Sleep Number vs. Casper Mattress Comparison

Overall Rating

7.5

Sleep Number c2 (Classic Series)

Bottom Line

The Sleep Number c2 Series is an airbed with and adjustable core, which allows it to change firmness to meet a variety of different needs.

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$999 from Sleep Number (queen)

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VS

Overall Rating

8.2

Casper One

Bottom Line

The Casper One provides strong pressure relief without hugging too close, thanks to its combination of memory foam and polyfoam.

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Up to 60% off at Casper

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Sizing Options

Size is an important criterion when shopping for a new mattress. The mattress needs to fit the frame, the room, and the sleeper or sleepers. Taller individuals may want to consider a longer bed, such as a twin XL or California king, while those who share their sleep surface with a partner or tend to sprawl out might consider a wider mattress.

A mattress’ thickness can impact how easy it is to get in and out of bed. Those with physical ailments, such as back or hip pain, sometimes find it easier to get in and out of a taller bed. Elderly sleepers frequently prefer that their feet touch the floor when sitting on the edge to get their balance when standing.

While not a common concern, the weight of a mattress can be a deciding factor for those who move often.

Many Sleep Number models come in the six standard mattress sizes, though some are not available in twin or full. Sleep Number also produces sizes designed for adjustable beds, including split king, FlexTop king, split California king, and FlexTop California king. On the other hand, each of the models in Casper’s line is available in the six standard sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king.

Both manufacturers produce mattresses that fall into a similar weight range and an average height range of 10 to 13 inches. Sleep Number also has some lighter, lower-profile options. Most of the Sleep Number and Casper mattresses fit into standard fitted sheets, which generally accommodate depths of up to 12 inches. However, their highest-profile options may require deep pocket sheets.

Overall, the size, weight, and height options produced by Sleep Number and Casper are likely to appeal to a similar crowd. However, sleepers with adjustable beds may be especially interested in Sleep Number due to its split king, FlexTop king, split California king, and FlexTop California king options.

Construction and Materials Comparison

Shopping online can make it tricky to imagine how a mattress feels, but understanding the materials and construction might give you a better idea.

Mattresses typically consist of multiple layers intended to balance conforming and support. The comfort system is the layer or layers closest to the top of the bed, which directly impacts pressure relief. Under the comfort system, the support core enhances the bed’s stability and limits sagging.

All-foam mattresses consist of comfort systems with memory foam, polyfoam, or latex, and the support core is crafted from high-density polyfoam. In hybrid models, the comfort system may include foam, latex, or microcoils, and the support core is made from springs. Airbeds often have a foam or latex comfort system with air chambers in their support core to personalize the bed’s firmness.

Sleep Number

Sleep Number has airbed models ranging from 8 to 13 inches tall. The comfort systems vary between beds, but each uses foam for cradling and pressure relief. Every model has a support core consisting of air chambers, which can be emptied or filled to adjust the firmness.

The Sleep Number firmness settings span a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the firmest. The mattresses come with a built-in technology that monitors movement and adjusts the amount of air in the chambers when the sleeper switches positions. Partners can also customize the firmness of each side of the mattress independently to more closely match their preferences.

Through the SleepIQ app, sleepers can set their firmness preferences and monitor the quality of their rest.

Classic Series
The 360 c2 Smart Bed is the most basic of the Sleep Number’s airbeds. It is composed of two layers:

• 2 inches of gel-infused polyfoam
• Air chambers

The 360 c4 Smart Bed has the same basic construction and materials as the c2 but a slightly thicker comfort system. It includes two distinct layers:

• 3 inches of gel-infused polyfoam
• Air chambers

Performance Series
The Performance Series is designed for enhanced pressure relief.

The 360 p5 Smart Bed has two components:

• 4 inches of foam
• Air chambers

The 360 p6 Smart Bed has a slightly thicker comfort layer, though it uses a similar design:

• 5 inches of foam
• Air chambers

The 360 pSE Smart Bed is engineered for enhanced temperature regulation and uses two primary components:

• 4 inches of foam
• Air chambers

Innovation Series
The models in the Innovation Series are crafted for advanced temperature regulation and pressure relief.

