What Casper sells and how the direct-to-consumer model works

Casper is a mattress company that sells directly to consumers online rather than through retail stores. You order a mattress on their website, it arrives compressed in a box at your home, and you can test it for 100 nights before deciding to keep it or return it. The company also sells pillows, sheets, and bed frames through the same channel.

Because Casper cuts out the middleman — no showrooms, no sales staff on commission, no wholesale markup — the price per mattress is lower than you would pay for a comparable mattress at a traditional furniture store. The tradeoff is that you cannot lie on the mattress in person before ordering. Casper addresses this by offering the trial period and by publishing detailed specifications about firmness, materials, and construction so you can make an informed choice before the box arrives.

The company operates warehouses across the United States and ships from locations near you to reduce delivery time. Return shipping is also free if you decide the mattress is not right for you during the trial period.

Key Takeaways

  • Casper mattresses cost less than comparable models at traditional retailers because the company sells directly to you without middlemen or showroom overhead.
  • You have 100 nights to sleep on the mattress and return it for a full refund if it does not work for you, with free return shipping included.
  • The mattress arrives compressed and rolled in a box; it takes a few hours to fully expand after you unbox it.
  • Casper publishes detailed firmness ratings, material lists, and construction details on their website so you can compare their mattresses to other brands before ordering.

Casper mattress types and construction

Casper makes several mattress models, each with different materials and firmness levels. The original Casper mattress uses a foam construction with a top layer of open-cell foam for cooling, a middle layer of memory foam for support, and a base layer of high-density foam. This design is medium-firm and works for most sleeping positions.

The Casper Wave is a higher-end model that adds gel pods in the support layer to reduce motion transfer — useful if you share the bed with a partner who moves around. The Casper Essential is a lower-cost option with simpler construction and a firmer feel. Casper also makes the Casper Hybrid, which combines foam layers with an innerspring coil system for more bounce and airflow.

Each model comes in standard sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King. Prices vary by size and model, with the Essential as the most affordable option and the Wave as the most expensive. Casper's website lists the exact price for each size and model so you can compare before ordering.

The 100-night trial and return process

When your mattress arrives, you have 100 nights to decide whether to keep it. Casper counts this as roughly three months, which is meant to give you enough time to adjust to the mattress and determine if it truly works for your sleep. You do not have to return it when ready; you can test it for the full period and then decide.

If you want to return the mattress, you contact Casper's customer service to initiate the return. They arrange a pickup at your home — you do not have to box it back up yourself. The company then donates the mattress to a local charity rather than sending it back to a warehouse. You receive a full refund to your original payment method, and you are not charged for the return shipping.

The trial period starts when the mattress is delivered to you, not when you order it. Casper sends you a confirmation email with the exact end date of your trial so there is no confusion about the important date.

Delivery, setup, and what to expect when the box arrives

Casper ships mattresses in a compressed, rolled state inside a large cardboard box. The box is typically delivered by a standard carrier like UPS or FedEx, and Casper provides tracking information so you know when to expect it. Delivery times vary by location but typically range from a few days to two weeks after you order.

When the box arrives, you will need space to unbox it — a bedroom or large room works best. The mattress is heavy, so you may want help moving it onto your bed frame. After you unbox it, the mattress begins to expand. It takes a few hours to fully decompress, though you can sleep on it before it is completely expanded if you prefer.

Casper includes a mattress protector with your purchase. This is a removable cover that protects the mattress from spills and stains. You can wash it separately, and it helps extend the life of the mattress.

Price comparison with traditional mattress retailers

A Casper mattress typically costs 20 to 40 percent less than a mattress with similar construction and materials sold at a traditional furniture store. This is because Casper does not pay for showroom rent, sales commissions, or the markup that retailers add when they buy from a manufacturer.

However, price alone does not tell the full story. Traditional retailers often run sales and promotions, especially around holidays, so the final price you pay may be closer to Casper's price than the sticker price suggests. Additionally, some traditional retailers offer in-home trials or return periods, though these are usually shorter than Casper's 100 nights.

To compare fairly, look at the specific materials and construction of mattresses you are considering, not just the brand name. A Casper mattress and a mattress from another DTC brand or a traditional retailer may feel different even if they cost the same, because firmness and support depend on the exact foam types and thicknesses used.

Warranty and long-term durability

Casper mattresses come with a 10-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects — things like foam that breaks down prematurely, seams that split, or zippers that fail. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, stains, or damage from misuse.

To file a warranty claim, you contact Casper's customer service with photos or a description of the defect. Casper will assess whether the issue qualifies under the warranty. If it does, they will either repair the mattress or replace it, depending on the severity of the defect.

The lifespan of a foam mattress is typically 7 to 10 years before the foam begins to soften noticeably. Hybrid mattresses with coils may last slightly longer. Proper care — using a mattress protector, rotating the mattress periodically, and keeping it on a supportive bed frame — can help extend its life.

How Casper compares to other direct-to-consumer mattress brands

Casper is one of many DTC mattress companies, and the market includes brands like Purple, Tuft & Needle, Helix, Nectar, and others. Each brand uses different materials and construction methods, which affects how the mattress feels and performs.

Purple uses a gel-infused polymer grid instead of traditional foam, which some people find cooler and more responsive. Tuft & Needle uses a proprietary foam blend and positions itself as a budget option. Helix offers customization based on sleep position and body type. Nectar emphasizes memory foam and a longer trial period than Casper's 100 nights.

The best way to compare is to read the material specifications on each brand's website, look at customer reviews that mention specific details like firmness and temperature, and consider which trial period and return policy work best for your situation. Because you cannot test the mattress in person before ordering, the trial period is your main protection against ordering something that does not work for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a Casper mattress if I have already slept on it?

Yes. The 100-night trial period is specifically designed for you to sleep on the mattress and test it in your own home. You do not have to keep it in pristine condition; normal use during the trial period does not disqualify you from returning it. Casper will still pick it up and donate it if you decide it is not right for you.

How much does a Casper mattress cost?

Prices vary by mattress model and size. The Casper Essential starts at a lower price point, while the Wave is more expensive. A Queen-size Casper mattress typically ranges from around $600 to $1,500 depending on the model, though Casper occasionally runs promotions that lower the price. Check their website for current pricing on the specific size and model you are interested in.

What happens if the mattress arrives damaged?

Contact Casper's customer service when ready with photos of the damage. They will either send a replacement mattress or issue a refund, depending on the extent of the damage and your preference. Damage during shipping is covered, so you should not have to pay for a replacement.

Do I need a special bed frame for a Casper mattress?

No. A Casper mattress works on any standard bed frame — platform beds, slatted frames, box springs, or adjustable bases. The mattress is compatible with most bed frames sold in the United States. Casper also sells bed frames on their website if you want to purchase one at the same time.

Is a Casper mattress good for hot sleepers?

Casper's original mattress has an open-cell foam top layer designed to allow airflow and reduce heat retention. Some people find it cooler than traditional memory foam, though individual experience varies. If temperature is a major concern, the Casper Hybrid may sleep cooler because the coil system allows more air circulation. Read customer reviews that specifically mention temperature to get a sense of how others experience each model.