The Quick Verdict
Nectar
From $649 (Queen ~$899)
Best value memory foam. Soft, hugging feel with deep contouring. Ideal for budget shoppers, side sleepers, and couples who want classic foam comfort.
Ghostbed
From $1,095 (Queen ~$1,495)
Cooler, firmer, more responsive. Ghost’s gel-infused foam + latex layer make it the better pick for hot sleepers, heavier bodies, and combo sleepers who hate “stuck-in-foam” feel.
Sleep-Style Scorecard
How each mattress scores across the eight sleep profiles our Sleep Lab tracks.
| Sleep Profile | Nectar | Ghostbed | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side sleepers (light–avg) | 9.2 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 | Nectar |
| Side sleepers (200 lb+) | 6.8 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 | Ghostbed |
| Back sleepers | 8.0 / 10 | 8.6 / 10 | Ghostbed |
| Stomach sleepers | 6.5 / 10 | 8.2 / 10 | Ghostbed |
| Combo sleepers | 7.0 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 | Ghostbed |
| Hot sleepers | 6.4 / 10 | 9.0 / 10 | Ghostbed |
| Couples (motion isolation) | 9.4 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 | Nectar |
| Budget shoppers | 9.5 / 10 | 7.0 / 10 | Nectar |
Construction & Specs
| Nectar (Original) | Ghostbed (Classic) | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | All-foam | Foam + latex |
| Height | 12″ | 11″ |
| Firmness (1–10) | 6.5 (medium-firm) | 7 (medium-firm/firm) |
| Cover | Cooling poly blend | Plush GhostIce fabric |
| Comfort layer | 3″ gel memory foam | 1.5″ aerated latex + 2″ gel memory foam |
| Support core | 7″ high-density poly | 7.5″ high-density support foam |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 101 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime (limited) | 20 years |
| Made in | USA / imported components | Made in USA |
Feel & Cooling
Nectar has the classic “sink-in” memory foam hug. You’ll feel the bed conform around your shoulders and hips — great for pressure relief, but slower to respond when you change positions. Cooling is decent thanks to a gel-infused top layer, but it’s still a foam bed and runs slightly warm for hot sleepers.
Ghostbed feels noticeably cooler and more responsive. The 1.5″ aerated latex top layer gives it a subtle bounce and prevents the trapped-heat sensation memory foam is known for. It’s the smarter call if you sleep hot, share the bed with a partner, or simply hate that “stuck” feeling.
5-Year Cost of Ownership
Sticker price isn’t the whole story. Here’s what a Queen actually costs over 5 years assuming average lifespans and replacement timing.
| Nectar Queen | Ghostbed Queen | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $899 | $1,495 |
| Expected lifespan | 6–7 years | 7–10 years |
| Cost per year | ~$140 | ~$175 |
| Cost per night (5 yr) | $0.49 | $0.82 |
| 5-yr total | $899 | $1,495 |
Pros & Cons
Nectar Pros
- Excellent value — one of the cheapest premium foam beds
- 365-night trial — longest in the industry
- Lifetime warranty
- Outstanding motion isolation for couples
- Deep pressure relief for side sleepers under 200 lb
Nectar Cons
- Sleeps warm for true hot sleepers
- Slow response — harder for combo sleepers
- Edge support is mediocre
- Not enough support for sleepers over 230 lb
Ghostbed Pros
- Cooler than nearly any all-foam bed
- Latex layer adds bounce and longevity
- Better for stomach + combo sleepers
- Stronger edge support
- Holds up better for heavier bodies
Ghostbed Cons
- ~$600 more at Queen
- Shorter 101-night trial
- 20-year warranty (vs Nectar lifetime)
- Latex feel may not suit traditional foam fans
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy Nectar if:
- You’re under $1,000 and want premium foam comfort
- You’re a side sleeper under ~200 lb who loves the hug
- You sleep with a restless partner and need top-tier motion isolation
- You want maximum trial time (365 nights) before committing
Buy Ghostbed if:
- You sleep hot and a regular foam bed traps heat
- You weigh 200+ lb or share the bed with someone who does
- You’re a back, stomach, or combo sleeper
- You want a bed that lasts closer to a decade
Save More with the Yawnder Discount
Both Nectar and Ghostbed run frequent promos, but our reader code stacks on top of most live sales. Use code YAWNDER at checkout, or click through the buttons above to auto-apply where supported.
Tip: holiday weekends typically beat regular pricing by 20–30%. If you’re not in a rush, time your buy to Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, or Black Friday.
Better Alternatives to Consider
- Saatva Classic — if you want a true innerspring/hybrid feel with luxury build quality.
- DreamCloud — a mid-priced hybrid that splits the difference between Nectar’s price and Ghostbed’s support.
- Helix — if you want a customized firmness based on your sleep profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nectar or Ghostbed better for hot sleepers?
Ghostbed, clearly. The aerated latex top layer plus GhostIce cover keep it noticeably cooler than Nectar’s gel memory foam.
Which lasts longer?
Ghostbed typically lasts 7–10 years; Nectar averages 6–7. Ghost has a 20-year warranty, Nectar offers a lifetime limited warranty (with prorated repair fees after year 10).
Are they good for back pain?
Both can help, but for different sleepers. Nectar relieves pressure for side sleepers with hip/shoulder pain. Ghostbed gives back and stomach sleepers better lumbar support.
Do they work on adjustable bases?
Yes — both are adjustable-base compatible.
What’s the return process like?
Nectar: 365-night trial, free returns after a 30-night break-in. Ghostbed: 101-night trial, free returns after 30 nights.
Which has better edge support?
Ghostbed. Nectar’s edges compress noticeably when you sit on the side of the bed.
Bottom Line
If your priority is price, motion isolation, and pressure relief for side sleeping, choose Nectar. If your priority is cooling, durability, support, and a more responsive feel, the extra $600 for Ghostbed is worth it.