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Nectar vs. Casper Mattress Comparison
An important step in the process of buying a new mattress is whittling your options down to a manageable size, and it’s especially helpful when you can narrow down to just two brands. If you’ve settled on Nectar and Casper as those two brands, you’re wisely choosing between two quality companies with a slate of compelling offerings.
Nectar’s three offerings represent a new generation of memory foam mattresses that are able to provide benefits like pressure relief and motion isolation without the material’s traditional downsides. Casper has five mattresses in its product lineup, and each features the well-rounded performance of the company’s specially formulated Airscape polyfoam.
There’s a lot to like about both the Nectar and Casper mattresses, but there are reasons to prefer one over the other depending on your specific situation and sleep needs. To help you make a decision, our in-depth comparison puts Nectar and Casper head-to-head. It breaks down their sizing, pricing, construction, performance, reviews, and more so that you can make an informed pick about which is the best bet to deliver the deep sleep that you’re looking for.
Quick Look
We’ve worked hard to show you whether the Nectar or Casper is the best mattress for you. Check out our full mattress guides listed below!
$399 – $1,249
$799 – $2,620
Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Medium Firm (6)
- Comfort systems with thick layers of memory foam deliver great pressure relief and motion isolation.
- Breathable covers wick moisture and feel smooth to the touch.
- Long-term sleep trial of 365 nights plus a lifetime warranty.
- Diverse product lineup gives customers solid choices across a variety of different mattress types and price points.
- Specialty Airscape polyfoam blends contouring and responsiveness.
- Zoned materials step up tailoring to better cushion the body.
- 365 nights
- Lifetime, Limited
- 100 nights (30-night requirement)
- 10 years, limited
Sizing and Weight Options
The dimensions of a mattress can affect your mattress purchase in a few important ways.
- Finding the right size mattress can make sure that you have enough space to sleep comfortably without overcrowding your bedroom. Couples normally need a full mattress or larger.
- An extra-tall mattress may require special fitted sheets that have an especially deep pocket. Mattress height can also affect the ease of getting into and out of bed, a relevant consideration for people with arthritis or other types of knee, hip, or back pain.
- The weight of a mattress matters primarily when you have to move to a new home or if you want to reposition the mattress in your bedroom.
Nectar
Casper
Height
12″Size Options
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split KingHeight
11″Size Options
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split KingHeight
12″Size Options
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split KingHeight
12″Size Options
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split KingHeight
13″Size Options
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split KingHeight
12″Size Options
Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split KingHeight
14″Size Options
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split KingHeight
14″Size Options
Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split KingHeight
14″Size Options
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split KingHeight
14″Size Options
Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split KingNectar and Casper both offer all of their mattresses in the six standard mattress sizes as well as a split king option for couples who use adjustable beds, so there’s no differentiation between the two brands on that count.
In terms of height, all of these mattresses fall within a range of 10 to 14 inches in height. The tallest options are the Casper Dream Max (14 inches), Casper Snow Max (14 inches), and Nectar Luxe (14 inches) and Nectar Luxe Hybrid. Fitted sheets with a deep pockets may be needed for these models, but standard sheets should be compatible with other Nectar and Casper mattresses.
By and large, these two brands don’t have huge disparities in terms of sizing and dimensions, so for the vast majority of shoppers, these are unlikely to be the central factors for choosing between Casper and Nectar.
Construction and Materials Comparison
To know what really drives the performance of a mattress, it’s critical to take a close look at its components. The construction of a bed is one of the single best predictors of whether a mattress will deliver comfort and support and stand the test of time.
Nectar
Each of the mattresses from Nectar Sleep is an all-foam model. While they share the same medium firm (6) feel and similar interior components, there are some notable differences between these three beds.
Nectar Mattress
The Nectar Classic is the company’s first and most well-known product. It has a medium firm (6) feel and is built with four layers:
- 1 inches of gel-infused memory foam
- 3 inches of transitional polyfoam
- 8 inches of base polyfoam
Thanks to its thick memory foam layer, the mattress provides well-above-average pressure relief and motion isolation. Its gel infusion cuts back on heat buildup, and the transitional foam adds more responsiveness than traditional memory foam.
