Mattresses are a notoriously hard product to buy online, for obvious reasons (you can’t try them on). These two companies have taken very different approaches to the invention of a better mattress-buying experience. Casper has taken a more straightforward approach, rolling out innovations around their unique take on the traditional mattress, focusing on lowering prices without sacrificing comfort or quality. Tuft & Needle has also taken this approach, with even lower price points and new models of mattresses, but they’ve also worked to improve other elements of the buying experience in order to drive sales.
Tuft & Needle and Casper are both online mattress brands that can be purchased directly on their websites via a simple checkout process. Both companies pride themselves on having expert teams that can fit every sleeper perfectly, which is why they don’t sell one mattress type to people of vastly different body types.
Both companies had humble beginnings starting with just one product: an affordable, all-foam mattress. As their sales and brand reputations took off, Tuft & Needle and Casper continued their product development to offer pillows, bedding, and bedroom furniture.
The Casper and Tuft & Needle mattress companies have created mattresses that offer consumers a more affordable alternative to premium mattresses. Both Casper and Tuft & Needle products have been rated highly since entering the marketplace.
Comparing MattressesFrom Casper to Tuft & Needle, these brands appear similar in many ways, as both offer their mattresses cheaply online. However, a closer look at the materials used by each brand shows more difference than meets the eye.
The Tuft & Needle and Casper mattresses are different from typical innerspring beds. Tuft & Needle’s top layer consists of high-density polyurethane foam. Casper mattresses, on the other hand, use latex foam. These differences mean that the Tuft & Needle and Casper mattresses are suited to different types of sleepers. For example, people who prefer firm support should favor the Tuft & Needle, while side sleepers who need softer lines may find themselves more comfortable on a Casper mattress.
Both mattresses have pros and cons, and no one mattress is best for everyone. Instead, the best mattress for you depends on your needs and preferences. The following sections provide the critical background that will help you pick your Tuft & Needle versus Casper winner in this heavyweight battle.
| Tuft & Needle | Casper | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range(Queen) | $499-$1,799 | $595-$2,595 |
| Firmness Options | Medium (5), Medium Firm(6) | Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Medium Firm (6) |
| Standout Features | Unique Adaptive Foam provides balance of contouring and bounce Quality temperature regulation for all-foam models Customer-friendly price point and sleep trial | Utilization of multiple materials to deliver pressure relief Diverse product line Above-average motion isolation for all models |
| Models | Tuft & Needle Mint Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress | Casper Casper Hybrid Casper Wave Hybrid Casper Element Casper Nova Hybrid |
| Sleep Trial & Warranty | 10 year, Limited 10-year warranty | 100-night sleep trial 10-year limited warranty |
| Customer Service | A+ | A+ |
Sizing Options
The size of a mattress is important to consider. A larger mattress can be more useful for couples, or for families with several children who may have to share a room or bunk bed.
Size is important because the footprint of your bed is limited, and you may need to replace or make room for other furniture in your home. Also, some mattresses are available with two firmness options, often called “loft” and “soft.” If you have a smaller mattress that you intend to replace entirely, consider how its usable space would be affected if you opted for the soft version.
size refers to the length and width dimensions of the mattress, which are normally listed as the “length x width” or using some other indicator. Perhaps the most important consideration related to size is whether a queen or king-size mattress will work in a bedroom with standard furniture. A queen-size mattress, which is 60″ (152 cm) wide and 80″ (203 cm) long, is the same length as a standard double bed plus one additional mattress length. This works in most bedrooms if you do not have an unusually deep bed frame. The added length also allows couples to cuddle up against each other at night, for those who want to share body warmth without staying entwined all night long.
Tuft & Needle
| Model | Size Option | Height |
| Tuft & Needle | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | 10” |
| Mint | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | 12” |
| Tuft & Needle Hybrid | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | 12” |
Casper
| Model | Size Option | Height |
| Casper | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | 11” |
| Casper Hybrid | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | 11” |
| Casper Wave Hybrid | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | 13” |
| Casper Element | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | 10” |
| Casper Nova Hybrid | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | 12” |
A hybrid mattress combines multiple types of construction materials in one model for added support and comfort. They’re a cross between two other kinds of mattresses: the all-foam kind and innerspring kind. Basically, a hybrid features both memory foam and coils, which helps prevent the sinking feeling that people sometimes get from foam mattresses by creating more points of contact.
The six standard mattress sizes are available for all models: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king.
Construction and Materials Comparison
The comfort system of Tuft & Needle begins with a three-inch layer of gel memory foam. This holds true for the Casper bed, and both provide a comfortable sleeping surface through the pressure relief that memory foam is known for.
Before beginning any comparison of the two beds, it is necessary to define the terms ‘innerspring’ and ‘hybrid.’ The phrase innerspring mattress is a broad term used for any mattress that uses metal coils as its support core. The phrase hybrid mattress refers to a bed that combines coil construction with foam, latex layers, or micro-coils. Both Casper and Tuft & Needle throw a curve ball into these definitions.
