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Written by
Daniel Noyed, Certified Sleep Coach
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Comparison-shopping is an important aspect of the mattress-buying process. Every mattress is uniquely crafted for a feel that will feel more comfortable for some people, and less so for others. By reviewing different brands and models, you can also get a good idea about price expectations, delivery options, return policies, and other factors. For this comparison guide, we’ll take a closer look at Puffy and Casper, two of the country’s most popular “mattress-in-a-box” brands.
Puffy was established in 2017. The company’s flagship bed – dubbed the Puffy Mattress – is a 10-inch model constructed with a memory foam comfort layer, polyfoam transitional layer, and a high-density polyfoam base. The bed’s deep contouring and slow response create a traditional memory foam feel many people associate with this mattress type. Puffy offers two additional models. The Puffy Lux Hybrid measures 12 inches thick and contains an additional foam comfort layer, resulting in closer body-conforming and more pressure relief for certain sleepers. This model also contains pocketed coils in its support core. The 14-inch Puffy Royal Hybrid – Puffy’s thickest and most expensive mattress – contains three comfort layers, as well as a zoned transitional layer for enhanced sleeper support and 6-inch pocketed coils. In terms of firmness, all three Puffy models are considered medium (5).
Casper has been in business since 2014. The flagship Casper Original is a mixed-foam mattress with a comfort layer of open-cell polyfoam, a transitional layer of zoned memory foam, and a high-density polyfoam base. With polyfoam on top, this mattress provides more responsiveness and conforms less than the Puffy Mattress. A hybrid version of the Casper Original – known simply as the Casper Hybrid – swaps the base polyfoam for a support core of pocketed coils. Additionally, Casper offers two luxury hybrid models: the Nova Hybrid, and Wave Hybrid. Like the Casper Original, the company’s hybrid models contain zoned transitional layers to deliver more support for your body. Casper offers a budget-friendly all-foam bed known as the Casper Element, as well. Firmness for these beds ranges between medium (5) and medium firm (6).
In our Puffy mattress vs. Casper mattress guide, we’ll see how these brands compare in terms of mattress construction, pricing, performance ratings, and customer policies. Read on to learn 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) | |
| $949-$2,399 | $595-$2,595 |
| Firmness Options | |
| Medium (5) | Medium (5), Medium Firm (6) |
| Standout Features | |
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| Models | |
| Sleep Trial & Warranty | |
101-night sleep trialLifetime warranty |
100-night sleep trial10-year prorated warranty |
| Customer Service | |
| A+ | A+ |
Size should be one of your first considerations when picking out a new bed. Most mattresses sold today are available in six standard sizes. These include the twin, twin XL, and full for solo sleepers, and the queen, king, and California king for two or more people. Keep in mind you may need to buy a new support system if your previous mattress and new mattress do not share the same size.
Thickness is another important factor. Some people prefer sleeping close to the ground on a low-profile mattress (less than 10 inches), while others find that high-profile mattresses (more than 12 inches) provide more padding and comfort for their body. A medium-profile mattress (10 to 12 inches) will be suitable for anyone who wants a more balanced thickness.
Lastly, be sure to check the weight of any mattress you plan to buy – especially if that bed comes from a mattress-in-a-box brand. These mattresses are delivered directly to your doorstep, meaning you’ll need to carry it to the room of your choice without professional assistance.
Weights, heights, and size options for all Puffy and Casper models are listed in the tables below.
As you can tell from the tables above, Casper mattress vs. Puffy mattress options are very similar in terms of weight, height, and available sizes. All Puffy and Casper models can be purchased in each of the six standard sizes, making them suitable for one person or multiple sleepers. By and large, all-foam mattresses are also fairly light while hybrids tend to be heavier. Still, you may want to elicit help from a roommate, friend, or family member when carrying any of these beds.
Both Puffy and Casper offer an assortment of thickness options, including medium- and high-profile beds. Those who desire a low-profile mattress should consider other brands that sell beds measuring less than 10 inches thick.
