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Today, we will take a look at the popular hybrid model by Nest Bedding called Sparrow.
This Sparrow Signature Hybrid mattress review will cover its design, main features, pros and cons to find out whether it’s worth trying out.
| Rating | Category |
|---|---|
| 8 | Off-gassing |
| 6.5 | Firmness |
| 7 | Edge support |
| 8 | Motion Transfer |
| 6 | Sinkage |
| 6.5 | Cooling |
| 8.5 | Response |
| 10 | Bounce |
| 9 | Sex |
| 7.7 | Overall Score |
Read more about how we rate and test here.
Weight (Queen Size)
55 - 115 lbs
Thickness
12”
Delivery Format
Compressed and rolled in a box
Delivery
3-8 business days
Type
Hybrid Memory Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm
Trial Period
365 Nights
Warranty
Lifetime
Cover
Let’s start this Sparrow Signature Hybrid mattress review with the cover.
The cover is rather thin and very soft to the touch. However, it has a sturdy feel. It is quilted with gel-infused memory foam, creating a pillow-top surface and making the mattress luxuriously squishy on top. However, because there’s gel foam quilted into the cover, it doesn’t feel too warm even when cradling the protruding body parts. Overall, the cover adds a bit of softness and feels very pleasant to the touch.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Sparrow’s cover feels cool. While it doesn’t really contribute to thermoregulation that much, it prevents the mattress’s surface from getting too warm during the night.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Sparrow’s cover is very well-made. The stitching is neat, with no loose threads or holes. There is also a zipper, which makes this cover removable. The zipper works smoothly and feels pretty sturdy, so it should last for a long time.
A removable cover makes cleaning much easier. While it might not fit into a standard washing machine, it still allows users to treat spots or wash it with their hands. This makes it easier to keep the mattress clean, which is especially crucial for allergy-prone sleepers. The previous variation of this mattress didn’t come with a removable cover, so the Sparrow has evolved to ensure trouble-free cleaning.
Construction
Another crucial aspect I want to show you in my Sparrow Signature Hybrid mattress review is its construction. This hybrid model combines several different materials, so let’s review them in detail.
So, here are the layers of the Sparrow Signature Hybrid mattress by Nest Bedding:
- quilted cover that combines gel-infused foam with Thermic phase-change fabric;
- comfort layer, which uses the company’s proprietary Energex foam (temperature-responsive polyurethane foam that responds a bit faster to applied pressure than traditional memory foam). At the same time, this layer offers extra cushioning for side sleepers and effectively relieves pressure;
- transition layer that uses high-density foam with small air channels in it for improved breathability;
- support layer, which is comprised of independent (wrapped) coils + reinforced coils around the edges;
- base layer that uses dense foam to support the overall construction.
Overall, I am happy with the construction quality of the Sparrow mattress. The materials are sturdy, and everything is sewn together pretty well. Therefore, this is a durable mattress that should easily withstand everyday use.
Off-gassing
With only about a day for the mattress smell to dissipate, the Sparrow does not pose much of an issue for off-gassing, and I gave it a rating of 8.
Firmness
The firmness level is another criteria of today’s Sparrow Signature Hybrid mattress review. While it determines the overall feel of the mattress, it can also affect comfort and support.
Now, the Sparrow Signature Hybrid mattress by Nest Bedding is available in three firmness variations: Plush, Medium, and Firm. Thus, this mattress can accommodate different sleeping styles and body types.
I was testing the Medium model. To me, it felt medium-firm, actually, rated around 6.5 on the firmness scale (with 10 being the stiffest). 
On top, this mattress has that classic pillow-top feel. It is squishy, slow-moving, and hugging. The quilted foam cover gives the Sparrow Signature Hybrid mattress by Nest Bedding a luxurious feel. It also nicely balances out the rest of the construction, offering some extra padding for one’s pressure points.
At the same time, the Sparrow does not feel overly hugging. The responsive coils underneath ensure resilient support, combatting the quicksand feel many foam mattresses are associated with. Therefore, this model has a bit of a bounce, with gentle cradling on top.
I rated the Sparrow’s firmness around 6.5, making this model a standard medium-firm mattress.
Edge Support
Edge support is often overlooked, which is why I want to pay special attention to this characteristic in this review.
Strong edges can offer many benefits, especially for people who sleep near the perimeter of the bed. Luckily, the Sparrow can provide strong edge-to-edge support like most best-rated hybrid mattresses. 
