Emma or Nectar which is best?
Both Emma and Nectar consistently appear in best mattress guides and have won several awards. Emma makes two mattresses, whereas Nectar just make the one. You can read our in depth Emma Original Mattress review and Nectar Memory Foam Mattress review where we discuss the mattresses in more detail. In this Emma vs Nectar mattress comparison article, we’re going to compare the Emma Original to the Nectar mattress. We’ve done the comparison so you don’t have to!
Layers
Next up in our Emma v Nectar mattress review is a look at what the mattresses are made of. Both mattresses are 25cm deep with the Emma having four layers to Nectar's five. Let’s look at those layers in more detail:
Emma Original Mattress
Layers
4
Cover
Temperature-regulating top cover
Top Layer
Breathable and adaptive Airgocell® foam
Layer 2
Pressure relieving visco-elastic memory foam
Layer 3
Supportive HRX cold foam
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
Layers
5
Cover
Adaptive cooling cover
Top Layer
Smart memory foam to dissipate heat & moisture
Layer 2
Pressure relieving memory foam
Layer 3
7 zone support base
Layer 4
Positioning base material
Firmness, Comfort & Support
Both mattresses have a medium firmness rating so are easily comparable. Many bed in a box companies go for a medium firmness as it suits the widest number of sleepers. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each mattress in this department.
Emma Original Mattress
- Both Emma mattresses have a higher level of bounce than most bed in a box brands.
- The Emma Original does have some motion transfer but the build of the mattress absorbs energy well and helps to dissipate the motion. Light sleepers may notice movement.
- A balanced level of sinkage in both mattresses means that you never feel stuck in the mattress.
- Extremely breathable foams and cover helps to keep sleepers cool.
- Both mattresses are softer than other bed in a box brands, but are particularly good for front sleepers.
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- The adaptive cooling cover and smart memory foam mean that sleepers feel cool and comfortable throughout the night.
- The Nectar has a slightly softer top layer, with more sinkage, than some other brands giving a cushioned effect to the sleeper.
- Slightly firmer than other memory foam mattresses, which means it provides excellent support.
- The synthetic smell that is common with all beds in a box takes longer to dissipate than some mattresses.
- Rates very highly for those suffering with back pain,who say they’ve seen a marked improvement with the Nectar mattress.
Emma vs Nectar other factors
What else should you consider when you're choosing between the Emma or Nectar mattresses? Emma offer a 200 nights trial and 10-year warranty, while Nectar offer an astonishing 365 nights trial and a lifetime warranty. Both companies will give you a full refund if you’re not satisfied and you can also apply for up to 12 months interest free credit to pay for the mattress, with free delivery to most of the UK.
Do bear in mind that as these mattresses come delivered in sealed boxes they will have a rubbery smell when first extracted. They need a good few hours in a room with the windows open before you sleep on them.
The verdict - Nectar or Emma mattress?
Both mattresses offer appealing factors, but here are some points to consider when deciding which best meets your requirements.
We'd recommend the Emma Original Mattress if:
- You want a mattress that responds quickly to pressure points, due to its combination of foams and zoned support.
- You are not a particularly light sleeper, as the motion transfer in Emma mattresses can wake lighter sleepers.
- You sleep in any position, although the Emma is particularly supportive for side sleepers.
- You like the slightly softer feel of an all foam mattress, but still want a mattress that is ever so slightly firmer than many medium firmness options.
We'd recommend the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress if:
- You want a mattress that allows for slightly more sinkage and a cushioned effect.
- You suffer with back pain and want a mattress that provides excellent support.
- You want a mattress that suits all body types and builds.
- You want a mattress that is good at keeping sleepers cool at night.
Prices & sizes
Both manufacturers make their mattresses in a range of UK sizes, with the largest for both being a UK Super King. The mattresses are also similarly priced.
Emma Original Mattress
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Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
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