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When considering a new mattress, it is important to conduct thorough research. Since a good night’s sleep relies heavily on the quality of your bed, it is crucial to compare different mattress brands and models. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into a detailed analysis of two major mattress-in-a-box brands, Bear and Casper. These brands primarily sell their products online and deliver them directly to your doorstep.
Casper made its debut in 2014 with the introduction of their flagship mattress, the Casper Original, a mixed-foam bed. This model, which incorporates layers of memory foam and polyfoam, is also available as the Casper Hybrid, which features pocketed coils instead of a base foam support core. In addition, Casper offers the budget-friendly all-foam Casper Element (previously known as the Essential), as well as two high-end hybrid options, the Nova Hybrid and the Wave Hybrid.
Bear, our second featured brand, has been in the mattress business since 2014. Bear offers a range of mattresses with covers made from specialty Celliant fabric, designed to regulate body temperature and promote muscle recovery during sleep. Like the Casper Original, their flagship mattress, the Bear Original, is an all-foam mattress constructed with memory foam and polyfoam layers. They also offer the Bear Pro, which is an all-foam model with an additional layer of comfort foam and a slightly higher profile. Furthermore, Bear provides the Bear Star Hybrid, which features a pocketed coil support core.
As you can see, Casper and Bear offer similar mattress options. However, there are notable distinctions between these two brands and their all-foam and hybrid models. In our comprehensive comparison of Casper mattresses and Bear mattresses, we will thoroughly assess various aspects that matter to sleepers and mattress buyers.
We have put in a great deal of effort to determine the best mattresses for your specific needs. Take a look at our complete mattress guides below!
Price Range for Queen Size:
– Casper: [FILL]
– Bear: [FILL]
Firmness Options:
– Casper: Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
– Bear: Medium (5), Medium Firm (6)
Standout Features:
– Contouring foam layers that provide spine support and alleviate pressure.
Revolutionary Textile Covers for Enhanced Thermoregulation and Muscle Recovery
The Celliant textile covers have been ingeniously designed to optimize thermoregulation and facilitate muscle recovery for a truly restorative sleep experience.
Next-Level Edge Support with Hybrid Coils
Experience unprecedented edge support with our cutting-edge hybrid coils, ensuring a stable and comfortable sleep surface from edge to edge.
Unparalleled Conforming and Responsiveness with Mixed-Foam Designs
Discover the perfect balance of contouring and responsiveness with our innovative mixed-foam designs, providing a personalized and adaptable sleeping experience.
Superior Pain and Pressure Relief for All
Enjoy exceptional pain and pressure relief across the board, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated each morning.
Enhanced Comfort and Support with Zoned Layers
Our zoned comfort and transitional layers offer targeted reinforcement, providing sleepers with the extra support they need for a truly comfortable and restful night’s sleep.
Models
Sleep Trial & Warranty
- Experience a 120-night sleep trial, with a 30-night break-in period.
- Benefit from a lifetime warranty that ensures long-lasting peace of mind.
- Enjoy a 100-night sleep trial, with a 30-night requirement.
- Receive a 10-year limited warranty for added protection.
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Choosing the Perfect Size
When it comes to mattress dimensions, there are a few important factors to consider. Since mattress-in-a-box brands deliver directly to your doorstep, it’s crucial to be mindful of the weight of the mattress, as it can weigh 120 pounds or more. You may require assistance when carrying the shipping box to your bedroom. Height is another consideration to keep in mind. While some sleepers don’t mind the mattress profile, others prefer a shorter or taller bed.
The majority of mattresses available today come in six standard sizes. The twin, twin XL, and full sizes are ideal for single sleepers due to their narrower width, while the queen, king, and California king offer ample space for couples. Additionally, these sizes vary in length, making them more or less suitable depending on your height. Take into account your personal sleeping situation before deciding on a mattress size.
Below, you’ll find the available sizes and weight and height measurements for all Bear and Casper mattresses.
Size Options
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Bear Pro
Size Options
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Options for Sizes
Choose from Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, or California King when selecting a mattress from either Bear or Casper.
Comparability of Mattress Selections
When it comes to mattress weight, thickness, and available sizes, the options from Bear and Casper are quite similar. Like most mattresses in this category, the all-foam models from both brands are relatively lightweight, making them easy to handle and transport. These mattresses typically have profiles ranging from 10 to 12 inches. On the other hand, the hybrid models from Bear and Casper tend to be heavier and thicker than their all-foam counterparts, requiring assistance when moving them to different locations within your home.
Consider Your Bed Height Preferences
If you prefer a bed with more height and find it easier to get on and off a higher surface, you may want to choose a high-profile model like the Bear Star Hybrid (13 inches) or the Casper Nova Hybrid (13 inches). On the other hand, if you prefer a lower bed that is closer to the ground, you may want to consider the Bear Original, Casper Original, or Casper Hybrid, all of which measure 11 inches or shorter. For sleepers who prefer a medium-level mattress profile, the Bear Pro and Casper Wave Hybrid are good options.
