Our goal is to help you sort out the Casper Element vs Casper Original debate. Both are online mattresses that ship in a box, and both are, obviously, from the same brand. So what would cause you to purchase one over the other? It may seem unclear at this point, but as you go through our comparison, you'll find the answer and hopefully your next mattress.

Casper Original mattress VS. Casper Element mattress
$895 – $1,495Price Range$495 – $795
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  • People that are looking for a comfortable, affordable mattress
  • Anyone that’s interested in a bed-in-a-box mattress
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  • If you have a limited budget
  • People that want a comfy foam bed
100 NightsTrial Period100 Nights
10 YearsWarranty10 Years
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Casper Original vs. Casper Element Overview

We’re here to help you sort out the differences between Casper Element vs. Casper Original. Both Casper mattresses are online beds that ship in a box, and both are, obviously, from the same brand. So what would cause you to purchase the original Casper mattress over Element or vice versa? 

These two beds are some of the most affordable offerings from the brand, and we think each Casper mattress has something different to offer consumers. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to learn in this comparison between Casper Original vs. Casper Element:

  • Casper Original is more expensive than the Casper Element mattress.
  • Casper Element has a 2-layer foam construction, while the Casper Original mattress has a 3-layer all-foam construction with a zoned support design.
  • The Casper Element mattress is just a hair firmer than the original Casper Mattress.

For help navigating our original Casper vs. Casper Element review, use the links below to jump to any section you choose.

Let’s take a deep dive into the Casper Original, the brand’s extremely popular flagship mattress, to get a better idea of what kind of sleepers it suits best.

Casper Element vs. Casper Original Construction

The top-rated Casper Mattress has a simple yet accommodating 3-layer construction. Here are the layers starting from the top:

casper mattress review original construction
Casper Original is a 10.5″ mattress with three layers
  • Comfort layer – Breathable open-cell foam which feels like classic neutral-foam
  • Transition layer – A responsive memory foam layer with zoned support to act as a transition in between the dense support foam and the soft top layer
  • Base layer – Durable support foam meant to provide a solid foundation for the mattress

The Original Casper mattress also features a Zoned Support layer to offer targeted support and pressure relief. The concept here is that the center layer is slightly firmer to offer more support for the bulk of your body. At the top and bottom, however, you should get more pressure relief, mainly to prevent back pain and shoulder pain.

When comparing Casper Element vs. the original Casper, the Casper Element mattress has one less foam layer and omits the zoned support layer. The Element has:

casper element mattress review
The 10″ Casper Element Mattress
  • Comfort layer – A top perforated AirScape foam layer for that signature Casper comfort 
  • Base layer – A bottom dense poly foam support layer to provide support

This makes the Element slightly thinner, but also more affordable.

Casper Mattress Feel and Firmness

On our scale from soft to firm, we rated Casper right in the middle at a medium. A good way to describe it would be a good balance between supportive and pressure relieving. 

casper original mattress review zoned support
A look at the zoned support system in the Casper mattress

And although this mattress contains memory foam, we definitely don’t think it has a memory foam feel. Instead, it’s a neutral, classic feeling foam that’s lighter, more breathable, and more bouncy than traditional memory foam.

The Casper Element is rated only a little bit firmer than the original Casper Mattress, a touch more than medium but not yet medium-firm. This won’t make a huge difference for sleepers unless you’re more petite and prefer an extra-plush mattress.

Although it’s a little firmer, Casper Element will also have that classic neutral-foam feel that made the original Casper Mattress so popular.

Casper Company Policies

  • Trial period length: 100 nights
  • Warranty policy: 10-year limited warranty
  • Shipping info: Free shipping

Both mattresses have the same trial period, warranty and shipping, so you can try the mattresses risk-free and rest assured your investment is covered from defects for 10 years.

Casper Mattress Sleeper Type Analysis

How does the Casper Element vs. Casper Original differ as far as firmness and feel go? Casper mattresses fare around a medium, and they work best for petite to average body types. We also think both Casper Element and Casper Original suit almost every sleeper position. However, there are a few exceptions that we’ll get into.

  • Side Sleepers

    Petite to average side sleepers may want to choose the original Casper mattress because it’s a tad less firm, but if you switch from your side to your back or stomach, the Element model should work for you.

    Petite side sleepers under ~140 lbs should definitely consider the original Casper, or an even softer mattress if you need that extra plush pressure relief.

