The Casper Original and Nectar Mattress are two of the best mattress-in-a-box brands around. Casper was founded in 2013, and officially launched in April 2014. And Nectar was launched in 2016.

These brands have made their own mark on the industry; from positive reviews, long trial periods, and good customer service. But most importantly, both companies offer superior mattresses that promise a good night’s sleep.

So which one is right for you? We’re so glad you asked!

Below you’ll find a detailed comparison guide for Casper and Nectar mattresses, including their sizing, construction, customer ratings, and performance in key areas. Both brands offer multiple mattress models but we’re going to specifically draw attention to their flagship foam models for an in-depth comparison.

Our Initial Thoughts: Casper vs. Nectar

Right out of the gate, we want to give you the information you need if you’re ready to make a decision. The truth is, both mattresses are similar in the benefits they provide to sleepers.

Casper mattresses are good for….
  • People on a tight budget
  • People who want a balanced foam feel
  • Combination sleepers
  • Couples sensitive to movement
  • Those with shoulder, back and neck pain
Nectar mattresses are good for…
  • Light and medium-weight side, back or stomach sleepers
  • Couples who wake up easily due to movement
  • Those looking for pressure relief
  • People who want a medium firm mattress that conforms
  • Those who sleep hot on all-foam beds

The Original Casper mattress is best for sleepers who want support and cooling. It’s designed to support a variety of body shapes and weights.

Depending on your material preference, you can either choose from a durable all-foam or hybrid base if you want a bit more bounce. Both are engineered to prevent sinking and sagging.

  • Firmness: Medium (5 – 5.5)

  • Mattress type: All-foam or hybrid

  • Price Range: $595 – $1,295

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How is the Casper Mattress built?

This model is constructed of a three layer zoned support system to provide spinal alignment, pressure relief and motion isolation. This means it’s perfect for any sleeping position and those looking from relief from aches and pains.

  • The 1.5” top layer is made from breathable polyurethane foam.
  • The transition layer is 2” of zoned memory foam to provide targeted support and firmness around the hips and waist.
  • The durable 7” base is either made from high-density polyfoam (memory foam) or pocketed coils encased in polyfoam (hybrid) to provide even support.

To maximize cooling and reduce heat while you sleep, the top layer is made from perforated breathable foam.

Bonuses

They offer fast and free shipping, a 100-night risk-free trial, and a 10-year limited warranty for ultimate reassurance. We also love that Casper’s all foams are certified by the CertiPUR-US Program. This means that their mattresses are made without ozone depleting chemicals. Casper is committed to high environmental safety standards by using up to 57 recycled bottles in the cover of this mattress.

The Nectar Mattress

The Nectar Mattress is made with thick layers of memory foam, making it an excellent model for soft pressure relief. It has a dense memory foam feeling, so it’s best for sleepers who want to feel like they are slowly sinking into their mattress. Some people find this helps to quickly induce sleep.

Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
  • Firmness: Medium-firm (6 – 6.5)

  • Mattress type: All-foam

  • Price Range: $798 – $1,398

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How is the Nectar Mattress built?

This model is constructed with four layers of foam to provide both support and pressure relief. It’s a safe choice for most sleepers that are looking for a conforming memory foam mattress that sleeps cool, minimizes motion transfer and provides exceptional cushioning.

  • The top cover is a blend of breathable tencel and cotton, further quilted with 1” of gel-infused memory foam to provide immediate comfort.
  • Then comes a 3” comfort layer made from low-density memory foam that is slow-moving for ultimate pressure relief.
  • Next is a 1-inch adaptive response transition layer made from dense memory foam.
  • Finally comes 6” of high-density polyfoam to give the bed stability and shape.

Their adaptive memory foam layer is designed to help relieve common pressure points beneath your shoulders, hips, and legs for better spinal alignment on any body type.

Bonuses

Nectar offers fast and free shipping, a 365-night risk-free trial, free returns and a forever warranty. We also love that Nectar’s materials are CertiPUR-US certified. You can feel rest assured that you’re protected against allergens and sleeping on durable, non-toxic materials.

