Nectar and Casper are both popular direct-to-consumer mattress companies. Both companies produce all-foam models, and Casper also produces two hybrid models.
Nectar currently sells two models constructed entirely of foam: the Nectar and the Nectar Lush. The Nectar is the company’s flagship model. It is constructed of three layers of memory foam and a polyfoam core. The Nectar Lush is the company’s newest model. It uses a layer of memory foam and two layers of polyfoam.
Casper produces five models: the Casper, the Casper Hybrid, the Wave, the Wave Hybrid, and the Essential. The Casper is the company’s all-foam flagship model, while the Casper Hybrid uses a very similar design but replaces the polyfoam core with a layer of coils. The Wave is the company’s all-foam luxury model, while the Wave Hybrid is its hybrid equivalent. The Essential is an all-foam, budget-friendly model.
The mattresses from both brands fall between medium and medium firm, rating between 5 and 6 on the 10-point firmness scale. This firmness range is popular and can accommodate most sleepers.
Nectar and Casper mattresses share some similarities and some key differences. In this guide, we’ll examine both brands on important criteria, including performance, construction, sizing, shipping, and more.
| Nectar | Casper |
|---|---|
| Price Range | |
| $499-$1,799 | $395-$2,995 |
| Firmness Options | |
| Nectar - Medium Firm (6) Nectar Lush - Medium (5), Nectar Lush - Medium (5) | Casper, Casper Hybrid, Wave and Wave Hybrid - Medium (5), Casper Essential - Medium Firm (6) |
| Standout Features | |
|
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| Models | |
|
Nectar Mattress Nectar Lush |
Casper Casper Hybrid Casper Wave Wave Hybrid Casper Essential |
| Sleep Trial & Warranty | |
Lifetime limited warranty365-night trial |
100-night sleep trial10-year limited warranty |
| Customer Service | |
| B+ | A+ |
A mattress’s size, height, and weight can affect the sleep experience and what sort of sleepers the mattress can best accommodate.
A mattress’s size influences how much space it needs and what size foundation it requires. Smaller sizes may be a better fit for small spaces, but couples often prefer larger sizes so that they have more room to move around.
The mattress’s height can also influence what space it fits into. Low-profile models often fit better into areas without a lot of clearance, like bunk beds. High-profile models often have thicker comfort and support layers, which may give sleepers who weigh over 200 pounds more support. Different heights may also make it easier or harder for some individuals to get into and out of bed.
A mattress’s weight can play a role in how easy it is to move and how secure it feels. Lighter mattresses are often easier for owners to move and rotate. However, some heavier mattresses may feel more secure and shift position less.
| Nectar | |
|---|---|
| Height | Size Options |
| Nectar Mattress | |
| 11" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Nectar Lush | |
| 12" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Casper | |
|---|---|
| Height | Size Options |
| Casper | |
| 9.5" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Casper Hybrid | |
| 11" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Casper Wave | |
| 11.5" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Wave Hybrid | |
| 13" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Casper Essential | |
| 11" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
All of the Nectar and Casper models are available in the standard mattress sizes. Since Casper produces five models while Nectar has two, Casper has a slightly wider range of mattress heights and weights.
While both brands produce 11-inch and 12-inch models, Casper also produces 13-inch models. These high-profile mattresses may be well suited for individuals who weigh over 200 pounds or those who struggle to get into or out of lower beds.
The Nectar and the Casper Essential are the two lightest models by the brands, and they are very close in weight. These options may appeal to sleepers who are worried about moving heavier models. The Casper Hybrid, the Wave, and the Wave Hybrid are heavier than either of Nectar’s models, so they may be a good choice for people who are concerned about the possibility of a lighter mattress shifting position.
A mattress’s materials influence its durability, quality, feel, and performance. Mattresses can be constructed of several different materials, each with its own distinct benefits and drawbacks. While there is no one best material, some may be better suited for some sleepers.
