Our Nest Bedding Sparrow Review for 2024

Written by Loren Bullock, Lead Product Tester

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In This Article

Read my in-depth review of the Nest Sparrow mattress. Is this bed right for you?

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Settled on an innerspring and foam mix? It’s arguably the best of both worlds, with pressure-relieving comfort foam and supportive coils.

Nest Bedding’s Sparrow offers an ultra-luxurious, sleek design, and fantastic performance. The brand claims to have “the most innovative titanium-infused foam on the planet,” as well as a lifetime warranty and a Lifetime Comfort Guarantee.

This in-depth review of Nest Bedding’s Sparrow will detail specific characteristics such as support, comfort, and quality. This mattress comes in three versions: Plush, Medium, and Firm. For this review, we will focus on the brand’s Medium model.

My Video Review of The Nest Sparrow

Who I Recommend the Sparrow For:

• Hybrid lovers – With high-density foam and premium coils, you should experience comfort without feeling trapped or sinking so far that you fall out of alignment.
• Hot sleepers – One thing is certain — you shouldn’t “sleep hot” in this bed. Temperature-adjusting cover materials plus gel-infused memory foam should help you stay cool and comfortable. Further, innersprings are naturally cooler due to the air filling the spaces between coils.
• Indecisive shoppers – Nest Bedding cares about your sleep — those that are unsure about the feel that they need should be comforted by the company’s Comfort Exchange, which allows you to switch out your firmness level if it doesn’t feel quite right.

Who I Don’t Recommend the Sparrow For:

• Those who prefer an innerspring feel – This particular model feels more like a memory foam unit instead of an innerspring mattress. For those who prefer the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, this could present some issues. Hybrid beds bring different sleeping sensations than traditional innerspring constructions. Despite this, these beds also have highly beneficial added features with foam worth consideration.
• Sleepers who love a firm mattress – If you’re a regular stomach sleeper or weigh heavier, you may find the bed’s Medium option isn’t enough support for you. In this case, you should consider purchasing a firmer mattress instead.

First Impressions: Firmness & Feel

Firmness Scale: 2.5/10 (Soft) 5.5/10 (Medium) 8.5(Firm)

Please remember that firmness is a subjective characteristic and your shape will dictate how you experience a bed. A heavier person whose weight can more easily push through softer comfort and support layers may experience a bed as softer than a lightweight person. The way you are shaped could also play a role here. Consider your weight, shape, and size when evaluating firmness scores.

The Sparrow comes in three different firmness options: Plush, Medium, and Firm. On our Sleep Advisor Firmness Scale, we rate the Plush as about a 2.5 out of 10, the Medium a 5.5 out of 10, and the Firm at an 8.5 out of 10.

Since we’re focusing on their Medium mattress in this review, let’s dive a bit deeper into that. This level of firmness is generally a good fit for most sleepers. It shouldn’t be so soft that your hips will sink into it, creating misalignment in your spine, and it shouldn’t be so hard that you can’t comfortably sleep on your side.

How Does It Feel?

Sparrow shows up to your home compressed in a box, so you have the treat of opening the box and watching the foams expand and springs pop up.

It has a sleek black and white look with handles for easy moving, and the top looks and feels plush. When you initially press down on the surface, you should feel the soft, quick-responding foam that offers a soft contour around your body. You should also feel some bounce as you get in and out of bed.

What I Like About the Sparrow

• It has multiple firmness options – You can choose between Soft, Medium, or Firm when you order this mattress. This makes it a good option for sleepers of most body types and sleep positions.
• You can easily change its firmness – If you decide that your mattress is too soft or too firm, Nest allows you to swap out the inner layer of foam to adjust the firmness, without having to get a new mattress. This also allows them to keep waste out of landfills.
• It’s excellent for combination sleepers – The quick-response foams and bouncy springs in the Sparrow should make repositioning easier. Plus, the Medium mattress should work well for all sleeping positions.

