If you’ve been researching memory foam mattresses, then Leesa and Nectar will have most certainly popped up on your radar. Both are highly-rated and whilst they may look similar, they do have some fundamental differences. This Leesa Original vs Nectar Classic will compare and contrast each mattress in terms of price, design, and features to help you decide which one is right for your body and sleep.
Both mattresses are the flagship models for their respective brands. Nectar is a top-rated model in our best mattress of the year guide thanks to its affordable price tag, good benefits (year's trial and forever warranty), and pressure-relieving properties. The Leesa Original is also a good choice for many people thanks to its affordable price, fiberglass-free design and responsive yet cushioning foams.
We're now approaching one of the best times of the year to buy as this year's Labor Day mattress sales and deals should deliver good discounts on leading sleep brands. This applies more to Leesa than Nectar, as Leesa usually bumps its standard 25% discount to 30% around major holidays. Nectar has held steady by offering up to 40% off for much of the year, but it could spring a 50% flash sale at a moment's notice.
Leesa Original vs Nectar Classic: Specs
Our full Leesa Original vs Nectar Classic mattress comparison is below but if you only have time for a quick read, here's a brief rundown of how they stack up against each other:
Leesa Original vs Nectar Classic mattress: Price
- Both brands run regular sales, but the Nectar is more affordable
- Leesa includes two free pillows with purchase
- Nectar offers a 365-night trial and a forever warranty
If you're basing your decision purely on price, then Nectar is the hands-down winner. It tops our best memory foam mattress list because it appeals to most types of sleepers at a super affordable price. Even at MSRP the Nectar Classic would still be classed as a budget mattress but thanks to ongoing Nectar mattress sales you'll never pay full price.
The standard offer knocks up to 40% off, dropping a queen-size Nectar Classic memory foam mattress to $649. However, occasional 50% off flash sales have popped up at various points throughout the year, usually near holidays.
At MSRP, the Leesa Original just tips into the mid-range category but whilst the discounts aren’t as deep as Nectar's, you rarely see the Leesa at full price, either. The brand's standard offer knocks 25% off, bringing the price of a queen-size Leesa Original memory foam mattress to $999.
However, we've seen 30% off during Black Friday and other major holidays. Better yet, Leesa usually includes two free pillows with purchase. (Nectar used to throw in a free bedding bundle with its mattresses but prefers to offer lower costs up-front instead.)
Both companies offer good perks but Nectar is the most generous out of the two. With the Leesa Original, you receive a 100-night sleep trial, a 10-year warranty, and free shipping and returns. Meanwhile, Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping and returns.
It's worth noting that whilst the forever warranty is impressive, memory foam mattresses have a lifespan of around 8-10 years regardless, so if you do opt for the Leesa Original you can be confident you’re still going to be covered for the life of your mattress.
Leesa Original vs Nectar Classic mattress: Materials & design
- The Leesa Original has a 10" profile and three foam layers
- The Nectar Classic has a 12" profile and four foam layers
- Both mattresses are available as all-foam or hybrid
The Leesa comprises a breathable polyester and viscose knit cover, 2" of cooling comfort foam, 2" of pressure-relieving memory foam, and a 6" support foam core for stability. With a 10" profile, the Leesa is not as thick as other memory foam mattresses in its class, including the Nectar but it's still deep enough to be comfortable for most adults.
The Nectar has a cover made with heat-absorbent fibers to wick away moisture and excess heat. That's followed by 1" of contouring memory foam, 3" of dynamic response foam for proper alignment, and 8" of foundational foam for stability. It's wrapped in a shift-resistant cover with side handles for easy maneuvering.
The Leesa is designed and made in the USA, whereas Nectar sources and manufactures its mattresses in Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Mexico, and the US. Both use CertiPUR-US Certified foams, ensuring they meet essential safety and environmental standards.
Layla also doesn't use fiberglass, instead using a proprietary blend of fibers as a fire barrier. Nectar is less transparent about its use of fiberglass, but the fact that the brand advises against removing the cover suggests that it does. Fiberglass poses little risk to your health when it's completely but direct contact can cause potential health issues.
