Sleepfoundation.org is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Written by
Daniel Noyed
Sleepfoundation.org is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
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 two 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.
Price Range (Queen)$499-$1,499 |
Price Range (Queen)$595-$2,595 |
Firmness OptionsMedium (5), Medium Firm (6) |
Firmness OptionsMedium Soft (4), Medium (5), Medium Firm (6) |
Standout Features
|
Standout Features
|
Models |
Models |
Sleep Trial & Warranty365-night trialLifetime limited warranty |
Sleep Trial & Warranty100-night sleep trial10-year limited warranty |
Customer ServiceNR |
Customer ServiceA+ |
The dimensions of a mattress can affect your mattress purchase in a few important ways.
| Height | Size Options |
|---|---|
| 11" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Height | Size Options |
|---|---|
| 12" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Height | Size Options |
|---|---|
| 11" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Height | Size Options |
|---|---|
| 11" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Height | Size Options |
|---|---|
| 12" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Height | Size Options |
|---|---|
| 13" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Height | Size Options |
|---|---|
| 10" | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Nectar and Casper both offer all of their mattresses in the six standard mattress sizes, 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 13 inches in height. The tallest options are the Nectar Lush (12 inches) and the Casper Nova Hybrid (12 inches) and the Casper Wave Hybrid (13 inches). Fitted sheets with a standard pocket depth should fit on any of the Nectar or Casper mattresses, including these taller models.
The heaviest mattresses are the Casper Wave Hybrid and the Casper Hybrid. It’s normal for hybrids to weigh more, so it comes as no surprise that these models have the highest weight. Among all-foam options, the Nectar Lush is the heaviest, and the Casper Element is the lightest.
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.
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.
Both of the mattresses from Nectar Sleep are all-foam models: the Nectar Mattress and the Nectar Lush.
These two beds have the same type of cover, which is made from a material known as Tencel lyocell. Tencel is derived from the pulp of eucalyptus trees, and it has a smooth and soft feel. It is quite breathable, providing natural moisture-wicking to facilitate cooler sleep.
Although you can find the same material in the covers of the Nectar and Nectar Lush, the interior construction in these two beds is distinct.
Nectar Mattress
The Nectar Mattress is the company’s first and most well-known product. It has a medium firm (6) feel and is built with four layers:
The comfort system of the Nectar is broken up into three layers, but when you add their thickness together, you find that this mattress has an impressive total of five inches of memory foam. With this comfort system, the mattress provides well-above-average pressure relief and motion isolation. Its gel infusion cuts back on heat buildup, and the specialty Adaptive Hi Core memory 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 Lush
After the resounding success of the flagship Nectar Mattress, the company unveiled the Nectar Lush. The Lush is one inch taller, has a slightly softer medium (5) firmness, and is made with three layers:
Like the original Nectar Mattress, the Lush 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 has a unique center section, known as Aquacool, that’s meant to help dissipate warmth before it can build up and become bothersome at night. Beneath the memory foam layer is two inches of Energex polyfoam that protects against feeling stuck in the mattress thanks to its bouncier feel. An extra-tall base polyfoam keeps the mattress stable and well-supported.
Casper is in many ways a pioneer in the mattress industry. As one of the first companies to become well-recognized for selling bed-in-a-box mattresses 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 among five distinct Casper offerings. Before explaining how each is different, we’ll start by outlining what’s the same:
The cover:
All five Casper mattresses have a cover made with a fabric blend that is composed of polyester, upcycled cotton, polyester from recycled plastic, rayon, and spandex. The polyester from recycled plastics is responsible for a meaningful reduction in plastic bottles in landfills and the environment. For each Casper Original, up to 57 bottles are recycled to make the cover; in the Nova, up to 70; and in the Wave Hybrid, up to 121. Beyond just being eco-friendly, this cover is soft, sleek, and breathable.
Airscape foam:
A specialty polyfoam developed by Casper, Airscape foam is aerated with many small holes to facilitate airflow that can keep the material cool through the night. The foam strikes a balance in performance that falls between memory foam and latex. In effect, it is able to offer moderate contouring to relieve pressure but retain enough bounce to keep sleepers from sagging into the bed or feeling stuck in place. While this material is found in each Casper bed, its thickness and exact formulation varies based on the specific mattress model.
Casper Original & Casper Hybrid
The mattress that started it all for the company, the Casper Original, is still a top-selling bed online. It is medium (5) in firmness and has an all-foam design with three layers:
The combination of Airscape foam and memory foam can accommodate even sharp pressure points without bottoming out or feeling unstable. The zoned construction of the memory foam makes it even more capable of cushioning heavier parts of the body like the shoulders and hips.
