Nectar Premier Copper Memory Foam Mattress Review: The Ultimate Cooling Comfort for Side Sleepers

As someone who primarily sleeps on my side, I can definitively say that finding the perfect mattress is a quest many of us embark on. For years, I searched for that elusive combination of comfort and unwavering support, and through extensive trial, I discovered that a moderately cushioned memory foam mattress is the only true contender. This isn’t just my personal preference; leading experts in spine health echo this sentiment.

“Memory foam mattresses may be particularly beneficial for side sleepers because they are able to accommodate the specific positioning of the neck and the lower back as the body moves throughout the night to facilitate sleep,” explains Peter Whang, MD, a Yale Medicine orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spine conditions. This tailored support is crucial for maintaining spinal alignment, alleviating pressure points, and ensuring a truly restorative night’s rest. Without proper contouring, side sleepers often experience discomfort in their shoulders, hips, and lower back, leading to restless nights and morning aches.

However, the market is saturated with various “squishy, body-conforming” sleeping surfaces, and it’s vital to understand that not all memory foam mattresses are created equal. In fact, many come with significant drawbacks that can undermine your sleep quality. For instance, while some advanced memory foam mattresses incorporate cooling technologies, a substantial number still absorb and retain body heat. This heat retention is a serious issue for hot sleepers, transforming a potentially comfortable bed into an uncomfortable sauna. The material can also weaken and lose its structural integrity over time, becoming less supportive and potentially compromising your spinal health.

Dr. Whang further cautions against excessive softness. “While features such as adjustable positioning and temperature control may be attractive, one of the most important considerations is making sure that the mattress provides sufficient support to ensure that the body does not ‘sink’ into the material and potentially put it into abnormal alignment,” he advises. The key is balance: enough contouring to cradle your body, but enough firmness to keep your spine properly aligned.

After navigating the complexities of mattress shopping, I’ve spent more than two years sleeping on the Nectar Premier Copper Memory Foam Mattress. My experience has been nothing short of transformative, leading me to recommend it wholeheartedly not only for side sleepers but also for stomach and back sleepers seeking one of the best mattresses in a box. Below, I’ll share my honest, comprehensive review, detailing its features, performance, and long-term durability.

Understanding the Nectar Premier Copper Memory Foam Mattress

The Nectar Premier Copper Memory Foam Mattress is an ingeniously engineered sleep system, designed with five distinct layers working in harmony to deliver superior comfort, support, and cooling. Starting from the very bottom, these layers include:

• Shift-Resistant Lower Layer: This foundational layer ensures the mattress remains stable on your bed frame, preventing unwanted movement and enhancing overall durability.
• Supportive Base Foam Layer: Providing robust structural integrity, this high-density foam forms the core support system, preventing sagging and ensuring long-term shape retention.
• Transitional Layer: This crucial layer acts as a buffer between the firm base and the softer comfort layers, offering progressive support and preventing you from feeling like you’re sinking straight through to the bottom. It helps distribute weight evenly and absorbs impact.
• Cooling and Pressure-Relieving Gel Foam Layer: This advanced layer is infused with gel, specifically engineered to dissipate heat away from your body. It adapts precisely to your body temperature and contours to your unique shape, providing exceptional pressure relief at critical points like shoulders and hips.
• Breathable and Cooling Copper Cover: The outermost layer is a luxurious, breathable cover woven with copper fibers. This is a significant differentiator and a key to the mattress’s superior cooling capabilities.

It’s important to note that due to this layered construction, where each component serves a specific purpose, the Nectar Premier Copper is not a flippable mattress. Its design is optimized for one-sided use to provide consistent performance.

The primary distinction between this model and the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress lies in the integration of those cooling copper fibers. Dr. Whang emphasizes the critical importance of selecting a breathable memory foam, stating, “to allow for circulation of air which can help to dissipate body heat.” Copper, as an element, offers a range of advantages beyond just enhanced conductivity. “which may have a number of benefits such as better temperature regulation and antimicrobial properties,” he adds. This is a benefit I can personally attest to. My husband generates a lot of body heat, often referred to as an “inferno-person,” and before this mattress, waking up sweaty was a regular occurrence. With the Nectar Premier Copper, he has never experienced an issue, thanks to its active combat against heat retention. The copper not only helps to draw heat away but also provides a naturally cleaner sleep surface due to its inherent antimicrobial qualities, making it a compelling choice for health-conscious sleepers.