The 360 i8 Smart Bed consists of a comfort system and a support core:

• 6 inches of foam
• Air chambers

The 360 i10 Smart Bed is an inch taller than the i8 due to its thicker comfort system. It uses two components:

• 7 inches of foam
• Air chambers

Memory Foam
The 360 m7 Smart Bed includes memory foam for close-conforming pressure relief. This model uses a comfort system and support layer:

• 5 inches of foam, including memory foam
• Air chambers

Casper

Casper currently offers five main mattress options: two all-foam models and three hybrids. The interior constructions of these mattresses differ, but the standard cover is made with a blend of recycled polyester, polyester, upcycled cotton, rayon, and Lycra. The Lycra adds a bit of stretch to the cover, while the unique blend of fibers lets air circulate.

Casper uses AirScape foam in its mattresses. This specially formulated material is perforated to enhance airflow and limit heat retention.

Casper Original & Hybrid
The Casper Original Mattress is the company’s flagship model, and it’s also the most popular option. This all-foam model consists of three layers:

• 1.5 inches of AirScape polyfoam
• 2 inches of zoned memory foam
• 7 inches of polyfoam

The Casper Hybrid was released after the success of the all-foam Original and uses the same basic design except for the support core:

• 1.5 inches of AirScape polyfoam
• 2 inches of zoned memory foam
• 7-inch layer of pocketed coils surrounded by polyfoam

The Casper Original and the Hybrid are both medium (5) models with zoned memory foam transition layers that have targeted firmness areas designed to help keep the spine aligned. Because the Hybrid model includes pocketed coils, it is bouncier and more breathable than the Original.

Casper Wave Hybrid
The Wave Hybrid is Casper’s most advanced model. This medium (5) hybrid has five layers designed to limit pressure buildup and heat retention while promoting healthy sleep posture:

• 1 inch of AirScape polyfoam
• 1.5 inches of AirScape latex
• 1.5 inches of zoned AirScape memory foam
• 1.5 inches of zoned polyfoam with gel pods
• 7-inch layer of pocketed coils surrounded by polyfoam

Its two zoned layers make the Casper Wave Hybrid firmer under the midsection to support the spine. While the model’s three perforated layers help control temperature, hot sleepers can also add Snow Technology for an additional fee. This includes a special cover, gel, and heat bands designed to cool the surface.

Casper Nova Hybrid
The Nova Hybrid is intended to be the plushest model, using two comfort layers and rating as a medium (5) on the firmness scale. It includes four layers in total:

• 1 inch of Airscape polyfoam
• 1.5 inches of zoned AirScape polyfoam
• 2 inches of zoned memory foam
• 7-inch layer of pocketed coils surrounded by polyfoam

Like the Wave, the Casper Nova Hybrid’s two zoned layers are designed to promote better posture. Additionally, its perforated layers help reduce heat retention, but shoppers can select Snow Technology to add more components designed for cooling.

Casper Element
The Casper Element Mattress is the company’s most budget-friendly model. It has a simple all-foam design with two foam layers:

• 3 inches of AirScape polyfoam
• 6.5 inches of polyfoam

The Element has a medium firm (6) feel.

Adjustable Firmness vs. Fixed Firmness

The most notable difference between Sleep Number and Casper mattresses is their firmness. While Sleep Number’s models have adjustable firmness levels, Casper produces exclusively fixed-firmness mattresses. Depending on your needs and preferences, either option may be more beneficial.

Sleep Number mattresses and other airbeds use air chambers as their support cores. These chambers can be inflated or deflated to varying degrees via a built-in pump, thereby modifying the firmness. The pump is typically controlled through an app or remote control.

Queen and king size airbeds generally have at least two air chambers so that each sleep partner can control the firmness level of their side of the bed. This makes these beds a good option for couples who have different firmness preferences.

In contrast, each Casper model has a fixed firmness. Although the firmness of the bed itself cannot be changed, sleepers can add a mattress topper to adjust the feel. If you and your partner have the same firmness preferences that are unlikely to change, fixed-firmness models are typically the more cost-effective option.