You can tell a lot about a mattress judging by how it is designed, such as how long it will last, whether it maintains a comfortable temperature, and how much it will sink along the edges. The materials used to construct different layers can also affect how soft or firm the mattress feels on the surface, as well as how much it will cost.
Puffy Mattress
The Puffy Mattress features a 2-inch comfort layer of proprietary Cloud Comfort memory foam. This material is very plush and will contour closely to your body, resulting in a traditional memory foam mattress feel. The memory foam is also infused with cooling gel, which is intended to help the surface stay cool, but we’ve found the mattress still absorbs some body heat and sleeps fairly warm; this is a common trait among memory foam mattresses.
The Puffy Mattress also contains a 2-inch polyfoam transitional layer located beneath the memory foam. This component is designed to reinforce the comfort layer and prevent you from sinking too deeply into the mattress. The 6-inch support core of high-density polyfoam stabilizes the mattress to keep you on an even plane and minimize sinkage along the edges, though this model has a medium feel and is not particularly supportive. Altogether, the Puffy Mattress measures 10 inches thick.
Puffy Lux Hybrid
The Puffy Lux Hybrid builds on the flagship model with a 1.5-inch comfort layer of gel-infused Cloud Comfort memory foam and a second 1.5-inch comfort layer of adaptive polyfoam. This extra padding layer makes the Puffy Lux Hybrid noticeably plusher, though it is still considered a medium-feel (5) mattress. Other components of this mattress include a transitional polyfoam layer, pocketed coil support core, and a high-density polyfoam base. The mattress measures 12 inches thick, putting it right on the line between medium- and high-profile mattresses.
Puffy Royal Hybrid
Lastly, the Puffy Royal Hybrid is designed with three comfort layers: 1.5 inches of gel-infused Cloud Comfort memory foam and 2 inches of adaptive polyfoam, as well as a third polyfoam cushioning layer. This mattress is softer than the other two Puffy models, but still considered a medium (5) in terms of firmness.
The Puffy Royal’s transitional polyfoam layer is zoned, meaning it feels firmer in areas where people tend to carry more weight – such as the stomach and hips – and softer beneath the head and neck, shoulders, and legs. Zoned layers can provide enhanced support for sleepers weighing more than 130 pounds and prevent them from sinking too much. However, the Puffy Royal contours very closely and some people – particularly those weighing more than 230 pounds – will still sink nonetheless. This mattress also contains a pocketed coil system and high-density foam base in its support core. With a 14-inch profile, this is Puffy’s thickest mattress; it is also taller than all of Casper’s mattresses.
Each Puffy mattress is encased in a 100% polyester cover that can be unzipped, removed, and laundered in any household machine – though Puffy discourages washing and drying the cover more than a few times per year to prevent wear and tear.
Casper Original
The Casper Original is considered a mixed-foam mattress because it is constructed with a 1.5-inch polyfoam comfort layer and a zoned, 2-inch memory foam transitional layer. You’ll feel some deep contouring from this mattress, which has a medium feel, but the polyfoam adds some responsiveness to the surface, resulting in a light bounce when you get in and out of bed. The zoned memory foam also helps to maintain an even plane without too much sagging beneath heavier parts of your body, though the mattress has a medium feel and you may still notice lack of support in some areas.
The Casper Original also contains a 7-inch support core made of high-density polyfoam. Altogether, this mattress measures 11 inches thick.
Casper Hybrid
The Casper Hybrid is very similar to the flagship mattress, including the same comfort and transitional layers. However, its support core is constructed with pocketed coils instead of base foam. The coils create slightly more bounciness for this mattress, though overall, the Casper Hybrid is not very responsive compared to other similarly constructed hybrids. High-density foam encases the coils to protect the edges from deep sinkage. Like the Casper Original, the Casper Hybrid measures 11 inches thick and offers a medium feel.