My Sparrow Complaints

• Not ideal for all body types – Heavyweight back sleepers should sleep well on this Sparrow, but stomach sleepers may want to go for the Firm version.
• It isn’t cheap – A queen-sized Sparrow mattress costs about 2,100 dollars. This is more expensive than some other similar hybrids on the market so it won’t be suitable for those who are looking for a more affordable mattress options.
• Might feel too soft for some – Even though this mattress has a layer of coils, it feels more like a memory foam bed than an innerspring mattress. For those who want a firmer option, go for the Firm rather than the Medium or Plush.

Testing the Sparrow Mattress: How it Performed

When we tested the Nest Sparrow, there were specific features we were measuring so we could determine who this mattress is best for. These include cooling, motion isolation, bounce, and edge support. Additionally, we lied on the mattress in different sleeping positions to see how the bed performs in terms of support and pressure relief in each position.

Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types

According to Nest Bedding, their Sparrow mattress is designed to comfortably support up to 900 pounds for any bed size. Remember, even though the Sparrow can support this much weight, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best fit for heavier sleepers. You’ll also want to consider your go-to sleeping positions to see if it’s a good match.

Side Sleepers

• Lightweight Sleepers – The Sparrow is an excellent mattress for lightweight side sleepers. For extra cushion on the shoulder and hip, lightweight sleepers might enjoy the Plush model.
• Average-Weight Sleepers -The thick comfort layers create excellent pressure relief and contouring for average-weight side sleepers. The Medium model should work well here.
• Heavyweight Sleepers – People significantly over 230 pounds might sink too far into the comfort layers of the Sparrow and rest against the firmer support layers, causing pain along the shoulder and hip.

Back Sleepers

• Lightweight Sleepers – The Medium Sparrow we tested should be an excellent fit for lightweight back sleepers. It will have plenty of support and enough pressure relief for someone with lower back or joint pain.
• Average-Weight Sleepers – The Nest Sparrow is also ideal for average-weight back sleepers since they will sink in just enough to the plush memory foam layer and the coils beneath will keep their spines properly aligned.
• Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavyweight back sleepers should feel well supported on the Sparrow, in either a Medium or Firm model. The Plush will be too soft in any sleep position for most heavier-weight sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers

• Lightweight Sleepers – It can be hard to find a mattress that is firm enough for stomach sleepers, but for lightweight people, this one should work.
• Average-Weight Sleepers – The Medium model we tested might be too soft for average-weight stomach sleepers. Instead, we recommend their Firm model this group.
• Heavyweight Sleepers – This Sparrow model will be too soft for heavyweight stomach sleepers. Instead, try the Firm option or a specific Best Mattress for Heavy People with more support.

Pressure Relief & Pain

A bed that doesn’t meet your pressure relief needs will leave you with uncomfortable aches in pain-prone areas like the hips, shoulders, and knees.

Sparrow’s 4 inches of comfort foams should soften pressure points and accommodate different body shapes. The upper memory foam layer should give a healthy amount of contouring and is slower to respond, which can help with achy or painful joints.

If pressure relief is extra important to you, you can upgrade to the Plush option, which is even more contouring.

Back Pain – Sleepers with back pain generally want a mattress that is both contouring to the body and supportive. The Nest Sparrow is both of these things; however, it doesn’t have zoned support, which is designed to provide more support in the lumbar area, as some comparable mattresses do. This might be something to consider if you live with chronic back pain.

Hip Pain – The Medium Sparrow mattress should work well for the following people with hip pain: lightweight sleepers average-weight back or side sleepers, and some heavyweight back sleepers. Most stomach sleepers with hip pain will need something firmer, though.

Shoulder Pain – Many people experience shoulder pain because of a mattress that’s too firm. The Medium mattress should be good for light and average-weight sleepers with shoulder pain, and if it turns out to be too soft or firm, Nest makes exchanging the firmness simple.

