DreamCloud vs. Nectar Mattresses: Which are Better for You?

DreamCloud testing and reviews

Brand Score: 9.7 out of 10 

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Pros and cons

Pros

• Very good edge support 
• Solid motion isolation
• Impressive pressure relief

Cons

• So-so temperature regulation
• No memory-foam-only option

Features 

• Spinal alignment: 4.2 out of 5 average 
• Pressure relief: 4.2 out of 5 average
• Trial period: 365 nights
• Warranty length: Limited lifetime
• Read more in our in-depth DreamCloud review

Key takeaways from our testing

Sturdy edges and impressive motion isolation. DreamCloud mattresses received admirable marks for strong, reliable edge support. Testers reported feeling stable and secure both when sitting at the edge of the bed and lying down on the Premier Hybrid and Classic Hybrid. Tester Toni, a 50-year-old side sleeper, said she felt very stable lying near the edge of the Classic Hybrid. “I could be in the middle for all I know,” she said while lying with her eyes closed. Reviewing the edge stability on the Premier Hybrid, Donna, a 60-year-old side sleeper, was also impressed. “I think the edge support is fantastic. [Because] it has so much cushioning on top, I thought the edge would do poorly, but it is very supportive,” she said while sitting on the edge.

Light sleepers, take note: Testers awarded DreamCloud impressive motion isolation scores. The more a bed isolates motion, the less likely you’ll wake up to your sleeping partner’s movements. Toni said she didn’t feel much movement at all in our couples’ motion isolation test of the Classic Hybrid. It involves a tester lying on one side, blindfolded, while another person switches positions on the other side and records how much movement the other tester can feel. “I’m a light sleeper, and I think this motion might not have woken me up,” she said. 

Admirable pressure relief. This brand garnered solid ratings for pressure relief, particularly in the side- and back-sleeping positions. Lying on her back on the Premier Hybrid, Donna noted, “My lower back is cradled, and the mattress is conforming nicely to my body. I don’t have any pressure building up anywhere, and I feel very comfortable.” On her side, assessing the Classic Hybrid, Toni said, “My hips feel aligned and my whole body feels in a straight line. I don’t feel any pressure in my shoulder, neck or hips.

Mid-range cooling and no all-foam option. While DreamCloud mattresses earned top marks in most categories, they received middling scores in our cooling gun test. This assessment involves measuring the bed’s initial surface temperature, then adding a heating pad for one minute. We then remove the heating pad, allow a one-minute cool-down period and measure the temperature again to measure how much heat dissipated. The quicker the surface returns to its starting temperature, the better the cooling score.

The Premier Hybrid performed better than the Classic Hybrid. It retained 14 degrees, resulting in a better-than-average cooling score. The Classic Hybrid retained 16 degrees, earning an average score. DreamCloud says the Premier Hybrid has “twice the cooling fibers” of the Classic Hybrid, which may explain the difference. If you’re a hot sleeper, the Premier Hybrid may be a better pick. 

Another note: the brand offers no all-foam beds. That could be a dealbreaker if you prefer the sinking, contouring feel of an all-memory foam. Nectar, on the other hand, offers several pure memory foam models.

Nectar testing and reviews

Brand Score: 8.9 out of 10 

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Pros and cons

Pros

• Impressive motion isolation 
• Supportive for the spine
• Eight model options (including hybrid and memory foam)

Cons

• Pricey
• Subpar edge support 

Features 

• Spinal alignment: 3.5 out of 5 average
• Pressure relief: 3.3 out of 5 average
• Trial period: 365 nights 
• Warranty length: Limited lifetime
• Read more in our in-depth Nectar review

Key takeaways from our testing

Solid motion isolation and decent spinal support. Testers gave Nectar beds very good marks for motion isolation on average, with one bed garnering a perfect score. In our couples’ motion isolation test of the Premier Memory Foam, tester Donna said, “I could feel the motion, but it wasn’t disruptive at all — just a small tremor. If I was sleeping, I wouldn't have noticed it.” All Nectar mattresses earned admirable motion isolation scores or higher. 

Another plus: While these beds earned middling scores for spinal alignment on average, one stood out: the Nectar Premier Memory Foam, which earned near-perfect marks. Tester Donna also awarded this model upper-tier marks for pressure relief. Lying on her side, she said, “I feel firmly supported and no pressure building up anywhere.”

Offers both hybrid and all-foam models. Unlike DreamCloud, Nectar sells both hybrid and memory foam beds. For people who prefer the deeply sinking and contouring feel all-foam mattresses are known for, that could be an important distinction. Nectar also beats out DreamCloud when it comes to the number of models: DreamCloud offers five total while Nectar offers eight.

Mid-tier edge support and high prices. Testers found that most Nectar beds didn't excel in edge support, though the Nectar Luxe Memory Foam was an exception. Several reported not feeling a defined edge, making it harder to get up from a seated position. “I slide off right away,” said tester Allison, a 51-year-old side sleeper, while seated on the edge of the Classic Hybrid. She also said she had to rely heavily on her legs to get up, which could be a problem for older adults with mobility issues.

Nectar mattresses are also pricier. The average cost of all queen-sized DreamCloud models is $2,327, while the average cost of all queen-sized Nectar models is $2,857. While both brands offer an entry-level queen option at $1,540, Nectar’s most expensive option is $4,399, while DreamCloud’s is $4,231. If budget is your main priority, you may be better off with a DreamCloud bed.

DreamCloud and Nectar scores compared

The chart below summarizes our test results for each mattress, comparing how Nectar and DreamCloud performed across key criteria that we evaluate for older adults. Note that for pressure relief and spinal support, testers rated each sleeping position (side, back and stomach) separately, and those scores have been averaged here.