Casper Element
The Casper Element is the company’s other all-foam model. This mattress features a 3-inch comfort layer of proprietary AirScape polyfoam and a support core of high-density polyfoam. Since it does not contain any memory foam and has a medium firm feel, this mattress will not contour as closely as Casper’s other models. At 10 inches thick, the Element is also the company’s shortest mattress – though it is still considered a medium-profile bed.
Casper Nova Hybrid
The Nova Hybrid – one of Casper’s newest mattresses – is constructed with a top 1-inch comfort layer of AirScape open-cell polyfoam, followed by a second 1.5-inch comfort layer of polyfoam divided into three firmness zones. Additionally, the Nova Hybrid’s 2-inch transitional memory foam layer is divided into seven firmness zones. Thanks to its stacked zoned layers, the Nova Hybrid delivers strong reinforcement for sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds – though it has a medium feel, and will still sink too much for some people. The support core consists of pocketed coils encased in high-density foam for added edge support. Altogether, the Nova Hybrid measures 12 inches thick.
Casper Wave Hybrid
Lastly, the Wave Hybrid is Casper’s thickest and most expensive mattress. It measures 13 inches thick and – like the Nova Hybrid – offers a medium feel with very close body-conforming. This model features a 1-inch comfort layer of perforated AirScape polyfoam followed by a 1.5 inch layer of perforated natural latex. Next lies a 1.5-inch layer of memory foam that has three zones. The Wave Hybrid’s 1.5-inch transitional polyfoam layer is also zoned with supportive gel pods that reinforce the torso, stomach, and waist while cradling your lighter areas. Like Casper’s other hybrids, the Wave Hybrid’s support core is constructed with pocketed coils encased in high-density polyfoam.
All Casper mattresses are encased in covers made from a fabric blend that includes polyester from recycled bottles, cotton, rayon, and spandex. These covers should not be removed for cleaning. If stains occur, Casper recommends spot-cleaning the fabric.
| Model | Average Rating |
|---|---|
| Puffy Mattress | 5/5 |
| Puffy Lux Hybrid | - |
| Puffy Royal Hybrid | - |
| Model | Average Rating |
|---|---|
| Casper Original Mattress | 4.5/5 |
| Casper Original Hybrid | 4.6/5 |
| Casper Wave Hybrid | 4.5/5 |
| Casper Element | 4.5/5 |
| Casper Nova Hybrid | 4.5/5 |
A mattress will perform well in certain areas and struggle in others based on its thickness, firmness, and material composition. Below, you’ll find our performance ratings for each Puffy and Casper mattress. These ratings are based on verified owner experiences from product reviews and surveys, as well as our own research and analysis. First, we’ll explain each performance category and why it matters for sleepers.
Durability
The average mattress performs for about six to eight years before you need to replace it. Most frequently, people replace mattresses because the materials soften and lose support over time, leading to deep sagging and body impressions in the surface. Excessive sinkage along the edges may also necessitate a new bed. Generally, all-foam mattresses wear out faster than hybrids – but this is not always the case. You can help preserve your mattress surface by rotating the bed head-to-foot every three to six months.
Motion Isolation
Some mattresses, including most all-foam models, contain materials that absorb movement from sleepers when they change positions or get in and out of bed. This can prevent motion from transferring across the surface and disturbing that person’s sleep partner. On a more responsive mattress – such as a hybrid – you and your co-sleeper will probably notice more motion transfer when one of you moves around in bed.
Sex
Although preferences vary by couple, most find that responsive mattresses are best for sex. Good bounciness on the surface allows you and your partner to move around freely without sinking too deeply – though a bit of conforming can also provide good traction when you need to maintain one position for a long period of time. Edge support can also affect mattresses during sex. Beds with strong perimeters allows you to use the entire surface, whereas models with weaker edge support may confine you to the middle.
Temperature Neutrality
Certain mattress materials – including solid polyfoam and memory foam – have a tendency to absorb and trap body heat, causing the surface to feel uncomfortably warm. Other mattresses sleep cooler thanks to breathable components such as open-cell or ventilated comfort layers, coil systems that promote airflow throughout the interior, and fabrics that don’t retain heat. Typically, all-foam mattresses sleep much warmer than hybrids.
