by The Nectar Premier sits $300-$400 above the standard Nectar and markets itself as a meaningful upgrade. After 60 nights testing both side by side, our verdict is nuanced: the Premier is a genuinely better mattress, but the improvement is incremental rather than transformational — and whether it is worth the premium depends entirely on your sleep priorities.
Nectar Premier vs. Standard Nectar: What Actually Changes
| Feature | Nectar (Standard) | Nectar Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Total Height | 12 inches | 13 inches |
| Top Comfort Layer | 3" gel memory foam | 3" dynamic foam (SmartFlow) |
| Transition Layer | 2" adaptive hi-core foam | 3" premium adaptive foam |
| Base Layer | 7" support foam | 7" support foam |
| Cover | Quilted poly blend | Cooling Tencel blend |
| Queen Price (2026) | ~$799 after discounts | ~$1,149 after discounts |
Sleep Experience: 60 Nights of Side-by-Side Testing
Pressure Relief
The Premier's SmartFlow foam top layer is noticeably more responsive than the standard Nectar's gel memory foam. The standard Nectar has a classic slow-response memory foam feel — you sink in and the foam hugs your contours but takes time to respond to position changes. The Premier moves faster. Side sleepers on our team preferred the Premier; back sleepers found less difference.
Cooling
Both mattresses run warm — this is the Nectar's biggest weakness across both models. The Tencel cover on the Premier provides a slightly cooler initial feel (the "cool-to-touch" surface effect), but through the night, heat retention is comparable. Hot sleepers should not expect the Premier to solve the Nectar's warmth issues.
Motion Isolation
Both models excel at motion isolation — all-foam construction essentially eliminates motion transfer. The Premier's thicker comfort layers theoretically improve this further, though the real-world difference is difficult to measure.
Edge Support
Edge support is a known weakness of the Nectar line. Neither model has reinforced edge foam or a perimeter coil system. The Premier is marginally firmer at the edges due to denser transition foam, but edge support remains below average versus hybrid mattresses at similar prices.
Who Should Buy the Nectar Premier
The Premier makes sense if:
- You are a dedicated side sleeper who needs maximum pressure relief at the shoulder and hip
- You prefer a more responsive memory foam feel (faster recovery than classic memory foam)
- The Tencel cover's initial cool-touch matters to you even if through-night temperature is similar
Who Should Skip the Premier (and Consider Alternatives)
At $1,100+ for a queen, the Nectar Premier competes in a tier where it faces stiffer competition. The Saatva Classic at $1,174 offers coil-on-coil hybrid construction, white-glove delivery, a 365-night trial, and a lifetime warranty — compared to Nectar's 50-night trial on the Premier and their "Forever Warranty" which has stricter claim requirements than it implies. See our mattress buying checklist for how to compare at this price point.
If you want the Nectar feel specifically, the standard Nectar at $799 delivers 85% of the Premier's experience for significantly less money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Nectar and Nectar Premier?
The Nectar Premier adds a 1-inch taller profile, a SmartFlow responsive foam top layer instead of classic gel memory foam, a thicker transition layer, and a Tencel cooling cover. The base foam and coil count remain the same. The Premier costs $300-$400 more for a queen.
Is the Nectar Premier good for back pain?
The Nectar Premier's medium-firm feel (about 5-6/10 on the firmness scale) works well for back sleepers and combination sleepers who need lumbar support with some cushioning. However, it lacks zoned support, so side sleepers with hip sensitivity may prefer a softer option.
How long does the Nectar Premier last?
Nectar claims a 'Forever Warranty' but the practical durability of all-foam mattresses at this price point is typically 7-10 years before noticeable compression. The Premier's higher-density comfort foam should outlast the standard model's foam longevity.
Does the Nectar Premier sleep hot?
Compared to the standard Nectar, the Premier runs slightly cooler thanks to its Tencel cover and SmartFlow foam's open cell structure. However, both models retain more heat than hybrid mattresses. Hot sleepers consistently rate Nectar below average for temperature regulation.
Is Nectar Premier worth it over standard Nectar?
For most sleepers, no — the standard Nectar delivers similar pressure relief at $300-$400 less. The Premier makes sense specifically for side sleepers who want faster foam response and who budget for the Tencel cover's comfort benefits. At the Premier's price point, hybrid alternatives offer better overall value.
Voted best luxury innerspring mattress with exceptional lumbar support and white-glove delivery.
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