Casper Original and The Purple Mattress are two of the best mattress-in-a-box brands around. Casper was founded in 2013, and officially launched in April 2014. And Purple, Inc was founded through a Kickstarter campaign in 2015 with their official product becoming available in January 2016.
These brands made a huge impact on the mattress industry with their inventive ad campaigns, 100-night trial periods, and a production quality that backs up their claims. Not to mention, all their products promise ultimate comfort and support.
But how do you decide between them? To help, here’s a detailed comparison guide for Casper and Purple 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.
What We Like
Things to consider
Let’s compare: |
Casper Original Mattress |
The Purple Mattress |
---|---|---|
Firmness: | Medium (5 – 5.5) | Medium-firm (6 – 6.5) |
Materials and Construction | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
Durability | 3/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
Temperature Neutrality | 3/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
Responsiveness | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
Edge Support | 3/5 stars | 3/5 stars |
Off-gassing | 3/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
Pressure Relief | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
Motion Isolation | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
Sex | 3/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
Star rating on Amazon | 4.5/5 (159 ratings) | 4.1/5 (219 ratings) |
Price | $1,095 (Queen) *available in all sizes |
$1149 (Queen) *available in all sizes |
See how the Casper Original Mattress and The Purple Mattress compare to other mattresses in our Best Memory Foam Mattress page.
Casper Original Mattress
Table of Contents
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.
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 Purple Mattress
The Purple Mattress is a wonderful choice for sleepers that want motion isolation, bounce and comfort. It’s an all-foam mattress, but it also comes in a hybrid model. Its grid technology provides sleepers with a contouring and responsive feel different from other mattresses.
The top 2 inches are made of a breathable gel grid that cradles and shapes to the sleeper’s body while promoting excellent air circulation.
How is the Purple Mattress built?
Purple brings the optimal balance of support and flex with its breathable cover layer and innovative hyper-elastic polymer grid that they’re known so well for. Here is how the mattress is formed:
- SoftFlex Cover is made from a combination of viscose, polyester and lycra to make it soft and stretchy. This breathable knit material moves with the comfort layer.
- The 2” comfort layer layer is made from Purple’s proprietary polymer grid made from temperature neutral, hyper-elastic gel. The grid is set up to flex directly underneath pressure points while still providing the rest of your body with comfort.
- Then there is a 3.5” transition layer made from high-density polyfoam. This is a firmer material that keeps you from sinking too far into the mattress
- The supportive base is 4” of high-density poly foam in order to stabilize everything.
Bonuses
Purple offers fast and free shipping, a 100-night risk-free trial, free returns and a 10-year limited warranty. We also love that Purple’s materials are FDA-certified for safe use and CertiPUR-US certified. You can feel rest assured that you’re protected against allergens and sleeping on durable, non-toxic materials. Furthermore, Purple is an environmentally friendly brand. They manufacture their products from recycled materials and use recyclable packaging.
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 Purple offer both all-foam and hybrid mattresses, their construction and comfort materials differ quite significantly. However, it’s comforting to know that both brands use recycled, 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 the Casper mattress features a zoned construction while the Purple mattress has a gel grid for the comfort layer.
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
Materials and Construction rating:
★ 5/5 stars
Mattress height:
9.5 inches
Details:
- Cover: a knit blend of 67% polyester, 29% viscose and 4% lycra
- Comfort layers: 2” Purple hyper-elastic polymer, buckling gel grid
- Transitional layer: 3.5” 1.8 PCF high-density polyfoam
- Support layer: 4” of 2 PCF 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 Purple mattress, they both have 10 year warranties and are made of high-quality dense materials. Nevertheless, these brands have not been around long enough to truly test either mattress for durability and longevity.
Durability rating:
★ 4/5 stars
Details:
Compared to typical memory foam or polyfoam, the Purple grid comfort layer is made from highly durable hyper-elastic gel material. The thick transitional layer after acts as a great buffer between the grid and denser support core which helps to prevent sinking and sagging.
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.
Both the Casper and Purple mattress have adequate airflow. Foam material is notorious for trapping heat compared to others. While the Casper mattress traps less body heat compared to other memory foam mattresses, the Purple mattress reigns supreme in breathability and temperature control. Thanks to its grid technology, air is able to flow more freely and neutralize the temperature throughout the night.
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.