First Impressions of the Nectar Premier Copper

The Nectar mattress arrived as a classic bed-in-a-box delivery. My king-size model, despite its substantial weight (over 100 pounds, making it quite a challenge to maneuver alone), was packed into a surprisingly compact box. Moving it into the bedroom required teamwork, but once we managed to unbox it, we were immediately struck by its impressive density and quality. The mattress itself was expertly shrink-wrapped into a tight “jelly roll,” encased in multiple layers of protective plastic. Nectar thoughtfully included a small blade to assist with opening, though it unfortunately broke almost immediately. Undeterred, we resorted to scissors, and once the final layer of plastic was breached, the mattress sprung to life, inflating to its full size in mere seconds, a truly remarkable transformation to witness.

Compared to other bed-in-a-box mattresses I’ve encountered, the Nectar Premier Copper immediately stood out as noticeably thicker and taller, hinting at its robust construction and premium layers. Beyond its physical dimensions, I was instantly impressed by the plush yet supportive feel of the mattress surface. The silky-smooth texture of the copper-threaded cover provided an immediate cooling sensation upon touch, a promising sign for its heat-regulating claims. As for the initial “new mattress smell,” often referred to as off-gassing, I did detect a faint, non-overpowering odor, but I was pleased to find that it dissipated quite quickly after allowing the mattress a few hours to air out in a well-ventilated room. This quick dissipation confirmed its readiness for immediate use without lingering chemical smells.

Key Product Features and Specifications

The Nectar Premier Copper Memory Foam Mattress is meticulously crafted to offer an optimal blend of support and plushness. It is classified as a medium-firm mattress, scoring a 6.5 out of 10 on the industry-standard firmness scale. This particular firmness level is often considered ideal for a wide range of sleepers, as it provides enough support to keep the spine aligned while still offering sufficient cushioning to relieve pressure points, particularly crucial for side sleepers.

Nectar demonstrates remarkable confidence in its product by offering an incredibly generous trial period: 365 nights. This full-year, risk-free trial allows you ample time to truly experience the mattress in your own home, through all seasons, and ensure it’s the right fit for your sleep needs. If, for any reason, you’re not completely satisfied, a simple email will initiate a full refund. Beyond the trial, Nectar further backs its mattress with a “forever warranty,” a testament to its commitment to quality. This warranty promises to address any manufacturing defects or flaws through either repair or a complete replacement, offering peace of mind for the lifetime of the mattress.

In terms of versatility, Nectar covers all standard mattress sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, and Split King, ensuring there’s an option for every bedroom and preference. The mattress is available in two core configurations: the all-foam memory foam version (which I personally tested and reviewed) and a hybrid model incorporating springs. While the hybrid option is slightly more expensive, it also boasts a more complex construction with seven layers compared to the memory foam’s five, offering a different feel that some sleepers might prefer, particularly those seeking more bounce or traditional spring support.

The total height of the memory foam mattress stands at an impressive 14 inches. This substantial profile is composed of three primary comfort and support zones:

• Seven Inches of Foundational Memory Foam: This deep base layer provides the bulk of the mattress’s support and durability, ensuring it maintains its shape and density over time.
• Four Inches of Supportive but Responsive Foam: Positioned above the foundation, this layer offers dynamic support, adapting to your movements throughout the night without creating a “stuck” feeling. It helps to distribute weight evenly and prevent excessive sinkage.
• Four Inches of Cooling, Gel-Infused Memory Foam on Top: This is the pinnacle of the comfort system. Infused with cooling gel, this luxurious layer contours precisely to the natural curves of your body. It excels at relieving pressure points, particularly in the shoulders, hips, and lower back, which are common pain areas for side sleepers. The advanced, tech-forward substance actively reacts to your body temperature, working to draw heat away and maintain a cool, comfortable sleep surface all night long.

Our Comprehensive Testing Methodology

While I’ve now enjoyed two restful years with the Nectar Premier Copper, my most rigorous testing and detailed note-taking occurred during the initial 30 nights. This focused period allowed me to evaluate the mattress across several key categories, providing a thorough assessment of its immediate performance and suitability for various sleepers.

As a seasoned side sleeper who occasionally shifts to my stomach, and being married to a dedicated back sleeper, I approached comfort from a multifaceted perspective. I evaluated how well the mattress cradled each of our bodies in every position, ensuring consistent pressure relief and spinal alignment. Supportiveness was another critical factor; I constantly compared its performance to my previous mattress, an older innerspring pillow-top that had long ceased to provide adequate support, particularly around pressure points.