Pricing Information

While mattress pricing may seem inconsistent, the cost generally comes down to several factors:

• Material: Since some components cost manufacturers more, the type of material directly impacts the price-point.
• Special Features: Specially formulated or proprietary materials usually come at a higher cost due to research and production expenses.
• Location: Where the mattress is made influences the manufacturer’s labor and facilities costs, and this is reflected in the price of the mattress.
• Size: Larger mattresses use more materials, which increases their expense.

Both Sleep Number and Casper models come at varying price-points, though Sleep Number has a larger selection of sizes and models. A queen-sized Sleep Number bed costs anywhere from $1,099 to $5,199. Casper beds run between $449 and $2,895 for queen sizes.

While both Sleep Number and Casper have budget-friendly and luxury models, Casper’s options tend to be more affordable.

The addition of electric components, such as the air pump and sleep monitoring technology, contributes to the higher price tag for Sleep Number beds. However, this added expense may be worth it for sleepers with changing firmness preferences and partners who each want to select their own firmness level.

Since Casper is a direct-to-consumer company and produces hybrids and all-foam models, its products are competitively priced. Casper’s lowest-priced mattress is roughly half the cost of Sleep Number’s most budget-friendly option, though Casper’s mid-range and luxury models are on par with several of the Sleep Number beds.

Mattress Performance Ratings

What constitutes a good mattress is subjective. Prioritizing the characteristics that are critical to your restful sleep is key, so it is important to develop a thorough understanding of the most common performance criteria.

Durability
A mattress’ durability affects its long-term comfort and overall value. When a mattress begins to wear down, it can sag. This can negatively affect your posture and have painful repercussions. Durable models generally require a higher initial investment but may not need to be replaced as soon, enhancing their value.

Motion Isolation
For couples, parents who co-sleep with their kids, and those who share their bed with a pet, finding a mattress that isolates movement well can result in a better night’s sleep. Certain materials absorb vibrations, thereby preventing them from traveling across the surface. Memory foam is highly regarded for this quality, but polyfoam also frequently performs well.

Sex
Beds with more resilience and bounce tend to be better for sex because they enable easy movement. Close contouring can add traction but limit motion, so mattresses with significant memory foam layers can make it difficult to change positions when needed.

Temperature Neutrality
Some materials retain heat due to close conforming and a lack of airflow. Memory foam is notorious for these traits, though some models with the material employ special technology intended to reduce heat buildup. Hot sleepers may be most comfortable on a mattress with good air circulation or other features designed for temperature regulation.

Pressure Relief
Sleepers generally prefer a mattress with sufficient cradling to redistribute pressure while also providing enough support to prevent excessive sinking. This combination helps keep the spine aligned throughout the night, which can reduce aches and pains. While foam comfort systems often provide ample pressure relief, the extent of relief a sleeper experiences also depends on the comfort system’s thickness, the mattress’ firmness, and the sleeper’s weight and preferred position.

Off-gassing
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) become trapped in the packaging when a mattress is compressed for shipment. Once the mattress is unsealed, the VOCs are released, producing a “new mattress smell.” Foam beds typically have particularly strong odors. The smell should dissipate within a few hours to a few days, and it is not generally considered harmful.

Ease of Movement
Combination sleepers change positions throughout the night and often prefer a bed that makes this movement easier. Additionally, individuals with mobility issues may struggle to move on a bed that does not facilitate motion.

Materials that regain their shape quickly and do not hug as closely to the body are usually the easiest to move on, while close-conforming components that are slower to respond to changes in pressure, such as memory foam, often inhibit motion. Innerspring and latex mattresses tend to offer better ease of movement because of their responsive coil systems.

Edge Support
A bed with sturdy edge support provides a greater usable surface area, allowing individuals to sit or sleep near the perimeter without excessive sagging. Firm mattresses, hybrids, and innerspring models frequently have more supportive edges than softer all-foam options.

Sleep Number

Casper

Sleep Number and Casper both offer an impressive array of models to accommodate all body types and sleep positions.

Thanks to its adjustable design, Sleep Number beds are available in a wide spectrum of firmness levels ranging from 3 to 8 on our 10-point firmness scale. All beds offer the contouring of foam and the support of air chambers. This balanced design helps reduce back pain and pressure buildup. Some models offer more than two air chambers to allow co-sleepers to customize firmness on each side of the bed. This is ideal for couples with different sleep preferences, though it may lead to sagging if one side is firmer than the other.

