Based on specs and owner reviews, the Casper Element is our overall pick: a simple all-foam bed with balanced medium-firm feel and a solid warranty. Side sleepers who run hot should look at the Nectar Premier Copper for added cooling and contour.
The Casper Element, sold for years as the Casper Essential, is the brand’s entry-level all-foam mattress, built to deliver Casper’s familiar neutral feel at a lower cost than the flagship models. We compared it against six other widely sold beds in the same range, looking at construction specs, firmness, certifications, trial terms, and recurring themes in verified owner reviews so you can see where it leads and where rivals pull ahead.
We do not physically test mattresses. Instead, our rankings are based on published material specs, CertiPUR-US foam certification status, manufacturer trial and warranty terms, and patterns we found across hundreds of owner reviews. That approach lets us flag real trade-offs, such as edge support, motion isolation, and heat retention, without pretending to have slept on every bed ourselves.
Casper Element
The Casper Element keeps things simple with a two-layer all-foam build and a medium-firm feel that suits a wide range of body types. It skips the zoned support and cooling extras of pricier Casper models, which is exactly why it lands at a lower price. For most back and combination sleepers, it offers dependable comfort without overcomplicating the buying decision.
Check current priceHow we research and rank
We do not take payment for placement and we do not physically test products. Rankings come from manufacturer specifications, material certifications (CertiPUR-US foam, OEKO-TEX textiles), and the weight of aggregated verified owner reviews, analyzed for durability, heat retention and sagging. The scores in this guide are MattressVetted editorial research ratings — our assessment of the available evidence, not customer star averages. See how we rate.
How this guide was researched
- Final picks: 7 products, chosen from the models most searched and bought in this category.
- Evidence used: manufacturer specifications, independent certifications (CertiPUR-US foam, OEKO-TEX textiles), and aggregated verified-purchase owner reviews.
- Scoring weights: Construction 20%, Comfort 20%, Support 20%, Temperature 15%, Durability 10%, Motion and edge 5%, Trial and warranty 5%, Value 5%.
- Testing: we do not physically test products. Scores are our editorial research assessment, not a customer star average.
- Research reflects: May 2026.
Full method on our how we rate page.
The picks, compared
Casper Element
Back and combination sleepers who want a no-frills, balanced all-foam bed · Type: All-foam | Firmness: Medium-firm (about 6.5/10) | Trial: 100 nights
The Casper Element keeps things simple with a two-layer all-foam build and a medium-firm feel that suits a wide range of body types. It skips the zoned support and cooling extras of pricier Casper models, which is exactly why it lands at a lower price. For most back and combination sleepers, it offers dependable comfort without overcomplicating the buying decision.
What owners report: Owners frequently describe it as comfortable out of the box with a neutral, not-too-soft feel that works for couples with different preferences. A recurring complaint is that it can sleep warm and that edge support is modest compared with hybrid options.
- Balanced medium-firm feel suits most back and combination sleepers
- CertiPUR-US certified foams
- Backed by Casper's brand support and warranty
- All-foam build can retain heat
- Edge support is weaker than hybrid rivals
Nectar Premier Copper
Hot sleepers who want memory-foam contouring without overheating · Type: All-foam (memory foam) | Firmness: Medium (about 6/10) | Trial: 365 nights
The Nectar Premier Copper layers copper-infused and phase-change cooling materials over Nectar's signature memory foam. It pairs deep contouring with cooling tech aimed squarely at sleepers who tend to overheat on traditional foam. The result is a plush feel that runs cooler than most all-foam beds in this range.
What owners report: Owners report noticeably cooler sleep than older foam mattresses and praise the pressure relief for side sleeping. Some note it feels softer than expected and that the deep hug is not ideal for stomach sleepers.
- Copper and phase-change layers help dissipate heat
- Excellent pressure relief for side sleepers
- Generous year-long sleep trial
- Soft feel may not support heavier stomach sleepers
- Memory foam can feel slow to respond
Tuft & Needle Original
Budget-conscious shoppers wanting a responsive all-foam feel · Type: All-foam | Firmness: Medium-firm (about 6.5/10) | Trial: 100 nights
The Tuft & Needle Original uses the brand's adaptive foam to deliver a responsive, balanced feel that avoids the stuck-in-the-bed sensation of memory foam. It is one of the simplest, most affordable beds-in-a-box still widely available. For shoppers who want straightforward comfort at a low cost, it remains a strong reference point.
What owners report: Owners appreciate the bouncy, easy-to-move-on surface and the low price relative to bigger brands. Common criticisms include limited contouring for side sleepers and some early softening reports.
