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CASPER MATTRESS REVIEW
By Calin Daniel Yablonski from Sleep Scouts | 11 March 2018
The Casper mattress leapt onto the sleep product scene with its release in 2014, rapidly becoming a bedroom favorite. Now available in the US, Canada and parts of Europe, it is one of a new breed of high quality foam mattress that is affordable, can be ordered online, and is delivered direct to your front door.
But how does it compare to the other mattresses on the market, and is it worth the price?
The following Casper mattress review is as comprehensive as possible and goes into considerable detail about what we found when we tested it out. This is to provide you with the clearest possible idea of whether it’s for you.
Personal preference accounts for much with mattresses but we’re tried to separate our opinions from the review in an effort to be objective, while still sharing snippets of information from our experiences.
If you’re nervous about purchasing a mattress online, keep in mind that, like with most online mattress retailers, you can try the Casper for 100 days and receive a full refund if you decide it’s not for you.
Pricing & Dimensions 
Product Overview
What we liked:
- Motion Transfer – minimal motion transfer if you’re sleeping with a partner
- Noiseless – virtually no sound as you lay on and reposition yourself
- Breathability – provides a great, cool sleep with good airflow
- Body Conforming – the memory foam hugs the body’s curves without suffocating you
- MediumFirmness – a comfortable amount of ‘sink’ to suit most people
- 100-Day Trial Period – peace of mind when you buy
- Free Shipping & Returns – no hidden delivery or return fees to bump up the price
What we didn’t like:
- Lack of Edge Support – the edges and corners are not as strong as with standard spring mattresses
- One-Mattress-Fits-All – no ability to customize preferences
- No Testing Before Buying – no showrooms in Canada, Europe or most locations in the US: only online purchasing
- Awkward to Move – lack of side handles makes it awkward to move
- Support Level May Vary – despite claims to serve everyone, heavier people may find it too soft
- No Flipping – it’s designed to face one way so who knows how it will wear?
About the Manufacturer
At its launch in 2014, the Casper founders set out to create “the perfect mattress for everyone.” Capitalizing on the move towards online shopping, the company has introduced an approach that simplifies the entire mattress purchasing experience.
There are no showrooms in Canada or Europe (though there are showrooms in New York and L.A.) and it is not sold through the conventional retailers. It ships to the U.S. and Canada, as well as parts of Europe (full details in the shipping section).
The product is manufactured in Georgia and Pennsylvania, and is made up of components entirely from the U.S., apart from the blue border fabric, which is from Belgium.
Customers can purchase online with the peace of mind that comes with the 100-day money back guarantee. Casper was one of the pioneers of the online-only mattress-purchasing strategy, keeping costs at a minimum and passing on the savings to customers.
How We Put it to the Test
When reviewing a mattress we use our standardized Sleep Scouts methodology to ensure a balanced, unbiased and consistent review. Learn more about how we rate mattresses here.
The Basics: An Overview
First Observations: The Unpacking Experience
The first thing we noticed when unpacking the Casper is that, like all ‘order-online’ mattresses, it came compressed in a vacuum-sealed bag. Removing it from the Casper box was a bit awkward but with a little convincing it eased onto the floor.
When setting up the mattress, prepare yourself for the fact that the mattress will start inflating itself to full size as soon as the vacuum seal is broken. Make sure you have prepared space for it.
One factor we were very conscious of as we unpacked our Casper mattress was its limited odor: we had expected it to have an unpleasant chemical smell consistent with most foam mattress. But we’re pleased to report that the smell was minimal: a good initial indicator that the folks at Casper are true to their word.
Once out of its packaging, we noticed that there were no side straps to aid getting the mattress into position on the bed. This wasn’t an issue for us, as we had a team of sleep scouts to maneuver it, but for one person it might be a little awkward.
At 83 pounds unpacked, it’s not a particularly heavy mattress anyway, and would be considered of below-average weight.
What’s in the Box?
In addition to the mattress itself, the box contains instructions to set up your Casper mattress, a referral card, a leaflet detailing other Casper products available for purchase, and a booklet that includes a note from the founders, care instructions, and contact information with direct access to their ‘sleep experts’.We’re suckers for great marketing, and the Casper certainly went above and beyond to create a positive experience for us as customers.
What happens when you call a ‘sleep expert’?
We thought we’d put their customer service to the test and find out what happened when we actually called one of the aforementioned ‘sleep experts’.
I called the support number and, after a few short minutes on hold, the bubbly customer support rep answered my questions quickly and efficiently.
