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Written by
Logan Foley
Casper and Purple are two of the most well-known mattress-in-a-box companies. While they are perhaps best known for their all-foam flagship models, the Casper Original and the Purple Mattress, both companies also produce several hybrid models.
Casper produces two foam models and three hybrid models. The foam models include the Casper and the Casper Element. The Casper is the company’s flagship model and the Casper Element is a budget-friendly model. The Casper Hybrid, the Casper Wave Hybrid, and the Casper Nova Hybrid use many of the same materials as their all-foam counterparts with the addition of pocketed coil systems.
Purple’s main claim to fame is its Purple Grid comfort layer. The walls of the grid collapse and spring back to adjust to each sleeper. Each model uses this material. Purple produces one all-foam model, the flagship Purple Mattress. It also produces three hybrid models: the Purple Hybrid, the Purple Hybrid Premier with a 3-inch Purple Grid, and the Purple Hybrid Premier with a 4-inch Purple Grid.
All of the Casper and the Purple models fall close to the middle of the 10-point firmness scale, rating between 5 and 6. This means each model has a medium to medium firm feel, which is in the range that most sleepers tend to prefer.
We’ll give a detailed overview of how Casper and Purple compare, including their sizing, construction, ratings, performance, and more.
We’ve worked hard to show you which mattresses are the best fit for you. Check out our full mattress guides listed below!
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|---|---|
| Price Range (Queen) | |
| $595-$2,595 | $1,149-$2,999 |
| Firmness Options | |
| Medium (5), Medium Firm (6) | Medium (5), Medium Firm (6) |
| Standout Features | |
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| Models | |
| Sleep Trial & Warranty | |
10-year limited warranty100-night trial |
10-year limited warranty100-night trial |
| Customer Service | |
| A+ | A+ |
The size of the mattress may affect its convenience, its performance, and how well it fits in the space. Assessing a mattress’s weight, height, and size options may help you narrow your search.
A mattress’s weight can influence how easy it is to move, whether it is compatible with your bed frame, and how well it stays in place. If you are concerned about moving or rotating your mattress, a lighter model may be preferable. Lighter models are also more likely to be compatible with a wider range of bed frames. Some bed frames have weight limits, so calculating the weight of the mattress and its sleepers can help ensure you don’t exceed the limit and risk damaging the frame.
The height can affect the amount of support and contouring and how well it fits into a space. Thicker models frequently have thicker comfort and/or support layers, which may be a good match for sleepers over 230 pounds who need extra room to sink in. The added height also makes these models easier for some individuals to get into and out of. However, low-profile mattresses can be a good fit for small spaces, like bunk beds.
If you plan on using your existing bed frame, the mattress size may be one of the main factors you need to consider. While companies generally offer most standard mattress sizes, ensuring the mattress fits your bed before you place your order can help save you time and energy down the road.
Both Casper and Purple offer a nice array of options that can suit a wide range of sleepers. Casper produces five distinct models that come in three different heights. Purple produces four models in four heights. These height options range from average- to high-profile.
Casper and Purple mattresses differ in weight. Almost all of the Purple models weigh more than the Casper models. People who want a mattress that’s easier to move may prefer Casper’s options, while those who want a more substantial model may prefer one of Purple’s options.
Sizing also varies between the two brands. Casper has twin sizes for all of its models. Purple only produces twin mattresses for the Purple Mattress. Purple also sells split kings for all its models.
While both Casper and Purple exclusively offer all-foam and hybrid mattresses, their comfort layer constructions differ significantly. Casper models feature comfort layers made of polyfoam and memory foam, while Purple consistently uses their proprietary hyper-elastic polymer grid. Here is a detailed breakdown of the construction of every model in each brand’s lineup.
The top of the Casper’s cover is made with a blend of polyester, upcycled cotton, rayon, lycra, and recycled polyester from up to 45 bottles per mattress. The cover can be removed and spot-cleaned by hand with mild detergent. Casper recommends using cold water and air-drying the cover since heat could cause shrinkage.
The comfort system is constructed of two layers: a 1.5-inch layer of open-cell polyfoam and a 2-inch layer of zoned memory foam. The open cell structure of the polyfoam layer allows enough air circulation for heat to dissipate significantly more than many all-foam models. The memory foam layer hugs the sleeper’s body to relieve pressure points.
The support layer uses 7 inches of polyfoam to stabilize the surface of the mattress and provide even support.
Apart from the support layer, the Casper Hybrid’s construction is nearly identical to that of the Casper Original.
Like the Casper Original, the Casper Hybrid uses a cover with a polyester blend that includes upcycled cotton and material from recycled bottles.
The Casper Hybrid also shares the same comfort system with a 1.5-inch layer of open-cell polyfoam and a 2-inch layer of zoned memory foam, which prevents sleepers from sinking in too deeply while providing extra support around the hips.
The Casper Hybrid’s main difference is its support system. Instead of using polyfoam, the Casper Hybrid uses a 6-inch layer of pocketed coils surrounded by a 7-inch polyfoam encasement, giving the mattress extra edge support.
