Nectar Premier Copper mattress review in brief
The Nectar Premier Copper is the most advanced of Nectar's lineup. It's available as an all-foam or hybrid model (we tested the former) and promises enhanced cooling and pressure relief, via a 14-inch tall, medium firmness design.
This brand is known for its good quality, great value bed-in-a-box mattresses. We rate the flagship model as the best memory foam mattress around (find out why in our Nectar mattress review), and were also impressed with its mid-tier model (read about that in our Nectar Premier Hybrid review). But this is meant to be the king of the Nectar castle. So is it worth the upgrade?
We slept on a twin size for a month and ran a series of tests to assess how it compares to the rest of the best mattresses on the market. You'll find our full results in this Nectar Premier Copper review, but we'll kick off with the key points for those in a hurry.
Type: All foam (hybrid also available)
Firmness (1-10): 6 (medium / medium-firm)
Height: 14 inches
Trial: 365 nights
Warranty: Forever
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
Materials: Memory foam, other foams
Price range: Upper mid-range
First up: temperature regulation. Full-foam mattresses are notorious for retaining heat, but the Premier Copper uses advanced cooling tech to help individuals sleep more comfortably and wake up sweat-free in the morning. The subtle soothing sensation of the copper-woven cover along with the phase-change material of the gel foam layer helped us sleep comfortably night after night. That's no easy task in the midst of a stifling Mid-Atlantic summer, so we were definitely impressed on this front – we rate this amongst the best cooling mattresses around.
We found the Nectar Premier Copper mattress the most comfortable for side sleeping. It provided us with ample support and pressure relief in this position, especially along our head and shoulders. Meanwhile, our experience was mixed when we slept on our backs, as some of our testing panel felt there just wasn't enough support in the lumbar area.
The Premier Copper does have some give, but unlike most full-foam mattresses we didn't feel as though we were sinking too deeply into it. Nectar classifies this mattress as medium-firm and we're inclined to agree. However, sleepers with larger builds may find it too soft and may want to consider an alternative.
Motion isolation is very good on the Nectar Premier Copper, making it suitable for restless sleepers or so couples with different sleep schedules. However, for people who tend to roll towards the edge of their bed while asleep, the weak edge support of the Nectar Premier Copper may be a rude awakening... literally.
While the Premier Copper is the most expensive Nectar mattress, it's still relatively affordable, sitting in the upper mid-range bracket, with regular offers. Like all Nectars, the Premier Copper comes on a 365-night risk-free trial and is covered with a Forever Warranty – outstanding extras for a mattress in this price bracket.
Nectar Premier Copper mattress review: Price and deals
- Nectar's priciest mattress, usually sits in upper mid-range price bracket
- Always a sale on, alternate between two regular deals
- Includes a 365-night sleep trial plus lifetime warranty
The Premier Copper sits at the top of Nectar's range in terms of price; the all-foam version we tested costs less than the hybrid version, but both are usually available within the upper mid-range price bracket.
You can ignore MSRP because there's always a Nectar mattress sale running (in fact, it's quite hard to tell what the MSRP even is, because Nectar adds on the value of any free accessories on the price displayed on its site). There are two offers that the brand alternates between: one knocks 25% off mattress prices and includes a bedding bundle for free, the other knocks 33% off with no bedding bundle (but a big discount on bedding, if you do buy some).
Many major bed brands offer bigger discounts around national holidays, but Nectar generally just sticks with one of its regular offers. Occasionally, there's a 40% off flash sale – these yield the lowest prices, but are hard to predict, as they don't coincide with traditional sales events.
