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Nectar Pillow Review

Nectar Pillow Review UK (2023)

Last updated: 31.10.2023 Reading time: 5 Min.

Unfortunately, the Nectar Whole Night's Sleep Pillow is no longer available in the UK.

Finding the perfect pillow can be quite a nightmare. 🧟‍♂️

Too high. Too low. Too soft. Too firm.

Sometimes, all you really want is a pillow that you can adjust to suit your needs.

And that’s exactly what the Nectar Whole Night’s Sleep pillow promises to be. 🤞

But does this adjustable pillow live up to its promise?

We find out in this Nectar pillow review. 👇

Nectar adjustable pillow

Top features of the Nectar pillow

Firm and supportive
Firm & Supportive
Customisable
Fully Customisable
Nasa-approved
Memory Foam
Free delivery & returns
Free Delivery
2-year guarantee
2-Year Guarantee

Advantages

  • High-quality materials.
  • Fully height-adjustable.
  • Suitable for all sleeping positions.
  • Firm & supportive.
  • Contouring memory foam.
  • Free delivery.
  • 2-year guarantee.

Disadvantages

  • Expensive for a pillow but on par with other adjustable pillows.
  • May be too firm for some.
  • No trial period.

What makes the Nectar pillow special?

  • The Nectar Whole Night’s Sleep pillow is fully height-adjustable.
  • Proceeds of each pillow go to #IAMWHOLE mental health awareness campaigns.
  • The quilted Tencel cover is soft and luxurious.

How we test products

Our mission is to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect sleep products.

We've dedicated hundreds of hours to testing mattresses and sleep accessories, and rely on a team of testers of differing weights, temperature preferences, and sleeping positions to evaluate each product. 

Tested products are granted the Sleep Hero tested stamp of approval, a mark of our review's reliability.

To learn more about our testing process, check out our methodology page.

If we haven't personally tested a product, please be assured that we invest significant time and energy into scouring the UK market and researching the best recommendations, and we work with a team of sleep experts who review our articles, ensuring that the insights we provide are not only relatable but also reliable.

Nectar pillow composition

Nectar is most famous for its Nectar memory foam mattress, so it makes sense for the brand to continue with memory foam products.

The Nectar Whole Night’s Sleep pillow comprises three layers of gel-infused memory foam, and a thick & luxurious Tencel cover as its outer shell. 🐚

The thinner middle memory foam layer is a flat piece of foam, sandwiched by two thicker curved memory foam layers.

They may look slightly different, but the composition of each layer is the same.

They all offer the typical contouring effect of memory foam with good responsiveness. 🤗

Nectar adjustable pillow three memory foam layers
The three memory pads of the Nectar pillow

Each memory foam layer is also wrapped in a very thin, breathable fabric for extra protection.

The three layers slot into the quilted pillow cover. 🎰

Conveniently, you can adjust the pillow to suit your liking by removing one or two of the memory foam layers.

Nectar adjustable pillow memory foam layer cover
An extra cover protects the memory foam pads

What does sleeping on the Nectar pillow feel like?

Even though your individual experience of the Nectar pillow will depend on how many layers of foam you choose to keep, we can give you some guidance on the general feel of the pillow.

Memory foam mattresses are known to be soft and body-contouring.

But, you won’t necessarily have quite the same experience on a memory foam pillow.

Firm & supportive

Like the Nectar Premium pillow (the standard pillow without adjustability), the Whole Night’s Sleep pillow is firm and supportive. 🧱

The individual layers demonstrate the memory effect quite well:

Nectar adjustable pillow memory foam

Nectar adjustable pillow memory imprint

But, our test sleepers didn’t have much of that “sinking into the foams” feeling that you would expect. 🤔

Instead, they remained well-supported on a stable surface all night long.

This is great if you’re struggling with any tension or neck pains and are looking for something to hold your head while sleeping.

If you’re looking for a soft, squishy pillow, then this will unfortunately not be the right choice for you, no matter how you adjust it.

Nectar adjustable pillow firmness
The Nectar pillow is very firm

Memory foam versus traditional pillows

Memory foam pillows in general feel a little different to “traditional” pillows.

As a standard, they’re firmer and flatter, giving you a sturdier surface to sleep on.

