Bear vs. Casper Mattress Comparison

Picking out a new mattress requires a fair amount of due diligence on your part. Since beds are so integral to a good night’s rest, you should research different mattress brands and models to see how they compare. In our Bear vs. Casper comparison guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at two major mattress-in-a-box brands that primarily sell their products online and ship directly to your home.

Casper first launched in 2014 with a mixed-foam bed dubbed the Casper Original. The flagship model, which contains memory foam and polyfoam layers, is also available as the Casper Hybrid with pocketed coils instead of a base foam support core. Other mattresses from the company include a budget-friendly all-foam bed known as the Casper Element (formerly the Essential), along with two high-end hybrids, the Nova Hybrid, and Wave Hybrid.

Our second brand, Bear, has also been in business since 2014. Bear offers a selection of mattresses with covers made from specialty Celliant fabric, a material designed to regulate your temperature and promote muscle recovery during the night. The flagship Bear Original – like the Casper Original – is an all-foam mattress built with memory foam and polyfoam layers. The Bear Pro is another all-foam model with an additional layer of comfort foam and a slightly higher profile than the flagship Bear Original. The company also offers the Bear Star Hybrid, which contains a pocketed coil support core.

As you can see, Casper and Bear offer a similar mattress selection. However, there are some notable differences between these two brands and their all-foam and hybrid models. In our Casper mattress vs. Bear mattress comparison, we’ll take an in-depth look at how these companies measure up based on different criteria for sleepers and mattress buyers.

Quick Look

We’ve worked hard to show you which mattresses are the best fit for you. Check out our full mattress guides listed below!

Sizing and Weight Options

Mattress dimensions are an important consideration for a few reasons. Since mattress-in-a-box brands deliver directly to your doorstep, you should check the weight in advance – beds weigh 120 pounds or more, and you may need assistance carrying the shipping box to your bedroom. Height is another factor to take into account. While some sleepers don’t care about their mattress profile, some would much rather sleep on a shorter- or taller-than-average bed.

Most mattresses sold today are available in six standard sizes. The twin, twin XL, and full sizes are a bit narrow and best suited to single sleepers, while the queen, king, and California king offer enough width for two people to sleep comfortably. These sizes also offer different lengths, making them more or less suitable depending on how tall you are. Consider your sleeping situation before choosing a mattress size.

Below, you’ll find available sizes and weight and height measurements for all Bear and Casper mattresses.

The mattress selections from Bear and Casper are very comparable in terms of mattress weight, thickness, and size availability. As is often the case with these mattress types, the brands’ all-foam models are fairly lightweight, making them relatively easy to lift and carry. These mattresses have profiles ranging from 10 to 12 inches. By comparison, Bear and Casper hybrids are generally heavier and thicker than their all-foam counterparts. You’ll most likely need assistance moving these models to other areas of your house.

If you have an easier time getting on and off a thicker bed, then you may want to opt for a high-profile model such as the Bear Star Hybrid (13 inches) or the Casper Nova Hybrid (13 inches). Those who prefer sleeping closer to the ground should consider the Bear Original, Casper Original, or Casper Hybrid, all of which measure 11 inches or shorter. The Bear Pro and Casper Wave Hybrid are good options for sleepers who prefer a mid-level mattress profile.

Neither Bear nor Casper offers any additional sizes, such as split queens or kings. Additionally, you won’t be able to customize these beds with any optional features that affect weight or thickness.

Construction and Materials Comparison

Precise mattress specs can be quite helpful when choosing a new model because materials and construction affect how the bed feels and performs. Breathable comfort layers help the surface stay cool. Robust base components ensure even support for your body and less sinkage along the edges. Composition can also play a role in durability, pain and pressure relief, motion isolation, and odor potential. Additionally, you’ll find that mattresses made with certain materials generally cost more than others.

Below, we’ll break down the individual layers of each Bear and Casper mattress. We’ll also discuss how these materials impact different performance areas to assist with your Bear mattress vs. Casper mattress comparisons.

Bear

The flagship Bear Original is constructed with a 2-inch memory foam comfort layer. The surface has a medium feel, so the foam contours closely to the body, and the foam is infused with graphite gel to minimize excessive body heat. This model also contains a 2-inch polyfoam transitional layer to prevent you from sinking too deeply and a 6-inch support core of high-density polyfoam for added reinforcement and stability.

