A queen Nectar Classic mattress is cheaper than The DreamCloud for the first time ever – so which should you buy?

Nectar Classic vs DreamCloud hybrid mattresses side by side
(Image credit: Nectar and DreamCloud)

Choosing between the Nectar Classic and the DreamCloud Hybrid is easy at first glance because they're such different mattresses, but dig into their performance, design, benefits and drawbacks and there's a lot more to consider. 

Price is obviously a big consideration, and even though the DreamCloud Hybrid has always been cheaper than the Nectar Classic, this weekend the tide has turned. Why? Because today you can buy a Nectar Classic for $599 at Nectar, which is $50 cheaper than the previous lowest price we've seen it sell for. It's also $66 cheaper than a queen DreamCloud Hybrid, which is also on sale but for $665.

While we rate both the Nectar Classic and the DreamCloud Hybrid among the very best mattresses this year for all sleepers that we've tested, is either right for you? And which offers the best value for money overall? We take a look now, especially as the Nectar Classic is unlikely to drop any further in this year's Black Friday mattress deals, meaning now is the time to buy it if you do decide you're Team Nectar, not Team DreamCloud.

Queen Nectar Classic vs queen DreamCloud Hybrid mattress: Key differences

  • The DreamCloud is made of memory foam and coils
  • The Nectar Classic is an all-foam mattress
  • The Nectar Classic has a softer feel; the DreamCloud is firmer

The most significant differences between these top-rated queen mattresses lie in their construction. The Nectar Classic is an all-foam mattress and during our Nectar mattress review, our tester found that this bed is better suited to suit sleepers who crave pressure point relief.  

Whilst the DreamCloud Hybrid is this year's best hybrid mattress and will suit all sleepers as it combines foam layers with innerspring coils. DreamCloud do offer a memory foam version, but the hybrid model offers better value as well as more comfort and support which we discovered during our DreamCloud mattress review.

The DreamCloud Hybrid mattress shown on a light wooden bed frame and covered with white bedding in a white bedroom

(Image credit: DreamCloud Sleep)

Both mattresses have a medium-firm tension, with the Nectar Classic sitting at around 6.5/10 on the firmness scale, whilst we rate the DreamCloud as a 7/10. However, there are some key differences in comfort levels between these beds.

For example, the DreamCloud Hybrid has a more responsive feel thanks to the layer of innerspring coils, and because of that, it feels softer than the Nectar Classic, which offers body-hugging contouring. 

The hybrid construction of the DreamCloud means that it has better edge support and improved airflow for temperature regulation. The Nectar Classic excels at motion isolation, making it a good choice for couples. 

Queen Nectar Classic vs queen DreamCloud Hybrid mattress: Price, deals, & benefits

Right now, with the current flash sale, a queen Nectar Classic is priced at just $559 that's $50 cheaper than the regular sale. And this offer isn’t going to hang around, and we don’t expect to see it back at any point this year either meaning that during this year's Nectar Black Friday sale, the Nectar Classic will probably go back up to $649. That's the price we've seen it sell for since last Black Friday in every monthly Nectar mattress sale and it's still great value for money.

The DreamCloud Hybrid is also subject to a permanent discount that will save you up to 50% off in the DreamCloud mattress sale, reducing a queen to $665 (was $1,613). We don’t expect to see the prices go any lower during the upcoming holiday sales, so now is the time to buy the Nectar Classic, but you don't need to rush your decision on the DreamCloud as the sale rolls on.

However if you want to guarantee that you’ll have a new mattress installed in time for Christmas, it’s better to buy sooner rather than later to avoid any potential holiday shipping delays. 

Close up of the Nectar Classic mattress on a bed frame

(Image credit: Nectar)

Both mattresses are top rated options in our best mattress in a box guide because they aren’t just budget friendly, they also both offer market-leading perks. These include a 365-night sleep trial, which trounces the 100-night trials you get from rivals such as Casper and Helix Sleep.  

You also get lifetime warranties with both the Nectar Classic and the DreamCloud Hybrid, meaning you’ll be covered for any manufacturing or material defects for as long as you own the mattress. 

These warranties don’t cover general wear and tear, and do remember that mattresses have a limited lifespan, so we're used to only seeing brands offer 10 year warranties as standard. As an added bonus, you also get free shipping and returns with both the Nectar Classic and DreamCloud Hybrid. 

Queen Nectar Classic Memory Foam: $599 at Nectar

Queen Nectar Classic Memory Foam: $599 at Nectar
The Nectar Classic Memory Foam (hybrid version also available, priced from $499 at Nectar) is perfect for side sleepers who need exceptional pressure relief whilst enjoying body hugging comfort. It doesn’t have the same bounce as the DreamCloud Hybrid, so combination or heavier sleepers may find it’s not so easy to move around at night. Back sleepers will also find that the medium-firm tension offers the right amount of support and spinal alignment to avoid any back pain or aches in the morning. This new flash sale takes a further $50 off the price, reducing the cost of a queen to $599. That's the cheapest price we’ve ever seen it sell for, and it won't stick around for long.

Queen DreamCloud Hybrid: $665 at DreamCloud

Queen DreamCloud Hybrid: $665 at DreamCloud
The DreamCloud Hybrid is the number one option in our best hybrid mattress of the year guide, and its designed with layers of foam and innerspring coils to offer superior support and temperature regulation making it a great choice for anyone who likes a bit of bounce whilst still getting the benefit of memory foam. The DreamCloud Hybrid has a responsive feel and balanced comfort, which is perfect for all sleep styles. In our opinion, the Nectar Classic is only suited to side and back sleepers. The DreamCloud Hybrid is always on sale and consistently priced at $665 for a queen, so we don’t expect any further discounts during the DreamCloud Black Friday sale so there's no rush to buy. However, if you want to buy you should do it so sooner rather than later to avoid shipping delays caused by holiday rush orders.