Temperature control rating:
★ 5/5 stars
Details:
The Purple Grid is responsible for this mattress’s breathability. Its open construction allows more air to flow through the bed. That way heat can move away from the body instead of being absorbed by the mattress. Most sleepers will sleep very cool with the Purple Mattress in contrast to other all-foam beds.
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.
Both the Casper and Purple mattress offer good responsiveness for different reasons.
Responsiveness rating:
★ 4/5 stars
Details:
The Purple has a slightly springier feel due to the hyper-elastic polymer grid. It feels like you’re sleeping more on top of it instead of in it. This provides both a conforming and responsive feeling. It might contour a little less than the Casper but it compresses enough to feel supported.
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.
Tuck performed hands on testing with edge support of the Casper and Purple mattress. They found that the Casper mattress does sink a bit, but most testers found the perimeter pretty stable. On the other hand the Purple mattress was found to have significant sinkage by testers in all weight groups, especially those over 230 pounds.
Overall innerspring and hybrid mattresses boast denser coil systems that reinforce the edges to provide sturdier support for sleepers of all sizes.
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.
Edge Support rating:
★ 3/5 stars
Details:
The Purple mattress has an average edge support. Even though the hyper-elastic polyfoam grid layer is supportive in many aspects, it can be weaker at the edges. Over time, if the transition and support layer deteriorate, this could also weaken the edge support.
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.
For this reason, you can expect some initial mild off-gassing with both the Casper and Purple mattress. Though the Purple Mattress is superior to Casper in this front because of its open-grid design. But we project that long-term off-gassing should not be an issue for most sleepers who use either mattress.
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. A mattress that offers good pressure relief is important to sleep comfortably, especially for those who struggle with pain.
Sleep Foundation did a review of both these mattresses and they both came out with even scores in the pressure relief category. Tuck also performed hands on testing with different weight groups. The results demonstrated that the Casper mattress provides good pressure relief for lightweight and average weight sleepers. Then for the Purple mattress, sleepers who weighed 230 pounds or less reported good pressure relief.
Pressure Relief rating:
★ 4/5 stars
Details:
This mattress has good pressure relief and body contouring properties due to its transitional polyfoam layer. However, some side sleepers may find this mattress to be too firm. But overall it provides good pressure relief for combination sleepers.
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.
Sleep Foundation did a review of both the Casper and Purple Mattress in motion isolation and they both stacked up evenly. Memory foam is one of the best materials for motion isolation across a mattress. Because of this, the original all-foam mattresses of both brands excels in minimizing motion transfer.
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.
Sex
Let’s get real—we use our mattresses 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.
With this in mind, the Purple mattress will perform slightly better than the Casper mattress.
Sleep position ratings
Side sleepers
Under 130 lbs. | 130 – 230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
Casper | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars | 3/5 stars |
Purple | 4/5 stars | 3/5 stars | 2/5 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 Purple mattress is able to support side sleepers a good mix of contouring and pressure relief thanks to its transitional layer. However, heavier individuals may drop a bit more into the mattress and need something firmer.
Back sleepers
Under 130 lbs. | 130 – 230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
Casper | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars | 3/5 stars |
Purple | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars | 3/5 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.
Because the Purple mattress gives a plush feel while providing good lumbar support, those who are lighter and sleep on their backs will find this gives them adequate support. But heavier back sleepers might want a firmer mattress.
Stomach sleepers
Under 130 lbs. | 130 – 230 lbs. | Above 230 lbs. | |
Casper | 3/5 stars | 3/5 stars | 2/5 stars |
Purple | 4/5 stars | 3/5 stars | 2/5 stars |
When it comes to stomach sleeping, you’re usually putting a lot more pressure on the midsection. And if this is sinking 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
The Purple mattress is a better fit for lighter stomach sleepers as it’s firm enough to hold up the midsection—providing your body the support it needs. But it will likely put strain on anybody else’s neck, shoulders and lower back.
What do the Casper and Purple 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 Purple mattress has a medium-firm feel. Rather than a deep-cradling sensation, it’s comparable to a floating feeling. Sleepers might enjoy it’s unique squishy and gel-like feel that provides comfort and support in multiple positions. It’s important to note that the Purple Mattress conforms to a moderate extent so it won’t feel as contouring as the Casper mattress. People who weigh at least 130 pounds will feel comfortable. And for lightweight side sleepers, this may feel too firm.