The Wave Hybrid’s cover uses a blend of polyester, wool, and rayon. The wool helps regulate temperature by wicking away heat and moisture. The comfort system uses three layers: a layer of open-cell polyfoam, a layer of open-cell latex, and a layer of zoned memory foam.
A transition layer of polyfoam has grooves with gel pods to provide targeted support to encourage better spinal alignment. This layer is softer under shoulders and more supportive under the hips. The Wave Hybrid uses a pocketed coil support system with a polyfoam encasement. This adds to the Wave Hybrid’s temperature control, bounce, and edge support.
The Element features the same cover as Casper’s other models, using the same blended fabric containing recycled polyester and upcycled cotton.
The comfort layer uses 3 inches of polyfoam for softness, cushioning, and some bounce. The support layer uses 6.5 inches of polyfoam to serve as an even, stable base.
The Casper Nova Hybrid also has a cover that contains recycled polyester and upcycled cotton bleneded with other materials such as rayon and Lycra. This is followed by a 1-inch comfort layer of polyfoam and a 1.5-inch layer of zoned polyfoam. The zoning provides more support for the body’s heavier areas, such as the hips.
Next, lies a 2-inch layer of contour-cut memory foam. The support core is made of a 6-inch pocketed coils surrounded by a 7-inch polyfoam encasement. The coils promote airflow and help limit motion transfer while the encasement reinforces the bed’s perimeter to prevent sagging along the edges.
The Purple Mattress uses a cover made of viscose, polyester, and lycra. This cover is stretchy so that it can move with the comfort layer. The material is also breathable to allow air circulation into the interior of the mattress.
A 2-inch thick layer of Purple’s proprietary Purple Grid acts as the comfort layer. This material uses a hyper-elastic polymer constructed in a grid pattern. When pressure is applied, the grid walls buckle to shape to the sleeper’s body. When pressure is removed, the walls spring back into position. This grid pattern also allows heat to dissipate.
A 3.5-inch transition layer of 1.8 PCF polyfoam supports the sleeper while preventing them from sinking into the firm mattress core. The support layer stabilizes the sleep surface with 4 inches of 2 PCF polyfoam.
Like the Purple Mattress, the Purple Hybrid uses a stretchy, breathable cover of viscose, polyester, and lycra that adjusts to the shape of the comfort layer without restricting airflow. The Purple Hybrid also has 2 inches of the same proprietary Purple Grid that uses an innovative grid pattern to shape to the sleeper’s body while allowing heat to dissipate.
The Purple Hybrid uses a 1-inch transition layer of 2 PCF polyfoam to prevent the sleeper from interacting directly with the coil system. The support layer uses 7.5 inches of pocketed coils, which add to the mattress’s bounce, breathability, and edge support.
The Purple Hybrid Premier 3” has the same cover as Purple’s three other models. This cover is constructed of viscose, polyester, and lycra. It is constructed to work with the Purple Grid comfort layer, allowing it to move freely while permitting cooling airflow.
The Purple Hybrid Premier 3” has a 3-inch thick layer of the proprietary Purple Grid. This layer offers similar cooling to Purple’s other models. However, it is one inch thicker than the comfort layers of the Purple and the Purple Hybrid, giving it extra pressure relief and a weightless feel.
Like the Purple Hybrid, the Purple Hybrid Premier 3” also has a 1-inch layer of 2 PCF transitional polyfoam and a 7.5-inch layer of pocketed coils. The transitional layer serves as a barrier between the comfort and support layers. The pocketed coils give the bed more bounce and edge support while allowing cooling airflow.
Like all of Purple’s models, the Purple Hybrid Premier 4” has a cover made of viscose, polyester, and lycra. This stretchy, breathable material is crafted to work with the comfort layer to promote cooling and contouring.
The Purple Hybrid Premier 4” uses 4 inches of the hyper-elastic polymer Purple Grid. This model is crafted for the greatest pressure relief. Because the comfort layer is thicker, it also has a softer feel than Purple’s other models.
Underneath the comfort layer, the Purple Hybrid Premier 4” has a 1-inch layer of 2 PCF transitional polyfoam and a 7.5-inch layer of pocketed coils. Since the comfort layer of this model is thicker, the bounce and support of the transition and support layers may be less pronounced.
Some mattress features are exceptionally important and affect the mattress’s overall comfort, support, and performance. In this section, we’ll go into more depth on some key aspects to consider when shopping for a mattress. Which characteristics are most important vary based on a sleeper’s preferences and sleep style. Understanding what traits matter to you may make it easier to find your ideal mattress.
