online Bed Is More Comfortable?

Forbes

7 days ago

Nectar and DreamCloud are two brands under Resident Home, a bed-in-a-box mattress company with comfortable and competitively priced options for a wide range of sleeping positions. In our Nectar vs. DreamCloud comparison, we delve into the brand's flagship mattresses—the Nectar Classic and DreamCloud Hybrid Classic—and cover the major differences between the two and why you might prefer one over the other. Our sleep editors recently re-tested both beds alongside a team of more than a dozen people who differ in body type, sleep posture and general preferences.
When choosing between Nectar vs. DreamCloud, here are the main considerations and why you might like ... More one over the other. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER
In sum, we think the Nectar and DreamCloud are both appealing mattresses that offer great value and comfort. However, the DreamCloud has the upper edge when it comes to support and premium materials, while the Nectar is a great pick for those who want good motion isolation and a conforming feel. Continue below for more insight into these beds' highlights and possible downsides.
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Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Type: Hybrid | Thickness: 12 inches | Brand-rated firmness: Medium (6.5) | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Best for: Back, stomach and combo sleepers
Couples (great motion isolation and edge support)
Sleepers who like memory foam but want good ease of movement
Skip if:
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Type: Hybrid | Thickness: 12 inches | Brand-rated firmness: Medium-firm (6.5) | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Best for: Petite to plus-size sleepers
Back and combo sleepers who like a densely cushioned, responsive feel
Anyone who wants solid edge support and ease of movement
Skip if: You want deep sinkage
You're a strict side sleeper who weighs less than 150 pounds Firmness level is rated around 6.5 of the firmness scale
Main comfort materials are made from memory foam
Similar company policies and risk-free trials DreamCloud Hybrid is more supportive with a coil base (Nectar offers a hybrid version for more money)
DreamCloud Hybrid is slightly softer based on our testers' feedback
Firmness refers to how soft or hard a mattress feels on a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being the firmest. Feel, on the other hand, describes the way you perceive a bed's profile because of its particular blend of materials. Here's how the Nectar and DreamCloud stack up in these categories.
Although these two bed-in-a-box mattresses are rated the same by the brands, we think the DreamCloud Classic Mattress is a little softer. Testers found the Nectar Classic to be on the firm end of medium-firm (more like a 6.5 to 7), while the DreamCloud is on the softer side (more like a 6 to 6.5). People commonly referred to DreamCloud as cushiony and soft, while the Nectar received a few firm and dense descriptions.
Both beds use memory foam in their comfort layers, but the DreamCloud feels a little more lifted and plush, while the Nectar feels denser at first but then slowly softens up once pressure and heat are applied. We rated the DreamCloud an 8 out of 10 for pressure relief, while the Nectar received a 7.5 out of 10. Testers described the DreamCloud as 'moderately cushiony' with 'the perfect amount of sinkage.' As for the Nectar, one says, 'It has the memory foam feel, but it's more responsive than I thought it was going to be. It quickly rebounds and contours when moving around." Sleeping Position
Because of the Nectar's denser, firmer foam profile, our testers found it's most suitable for back, stomach and combination sleepers. Our testers gave it an 8.5 out of 10 for back sleeping, with one saying, 'There is very minimal sinkage at all so my spine is in alignment." As for stomach sleeping, one tester says, 'I feel very supported; there's no pressure buildup whatsoever.' However, it received mixed opinions on side sleeping, with testers ultimately rating it a 7.5 out of 10 for that position.
We typically recommend medium-firm mattresses for back and combination sleepers, but the DreamCloud Hybrid tested surprisingly well for some side sleepers. One tester says, 'This mattress feels super comfortable and supportive on my side. I feel like all my pressure points are supported and don't dig into the bed.' However, our testers weighing less than 150 pounds noted it felt too firm for side sleeping. Overall, it scored an 8.5 out of 10 for back sleeping and an 8 out of 10 for both side and stomach sleeping. Body Type
It's important to note a mattress will feel firmer to you if you are lighter in weight and softer if you're heavier in weight. Larger-framed individuals also need more support than those who have a smaller frame. Because of its coil construction, the DreamCloud Mattress is the more supportive choice for heavier sleepers. Nectar does offer the Nectar Hybrid Mattress that's similar to the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress (but with steel coils), but it's a little more expensive than the DreamCloud Hybrid. Construction
These two mattresses come from the same parent company and use memory foam as their comfort materials, but the constructions are fairly different. Nectar Classic Memory Foam Construction Cover: A soft knit cover that's woven with cooling fibers and treated with a antimicrobial finish.
A soft knit cover that's woven with cooling fibers and treated with a antimicrobial finish. Comfort layer: A slab of memory foam sits near the top for conforming pressure relief.
A slab of memory foam sits near the top for conforming pressure relief. Transition layer: A layer of responsive foam is sandwiched in between the top and bottom layers to help support the spine and remove uncomfortable sinkage.
A layer of responsive foam is sandwiched in between the top and bottom layers to help support the spine and remove uncomfortable sinkage. Support layer: A dense foam layer sits at the bottom of the bed to help support you and the alternating foams above. DreamCloud Hybrid Classic Construction Cover: A quilted cover with a thin layer of foam stitched underneath sits at the top of the mattress, and it's woven with cooling fibers.
A quilted cover with a thin layer of foam stitched underneath sits at the top of the mattress, and it's woven with cooling fibers. Comfort layer: A layer of memory foam comes next to provide pressure-relieving comfort.
A layer of memory foam comes next to provide pressure-relieving comfort. Transition layer: A slab of what the brand calls 'responsive foam' is in the center to help provide better lumbar support.
