Purple and Casper are arguably the two most popular and widely recognized online mattress brands. Naturally, given their level of popularity, many consumers are interested in how they compare. Well, lucky for you, we've already done all the hard work. In this post, we'll break down both mattresses so you can decide which bed in a box is right for you.

Casper vs. Purple Mattress Comparison

You are probably asking which is better, Casper or Purple? Our direct answer is that both are great mattresses, considered by our team two of the best beds in a box, most comfortable mattresses, and overall best mattresses you can buy. But the truth is that you will probably like one more than the other. If you want to try something new, Purple’s unique feel might get you excited for bed every night. If you love a more traditional feel, Casper will give you the support and comfort you want.

If you’re a straight-to-the-point kind of person, the differences between Purple mattress vs Casper can be boiled down to two main points:

  • Feel — Casper has a soft neutral-foam feel. Purple beds have a unique, gel-like feel. This point really comes down to your personal preference.
  • Temperature Regulation — Purple beds allow for more airflow (thanks to the Hyper-Elastic Polymer top layer) than the original Casper mattress.
Casper Original mattress VS. Purple Original mattress
$895 – $1,495Price Range$799 – $1,699
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  • People that are looking for a comfortable, affordable mattress
  • Anyone that’s interested in a bed-in-a-box mattress
Best For
  • If you’re looking for a unique mattress with a different type of feel
  • All types of sleepers, including side, back and stomach
100 NightsTrial Period100 Nights
10 YearsWarranty10 Years
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Casper vs. Purple Video Comparison

  • Casper vs. Purple Review Video Comparison


casper mattress review original
Here is the newly updated Casper mattress

Design & Construction 

Casper offers several mattresses including (Casper Element, Casper Wave Hybrid, and Casper Original), but we’re going to focus on the flagship model, the original Casper mattress.

Casper is 11″ and three layers:

  • Support layer — The bed starts with a thick layer of support foam on the bottom.
  • Transition layer — This is Casper’s Zoned Transition memory foam. It’s a split layer that’s firmer under your hips/trunk (where you need more support) and softer under your shoulders and legs (where you need more pressure relief).
  • Comfort layer — Lastly, on top is a layer of proprietary open-cell foam.
casper original mattress review zoned support
Casper recently added a new layer of Zoned Support Foam to the bed

Now let’s see the construction of Purple’s three layers. The original Purple mattress has a more traditional bed-in-a-box construction:

  • Support layers — It has two dense layers of polyurethane foam on the bottom for support.
  • Comfort layer — Rather than a layer of memory foam or latex foam on top, Purple uses a 2″ slab of its Hyper-Elastic Polymer.

Firmness & Feel

Although the Casper mattress has a layer of memory foam near the top, it has more of a neutral, soft foam feel, meaning you don’t sink into the bed to the point where the mattress is hugging your body. It’s extremely comfortable. You almost can’t help letting out an audible sigh of approval.

In terms of firmness, we think the Casper mattress comes in right around a medium on the firmness scale. It’s accommodating, and we think all types of sleepers (back, side and stomach) will find the mattress provides a good blend of support and comfort.

casper mattress review firmness rating

However, it is an all-foam mattress, so we wouldn’t say this is the best bed for heavy individuals. These types of sleepers will most likely want to go with a bed that contains coils (like the new Purple models or Casper Hybrid), which will provide more bi-directional support, some bounce and overall durability.

Purple has a very different and unique feel in that it uses a patented material called Hyper-Elastic Polymer as the top layer in all its beds. This patented material is not foam. It has more of a gel-like feel, even though it’s technically a type of polymer. It’s incredibly stretchy, soft and durable, yet it offers a remarkable amount of support.

purple mattress review online bed in a box hyper elastic polymer
A close up on Purple’s Hyper-Elastic Polymer top layer

We here at the Slumber Yard really like it, but it’s not for everybody. Some people find it a little too weird. The nice thing, though, is that you can order small samples from the company to test it out before you buy.

The polymer material cradles pressure points like your hips and shoulders while also providing the necessary support under your trunk and lower back.For this reason, we think this mattress is nice for all kinds of sleepers. As one of the best mattresses for side sleepers, you will find the bed is soft, comfortable and pressure relieving. While stomach and back sleepers will find that the mattress keeps their spine properly aligned at all times.

purple mattress review firmness graphic feel

Sleeper Type Analysis

  • Side Sleepers
    Good For

    We think the Original Purple mattress is one of the best mattresses for side sleepers. That being said, the Original Casper mattress is also very accommodating to side sleepers. Casper or Purple will work for you.

