

Thus far, I’ve slept on, for at least a week, all the mattresses Casper sells on its site: the Element, the Original (in both foam and hybrid), the Wave Hybrid, and the Nova Hybrid. But because of the pandemic, I’ve been trying Casper’s mattresses one by one in my bedroom instead. In typical times, we would test all eight Casper varieties side by side, with staffers in a range of shapes and sizes. We’ll keep an eye out for owner reviews over the long term to track any feedback. We also feared that the holes might limit the foam layers’ longevity, but a foam manufacturer (not involved in the production of Casper models) told us that the impact on durability was probably minimal. We’re incredulous when it comes to mattress designs that promise cooling without using an actual fan mechanism (and in fact, none of the Casper mattresses we tried ended up feeling particularly hot or cold), but the changes did seem substantial enough to warrant a new test.


The company perforated the foams it uses in its mattresses to help the beds feel cooler, Casper’s spokesperson told us. Element (formerly called the Essential all foam).The full line now includes the following models: The next year, Casper made considerable updates to all of its beds, punching small holes in some of its foam layers, reducing the number of layers in certain models, and adding a stretchier mattress cover made of recycled polyester (from recycled plastic water bottles) and upcycled cotton. We assessed Casper’s mattresses in a group test in 2019, and although many staffers loved the cushioning in certain models (particularly the then-Essential and the Wave), we concluded that mattresses from other brands offered better value. Unless you’re enamored of a particular feel, you can find a mattress of equal quality for less. But with the exception of perhaps the Casper Original, its mattresses are too expensive for what they offer. Overall, Casper sells a solid line of beds enhanced by speedy delivery, good customer service, and quite a few showrooms and partner retailers nationwide so you can try the mattresses before you buy.

Casper now offers eight options, a few of which are sold only at partner retailers, including (believe it or not) traditional mattress sellers such as Macy’s and Raymour & Flanigan. The renegade company that once promised to please everyone with the one perfect mattress continues to expand.