Let’s compare:

Casper Original Mattress

The Nectar Mattress

Our pick for: Best Overall Best for Pain Relief
Firmness: Medium (5 – 5.5) Medium-firm (6 – 6.5)
What we liked:
  • Ideal for people who want good body contouring and bounce
  • Promotes airflow for hot sleepers
  • Good motion isolation for couples
  • Helps with back and shoulder pain
  • Ultra soft construction
  • Plush feeling for deep pressure relief and body contouring
  • 365-day sleep trial period
  • Good motion isolation for couples who wake up easily due to movement
  • Made with gel-infused memory materials for airflow
Things to consider:
  • Sleepers over 230 pounds may need stronger support or the hybrid model
  • Not firm enough for stomach sleepers
  • Lacks responsiveness compared to innerspring and hybrid mattresses
  • Will retain more heat than some might find comfortable
  • The deeper hug of memory foam makes it harder to switch positions
  • Has a minimal level of bounce
  • Not firm enough for heavier sleepers or strict stomach sleepers
Materials and Construction 5/5 stars 5/5 stars
Durability 3/5 stars 3/5 stars
Temperature Neutrality 3/5 stars 3/5 stars
Responsiveness 4/5 stars 3/5 stars
Edge Support 3/5 stars 3/5 stars
Off-gassing 3/5 stars 3/5 stars
Pressure Relief 4/5 stars 4/5 stars
Motion Isolation 4/5 stars 5/5 stars
Sex 3/5 stars 2/5 stars
Star rating on Amazon 4.5/5 (159 ratings) 4.3/5 (2,266 ratings)
Price $1,095 (Queen)
*available in all sizes
$1198 (Queen)
*available in all sizes

See how the Casper Original Mattress and The Nectar Mattress compare to other mattresses in our Best Memory Foam Mattress page.

Performance Ratings

We take a closer look at each performance rating below. These ratings are based on thorough research and reviews from mattress owners and trustworthy external sources.

Materials and construction

The material quality and mattress construction is an important element to look at closely because it determines the value of all other characteristics that we get into below.

While both Casper and Nectar’s flagship mattresses are made from all-foam materials, their construction differs slightly from one another. Though it’s comforting to know that both brands use CertiPUR-US certified materials, which means they are intentional with providing customers a high-quality mattress and sleep experience.

Their designs are both incredibly unique, but they both boast a similar base foam support layer made from high-density polyfoam. The most considerable difference between the two is that they use different types of foam in the comfort layers, which ultimately gives them a different feeling.

The Casper mattress features a zoned construction while the Nectar mattress has a layer of gel infused memory foam, then a layer of adaptive memory foam.

THE CASPER ORIGINAL

Materials and Construction rating:
5/5 stars


Mattress height:
11 inches


Details:

  • Cover: a knit stretch material made from recycled polyester, polyester, upcycled cotton, rayon and lycra
  • Comfort layers: one 1.5” open-cell polyfoam layer followed by a 2” zoned memory foam layer.
  • Support layer: 7” of polyfoam to provide shape and stability
THE NECTAR MATTRESS

Materials and Construction rating:
5/5 stars


Mattress height:
11 inches


Details:

  • Cover: The top cover is a blend of cotton and cooling tencel then quilted with 1” of gel-infused memory foam
  • Comfort layer: Next is 3” of low-density memory foam that has a slow-moving response
  • Transitional layer: 1” of Adaptive memory foam
  • Support layer: 6” of high-density polyfoam to stabilize and maintain an even surface

Durability

Durability organically follows materials and construction because it’s heavily influenced by them. This factor is determined by how long the product maintains its structure integrity and comfort before it begins to deteriorate. Given that the average mattress lifespan is 8 years, this is a significant element because it could signal how much longer you can have your mattress in a good condition.

When it comes to the Casper and Nectar mattress, they run pretty side-by-side in the durability department. Both are all-foam mattresses that are made with high-density foams. That being said, it’s common for memory foam mattresses to become softer over a long period of time compared to innerspring or hybrid models. You can expect both mattresses to last anywhere from seven to ten years.

