Eve vs Nectar: which original memory foam mattress brand is better?

Eve and Nectar are two major brands in the memory foam mattress market. Both are well known, both have bagged awards for their mattresses, and both appear in our best memory foam mattress guide. 

Both brands have hybrid mattresses (i.e. mattresses that contain springs as well as foam) in their ranges, but in this Eve vs Nectar guide, we'll be focusing mainly on the foam-only models. For a closer look at these individually, check out our Eve mattress review or Nectar mattress review for all the specs. 

There are plenty of similarities between the two brands. Both Eve and Nectar mattresses are delivered to your door, rolled up and vacuum-packed in a box like the best bed-in-a-box. Both also need to be left alone to inflate into shape before you can sleep on them. In fact, the designs have their similarities too: both these original models feature three layers of different types of foam to give you comfort, support and stability. Eve and Nectar mattresses are both reasonably-priced – the more so if you can get a discount.

So, which one should you go for? For a head-to-head comparison of all the important features, keep on reading for our Eve vs Nectar face-off.

Eve vs Nectar mattress: background and overview

Eve is based in the UK and has been in the business since 2014. It makes three mattresses: the Original, the Lighter and the Premium, all of which are available as a memory foam only or hybrid (consisting of foam and springs) version.

The Eve Original foam, which we're focusing on here, is its mid-range option – we've also reviewed the Eve Original Hybrid. Read about the rest of the range in our Eve Lighter review (we call it "a basic but brilliant budget buy"), or our Eve Premium Hybrid review (an outstanding, firm luxury hybrid).

In comparison, Nectar is based in California and was founded in 2016. It's been manufacturing and selling mattresses in the UK since 2018 and is best known for its Nectar memory foam mattress. Last time we checked, there were two other options in the UK range: the Nectar Hybrid (which adds springs into the mix) and the Nectar Premier, which is a more luxurious foam-only model.

Eve vs Nectar mattress: Construction

Eve Original

The Eve Original is a 24cm deep, vacuum-packed bed-in-a-box mattress made with three foam layers. A top comfort layer gives you 3cm of super-breathable springy foam, and beneath that is 3cm the all-important memory foam giving you softness and support. At the bottom, there's a thick layer of dense base foam with seven contour zones for targeted support. It's all wrapped up in a washable top cover that wicks moisture away, and an anti-slip base that'll keep your mattress where you want it.

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Nectar mattress

The Nectar mattress is 25cm deep, with a whole 9cm of memory foam. The top memory foam layer is viscoelastic to keep things soft and cradling, and underneath that is a thicker layer of transition memory foam to provide extra pressure relief. Beneath them both is a base layer of sturdier foam, divided into seven contour zones to give you support where you need it. Finally there's a non-washable adaptive cooling cover that's designed to draw heat away from your body and circulate air beneath you.

Verdict: Draw

There aren't many notable differences between the two mattresses, build-wise. The Nectar is deeper with more memory foam, however more memory foam doesn't necessarily mean better. The Eve's washable cover is a definite plus, but on the whole this one's too close to call.

If you're unsure if memory foam is for you, check out our guide to memory foam vs spring mattresses for a full comparison.

Eve vs Nectar mattress: Comfort and firmness

Both of these mattresses are rated medium-firm, but if you've spent any time trying out mattresses, you'll know that this can cover a pretty wide range of firmness. The Eve Original can hold up to 40 stone (260kg), while the Nectar can support up to 46 stone (292kg), and if you think that translates into the Nectar being the firmer of the two, you'd be right.

The Eve Original's a pretty firm mattress; the Nectar, meanwhile, is quite a bit firmer than that, and probably a bit too firm for many people. Both of them are great for people who tend to get a bit hot in the night, though; the fact that you're less likely to sink into you means they won't absorb heat, and they both have covers that'll help regulate your temperature as you sleep, too.

Verdict: Draw

This one's entirely subjective: you need to go with the mattress that provides the right level of firmness for you. If you like your bed to be super-solid we'd advise you to opt for the Nectar, however if you need your mattress to provide that little bit more give then the Eve Original is the way to go.

Eve vs Nectar mattress: Price

Price is a bit of a complicated one. If you've been shopping for any amount of time, you'll know that cheap mattress deals are extremely common – the mattress world loves a discount, and if you're paying full price, you've made an error somewhere.

There are regular Eve mattress discount codes and deals, but this mattress company does have a stable RRP and its deals really are deals. It usually only discounts one or a few mattresses at once, so you'll need to time when you buy if possible. At RRP, an Eve Original mattress costs £449 for a single, £649 for a double, £749 for a King, and £849 for a Super King.

Nectar takes a particularly sneaky approach – there's an RRP, but it goes up and down, and we've literally never seen this mattress on sale for that price. Officially, the RRP is as follows: £625 for a single, £750 for a double, £850 for a King, and £900 for a Super King. You can expect to get at least 40% off that price at all times, though.  Head to our Nectar mattress discount code and deals page for more info.

Verdict: depends when you buy

It's too difficult to call, with all the price fluctuations going on. Check the price when you're thinking of buying. Eve typically has the most deals running at any given time but Nectar has more bundle deals where if you buy a mattress, you'll get free pillows thrown in, too.

Eve vs Nectar mattress: The small print

Eve Original

Eve offers free delivery to most of the UK, however there are some areas where it can't do this, so if you live in a hard-to-reach area it's best to check when you order. For £40 in most areas it'll also take your old mattress away and recycle it. Eve provides a 100-night trial for you to get to know your mattress, and free returns if things don't work out between you. You also get a 10-year warranty.

Nectar mattress

Nectar will deliver your mattress for free across most of the UK mainland, however it'll charge for deliveries to the Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland and to UK and Channel Islands. If you want your old mattress removed and recycled, Nectar can arrange this for £35. It offers a stand-out one-year trial so that you can seriously make sure that you've made the right choice, plus a 'Forever' warranty that'll cover your mattress for as long as you own it.

Verdict: Nectar wins

Both Eve and Nectar provide free delivery and returns to most of the UK, and can have your old mattress removed and recycled for a reasonable price. However with its year-long trial period and lifetime guarantee, Nectar edges ahead in the customer service stakes.

Eve vs Nectar mattress: Which should I buy?

Providing a definitive verdict on whether you should choose the Eve Original or Nectar mattress is near-impossible. Each has its own benefits such as the Nectar's 365-day trial or the Eve's washable cover, and while the Nectar is slightly ahead of the Eve when it comes to cooling, it's also quite a bit firmer, which may be a turn-off for many.

Price-wise the Nectar mostly comes in cheaper, but there's not really a lot in it, Ultimately we feel that your decision between the two is going to boil down to how firm you like your mattress to be. If you prefer a properly firm mattress then the Nectar's definitely the one for you, but if you want just a bit more give then we think that the Eve Original will suit you better. Either way you'll have a decent trial period in which to make absolutely sure about your choice.