Support

A bed with good support can help promote proper alignment of the spine. This is important because it should reduce your chances of developing or worsening pain.

If you’re looking for an ultra-supportive bed, hybrids are a great place to start because of the spring base. The Quantum® Edge Zone pocketed coils in the Sparrow are extra durable, even around the perimeter, which should help your spine feel as straight as a rod. These springs are designed to resist sagging, so heavier sleepers might find this to be a perfect fit, especially the Firm option.

Motion Transfer

Even though the Nest Sparrow is a hybrid bed containing coils, it is less bouncy than some other hybrids or mattresses containing latex, a naturally buoyant material. The top of this mattress feels more like a memory foam mattress with that deep cradle, sinking-in feeling.

For this reason, the motion transfer on it is very low. This means that when somebody moves on one part of the bed, you’re less likely to feel it. This can be a big plus for sensitive sleepers who share a bed. It is also not such a deep cradle that you won’t feel like you can’t move around and change positions at night.

Temperature Regulation / Cooling

Hybrids tend to allow for a lot of airflow through the springs, a great feature for those who sleep hot. Plus, a combination of gel-infused foam and Thermic Phase Change Fabric should help dissipate heat that can get trapped on the surface.

Performance for Couples

Sparrow has a great versatile feel that works for most body types and sleeping positions. This bed does have a bit of bounce, which is great for some sexually-active couples, but it also means you might feel your partner move at night if you’re a very sensitive sleeper.

Most people shouldn’t be bothered as motion transfer is generally low, but light sleepers may prefer an all-foam alternative. Overall, though, it’s a great bed for couples.

Preference-based Features

Multiple Firmness Options

There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to mattresses. Three different firmness choices (Plush, Medium, and Firm) make it easier for you to find the right feel. Plus, if it doesn’t feel quite right, the company will exchange your mattress for a different firmness free of charge.

Bed-in-a-box

Organizing delivery can be a pain, especially for those who work during regular business hours. This bed is shipped in a box right to your doorstep so that you can unroll it at your convenience.

Exceptional Edge Support

By including foam rails around the bed’s perimeter, this brand maximizes the amount of surface area the mattress offers by providing edge-to-edge consistent support. By using a softer foam, the edges shouldn’t have the harsh feel of stiff wire.

High Bounce

Many people appreciate the bounce of an innerspring bed — it makes moving around effortless for those with mobility problems and even sexually-active couples. Sparrow has a good amount of springiness because of the Quantum® Edge pocketed coils that are durable and supportive.

Adjustable Base Compatible

This bed is compatible with an adjustable base, and for convenience, Nest Bedding sells their own adjustable beds on their website as well.

Handcrafted in the USA

Construction: What’s Inside the Sparrow?

This Nest Bedding model is a hybrid mattress designed to be used with non-flexible bases, such as closely slatted frames, platforms, and adjustable bases. The brand offers its own products on its website in the event you’ll need to purchase a new foundation. This bed comes in three different firmness options (Plush, Medium, and Firm). This construction breakdown centers on the Medium.

There are handles on the side panels, which is a convenient feature on mattresses—and they make repositioning their product easier.

The bed’s cover is quilted to two 1-inch thick units of gel-infused memory foam and uses Thermic Phase Change Cooling Fabric. The quilting is specifically designed to enhance the airflow for all the foams and to relieve pressure between the bed and the body. According to Nest Bedding’s website, the Sparrow is 12 inches tall, but based on the thickness of the layers, these add up to 13 inches.

• Below the quilted cover is 3 inches of Energex™ Temperature Responsive Foam is temperature responsive, highly adaptive, durable, and breathable foam specifically designed to energize in response to body heat.
• Going deeper, you’ll find 1 inch of SmartFlow Support Foam. This 3-pound foam acts as a transitional layer that helps with spine alignment before the coil unit.
• The innerspring is made out of 6 inches of individually-wrapped coils. These 16-gauge coils ensure deep compression support throughout the bed.
• The final layer supplies support to the coils with a piece of 1-inch dense foam that weighs 3 pounds.