Below are the typical prices you can expect to pay for the Nectar Premier Copper mattress:
- Twin: around $999 (foam) / $1,199 (hybrid)
- Twin XL: around $1,099 (foam) / $1,299 (hybrid)
- Full: around $1,199 (foam) / $1,399 (hybrid)
- Queen: around $1,299 (foam) / $1,499 (hybrid)
- King: around $1,499 (foam) / $1,699 (hybrid)
- Cal King: around $1,499 (foam) / $1,699 (hybrid)
- Split King: around $2,198 (foam) / $1,699 (hybrid)
Like all Nectars, the Premier Copper comes on a 365-night risk-free trial and is covered with a Forever Warranty. This is far better than the industry standard on both counts. If you decide the Premier Copper isn't for you, Nectar offers free returns within the 365-night trial period. You'll also receive a full refund, plus assistance from Nectar in either donating or recycling the mattress.
Nectar Premier Copper mattress review: Materials
The Nectar Premier Copper consists of five layers. At the top is a poly-blend cover made of polyethylene and copper fibers. This feels cool to the touch and is designed to wick away heat. Directly underneath that is a 4in layer of high-density gel memory foam infused with phase change materials. This adapts to your sleep temperature while comfortably contouring to your body shape.
For support, there's a 1in layer of soft transitional foam followed by a 9in firm foam base, making it Nectar's most durable mattress yet. By comparison, the non-cooling Nectar Premier has a smaller 7in foam base but a taller 3in transitional foam layer for a slightly plusher feel.
Everything is capped by a bottom layer cover that keeps the mattress in place on your bed frame or the floor. You can unzip and remove this cover, but Nectar advises against doing this to maintain the integrity of the mattress. This cover is also not machine-washable, but stains can be spot-treated. We'd suggest buying one of the best mattress protectors you can afford to keep your Nectar fresher and stain-free for longer.
Nectar Premier Copper review: Firmness and comfort
- A medium-firm mattress with a 6 out of 10 rating
- Performs at its best for side sleepers
- May not provide enough support for back sleepers
The Nectar Premier Copper comes in just one firmness level. Based on our tests, we rate it a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, with 10 being the firmest. Our figure is very close to Nectar's self-assessment, which places the Premier Copper mattress in medium-firm territory with a 6.5 firmness level. The original Nectar Memory Foam and the Nectar Premier mattresses are also rated medium-firm.
Half of our testers thought the Premier Copper was firmer than they had anticipated for a memory foam mattress, although they acknowledged a slight amount of give once they settled into it. Conversely, the other half of our testing group said the mattress was too soft for their preferences. In the interests of fairness, it should be noted that the majority of testers used here are accustomed to sleeping on much firmer mattresses.
Overall, we found the Nectar Premier Copper most accommodating for side sleepers. It adapted nicely to the contours of our body in this position, especially around the shoulders and head, reducing pressure and keeping us comfortably aligned. One of our testers, who was pregnant at the time, noted that the mattress cushioned her belly, which helped her nap comfortably.
The back sleepers among our testing group were mixed on how well the Nectar Premier Copper performed. A couple felt unsupported around the lower back and hips. It was a similar experience when we laid on our stomachs, as there was obvious sinking along our hips. However, a few of us managed to find relief on our backs following a brief adjustment period, but overall the Premier Copper is a winner for side sleeping.
Remember that firmness and comfort are subjective. Our team of testers consists of individuals with varying weights, heights and preferences. Petite or underweight sleepers (130lbs and below) may consider the Nectar Premier Copper to be a tad too firm; alternatively, sleepers weighing at least 200lbs may think this mattress isn't firm enough.
Nectar Premier Copper mattress review: Performance
- Has a subtle cooling effect and effectively regulates sleep temperature
- Minimal motion transfer makes it a good choice for co-sleepers
- However, edge support is severely lacking
We reviewed and slept on a twin-size Nectar Premier Copper for four weeks – the time frame recommended by Nectar to sufficiently adjust to the mattress. Following our methodology for mattress research, we tested it in all major areas of performance, rating it on pressure relief, motion isolation, temperature regulation, edge support and durability, as well as ease of set up.
In addition to physical testing, we also analyzed hundreds of user reviews to build a complete picture of what it's like to sleep on the Nectar Premier Copper. Here is what we discovered during our four-week review period...
