Pillow firmness cannot be determined by subjective touch alone. In mechanical pressure relief testing, two primary variables dictate how a pillow responds under stress: foam density (measured in pounds per cubic foot) and Indentation Load Deflection (ILD). Nectar utilizes a viscoelastic memory foam formulation clocking in at approximately 3.5 pounds per cubic foot. This puts the material well above cheap polyester fills, but slightly below medical-grade solid contour wedges that exceed 5 pounds per cubic foot.
When pressure is applied, the initial contact feels deceptively plush. The viscoelastic cell structure compresses easily under localized hand pressure, mimicking a soft pillow. However, under sustained, dispersed weight, the responsive support core resists deep sinkage. The internal ILD rating sits within the 14 to 18 range for the outer comfort layers, while the inner core pushes closer to 24 ILD. This dual-action response explains why sleepers often disagree on whether the pillow feels soft or firm. It cushions immediately upon surface contact, yet firmly blocks excessive downward travel once the neck settles.
