One of the first online-only retailers to deliver mattresses right to your doorstep, Casper has made a name for itself in the sleep market. But hype aside, is a Casper mattress worth its price tag? Here’s an in-depth look at this retailer and its offerings.
Casper at a Glance
The company exclusively uses CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane foam. This certification ensures the foam used is made without ozone depleters, flame retardants, heavy metals, formaldehyde or phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Additionally, a CertiPUR-US certification means the foam contained in the product has low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions to help improve indoor air quality.
- Casper’s Zone Support technology helps sink your shoulders and cradle your hips for ergonomic spinal alignment and full body support, according to the company.
- Cooling technology offers breathable foam to prevent overheating at night.
- Once an online-only retailer, Casper now has brick-and-mortar stores, meaning you can try out a mattress in person.
- Casper recommends using a boxspring alternative, called a foundation, or a boxspring with slats positioned four inches apart with its mattresses. This could potentially add to the total cost of your purchase.
- Casper mattresses are heavier than other options.
About Casper
Founded in 2014, Casper was one of the first online-only mattress companies to ship mattresses directly to consumers. Each of its products features Casper’s 4D technology to improve what the company considers the “four dimensions of superior sleep:” proper spine alignment, temperature control, a soft touch and a testing history to ensure a good night’s sleep throughout the night.
The company exclusively uses CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane foam. This certification ensures the foam used is made without ozone depleters, flame retardants, heavy metals, formaldehyde or phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Additionally, a CertiPUR-US certification means the foam contained in the product has low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions to help improve indoor air quality.
Casper Mattress Options and Prices
Each of Casper’s mattresses is available in six sizes ranging from twin to California king. The company offers four models that suit various budgets and firmness preferences. The Element is constructed solely from foam. The Wave Hybrid and the Nova Hybrid, however, offer additional support with the inclusion of springs. The Original comes in both spring and all-foam options.
Note that all prices referenced are subject to change.
Element Mattress
Starts at around $395
The most affordable Casper mattress, the Element is constructed entirely of breathable foam. Lacking the ergonomic support of other Casper mattresses, the Element is a basic option that makes use of Casper’s Airscape system, which includes perforations to improve airflow and prevent overheating.
Original Mattress
Starts at around $695
The company’s most popular, best-selling option, the Original mattress comes in two models: an all-foam option and a hybrid option, which includes foam and springs (and is more expensive). Both options provide:
- The Zone support system. Three ergonomic zones help ensure the spine is properly aligned while you sleep. Foam conforms to your body to offer further support.
- The Airscape system. Perforations throughout the foam aim to provide the airflow you need to stay cool and comfortable.
Nova Hybrid Mattress
Starts at around $1,440
The Nova is the softest of Casper mattresses thanks to its soft top layer, according to the company. It’s a hybrid option, made using foam and springs, and it features:
- The Zone Support Pro system. This system focuses on maintaining proper spine alignment by dividing the mattress into seven ergonomic sections.
- The Airscape2 system. With Airscape2, the foam is perforated thousands of times in two layers to increase airflow and regulate temperature.
The Wave Hybrid Mattress
Starts at around $1,355
The Wave Hybrid mattress is designed specifically to alleviate back pain, according to the company. The Wave combines memory foam and springs. It features:
- The Zoned Support Max system. This technology helps provide full-body support by properly aligning the spine through a continuous ergonomic design, a 3D foam-shaping system and gel pods that support the waist and lower back.
- The Airscape3 system. This system makes use of perforations and cool-to-the-touch gel to improve airflow and prevent overheating.
Customization Options and Special Features
If temperature control is a priority for you, the Wave Hybrid and the Nova Hybrid include an option to add Casper’s Snow Technology to your purchase. This technology makes the mattress cool to the touch while also working to dispel heat away from the body and regulate temperature as you sleep, according to the company.
Accessories
When purchasing your mattress from Casper, the company also offers:
- Rise Adjustable Base. This base allows you to adjust the height of your mattress, raising the head or feet or laying it flat. The base includes a wireless remote and has an option to program your preferred settings.
- The Foundation. Casper’s alternative to a boxspring, the Foundation is recommended for proper use of all of the company’s mattresses. It fits standard bed frames.
- Bedding and pillows. Casper also offers an array of bedding and pillow options, including foam pillows, body pillows, sheets, duvets, mattress protectors and more.
Warranties and Discounts
Casper offers free, no-contact delivery and returns, as well as a 100-night risk-free trial period. Additionally, each purchase includes a 10-year limited warranty, provided you’ve used your mattress according to the company’s guidelines (using it with a properly supportive base, for example). This warranty only covers:
- Visible indentations that are greater than 1 inch in size
- Splitting or cracking in the foam
- Manufacturing defects in the mattress cover’s zipper
What Sleep Experts Say
Casper puts a great deal of emphasis on offering products that help maintain proper spine alignment during sleep. However, there’s not enough scientific data to support their definition of alignment. A 2019 review published in the peer-reviewed Osteoarthritis and Cartilage suggests there’s no clear consensus on the definition of proper sleep posture, even though the marketing from mattress companies claims spinal curvature while sleeping should be identical to that while standing.
Perhaps a more important consideration should be your preferred sleeping position. As Lauri Leadley, a clinical sleep educator and the president of Valley Sleep Center in Arizona, says, “Those who sleep on their back can go with basically any mattress, whereas side sleepers will want a mattress with tension relief. Stomach sleepers should find a firm spring mattress so as not to feel constrained as you might with a foam mattress.”
What Users Say
Casper has an average rating of 2.18 out of 5 stars from 44 reviews posted on the Better Business Bureau website. Most complaints focus on customer service and delivery times, though it should be noted many of these reviews coincide with global shipping delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
One reviewer shared, “I’ve been dealing with what should have been a hassle-free, simple return (according to their policy stated on site) since 7 days ago and still going with no communication.”
However, prior to the pandemic, Casper seemed to garner more positive reviews, with one consumer saying, “Their customer service couldn’t be better. Whenever I had questions about my order status, I got an [answer] immediately. The customer service team also checked on me to ensure I liked my order and that it was delivered.”
And yet another reviewer shared, “It is a great balance of support, sleeping cool and comfort.”
Who Should Purchase a Casper Mattress?
If temperature regulation is important to you, a Casper mattress may be a good fit. Each of the models feature breathable foam and thousands of perforations to aid in airflow and help keep you cool while you sleep. Additionally, Casper offers its Snow Technology for two of its hybrid mattresses, providing an extra layer of cooling for those who want it.