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Casper Original Mattress | Casper Original Hybrid | Casper Wave Hybrid | Casper Element | Casper Nova Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium (5) | Medium (5) | Medium (5) | Medium Firm (6) | Medium (5) |
| Durability | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Motion Isolation | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Sex | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Sleeps Cool | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Off-Gassing | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Ease of Movement | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Edge Support | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
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Purple Mattress | Purple Hybrid | Purple Hybrid Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium Firm (6) | Medium Firm (6) | Medium (5), Medium Firm (6) |
| Durability | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Motion Isolation | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Sex | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Sleeps Cool | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Off-Gassing | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Ease of Movement | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Edge Support | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
A mattress’s materials, size, and construction play a role in its price. High-end materials tend to be more durable and often have performance benefits, but they also increase the price of the mattress. Since the size and thickness of the mattress determine how much material the mattress uses, it also influences the price. Many budget models use simpler construction techniques, while luxury models are frequently more complex and constructed of more layers.
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Casper Original Mattress | Casper Original Hybrid | Casper Wave Hybrid | Casper Element | Casper Nova Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | $595 | $695 | $1,595 | $395 | $1,195 |
| Twin XL | $695 | $795 | $1,795 | $445 | $1,345 |
| Full | $995 | $1,195 | $2,495 | $545 | $1,895 |
| Queen | $1,095 | $1,295 | $2,695 | $595 | $2,095 |
| King | $1,295 | $1,495 | $3,095 | $795 | $2,395 |
| California King | $1,295 | $1,495 | $3,095 | $795 | $2,395 |
| Split King | - | - | - | - | - |
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Purple Mattress | Purple Hybrid | Purple Hybrid Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | $599 | N/A | N/A |
| Twin XL | $849 | $1,499 | $2,099 or $2,599 |
| Full | $1,049 | $1,699 | $2,299 or $2,799 |
| Queen | $1,199 | $1,799 | $2,399 or $3,099 |
| King | $1,499 | $2,199 | $2,999 or $3,699 |
| California King | $1,499 | $2,199 | $2,999 or $3,699 |
| Split King | $1,698 | $2,998 | $4,198 or $5,198 |
The Casper and Purple mattresses are nearly equivalent in price between similar models. The flagship models are close in price, though the Purple tends to run a little more expensive. The Casper Hybrid and the Purple Hybrid are also close in price with the Purple Hybrid coming in just above the Casper Hybrid. The price of Casper’s luxury hybrid model, the Wave Hybrid, falls between Purple’s two luxury models, the Purple Hybrid Premier 3” and the Purple Hybrid Premier 4”.
Casper’s budget model, the Element, is the lowest priced option between the two brands, and Purple has no equivalent model.
Which mattress constitutes the best value depends on personal preference. For those who tend to sleep hot and prefer a more responsive feel, a Purple mattress may be worth the extra money. However, sleepers who appreciate hug and targeted support may prefer a Casper mattress.
Sleep Trial & Returns
| Warranty | Shipping |
|---|---|
| 10 Year, Limited | Free to Contiguous U.S. and Canadian Provinces |
Sleep Trial & Returns
| Warranty | Shipping |
|---|---|
| 10 Year, Limited | Free to Contiguous U.S. |
Shipping – Casper ships free within the contiguous United States. The Casper, the Casper Hybrid, and the Element ship via FedEx and arrive compressed in a box. The Wave Hybrid comes with free in-home setup.
Mattresses usually ship within 1-2 business days after the order is placed, and the customer receives a tracking number. Customers receiving in-home setup will be contacted by the local delivery partner to arrange a date.
Returns – Casper has a 100-night trial. During this period, customers can return their eligible mattress for a full refund of the purchase price. Contact Casper, and the company will arrange to remove the mattress from your home. Casper will attempt to donate the returned mattress or recycle it.
Warranty – Casper has a 10-year limited mattress warranty that applies to the original purchaser when purchased from an authorized seller. Providing the owner follows proper care and use requirements, the warranty covers indentations greater than 1 inch, physical flaws that cause the foam to crack, and defects in the cover’s zipper. Additional terms and conditions apply.
Shipping – Purple ships free within the contiguous United States. The Purple and the Purple Hybrid ship via FedEx and arrive compressed. The Purple Hybrid Premier 3” and the Purple Hybrid Premier 4” come with free in-home delivery.
Delivery times vary between models. The Purple and Purple Hybrid usually ship in 1-2 weeks, while the Purple Hybrid Premier models take 2-3 weeks.
Returns – Purple has a 100-night trial with a 21-night adjustment period. Once you’ve tried the mattress for 21 nights and before you’ve reached 100 nights, you are eligible to return it for a refund of the purchase price. Contact Purple to initiate the return, and the Purple will arrange to pick up the mattress.
Warranty – Purple has a 10-year limited warranty for the original mattress owner when purchased through an authorized seller. Under normal use and with proper support, the warranty covers indentations greater than 1 inch, cracking, and splitting. The mattress cover is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for 2 years. Additional terms and conditions apply.
Certified Sleep Coach
Logan has extensive experience testing sleep products and producing sleep content. She is also a Certified Sleep Science Coach.
Certified Sleep Coach
Logan has extensive experience testing sleep products and producing sleep content. She is also a Certified Sleep Science Coach.
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