The first question was: “What is the best way to mount my Casper?” The rep provided a detailed answer about box springs and the ideal type of frame to support the mattress.
Next, like the marketing material in the box says, I asked if she would read me a bedtime story! She did! She read a story about Casper the dog, who befriends a witch named ‘Foam’, who helps the kingdom get a good night’s sleep.
As you can see, the customer experience was top notch!
The Materials
So what exactly is the Casper made of?
There are essentially FIVE key components making up the mattress that contribute to its comfort and support levels: four layers of foam and a woven cover.
Following are more details about each component:- Layer 1 – Open Cell Latex Foam (1.5 inches): This top layer is hypoallergenic and allows for coolness and breathability while sleeping, and also gives the mattress its classic ‘bounce’.
- Layer 2 – Responsive Memory Foam (1.5 inches): A second layer of 1.5 inches of high density memory foam which offers pressure relief. It’s like getting a gentle hug from your mattress.
- Layer 3 – Adaptive Transition Foam (1.5 inches): This is a transitional layer of support foam that helps with weight distribution to minimize motion transfer for your bed buddy.
- Layer 4 – Durable Support Foam (5 inches): A further 5 inches of Polyurethane support foam at the bottom of the mattress acts as its base by providing strength and durability.
- The Woven Cover: The polyester/polypropylene blend for the cover material brings breathability, flexibility, and resilience, topping off the foam layers with a durable and comfortable finish.
Casper has clearly chosen these materials because it solves one of the problems that sleepers regularly complain of with memory foam: overheating. On its own, it doesn’t generally provide the coolest sleep because of its tendency to absorb body heat.
Adding the latex layer helps combat this because latex is well known for providing a cool sleep. It gives the Casper a slight advantage over the Leesa mattress, for instance, which uses a latex alternative as its top layer.
So with the Casper you get the body contouring and support provided by the memory foam AND the coolness of the latex.
How did the key features measure up?
Sinkage
Casper Sleep promises the mattress provides “Just the right sink, just the right bounce.” Is this true?
People of small body frame will experience a moderate amount of sink without the feeling of drowning in the mattress. Those who are looking for above-average firmness may be slightly disappointed, but most people will appreciate the light, body-conforming ‘squeeze’ provided by the sinkage.
For heavier individuals, who are accustomed to traditional spring mattresses, you may find the sink of the Casper to be more extreme. At 215 lbs, our ‘sleep scout’ Calin experienced more noticeable sink than his petite counterpart; not to the point that it was unpleasant or uncomfortable, but it is a consideration for those whose weight is over 250 lbs. Simply put, foam mattresses do not have the structural integrity of traditional spring mattresses.
The information below details the results of the tests we performed for sinkage, using the kettlebell test in different parts of the mattress.
- Corner: 3.75″ Sinkage: There was average sinkage for a mattress claiming to be of medium sink and bounce.
- Middle-Top: 3.5″ Sinkage: There was average sinkage for a mattress claiming to be of medium sink and bounce.Summary for different sleeping positions
- Middle: 3.5″ Sinkage: There was average sinkage for a mattress claiming to be of medium sink and bounce.
Firmness
Our summary of the kettlebell test resulted in a firmness of 6.5/10, making the Casper a suitable choice for most people’s preferred firmness level.
Summary for Different Sleeping Positions
- Back Sleeping: Casper is comfortable for back sleepers who do not expect complete firmness from their mattress.
- Side Sleeping: Nice gentle hug of the body shape for side sleepers, preventing the constant need to turn to relieve pressure.
- Stomach Sleeping: Though stomach sleepers often prefer a slightly firmer surface, the mattress still provided a comfy night’s sleep.
- Sitting: The lack of edge support means that this mattress might not be the most comfortable for ‘side sitting’.
Breathability
Casper claims that their mattress keeps you cool and helps with circulation.
We all know how being too hot can ruin a night’s sleep. However, we found that the top layer of latex foam really did help keep the mattress cool, its open-cell design providing good breathability.
For people who like to sleep under layers of bedding without over-heating, the airflow through this mattress will be greatly appreciated.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer on the Casper was non-existent. The mattress absorbed the movement of tossing and turning, as well as getting in and out of bed, very well. There was no disturbance experienced. This bodes well for couples, who will benefit from not being bothered or woken up due to their partners restlessness.
Durability
This is always difficult to assess with a mattress. Most people would expect a major purchase like a mattress to last 5-10 years but we didn’t have that long to wait before publishing this!
To make matters more complicated, with the company only starting operations in 2014, there is not much history to check up on with previous buyers.