If you’re looking to fluff up your pillow and squish it into different shapes and sizes, then it’s best to stick to more traditional pillows.

You can take a look at our best pillows guide for some advice.

If you are keen on memory foam, you could also look at the Panda pillow, which is a much softer and more approachable version of memory foam pillows. 🐼

But, this pillow is not customisable.

Ultimately, that’s the biggest selling point of the Nectar pillow - it’s perfectly designed to suit your exact sleeping style. 🥳

If you like firmer pillows or if you’ve already tried the Nectar Premium pillow and like the feel of it, then you’ll love the Nectar adjustable pillow.

Nectar adjustable pillow layers
Adjustability is the Nectar pillow’s unique selling point

How to customise the Nectar pillow to suit your sleeping style

The Nectar Whole Night’s Sleep Pillow looks rather bulky when you first unpack it.

This is especially true considering that it’s pretty firm and won’t compress much under the weight of your head.

But, this is its absolute maximum height. 🔼

You can take out one or two memory foam layers to customise the pillow to suit your sleeping style.

So how do you know how many layers to keep?

Let’s look at the most common sleeping positions more closely. 👇

Side sleepers

Side sleepers will generally do well on higher loft pillows. ⛰

If you sleep on your side, you should keep all three foam layers of the Nectar pillow.

This sufficiently fills the space between your neck and the mattress, ensuring that you’re adequately supported.

Nectar adjustable pillow with three layers
Keeping all three layers is a good idea if you sleep on your side

Of course, your overall body size and the distance from your neck to your shoulders play a significant role here.

If you’re quite petite, for instance, keeping all three layers may feel a tad uncomfortable. 😩

Consider, for example, the situation of two of our test sleepers.

Both are side sleepers with similar body weights, but one is taller with a broader build and the other shorter with a more petite build.

  • The taller sleeper with the wider build slept perfectly well on the high loft pillow.
  • The shorter sleeper with the smaller build woke up with neck pain and tension.

The more petite tester slept much better in the side position with just two memory foam layers. 👌

It’s best to play around with the layers to see what works best for you.

Nectar adjustable pillow with three layers
The Nectar pillow is quite bulky with three layers

Back sleepers

Sleeping on your back is the healthiest position of all.

To best sleep on your back, you’d need a medium-loft pillow that allows your upper spine to remain in a neutral position. 🦴

If your pillow is too high or too low, your neck will bend up or down, causing unnecessary tension.

If you sleep on your back, choosing two of the three Nectar memory foam layers is ideal.

We’d recommend keeping the middle layer and pairing it with one of the curved layers. 🟣

If you want a slightly thicker feel, you could also remove the middle layer and keep the two curved layers.

Nectar adjustable pillow with two layers
Keeping two layers is ideal for back sleepers

Stomach sleepers

Sleeping on your stomach isn’t great for your neck.

No matter how comfortable your pillow or mattress, you have to be turned to one side to breathe.

This creates a build-up of tension and will undoubtedly result in stiffness and neck and upper back pain. 😫

But, you can still maximise comfort by choosing the best pillow set-up.

The best pillow for stomach sleepers is flat and firm.

If you’re a stomach sleeper, we’d recommend keeping just one layer of the Nectar pillow.

Nectar adjustable pillow with one layer firmness
Look how flat the pillow becomes with just one layer

While you could keep the middle, straight layer, choosing one of the curved layers will probably be more comfortable.

That’s the beauty of the Nectar pillow. 💄

There’s no right or wrong, so you can combine the layers as you wish to find what works best for you.

Nectar adjustable pillow with one layer
One layer is ideal for stomach sleepers

Do you need more adjustability?

Height-adjustable pillows with memory foam layers, like the Nectar pillow, are great for a fuss-free approach to sleeping.

But you can also find shredded memory foam pillows, like the Simba Hybrid Pillow, that allow for more tailored customisations. 📏

If you’re struggling to find the perfect pillow, looking at shredded foam could be the solution.

But note that not all shredded foam pillows are adjustable.

MyPillow UK, for example, also features shredded memory foam, but you can’t adjust the fill yourself.

Nectar pillow cover

The Nectar pillow cover is truly one of a kind.

It’s dense, thick, very soft, and feels luxurious and cool to the touch. ❄️

The Nectar pillow cover is made of 55% Tencel and 45% cotton.