Overall, DreamCloud scored higher in every category except motion isolation and cooling. While Nectar’s motion isolation scores were slightly higher than DreamCloud’s, both brands performed above average in this category. DreamCloud’s lowest overall category was cooling, while Nectar’s was bounce, or responsiveness.

How we test mattresses

We started our process by researching the market. Which DreamCloud and Nectar mattresses are most popular and why? Which brand has the best customer reviews — and are the reviews legitimate? What policies do the companies offer, including warranty, trial period and delivery services? We also consulted medical experts for professional insights regarding the best types of beds for various sleeping positions and health considerations.

To identify the beds’ strengths and weaknesses, our lab team conducted a series of controlled, objective tests to assess metrics such as edge support, bounce, and temperature regulation. We also recruited more than 15 independent testers ages 45 and older, with varying body types, sleep positions, health considerations and personal preferences, to provide their feedback.

Testers answered questions such as: Does the mattress provide pressure relief? Is your spine supported and aligned in each sleeping position? For more details, see our mattress testing methodology.

Who is DreamCloud best for?

Based on our test results, DreamCloud mattresses will likely appeal to people who prefer strong edges and a bouncy surface.

Do you value edge support? 

DreamCloud mattresses, on average, earned high scores in our edge support tests — more than a full point higher than Nectar’s average. For older adults with mobility limitations, a sturdy edge may help limit the risk of falling out of bed.

Do you benefit from movement-assisting bounce? 

A more responsive surface can make it easier to change positions or get in and out of bed, says Scheid, the spine surgeon in New Jersey. The DreamCloud models we tested earned favorable bounce scores on average — almost twice as high as the average for the Nectar models we tested.

What is your budget?

In comparing equivalent products in the four main tiers from DreamCloud and Nectar, the prices are identical. For example, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid and Nectar Premier Hybrid both retail for $2,639 for queen sizes.

Nectar offers other all-foam memory foam options that may be pricier, depending on the model. For example, the Nectar Luxe Hybrid costs $2,864, while the Nectar Luxe Memory Foam costs $3,501. If you are working with a larger budget and seeking a high-end memory foam bed, Nectar may offer more suitable options than DreamCloud. 

Who is Nectar best for?

Based on our test results, Nectar beds may be a good fit for older adults who are light sleepers, tend to heat up at night or who appreciate the contouring feel of all-foam beds. 

Are you easily disturbed while sleeping? 

The Nectar models we tested earned near-perfect marks in motion isolation on average. DreamCloud had a close performance — just one-tenth of a point less. This means that movement on these beds is less likely to transfer across the surface, which is good news if you share the bed with a partner and their movements tend to wake you. 

Do you heat up at night? 

If you experience hot flashes or night sweats — or maybe you just tend to sleep hot — Nectar may be better for you. The models we tested, on average, earned satisfactory scores in our cooling gun tests, meaning they are effective at limiting heat buildup. Again, while Nectar beat out DreamCloud on temperature regulation, it was only by one-tenth of a point.

Do you prefer the feel of all-foam beds?

If so, Nectar will certainly be better, as DreamCloud offers only hybrid beds. Memory foam is known for deep, contouring pressure relief and a slow, sinking surface. “Older adults who benefit most from memory foam mattresses include those with arthritis, degenerative disc disease or chronic joint pain in the shoulders or hips,” says Scheid, the spinal surgeon in New Jersey. “Memory foam spreads weight across a wider stretch of area to reduce pressure in these points.” 

Hybrids are more associated with a springy surface and strong underlying spinal support, thanks to metal coils.

Comparing costs of DreamCloud and Nectar

DreamCloud and Nectar have similar pricing across mattress types. In some cases, when you compare exact model types from each brand, the prices are the same. For example, both Classic Hybrid models from DreamCloud and Nectar retail for $1,540. 

Here is a pricing overview for the queen-size beds we tested, before factoring in any discounts or promotions.

FAQs

Is DreamCloud or Nectar better for older adults?

Both companies offer a range of mattresses with features that may suit older adults' needs. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preferences and individual needs. Those with back or neck pain may gravitate towards DreamCloud’s firmer mattresses, which provide a more supportive feel and can help promote spinal alignment. If you prefer the dense feel of memory foam, Nectar may be the better match.

Does DreamCloud or Nectar offer a better warranty?

DreamCloud and Nectar offer an identical limited lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship when the mattress is used with proper support. To qualify as proper support, the Nectar mattress must lie on a solid, flat foundation that continuously supports the weight of the mattress and sleepers without causing sagging or structural damage.

It also covers flaws in the foam, splits, cracks and other manufacturing defects. If a problem occurs within the first 10 years, both companies will replace the mattress with a new one of equal or greater value at no cost. After 10 years, the companies will repair and replace the cover of the mattress or replace it for a $100 fee.

Is DreamCloud or Nectar cheaper?

Retail prices for comparable mattresses from both companies are identical. The four equivalent model types — Classic Hybrid, Premier Hybrid, Luxe Hybrid and Ultra Hybrid — cost the same across DreamCloud and Nectar, ranging from $1,540 to $4,231. The main price difference comes down to DreamCloud’s PressureSmart option and Nectar’s all-foam memory foam beds.

Prices may fluctuate. Both brands run major sales throughout the year, especially around holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day and Black Friday, during which we’ve seen these beds on sale for up to 66 percent off.

Questions or feedback? Email us at AARPSmartPicks@aarp.org.