Set-up
Score: 4/5
A twin size Nectar Premier Copper mattress weighs 49lbs. A queen size Premier Copper mattress weighs 80lbs and a king weighs 102lbs. It is possible to set up this mattress solo if you have a twin or twin XL, but you'll definitely want to ask a friend or family member to assist you if you're buying the biggest (heaviest) sizes.
Once the Nectar was unfurled on top of the bed it began to inflate within 30 seconds. As soon as the plastic was removed it expanded further, and about five minutes later we had a full-fledged mattress. It is possible to sleep on the Nectar Premier Copper right away, but we'd recommend waiting three to five hours to let it fully inflate because it is (uncomfortably) soft at first.
One thing we'd like to mention is that we greatly appreciate Nectar including an ergonomic pocket blade to cut the plastic, which is usually this reviewer's least favorite part of the set-up process. Other brands, such as Emma, include these too, so they aren't unique but they do mean you can cut through the plastic covering without damaging the mattress.
Off-gassing
Score: 4.5/5
Off-gassing is the process during which vapors are released into the air upon removing the vacuum-sealed plastic from a foam mattress. It can take hours, or even days, for the 'chemical' smell to dissipate. Lingering scents are generally unpleasant but seldom dangerous. You can read more about it in our feature explaining what is mattress off-gassing.
The foam layers in the Nectar Premier Copper are CertiPUR-US-certified, which means they're made without ozone-depleting chemicals and are low in the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that yield that typical 'chemical' smell.
We cracked a window during the unboxing process, which helped eliminate the faint off-gassing scent we detected. Several user reviews state that this odor lasts for a few days; fortunately, that wasn't our experience as we hardly noticed any smell the following morning.
Pressure relief
Score: 4/5
The Nectar Premier Copper is a 14in tall, medium-firm mattress. To test its pressure relief we placed a 56lb weight in the center of the mattress. There was certainly some give, but still a fair amount of support. Upon removing the weight, the mattress quickly returned to form.
We also unzipped and temporarily removed the outer cover (sorry, Nectar!) to scan the top foam layer for an obvious indent that might have been left from weight. There wasn't one.
The Premier Copper features pressure points in areas where your shoulders, hips, and legs will rest. These are there to promote proper alignment and are meant to work in tandem with the lofty 9in base foam layer to provide adequate joint relief.
Our testers found the Nectar to have excellent pressure relief for side sleepers. We felt properly supported around our head, shoulders and hips. In most cases, our weight was evenly distributed and our spines weren't misaligned.
Back sleepers, on the other hand, may feel their lower back sink – particularly if they're pear-shaped and/or over 200lbs. Some of us did eventually find a comfy resting spot in this position after a brief adjustment period, but our mileage varied here. Similarly, stomach sleepers may feel their hips dip with pressure on their lower back.
Some of our testers said they were perfectly fine to lie on the mattress without a pillow since it gently supported their heads. Of course, for optimal comfort we recommend you pick up one of the best pillows for sleeping.
Motion transfer
Score: 4/5
Since we were reviewing a twin mattress, which is really only designed for one person to sleep on comfortably, we performed a few drop tests to measure the motion transfer of the Nectar Premier Copper.
We placed an empty wine glass at one side of the bed and dropped a 10lb weight roughly 25in away from it. We replicated three possible scenarios: a partner tossing-and-turning, a partner getting in or out of bed, and a partner jumping in or out of bed. To simulate those effects, we dropped the 10lb weight from 4in, 8in, and 12in above the bed.
There was barely any movement from the wine glass when we dropped the 10lb weight from a 4in height, so if you sleep with an antsy partner you're unlikely to wake up because of their fidgeting. We saw slightly more motion from the wine glass with the 8in and 12in drops. However, we don't think either instance will be enough to severely disrupt your sleep.
Temperature regulation
Score: 4.5/5
Memory foam mattresses are notorious for trapping body heat, so Nectar made the Premier Copper with advanced cooling technology. The polyethylene-and-copper blend of the top cover is cool to the touch, but it's a subtle effect compared to the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow, which feels so cold that it may be jarring to some sleepers at first.