So we can only go on what we suspect from the quality experienced while testing and what we know of the company.
The materials used are of fine quality, as you have already seen. However, foam mattresses do have a reputation as being less durable than the average spring mattress.
A slight concern is that, unlike many mattresses, the Casper is designed to face one way only. The latex and memory foam need to be the top layers, so very few users will be flipping this mattress. This means that these more luxurious foam layers need to stand the test of time well.
Only time will tell but our experience is that the company has been good to its word with everything else, until now. So there is no reason to doubt either the durability of the mattress or the very sound warranty and returns policy detailed below.
Edge Support
One weakness we identified was the apparent lack of edge support in the Casper.
The standard spring mattress is usually quite well supported, making sitting on its edges quite easy, and helping to ensure you don’t roll off the bed!
In our kettlebell and hand pressure tests, we found the corners to be structurally quite weak compared to traditional spring mattresses.
The Sleep Scouts’ Standout Feature
Balancing Body-Conforming Comfort with Great Support
The standout feature of the Casper mattress has to be its ability to balance body-conforming comfort with excellent support: probably the single most important quality for any mattress.
The combination of the upper layers of latex and memory foam with the transition and support foams beneath deliver this high level of comfort and support: something that every mattress strives for, but cannot always deliver at this price-point.
The mattress offers a good balance of bounce and sink and is versatile enough to be safely recommended for stomach and side sleepers, as well as back sleepers. Those who often struggle to find their most comfortable sleeping position might also want to give this mattress a try.
Do the manufacturer’s main claims stand up?
Some of the manufacturer’s claims have been touched upon already. But what are the main claims that Casper Sleep makes about their mattress?
According to the company, they considered six factors in order to strike the right balance of comfort, support, temperature, and durability:
- Firmness – a measure of the amount of ‘give’ in a mattress. On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the firmest) 80% of sleepers prefer a medium feel mattress in the 5-7 range.
- Density – a measure of the weight per cubic foot of foam. It is a good indicator of quality. High density foams generally have better durability.
- Rebound Speed – the best memory foams (with high density) will rebound slowly to their original shape.
- Airflow – an actual measurement of the amount of air (in cubic feet per minute) that can be drawn through a foam sample. A good indicator of how ‘breathable’ a mattress is.
- Transition Temperature – Memory foam is sensitive to temperature and will harden when too cool. The transition temperature is the minimum temperature at which the memory foam retains its properties.
- Odor – foam mattresses sometimes suffer from an initial chemical smell, because of the polymers used in their manufacture. ’Off gassing’ of these chemicals after unpacking can create a strong odor that usually subsides after the mattress is allowed to ‘breathe’.
So, in considering these factors, did Casper achieve its main aim…?
To Create the Perfect Mattress for Everyone
“A universally comfortable mattress that contours to your body”
It’s a really BIG claim to make: a mattress that suits everyone. We’ve already stressed the importance of personal preference in this regard.
However, the Casper mattress review does provide what is probably the best compromise available on the market for the price: it ticks all the boxes in terms of medium firmness, good support, good airflow, coolness of sleep, low motion transfer, and low odor.
Perhaps most importantly, it seems to offer just the right amount of body-conforming comfort and support to cater for wide range of body weights, across the spectrum of sleeping positions.
The company has clearly done its research (eight months of solid testing of every conceivable type of mattress) and distilled all the main features required by most people into a single mattress.
Designed to Rest on Any Firm, Flat Surface
It’s recommended that the Casper mattress is paired with its tailor-made foundation for optimal support, but the company also says that it will work on any firm, flat, unyielding surface.
We set it up on a slatted base and found that it still offered great support and we didn’t notice any sagging.
Better for you, better for the planet
The Casper mattress is free from chemical flame retardants, instead using a purely mechanical fire sock made from silica threads.
It also uses a Greenguard-certified, water-based adhesive instead of the solvent-based adhesives usually used in the industry.
The memory foam and base foam are both certified Certipur and the latex is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. They are all ultra-low VOC and held to the highest environmental production standards.
While natural materials are generally considered healthier for sleeping on, the company also seems to be doing what it can to reduce any negative impact on the environment. The mattress industry as a whole can be quite ‘unfriendly’ to the environment, using many toxic chemicals, so the certification provided by the company should give you some confidence that you’re doing the ‘right thing’ in buying a Casper mattress.
Warranty
The Casper mattress is covered by a 10-year limited warranty.
This applies to any of the standard defects and deterioration that do not result from improper use or handling.