THE CASPER ORIGINAL

Durability rating:
3/5 stars


Details:
While the Casper mattress is made with a strong support system, most all-foam beds show body impressions over time. The thick and dense support layer is key to promoting durability and a long lifespan.

THE NECTAR MATTRESS

Durability rating:
3/5 stars


Details:
The Nectar mattress is made with dense foam layers to provide above-average durability for an all-foam mattress. Even though the foam in the support core is high-density polyfoam, without coils, it may not have the exact same lasting durability as other mattresses.

Temperature Neutrality

This trait is especially pertinent for hot sleepers and those who live in warmer climates. A mattress’s cooling and temperature control all contribute to a mattress’s overall breathability. It refers to how much body heat a mattress retains, and this could be influenced by the materials and layer thickness.

Foam materials are notorious for trapping heat compared to other materials. Considering the Casper and Nectar mattress are made with memory foam, they have pretty decent airflow and rank similarity in temperature neutrality.

The Casper mattress traps less body heat compared to other memory foam mattresses because it’s constructed with Airscape technology to promote more airflow to the top of the mattress. The Nectar Mattress is made with a breathable cover and gel foam to pull heat away from the body.

The Casper mattress provides slightly more cooling relief than Nectar, but it’s important to note that both mattresses still sleep somewhat warm.

THE CASPER ORIGINAL

Temperature control rating:
3/5 stars


Details:
This model sleeps cooler than other all-foam models thanks to its top comfort polyfoam layer that contains Airscape technology to promote more airflow. The second layer of the comfort system is also more breathable than other high-density foams.

THE NECTAR MATTRESS

Temperature control rating:
3/5 stars


Details:
This mattress is fairly temperature neutral. Both the Tencel cover and cooling gel infusion throughout the comfort layers helps prevent the mattress from feeling too hot. Those who really struggle with overheating may find this mattress doesn’t help them.

Responsiveness

This trait refers to how well a mattress can tailor its support to different parts of your body, adjust to your movements and bounce back to its original form. The level of a mattress’s responsiveness determines how easily you can move across a mattress. This is especially important for those who have mobility issues or change sleep positions frequently during the night.

Casper’s mattress is slightly more responsive and bouncier than Nectar’s. It provides a gentle cradle close to the surface, leaving sleepers to feel more “on top” of the mattress in comparison to the Nectar mattress that provides a deeper, slow-responding hug.

THE CASPER ORIGINAL

Responsiveness rating:
4/5 stars


Details:
The two top layers made from polyfoam and zoned memory foam spring back quickly than other memory foam mattresses. It contours to the body but makes it easy for you to freely move without feeling trapped.

THE NECTAR MATTRESS

Responsiveness rating:
3/5 stars


Details:
Nectar’s memory foam layers hold you more inside of the mattress. And while there is some responsiveness in the transition layer made from Adaptive memory foam, it will still provide more of a plush, body conforming hug.

Edge support

This mattress trait refers to how sturdy and strong the perimeters of a mattress are. If the edges aren’t strong, you might feel like you’re rolling off the edge if you get too close. As such, adequate edge support is the degree to which a mattress supports body weight around the perimeter. If you have trouble getting out of bed or sleep with a partner, it’s important to have full use of the full mattress surface.

As is typical for most bed-in-a-box memory foam mattresses, both do not excel that much in this category. Casper has good edge support thanks to its support core, though you will feel some compression around the perimeter over time. On the other hand, Nectar’s mattress comes with slightly better edge support due to its dense memory foam layers.

THE CASPER ORIGINAL

Edge Support rating:
3/5 stars


Details:
Like most all-foam mattresses, the Casper mattress edges do sink a bit. But the thick support core in its composition gives the edges a sturdier feel compared to most. But heavier sleepers will likely experience more sinkage. The hybrid model can help combat this.

THE NECTAR MATTRESS

Edge Support rating:
3/5 stars


Details:
Nectar’s edge support is pretty impressive for an all-foam mattress. The edges feel pretty sturdy and secure when sitting or lying down on the perimeter. And you won’t feel like you’re falling off the bed as you approach the edges. Though over time, you may notice more compression.