Overall, the Premier Copper does a great job of wicking away body heat and regulating sleep temperature thanks to the aforementioned cooling cover. That, plus a 4in top layer of gel memory foam infused with phase change materials. This was especially helpful in the midst of yet another hot Mid-Atlantic summer.
There were a few mornings when we woke up a tad sweaty, but this was actually a rare occurrence (and less to do with the state of the mattress itself). As far as memory foam models go, those of us who typically sleep warm found the Nectar Premier Copper to be one of the most comfortable we've reviewed so far.
Edge support
Score: 2/5
We tested the edge support of the Nectar Premier Copper by placing a 56lb weight on the edge of the mattress in the middle of the perimeter. The mattress compressed by about two inches, going from 14in to 12in. However, the real test came when actual human beings sat on the edge of the bed – both in the center and along the corners.
The consensus among our testers is that the edge support here is very weak – almost non-existent according to our taller, heavier members of the group. This doesn't bode well for anyone who tends to gravitate towards the edge of the bed during sleep, nor is it promising for people who like to sit on the corner of their bed while they're putting their shoes on.
Edge support isn't really a defining characteristic for a memory foam mattress since the MO is to conform to the contours of your body without sagging. However, for Nectar's top-of-the-line offering we are disappointed that the Premier Copper falls very short in this area.
Durability
Score: 4/5
After one month of sleeping on the Nectar Premier Copper mattress, we've yet to see or feel any obvious indentations or general wear and tear. The top cover has also maintained its subtle cooling feeling.
Because the Nectar Premier Copper was released in May, we can't refer to any long-term data on it just yet. However, user reviews for the Nectar Original (read our Nectar Memory Foam Mattress review for more) can shed some light on possible longevity as they're nearly identical in construction.
Customers who have owned a Nectar Original for at least one year claim that there are no indents or dips. This bodes well for the Premier Copper which, in our opinion, is quite solidly built.
However, foam models will degrade over time with regular use. Per our research, Nectars tend to have a lifespan of 6-8 years, which is on the lower end of the general lifespan (8-10 years). Of course, that figure will vary depending on the weight of the sleeper(s) and how well the mattress is cared for over time. We cover this in more detail in our feature answering how long does a mattress last.
Nectar Premier Copper mattress review: User reviews
Several factors influence an individual's experience of a mattress: height, weight, preferred sleeping position, ideal temperature, and any aches and pains they feel. For our Nectar Premier Copper review, we tested the performance and shared our experiences, but we've also analyzed as many outside reviews as we could find right to provide you with a well-rounded perspective.
A typical practice of most boxed bed brands is to merge reviews of their newer mattresses with those for incumbent models. In this case, Nectar combined feedback for the Premier Copper with the original Nectar Memory Foam mattress. Fortunately, Nectar makes it easy to filter and sort its entries, and we've been able to discover a handful of early reviews for the Premier Copper.
As of November 2022, there are over 120 customer reviews at Nectar specific to the Premier Copper, providing a combined rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with sleepers saying that the Premier Copper provides ample support and temperature regulation. About 80% of these reviewers identify as side sleepers, and more than half claim to sleep warm or hot.
Overall, the Nectar range has a cumulative rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars generated from over 47,000 reviews. The majority of the brand's 5-star reviews come from side sleepers praising the ample support and comfort. Several satisfied customers even credit their Nectar for alleviating their back and neck pain.
On the flip side, negative reviews state that these mattresses are too firm (or not firm enough) and have poor edge support. We also discovered several people being critical of Nectar's customer service, namely the difficulty in getting in touch with the company. However, a bulk of these complaints were made during the pandemic.
Should you buy the Nectar Premier Copper?
Nectar is known for striking the perfect balance between comfort, quality and value. The Nectar Premier Copper won't be displacing its older sibling, the Original, as our reigning champion, but it's a fantastic mattress for hot sleepers.