Pressure Relief
In order to alleviate pressure points, a mattress should cushion the body without sinking excessively and promote even spinal alignment. For this reason, the best mattress for pressure relief will largely depend on how much you weigh and which sleep position you primarily use. Side sleepers generally need more contouring to ensure even alignment and less pressure, while most back and stomach sleepers prefer a more supportive mattress that reinforces their heavier areas.
Off-gassing
Off-gassing refers to the “new mattress smell” you’ll probably notice after unboxing your bed. In mattresses with foam layers, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that carry a distinct chemical odor are the most common source of off-gassing smells. In most cases, the odor will dissipate in a few days – but beds with dense foam components may need a week or longer before bothersome smells finally clear out.
Ease of Movement
You may have a difficult time moving across your mattress if it sinks excessively. Many people liken this sensation to feeling trapped in the mattress, and it can cause issues when you get in and out of bed or change sleep positions. A firmer, more responsive mattress won’t sink as much, and should promote easier movements – but like pressure relief, this category largely depends on how much you weigh.
Edge Support
Mattresses with coils and other sturdy support materials may sink a bit when you sit along the edges, but probably not to the point where you struggle getting in and out of bed or feel unstable sleeping near the perimeter. If a mattress has weak edge support, then you may feel less secure sitting or lying near the perimeter – especially if you weigh more than 230 pounds.
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Puffy Mattress | Puffy Lux Hybrid | Puffy Royal Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium (5) | Medium (5) | Medium (5) |
| Durability | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Motion Isolation | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Sex | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Sleeps Cool | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Off-Gassing | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Ease of Movement | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Edge Support | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
|
|
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 |
The price of a new mattress depends on a handful of factors. These include the size you select, the mattress type and materials used in different layers, and the brand itself. Additionally, you may notice major pricing differences based on where you buy the mattress. Brick-and-mortar mattress sellers face high overhead costs from operating stores and employing onsite sales staff, so prices are typically higher at these locations. Online mattress brands, which employ a smaller staff and operate few (if any) brick-and-mortar stores, can afford to sell their beds at considerably lower prices.
The average all-foam mattress costs between $900 and $1,200 in a queen size, making this mattress type one of the most affordable. Hybrids are generally more expensive – $1,600 to $2,200 in a queen size, on average.
The tables list current prices for all Puffy and Casper mattresses in each available size.
|
|
Puffy Mattress | Puffy Lux Hybrid | Puffy Royal Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | $599 | $1,149 | $1,349 |
| Twin XL | $649 | $1,199 | $1,449 |
| Full | $799 | $1,299 | $2,199 |
| Queen | $949 | $1,499 | $2,399 |
| King | $1,149 | $1,699 | $2,699 |
| California King | $1,149 | $1,699 | $2,699 |
|
|
Casper Original Mattress | Casper Original Hybrid | Casper Wave Hybrid | Casper Element | Casper Nova Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | $895 | $1,295 | $1,795 | $249 | $1,395 |
| Twin XL | $995 | $1,395 | $2,395 | $299 | $1,795 |
| Full | $1,195 | $1,595 | $2,745 | $374 | $2,145 |
| Queen | $1,295 | $1,695 | $2,895 | $449 | $2,295 |
| King | $1,695 | $2,095 | $3,495 | $574 | $2,895 |
| California King | $1,695 | $2,095 | $3,495 | $574 | $2,895 |
From the tables, you can see that Puffy and Casper each offer mattresses with prices that are on par with industry averages, as well as some more expensive models. The Casper Element is the most affordable model from either brand, and may be your best option if you are on a tight budget. This is also the firmest mattress available from Puffy or Casper.
The Puffy Mattress and Casper Original both have average price-points compared to other all-foam models. The Casper Hybrid is more expensive than either of these mattresses, but its price-point is actually quite low for a memory foam hybrid. Among all Puffy and Casper models, the Casper Hybrid is one of the best picks in terms of overall value based on price-point and performance.