Off-gassing

Most new mattresses will emit a slight odor once they are removed from their packaging. This is also known as off-gassing, which derives from volatile organic compounds (VOCs); otherwise known as a “new mattress smell”. While off-gassing odors are non-toxic, they can still be unpleasant and problematic for sleepers who are sensitive to smells or have chemical allergies. Mattresses that contain solid memory foam and polyfoam materials are most likely to off-gas.

As such, you can expect some initial mild off-gassing with both of these mattresses, though after a couple of days it should wear off.

THE CASPER ORIGINAL

Off-gassing rating:
3/5 stars


Details:
The Casper mattress has a more moderate initial off-gas after unboxing that can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. But it should not be a persistent issue, especially if you leave your mattress in a well-ventilated room.

THE NECTAR MATTRESS

Off-gassing rating:
3/5 stars


Details:
Mild off-gassing odors are likely to be present upon opening up the mattress and taking off the plastic, but will dissipate faster than most memory foam models.

Pressure Relief

Pressure relief is a characteristic that most people look for in a mattress. It’s usually one of the traits most responsible for a restful night’s sleep because it refers to how well a mattress contours to your body, promotes better spinal alignment and relieves tension at pressure points like the hips, lower back and shoulders.

Adequate pressure relief is important for comfort, especially for those who struggle with pain.

Both mattresses shine with their level of pressure relief. Sleepers who experience pressure points towards their hips and shoulders will appreciate the support and weight distribution that Nectar and Casper provide.

THE CASPER ORIGINAL

Pressure Relief rating:
4/5 stars


Details:
This mattress has a tri-zoned memory foam layer that does a good job at conforming close to the sleeper’s body and redistributing body weight evenly. For heavier sleepers over 230 pounds or stomach sleepers, it may be too soft.

THE NECTAR MATTRESS

Pressure Relief rating:
4/5 stars


Details:
The Nectar mattress’ thick layers of memory foam and deep contouring properties will distribute your weight evenly and target pressure relief in the neck, shoulders and hips.

Motion Isolation

Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress absorbs motion across the surface; therefore, it’s an important mattress trait if you sleep with a partner, child or even a pet. If one person is a light sleeper or has a different schedule or sleep-wake cycle, then superb motion isolation helps to reduce those interferences.

Good motion isolation in all-foam mattresses is very common. Therefore, both Casper and Nectar’s mattress minimize motion transfer to a significant extent, making them perfect options for people who sleep with a partner or pet. However, the Nectar mattress is a cut above Casper in this regard.

THE CASPER ORIGINAL

Motion Isolation rating:
4/5 stars


Details:
Casper does a pretty good job at isolation motion. The two-layer comfort system absorbs movement instead of transferring it across the surface. The polyfoam top layer has a slightly bouncy feel but still reduces motion transfer because of the layer of memory foam underneath.

THE NECTAR MATTRESS

Motion Isolation rating:
5/5 stars


Details:
You can count on Nectar’s mattress for providing superior motion isolation. With four layers of high density memory foam, it does an excellent job at reducing movement across the mattress surface. The slow-moving memory foam is a material that cuts down and absorbs motion really well.

Sex

We’re not going to dance around the fact that mattresses are used for more than just sleeping. While each person or couple may be looking for something different, generally the most important traits that go into establishing whether a mattress has a good rating for sex are: bounce, responsiveness and edge support.

Both Casper and Nectar’s flagship models don’t have the springiness that a hybrid or innerspring mattress would have. As such, people looking for a mattress that is responsive enough for bedroom activities may find something better elsewhere. But between these two mattresses, Casper’s will be more conducive because it’s easier to move around on.

THE CASPER ORIGINAL

Sex performance rating:
3/5 stars


Details:
While the Casper mattress is responsive and comfortable, it’s not particularly bouncy. But it’s noise-free when it bears weight so it’s a good mattress if you want to be discreet.

