
Leesa vs Nectar: Comparing Mattress Construction
The Leesa Original Mattress has four layers and is 10 inches thick. The Memory Foam Mattress from Nectar US is 12 inches thick, with five layers. They both have an all-foam construction, although the layers and materials differ.
Covers
The two mattresses have breathable top covers, which can help with temperature regulation for a more comfortable sleep. Leesa’s Original Mattress has a top cover made of cool-knit fabric (polyester-viscose blend). Nectar’s cover has cool-to-the-touch fabric (poly-blend) and an antimicrobial treatment. Leesa offers an optional upgrade to a cooling quilt top cover that may appeal to hot sleepers looking for extra relief.
Foam Layers
Designed and assembled in the USA, Leesa’s Original has a two-inch layer of exclusive cooling foam for a more refreshing sleep. Below is a two-inch contouring memory foam layer and a six-inch layer of high-density support foam as its base.
Nectar’s mattress has a one-inch memory foam layer below the cover, with a 3-inch responsive support foam layer below it. The fourth layer is 8 inches of foundational foam. So, both mattresses have multiple foam types and distinct layers for comfort and support.
Nectar also has a durable bottom protective cover to prevent layers above from shifting. Another difference is the extra inch of memory foam in the Leesa Original Mattress, which may enhance pressure relief and lower motion transfer well for some sleepers.
Certified Foams
The foams used in both mattresses are CertiPUR-US® certified. That means the foams are free of certain flame retardants, heavy metals like lead and mercury, formaldehyde, and prohibited phthalates. The foams also have low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions to help maintain healthier indoor air quality.
In addition, Leesa mattresses are GREENGUARD gold certified, meaning they have passed strict testing of more than 360 VOCs. Low-VOC mattresses can be especially valuable for households with children, older adults, and individuals with chemical sensitivities.
What Sizes are Available?
Nectar and Leesa have the most popular size options for solo sleepers and couples. Leesa’s Original Mattress is available in:
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- Cal King
For a split king setup, you may pair two twin XL mattresses side by side. Sizes are standard US, although dimensions can vary by two inches on any side as the Leesa mattress is handmade. Handmade construction can elevate the premium feel and provide great attention to detail.
Comparing Leesa vs Nectar by Sleep Style and Feel
Firmness and Sleep Position
Leesa Original has a medium firmness level, and Nectar is medium-firm. Your sleep position affects which is right for you, as does body weight and personal preference. Side sleepers often prefer medium firmness; many back sleepers look for medium-firm. Some combination sleepers prefer medium, and others like medium-firm. Stomach sleepers typically seek medium-firm or firmer mattresses. Choosing the mattress most suited to your sleep style can improve comfort and support, potentially improving sleep.
Personal Preference
Memory foam mattresses like Leesa and Nectar are popular for the body-hugging feel. But while some find the conforming sleep surface comforting, others prefer the feel of sleeping on top of a mattress instead. You may prefer a hybrid and innerspring mattress if you grew up sleeping on one. Some people are wary of all-foam construction because of its reputation for being overly hot, although both mattresses have cooling features to offset that.
Along with personal preference and sleep style, the mattress feel is also affected by body weight. For example, lightweight and average-weight individuals, particularly side and combination sleepers, may find Leesa’s medium firmness contours the body well for comfort and support. A plus-size sleeper is more likely to want a hybrid mattress with springs for extra support, such as the Leesa Sapira Hybrid.
Leesa vs Nectar: Pros and Any Limitations
Comparing their top features can help you decide which one has the benefits you’re looking for and potential drawbacks.
Pressure Relief
Both mattresses offer pressure relief, doing so in different ways. Nectar’s hugging feel with gel-infused memory foam that contours the body’s curves helps reduce tension in sensitive areas like the shoulders, hips, and back. Leesa’s Original Mattress contours with its responsive comfort foam and memory foam layers, offering pressure relief without sinking too far into the mattress. That may help prevent soreness in joints and sensitive areas.

Breathability and Cooling
The Leesa Original Mattress has a breathable cover and cooling foam layer to help improve comfort, which may lead to better sleep. The exclusive foam is more responsive than traditional memory foam, preventing trapping heat. Those who are tired of waking up in a sweat may choose the cooling quilt top upgrade.
Nectar has an airy cover for surface ventilation and cooling gel memory foam to draw heat from the body. The deep contouring foam layers offer extra comfort but may increase warmth for certain sleepers. Others might find that the gel infusion prevents the classic memory foam heat trap.
Support
The Nectar mattress construction offers a cushioned, supportive feel, while Leesa’s Original has support with more bounce. The Original Mattress combines responsive, contouring foams to promote spinal alignment. Those with chronic back pain may need a firmer or zoned mattress for extra support in the lower back area. See your doctor about body pain; we are not medical experts and do not offer medical advice.
Nectar’s transition and base layers encourage spinal alignment and are slightly firmer than Leesa’s mattress. The medium-firm construction helps some sleepers maintain proper alignment in their preferred sleep position. Heavier individuals may experience too much sink and seek a firmer mattress.
Motion Isolation
All-foam mattresses like these two are generally better at motion isolation than innerspring or hybrid. For example, the memory foam in both mattresses reduces motion. Often, couples look for mattresses that rate positively for motion isolation as they are less likely to feel their partner move or get out of bed during the night, which could otherwise disturb sleep.
Does the Leesa Original Mattress sound like a good fit for you? See what else buyers have to say.
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Budget-Friendly
Most people have a budget when looking for mattresses and both brands offer affordable memory foam mattresses. They both provide online-only discounts from time to time to save money. Adding to the value of the Leesa Original Mattress is the free shipping to all 50 US states. Nectar US ships its mattresses free within the contiguous United States, with a fee to Alaska and Hawaii.
Sleep Trial and Warranty
Nectar includes a 365-night sleep trial and Forever Warranty™ with the spotlighted mattress. Leesa includes a 100-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty with the Original Mattress. At-home trials allow you to try out the mattress for the brand’s specified time to decide if it is right for you, with the option to return it for a refund.
Both mattresses have generous manufacturer warranties. Leesa’s lifetime warranty policy for the Original Mattress describes the defects in materials and workmanship covered, who it extends to, and more. Prorated coverage begins in year 11. Reading a warranty policy helps you know what to expect from a mattress.
Responsiveness
Leesa uses exclusive foam with more responsiveness in the Original Mattress. Some sleepers look for a more responsive mattress for quicker rebounding material, more breathability, and to make it easier to shift positions. That especially appeals to those who toss and turn regularly at night. Nectar has support foam that reinforces the mattress structure and helps prevent excess sinking into the mattress. While that improves responsiveness, the memory foam layer on top of it may dominate the feel.
Leesa vs Nectar Mattresses Conclusion
Choosing between the two memory foam mattresses ultimately comes down to your sleep needs and preferences. Leesa’s Original Mattress stands out for its handmade construction, breathable cover, and exclusive responsive foam that supports ease of movement. Its medium firmness level suits a range of sleep styles, especially lightweight and average-weight sleepers who want contouring without too much sink.
The Leesa Original’s certifications also make it a great option for households seeking low-VOC materials and cleaner indoor air. Plus, it has an impressive manufacturer’s warranty, and Leesa includes a 100-night sleep trial, maximizing its mattress value. With a lot in its favor, we recommend the Leesa Original Mattress.