Leesa Original vs Nectar Classic mattress: Comfort & support
- Two medium-firm mattresses for side/back sleepers
- Both do an excellent job of isolating movement
- Neither is supportive enough for heavier bodies
In our Leesa Original mattress review, our tester rated it around 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale or medium-firm. (According to the brand, most Leesa customers report it has a medium feel.) Despite the lower profile, it's suited for side sleeping – and many back sleepers should get on with it well, too.
The foam layers offer a good level of pressure relief for the shoulders and hips, whilst the responsiveness of the foam allows for easy movement so combination sleepers who change positions throughout the night will find this a good choice.
Meanwhile, our testers rated the Nectar's firmness a 6.5 to 7 out of 10 in our Nectar Mattress review, which is within range of the brand's self-assessment. We think it's a good all-rounder that will suit most people, particularly side sleepers, although stomach sleepers may find that their hips sink in too much.
Note that the Nectar has had a slight redesign since we tested it, adding an inch to the base layer whilst taking an inch away from the top comfort layer, although we don't believe this will impact the overall feel too much
Both mattresses do an outstanding job when it comes to motion isolation. If you share your bed with another person or a furry friend, you'll be unlikely to feel them moving around at night at all, so both are great choices for light sleepers. The Leesa and Nectar don't have the sturdiest edges but all-foam beds aren't known for that anyway. If you like to sit or lie close to the edge of the bed, try a hybrid.
As accommodating as the Leesa and Nectar are, neither would be in contention for the best mattress for heavy people. The Leesa is too low and the Nectar is too soft. If you’re a heavier sleeper (over 230lbs) they won’t offer the right amount of support, although opting for their hybrid versions could help with that.
Leesa Original vs Nectar Classic mattress: Temperature regulation
- The Leesa has a knit cover and an aerated foam layer
- The Nectar incorporates a heat-absorbing cover
- Both sleep cool for all-foam beds but not enough for hot sleepers
Memory foam mattresses tend to trap heat, meaning they sleep less cool than innerspring, hybrid, and latex beds. However, both the Leesa Original and Nectar have some temperature-regulating properties within their layers that can help foster a cooler night's sleep.
The Leesa Original uses a knit polyester and viscose cover to wick away moisture and heat. It also has a cooling comfort layer with pin core holes to promote airflow so heat doesn’t get trapped.
The Nectar's cover features heat-absorbent polyethylene fibers and is purportedly cool to the touch – but that appears to be the extent of its cooling materials as it no longer uses the gel foam featured in the Nectar Original.
Our testers didn't report overheating with either mattress and for all-foam beds, they don’t do a bad job at keeping sleepers at a reasonable temperature. That said, today's best cooling mattresses will offer hot sleepers more relief from night sweats.
Leesa Original vs Nectar Classic mattress: Should you buy?
Buy the Leesa Original mattress if…
✅ You want a fiberglass-free mattress: Leesa doesn't use fiberglass in its mattresses. If that's important in making your final decision, choose the Leesa over the Nectar.
✅ You prefer to shop local: The Leesa is exclusively designed and constructed in the US so if you want an all-American bed then this is a great choice.
✅ You’re a combination sleeper: Whilst most sleepers will find this bed comfortable, combination sleepers will find the responsive surface of the Leesa easy to move on.
Buy the Nectar Classic mattress if...
✅ You’re on a tighter budget: The Nectar is incredible value. Thanks to a near-permanent 40% discount, it's one of the most affordable mattresses you can buy right now.
✅ You want a longer sleep trial: It takes at least three weeks to adjust to a new sleep surface. If you want a longer sleep trial than the 100 nights Leesa offers, choose the Nectar and take a whole year to decide.
✅ You’re primarily a side sleeper: Both mattresses are good for side sleeping but the Nectar is especially comfortable thanks to its contouring foams and pressure-relieving support.
