The renegade company that previously pledged to satisfy all customers with their exceptional mattress now continues to expand its offerings. Casper has broadened its range to include eight different options, with a select few exclusively available through partner retailers such as Macy's and Raymour & Flanigan.

Casper prides itself on providing a robust selection of beds, complemented by prompt delivery, excellent customer service, and an extensive network of showrooms and partner retailers across the nation. This allows potential buyers to test the mattresses before making a purchase. However, apart from the Casper Original, the price point of their mattresses may be considered too high for the value they offer. Unless you have a specific preference, there are alternative mattresses of comparable quality available at a more affordable price.

In our comprehensive evaluation of Casper's mattresses in 2019, our team found that certain models, particularly the then-Essential and the Wave, received positive feedback for their comfortable cushioning. However, we ultimately determined that other brands provided better value for money. In the subsequent year, Casper made significant improvements to all their beds. These enhancements included introducing small perforations in some foam layers, reducing the number of layers in specific models, and incorporating a more flexible mattress cover made from recycled polyester (derived from plastic water bottles) and upcycled cotton. Additionally, three new options were added to their full line of mattresses.

1. Element (formerly called the Essential; all foam)
2. Original (foam or hybrid)
3. Wave (foam or hybrid)
4. Nova (foam or hybrid)
5. Snug (all foam)

The foams used in Casper mattresses have been perforated by the company to enhance the cooling sensation, according to a spokesperson from Casper. While we were initially skeptical about mattress designs that claim to provide cooling without the use of a fan mechanism, our experience with Casper mattresses did not result in any significant temperature fluctuations. However, the changes made to the foam layers were substantial enough to warrant further testing. Concerns about the longevity of the foam layers due to the perforations were addressed by a foam manufacturer who assured us that the impact on durability would be minimal. We will continue to monitor owner reviews over an extended period to gather feedback.

Under normal circumstances, we would conduct comprehensive testing of all eight Casper mattress varieties, involving staff members of different body types. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, I have been individually testing Casper mattresses in my own bedroom. So far, I have slept on each of the mattresses available on Casper's website for at least a week, including the Element, the Original (both foam and hybrid versions), the Wave Hybrid, and the Nova Hybrid.

In the near future, we intend to test the Snug (available at Target and Walmart), the all-foam Wave (available at various retail partners), and the all-foam Nova (available at even more stores).

Why You Should Trust Us

As a seasoned staff writer at Wirecutter, I have dedicated the past two and a half years to extensively covering the realm of sleep and mattresses. Throughout my tenure at Wirecutter, I have had the privilege of experiencing over three dozen distinct mattresses in the comfort of my own home, with the number continuously growing. Additionally, I have diligently sampled numerous mattresses both in stores and at our offices, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of their diverse qualities. T

o further enhance my expertise, I have embarked on visits to mattress factories and actively participated in trade shows. My commitment to delivering accurate information has led me to engage in insightful discussions with various sleep and mattress experts, delving into topics such as mattress quality, durability, and comfort. Furthermore, I have authored Wirecutter's esteemed guide on selecting the perfect mattress, as well as comprehensive guides on the finest foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses, and an array of other valuable resources.

Casper Element (Formerly Casper Essential)

Casper’s second-cheapest mattress, the Element, may be suitable for individuals who prefer to sleep on their back or stomach and are willing to spend approximately $600 for a queen-sized mattress. It is particularly well-suited for individuals weighing under 200 pounds.

In terms of comfort, the Element falls on the firmer side of medium-firm. It provides a minimal amount of give and offers slight cushioning without the presence of memory foam "stickiness."

One of the notable aspects of the 10-inch-thick Element is its affordability compared to other popular online mattresses such as the Casper Original, the Leesa, and the Helix Midnight. However, we do not wholeheartedly recommend it as we believe the Novaform ComfortGrande, a slightly softer medium-firm mattress, has a wider appeal at a similar price point.

In our group testing of the previous version of the Element in 2019, many participants appreciated its plush feel. However, we concluded that there were better mattresses available at a lower cost. The current 2020 version of the Element is one inch thinner and feels firmer and less cushiony compared to its predecessor. During my week-long sleep trial on the new Element, I experienced excellent support and woke up without any stiffness, despite my preference for a softer bed. 

It is important to note that individual experiences may vary based on personal preferences, weight, and body type. For instance, my husband, who prefers firmer beds and weighs 190 pounds at a height of 5 feet 10 inches, agreed that the Element felt firmer than other Casper models but still provided some give. At the time of my research, most of the recent, high-quality Amazon reviews that mentioned the firmness level of the 2020 Element described it as firm. Although this is a limited sample size, it suggests that individuals who prefer softer mattresses should likely avoid the Casper Element.

The Element's top perforated polyfoam layer, with a density of 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, suggests a long-lasting durability. To maintain its shape, it is advisable to rotate the mattress every six months to prevent body indentations. Beneath this layer lies a standard-issue base foam with a density of 1.8 pounds per cubic foot. The absence of memory foam allows for easy movement from side to side without feeling trapped.

One notable feature of the Element is its ability to isolate motion, providing a peaceful sleep experience. Even as my husband and son, who often join me in bed during the night, tossed and turned, I remained undisturbed. Additionally, the mattress offers solid edge support, ensuring that I never felt as though I would fall off the bed, despite the added weight on one side.

In terms of temperature regulation, the Element neither felt excessively warm nor cool during our sleep.