  • Back And Stomach

    We think most back and stomach sleepers will appreciate the balanced feel of Casper Original or Casper Element. Casper Element is a firmer bed, but Casper is thicker and still offers a nice balance between support and pressure relief.

  • Combo Sleepers

    Combination sleepers who aren’t too heavy in weight will find Casper mattresses to be very accommodating. They both have medium firmness profiles, and are responsive to pressure (unlike many memory foams), which makes it easier to switch positions during the night.

  • Petite To Average Individuals

    All-foam mattresses like Casper Element vs Casper original are made to suit average to petite-sized individuals because they don’t offer the extra support that hybrid beds do, so either bed should be perfectly accommodating.

  • Heavy Individuals

    We think heavier sleepers should opt for a hybrid mattress like Casper Wave or Casper Nova because they offer more support and longer-lasting durability with their pocketed coil base layers. Casper Element and their flagship model probably won’t stand the test of time for heavy folks. Or, you can check out our list for the best beds for heavy sleepers if you want to look at a few value picks.

Casper Original vs. Casper Element Pricing

Casper’s entire product lineup is designed to offer a mattress at every price point. The Element is the entry-level bed meant for budget shoppers, and Casper serves more of the mass market. For example, the queen size Casper Element is around $595 compared to the original’s price of $1,095.

SizeCasper Original PriceCasper Element Price
Twin$595$395
Twin XL$695$445
Full$995$545
Queen$1,095$595
King$1,295$795
Cal King$1,295$795

Though, do keep in mind most bed in a box mattress brands will offer discounts to sweeten the deal — especially around holidays. Take a look at our best mattress deals page as well.

Casper Element vs. Original Mattress Review Verdict

We aren’t in the business of telling you what you should think or do. We endeavor to lay out the case for each mattress and let you make up your own mind. Here’s what it all boils down to:

  • Casper Original — Thicker, more popular, and includes the “Zoned Support” layer. It also comes in a hybrid version.
  • Casper Element — More affordable because of its thinner, less supportive construction. It’s also a hair firmer than Casper Original.

At the end of the day, both are accommodating beds that come with free shipping and returns. If you give one a try and don’t like it, send it back for a full refund.

Other Casper Models

As we mentioned earlier, Casper offers both hybrid and foam options. This post covered Casper’s basic foam beds, but we also want to touch on the Casper hybrid models as well, just in case you want something more durable and supportive.

  • Casper Wave

    Casper Wave is their newest and most expensive model from the brand. It’s five layers compared to the 3-layer construction of the original Casper Mattress, 13″ thick, and incorporates a layer of natural latex foam on top of the special zoned support layer.

  • Casper Nova

    While this is one of the premium models from Casper, it’s a tad less expensive than Casper Wave. This bed is designed with an upgraded “Zoned Support Pro” system, and is actually the softest, most plush bed that the brand offers.

Other Casper Products

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Why Trust Us

Get the kind of sleep you’ve only dreamed of with some help from our team of mattress experts. We personally test more than 175 of the best sleep solutions from over 60 leading brands on site, so you can be sure you’re getting unbiased reviews, fair comparisons and personalized recommendations.


The Review Team

  • kenzie

    McKenzie Dillon

    Combo Sleeper

  • Tharon

    Tharon Green

    Stomach Sleeper

  • dillon lopez slumber yard

    Dillon Lopez

    Combo Sleeper

  • JD

    JD Christison

    Combo Sleeper

Frequently Asked Questions
Which do I choose between Casper Element and Casper Original?

If you’re on a budget, the Casper Element is less expensive. If you’d like zoned support or you’re larger or heavier in size, the Casper Original provides more support.

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

You don’t need a special bed frame for a Casper mattress, although many of the customers who left Casper Element reviews claim they placed theirs on a platform bed frame or boxspring.

How soon can you sleep on a Casper Mattress?

Once you unpack the Casper mattress, it should take 24 to 48 hours to completely take shape. Casper Element reviews from customers say the Casper mattress is ready to go sooner than that.

How much does Casper Original cost?

A queen size Original Casper Mattress retails for $1,095.

Is Casper Element worth it?

It will be worth it for those on a tight budget who are looking for a simple, comfortable foam mattress. Though, people over 230 pounds may want to consider the Casper Hybrid mattress instead for more support.

Is Casper Element good for side sleepers?

Most side sleepers will find enough pressure relief with the Casper Element mattress unless you weigh under 150 pounds. In that case, the bed might be a little too firm.

How thick is the Original Casper mattress?

It measures around 11 inches tall, whereas the Casper Element mattress is just under 9 inches.