I didn’t feel like rolling off when sleeping near the edge. My body was supported properly, so I didn’t experience any tension build-up either. This means the Sparrow can offer more sleeping space, making it suited for couples.
When sitting on the edge, there was some compression in the top layers. However, I didn’t slide off, which proves how sturdy this mattress’s edges are. Additionally, because the edge coils are reinforced and pretty resilient, they even offer some boost when getting up. Therefore, the Sparrow Signature Hybrid can work for people with some mobility issues (related to back pain, for example).
While on the edge, I measured a max compression of about 3.8 inches, which is a fair level of compression for sitting. Lying on the edge was a fairly stable experience as well. This contrasts the AS3, which had edge compressions of about 5.4 inches, and a cover that felt a bit slippery, making me feel not as supported as I would have liked on the edge.
I gave the Sparrow 7 for edge support as its recorded 3.8 inches of sinkage is moderate for supporting me even if I’m lying on the edge.
Motion Transfer
The next aspect I want to talk about is motion transfer. When the mattress materials don’t absorb shock from motion well, partnered sleepers can feel when one of them moves in bed. This can lead to nighttime disturbances, affecting their sleep quality.
Now, like most hybrids, the Sparrow’s motion-absorbing properties are average. It’s not extremely bouncy, but it doesn’t keep shock from motion on one side of the bed either. Therefore, It may work for couples who aren’t that easily disturbed during the night. The Sparrow might also suit sleepers who don’t toss and turn in bed that much.
Of course, if there’s a significant weight difference between you and your partner (or one of you is a petite sleeper), it’s better to look for a less resilient model. You can check out our review of the Puffy mattress, which is more hugging but doesn’t feel like quicksand (unlike many other memory foam models).
I rated the Sparrow 7.5 in motion transfer as our test recorded movements about 4 inches away from our tester glass.
Sinkage
Sparrow has an excellent amount of sinkage, measuring a depth of about 2.8 inches. This contrasts even the Puffy, with a sinkage of 2.5 inches, and some of the best body-hugging material I’ve tested. That means Sparrow not only feels cradling, but I felt my tension release from lying in the squishy comfort layers.
With a sinkage of 2.8 inches, I rated the Sparrow at 6.
Cooling
Sparrow does feel a bit hot to sleep in, from what I experienced, and from measuring the surface temperature. After use, the surface was about 91 degrees Fahrenheit. Compared to AS3’s 85.6 degrees Fahrenheit, Sparrow certainly doesn’t sleep the coolest from my tests. However, Sparrow did have decent heat dissipation qualities, as I measured the temperature dropped about 4 degrees to 87 degrees after a minute of not being on the mattress.
Our results are based on factual measurements that we use every time we review a mattress, helping us determine if the mattress is a good fit for your home.
I rated Sparrow’s cooling at 6.5 as its temperature of 91 degrees is a bit higher than the average temperature in all mattresses we tested. It doesn’t sleep the coolest.
Response
The response time for Sparrow was, I felt, quite fast. This is likely due to its unique Energex foam. From my compression tests, Sparrow took 0.4 seconds to regain a partial shape, while it took 0.7 seconds for a full recovery. This is a bit different from Zoma, which had a 0.35-second partial recovery, and a longer 0.8-second full recovery. Although Sparrow is a bit slower with its partial recovery, Sparrow is well within the parameters of comfortable movement and pressure-relieving cradling in bed.
Sparrow has a moderate response time, measured at 0.7 seconds, enough for slow-adaptive conforming, but I never was hampered on movements, giving it a rating of 8.5.
Bounce
In regards to bounce, I found Sparrow excelled in this test with a total bounce of 10.7 inches. Its initial compression measured at 6.2 inches, with a max height of 4.5 inches, which I think is partially due to its excellent coil system. On the other hand, I measured the WinkBed to have a total bounce value of 9.89 inches, which isn’t as much, but still gets the job done.
I gave the Sparrow 10 for Bounce as this mattress has some of the highest Bounce tested, measured at 10.7 inches (even higher than the Winkbed).
Sex Test
This test combines Sparrow’s bounce (totaling 10.7 inches) and edge support (totaling about 3.8 inches. Sparrow has good values in both of these categories, and I found Sparrow would make for an excellent option for couples in terms of providing support and response to fast movements. Again, this contrasts with the AS3, which has much less bounce and support and would work better for motion isolation instead of fast movements.