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.
Purple trial, warranty and delivery policies
Where can I buy the Purple mattress?
You can find the Purple mattress online on their site, on Amazon and at brick-and-mortar stores across the country, including Mattress Firm and Macy’s.
Where do they ship?
Purple mattresses are available to ship to Canada and all 50 states. Free standard shipping is offered to all customers in the 48 contiguous U.S. However, customers in Canada, Alaska, Hawaii must pay for shipping costs. Though, according to their website, they have built a flat rate for Canadians that includes taxes, higher international shipping costs and the conversion rate.
How long is the trial period?
Purple offers customers a 100-day trial period. Any eligible mattresses can be returned for full price by contacting Purple’s customer support team within this time.
What is Purple’s warranty policy?
Purple has a 10-year limited warranty that covers indentation greater than 1 inch, or premature cracking and splitting. The mattress cover is protected under a different warranty for two years after the original purchase.
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 |
Purple
PURPLE: | The Purple Mattress | Purple Hybrid | Purple Hybrid Premier |
Twin | $599 | n/a | n/a |
Twin XL | $799 | $1,399 | $1,999 |
Full/Double | $999 | $1,599 | $2,199 |
Queen | $1149 | $1,699 | $2,299 |
King | $1449 | $1,999 | $2,799 |
Cal King | $1449 | $1,999 | $2,799 |
Firmness option | 6.5 | 6.5 | 4.5, 5.5 |
Sleep trial | 100 nights | 100 nights | 100 nights |
Warranty Length | 10 years, limited | 10 years, limited | 10 years, limited |
Standout features:
The Purple Mattress | Purple Hybrid | Purple Hybrid Premier |
• Dual layer comfort foam • Supports your back • High density foam is built for longevity |
• Slightly firmer feeling • Good airflow with breathable side panels |
• Weightless no pressure support with 50% more Purple grid technology • Premium edge support |
Best Mattress Finder Verdict
Our conclusion is that both the Casper and Purple flagship mattress models would make excellent choices for anybody. They are both great value. Ultimately, it’s up to you to use all the information you have to make the best choice for your needs. But in summary:
Check out the latest price of Casper and Purple 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.
Standout features:
Firmness option: 5.5
Sleep trial: 100 nights
Warranty Length: 10 years, limited
• Top layer of perforated breathable foam to keep you cool
• A zoned support layer to align the spine
Firmness option: 5.5
Sleep trial: 100 nights
Warranty Length: 10 years, limited
• Top layer or perforated breathable foam to reduce heat
• Firmer foam under the hips, waist and lower back
Firmness option: 4.5
Sleep trial: 100 nights
Warranty Length: 10 years, limited
• A thin coating of gel for extra airflow
• Gel pods under the waist and lower back to help keep spine aligned
Firmness option: 4.5
Sleep trial: 100 nights
Warranty Length: 10 years, limited
• Four more zones of support are added for extra pressure relief
• A plush but breathable foam top layer
Firmness option: 6.5
Sleep trial: 100 nights
Warranty Length: 10 years, limited
• Dual layer comfort foam
• Supports your back
• High density foam is built for longevity
Firmness option: 6.5
Sleep trial: 100 nights
Warranty Length: 10 years, limited
• Slightly firmer feeling
• Good airflow with breathable side panels
Firmness option: 4.5, 5.5
Sleep trial: 100 nights
Warranty Length: 10 years, limited
• Weightless no pressure support with 50% more Purple grid technology
• Premium edge support
Standout features:
Standout features:
The Purple Mattress | Purple Hybrid | Purple Hybrid Premier |
• Dual layer comfort foam • Supports your back • High density foam is built for longevity |
• Slightly firmer feeling • Good airflow with breathable side panels |
• Weightless no pressure support with 50% more Purple grid technology • Premium edge support |
Purple
PURPLE: | The Purple Mattress | Purple Hybrid | Purple Hybrid Premier |
Twin | $599 | n/a | n/a |
Twin XL | $799 | $1,399 | $1,999 |
Full/Double | $999 | $1,599 | $2,199 |
Queen | $1149 | $1,699 | $2,299 |
King | $1449 | $1,999 | $2,799 |
Cal King | $1449 | $1,999 | $2,799 |