  • Back And Stomach Sleepers

    The original Casper and Original Purple mattresses are both well-suited for back and stomach sleepers. They are firm enough to offer the needed to keep the spine aligned unless you are on the heavier side.

  • Combination Sleepers
    Good For
    • Both the Casper and Purple original are great beds for combination sleepers. They are a medium in the firmness scale, providing a good balance of support and pressure relief, no matter what position you switch to during the night. Also,  since you won’t sink too much on either one of them, it should be easier to change sleeping positions.

Body Type Analysis

  • Heavy

    If you have a larger body (over 225 pounds), we’d recommend upgrading to the Casper Hybrid  or the Purple Hybrid mattresses. These beds use coils, which means that are a more supportive and durable option for heavier people.

     

  • Petite to Average

    We think the Original Casper is a nice bed for petite people who are going to get enough support on this bed and think it’s around a medium-firm, while average body types will find it provides a nice balance between support and pressure relief.

    The Purple mattress is also great for smaller-sized sleepers. Petite individuals tend to think most mattresses are on the firmer side since they sleep more on top of the mattress and don’t sink in as much. From the perspective of an average sleeper, this Purple Mattress works fine for both average and petite sleepers.

     

Other Factors to Consider

Edge Support

When comparing Purple vs Casper on features important for couples, we like that Purple uses side rails for solid edge support. This will allow you and your partner to spread out without feeling as if you’re going to roll right off the bed as you approach the edge. On the other hand, the Casper mattress provides decent edge support for an all-foam bed, with some give around the perimeter, but is not bad.

Motion Isolation

Casper and Purple do an excellent job of deadening movement. Both beds passed all our tests easily. So if you share any of these beds with a sleeper who moves around a lot during the night, you won’t be disturbed (i.e., a more restful night’s sleep).

Temperature Regulation

If you’re looking at Purple vs. Casper for temperature, Purple is an easy choice. We think the Casper mattress sleeps at a neutral temperature, like many all-foam beds without special cooling materials. You won’t wake up sweating, nor will it actively cool you down. Meanwhile, Purple’s Hyper-Elastic Polymer has cooling and airflow effects. First, it’s a naturally cool or temperature neutral material. It doesn’t retain or trap heat the way a lot of standard foams do. Additionally, the polymer is arranged in a grid formation that creates various columns, rows, and pockets for air to flow freely near the surface. Purple even made our list for Best Cooling Mattresses.

Casper vs Purple Mattress Pricing

This depends on your preference in texture and price. If you like foam beds, Casper is a great fit, whereas if you’re open to a more gel-like and buoyant feel, then Purple is going to be a great choice. If price is more important to you, Casper may suit you better although they are basically head to head in most of the sizes.

Here is how the pricing compares with Casper vs Purple:

SizeCasperPurple
Twin$595 $599
Twin XL$695 $799
Full$995 $999
Queen$1,095 $1,149
King/California King$1,295 $1,449

Other Casper Beds Vs. Purple Mattress

Casper Wave vs Purple

The Casper Wave is the company’s most premium option. The Wave Hybrid features the most advanced support system for spinal alignment, making it one of the best mattresses for back pain, hip pain, basically any type of ache or pain, and even scoliosis.

Due to the Zoned Support Max + Gel pods, the mattress provides full-body relief. The top layer of foam reduces heat and increases airflow, making this an excellent cooling bed. Because of the gel pods and cooling properties, it’s more like the Purple than the original. If you’re unsure about Purple’s unique feel and want a more traditional mattress with similar benefits, this is a good option. You can directly compare the Casper wave vs original as well.

  • Casper Wave vs Purple Original

Casper Nova Hybrid vs. Purple

The Casper Nova falls somewhere between the original Casper and the Wave Hybrid in terms of price. It’s a good mattress for those who want that plush layer on top without giving up support.

The Nova Hybrid has three layers of support targeted for spinal alignment. It also has pressure relief under the shoulders and waist. This one doesn’t have any particular features to compare to Purple. This one will come down to if you like the feel of the Casper mattress vs Purple mattress.

Purple Hybrid and Purple Hybrid Premier vs Casper

Unlike the original, these Purple hybrid models incorporate pocketed coils. The coils give the newer models extra support, a little bounce and more longevity. As such, we’d recommend heavy people (over 250 lbs) go with one of the new models.