Due to its firm, moderately conforming feel, the Bear Original is particularly well-suited to side and back sleepers weighing 130 pounds or more. Stomach sleepers may also find the Bear Original comfortable, but heavier stomach sleepers may sag a bit too much to sleep comfortably.

The Bear Pro builds on the core design of the brand’s flagship all-foam model. In addition to the gel-infused memory foam comfort layer, this mattress includes a second comfort layer of copper-infused polyfoam. The Bear Pro also has a slightly firmer surface and a thicker base polyfoam layer, so it is more supportive and better suited to back sleepers.

The Bear Original and Bear Pro also provide very good motion isolation due to their all-foam designs. The top layers absorb movement from sleepers and prevent it from transferring across the surface, which in turn can help prevent sleep disturbances for you and your partner. The mattresses are completely silent, as well. We highly recommend either model for couples.

The Bear Star Hybrid measures 14 inches thick. This model is constructed with a memory foam layer, featuring a copper infusion to help prevent excessive body heat from building up on the surface. This is followed by a polyfoam transitional layer and a pocketed coils reinforced with base foam which comprises the Bear Star Hybrid’s support core. For added stability, the coils feature side rails to minimize sinkage along the perimeter. When comparing the Bear Star Hybrid vs. Casper hybrid models, the latter are considerably softer.

All three Bear mattresses are encased in covers made of Celliant fabric. This textile is designed to absorb heat, convert it into infrared energy, and then transmit the energy back into your body through the skin. This process can regulate body temperature, increase blood flow, and help the body recover after demanding physical activities. That said, some people notice the effects of Celliant fabric more than others, and experiences with the textile vary by sleeper.

If you enjoy the close contouring and pressure relief of an all-foam bed, we recommend either the firm Bear Original or medium firm Bear Pro, depending on which firmness level you prefer. Those who’d rather sleep on a mattress that provides extra support and responsiveness will probably find the Bear Star Hybrid more comfortable instead.

Casper

The flagship Casper Original is composed of polyfoam and memory foam comfort layers, making it a “mixed-foam” model. The top polyfoam layer adds some light bounciness to the surface while the memory foam offers gentle conforming. The memory foam layer is zoned, meaning it feels firmer and more supportive beneath your back and waist while cradling the lighter areas of your body. The base layer consists of high-density polyfoam.

The Casper Original’s layers create a balanced medium feel that is optimal for side and back sleepers. Those who weigh more than 230 pounds – stomach sleepers in particular – will likely experience too much sinkage on this model. If you want a mattress that contours closely and alleviates pressure but also feels a bit springier than the Casper Original, then the Casper Hybrid should be a suitable alternative. This model is identical to the flagship Casper mattress except for one key difference: the hybrid’s support core features pocketed coils instead of foam.

Casper’s other all-foam mattress is the Element, formerly known as the Essential. This model is constructed with a 3-inch polyfoam comfort layer over a base layer of high-density polyfoam. Without any memory foam, the Element conforms a bit less than the Casper Original but it also feels firmer and sinks less. This model may be a more comfortable option for back sleepers who require more support.

The Nova Hybrid is one of Casper’s newest models. The mattress begins with a top layer of AirScape open-cell polyfoam, a very soft and breathable material that gives the surface a plush feel. A second polyfoam comfort layer is divided into three firmness zones, and the memory foam transitional layer is divided into seven firmness zones. Together, these layers ensure sufficient reinforcement for areas where you carry a disproportionate amount of weight and gentle conforming for the head, neck, shoulders, and legs. The Nova Hybrid’s support core features 6-inch pocketed coils surrounded by a 7-inch polyfoam encasement.

The Wave Hybrid is constructed with comfort layers of open-cell polyfoam, open-cell latex, and three-zone memory foam. You’ll feel more responsiveness on the Wave Hybrid than other Casper hybrids, which can be attributed to the latex layer. This model also contains a polyfoam transitional layer with zoned gel pods for enhanced bodily support. Like the Nova Hybrid, the Wave Hybrid’s coil layer consists of 6-inch pocketed coils with a 7-inch polyfoam encasement.