The Nectar Premier, without the cooling tech, is $400 less than the Nectar Premier Copper. But if you sleep warm and prefer the body-cradling comfort of a full-foam mattress, then it's worth paying the extra cost for Nectar's top-of-the-line cooling mattress. The improvements in cooling and support over the now-discontinued Nectar Lush are obvious, and the Premier Copper excels in both of those areas.
Side sleepers will find the Nectar cooling mattress the most comfortable, followed by back sleepers of an average build and body weight. However, larger sleepers who want something firmer may want to consider the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow, although it costs considerably more. Meanwhile, the DreamCloud mattress is another option to consider. It's not a cooling mattress per se, but it's made from breathable materials and offers incredible support for larger bodies. It's also $200 less than the Nectar Premier Copper and often comes with the same freebies and amenities since both mattresses are owned by the same parent company.
Despite being Nectar's most expensive model, the Premier Copper still offers a good value when you factor in the premium freebies you get with it, plus the outstanding 365-night sleep trial and Lifetime Warranty. If your budget is a couple of notches above entry level, the Nectar Copper Premier will feel like a splurge even though you'll hardly be breaking the bank. Overall, this is an excellent boxed mattress capable of delivering ample comfort and cooling for years to come.
Nectar Premier Copper mattress review: Competitors
1. Casper Wave Hybrid Snow
Type: mattress in a box
Firmness: 7 out of 10 (10 is firmest)
Materials: foam and springs
Height: 13 inches
MSRP: $2,295 - $3,995
The Casper Wave Hybrid Snow is Casper's top-of-the-line model and its most expensive option. It features a mix of foam and springs and is jam-packed with cooling features such as HeatDelete Bands and a QuickCool Cover. These work together to wick away 34% more body heat away and sustain a comfy sleeping temperature for up to 12 hours.
Back and side sleepers who want a firmer mattress may prefer the feel of the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow. However, it doesn't come cheap – and instead of a lifetime warranty and 365-night sleep trial like Nectar offers, you'll get a 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial in return (though this is still enough time to test it out properly). To save on this hybrid, see our round-up of the best Casper mattress deals.
Choose it if: you want a firmer mattress with good back and side support
Avoid it if: you prefer the feel of a full-foam mattress
2. Layla Memory Foam Mattress
Type: mattress in a box
Firmness: 4-7 out of 10 (10 is firmest)
Materials: memory foam
Height: 10 inches
MSRP: $749- $1,249
The Layla Memory Foam is an entry level alternative to the mid-range Nectar Premier Copper. This budget cooling mattress features copper-infused foam that evenly distributes body heat and also kills bacteria. The Layla has two firmness levels – just flip it over when you want something softer or firmer.
Motion isolation and pressure relief aren't quite on the level of the Nectar Premier Copper, but for an affordable cooling mattress, the Layla is a great choice – especially since it includes a lifetime warranty. We explain more in our Layla mattress discounts and sales guide.
Choose it if: you're on a budget and want adjustable firmness
Avoid it if: you need a mattress with above-average motion isolation
3. Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Breeze
Type: mattress in a box
Firmness: varies
Material: foam; or foam and springs (hybrid)
Height: 13 inches
MSRP: $3,949 - $9,898
On the luxury end is the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Breeze, a cooling model that offers more variety than Nectar Premier Copper. The full-foam LuxeBreeze is available in two firmness levels and promises to keep the mattress eight degrees cooler. Meanwhile, the less expensive (but still expensive) Pro Breeze guarantees a three degrees cooler sleep and is available as a full-foam or hybrid model.
If you have the budget, the Tempur-Breeze is a worthwhile investment if you're a hot sleeper who is dealing with neck and back pain too. You'll also be paying for NASA-backed cooling technology here, so expect the best. For the latest savings, see our guide to Tempur-Pedic mattress sales and deals.
Choose it if: you want a cooling mattress that also relieves aches and pains
Avoid it if: you have a much smaller budget
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