The Puffy Lux Hybrid and Puffy Royal Hybrid are both fairly expensive. Likewise, the Nova Hybrid and Wave Hybrid also have above-average price-points. All six mattresses offer very plush surface feels and deep body-contouring – but for many shoppers, these models will exceed their budget by a hefty margin.
Sleep Trial & Returns
| Warranty | Shipping |
|---|---|
| Lifetime, Limited | Free to Contiguous U.S. |
Sleep Trial & Returns
| Warranty | Shipping |
|---|---|
| 10 Year, Limited | Free to Contiguous U.S. and Canadian Provinces |
Puffy offers free ground shipping within the contiguous U.S. for all mattress orders, as well as delivery to Alaska and Hawaii for an added surcharge. Casper expands their free shipping to include both the contiguous U.S. and provincial areas of Canada, but customers in Alaska, Hawaii, and Canadian territories (Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut) need to pay extra for delivery.
For standard ground deliveries, the mattresses are compressed, vacuum-sealed in plastic, and shipped in a box directly to your doorstep. You won’t need to be at home when the mattress arrives or sign for the package, but you will need to assemble the mattress yourself. Carry the box to the room where you plan to use the mattress, open the box, and remove the plastic with a knife. Regardless of which Puffy or Casper model you choose, the mattress should fully expand within 48 hours of unboxing.
Casper also offers White Glove delivery, a full-service option that includes in-home mattress assembly, and old mattress removal. This service is exclusively available within the contiguous U.S. and costs an extra $149, but it may be optimal for those who do not want to set up the mattress on their own and/or have an old bed they don’t want anymore. Puffy does not offer White Glove delivery for any orders.
Most online mattress brands do not operate any brick-and-mortar locations, meaning you won’t be able to test out their mattresses before purchasing one. Thankfully, these brands usually offer sleep trials of 90 nights or longer. These trials allow you to sleep on the mattress and decide whether to keep, return, or exchange it.
Puffy offers a 101-night sleep trial for all three mattresses. Although the company recommends sleeping on the mattress for at least 30 nights before requesting a return, you only need to test out the mattress for 14 nights to qualify for a full refund. In the event of a return, Puffy will send couriers to remove the mattress from your residence and transport it for donation or recycling at no extra charge. There are no return fees.
Casper’s sleep trial spans 100 nights in length. For this trial, the required break-in period is 30 nights. After 30 nights have elapsed, you may return the mattress for a full refund and couriers will retrieve it from your residence. Alternatively, you can exchange the mattress for another Casper model. Depending on the original mattress and the replacement you choose, you may pay the difference in price or receive a partial refund. However, opting for an exchange will void the sleep trial and you won’t be able to return the replacement for a full refund.
Manufacturers provide warranties for their products as an extra quality control measure. The warranty states that manufacturers – not customers or owners – are responsible for products with defects. The majority of mattresses sold today come with warranties that span 10 years or longer.
Puffy offers a lifetime warranty for all three beds, meaning the warranty covers the mattress for as long as you own it. The warranty is also non-prorated, so you won’t pay anything to have a defective mattress repaired or replaced. Replacement models also come with lifetime warranties. Defects under this warranty include sagging and body impressions that measure 1.5 inches or deeper, as well as manufacturing flaws associated with the mattress cover.
Casper’s warranty is 10 years in length. This warranty is also fully non-prorated, so you won’t need to worry about expensive repair or replacement costs if your mattress develops a defect. Under this warranty, sagging and body impressions are considered defects if they measure 1 inch or deeper. Other defects include physical flaws in the mattress that cause materials to crack or split prematurely, and problems with the cover’s zipper assembly.
Keep in mind that mattress warranties are non-transferable. They are only provided to people who buy the mattress directly from the brand or through an authorized retailer, and will not be available to anyone who purchases the bed from the original owner or a non-authorized retailer.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
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