The Casper Hybrid has the same design for its comfort system, but it employs a coil-based support core.
The Casper Hybrid also has a medium (5) feel, but it provides greater bounce and a touch of additional edge support that comes from the design of the support core. As in the Casper Original, sleepers on the Casper Hybrid can count on solid pressure relief and low levels of motion transfer thanks to the design of the comfort system.
Casper Nova Hybrid
Even though they have earned a place among the most successful online mattress companies, Casper continues to invest in product development, and the Casper Nova Hybrid is one of the fruits of that investment.
This newer Casper mattress model has a medium soft (4) firmness level and four interior components:
Three different foam layers in the comfort system work together in the Nova Hybrid to make sure that each part of the body can get the cushioning that it needs. They give the bed a softer feel than other models but without feeling like quicksand. Foam-encased coils promote both responsiveness and edge-to-edge stability.
Casper Wave Hybrid
Casper strives to provide mattress options for a wide scope of customers, and the Casper Wave Hybrid is their product designed for luxury shoppers. It is medium (5) in firmness and composed of five layers.
High-performance airscape foam enables the top three layers of the Wave Hybrid to provide a well-rounded mix of bounce and conforming. Beneath the Airscape foam is a polyfoam layer powered by targeted gel pods that can react to the body’s weight and offer more tailored support. The robust coils and perimeter support system give the bed notable bounce and a more secure edge.
Casper Element
At the other end of the price spectrum from the Wave Hybrid is the Casper Element, the company’s budget-friendly mattress option. The Element is medium firm (6) and has a straightforward build with two layers:
In this simple design, a thicker layer of Airscape polyfoam provides both contouring and responsiveness. It doesn’t offer the amplified tailoring from zoned foams like those used in other Casper models, but the Element provides plenty of comfort and support for most sleepers and is available at a price that’s compelling to budget shoppers.
| Model | Average Rating |
|---|---|
| Nectar Mattress | 4.4/5 |
| Nectar Lush | - |
| Model | Average Rating |
|---|---|
| Casper | 4.5/5 |
| Casper Hybrid | 4.6/5 |
| Casper Nova Hybrid | 4.5/5 |
| Casper Wave Hybrid | 4.5/5 |
| Casper Element | 4.5/5 |
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 Mattress | Nectar Lush |
|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium Firm (6) | Medium (5) |
| Durability | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Motion Isolation | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Sex | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Sleeps Cool | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 Nova Hybrid | Casper Wave Hybrid | Casper Element |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium (5) | Medium (5) | Medium Soft (4) | Medium (5) | Medium Firm (6) |
| Durability | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Off-Gassing | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Ease of Movement | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Edge Support | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
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:
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 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 Nova Hybrid | Casper Wave Hybrid | Casper Element |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | $595 | $695 | $1095 | $1495 | $395 |
| Twin XL | $695 | $795 | $1245 | $1695 | $445 |
| Full | $995 | $1195 | $1795 | $2395 | $545 |
| Queen | $1095 | $1295 | $1995 | $2595 | $595 |
| King | $1295 | $1495 | $2295 | $2995 | $795 |
| California King | $1295 | $1495 | $2295 | $2995 | $795 |
Based on MSRP listings, Casper has an advantage when it comes to pricing. They have a wider price range including more entry-level, low-cost options. The Casper Element is by far the most affordable model, providing a wallet-friendly option for people who don’t want to spend a lot on a new bed. The Casper Original is priced slightly lower than the Nectar Mattress, and the Casper Hybrid costs slightly more.
The Nectar Lush is more expensive than the Casper Element, Original, and Hybrid but costs quite a bit less than the Casper Nova Hybrid and the Casper Wave Hybrid. The Casper Nova Hybrid has an above-average price tag for a hybrid, and the Wave Hybrid is a luxury product designed for customers with an ample budget.
Nectar often provides steep discounts and/or free accessories that help close the gap in MSPR pricing, so shoppers should look closely at the promotions being offered by both companies before making a final decision.
Sleep Trial & Returns
| Warranty | Shipping |
|---|---|
| Limited Lifetime | Free |
Sleep Trial & Returns
| Warranty | Shipping |
|---|---|
| 10 Year, Limited | Free |
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.
Standard shipping, also known as bed-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.
The Nectar and Nectar Lush come with free bed-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 Nectar or Nectar Lush as well as haul away of an existing mattress.
Casper provides free standard shipping throughout the contiguous United States. An extra charge applies to bed-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.
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 goes above-and-beyond with their sleep trial, allowing customers to keep the Nectar or Nectar Lush 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’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.
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.
The Nectar and Nectar Lush 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.
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.
