There is no shortage of options when shopping for a new mattress, from in-store models to beds-in-a-box that arrive at your doorstep. You also have your choice of material, from memory foam, hybrid or a classic innerspring mattresses—not to mention varying price points. The Nectar and DreamCloud mattresses are popular options in the industry you’ve likely seen in your hunt for a new bed. Interestingly enough, these two sister are brands that sit under the Residence Home parent company umbrella. While they’re both top-rated memory foam mattresses, they each have distinct differences that make them appealing to different types of people. Below we reveal everything you need to know about Nectar vs. DreamCloud.
When comparing Nectar vs. DreamCloud, one has a prominent memory foam feel and more competitive ... [+]
In this article, we break down each individual mattress and their highlights, such as firmness, feel and construction. We took into account sleeping positions and body types, and we note the most significant similarities and differences between the two beds. In addition, we read tons of customer reviews to see what the majority of customers were saying about the Nectar and DreamCloud, and relied on our own experience to write about each bed.
Nectar Vs. DreamCloud: Similarities And Differences
Similarities
- The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress and DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress are similarly priced when they’re on sale, but DreamCloud’s full retail price is more expensive.
- Both mattresses are stated as medium-firm with the companies rating them at 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
- Both mattresses have a cooling cover and a gel-infused memory foam comfort layer.
Differences
- The Nectar Mattress is all foam, but the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress consists of foam and coils.
- The Nectar Mattress has five layers and the DreamCloud Hybrid has eight layers (both mattresses are 12 inches thick).
- The Nectar Mattress’ cooling cover uses heat-absorbent polyethylene fibers and the DreamCloud cover is a cashmere blend with polyester and rayon for softness and breathability.
Nectar Vs. DreamCloud Firmness And Feel
Firmness
Both brands rate their mattresses as a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale and state the mattresses are medium-firm. Overall, most customer reviews agree that they don’t feel too firm or too soft. They also liked the firmness level, stating that it was comfortable and supportive.
Feel
Both mattresses are designed to hit the sweet spot between comfortable and supportive, without feeling too hard or too soft. The Nectar Mattress focuses on regulating temperature and giving the ideal ratio of softness, firmness and support. Many reviewers felt the Nectar Mattress started off feeling firm, but got softer and molded to their bodies as they laid on it. The DreamCloud Mattress targets pressure relief and cushioning. Overall, reviewers found it supportive, with some saying that it feels soft initially when you lie down. Sleep and mattress editor McKenzie Dillon says, “Nectar has more of a prominent memory foam feel that gives you a hugging, nestling feel. The DreamCloud Hybrid’s profile is still contouring, but doesn’t provide as much resistance as the Nectar, a benefit for sleepers who change positions often.”
Sleeping Position
Both mattresses suit a wide variety of sleeping positions since they have a medium-firm feel. They are also designed for comfort, support and pressure relief. While there were positive reviews from all sleeping positions, the reviews for the Nectar Mattress skew towards being best for back sleepers. The DreamCloud reviewers were positive, but there were not a lot of mentions of specific sleep positions, likely making it suitable for multiple sleep positions.
Dillon backs this up by saying, “Nectar has a denser, more viscous feel which makes it more appealing to back and stomach sleepers, but it’s not a poor choice for side sleepers. DreamCloud is more of a middle-of-the-road mattress that appeals to almost all sleeping positions, unless you’re a petite to average side sleeper who likes their bed ultra soft.”
Body Type
It’s important to consider how your body type affects a mattress’ performance and feel. Larger-framed individuals need more support than those who have a smaller frame. It’s important to take into account that those with larger frames sink into the bed more than smaller-framed individuals. The DreamCloud is a better pick for heavier sleepers around the 230-pound range and over, but Nectar and DreamCloud both support higher amounts of weight. The main difference is that the Nectar can support up to 650 pounds and the DreamCloud can support up to 1,000 pounds, with a limit of 500 pounds per side.
Construction
Nectar’s Construction
- Cover: Breathable cooling cover that helps wick excess body heat away to promote cool sleep.
- Comfort layer: Therapeutic gel-infused memory foam that contours to your body to give pressure relief, support and promote cooler sleep. It’s also CertiPUR-US Certified.
- Transition layer: Dynamic Response Layer of foam to provide support, airflow, rebound and bounce to help minimize motion transfer and promote spine alignment. It’s also CertiPUR-US Certified.
- Base layer: ActiveSupport Stability Base Layer, which is seven inches of conventional CertiPUR-US Certified foam to ensure structure and durability.
The layers that make up the Nectar Mattress, including a foam base, transition layer and memory foam ... [+]
DreamCloud’s Construction
- Cover: Breathable cover made with a blend of cashmere, polyester and rayon to provide softness.