Unboxing & Off-Gassing

Most bed-in-a-box mattresses that include certain types of foam release a slight chemical smell when you first unpackage them. The Nest Sparrow does have an off-gassing period, but it should only last about 48 hours. To minimize the smell, keep it in a well-ventilated room, and don’t dress the mattress for about 48 hours.

Also note, a Queen mattress weighs 105 pounds, so it will be much easier to unbox and set this mattress on its platform with somebody helping you. All unwrapping and setting up should only take about 10-15 minutes with a friend.

You can also arrange for white glove delivery at an additional cost.

Certifications

• CertiPUR-US® certified – The foams in this bed are CertiPUR-US® certified. CertiPUR-US® is a third-party program that ensures the foams meet rigorous health and safety standards. This means they don’t contain harmful substances like ozone depleters, PBDEs, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. They should also have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

Noteworthy Updates:

• Nest Bedding has implemented a Lifetime Renewal Exchange program. The program is an industry-first in the bedding retail space.
• Under the program, customers who purchase a mattress from the company have the option to exchange their current comfort layer for a new one.
• The Lifetime Renewal Exchange applies to select Nest Bedding mattresses, which include the Owl, Sparrow, and Finch.
• The program aims to help expand the lifespan of the mattresses while also minimizing waste in landfills from discarded beds.

Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping

• Shipping – There is free shipping to the 48 contiguous states, and it is an additional charge to ship to Alaska and Hawaii. Outside the U.S., the company only ships to Canada, but according to their website, they are working on expanding shipping to more international markets.
• White Glove Delivery – Contact the brand to coordinate white glove delivery.
• Trial – This bed comes with a 365-night sleep trial.
• Warranty – Nest Bedding offers a limited lifetime warranty.
• Lifetime Renewal Exchange – Shoppers who purchase the Sparrow mattress can exchange their bed’s current comfort layer for a new one to help extend the lifespan of their mattress.
• Return Policy – If you don’t love your new Sparrow mattress during the initial trial period, you can return it, free of cost, for a full refund.

Sizes & Prices

Size	Dimensions (inches)	Price (w/o discount)
Twin	38” x 75” x 13”	$1,226
Twin XL	38” x 80” x 13”	$1,332
Full	54” x 75” x 13”	$1,759
Queen	60” x 80” x 13”	$2,132
King	76” x 80” x 13”	$2,452
Cali King	72” x 84” x 13”	$2,452
Split Cali King	36” x 84” x 13”	$1,332 (per side)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Nest Sparrow Plush and Medium?

The Nest Sparrow Plush is a softer mattress, rating at a 2.5 out of 10, whereas the Medium mattress will be a bit firmer, rating at a 5.5 out of 10. The Medium is best suited for most individuals, body types, and sleeping positions, while the Plush will be specific to those who love a very soft mattress, strict side sleepers, or very lightweight sleepers.

How tall is the Nest Sparrow?

The Nest Sparrow is 12 inches tall.

How long has Nest bedding been in business?

Nest Bedding has been in business since 2011. They were one of the first mattress companies to develop the bed-in-a-box sales model.

Can you flip the Nest Sparrow mattress?

No, you should not flip the Nest Sparrow mattress. The layers in the bed are purposely designed to have the softest layers on the top and the firmer ones at the bottom. However, you can flip the top comfort layer to keep it from wearing out over time, and you can even replace the comfort layer with a new one.

Nest vs Other Brands

Nest Sparrow vs Casper Hybrid

Who We Recommend the Sparrow For

• Lightweight sleepers
• Those who sleep hot
• Combination sleepers

Who We Recommend the Casper Hybrid For

• Budget shoppers
• People with back pain
• Side sleepers

Read our full Casper Hybrid mattress review.