What the warranty covers:
- Deterioration causing the Mattress to have a visible indentation greater than one (1) inch that is not associated with an indentation or sag which results from use of an improper or unsupportive foundation or adjustable bed base. Normal wear requires that a Mattress be continuously supported by a matching foundation or adjustable bed base with a proper bed frame sufficient to support the collective weight of the Mattress and foundation.
- Any physical flaw in the Mattress that causes the foam material to split or crack, despite normal usage and proper handling.
- Any manufacturing defect in the zipper assembly of the Mattress Cover.
What it doesn’t cover:
- A normal increase in softness of the foam pressure-relieving material which does not affect the pressure-relieving qualities of the Mattress.
- Comfort preference.
- Physical abuse or damage to the structure and/or cover material, including but not limited to, burns, cuts, tears, liquid damage, or stains; provided, that the defect is caused by such abuse or damage.
- Replacement of any non-defective pieces in the Casper sleep system (for example, if you purchase a mattress with multiple components and only one component is defective, then we will only replace the defective component).
- Any mattress (whether manufactured by Casper or not) sold by resellers who are not authorized retailers.
- Mattresses sold “as-is”, “preconditioned”, “reconditioned”, “used”, “comfort return”, “returned”, “previously owned”, or any other similar wording indicating that the Mattress is not “new” or of “first quality”, or has previously been purchased or used by another consumer.
Returns Policy
As mentioned previously, Casper also offers a generous 100-night trial period for testing the new mattress. In reality, the company gets few returns (those that do come back are generally donated to charity or recycled), which is why it’s able to offer this.
If, after the 100 nights, you decide that the mattress isn’t what you were after, the company will provide a full refund and make arrangements to remove the mattress from your home.
This helps to mitigate the element of ‘risk’ that purchasing a mattress online entails, and ensures no hidden fees (such as for delivery).
Shipping
How long does it take to arrive?
Casper mattresses will take 1-2 business days to process, and another 1-5 business days in transit. You’ll receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number as soon as it’s left the warehouse.
Price of shipping?
Shipping is free with the Casper mattress.
Where do they deliver?
The United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Who removes the old mattress?
At present, Casper does not provide a mattress-removal service. However, there’s a good chance you can donate your mattress if its condition is not too bad. Check if the Salvation Army will pick it up and repurpose it, or if your city provides bulk recycling pick-up.
Bottom Line: Who should buy this mattress?
There’s no escaping the fact that the folk at Casper have done their homework and produced a mattress that admirably serves a good proportion of sleepers.
It is ideal for someone looking to spend under $1,000 on a mattress that is in the middle of the firmness/softness sleep spectrum and has a little touch of luxury to it (courtesy of the latex and memory foam).
It should suit people of most body weights between 120 and 215 lbs, delivering a cool, conforming, and supportive night’s sleep. However, beyond these weights we have not tested.
Overall, the Casper offers very good value for money at a price point that is manageable for most households.
It has the touch of luxury of a more expensive mattress and it’s easy to see how the cost savings made by making and distributing just one mattress has helped to keep its purchase price down.
This sales model, together with the no-hassle purchasing process, generous returns policy, and 100-day trial period has shaken up the industry, bringing extra peace of mind to countless mattress buyers.
It was long overdue and, as a pioneer in its class, the Casper is deservedly a popular choice; a clear leader in its field and a deserved pick of the bunch for Sleep Scouts.
If you are after a very firm mattress, or are more comfortable with one you can personalise to your own specifications, you may want to look elsewhere. But for the majority of people, the Casper is a safe bet for a mattress that will be with you for years.
Show Rooms
A friend of mine Aaron, who owns a boutique high fashion men’s store in Calgary, came across the Casper showroom while vacationing in Soho, New York. He was good enough to share his photos with me and now I get to share them with you.
Casper also has a show room in LA, for its west coast customers.
Since when do mattress brands build the coolest retail showrooms?
Coupons & Discounts
- None available at this time.
Resources
- Warranty information: https://casper.com/ca/en/warranty
- General product information: https://casper.com/ca/en/mattresses
- Shipping information: https://casper.com/ca/en/faqs/ca-orders-shipping/do-you-ship-abroad
- Delivery times: https://casper.com/ca/en/faqs/ca-orders-shipping/when-can-i-expect-to-receive-my-casper-products
- Removal of old mattress: https://casper.com/ca/en/faqs/ca-the-mattress/will-you-remove-my-exisiting-mattress
Our Rating
The following sets of ratings cover our own assessment of the product and the company, and also provide a guideline for key third-party ratings for the product.
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This article by Calin Daniel Yablonski was originally published at Sleep Scouts.