The base polyfoam support core is higher in density than what is used in most all-foam beds, stepping up the bed’s durability and dependability, including in preventing sleepers from sinking too far into the mattress.
Nectar Premier
After the resounding success of the flagship Nectar Mattress, the company unveiled the Nectar Premier. This mattress is 1 inch taller than its predecessor:
- 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam with phase-change material
- 3 inches of transitional polyfoam
- 8 inches of base polyfoam
Like the original Nectar Classic, the Premier is powered by memory foam and its ability to cushion pressure points, keep the spine aligned properly, and isolate motion. The foam is gel-infused and also contains phase-change material meant to help dissipate warmth before it can build up. Beneath the memory foam layer is 3 inches of transitional polyfoam that protects against feeling stuck in the mattress thanks to its bouncier feel. A polyfoam support core keeps the mattress stable and well-supported.
Nectar Luxe
The Nectar Luxe measures 14 inches thick, making it Nectar’s tallest mattress.:
- 3 inches of gel-infused memory foam with phase-change material
- 3 inch of transitional polyfoam
- 8 inches of base polyfoam
Since the Luxe’s comfort layer is slightly thicker, sleepers will notice closer body-contouring compared to the flagship model or the Premier. That said, an extra-tall base layer helps the mattress maintain a medium firm feel and most people who weigh 230 pounds or less shouldn’t sink too much beneath the surface. This model also has copper infused into the cover. Copper has natural cooling and temperature-regulating properties, resulting in above-average breathability for an all-foam mattress.
Please note the Nectar Premier and Nectar Luxe are also available in hybrid versions. These models swap out the base foam layer for pocketed coils, resulting in more bounce, strength, and responsiveness than their foam counterparts.
Casper
Casper is in many ways a pioneer in the mattress industry. As one of the first companies to become well-recognized for selling mattresses in boxes online, Casper has played a pivotal role in driving the quality, convenience, and value that customers expect with online mattress shopping.
The company got started with just one mattress but has over time made significant additions to its product line. Today, customers can select from five distinct Casper offerings. Before explaining how each is different, we’ll start by outlining what’s the same:
The cover:
The Casper One, Casper Dream, and Casper Dream Max feature knit covers that feel soft to the touch. Snow and Snow max models are encased in covers made of CoolTouch, a material engineered to regulate temperature and feel cool at all times.
Casper One
Casper’s most popular mattress is the aptly named Casper One. It is medium firm (6) and has an all-foam design with three layers:
- Open-cell polyfoam
- Memory foam
- Base polyfoam
The combination of adaptive polyfoam and memory foam can accommodate even sharp pressure points without bottoming out or feeling unstable.
Casper Dream Hybrid and Dream Max
The Casper Dream Hybrid is constructed with a top comfort layer of adaptive polyfoam and a second layer of memory foam. The latter is divided into different zoned to place more support beneath your torso and hips.
This mattress has a medium (5) feel level and four interior components:
- Adaptive polyfoam
- Zoned memory foam
- Pocketed coils
- Base polyfoam
The Casper Dream Max builds on this design with an additional layer of polyfoam in its comfort system. This creates deeper contouring and cushioning, and may appeal more to side sleepers.
Casper Snow Hybrid and Snow Max
The Snow Hybrid is Casper’s luxury hybrid model. Its medium (5) design is similar to the Dream Hybrid’s, but with a couple key differences. These include a cover made of thermoregulating CoolTouch fabric and “HeatDelete” bands embedded in the comfort system to dissipate unwanted heat buildup. Other components include the following:
- Memory foam with a phase change material coating
- HeatDelete bands
- Zoned memory foam
- Pocketed coils
The Snow Max is Casper’s most expensive mattress option, adding an additional memory foam layer to the design that changes the firmness level to medium soft (4).
In-Depth Ratings
Because there are so many ways that mattresses can be built, it’s natural that every model has certain strengths and weaknesses. Rather than looking at an overall score for a mattress, then, it makes sense to rate how they perform in key categories.