The biggest difference between Tuft & Needle and Casper is their construction from the comfort system down through the support core. Both of these beds have a support core, but they use entirely different materials.
Both the T&N mattress and Casper mattress are constructed on top of a supportive foam base. They even use the same type of foam, HD Polyfoam, as their cushioning material. I won’t get into the minutia of the mattresses thick foam comfort layers — mostly because both company’s layering is pretty similar.
Tuft & Needle
Tuft & Needle mattresses are offered in six different variants. The Original is a 10-inch mattress that has 1 inch of Adaptive Foam and 9 inches of support foam . This model offers pressure relief with a slightly lower height than other Tuft & Needle models.
Tuft & Needle claims that their Adaptive Foam offers pressure-relieving support without absorbing heat or retaining body heat. The brand also says Adaptive Foam won’t trap body heat, sleep hot, or lose its shape.
The Tuft & Needle Mattress is middle of the road as far as density goes, the highest being 4.8 pounds and the lowest being 3.9 pounds.
Adaptive foam is available in the Tuft & Needle Original and The Mint, while The Hybrid has a layer of latex in lieu of Adaptive Foam. In the former models, there are three different layers of Adaptive Foam which vary in density around the top and bottom.
Tuft & Needle Original
- The Original Tuft & Needle mattress has one of the most simple designs:
- 3 inches of Adaptive Foam
- 7 inches of high-density polyfoam
While there’s nothing fancy about its construction, the Original provides plenty of support and comfort, especially since it has a Medium Firm firmness that is broadly appealing.
Tuft & Needle Mint
Tuft & Needle designed The Mint to replace the Original, which added only one layer to the design:
- 3 inches of Adaptive Foam
- 2 inches of Adaptive Foam
- 7 inches of high-density polyfoam
The Mint is made for people who want to improve their sleep and decrease pressure-related aches and pains. This mattress will work best for those who weigh 211 pounds or more and prefer a mattress that isn’t too soft, but not too firm either. For people who are somewhere in the middle, there are other options that may offer a better fit.
Tuft & Needle Hybrid
The Tuft & Needle Hybrid is constructed differently:
- Adaptive Foam
- Micro-coils
- Transition polyfoam
- Pocketed innerspring coils
The coil layers on the internal side of each of the two mattresses contribute to the Hybrid’s edge support. In contrast, the Original and Mint consist only of foam layers, which results in a softer and more contouring feel when sleeping near the edge. This can be good or bad, depending on your preferences.
Tuft and Needle is a well-known online mattress retailer that emphasizes transparency. While this is good in theory, it makes it difficult to evaluate the construction of their mattresses because there are fewer specifications. The Hybrid in particular lacks information about the thickness of each individual layer, making it harder to thoroughly analyze its performance.
Casper
Casper’s product line includes five mattress models.
Casper Original and Casper Hybrid
Both the Original Casper and its companion mattress, the Casper Hybrid, have the same comfort system, though they differ in their support core.
The Casper Original has the following layers:
- 1.5 inches of polyfoam
- 2 inches of zoned memory foam
- 7 inches of polyfoam
The Casper Hybrid is constructed as follows:
- 1.5 inches of polyfoam
- 2 inches of zoned memory foam
- 6 inches of pocketed coils with a 7-inch foam encasement
By using two different types of foam in the comfort system, the Casper and Casper Hybrid generate significant contouring without losing responsiveness. As a result, these mattresses deliver above-average pressure relief and motion isolation. The Hybrid provides a higher degree of edge support and bounce.
Casper Element
Casper’s entry-level mattress is the Casper Element. It has the following design:
- 3 inches of ventilated polyfoam
- 6.5 inches of polyfoam
Like other Casper beds, the Element provides pressure relief through the foam in its comfort layer; however, it does not have the zoned foams found in other models. It was designed as a basic, entry-level mattress and provides solid value for people on a tight budget.
Casper Wave Hybrid
Wave Hybrid has the following components:
- 1 inch of polyfoam
- 1.5 inches of ventilated latex
- 1.5 inches of zoned memory foam
- 1.5 inches of zoned polyfoam with built-in targeted gel pods
- 6 inches of pocketed coils with a 7-inch foam encasement
The Wave hybrid is Casper’s newest addition to their innovative range of mattresses. This mattress uses a unique construction that combines pressure relief with targeted support in order to tailor the experience for different types of sleepers and their natural curves.
The Wave Hybrid is a mattress that can provide anyone with an exceptional sleeping experience. The mattress can contour and hold up to heavier partners. It can be slept cool, and it will minimize motion transfer.
The Wave Hybrid is a great option for sleepers that want an average firmness mattress with good pressure relief and bounce.