THE NECTAR MATTRESS

Sex performance rating:
2/5 stars


Details:
The Nectar mattress might have a bit of bounce, but it’s very limited like many all-foam models, especially considering the deep cradling feeling that it produces.

Sleep position ratings

series of woman in various sleeping poses

Side sleepers

Under 130 lbs. 130 – 230 lbs. Above 230 lbs.
Casper 4/5 stars 4/5 stars 3/5 stars
Nectar 3/5 stars 4/5 stars 4/5 stars

Casper’s conforming and pressure relief properties help contour a side sleeper’s body. The zoned layer helps maintain spinal alignment by providing a significant cushion to the shoulders and hips.

The Nectar is good at providing pressure relief and comfort for side sleepers at most weight groups. It has a much softer feeling due to the slower responding memory foam materials. Therefore, curvier pressure points of your body, like the hips and shoulders, will feel supported. This makes it an especially good mattress for arthritis sufferers.

Back sleepers

Under 130 lbs. 130 – 230 lbs. Above 230 lbs.
Casper 4/5 stars 4/5 stars 3/5 stars
Nectar 4/5 stars 4/5 stars 4/5 stars

Casper’s firmness is on the softer side, but back sleepers under 230 lbs who want a softer, cushion feel will appreciate this mattress. The memory foam layer is zoned, therefore it prevents sinkage in the midsection. Though, heavier sleepers might sink in too deeply around the hip area.

Back sleepers will appreciate the balance of comfort, support and contouring that the Nectar mattress offers. Not to mention, because it has a medium firm feeling, it will be less likely to sag compared to softer memory foam models. This allows the back and spine to be cradled, which helps to disperse pressure, especially around the hips. As a result, the Nectar mattress can adequately provide good lumbar support for most back sleepers at any weight.

Stomach sleepers

Under 130 lbs. 130 – 230 lbs. Above 230 lbs.
Casper 3/5 stars 3/5 stars 2/5 stars
Nectar 3/5 stars 4/5 stars 3/5 stars

When it comes to stomach sleeping, you’re usually putting a lot more pressure on the midsection. If your hips sink too far into the mattress, you’re at risk of pushing your spine out of alignment. Casper’s zoned layer will provide support around the midsection but it might not be enough for heavier sleepers.

The soft, plush feeling of the Nectar mattress will probably not work as well for strict stomach sleepers. Mattresses that are too soft will often put additional strain on a sleepers spine. While it is a medium-firm mattress, you could experience some dipping around your midsection due to the layers of memory foam.

What do the Casper and Nectar Mattresses Feel Like?

The Casper mattress has a medium, close body conforming feel with a fair amount of bounce. The benefit of a top polyfoam layer is its softness and responsiveness. Because of its thick foam comfort layers, it feels relieving for sleepers who experience frequent aches and pains. But people who weigh more than 230 pounds might find that this mattress feels too soft. For this reason, they may want to consider the mattress in a hybrid model.

The Nectar mattress has a medium-firm feel, classic memory foam feeling that is slow moving to weight and pressure. Because it’s made with thick top layers of memory foam, it offers sleepers more plush softness. When you sleep or lie on it, you can feel that it’s providing good contouring to the shape of your body, making it a great option for side or back sleepers that typically suffer from joint pain.

Casper trial, warranty and delivery policies

Where can I buy the Casper mattress?
The Casper mattress is available on their website, Amazon, Target, and brick-and-mortar Casper sleep shop locations around the U.S.

Where do they ship?
They sell their mattresses to Canada and all 50 states. Free standard shipping is offered to all customers in the 48 contiguous U.S. and most of Canada. They charge for shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and Northern Canada (Yukon, Northwest and Nunavut Territories).

How long is the trial period?
Caspers offers customers a 100-day trial period. This trial does not require a break-in period. Any eligible mattresses can be returned for full price, including shipping fees, by contacting Casper’s customer support team within this time. They will arrange for someone to pick up the mattress and it will either be recycled or donated to charity.

What is Casper’s warranty policy?
Casper’s mattresses come with a 10-year limited warranty. This warranty protects you from defects that include indentations deepers than 1 inch, physical flaws that cause the mattress material to split and cover zipper defects.