Given that one of the standout features of this mattress is its innovative copper threading and cooling technology, assessing heat retention was paramount. I meticulously observed how well the cooling properties lived up to the hype, especially considering my husband’s tendency to sleep warm. Motion transfer was also a significant concern. On our old mattress, my husband’s restless thrashing throughout the night would often send disruptive waves across the bed, making me feel every kick, bounce, and turn. I was eager to see if the Nectar could truly isolate movement.

Last but certainly not least, my personal back and body health were central to this evaluation. As someone who has long suffered from recurrent lower-back pain, my primary goal was to determine whether sleeping on the Nectar would result in waking up with more or, ideally, significantly less pain and stiffness.

I am absolutely delighted to report that the Nectar Premier Copper Memory Foam Mattress passed all of my rigorous tests with flying colors, exceeding my expectations in every category:

• Comfort: The 6.5 medium-firmness level of the Nectar proved to be an absolute revelation for my side sleeping posture. It provided the ideal balance, cradling my body precisely at the pressure points of my shoulders and hips, offering a plush embrace without allowing me to sink too deeply or feel “stuck.” The contouring was exceptional, creating a sensation of weightlessness.
• Support: I was genuinely impressed by the mattress’s exceptional dynamic support layers. It maintained a firm enough foundation to robustly support my entire body, regardless of whether I was sleeping on my side, back, or stomach. Yet, it offered just enough give in the comfort layers to gently hug my body’s curves, filling in natural gaps and ensuring consistent alignment from head to toe.
• Heat Retention: As previously mentioned, my husband is a hot sleeper, while I am often cold. Despite these contrasting preferences, both of us slept remarkably comfortably. The advanced heat-regulating technology of the copper and gel-infused foam effectively kept my husband cool and prevented night sweats, while simultaneously ensuring I felt perfectly comfortable and not overly chilled. It’s a remarkable feat of balanced temperature control.
• Motion Transfer: The most astonishing discovery came after the very first night: there was virtually zero motion transfer. My husband’s energetic movements, which once rattled our old bed, were completely absorbed. I slept undisturbed, only feeling the occasional playful whack of my cat’s tail on my face, a testament to the mattress’s superior motion isolation capabilities.
• Pain Relief: This was perhaps the most impactful benefit. After a month of sleeping on the Nectar, my chronic shoulder joint pain had subsided dramatically, a relief I largely attribute to the superior pressure relief offered by the top layer of gel memory foam. Furthermore, the mattress performed wonders in terms of lower back support. When I slept on my back, it perfectly filled the natural curve between my spine and the mattress surface. Where before I would often wake feeling as though I had been arching my back all night, I awoke with zero kinks, stiffness, or pain after just a few nights on the Nectar.

Two Year Update: Long-Term Performance

After two full years of continuous use, I am thrilled to report that the Nectar Premier Copper Memory Foam Mattress remains just as comfortable and supportive as it was on day one. This is a significant indicator of its long-term durability, as many memory foam mattresses tend to develop indentations or lose their supportive qualities over time. This mattress shows absolutely zero signs of sagging, sinking, or any permanent body indentations. The memory foam layers have maintained their integrity and responsiveness, providing consistent support night after night.

Furthermore, the subtle cooling properties that initially impressed me have also endured. While I still wouldn’t go so far as to claim it’s the “most cooling mattress on the market” if extreme cooling is your absolute top priority, it continues to effectively regulate temperature, keeping both my husband and me comfortable. The consistent performance in both support and cooling has cemented our appreciation; my husband and I continue to marvel at how much we love sleeping on this bed, proving it’s an excellent long-term investment.

However, in full transparency, I have observed two minor signs of wear over this period: staining and pilling. As you can see in the accompanying photos (all taken at the two-year mark), the mattress surface is susceptible to stains that accumulate from regular use, primarily from skin oils and occasional spills, even with sheets on. I attempted to clean these stains using a combination of baking soda and a steam cleaner, which helped significantly, but I wasn’t able to eliminate them completely. It serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive mattress protection. Speaking of the mattress surface, I’ve also noticed certain spots where the fabric has pilled up and a few threads have pulled loose. These issues primarily occurred during my spot cleaning attempts, highlighting the need to use non-abrasive tools and rub very gently when treating mattress stains to preserve the integrity of the copper-infused cover.