Nest Sparrow vs Saatva

Who We Recommend the Sparrow For

• Couples
• Combination sleepers
• Sleepers who want slightly more sinkage

Who We Recommend the Saatva For

• Those with back pain
• Luxury shoppers
• Sleepers who want slightly more bounce

Read our in-depth Saatva Classic mattress review.

Nest Sparrow vs Other Nest Models

Nest Sparrow vs Nest Owl

Who We Recommend the Sparrow For

• Sleepers who want more pressure relief and contouring
• Side sleepers
• Sleepers who prefer memory foam over latex

Who We Recommend the Owl For

• Sleepers who want a bouncier bed
• Eco-conscious shoppers
• Hot sleepers

Nest Sparrow vs Nest Quail

Who We Recommend the Sparrow For

• Those who want more bounce
• Hot sleepers
• Those who want extra customization

Who We Recommend the Quail For

• Those who prefer an all-foam mattress
• Shoppers on a budget
• Couples

Overall Summary

With an effective and luxurious design, Nest Bedding’s Sparrow is a breath of fresh air in a highly saturated market. It performs exceptionally well and has a balanced feel.

Side sleepers can massively benefit from the top comfort layers, which relieve classic pressure points in their shoulders and hips. In addition, the springs add proper alignment. The Plush model will allow for extra sinkage, which many side sleepers love.

This bed, especially in the Medium and Luxury Firm options, is good for back sleepers due to the springs that are very supportive and help with spinal alignment. Because there is less sinkage, there should not be any neck/back pain or uncomfortable bowing of the spine.

If you sleep in the prone position, you might find that most of your weight is centered on the hips. Sparrow is resistant to sinking, and lighter people should find their hips well-supported in the Medium. However, we recommend the Firm for average and plus-size sleepers.

Repositioning is important for combination sleepers. The quick-response foams and bouncy springs in the Sparrow make mobility a non-issue. Plus, the neutral feel of the Medium bed should work for a variety of positions, but if you’re heavier and frequently rotate onto your stomach, you might want a firm topper to go with the mattress.

The Sparrow has great qualities that couples should love, such as minimal motion transfer, strong edges, some bounce, and even cooling properties. The only downside is the medium is slightly more plush, and some couples might prefer a slightly firmer feel if one or both partners is a stomach sleeper.

The highly durable Quantum® Edge Zone pocketed coils and longer-lasting dense base foam are supportive and help reduce sagging. Heavier sleepers (specifically those who sleep on their stomach) will likely benefit from the brand’s Firm model, though, which has a little more oomph.

Lighter folks will appreciate the softer comfort foams and quilted cotton top that gently support the body. Some, especially those who sleep on their side, could be better suited on the Plush iteration in order to better interact with the support system because the upper layers give in more easily.

Most average-weight sleepers should feel supported and comfortable on this medium-firm model, whether they sleep on their back or side, as it should provide the right balance of support and pressure relief. However, average-weight stomach sleepers will do better with the Firm option.

The Sparrow is a premium option that combines support with comfort to fit most sleepers.
It may have a higher price point, but it is a huge value for the quality of materials and its combination of foam and coils. Its use of safe materials, plus a lifetime warranty, which means the company is serious about standing behind its product.

My Verdict

Nest has a reputation for making some of the highest quality bed-in-a-box mattresses, and the Sparrow is a great example of why. We tested out the Medium mattress and found it to be both supportive and comfortable, cushioning pressure points like the hips and shoulders. For those who want something softer or firmer, Nest makes this easy as well by offering additional firmness variations.

This is an excellent mattress for combination sleepers and couples, and with the multiple firmness options, it can be a great bed for people of any body type.

Loren Bullock

Lead Product Tester

About Author

Loren is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night.

Combination Sleeper

Education & Credentials

• Certified Sleep Science Coach