This gives the ultra-soft cover a smooth feel with excellent breathability.

Nectar pillow cover stitching
The stitching on the Nectar pillow is very elegant

Tencel is a cooling fabric that allows for steady airflow, wicking away heat and moisture and keeping you cool and comfortable all night long.

This is especially beneficial for memory foam pillows, as memory foam is known to retain more heat than other types of foam. 🥵

Temperature regulation scale

Of course, the memory foam used in the Nectar pillow is also gel-infused, allowing it to stay much cooler than standard memory foam.

We certainly never felt hot or clammy while sleeping on the Nectar pillow.

Interestingly, the Nectar has a quilted pillow design with a Technofibre (100% polyester) fill. 😲

This gives the pillow a slightly softer and airier feel than you’d get if it had a thinner cover.

The quilted pockets keep the filling evenly spread, so you never have to worry about lumps.

Nectar pillow cover with quilted design
The Nectar pillow cover is padded and quilted

Can you wash the Nectar pillow?

Memory foam should never be washed.

Unfortunately, the Nectar pillow cover is also not machine-washable.

This is a pity as washable covers are convenient. 🧼

Nectar pillow cover washing label
You should never wash your Nectar pillow

But, you can remove the Nectar pillow cover quite easily and spot-clean it with mild soap.

You can hang it up to dry, but don’t place the cover in the dryer. ☀️

Even though the pillow cover feels so luxurious, you shouldn’t sleep on the naked pillow.

To best protect your pillow, we’d always recommend using a good pillowcase.

Conveniently, Nectar sells a luxurious 300-thread-count cotton sateen bedding set with a fitted sheet, duvet cover, and pillowcases.

Nectar bedding:

Nectar pillow sizes

The Nectar Whole Night’s Sleep pillow measures 60 x 40 cm (23.6 inches x 15.7 inches).

This is on par with other standard UK pillows. 🇬🇧

The pillow has a maximum height of 14 cm (5.5 inches), but, of course, this will depend on how many layers of memory foam you keep in the pillow.

Nectar pillow thickness
The Nectar pillow is very thick

Nectar pillow price

The Nectar pillow may seem expensive at first.

But, it is pretty competitively priced compared to other adjustable pillows like the Emma or Otty pillows 💷

Only the Kally adjustable pillow is markedly cheaper.

Nectar pillow discounts

Luckily, Nectar Sleep UK offers regular discounts and promotions. 🥳

It’s very likely that you’ll be able to buy your Nectar pillow at a discounted price!

Occasionally, Nectar will also run a deal where you get two free pillows when you buy the Nectar mattress.

These will usually be the Nectar Premium pillows and not the Nectar adjustable pillow, but sometimes you’ll get lucky. 🍀

If any Nectar Whole Night’s Sleep pillow promotions are currently running, they’ll be displayed throughout this article.

You can also look at our discounts page for all the best discounts in the UK sleep world.

What is the Nectar Premium pillow?

We’ve mentioned the Nectar Premium pillow a few times before.

Like the Whole Night’s Sleep pillow, the Nectar Premium is a memory foam pillow with a quilted cover.

Nectar premium pillow
The Nectar Premium pillow is not customisable

The main difference between these two is that the Whole Night’s Sleep pillow is full height-adjustable, while the Nectar Premium pillow is only available in one standard height and size.

Here is a quick look at a few of the other differences:

Nectar Whole Night’s Sleep Pillow Nectar Premium Pillow
Composition: Gel-infused memory foam Memory foam
Cover: Quilted cooling cover made from 55% Tencel and 45% cotton Quilted polyester cover with mesh border
Size: 60 x 40 x 14 cm 60 x 40 x 12 cm

If you’re sure you want a high-loft pillow, then the Nectar Premium pillow will be a better value-for-money purchase as you’ll always get two pillows in a set. 🤑

We prefer the height adjustability of the Nectar Whole Night’s Sleep pillow, though.

Nectar premium pillow height
The Nectar Premium pillow is also quite thick

Nectar Sleep delivery conditions

The Nectar pillow is delivered in a sturdy cardboard box and wrapped in a plastic cover for protection. 📦

Delivery generally takes place within 2 business days.