Memory foam has exploded in popularity in recent years. This material responds to a sleeper’s heat and weight to conform to their body, relieving pressure points. Memory foam tends to trap heat, but some models use temperature-regulating features to fight this tendency.
Polyfoam also conforms to the sleeper’s body. Because it is less dense than memory foam, it usually traps less heat and regains its shape more quickly. However, it also tends to break down faster.
Latex contours to a sleeper’s body without much sinkage. The sleeper’s weight is dispersed over a wider area than most memory foam or polyfoam, creating more of a floating feeling. Latex tends to sleep cool and is usually exceptionally durable.
Coils give a mattress bounce and breathability. Depending on their quality, coils can be quite durable. However, they are also more likely to make noise than most other mattress materials, and they may contribute to motion transfer.
Nectar
The Nectar Mattress is constructed of four layers of foam.
The comfort system consists of two layers of memory foam. The first layer is 1 inch of gel-infused memory foam quilted into the mattress cover. A second 3-inch layer of gel memory foam contours more deeply while pulling heat away from the sleeper’s body. This memory foam has a density of 3.5 pounds per cubic foot (PCF), which is considered low-density. Low-density memory foam tends to trap less body heat than higher-density foams.
A 1-inch transition layer of gel-infused memory foam provides support and prevents the sleeper from sinking into the core. The support layer uses 6 inches of 2.2 PCF polyfoam that acts as a stable base for the rest of the mattress.
The mattress is wrapped in a Tencel cover crafted for cooling.
Nectar Lush
The Nectar Lush is an all-foam model constructed of three layers of foam.
The comfort layer uses 3 inches of 3.5 PCF memory foam infused with phase-change material gel. The low-density of the memory foam coupled with the gel-infusion help disperse excessive heat to maintain a more even temperature. This material also contours to the sleeper’s body to relieve pressure points.
A 2-inch transition layer of 2.5 PCF polyfoam acts as a buffer between the softer comfort layer and the firm core while providing extra bounce, much like latex. The support layer uses 7 inches of polyfoam to provide an even base for the mattress.
The mattress cover is a blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex. This material is stretchy and soft to the touch. It is engineered to help maintain a cool sleep surface by wicking away heat and allowing air circulation.
The Casper
The Casper uses a four-layer construction.
The comfort system starts with a 1.5-inch layer of open-cell polyfoam. Open-cell polyfoam allows more air circulation than most foam to help keep the surface of the mattress cooler. Next, a 1.5-inch layer of 4 PCF memory foam contours to the sleeper’s body. This is a medium-density memory foam, making it more breathable than most high-density foams but more contouring than most low-density foams.
A 1.5-inch transition layer of 3.5 PCF polyfoam acts as a barrier to prevent sleepers from sinking in against the firm base. This transition layer is also zoned with extra support under the sleeper’s hips to promote better spinal alignment. Finally, a 7.5-inch layer of polyfoam stabilizes the mattress surface.
The mattress cover is composed of two main components. The top panel uses polyester, while the bottom and border use a blend of polyester and spandex for a stretchier feel.
The Casper Hybrid
The Casper Hybrid uses most of the same materials as the Casper Original, including the polyester and spandex cover, the comfort system with 1.5 inches of polyfoam and 1.5 inches of memory foam, and the 1.5-inch zoned polyfoam transition layer.
The difference between these two very similar models lies in the support layer. Instead of polyfoam, the Casper Hybrid uses a 6-inch pocketed coil layer and a 1-inch polyfoam base. The coil layer gives the Casper Hybrid extra bounce, edge support, and breathability. Since the coils are pocketed, each coil can move independently with minimal motion transferred between coils, which can help reduce nighttime disturbances when one partner moves. The final layer of polyfoam reinforces the coil system.
The Wave
The Casper Wave is an all-foam luxury model constructed of five distinct layers.