- Responsive adaptive foam is easy to move on
- Among the most affordable beds-in-a-box
- CertiPUR-US certified
- Limited deep contouring for side sleepers
- Some owners report softening over time
Helix Midnight
Side sleepers who want pressure relief plus coil support · Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium (about 6/10) | Trial: 100 nights
The Helix Midnight is a medium-feel hybrid tuned for side sleepers, pairing comfort foam with a pocketed coil base. The coils add bounce and stronger edge support than all-foam beds, while the upper layers cushion shoulders and hips. It is a popular pick for those who find pure foam too sinking or too warm.
What owners report: Side sleepers often single out the shoulder and hip pressure relief as a highlight. Some owners wish it ran a touch firmer, and a few mention noticeable off-gassing smell at first.
- Strong pressure relief for shoulders and hips
- Hybrid coils improve airflow and edge support
- Medium feel works for many couples
- May feel too soft for some stomach sleepers
- Initial off-gassing odor reported
Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam
Guest rooms and first apartments on a tight budget · Type: All-foam (memory foam) | Firmness: Medium (about 6/10) | Trial: Varies by retailer
The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam is one of the most affordable boxed mattresses on the market, using green-tea-infused memory foam over a support base. It delivers classic memory-foam contouring at a fraction of premium prices. It is a sensible choice for guest rooms, kids, or budget setups where premium features are not the priority.
What owners report: Owners are surprised by the comfort for the money and find setup easy. Frequent notes include heat retention typical of memory foam and softening sooner than pricier beds.
- Very low cost for a full memory-foam bed
- CertiPUR-US certified foams
- Widely available with easy setup
- Tends to sleep warm
- Durability lags premium options
Saatva Classic
Back and stomach sleepers wanting firm, supportive innerspring feel · Type: Innerspring hybrid | Firmness: Firm option (about 7.5/10) | Trial: 365 nights
The Saatva Classic is a luxury innerspring hybrid offered in three firmness options, including a genuinely firm setting that supports back and stomach sleepers. Its coil-on-coil build provides strong edge support and a traditional, lifted feel rather than a foam hug. For those who dislike sinking into a mattress, it is a standout reference in this group.
What owners report: Owners praise the supportive, hotel-like feel and the strong edges for sitting and sleeping near the side. Some mention the white-glove delivery as a plus, while a few find the firm option too stiff.
- Multiple firmness options including a true firm
- Excellent edge support and durability
- Coil construction promotes airflow
- Firm option may be too stiff for side sleepers
- Heavier and harder to move than boxed foam beds
DreamCloud Hybrid
Couples wanting a luxury-feel hybrid with strong support · Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium-firm (about 6.5/10) | Trial: 365 nights
The DreamCloud Hybrid combines layered comfort foams with a pocketed coil core for a medium-firm, supportive feel. The coils boost airflow and edge support, while the quilted cover adds a plush surface touch. It is a well-rounded option for couples who want hybrid benefits without a flagship price.
What owners report: Owners highlight the balanced support and the cushioned-yet-firm surface as good for couples with mixed preferences. Some report it feels firmer than expected at first and softens after a break-in period.
- Coil core adds support and airflow
- Plush quilted cover over a medium-firm base
- Long sleep trial and lifetime warranty
- Can feel firm before break-in
- Heavier than all-foam alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is the Casper Element the same as the Casper Essential?
Yes. The Casper Element is the renamed version of what Casper previously sold as the Casper Essential, the brand's entry-level all-foam mattress. The core all-foam build and budget-friendly positioning carried over with the name change.
Does the Casper Element sleep hot?
As an all-foam bed, the Element can retain more heat than a hybrid or a copper-infused model. Owners who run warm sometimes mention this, so a cooling-focused option like the Nectar Premier Copper may suit hot sleepers better.
Is the Casper Element good for side sleepers?
It can work for lighter side sleepers thanks to its medium-firm feel, but those who need deeper shoulder and hip relief often prefer a softer or zoned bed. The Helix Midnight is a popular hybrid alternative for dedicated side sleepers.
What firmness is the Casper Element?
The Element sits around medium-firm, roughly 6.5 out of 10. That balance tends to suit back and combination sleepers and many average-weight couples looking for a neutral, all-purpose feel.
What trial and warranty come with the Casper Element?
Casper backs the Element with a 100-night sleep trial and a limited warranty, letting you test it at home and return it within the trial window if it does not work out. Always confirm current terms on Casper's site before buying.
The verdict
For most sleepers, the Casper Element is our overall winner, offering a balanced medium-firm all-foam feel and dependable brand support at an entry-level price. Hot sleepers who want deeper contouring should consider the Nectar Premier Copper, while firm-feel fans and back or stomach sleepers will be better served by the Saatva Classic. Match the bed to your sleep position and temperature needs and any of these will be a sound choice.