Nectar Sleep also delivers for free within the UK. 🇬🇧

There’s no fancy unpacking method needed.

The Nectar adjustable pillow isn’t compressed, so you can just pull it out of the box and unwrap it.

Nectar Whole Night’s Sleep pillow box
The Nectar pillow is delivered in a sturdy cardboard box

Does the Nectar pillow smell?

Many mattresses and sleeping accessories emit a strong odour when you first unpack them. 👃

This is called off-gassing.

It’s especially common with memory foam products.

The fumes aren’t toxic or harmful, but they can be unpleasant.

That’s why we always recommend unpacking a new sleep product in a well-ventilated room. 🏠

We didn’t experience any off-gassing when unpacking the Nectar pillow, but your experience may be different.

Nectar Whole Night’s Sleep pillow half out of box
The Nectar pillow isn’t compressed for delivery

Nectar pillow trial period

Unfortunately, the Nectar pillow doesn’t come with a trial period. 🙁

This is a pity as the pillow is quite expensive.

But, considering that it’s a customisable pillow, it’s very unlikely that you won’t find it to your liking.

While we first thought the pillow was too lofty and firm, simply removing one layer changed the whole experience and made it perfectly comfortable. 😀

Nectar Whole Night’s Sleep pillow layers
How many layers will you choose?

Should you buy the Nectar pillow?

If you’re looking for a new pillow, the Nectar adjustable pillow is an excellent choice. 👌

We’d recommend the Nectar pillow to:

  • Side, back, and stomach sleepers.
  • People who enjoy firm and supportive pillows.
  • Sleepers looking for a pillow with excellent breathability.
  • People looking for a high-quality pillow made of good materials.

Even though the Nectar pillow doesn’t come with a trial period, you’re likely to love it. 💙

Considering that it’s fully customisable, you’ll be able to adjust it to suit your needs perfectly.

Rating

4.5
  • Material

    High-qualtiy materials

  • Comfort

    Comfortable but may be too firm for some

  • Off-gassing

    We didn't experience any off-gassing

  • Breathability

    Good breathability

  • Motion transfer & support

    Good support

  • Delivery & returns

    Free delivery - but no trial period 

  • Material

    Expensive, but a good product

Material
Comfort
Off-gassing
Breathability
Motion transfer & support
Delivery & returns
Material

Contact Nectar Sleep UK

Customer service: To contact Nectar Sleep UK directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at hello@nectarsleep.co.uk, call them on 0808 501 5373, or visit their live online chat. Nectar Support is available seven days a week from 9 am - 5:30 pm.

Registered office: Nectar Sleep, 100 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 1F

Frequently asked questions

  • Does the Nectar pillow carry any certifications?


    Materials in the Nectar pillow carry the OEKO-Tex Standard-100 certification.

    This guarantees that materials are free from harmful chemicals and toxic substances.

  • Does the Nectar pillow come with a guarantee?


    The Nectar pillow comes with a 2-year guarantee

    This is pretty on par with other pillow warranties and will protect you in the case of any manufacturing defects.

  • What is the #IAMWHOLE project?


    #IAMWHOLE is an anti-stigma mental health campaign developed in partnership with the NHS and YMCA.

    It aims to encourage young people to speak out about mental health.

    #IAMWHOLE receives a donation for every Nectar Whole Night’s Sleep pillow sold.

  • Can you tell me more about Nectar Sleep?


    Nectar is a bed-in-a-box mattress company first established in the USA in 2016.

    The company officially launched in the UK in 2018.

    Nectar Sleep uses high-quality materials and puts comfort at the heart of its design and manufacturing.

    Nectar also focuses on sustainability. 

    They manufacture their products in climate-neutral facilities.

    Products are also certified to be free from harmful chemicals.

    Currently, Nectar Sleep offers the premium Nectar memory foam mattress and a wide range of bedding, bed frames, and bedroom furniture. 

  • Can I buy the Nectar pillow on Amazon or at other retailers?


    No, currently, the Nectar adjustable pillow is only available from the official Nectar website.

  • References

Nicky

Nicky

Content Director & Partner Relations

My mum calls me "bear" because I like to sleep so much. I never thought that, one day, I'd be a certified sleep coach and apply my skills more widely. Can you tell that I've found my calling? 

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