The comfort system uses three layers of varying materials. The top layer of the mattress uses open-cell polyfoam, while the second layer uses open-cell latex. These two layers are soft while allowing cooling airflow. The third layer of the comfort system is memory foam for deeper contouring and pressure relief.
A transition layer of polyfoam with targeted gel pods is softer under the shoulders and firmer under the hips to promote proper spinal alignment. It also serves to prevent sleepers from sinking into the mattress core. A polyfoam support layer reinforces the layers above.
The mattress cover is constructed of polyester, wool, and rayon. The addition of wool helps wick moisture and heat away from the sleeper’s body to promote a cooler night’s sleep.
The Casper Wave Hybrid
The Wave Hybrid is the hybrid version of the Wave Mattress. Like the Wave, the Wave Hybrid has a cover made of polyester, wool, and rayon; a comfort system with layers of open-cell polyfoam, open-cell latex, and memory foam; and a transition layer of polyfoam with targeted gel pods.
The support system is the key difference between the Wave and the Wave Hybrid. While the Wave uses polyfoam, the Wave Hybrid uses pocketed coils and a thin layer of polyfoam. The pocketed coils can move independently for deeper contouring. The pocketing also limits motion transfer between coils. The coil layer adds to the mattress’s bounce, breathability, and edge support. A final layer of polyfoam serves as a base for the coil system.
The Casper Essential
The Casper Essential uses a streamlined design that helps make the mattress quite affordable compared to similarly constructed models. The all-foam model is constructed of three distinct layers.
The Essential’s comfort layer uses 2 inches of polyfoam. This layer conforms to the sleeper without as much hug as memory foam. It also allows airflow to help cool the sleep surface.
A 1.5-inch transition layer of memory foam offers more contouring while preventing the sleeper from sinking into the firm core. The support layer uses 7.5 inches of polyfoam to give an even plane for the sleep surface.
The Essential is encased in a knit polyester cover.
| Nectar | Casper |
|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating | |
| B+ | A+ |
| Average Rating | |
|---|---|
| Nectar Mattress | 4.4/5 |
| Nectar Lush | - |
| Average Rating | |
|---|---|
| Casper | 4.5/5 |
| Casper Hybrid | 4.6/5 |
| Casper Wave | 4.5/5 |
| Wave Hybrid | 4.5/5 |
| Casper Essential | 4.5/5 |
The following key criteria affect a mattress’s overall performance. Which criteria matter the most depend largely on an individual’s sleep style and preferred position. Once you understand these factors in more depth, you may be able to determine what matters most to you and shop for a mattress that can fulfill these needs.
| Nectar Mattress | Nectar Lush | |
|---|---|---|
| Firmness | 6 (Medium Firm) | Medium-plush (5.5) |
| Durability | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Motion Isolation | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Sex | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Sleeps Cool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Off-Gassing | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Ease of Movement | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Edge Support | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Casper | Casper Hybrid | Casper Wave | Wave Hybrid | Casper Essential | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firmness | 5 (Medium) | Medium (5) | Medium (5) | Medium (5) | Medium Firm (6) |
| Durability | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Motion Isolation | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Sex | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Sleeps Cool | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Off-Gassing | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Ease of Movement | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Edge Support | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Mattress prices are determined primarily by the materials and construction. Advanced and high-quality materials often carry a higher price tag. Innovative materials engineered to improve the sleep experience tend to be pricier than materials that have been on the market longer. Similarly, high-quality materials usually cost more than lower-quality alternatives. However, since high-quality materials also tend to be more durable, a more expensive mattress could last longer and save you money in the long run.
The type of mattress influences the materials used, so it can also play a role in determining the mattress’s price. Innerspring and all-foam mattresses tend to have a lower average price point, while airbeds, hybrid mattresses, and latex models tend to run more expensive.