- Comfort layer: A blend of gel memory foam and another CertiPUR-US Certified quilted into the cover to provide contouring cushion and support.
- Comfort layer: Gel-infused memory foam to give adaptive support, responsive contouring, and pressure relief for your neck, shoulders, back and hips. This 1-inch thick memory foam is CertiPUR-US Certified.
- Transition layer: A 1-inch layer of CertiPUR-US Certified standard gel foam to help promote proper spinal alignment, and ensure that while the springs support you, you won’t feel them.
- Support layer: Pocketed coils with “Reinforced Edge Support.” The coils ensure airflow and the individual wrapping reduces motion transfer. The perimeter is constructed with two rows of thicker coils for enhanced edge support to prevent the feel of rolling or slipping of. The coils also promote breathability, airflow and body temperature regulation.
- Base layer: CertiPUR-US Certified standard foam that’s half an inch thick to provide solid structure and support for the layers on top.
A look at the pocketed coil system within the DreamCloud construction, whereas Nectar's support ... [+]
Performance
Edge Support
- Nectar: The Nectar Mattress received mixed reviews for edge support. Some customers gave it positive reviews. “Great mattress. I love that I am able to use the entire bed all the way from edge to edge. It doesn’t compress on the sides to the point that you roll off," writes one reviewer. Another writes, “The edge of the bed support is much better than other foam mattresses we have tried.” However, there were also reviews stating the edge of the bed was not firm enough to sit on the edge and put their socks on.
- DreamCloud: The DreamCloud Mattress states it has reinforced edge support, but overall reviewers found that it could use more edge support, with customers saying, “The one drawback for me is the edge support. Although we don't sit on the edge, I find the mattress edge has too much give,” and “My only complaint is that the edge support isn’t great. But I love my new mattress.” Even though reviewers report that there isn’t a ton of edge support, one customer commented that it bounces right back when you get up, making it easier to get out of bed. Another buyer also noted that it took a couple of days for the edges to firm up and hold weight.
Motion Isolation
- Nectar: The advantage of the Nectar all-foam mattress is that it’s great at preventing motion isolation since there are no springs. The reviews were overwhelmingly positive for preventing movement transfer. “The isolation affect allows my 15-pound dog to move around and not wake me up,” notes one customer. Multiple reviews echoed the lack of motion transfer: “It’s very good at absorbing motion from partners motion to the point I don't wake up from it” and “When we move, we don't feel the whole bed shaking as we did before.”
- DreamCloud: Reviews are mixed when it comes to motion isolation for the DreamCloud. Some buyers say there is very little motion transfer. “If you do toss and turn, your partner isn’t going to become annoyed—motion transference is minimal," writes one customer. There are other reviews that agree there is “No movement with two people in bed.” But some reviews say the opposite: “The only reason I can't give it five stars is that I do feel more motion transfer every time my partner moves.”
Cooling
- Nectar: It’s no secret that memory foam is known for sleeping hot. Nectar uses a cooling cover and gel-infused memory foam to help combat overheating and according to the reviews, it has done a great job. “The Nectar lives up to its promise of comfort, support and staying cool. I have had this mattress for over a month. It’s definitely cooling,” one reviewer writes. Another customer says, “This bed is phenomenal at keeping my body cool through the night and, most importantly, comfortable.”
- DreamCloud: Overall, reviewers were happy with the amount of cooling the DreamCloud provides, writing reviews such as “It’s comfortable and sleeps cool," “The mattress is just the right mix of plush and firm, stays cool all night," and “Stays cool all night long for a hot bodied person.”
Pressure Relief
- Nectar: According to reviews, the Nectar Mattress is excellent at relieving pressure points. “I have a history of waking throughout the night with low back pain, hip pain and/or arm numbness. This is not happening on the Nectar. At first, lying on it feels fairly firm, but it softens where you need it," says one happy sleeper. Other reviews back this up as well: “It was soft but solid and had no pressure points when I laid on my side” and “Sleeping on my side is great; my shoulder and knee contact points with the mattress feel very comfortable, without too much pressure.”
- DreamCloud: DreamCloud reviewers gave this mattress lots of praise for its pressure relief and noted that even though it’s soft, it’s still supportive. “I've been pleasantly surprised and satisfied with the level of comfort this mattress brings. Very soft on top but provides good support, thus relieving all pressure points,” says one customer. Other shoppers give high marks for pressure relief, saying, “We have been more comfortable on our DreamCloud than any other mattress, ever. It even beats the hotel beds. We no longer toss and turn at night. No more painful pressure joints at night," and “My husband and I both have back issues; this has seemed to take the pressure off.”