The Nova Hybrid and Wave Hybrid each offer a medium feel and close body-contouring. Many hybrids from other brands – including the Bear Star Hybrid – are firmer by comparison. As a result, these Casper hybrids may be better suited to side, back, and stomach sleepers who weigh 230 pounds or less. However, they will likely feel much too soft for people weighing more than 230 pounds. These sleepers may feel less support on a Casper hybrid vs. the Bear Star Hybrid.

Every Casper mattress is encased in a stretch-cotton cover derived in part from recycled plastic bottles.

In-Depth Ratings

There are many considerations to take into account when picking out a mattress. How firm does the surface feel? Does it sleep cool? Are the materials durable? Will the edges sink when you get on and off the bed? As you’ll find, each mattress model is equipped to perform very well in some categories, and less so in others.

Our ratings for each Bear and Casper mattress are listed below. These ratings are based on verified owner and customer reviews, along with our own product research and analysis. First, we’ll take a closer look at what these categories mean and how they are evaluated.

• Durability: The average mattress will perform for six to eight years before you’ll want to replace it. Over time, the components will begin to break down and deteriorate. This can lead to a loss of support and deep body impressions that make the surface feel uneven. Excessive sagging along the perimeter may also warrant a new mattress, especially if you have a hard time getting on and off the bed. Generally speaking, hybrids last longer than all-foam mattresses due to their strong coil systems.
• Motion Isolation: Many people experience sleep disruptions due to their partner’s movement transferring across the mattress surface. Beds with soft comfort layers that respond slowly to the body can absorb motion and prevent it from spreading to other areas, and this can help you and your partner sleep soundly. On the other hand, mattresses with firm, responsive surfaces – including many hybrid models – won’t reduce as much motion transfer.
• Sex: When it comes to amorous activities, most couples prefer a balance of contouring and springiness. The bed should conform enough to provide decent traction, which can heighten sensations for you and your partner while helping you maintain a fixed position. The mattress should also be somewhat responsive and sturdy along the edges. Otherwise, you may not be able to move across the surface as easily.
• Temperature Neutrality: Many people sleep hot regardless of which mattress they choose. These individuals should consider a bed with cooling components such as open-cell foams, coil layers that promote air circulation, and cooling breathable infused into the cover. Mattresses with denser layers tend to absorb and trap body heat, causing them to feel excessively warm. All-foam mattresses tend to sleep hotter than hybrids, but this largely depends on comfort layer composition.
• Pressure Relief: For any given sleeper, the best mattress for pressure relief will conform to the body while supporting the shoulders, lower back, and hips. People who weigh less than 130 pounds typically need a softer mattress that will contour closely and won’t feel too stiff. For those weighing more than 230 pounds, they often prefer the opposite – a firm mattress that supports the spine without sinking beneath heavier areas. A mid-level firmness is usually ideal for people in the range of 130 to 230 pounds.
• Off-gassing: When you unbox a new mattress, you’ll notice some faint odor. This is perfectly normal. All new mattresses release off-gassing particles that carry a chemical smell. Most mattresses will lose their initial odor in a matter of days. However, some materials – particularly memory foam and polyfoam – are associated with strong, persistent smells that may stick around for a week or longer. Off-gassing does not pose any major health risks, but it may be an issue for people with a heightened sense of smell.
• Ease of Movement: If your mattress sinks too much beneath your body, then you may have a difficult time moving across the surface when getting in and out of bed. Firmer mattresses with stronger support systems promote easier movement. However, this is another category in which body weight is a factor. For instance, a person who weighs less than 130 pounds won’t sink as much on a softer mattress and may move across the surface more easily than someone who weighs more than 230 pounds.
• Edge Support: Mattresses with strong edge support do not sink excessively along the perimeter. You’ll have a relatively easy time getting on and off the bed, and will probably feel more stable when lying near the edges. If the mattress has weak edge support, sitting along or sleeping near the perimeter may be problematic – especially if you weigh more than 230 pounds. Coils generally offer better edge support than high-density base foam.

