Casper Wave Hybrid review

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What is the Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress?

Casper is one of the older bed-in-a-box brands. It’s been around since 2014, when the company launched its first mattress. It has since expanded its lineup to include three mattresses: the Casper Original, Casper Wave, and Casper Nova. The company also carries a variety of other products, ranging from pillows to comforters and even dog beds.

We previously tested the Casper Original and decided to give one of the brand’s higher-end offerings a go. The Casper Wave is a hybrid mattress, meaning it has a layer of foam resting atop a base of supportive coils. The mattress has four layers of foam.

The company doesn’t readily advertise specifics about the mattress’ layers, but a customer service rep was able to quickly provide further details: The first layer is a 1-inch layer of polyurethane foam that has a “thin coating of cooling gel [that] adds a refreshing feel.” The second layer is a 1.5-inch piece of latex, which Casper claims will provide further cooling to keep you comfortable overnight. The next layer is a 1.5-inch piece of memory foam that has “ergonomic zones to help align your spine.” There’s also a 1.5-inch piece of polyurethane foam that integrates “gel pods under the waist and lower back [to] add support and help keep your spine perfectly aligned.” The foam layers rest atop hundreds of springs.

What we like about the Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress

Its cushioning

The Casper’s surface felt more like that of a soft mattress, yet the spring base provided sufficient support so that I didn’t feel as if I was sinking into the mattress. If you’re looking for this balance, it might be a great option.

What we don’t like about the Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress

It’s not great at diffusing heat

In general, hybrid mattresses do a decent job at remaining cool through the night, especially when compared to foam beds—the reason being, air can circulate around coils than throughout solid foam. Considering this, it was surprising that the Casper Wave Hybrid was one of the worst mattresses we’ve tested when it comes to heat retention. In our labs, it took a long time to diffuse the heat from two warm gel packs we placed on top of the mattress.

For what it’s worth, I never noticed that the mattress felt hot during the 30 nights I slept on it. However, it was in the middle of winter, and I can’t guarantee that my experience wouldn’t have been drastically different in hot summer months.

It could take some getting used to

I switched to the Casper Wave after testing an ultra-firm mattress (the Saatva Classic). It took me longer than usual to acclimate to the soft Casper surface and start sleeping well on the new bed. During the first week, I woke up several mornings feeling as though it was too mushy for comfort. I also noticed strain in my lumbar spine, a usual occurrence when I sleep on a too-soft mattress.

While Casper claims that the Wave is designed for any sleep position, I was never able to get used to it for stomach sleeping (the position I generally default to). It was too soft, and I wound up primarily sleeping on my side during the month that I had it.

It’s expensive

The Casper Wave Hybrid is among the most expensive mattresses we’ve tested. It’s going to set you back around $2,700 for a queen. Adding the company’s “snow cooling” technology tacks on $500.

For reference, a twin-size Wave is more expensive than a queen Leesa Hybrid—and we’ve dubbed that mattress our best upgrade pick. With Leesa’s evergreen sales, you can score it for around $1,700.

What are Casper’s trial, warranty, and return policies?

The Casper sleep trial is on par with other mattress-in-a-box companies at 100 nights. If you dislike it within that period, contact the company and it will arrange for a local charity or recycling company to take the mattress off your hands. Afterwards, your refund will be processed.

Casper also has a 10-year limited warranty. If your mattress starts showing signs of manufacturer defects, the company will either repair or replace the product. To maintain the warranty, use the mattress on a flat surface, an adjustable frame, or flat wooden slats that are no more than 4 inches apart.

Importantly, the warranty is negated if you use the mattress on the floor. According to a customer service rep: “The floor is often the first to get cold, so the temperature delta between the mattress and the floor can become great enough that it could build condensation. Combined with the lack of airflow from laying on a solid, flat surface, this can lead to bad smells, mildew, and mold if left unchecked.”

To initiate a warranty claim, contact the company and it will help you begin the request.

What are current customers saying about the Casper Wave Hybrid?

The Casper Wave Hybrid has more than 1,000 reviews and just over 4 stars. The mattress has plenty of 5-star reviews, with many customers claiming that it alleviates pain in their shoulders, necks, and backs. “As soon as I got on the mattress, it was shocking how comfortable it was. The perfect balance of squish and firmness. I actually sleep through the night now, and I don’t wake up with neck or back pain anymore,” one reviewer writes.

A handful of 1-star reviewers complain that they paid extra for the company’s “snow cooling” technology, which costs an extra $500 and brings the total price of a queen to more than $3,000. “The Snow technology does not work at all and is a complete waste of money,” one writes.

Another had a similar complaint to mine about the mattress’ support: “I have had a Casper mattress. This one is not as comfortable, does not support my back. Thinking of sending it back.”

Is the Casper Wave Hybrid worth it?

Given that this is the brand's premium offering, I thought the Casper Wave could be a turning point in my perception of the brand. Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed yet again. In short, the bed is too expensive, unsupportive, and likely not worth it for most.

I think the mattress could be great for certain side sleepers, namely those who prefer a softer, cushiony surface. On the other hand, a handful of displeased customers noted that it’s too firm—so jury's out there. Assuming you can set aside the cash, you may want to try it for yourself during the 100-night sleep trial. But overall, we think that there are better mattresses in a box out there for pretty much everyone.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.