Casper Nova Hybrid
The Nova Hybrid features the following components:
- 1″ adaptive polyfoam
- 1.5″ zoned polyfoam
- 2″ contour-cut memory foam
- 6″ pocketed coils in a 7″ polyfoam encasement
The Nova Hybrid provides exceptional contouring for a hybrid model. The three firmness zones of Casper’s Adaptive Polyfoam are available in other beds such as the Casper Wave, but those two beds don’t offer the same degree of support.
With the Nova Hybrid, we took this support even further by introducing our Cooling Cloud Technology that gives the Nova three layers of breathable foam instead of the typical two. These three layers of gel-infused memory foam keep you consistently cool and cradled no matter how you sleep or what position you find yourself in.
Average Customer Ratings
One way to learn more about a mattress is to read customer reviews. The experiences of other buyers may shed light on whether your sleeping needs have been met. However, when looking at customer reviews, make sure to ask these questions:
The tables below show the overall ratings for the Tuft & Needle and Casper mattresses.
Tuft & Needle
| Model | Average Rating | |
| T&N Mattress | 4.6/5 | |
| Mint Mattress | 4.6/5 | |
| Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress | 4.6/5 |
Casper
| Model | Average Rating |
| Casper | 4.5/5 |
| Casper Hybrid | 4.6/5 |
| Casper Wave Hybrid | 4.5/5 |
| Casper Element | 4.5/5 |
| Casper Nova Hybrid | 4.5/5 |
In-Depth Ratings
From a distance, many mattresses appear very similar. Up close, though, the differences in construction, features, and performance begin to stand out. This section will review the key factors that determine customer satisfaction with mattresses so that you can decide which are your priorities and compare specific brands and models.
Motion isolation is a term used to describe how much movement transfer occurs from one part of a mattress to another. Two sleepers in the same bed may experience different degrees of movement if they have poor motion isolation between them. For instance, if one sleeper tosses and turns at night while sleeping on their back, the other sleeper may feel that motion with significantly less intensity if there is enough motion isolation between them.
A mattress’ contouring refers to the amount of shaping it has. A contoured mattress better molds to your body, thereby alleviating back pain, reducing spinal misalignment, and improving sleep quality. The support the body needs depends on its shape and where its weight is distributed. Areas that are heavier or at risk of more strain, like the lower back, abdomen, and shoulders, often need extra cushioning. A mattress should accommodate these pressure points to prevent aches and pains. Mattresses with at least moderate contouring tend to most effectively relieve pressure and improve spinal alignment.
A mattress can be too warm when it is compressed and hugged by the body, trapping heat against the body and preventing air from flowing freely around the sleeper. In some cases, especially with a memory foam mattress, a material’s properties can increase heat retention as well. Some mattresses can cause a person to overheat at night. Most often, this occurs because it hugs the body so closely that it cuts off cooling airflow. Some materials, including memory foam, are also more prone to heating up. Many mattress makers include features to keep heat retention to a minimum and to improve airflow around the body and through the mattress layers.
The perimeter of the mattress is usually its weakest point, sometimes even to the extent that it feels like you’ll roll out of or be ejected from the bed. This issue is most severe on very soft mattresses and those with limited responsiveness. Some beds are reinforced near the edge to help resolve this issue, which is of greater importance for people who regularly sleep or sit near the edge of the bed.
When evaluating for Ease of Movement, look for a mattress with a balanced level of sink and responsiveness. You want to be able to sink into the mattress, but you should also be able to move around easily on the mattress. Mattresses that are too soft or too firm will often feel as if movement is restricted.
If you want a mattress that works well for sexual activity, look for an option with plenty of responsiveness. When you move on a responsive mattress, it feels bouncy, making it easy to quickly move on the bed. Latex and hybrid mattresses usually have the most responsiveness. In contrast, plush mattresses that slowly rebound when pressure is removed can complicate sex by inhibiting movement.
The process of manufacturing your bed’s mattress, box spring, and other components will create some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause a smell. The smell will usually go away within the first couple days of your new mattress being set up in your bedroom, but for people who are very sensitive to odors, it may persist.
The quality of the wear and tear on a mattress after five years is determined by the composition of its construction. The padding, support core, and cover are the components that break down the most. These also have the greatest effect on your comfort level and how often you’ll wake up during the night to readjust or change positions.
The following tables provide an in-depth analysis of how we rate the Casper and Tuft & Needle mattresses for these categories.
