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A sore back has been ruining my sleep recently, but from my first night on the Nectar Classic Memory Foam, down to $349 (was $1,053) at Nectar, my aches and pains in bed have eased off. The feel of the mattress is much firmer than I expected (my colleague Ruth described the Nectar as feeling similar to the Plank Firm) and it's incredibly comfy for back sleeping.Nectar makes some of the best mattresses we've tested (the Nectar Premier is our top-rated memory foam mattress overall), and after sleeping on the Nectar Classic Memory Foam for three weeks, I now recommend it to back sleepers searching for an affordable mattress that doesn't compromise on quality.While it's one of the best deals in the Memorial Day mattress sales, you will see these prices ($699 for a queen Nectar Classic) most months in the regular Nectar mattress sale. That means you don't have to rush to make a decision, as the Nectar is likely to remain on sale after the long weekend.And if you want to see the very latest price cuts, we're tracking all the best value Memorial Day mattress sales and today's top deals live, so you have plenty of options to pick from.View all mattress deals at Nectar sleep, from $439The perfect firm support for back sleepersUnlike some of the best memory foam mattresses we've tested, the 12" Nectar Classic does not feature a "sink-in" feel.This works in favor of combination sleepers (side and back) like me, who struggle with a sore back from time to time. The five-layered mattress (including top and bottom covers) features three layers of foams designed to offer responsive support, good motion isolation — which stops movements from transferring from one side to the other — and overall stability.The Nectar Classic Memory Foam is certainly a mattress that holds you up rather than sinks under your body weight.From night one sleeping on it, I felt like I could settle into the mattress quickly, without tossing and turning trying to find a comfortable position — which reduced the time it took me to fall asleep. And, I found that stiffness in my back was alleviated right away.What's more, the Nectar Classic occasionally doubles up as a reliable seat, thanks to its excellent edge support. Not only does this mean you don't need to worry about the edges sinking down beneath you if you sit on them to tie your laces, it also makes getting in and out of bed easy.Smaller budget? Try this instead...If you prefer plush, contouring support and more of the traditional 'hug' of memory foam, but are on a tighter budget, the Zinus Original Green Tea Memory Foam is a good alternative.Like the Nectar Classic Memory Foam, it has three foam layers, but it's slightly shorter, standing at 10". In our Zinus Original Green Tea Memory Foam mattress review we praised its exceptional pressure relief and body-hugging comfort, describing the feeling of sleeping on it as "like a big hug from a marshmallow," making it an ideal fit for those who sleep on their side.Our lead tester also reported that it "excels" at isolating motion. You won't get the same sturdy edge support the Nectar offers, and it did show a tendency to trap heat, but it's an incredibly affordable bed for side sleepers who like a plush-feeling mattress.