We highlight the following aspects of mattress performance because they are the ones that most profoundly impact customer satisfaction. Of course, every sleeper has unique needs, so not all of these categories will have equal importance to you. To optimize your purchase and best compare Nectar versus Casper, consider these elements and which are your main priorities.
Durability
Longevity provides serious benefits to mattress owners. First and foremost, it means a mattress can continue to promote quality sleep without starting to sag or break down. Second, durability means that you can go longer without buying a new mattress, saving you money and improving the return on your investment. The best bet for a durable mattress is one with quality materials in all of its layers.
Motion Isolation
People who share a bed know that one person’s tossing and turning can keep their bed partner awake all night long. Motion isolation prevents this disruption because it contains the vibration from movement and doesn’t allow it to spread to the other side of the bed. Comfort systems with foam, especially memory foam, usually offer the highest degree of motion isolation.
Sex
“Going to bed” doesn’t always mean it’s time for sleep. Many people trust their mattress to enable an active sex life, but not all mattresses are up to this task. For those who want a bed that’s conducive to the movements involved in sex, a high level of bounce tends to be key.
Temperature Neutrality
A temperature neutral mattress can resist building up excess warmth in the night that can cause a person to wake up sweaty and uncomfortable. Sleeping hot can occur when a mattress clings too tightly to the body and blocks air from reaching the skin. It can be worsened if the comfort system is poorly ventilated and retains heat. The top picks for temperature control are latex and hybrid mattresses. Traditional memory foam is known for holding in heat, though newer memory foam beds are designed to try to cut down on heat buildup.
Pressure Relief
Proper support for the body requires that a mattress cushions the heaviest parts of the body and the areas that are prone to pressure and pain. Beds with moderate to significant contouring are often better able to tailor to the body’s needs and enhance healthy spinal positioning.
Off-gassing
A light odor typically emanates from a mattress when it is first installed. This “new mattress smell” comes from the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are a product of the manufacturing process. VOCs from mattresses aren’t a health risk, and to most people, they aren’t much more than a mild annoyance. However, they can be problematic for allergy sufferers or others with sensitivities to smell. Low-quality foams usually off-gas the most, but even with those mattresses, the smell normally fades within a few days.
Ease of Movement
When a mattress is responsive, it quickly rebounds to its original shape as you move and adjust your position on it. This bounce puts some extra energy behind your movement, making it smoother and easier. This characteristic is most important for people who are combination sleepers and switch up their sleeping position frequently during the night.
Edge Support
If you want to sleep securely on any part of your mattress, then edge support is something to keep in mind. A strong edge allows you to sit or sleep near the perimeter without the sensation that you might roll onto the floor. Hybrids normally have the most dependable edges while foam mattresses are at a higher risk of low levels of edge support.
Nectar
Casper
Prices and Sizing
While some people have the luxury of spending virtually any amount on a new mattress, most shoppers have to work within a budget and take a close look at the price tag before selecting a mattress.
One helpful thing for shoppers to know is that it’s rare for mattresses to be sold for their full sticker price. This price, also known as MSRP, is usually discounted at checkout through sales, coupons, or promotions.
It may also be helpful for shoppers to have an idea of the different elements that go into mattress pricing. While it’s not a strict formula, some of the most influential factors for mattress pricing include:
- The components and materials in the mattress
- The quality of those components and materials
- Special features or designs
- Eco-friendly or organic production
- Whether the bed is made in the USA or overseas
MSRP pricing for each mattress model offered by Nectar and Casper is listed below. Both companies frequently offer deals to reduce the actual price paid by their customers.
Nectar
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Up to 50% off mattresses + save $100 when you spend $1,000 or more
Casper
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Up to 60% off at Casper
Based on current pricing, both brands are comparable. They have a wider price range including more entry-level, low-cost options. The Nectar Classic and Casper One are by far the most affordable models, providing wallet-friendly options for people who don’t want to spend a lot on a new bed. The Casper Dream Hybrid and Nectar Premier are solid mid-range options.
The highest sticker prices belong to the Nectar Luxe and Luxe Hybrid, and the Casper Dream Max, Snow Hybrid, and Snow Max. Both Nectar and Casper often provides steep discounts and/or free accessories that help close the gap in pricing, so shoppers should look closely at the promotions being offered by both companies before making a final decision.