Pros

• Instant Inflation: The mattress quickly expands to its full size immediately after unboxing, allowing for minimal wait time before use.
• Silky Smooth and Cooling Cover: The copper-threaded cover provides a luxurious feel and noticeable cooling sensation upon contact, enhancing sleep comfort.
• Perfect Firmness for Support and Comfort: With a medium-firm rating, it strikes an ideal balance, offering robust support while contouring to the body for pressure relief.
• Excellent for Side and Back Sleepers: Its design specifically aids in alleviating common discomforts such as shoulder joint pain and lower back pain, catering to various sleep positions.
• Zero Motion Transfer: Advanced foam layers effectively isolate movement, ensuring undisturbed sleep even with a restless partner.
• Generous Trial Period and Lifetime Warranty: A full 365-night risk-free trial and a “forever warranty” provide unparalleled assurance and peace of mind.
• Free Shipping and Returns: Nectar offers complimentary shipping and hassle-free returns, making the purchasing process straightforward and risk-free.

Cons

• Heavy and Thick: The mattress is substantial in weight and height, making initial setup and repositioning difficult without assistance.
• Slight Initial Odor: A faint off-gassing scent is noticeable upon first opening, though it dissipates quickly with proper ventilation.
• Minimal Edge Support: Compared to traditional spring mattresses, the edge support is not as robust, which might be a consideration for those who frequently sit on the mattress edge.
• Non-Flippable Design: Due to its layered construction optimized for one-sided use, the mattress cannot be flipped, though rotating it periodically is still recommended for even wear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Nectar Premier Copper

What is the firmness of the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress?

The Nectar Premier Copper Mattress is designed with a balanced feel, rated at a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. This places it firmly in the medium-firm category, making it an excellent choice for a wide array of sleepers. This level of firmness ensures adequate spinal alignment for back sleepers, pressure relief for side sleepers, and comfort for stomach sleepers without being excessively soft or unyielding hard.

Is the Nectar Premier Copper good for stomach sleepers?

Absolutely. While my primary sleeping position is on my side, I can confidently confirm that the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress is well-suited for every type of sleeper, including stomach sleepers. The supportive yet contouring layers provide crucial hip support, preventing the lower back from arching excessively, which is a common issue for stomach sleepers on overly soft mattresses. The nights I spent on my stomach were just as comfortable and enjoyable, without any waking pain or discomfort.

Are copper mattresses worth it?

If you identify as a hot sleeper, frequently experience night sweats, or simply desire a cooler sleep environment, then investing in a copper mattress like the Nectar Premier Copper is unequivocally worth it. The copper fibers actively draw heat away from your body, preventing overheating and fostering a more consistent, comfortable sleep temperature. Beyond cooling, copper also offers natural antimicrobial properties, contributing to a cleaner and more hygienic sleep surface, which adds significant value for those prioritizing health and cleanliness.

What Other Reviewers Have to Say About the Nectar Premier Copper

The overwhelmingly positive reception of the Premier Copper Memory Foam Mattress extends far beyond my personal experience, with rave reviews from thousands of customers who purchased directly from the Nectar website and through Amazon. On Amazon alone, over 4,200 shoppers have awarded the mattress a perfect 5-star rating, underscoring its widespread appeal and performance.

Karen Taylor, an Amazon shopper who previously slept on a “top-of-the-line TempurPedic mattress for years,” initially bought the Nectar Premier Copper for her guest room. However, she was so impressed that she quickly moved it into her primary bedroom. She describes it as “superbly comfortable” and highlights that the “pressure-point pain” she experienced with her previous expensive bed completely disappeared. Karen also praises its thermal regulation, noting that “the mattress stays comfortably cool, and it is light enough that I can easily lift it to put on linens.” She further adds, “I am no longer limited to side-sleeping. I can lie on my back without experiencing lower back pain. I like how the upper layer of the mattress cradles my body, and I am no longer tossing and turning,” a testament to its versatility and pain-relieving qualities.

Brian I, another Amazon customer, also attests to significant improvements. After sleeping on the mattress for just two nights, both he and his wife, who suffered from “joint and muscle aches attributed to aging,” woke up “pain-free.” He describes the bed as “firm and supportive, but very comfortable,” echoing the perfect balance of firmness and cushioning that I also experienced.

While the overwhelming sentiment is positive, a few reviewers did offer minor constructive feedback. Some noted that it’s advisable to give the mattress a few days after unboxing before making a final decision, as it doesn’t always fully fluff out to its intended comfort level until the second night of sleeping on it. Another common point mentioned by a handful of reviewers is its considerable weight, which, as I also experienced, can make it challenging to move or set up without assistance.