Tuft & Needle
| T & N | Mint | T & N Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium Firm(6) | Medium Firm (6) | Medium (5) |
| Durability | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Motion Isolation | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Sex | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Sleep Cool | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Off-Gassing | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Ease of Movement | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Edge Support | 2/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Casper
| Casper | Casper Hybrid | Casper Wave Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium (5) | Medium (5) | Medium (5) |
| Durability | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Motion Isolation | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Sex | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Sleep Cool | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Off-Gassing | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Ease of Movement | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Edge Support | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Casper Element | Casper Nova Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium Firm (6) | Medium Soft (4) |
| Durability | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Motion Isolation | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Sex | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Sleep Cool | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Off-Gassing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Ease of Movement | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Edge Support | 3/5 | 3/5 |
In-Depth Pricing
If you’ve ever shopped for a mattress, then you know that prices can span a wide range. And the category is notorious for aggressive pricing strategies that make price comparison difficult.
The third thing to realize is that mattress prices don’t just vary by manufacturer (or importer). You can find significant price differences between models from the same manufacturer or even from the same brand.
Mattress prices can be all over the map. Promotions abound, which can add confusion for customers who may already be wondering why there is such a huge range of mattress prices.
Examples of these factors are:
- The total number of layers
- The thickness of the layers
- The material used for each layer
- Whether the mattress has any certifications, such as for organic production.
- The country where the mattress was manufactured
- The inclusion of extra performance elements (such as pressure relief or temperature regulation)
Competition in the mattress industry means great values are available in almost every budget category.
The table shows the retail price of the Tuft & Needle and Casper mattresses for each of the standard sizes.
Tuft & Needle
| T & N | Mint | T & N Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | $350 | $595 | $895 |
| Twin XL | $395 | $645 | $995 |
| Full | $495 | $845 | $1,295 |
| Queen | $595 | $995 | $1,495 |
| King | $750 | $1,145 | $1,745 |
| California King | $750 | $1,145 | $1,745 |
| Split King | $750 | $1,145 | $1,745 |
Casper
| Casper | Casper Hybrid | Casper Wave Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | $595 | $695 | $1,495 |
| Twin XL | $695 | $795 | $1,695 |
| Full | $995 | $1,195 | $2,395 |
| Queen | $1,095 | $1,295 | $2,595 |
| King | $1,295 | $1,495 | $2,995 |
| California King | $1,295 | $1,495 | $2,995 |
| Split King | – | – | – |
| Casper Element | Casper Nova Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | $395 | $1,095 |
| Twin XL | $445 | $1,245 |
| Full | $545 | $1,795 |
| Queen | $595 | $1,995 |
| King | $795 | $2,295 |
| California King | $795 | $2,295 |
| Split King | – | – |
The offerings of Tuft & Needle and Casper illustrate the wide range of prices in the online mattress industry.
There is a lot that goes into picking the right mattress for your needs. You need to consider price, brand, size, and of course comfort level. These things don’t all necessarily go hand in hand, but there are some trends we can see when looking at these factors.
There’s a lot to uncover when you’re shopping for a new mattress. Choosing the right type, keeping in mind that comfort and support are closely linked, and looking at price points that make sense for your budget are all important considerations, especially when there are so many models from which to choose.
Both the Tuft & Needle Original and the Casper Original have a firmer feel, but they are similarly soft. They have similar performance in that they both sleep well, sleep cool, and sleep quiet.
The Tuft & Needle Mint is a little softer of an incline with a 6.5-inch comfort system (a 3.5-inch polyfoam base layer, 3-inch support foam, 1.5-inch gel memory foam and 2-inch comfort foam) in comparison to the Casper’s 7-inch comfort system (3.5-inch polyfoam base layer, 2.5-inch support foam, 1.5-inch memory foam and 2.5-inch comfort foam).
The popularity of the Casper and Tuft & Needle mattresses suggests that they will maintain their reputation for many years to come. The decision to buy one of these mattresses is mainly a matter of budget and personal preference. There is not much difference between mattress prices, so you could easily buy an all foam mattress for less than half the price of an innerspring mattress from Casper or Tuft & Needle.
Both the Nova Hybrid and Wave Hybrid are memory foam mattresses with thick polyfoam comfort layers. But they have different base layer designs, which has an impact on each mattress’s feel. The Casper Hybrid has a firmer feel because its base foam does not conform as much as the wave-infused Nova base foam.
Regardless of how you decide to proceed, be sure to keep an eye out for a promotional or discount deal that reduces the sticker price at least 5%.
Trials, Warranty and Delivery
Casper and Tuft & Needle have not received the same brick-and-mortar pushback that has turned so many people off to mattress shopping. Integral to this was their decision to sell online only, as well as their focus on easy returns and convenient shipping.
Online mattress shopping can be almost as confusing as buying a real mattress. This is why Casper and Tuft & Needle have made the experience so easy for customers. Not only do they have transparent pricing and shipping, but they also offer generous return and warranty policies.
If you’re looking to buy a mattress online for the first time, the following sections discuss what to expect from these two big-name brands.
Shipping
Two of the most popular purchasing methods for mattresses are White-Glove delivery and bed-in-a-box shipping. The difference between the two is how they are shipped.