Nectar trial, warranty and delivery policies

Where can I buy the Nectar mattress?
Nectar’s mattresses are available for purchase on their website, Amazon, and over 1,000 mattress stores across the U.S.

Where do they ship?
Nectar offers free shipping to anywhere within the contiguous U.S., not including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. They will, however, ship to Alaska and Hawaii for an additional $150.

How long is the trial period?
Nectar sets the industry standard high with a 365-night sleep trial. By then, you’ll have used your mattress for a full year before committing.

What is Nectar’s warranty policy?
Related to their industry standard trial period, they also have an industry standard in their Forever Warranty. This means that if you’ve purchased a Nectar mattress and it breaks from normal use, they will replace it at no extra charge—whether it’s 10, 20 or 30 years later.

Prices & Sizing

Casper

CASPER: Original Mattress Original hybrid Wave Hybrid Nova Hybrid Mattress
Twin $595 $695 $1,495 $1,095
Twin XL $695 $795 $1,695 $1,245
Full/Double $995 $1,195 $2,395 $1,795
Queen $1,095 $1,295 $2,595 $1,995
King $1,295 $1,495 $2,995 $2,295
Cal King $1,295 $1,495 $2,995 $2,295
Firmness option 5.5 5.5 4.5 4.5
Sleep trial 100 nights 100 nights 100 nights 100 nights
Warranty Length 10 years, limited 10 years, limited 10 years, limited 10 years, limited

Standout features:

Original Mattress Original hybrid Wave Hybrid Nova Hybrid Mattress
-top layer of perforated breathable foam to keep you cool
-a zoned support layer to align the spine
-top layer or perforated breathable foam to reduce heat
-firmer foam under the hips, waist and lower back
-a thin coating of gel for extra airflow
-gel pods under the waist and lower back to help keep spine aligned
-four more zones of support are added for extra pressure relief
-a plush but breathable foam top layer

Nectar

NECTAR: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress Nectar Lush Mattress
Twin $798 $1398
Twin XL $868 $1448
Full/Double $1098 $1748
Queen $1198 $1898
King $1398 $2198
Cal King $1398 $2198
Firmness option 6.5 6.5
Sleep trial 365 nights 365 nights
Warranty Length Forever Forever

Standout features:

Nectar Memory Foam Mattress Nectar Lush Mattress
-top cover is made from Quilted Cooling Tencel
-contouring and comforting gel memory foam
-dual action cooling
-Energex memory foam layer for faster recovery and bounce
-superior support in the base layer

What mattress has the best overall value?

Overall, it’s hard to say which mattress or brand is better. We believe they are both high-quality mattresses that provide excellent value and benefits. And both Casper and Nectar have established trust with their track records and positive feedback. In truth, each mattress may be a better fit for different types of sleepers.

That’s why discerning which mattress has the best overall value depends more on your preferences. Though we can confidently say, these are two of the best mattresses on the market.

We really like the Casper Original mattress for its price, superior balanced form and comfortable feeling. Sleepers who want to feel supported and hugged by their mattress will enjoy this model. If you’re trying to prevent or avoid back and shoulder pain, Casper does an excellent job at providing pressure relief. It also breathes exceptionally well compared to other foam mattresses.

Then with the Nectar Mattress, we like how it’s a valuable, affordable option for couples, side and back sleepers. Its conforming abilities make you feel as though you’re wrapped in a deep pressure relieving hug—which is a lifesaver for those who struggle with arthritis or chronic joint pain.

Best Mattress Finder Verdict

We would recommend the Casper and Nectar flagship mattresses to just about anybody looking for a supportive and comfortable sleep surface. Both mattresses are well-known and followed by positive customer satisfaction. But at the end of the day, it’s up to you to determine how well either mattress would meet your specific needs. Likely, one is better for you than the other.

Check out the latest price of Casper and Nectar mattresses now.

Disclaimer

Here at Best Mattress Finder, we do our best to provide accurate, honest product recommendations and brand reviews based on the best available information. However, stats and products are subject to change and may have updated since this page was posted.