The size and thickness of the mattress determine how much material is needed to construct it. Therefore, larger, thicker mattresses are usually more expensive.
| Nectar Mattress | Nectar Lush | |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | $499 | $1099 |
| Twin XL | $569 | $1149 |
| Full | $699 | $1349 |
| Queen | $799 | $1499 |
| King | $999 | $1799 |
| California King | $999 | $1799 |
| Casper | Casper Hybrid | Casper Wave | Wave Hybrid | Casper Essential | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | $595 | $695 | $1395 | $1495 | $395 |
| Twin XL | $695 | $795 | $1595 | $1695 | $445 |
| Full | $995 | $1195 | $2195 | $2395 | $545 |
| Queen | $1095 | $1295 | $2395 | $2595 | $595 |
| King | $1295 | $1495 | $2795 | $2995 | $795 |
| California King | $1295 | $1495 | $2795 | $2995 | $795 |
Nectar’s flagship model comes in at a slightly lower price point than Casper’s flagship model. However, the price differences are not particularly significant, so either model may constitute a better value depending on the sleeper’s needs and preferences.
Since Casper produces five models while Nectar produces two, Casper’s mattresses cover a wider range of price points. Casper’s most budget-friendly model, the Essential, is less expensive than either of Nectar’s models. Casper’s luxury models, the Wave and the Wave Hybrid, cost significantly more than either Nectar model.
While the prices between models vary, any model by Nectar or Casper may be a good value for some sleepers. It boils down to personal preference. While the pricier models have some distinct advantages, these may not be worth the extra expense for some sleepers. Whether or not a more expensive mattress is worth the extra cost depends largely on the sleeper’s priorities and how much monetary value they place on them.
| Nectar | Casper |
|---|---|
| Shipping | |
| Free | Free |
| Sleep Trial & Returns | |
| 365 nights | 100 nights |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Lifetime | 10 Year, Limited |
Shipping – Nectar typically ships mattresses 2-3 business days after an order is placed. Delivery usually takes another 2-5 business days. Purchasers can expect to receive their new mattress 7-10 business days after they place their order.
Mattresses ship free in the contiguous United States via FedEx Ground and arrive compressed. The owner is responsible for unpacking and setting up the mattress. White Glove delivery is available at an extra charge.
Returns – Nectar has a 365-night sleep trial. There is a required 30-night adjustment period before the sleep trial begins. If customers choose to return their mattress during this window, they may be eligible for a full refund of the purchase price. To return a Nectar mattress, contact Nectar’s customer service team. Nectar will help arrange for the mattress to be donated or disposed of.
Warranty – Nectar provides a limited lifetime warranty for its mattresses. This warranty covers indentations greater than 1.5 inches, physical flaws that lead to cracking or degrading, and manufacturing defects in the mattress cover.
The warranty applies to the original owner when purchased through an authorized seller. The owner is responsible for using a proper foundation and providing a receipt as proof of purchase. Damage caused by misuse or abuse is not covered. Additional terms and conditions apply.
Shipping – After the customer places their order, Casper mattresses generally ship within 1-2 business days and arrive within 2-5 business days. The Casper, the Casper Hybrid, and the Essential ship for free in the contiguous United States via FedEx. These mattresses arrive compressed in a box, and the owner is responsible for setup. An in-home setup option is available at an extra charge.
Free in-home setup is available for the Wave and the Wave Hybrid. Casper’s local delivery partner will contact customers receiving in-home setup to arrange a delivery date.
Returns – All Casper mattresses come with a 100-night trial period. Customers are eligible to return their mattress for a full refund of the purchase price during this timeframe. To do so, customers can contact Casper. Casper will arrange to remove and dispose of the mattress. The company aims to either donate or recycle returned mattresses.
Warranty – Casper mattresses come with a 10-year limited warranty that covers indentations greater than an inch, flaws that lead to foam cracking, and manufacturing defects in the zipper.
To be eligible, the claimant must be the original purchaser and have bought it through an authorized seller. The owner is responsible for using a proper foundation and supplying required documentation, including a receipt. The warranty does not cover damage due to abuse or misuse. Additional terms and conditions apply.