Limited Size Options
Neither Bear nor Casper offer additional sizes such as split queens or kings. Furthermore, these beds cannot be customized with optional features that affect weight or thickness.
Importance of Mattress Specifications
Precise mattress specifications are essential when choosing a new model as materials and construction impact the feel and performance of the bed. Breathable comfort layers help keep the surface cool, while robust base components ensure even support and minimize sinkage along the edges. The composition of the mattress also plays a role in factors such as durability, pain and pressure relief, motion isolation, and odor potential. It is worth noting that mattresses made with certain materials tend to be more expensive than others.
Breakdown of Bear and Casper Mattress Layers
We will now analyze the individual layers of each Bear and Casper mattress, discussing how these materials affect various performance areas to assist you in comparing Bear mattresses to Casper mattresses.
Bear Original: The flagship Bear mattress is constructed with a 2-inch memory foam comfort layer. This surface has a medium feel, contouring closely to the body. The foam is infused with graphite gel to prevent excessive body heat. The mattress also includes a 2-inch polyfoam transitional layer to prevent deep sinking and a 6-inch support core of high-density polyfoam for added reinforcement and stability.
Bear Pro: Building on the core design of the brand’s flagship all-foam model, the Bear Pro features a gel-infused memory foam comfort layer and an additional comfort layer of copper-infused polyfoam. This mattress has a slightly firmer surface and a thicker base polyfoam layer, making it more supportive and suitable for back sleepers.
Motion Isolation and Silence
Both the Bear Original and Bear Pro provide excellent motion isolation due to their all-foam construction. The top layers of these mattresses absorb movement from sleepers, preventing it from transferring across the surface and minimizing sleep disturbances for couples. Additionally, these mattresses are completely silent, further enhancing the sleeping experience.
Bear Star Hybrid
Measuring 14 inches thick, the Bear Star Hybrid consists of a memory foam layer infused with copper to prevent excessive body heat build-up. This is followed by a polyfoam transitional layer and a support core of pocketed coils reinforced with base foam. The coils feature side rails to minimize sinkage along the perimeter and provide added stability. In comparison, the hybrid models from Casper are considerably softer than the Bear Star Hybrid.
All three Bear mattresses come with covers made from Celliant fabric. This textile is designed to absorb heat, convert it into infrared energy, and then transmit the energy back into your body through your skin. This process helps to regulate your body temperature, increase blood flow, and aid in post-workout recovery. However, the effects of Celliant fabric may vary from person to person.
If you prefer the close contouring and pressure relief of an all-foam mattress, we recommend either the firm Bear Original or the medium firm Bear Pro, depending on your desired level of firmness. However, if you prefer a mattress that offers extra support and responsiveness, the Bear Star Hybrid may be a more comfortable option for you.
The flagship Casper Original is made up of polyfoam and memory foam comfort layers, making it a “mixed-foam” model. The top polyfoam layer adds some slight bounce to the surface, while the memory foam offers gentle conforming. The memory foam layer is zoned to provide firmer support for your back and waist, while still cradling lighter areas of your body. The base layer consists of high-density polyfoam.
The Casper Original has a balanced medium feel that is ideal for side and back sleepers. However, if you weigh more than 230 pounds, particularly if you are a stomach sleeper, you may experience too much sinkage with this model. If you want a mattress that contours closely and relieves pressure, but also feels a bit more springy than the Casper Original, the Casper Hybrid is a suitable alternative. The only difference between this model and the flagship Casper mattress is that the hybrid version has pocketed coils in its support core instead of foam.
Casper’s other all-foam mattress, the Element (formerly known as the Essential), is constructed with a 3-inch polyfoam comfort layer over a base layer of high-density polyfoam. Without any memory foam, the Element conforms slightly less than the Casper Original, but it also feels firmer and offers less sinkage. This model may be a better option for back sleepers who require more support.
The Nova Hybrid is one of Casper’s newest models and features a top layer of AirScape open-cell polyfoam, which provides a plush feel and breathability. The second polyfoam comfort layer is divided into three firmness zones, while the memory foam transitional layer is divided into seven firmness zones. These layers provide sufficient reinforcement for areas with more weight and gentle conforming for the head, neck, shoulders, and legs. The support core of the Nova Hybrid consists of 6-inch pocketed coils surrounded by a 7-inch polyfoam encasement.
The Wave Hybrid is constructed with comfort layers of open-cell polyfoam, open-cell latex, and three-zone memory foam. The latex layer gives the Wave Hybrid more responsiveness compared to other Casper hybrids. This model also features a polyfoam transitional layer with zoned gel pods for enhanced bodily support. Like the Nova Hybrid, the Wave Hybrid has a coil layer made of 6-inch pocketed coils with a 7-inch polyfoam encasement.
Both the Nova Hybrid and Wave Hybrid offer a medium feel and close body-contouring. They may be more suitable for side, back, and stomach sleepers weighing 230 pounds or less. However, for sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds, these models may feel too soft compared to the Bear Star Hybrid and provide less support.