Product Comparison: Nectar Premier Copper vs. Nectar Premier

When considering the Nectar Premier Copper Memory Foam Mattress, its closest and most relevant comparison is the Nectar Premier Mattress. Both models share Nectar’s core commitment to comfort and support, offering similar foundational specs and features, but with some crucial distinctions that cater to different preferences.

The most significant and defining difference is the Premier Copper’s dedicated focus on enhanced cooling, achieved through its distinctive copper threading woven directly into the mattress cover. This is the key innovation for hot sleepers. Beyond this, the Premier Copper also boasts an additional inch of its therapeutic gel memory foam layer, contributing to even deeper contouring and pressure relief. Furthermore, it incorporates triple-action cooling technology compared to the regular Premier’s double-action cooling. According to numerous reviewer accounts and my own comparison, while both are highly regarded mattresses, the Premier Copper consistently receives slightly higher ratings specifically for its superior cooling capabilities and overall comfort, particularly for those sensitive to temperature.

From a pricing perspective, the Nectar Premier Mattress is noticeably more affordable. Its price range for various sizes typically starts around $1,049 for a Twin, extending up to approximately $2,398 for a King Split. In contrast, the Premier Copper, with its advanced features, commands a higher price point, reflecting the additional technology and materials integrated for enhanced cooling and comfort. This makes the Premier an excellent alternative for individuals who desire the premium feel of a Nectar Premier but don’t require the specialized copper-infused cooling technology, offering significant savings without compromising on core Nectar quality.

Final Verdict: A Sound Investment for Superior Sleep

After two years of consistent, restorative sleep, my endorsement of the Nectar Premier Copper Memory Foam Mattress remains unwavering. Its performance has truly stood the test of time. I haven’t observed any discernible deterioration in its unbeatable cooling quality, nor has there been any compromise in its exceptional motion transfer isolation. Crucially, the high-quality memory foam has yet to show any signs of sinking or losing its supportive properties, maintaining its “day one” comfort and integrity.

While the mattress itself provides superb comfort and support, I do strongly recommend adding a mattress protector to safeguard your investment from spills, stains, and daily wear, as I noted some susceptibility to staining even with careful use. Additionally, a mattress vacuum cleaner can be an excellent tool for routine maintenance, helping to extend the life and freshness of any mattress.

Undeniably, the Nectar Premier Copper resides on the more expensive side of the mattress market. However, when you weigh its comprehensive benefits against the cost, it consistently checks all the essential boxes: providing unparalleled comfort for all sleeping styles, intelligent adaptation to body temperature for a consistently cool sleep, and virtually zero motion transfer for undisturbed nights. These attributes collectively make it a truly worthwhile investment in your long-term health and well-being. The relief from back pain and the significant improvement in sleep quality far outweigh the initial outlay.

That said, if you share your bed with someone who doesn’t specifically run hot, or if advanced cooling isn’t your absolute top priority, the Nectar Premier Mattress presents a fantastic and more budget-friendly alternative. It still delivers Nectar’s premium comfort and support, allowing you to save money without sacrificing quality.

Where to Purchase the Nectar Premier Copper Memory Foam Mattress

The Nectar Premier Copper Memory Foam Mattress is available in all standard sizes, from Twin to Split King, with prices generally ranging from $1,499 to $3,298, depending on the size and any ongoing promotions. You have several convenient options for purchasing this premium mattress, including direct from the Nectar website, through major online retailers like Amazon, and at physical and online stores such as Mattress Firm.

It’s always a good strategy to keep an eye out for promotions, as Nectar frequently runs sales that can offer significant discounts, sometimes hundreds of dollars off, or include valuable freebies such as mattress protectors, luxurious sheet sets, and premium pillows, adding even more value to your purchase. For those who prefer to spread out the cost, qualified buyers can often take advantage of financing options, such as paying over the course of up to 18 months with 0% interest via services like Affirm, making this high-quality mattress more accessible.

If you’re still interested in the Nectar brand but are seeking a more affordable entry point, the Nectar Mattress (the brand’s original and highly popular offering) starts at a much lower price point, sometimes as low as $699. As mentioned earlier, the Nectar Premier Mattress also serves as an excellent, less expensive alternative for those who desire a premier Nectar experience but don’t specifically need the enhanced cooling benefits of the copper infusion.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade your sleep environment is an investment in your daily comfort, energy, and long-term health. I suggest you order this mattress sooner rather than later. Your back, your body, and your significant other will undoubtedly thank you for it.

Plus: For another one of our top picks, be sure to check out our Cocoon mattress review, too.

Sources:

• Peter Whang, MD, a Yale Medicine orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine conditions