Queen Nectar Classic vs DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress: Design

The Nectar is an all foam mattress with a 12-inch profile and 5-layer design. It has a cool to touch surface layer, which will go some part in to helping ease the amount of heat that memory foam mattresses can trap.

There is then a layer of therapeutic memory foam for pressure relief, a transition layer to absorb any motion transfer and an 8” ActiveSupport base layer. This is all encased in a heavy-duty, anti-shift cover.

Exploded diagram of different layers of the Nectar classic memory foam mattress

(Image credit: Nectar)

The Nectar Classic has changed a little since our Nectar mattress review but we’re currently testing this new version and we are impressed by it’s comfort, support and quality and it remains one of our best memory foam mattress choices. 

The DreamCloud Hybrid is made up of a combination of foam and innerspring coils. It has the same profile as the Nectar sitting at 12-inches and is rated among the best mattresses for back pain

The DreamCloud is made up of 8 layers and is luxury on a budget as it has a breathable cashmere blend quilted cover top, followed by 2” of therapeutic gel memory foam, a dynamic transition layer for proper spinal alignment before a 8” layer of individually wrapped coil springs with extra edge support. 

The DreamCloud Hybrid has been designed to offer the pressure-relieving qualities of memory foam whilst providing the responsiveness and airflow of innerspring coils. 

An exploded chart showing the internal layers of the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress, including gel memory foam and coils

(Image credit: DreamCloud)

Queen Nectar Classic vs DreamCloud Hybrid mattress: Support & comfort

The Nectar Classic is one of the best queen mattresses when it comes to pressure relief, especially for side and back sleepers. The memory foam layers contour to the body’s natural shape to alleviate pressure in the hips, shoulders and back.

Stomach sleepers and those who weigh over 230lbs may find that it lacks the right amount of support for proper spinal alignment, unlike the DreamCloud hybrid. 

The DreamCloud Hybrid offers a more balanced feel as you get the comfort and pressure relief of the memory foam but the support and responsiveness of the coils. The DreamCloud Hybrid is better suited to all types of sleeper, this can be useful for couples who have different sleep styles but need a good all-round mattress.

A couple laughing and lying on their stomachs on top of a DreamCloud Hybrid mattress

(Image credit: DreamCloud Sleep)

The top layer of therapeutic foam on the DreamCloud hybrid offers good pressure relief for side sleepers but it’s not as deep as the Nectar Classic. The DreamCloud does perform better when it comes to temperature relief. 

Whilst the cool-touch cover of the Nectar Classic does try and keep things cool, the coil system of the DreamCloud ensures that there’s good airflow. However, very hot sleepers should choose a proper cooling mattress instead. 

Both mattresses perform well when it comes to motion isolation, but the Nectar Classic takes the edge due to its all foam construction that all but stops motion transferring from one side of the bed to the other. 

But for edge support, the DreamCloud Hybrid is superior thanks to a reinforced coil perimeter. It's ideal for those who like to lie close to or sit on the edge of the bed.

Queen Nectar Classic vs queen DreamCloud Hybrid mattress: Which should you buy?

When it comes to how to choose a mattress there are a lot of factors in play. What your preferred sleep style is, what level of comfort you prefer and whether you sleep hot all play a crucial role. The Nectar Classic is a great choice for those who love the classic memory foam feel, and today's flash sale is the perfect opportunity to get a discounted price. Where the DreamCloud feels a little more luxury and will keep hot sleepers cooler.

Buy the Nectar Classic mattress if...

You prefer a memory foam feel: Memory foam isn’t for everyone but if you love that body-hugging comfort then the Nectar Classic is the perfect choice because you’ll enjoy that sink-in feeling with exceptional pressure relief. 

You’re a side sleeper: If you predominantly sleep on your side or you experience joint pain, the Nectar Classic is the one. This mattress offers maximum pressure relief in the hips, shoulders, neck and back where you need it the most. It also contours to your body’s natural shape so you’ll not feel aches and pains in the morning. 

You’re on a tighter budget: Both of these mattresses are exceptional value but who wouldn’t want any extra $50 in their pocket? The Nectar Classic is going to be $599 between Friday, November 1st and Monday, November 4th so you can save even more money on this top rated mattress. 

Buy the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress if...

You sleep hot: If you get warm at night the Nectar Classic may not be the best choice. However, the DreamCloud Hybrid construction means that the innerspring coils encourage additional airflow that can leave you feeling more comfortable whilst you sleep. 

You move around a lot: If you move around a lot, especially at night then you may find a hybrid is a better choice as the responsiveness of the coils makes changing positions easier. Like wise if you're a heavier sleeper, with a hybrid you don't sink in to the bed as much so it's more comfortable. 

You want luxury for less: Whilst the DreamCloud is slightly more expensive than the Nectar Classic, it does feel more like a luxury bed. Hybrids generally are more expensive than memory foam and this bed has premium features like the cashmere blend cover that make it worth the $66 extra. 

Rachael Penn
Contributor

Rachael is a freelance journalist based in South Wales who writes about lifestyle, travel, home and technology. She also reviews a variety of products for various publications including Tom’s Guide, CreativeBloq, IdealHome and Woman&Home. When she’s not writing and reviewing products she can be found walking her Sealyham and West Highland terrier dogs or catching up on some cringe-worthy reality tv.