Every Casper mattress comes with a stretch-cotton cover that includes recycled plastic bottles as part of its material.
When choosing a mattress, there are several factors to consider. How does the surface feel in terms of firmness? Does it sleep cool? Are the materials durable? Will the edges sink when you get on and off the bed? Each mattress model excels in certain categories while performing less well in others.
Below are our ratings for each Bear and Casper mattress, based on verified owner and customer reviews, as well as our own research and analysis. Let’s take a closer look at what these categories mean and how they are evaluated:
– Durability: On average, a mattress will last between six to eight years before needing a replacement. Over time, the components of a mattress will start to deteriorate, leading to a loss of support and unevenness. Excessive sagging along the edges may also indicate a need for a new mattress, especially if it becomes difficult to get on and off the bed. Generally, hybrid mattresses tend to last longer than all-foam mattresses due to their stronger coil systems.
The price of a new mattress depends on various factors. Material composition is one of the most influential factors. A mattress constructed with high-density memory foam, organic latex, premium coils, and other high-end components will typically cost more than one made with cheaper and less durable materials. Thickness also plays a role, as high-profile beds contain more conforming and support materials than shorter ones. Other variables that impact price include mattress size, the chosen brand, and whether the mattress is purchased online or in a physical store.
The average price range for an all-foam mattress falls between $900 and $1,200 for a queen size. This type of mattress is generally more affordable. Hybrids tend to be more expensive, with the average queen size model ranging from $1,600 to $2,200. However, as shown below, both Bear and Casper offer mattresses across a wide price range to cater to sleepers with different budgets.
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Bear offers all-foam mattresses at prices that align with industry averages, while their Bear Star Hybrid model comes at a below-average cost for a hybrid mattress. These options are recognized for providing great value due to their affordability and strong performance in various categories.
Casper’s mattress range covers a wider price spectrum. The Element is a budget-friendly option for an all-foam mattress, whereas the Wave Hybrid is considered relatively expensive compared to other hybrid models. The Nova Hybrid may also have a higher price tag, but it falls within the average range for a hybrid mattress. For those seeking a high-quality mattress with a mid-range price, both the Casper Original and Casper Hybrid are excellent choices.
Bear provides free ground shipping via FedEx for all orders within the contiguous U.S. Customers in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Canada may incur additional delivery fees. Typically, Bear customers receive their mattress within two to seven days after placing the order.
Casper also offers free ground shipping to all customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. Customers in Alaska, Hawaii, and Canadian territories will need to pay extra for delivery. The expected wait time for a Casper mattress is approximately five to seven business days.
In addition, Casper provides a premium shipping service called White Glove delivery, which includes scheduling a specific date and time for delivery, in-home assembly, and optional removal of the old mattress. This service is exclusively available to customers in the contiguous U.S. and involves an additional fee of $149. Bear does not offer White Glove delivery, but they do assist customers in arranging for the removal of their old mattress for a reasonable charge.
Both Bear and Casper mattresses are compressed, packaged in plastic, and vacuum-sealed for shipping. The regular delivery method entails leaving the mattress at the customer’s doorstep, eliminating any need for a signature upon delivery. However, if you choose White Glove delivery with your Casper order, you must be present when the mattress arrives.
Most mattress-in-a-box brands offer a sleep trial period of at least 90 nights, allowing customers to try out the mattress before committing to it for the recommended six to eight years.
Casper extends a 100-night sleep trial for all their mattresses, while Bear provides a 120-night sleep trial with a mandatory 30-night break-in period.
If you decide to exchange your Casper mattress during the trial period, you will need to coordinate the return of the original mattress and separately purchase the replacement model. Once the original mattress is returned, Casper will issue a full refund. It’s important to note that choosing an exchange marks the end of the sleep trial, meaning you won’t be able to return the replacement mattress for a refund.
For customers wishing to return their Bear or Casper mattress, the respective company will arrange for couriers to pick up the mattress from your home at no additional cost to you.
A warranty is a written agreement that guarantees repair and replacement coverage for a product if it develops any defects. The majority of mattresses sold today come with a minimum 10-year warranty.
Bear offers lifetime warranties for their mattresses, while all Casper mattress models come with 10-year warranties. These warranties are non-prorated, meaning you won’t be charged anything beyond shipping and transportation costs if your mattress requires repair or replacement due to a defect.
Over time, mattresses may naturally develop sagging and body impressions. While this is considered normal wear and tear, excessive sagging may indicate structural issues with the mattress. Most mattress warranties define a specific “sagging depth” that is considered a defect. Casper mattress warranties stipulate that body impressions measuring 1 inch or deeper are considered defects. For Bear mattresses, the impressions must measure at least 1.5 inches to qualify for repair or replacement.
Under both the Bear and Casper mattress warranties, physical flaws that cause premature deterioration of materials, despite proper use and handling, are also considered defects. However, standard wear and tear and physical damage are not covered.
120-night Sleep Trial (30-night break-in period)
100-night Sleep Trial (30-night Requirement)
Free Shipping to Contiguous U.S. and Canadian Provinces