One factor to consider when choosing a new bed is the bed’s firmness. If you prefer medium firmness, the Purple hybrid mattresses will be a good fit because each of them scores between a medium to firm on our firmness scale. Make sure to check out our Purple mattress comparison for more info on how these mattresses compare.The biggest differences in the Purple Hybrid vs Casper Hybrid debate center around design and feel.

Note: Purple recently discontinued the Purple Hybrid and Premier mattresses. They are no longer available for purchase. Purple has released new hybrid mattresses under the new Premium and Luxe collections. Check out our list of best hybrid mattresses for more options.

purple 2 mattress review heavy sleeper

Casper vs. Purple Mattress Review Verdict

If you’re still having trouble deciding between Casper and Purple, ask yourself these three questions to help solve the Casper vs Purple debate for yourself:

  • Do you sleep hot? If yes, go with Purple for the great airflow. If no, move on to the next question
  • Do you truly like soft foam mattresses? If yes, go with Casper. If you’re undecided, give Purple a shot.
  • Do you want a coil bed? Both companies now offer innerspring mattresses.

If you still need information about Casper or Purple, you can visit our individual reviews of each bed.

Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Casper and Purple?

The main difference is the “feel” of the mattresses. Firmness level is basically the same. Casper has a soft foam feel, while Purple feels like a giant Dr. Scholl’s insole. They feel nothing alike, but we find both of them comfortable.

Do Casper and Purple both offer free shipping and returns?

Yes. Both brands offer completely free shipping and returns inside the contiguous United States.

Which one is more comfortable?

That will be up to you. If you prefer a more traditional soft foam feel, you’ll like Casper. If you want to test out something new, Purple is the way to go.

Which is better for hot sleepers?

Between Casper and Purple, we definitely prefer Purple for hot sleepers. The bed does an incredible job of circulating airflow and keeping you at a neutral temperature. That said, Caper has a new material called “Airscape” foam to help pull in airflow.

Do both beds come with coils?

By default, both the original models of Casper and Purple do not have coils—they have dense foam for support. That said, if you pay more, you can upgrade to Casper Hybrid and Purple Hybrid.

Are Casper mattresses good?

Casper mattresses are of great quality. The brand has an excellent reputation, as they earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, so if you’re looking for a foam-feel mattress, Casper is a perfect choice to consider.

How long does a Casper mattress last?

It’s a matter of preference. We like the online experience better. Like Casper and Purple, most internet brands will offer lengthy free trials, free shipping and returns, and generous warranty policies. You can also find sweet deals and coupons that lower the beds’ prices significantly. If you prefer an in-store experience, Casper and Purple, among other brands, have showrooms or retail partners where you can go check out their beds. Casper and Purple even provide a store locator in their websites.

  • How We Test The Mattresses

    The Slumber Yard has been around since the beginning of the bed-in-a-box craze. Our team has personally tested over 175 mattresses so far, and we keep more than 150 beds in our office so we can compare them (and take afternoon naps).

    When testing mattresses, we evaluate the following factors:

      • Construction: We cut mattresses open to see what’s inside and how it’s made.
      • Feel: We check if it has a stuck-in-the-mud memory foam feel, or if it’s more of a neutral foam or a plush pillow top, etc.
      • Firmness: We have our own firmness scale and evaluate how that may vary depending on your body and sleeper type.
      • Pressure relief: We test what’s the sweet spot for different body and sleeper types.
      • Support and how that changes by body/sleeper type.
      • Edge Support: This is important for couples who share a bed. Would you roll out of bed or can you sleep confidently close to the edges?
      • Motion Isolation: We use the water glass test to see how the bed fares with motion transfer. This is another important factor for couples who don’t want to wake up when they move.
      • Temperature Regulation: We use a temperature gun to evaluate if the bed warms up, stays neutral or actively cools while sleeping.
      • Noise: This could be an issue in beds with coils or innerspring.
      • Off-Gassing: Some beds could have a smell for a few weeks after unpacking, and we try to warn you about it.
      • Company policies: We also take into account policies such as shipping, returns, trial period and warranty.
      • Value: We look at a bed’s price in the context of what it offers in terms of features and quality of materials and construction.

     

     

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Why Trust Us

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The Review Team

  • dillon lopez slumber yard

    Dillon Lopez

    Combo Sleeper

  • JD

    JD Christison

    Combo Sleeper

  • Owen Poole

    Side Sleeper

  • Jeff Rizzo

    Jeff Rizzo

    Combo Sleeper