Casper offers a strong lineup of models, though the options are more limited than Sleep Number when it comes to firmness. Casper beds mostly have a medium (5) feel and feature foam layers that rank highly for pressure relief and motion isolation. The hybrid beds are a better option than the all-foam models if you prefer a bed with bounce and easy movement across the surface. The hybrids also rank more highly for temperature control.

Trial, Warranty, and Delivery

Shipping

Mattresses typically ship via the mattress-in-a-box method or White Glove delivery. With mattress-in-a-box shipping, the mattress is compressed, rolled, encased in plastic, packaged in a box, and delivered to your door. White Glove delivery consists of a team bringing the mattress into your home to set it up. This service also often includes the removal of the old mattress.

Sleep Number Shipping Policies
Sleep Number 360 mattresses ship within the United States and require White Glove delivery with in-home setup by technicians. This shipping service costs $199, but additional charges may apply depending on the distance from the standard delivery area. Mattresses are made after an order is placed, so shipping times vary depending on current demand. Shoppers can contact customer service or a sales representative for current estimates.

Casper Shipping Policies
Casper mattresses ship free within the contiguous United States and the Canadian provinces. Shipping charges apply for orders to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Canadian territories. Mattresses are compressed, rolled, wrapped in plastic, packaged in a cardboard box, and shipped via UPS. Buyers receive shipping confirmation and a tracking number. Most orders arrive within 5 to 7 business days.

In-home delivery is available within the contiguous United States and select Canadian metropolitan areas for a $149 fee. This service includes the professional installation of your new mattress as well as the removal of your old mattress.

Sleep Trial and Returns

Mattress companies frequently offer sleep trials so that the purchaser can try the bed at home with confidence. These trials vary in length, terms, and conditions. Buyers are often eligible for a full refund during the specified return window if they decide the mattress is not right for them. Some companies include free mattress removal, others ask that the customer donate the unwanted mattress, and a few require that the owner pay return shipping fees.

Sleep Number Sleep Trial and Return Policy
Sleep Number provides a 100-night sleep trial on its airbeds. This policy requires that you try the bed for 30 nights to adjust. If you are still unsatisfied, you can return it for a full refund minus the costs of initial shipping and setup as well as professional removal and return shipping.

Casper Sleep Trial and Return Policy
Casper offers a 100-night sleep trial on its mattresses. The policy requires a 30-night minimum break-in period. If you decide the mattress is not ideal for you during the eligible time frame, you can return it for a full refund of the purchase price. Casper will arrange for a courier to remove the mattress and attempt to donate or recycle it.

Warranty

A warranty offers the original purchaser protection against defects in the materials and craftsmanship. Virtually all mattress models come with a warranty, though each policy is distinct and requires careful review. Most policies cover lasting indentations over a certain depth and cracking foam but do not cover damage due to improper use, insufficient support, or normal wear and tear.

If a mattress has a problem that falls under the warranty, the company generally elects to either repair or replace it. Some companies resolve warranty claims at no expense to the owner, but others may charge a prorated fee or shipping costs.

Sleep Number Mattress Warranty
Sleep Number claims that its 360 mattresses are meant to last at least 15 years, thus they are covered under a 15-year prorated limited warranty. If a qualifying problem arises within the first year of the warranty, Sleep Number will choose to either repair, replace, or refund the mattress at no cost.

After the first year of the warranty, the purchaser is responsible for 30% of the repair or replacement cost and an additional 5% each year thereafter until the eleventh year. From the eleventh year through the end of the warranty, the owner is responsible for 85% of the cost. The owner may also incur return costs.

Casper Mattress Warranty
Casper mattresses come with a 10-year limited warranty that protects against material and manufacturing defects, including indentations greater than 1 inch, cracking or splitting foam, and zipper defects. The warranty does not cover commercial use, normal wear and tear, or damage from improper use.

If Casper determines there is a covered defect, it will repair or replace the mattress at the company’s discretion. The customer may be asked to provide proof of ownership and evidence of the defect but is not responsible for return shipping costs.

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