Trials, Warranty, and Delivery
Nectar
Sleep Trial & Returns
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime, Limited
Shipping
Free to contiguous U.S.
Casper
Sleep Trial & Returns
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty
10 Year, Limited
Shipping
Free to contiguous U.S.
The practical side of buying a new mattress may not be the first thing most shoppers think about, but it’s deserving of attention. Shipping, returns, and warranties are three main topics to review; this section gives an overview of each for online mattress shopping and touches on Nectar and Casper’s specific policies.
Shipping
Standard shipping, also known as mattress-in-a-box shipping, is typically included with an online mattress purchase. This means that the mattress, delivered by ground shipping services, normally arrives to your doorstep within 1-2 weeks.
To facilitate this shipping, the mattress is compressed, wrapped in plastic, and sealed in a medium-sized box for delivery. For all but the lightest mattresses, it takes two or three people to move this box safely into the bedroom. At that point, you only need to remove the packaging, and the mattress will start to decompress and regain its full size.
Another shipping method is with White Glove delivery that includes in-home setup by a team of technicians who usually can remove an old mattress if needed. Not every company offers White Glove services, but when they do, it normally costs extra.
Nectar Shipping Policies
Nectar mattresses include free mattress-in-a-box shipping within the contiguous United States. Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii is available but costs extra.
White Glove delivery is available for $149. That price covers the setup of the new model as well as haul away of an existing mattress.
Casper Shipping Policies
Casper provides free standard shipping throughout the contiguous United States. An extra charge applies to mattress-in-a-box shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. In some locations, the company can facilitate expedited shipping for an additional charge.
In-home delivery and setup from Casper, available in most parts of the contiguous United States, costs $149 and includes installation of a Casper mattress plus removal of an old mattress as well.
Sleep Trial and Returns
Flexible return policies are a major selling point for most online mattresses. In a retail store, you can only test out a mattress for a matter of minutes, but with a sleep trial, you have weeks or months to decide if your new bed is really what best suits your needs.
The average sleep trial is 100 nights, and most of the time, returns are free, providing a full refund if you aren’t happy with your purchase. For some trials, you’re required or asked to give the mattress a shot for 30 days before asking for a return. Mattress companies typically coordinate with you for a no-charge pickup or local donation if you request a return.
Nectar Sleep Trial and Return Policy
Nectar goes above-and-beyond with their sleep trial, allowing customers to keep the mattress for up to a full year with the ability to return it during that time for a full refund. The only condition is that you must keep the bed for 30 nights as a try-out period before initiating a return.
There are no return shipping fees, but any costs associated with White Glove delivery are not refundable.
Casper Sleep Trial and Return Policy
Casper’s sleep trial lasts for 100 nights and does not have any mandatory break-in period. At any time during the first 100 nights after delivery, you can request a return and receive a full refund.
Customers who opt for add-on shipping services, such as expedited shipping or White Glove delivery, should be aware that those extra charges are not refundable in the event that you decide to return the mattress.
Warranty
To protect against defects, virtually every mattress sold online comes with a warranty that lasts at least five years. During the warranty term, the company will either fix or replace a bed that is shown to be defective; however, damage from accidents and gradual wear-and-tear are not considered to be defects.
A warranty may or may not require you to cover some of the costs of a warranty claim. If a warranty stays the same over its entire length, it is non-prorated. In contrast, a prorated warranty has terms that change based on how long you’ve owned the bed.
Nectar Mattress Warranty
Nectar mattresses come with a Forever Warranty. For the first 10 years that you own the mattress, it will be repaired or replaced by the company with no cost to you if it is found to be defective. Beginning in year 11, the company still will repair or replace the mattress, but you have to pay $50 for shipping each way. The company waives that shipping charge if a mattress defect is confirmed.
Casper Mattress Warranty
All mattresses in the Casper product lineup come with a 10-year warranty that is non-prorated. The warranty stipulates that Casper will replace or repair a defective mattress with no costs at all for the customer.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we'll help you find exactly what you're looking for.