A slab of what the brand calls 'responsive foam' is in the center to help provide better lumbar support. Support layer: Next comes a system of 8-inch pocketed coils for enhanced support with a reinforced perimeter for better sturdiness along the edges.
Next comes a system of 8-inch pocketed coils for enhanced support with a reinforced perimeter for better sturdiness along the edges. Support layer: A thin layer of dense foam is at the base to help stabilize your mattress. Performance
Our testers put each mattress to the test in important categories like edge support, motion isolation, cooling, pressure relief and general support. Edge Support Nectar: This bed has good edge support for an all-foam model. 'There is really superior edge support when sitting on the sides,' says one tester. 'There's minimal sinkage and it feels quite stable.' Overall, testers rated it an 8 out of 10.
This bed has good edge support for an all-foam model. 'There is really superior edge support when sitting on the sides,' says one tester. 'There's minimal sinkage and it feels quite stable.' Overall, testers rated it an 8 out of 10. DreamCloud: Testers also rated the DreamCloud an 8 out of 10 for edge support. One says, 'There's a noticeable feeling of support that doesn't sink much with added weight, making it easy to stand up and sit on the edge without feeling like you'll slide off.' Motion Isolation Nectar: 'I actually shared this bed with someone and didn't feel them move or get up at all,' says one tester. Another adds, 'The motion isolation [on the Nectar] is superb.' It received an 8 out of 10 score.
'I actually shared this bed with someone and didn't feel them move or get up at all,' says one tester. Another adds, 'The motion isolation [on the Nectar] is superb.' It received an 8 out of 10 score. DreamCloud: 'I think if I slept on this mattress with my partner, he wouldn't notice my movements when he's asleep,' says one tester. After placing a glass of water near the edge of the bed, another says, 'I jumped around a lot and the water in the glass barely moved.' It received an 8 out of 10 score. Cooling Nectar: There are cooling fibers woven into the top cover of this mattress, but our testers call it a temperature-neutral bed. Most testers say the temperature feels average, with a cover that's subtly cool.
There are cooling fibers woven into the top cover of this mattress, but our testers call it a temperature-neutral bed. Most testers say the temperature feels average, with a cover that's subtly cool. DreamCloud: The DreamCloud sleeps a little cooler thanks to its coils in the bottom layer, which help allow for better airflow than the all-foam Nectar. Still, it's not considered a cooling mattress. Pressure Relief Nectar: With a dense and firmer profile, our testers rated this bed a 7.5 out of 10 in this category. While it's good for back and stomach sleepers, there may not be enough give for most side sleepers. One person says, 'This is not great for side sleepers, I feel my shoulder compressing in this position,' and another says they also felt pressure buildup in this position. Side sleepers may want to consider the softer Nectar Luxe Mattress.
With a dense and firmer profile, our testers rated this bed a 7.5 out of 10 in this category. While it's good for back and stomach sleepers, there may not be enough give for most side sleepers. One person says, 'This is not great for side sleepers, I feel my shoulder compressing in this position,' and another says they also felt pressure buildup in this position. Side sleepers may want to consider the softer Nectar Luxe Mattress. DreamCloud: The DreamCloud has a cushiony top and quilted foam that makes it more comfortable for side sleepers who weigh over 150 pounds and those who want more pressure relief. Our testers scored it an 8.5 out of 10 for this category. That said, those needing a soft mattress should check out the plusher DreamCloud Luxe. Overall Support Nectar: The Nectar isn't quite as supportive as the DreamCloud because of its all-foam construction, and its weight capacity is 650 pounds, according to the brand. That said, Nectar does offer a more supportive Nectar Hybrid Mattress that has a 1,000-pound listed capacity.
The Nectar isn't quite as supportive as the DreamCloud because of its all-foam construction, and its weight capacity is 650 pounds, according to the brand. That said, Nectar does offer a more supportive Nectar Hybrid Mattress that has a 1,000-pound listed capacity. DreamCloud: The DreamCloud is a more supportive mattress because of its steel coil base, which helps make the bed more lifted and durable. Its weight capacity is up to 1,000 pounds, according to the brand. Nectar Vs. DreamCloud: Prices And Policies
Nectar and DreamCloud come from the same parent company and boast the same company policies, which are more generous than competing mattresses that cost a lot more. Nectar and DreamCloud both offer: Free shipping in a box directly to your door
A 365-night trial where you can return the mattress for a full refund if you aren't satisfied
A lifetime limited warranty that covers manufacturing or handling defects over the entire time that you own the bed Nectar Vs. DreamCloud: Our Final Verdict
Although the Nectar and DreamCloud both use memory foam for pressure relief and comfort, we found that each bed appeals to slightly different sleepers. The Nectar Classic is an ideal choice for back, stomach and combination sleepers under 250 pounds who like a slightly contouring memory foam feel, couples who value motion isolation and edge support, and those looking for a more affordable option.
The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid, on the other hand, is a more supportive choice overall for those who favor their side, back or stomach and want a cushioned, medium-firm feel. It's also a good pick for combination sleepers and couples.
Overall, our testers didn't find either pick to be inherently luxurious but described both as good value beds. You can learn more in our full Nectar Mattress review and DreamCloud Mattress review. Also, if you want a softer feel or seek deeper pressure relief, we recommend checking out our picks for the best mattresses for side sleepers and best soft mattresses. Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Our Forbes Vetted sleep team consists of seasoned editors and writers who have compiled a robust collection of mattress and sleep product reviews, best lists, news articles and more. McKenzie Dillon, author of this story, is a Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor and has tested over 100 mattresses, including the Nectar Classic and DreamCloud Classic Hybrid. She also has her sleep science coach certification.
Bridget Chapman, senior mattress and sleep editor, oversees the sleep section and also has a sleep science coach certification. She and Dillon have collectively tested over 200 beds.