Combining Bounce, Edge support, and absence of noise gives me a result of 9, meaning the high ratings makes this mattress an excellent choice for couples.
Pressure Relief
With about 4 inches of comfort layers, Sparrow has more than enough material to provide adequate sinkage and pressure relief. I found its Energex foam and coils effectively cradle my pressure points, and I didn’t feel any pressure build-up or lack of support.
How It Feels for Different Types of Sleepers
I also want to look at how the Sparrow mattress would perform for different sleeper types as one mattress cannot suit everyone.
So, here’s how the Medium variation of the Sparrow Signature Hybrid would work for the following categories of people:
- Side sleepers. Because the Sparrow has thick
comfort layers, I felt perfectly fine lying on it on one side. The quilted cover creates a pillow-top feel, which offers additional cradling for side sleepers. That being said, some people might prefer a softer model (especially petite individuals who are used to plush beds). They might want to check these mattresses for lightweight people instead. - Back sleepers. I think the Sparrow Signature
Hybrid is a perfect solution for back sleepers. This model has adaptive comfort layers that supported my lumbar curve, keeping my back neutral and tension-free. I also appreciate how the pillow-top cover cradled my hips. However, I would recommend overweight back sleepers to choose the Firm option. - Stomach sleepers. The Medium Sparrow isn’t
very firm, but I felt surprisingly comfy sleeping on it on my stomach. My hips and stomach didn’t sink that deeply, so there wasn’t a painful curvature in the spine. I also think it would work for petite stomach sleepers. As for the heavier individuals (over 230 pounds), they might want to go with the Firm variation.
Sleeping Positions: Summary
Sleeping Position | Sparrow |
|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | With the quilted pillow top, I, as an average-weight sleeper, was more than comfortable sinking into the cradling layers on my side. However, lightweight sleepers may prefer something with more contouring. |
| Back Sleepers | Both lightweight and average-weight sleepers will find the right amount of comfort sleeping on their backs. I was cradled with the right amount of sinkage for my back and lumber. Heavier sleepers over 230 pounds, however, may want a firmer feel for their mattress to avoid sinking in too deeply. |
| Stomach Sleepers | I felt adequately supported while lying on my stomach, meaning Sparrow is more than supportive enough for lightweight and average-weight sleepers. Heavier sleepers over 230 pounds, however, may find they sink into the layers too much, putting pressure on their spine. |
Other Important Information
I want to dedicate the next part of my review to a couple of technical details that might be crucial for many people.
First of all, let’s talk about the Nest Bedding’s warranty. The Sparrow mattress is covered by a lifetime warranty, which is relatively rare. Most brands offer 10-15 years of coverage. For instance, the famous Purple and Tempur-Pedic mattresses come with a 10-year warranty.
The Sparrow Signature Hybrid also stands out from the crowd thanks to the sleep trial it comes with. Shoppers can test this mattress for a whole year and return it for free if they don’t love it. That’s quite impressive, given that the industry standard is 100 or 120 days of in-home trials. Seems like Nest Bedding takes an extra step to ensure customer satisfaction.
I would also like to note that the Sparrow arrived with almost zero off-gassing, which is something most mattresses can’t boast of. It dissipated within a few hours, which is faster than average (especially among mattresses that contain foam).
Summary
The Sparrow Signature Hybrid by Nest Bedding can be considered a luxurious mattress on the mass market. It has a pillow-top design giving it an extra-comfy feel. Additionally, it’s available in three firmness variations to accommodate more types of sleepers. Finally, the Sparrow is very well-made, so it can be a long-lasting investment for people who want great value.
Pros:
- Sturdy, durable construction;
- Zippered cover for fuss-free cleaning;
- Balanced feel, nicely combines cradling foams with responsive coils;
- Strong edges, offering more sleeping space;
- Doesn’t restrict movement, making it suited for combination sleepers and sexually active couples;
- Extra-long trial (365 days compared to the standard 100-120 days);
- Extended warranty (lifetime coverage, while most mattress companies offer 10-15 years).
Cons:
- Slight motion transfer is possible (more significant if there’s a big weight difference between the sleepers);
- Not very cooling, which might be an issue for chronic hot sleepers;
- Heavier than memory foam models (which is common among hybrid mattresses).