However, there are a few aspects of the Element that we found less appealing. Throughout the week I slept on it, I couldn't help but compare it to a slightly cushioned ironing board. While this may not necessarily be a negative attribute, it does position the Element more as a "decent-quality dorm-room mattress" rather than a luxurious sanctuary for adults. The coarser cover lacks the decorative stitching found on Casper's higher-priced models. 

Furthermore, with only two layers of polyfoam, the Element lacks the complexity and nuance found in mattresses that incorporate a variety of layers. It is worth noting that individuals weighing more than approximately 200 pounds may find the lack of a middle transition layer uncomfortable, as they may sink into the firm base layer.

Overall, the Element offers durability and motion isolation, making it suitable for light sleepers. However, its design and construction may not meet the expectations of those seeking a more luxurious and sophisticated mattress.

Casper Original And Casper Original Hybrid

The suitability of the Casper Original mattress depends on the sleeping position and preference of the user. It is ideal for back- and stomach-sleepers, and occasional side-sleepers who prefer a medium-firm feel. The hybrid version, which offers a slightly softer and more resilient surface than the all-foam option, may be more appealing to some users. The all-foam Casper Original provides a shallow cradle with minimal memory-foam sink, while the hybrid version offers a cradling that is slightly more pronounced. T

he all-foam mattress is hardly "sticky" and provides a lie-on-top-of-the-mattress feel. The construction of the mattress keeps the spine neutral and supported, making it suitable for different weights and builds. However, side-sleepers may prefer the hybrid version for a bit more cuddle and give on the shoulders.

Both the Casper Original and the Casper Original Hybrid feature a dense non-memory-foam polyfoam layer on top, which reduces the huggy effect of the memory-foam layer below. This results in a more cushiony feel rather than a body-conforming one. However, the 3.5-pounds-per-cubic-foot density of the memory-foam layer suggests it may be more durable than other mattresses in this price range. 

The Original has a 1.8-pounds-per-cubic-foot polyfoam support layer, while the Original Hybrid has roughly 600 or more coils. This bed may hold up better than other $1,000 mattresses, especially if you weigh under 200 pounds. At 11 inches, both versions feel more like a "real" mattress than a "starter" one. Despite the perforations in the foam, neither version slept cool, and some users may feel hot on certain days.

The all-foam Original mattress did not provide satisfactory edge support, despite its "sleep-on-top feel." While lying down, there was no sliding off the edge, but a noticeable slope was felt when sitting on it. Our associate staff writer, Justin Redman, experienced a feeling of potential falling whenever he approached the bed's edge during the night. The Original Hybrid was even worse, as I practically fell off when my son forcefully entered the bed and pushed me towards the edge. Fortunately, I managed to regain my balance by planting my foot and clawing my way back onto the surface.

Neither the Casper Original nor the Original Hybrid is suitable for those who prefer plush mattresses. Justin, who sleeps on his side, found the mattress to be excessively firm and uncomfortable for his back. Initially, the mattress felt so firm that it seemed as if his bones were cracking throughout the night, although this could be attributed to the weather (foam beds tend to harden in cold temperatures and soften in warmer ones). Over time, the bed will slightly soften (I noticed a more cradling sensation in both versions after just a few days), but it will not provide the desired level of comfort.

During our research, we observed mixed feedback from Amazon reviewers regarding the firmness levels of the Original Hybrid. The all-foam Original, on the other hand, was consistently described as firm or too firm in nine out of 15 two- to four-star Amazon reviews.

Casper Snug

Casper's entry-level mattress is designed for individuals seeking a basic mattress from a reputable brand, regardless of the higher price point. It is important to note that this mattress is not available for purchase on the Casper website, but can be found at select partner retailers such as Target and Walmart. Although we have not conducted a thorough test on this particular mattress, we believe it is most suitable for individuals who prefer sleeping on their back, as it lacks sufficient cushioning for side or stomach sleepers.

In terms of comfort, the Snug shares the same components as the Element, but Casper has reduced its thickness by an inch and a half, resulting in a total thickness of 8½ inches. Consequently, we anticipate that the Snug will have a more distinct utilitarian medium-firm to firm feel.

One positive aspect of the Snug is its construction, which mirrors that of the Element. It features a top layer of polyfoam with a commendable density of 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, followed by a base-layer foam with a fairly typical density of 1.8 pounds per cubic foot. This straightforward design should provide adequate support for most individuals, including those weighing over 200 pounds. However, we do not recommend the Snug for heavier sleepers, as the thin construction makes it easy to come into contact with the firm base layer.

The comfort quotient of the mattress cannot be commented on without actually trying it. However, the Snug's construction, with a thickness of only 8½ inches, resembles the earliest version of the Element, known as the Essential. Our research on customer reviews of that model in 2018 revealed numerous complaints about its uncomfortably thin and firm feel. 

Similarly, a recent sweep of Snug reviews in 2021 also found negative feedback in this regard. Half of the eight good-quality reviews on Target's website expressed dissatisfaction with the firmness, with one reviewer comparing it to sleeping on a bag of cement. Only one out of the eight reviews described the Snug as soft. Although this sample size is not extensive, we recommend considering other options if you prefer a softer mattress, erring on the safe side.

It might be worth considering saving up to upgrade to the slightly more expensive Element, which costs a little over $100 more for a queen size. Alternatively, our moderately priced foam pick, the Novaform ComfortGrande, could be a suitable choice. Additionally, you may want to explore the options mentioned in our guide to the best cheap mattresses, as they are likely to offer a more comfortable and substantial experience, despite having their own drawbacks.