Overall Support
- Nectar: Finding a durable and supportive mattress can be tricky because there’s no one-size-fits-all for every body type. However, reviewers gave it favorable feedback when it comes to durability, including heavier body weights. “I am very overweight and I am completely surprised with the durability of the mattress. It fits every curve like a glove and bounces right back.” Another reviewer, who stated they are 5’8’’ and 165 pounds, said, “It is the perfect support so that when I sleep on my side, my back and hips aren't bent like most mattresses. It holds my weight and shape very well.” While most customers didn’t state their body weight and height, they gave the mattress overall good marks, leaving feedback such as, “I find the mattress plush on the surface but firmly supportive.”
- DreamCloud: Finding the perfect mattress can be challenging for couples with different body types or sleep preferences, but multiple shoppers gave this mattress glowing reviews. “I'm a heavy-set guy who sleeps on my stomach, so this was perfect for me. It's also great for couples—my wife is petite and sleeps on her side, but she also loves the mattress, and the bed is designed nicely so my weight doesn't pull her down like our old one used to.” And another reviewer says, “Perfect support for me, a side sleeper, and my spouse, a night to night whatever sleeper. Upgraded our sleep, and a welcome loss to aches and pains.”
Prices And Policies
Nectar’s Prices And Policies
- Price: Queen size retails for $695
- Shipping: Shipping is always free within the contiguous United States, whether to purchase or return a Nectar. There are additional shipping costs to Alaska and Hawaii ($250 per large item ordered)
- Trial: 365-night trial with free returns
- Warranty: Forever warranty
DreamCloud’s Prices And Policies
- Price: Queen-size retails for $665
- Shipping: Shipping is always free within the contiguous United States, and DreamCloud has the same $250 fee per large item ordered for deliveries to Alaska and Hawaii
- Trial: 365-night trial
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Nectar Vs. DreamCloud: Our Final Verdict
The bottom line is that both mattresses are great choices for comfort, support and pressure relief. Both mattresses are also good when it comes to cooling. However, there are some key differences that may sway you based on your personal preference.
- When it comes to edge support, Nectar seems to have overall more positive reviews. So if you like to sit on the edge of your bed and tie your shoes or sleep near the edge, the Nectar is a better choice.
- The Nectar also had better reviews when it came to motion isolation, which is not surprising since most all-foam beds are great at minimizing motion transfer. Those who are sensitive to motion or have a partner who moves a lot may prefer this bed for its excellent motion isolation.
- Even though these mattresses seem fairly similar, one big difference between the two beds is how they feel. Many reviewers of the Nectar mattress say it feels hard at first but then molds to your body. If you like the feeling of sinking into your mattress, then you should consider the Nectar bed.
- Since the DreamCloud is a hybrid bed, there’s not as much of a sinking feeling. It feels more like you’re lying on top of the mattress. It also makes moving around easier and you don’t feel like you’re getting “stuck” in the mattress, making it good for combination sleepers who like to change positions throughout the night. Those who prefer a softer yet supportive bed should find DreamCloud more comfortable since more reviewers stated it feels softer when laying on it.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, we’ve spent countless hours testing sleep products and have put our expertise and testing into an exhaustive mattress and bedding guide. Our expert editors and contributors have robust experience in all things sleep.
- Jamie Ueda has extensive experience testing sleep products, including over a dozen mattresses in the last year and a half. She has been testing and working with consumer products for over a decade, including mattresses, sheets, pillows and more. Her background also includes working in product development and quality assurance for Nike and a home textiles company.
- Forbes Vetted sleep editors, Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon, have tested over 100 mattresses and are both certified sleep science coaches. They have also tested the Nectar and DreamCloud mattresses, and their insights helped inform this review.
- This article is regularly updated to ensure it stays fresh and accurate. It was last updated by Forbes Vetted contributor Jessica Timmons in April 2024.
Are DreamCloud And Nectar Owned By The Same Company?
Yes. DreamCloud and Nectar are two different mattress brands, but they are owned by the same parent company. They are both owned by the company Resident Home, which was recently acquired by Ashley Home. Nectar is Resident Home’s wallet-friendly offering while the DreamCloud has more of a premium design.
What Is The Difference Between DreamCloud And Nectar?
Both DreamCloud and Nectar sell three mattress models that are available in memory foam and hybrid constructions. While they share many similarities, DreamCloud mattresses feature more layers than Nectar mattresses and have a higher price point. DreamCloud mattresses also have less of a traditional memory foam feel than Nectar mattresses.
Is Nectar Or DreamCloud Better For Hot Sleepers?
Overall, both the Nectar Memory Foam and DreamCloud are good for hot sleepers. Reviewers of the mattresses commented that they stayed cool while sleeping on them. However, thanks to the DreamCloud’s hybrid construction with pocketed coils, it’s a little better and promoting airflow. For a cooling feel comparable to DreamCloud, the Nectar Hybrid is a better pick than the memory foam model.
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