Bear

Casper

Prices and Sizing

The price of a new mattress depends on a handful of factors. Material composition is one of the most influential factors. A mattress made with high-density memory foam, organic latex, premium coils, and other high-end components will usually cost more than a model made with cheaper, less durable materials. Thickness often plays a role, as well, since high-profile beds contain more conforming and support materials than their shorter counterparts. Other variables affecting price include the size of the mattress, the brand you choose, and whether you purchase the bed online or at a brick-and-mortar store.

The average all-foam mattress costs between $900 and $1,200 in a queen size. This is one of the most affordable mattress types. Hybrids tend to be more expensive – $1,600 to $2,200 for the average queen size model. However, as you can see below, both Bear and Casper offer mattresses across a wide price range to accommodate sleepers with different shopping budgets.

Bear

Casper

Bear’s all-foam mattresses have price-points that are on par with industry averages, while the Bear Star Hybrid has a below-average sticker price for a hybrid model. All three are considered high-value picks due to their affordable costs and strong performance across different categories.

Casper’s mattresses represent a wider price range. The Element is very affordable for an all-foam model, whereas the Wave Hybrid is quite expensive compared to other hybrid models. The Nova Hybrid may also be a bit too costly for some, but this model’s price-point is on par with that of the average hybrid. The Casper Original and Casper Hybrid are both solid picks if you’re looking for a high-quality mattress with a mid-range sticker price.

Trial, Warranty, and Delivery

Shipping

Bear offers free ground shipping via FedEx for all orders within the contiguous U.S. Customers in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Canada will need to pay additional delivery charges. Most Bear customers receive their mattress within two to seven days of placing their original order.

Casper extends free ground shipping to all customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. Those in Alaska, Hawaii, and Canadian territories must pay extra delivery fees. Expected wait time for a Casper mattress is about five to seven business days.

Casper also offers White Glove shipping, a service that includes scheduled delivery date and time, in-home assembly, and old mattress removal upon request. White Glove delivery is only available to customers in the contiguous U.S. and carries a flat surcharge of $149. Bear does not provide White Glove delivery, but the company will work with customers to have their old mattress removed for a reasonable fee.

All Bear and Casper mattresses are compressed, wrapped in plastic, and vacuum-sealed for shipping. Standard deliveries are left on the customer’s doorstep, so a signature is not required. If you request White Glove delivery with your Casper order, then you’ll need to be present when the mattress arrives.

Returns

Mattress-in-a-box brands usually offer a sleep trial of at least 90 nights for their beds. Since customers usually can’t try out these beds in brick-and-mortar stores, sleep trials allow them to decide whether a mattress is right for them before committing to it for the next six to eight years.

Casper offers a 100-night sleep trial for all mattresses and Bear provides a 120-night sleep trial, with a 30-night break-in period required.

Casper also offer mattress exchanges during the trial period. You’ll need to coordinate a return of the original and then purchase the second model separately; the company will issue a full refund for the original after it has been shipped back to them. Keep in mind that choosing an exchange ends the sleep trial, meaning you won’t be able to return the replacement mattress for a refund.

If you elect to return your Bear or Casper mattress, the respective company will arrange for couriers to pick up the bed from your residence at no extra charge to you.

Warranties

A warranty is essentially a written agreement stating the manufacturer of a certain product will cover repair and replacement costs if said product develops a defect. The vast majority of mattresses sold today come with a warranty of at least 10 years.

Bear offers lifetime warranties for mattresses, and all Casper mattress models come with 10-year warranties. These warranties are non-prorated. You won’t pay anything apart from shipping and transportation costs if your bed develops a defect and needs to be repaired or replaced.

Mattresses will eventually begin to sag and develop body impressions over time. While this is normal wear and tear, excessive sagging may indicate structural problems with the mattress. For this reason, most mattress warranties specify a “sagging depth” that constitutes a defect. Casper mattress warranties state that body impressions measuring 1 inch or deeper are considered defects. For Bear mattresses, the impressions must measure at least 1.5 inches to warrant repair or replacement.

Physical flaws in the mattress that cause materials to deteriorate prematurely despite proper use and handling are also considered defects under the Bear and Casper mattress warranties. Other issues, such as physical damage and standard wear and tear, are not covered.