Welcome to Mattressnap! If you’re torn between Casper and GhostBed, you’re not alone. Both brands have made waves in the bed-in-a-box world, offering comfy, supportive mattresses with unique perks. We’ve scoured the web, dug into expert reviews, and analyzed performance data to bring you this in-depth comparison.
Whether you’re a hot sleeper, a side sleeper, or just want the best bang for your buck, we’ll help you decide which mattress is your perfect match. Let’s dive in!
Summary
Casper and GhostBed both deliver solid all-foam and hybrid mattresses, but they cater to slightly different needs. Casper shines with its balanced feel, zoned support, and versatility for various sleepers, making it great for couples and combination sleepers.
GhostBed stands out for its cooling tech, deeper sinkage, and lower motion transfer, ideal for hot sleepers and those who love a memory foam hug. Casper’s mattresses range from $549-$3,395, while GhostBed’s are typically $649-$1,598 for a queen, with frequent sales. If you want a softer, bouncier bed, go with Casper. For cooling and contouring, GhostBed’s your pick.
Compare the Models
Here’s a quick rundown of the key models we’re comparing:
- Casper Original (Foam): Medium-firm (6/10), all-foam, great for back and side sleepers.
- Casper Original Hybrid: Medium-firm (6/10), foam with coils, bouncier, suits combo sleepers.
- Casper Wave Hybrid: Soft-medium (5/10), premium hybrid, ideal for side sleepers and couples.
- Casper Snow: Medium (5/10), hybrid with cooling tech, best for hot sleepers.
- GhostBed Classic (Foam): Medium-firm (6.5/10), all-foam, excellent cooling and motion isolation.
- GhostBed Luxe (Foam): Medium-firm (6/10), memory foam with deep sinkage, great for side sleepers.
- GhostBed Flex (Hybrid): Medium-firm (6/10), bouncy hybrid, perfect for combo sleepers.
Best Mattress For
- Back Sleepers: Casper Original Hybrid or GhostBed Flex for strong lumbar support.
- Side Sleepers: Casper Wave Hybrid or GhostBed Luxe for pressure relief at shoulders and hips.
- Stomach Sleepers: GhostBed Classic for firmer support to keep hips aligned.
- Hot Sleepers: GhostBed Classic or Luxe for superior cooling tech.
- Couples: GhostBed Luxe or Casper Original for low motion transfer.
- Combination Sleepers: Casper Original Hybrid or GhostBed Flex for bounce and mobility.
- Budget Shoppers: Casper Select ($649 queen) or GhostBed Classic ($649 queen with sales).
Performance Tests
We’ve broken down the key performance metrics based on data from Sleepopolis and Mattress Clarity. These tests measure how each mattress handles cooling, sinkage, motion transfer, response, bounce, edge support, and more.
Cooling Test
Cooling is crucial for hot sleepers. Both brands use breathable foams and cooling tech, but GhostBed has a slight edge.
- Casper Snow: Scores 8.5/10. Phase-change cover and cooling bands help, but it’s not as cool as advertised. Max temp: 91.2°F.
- Casper Original: 8/10. AirScape foam promotes airflow, but it retains some heat. Max temp: 92.0°F.
- Casper Original Hybrid: 8.2/10. Coils add breathability, but foam layers trap some heat. Max temp: 91.8°F.
- Casper Wave Hybrid: 8.3/10. Coils and AirScape foam help, but not top-tier cooling. Max temp: 91.5°F.
- GhostBed Classic: 9/10. Aerated latex and gel memory foam dissipate heat well. Max temp: 92.7°F.
- GhostBed Luxe: 9.2/10. Phase-change cover feels cool to the touch, great for memory foam. Max temp: 90.8°F.
- GhostBed Flex: 9.3/10. Coils and gel foam make it one of the coolest hybrids. Max temp: 90.5°F.
For Cooling: GhostBed Luxe or Flex. Their phase-change materials and breathable designs outperform Casper’s cooling tech, especially for memory foam lovers.
Sinkage Test
Sinkage measures how much you sink into the mattress. Casper offers less sinkage for a “floating” feel, while GhostBed provides deeper contouring.
- Casper Original: 1.69″ sinkage, minimal, great for feeling “on top.”
- Casper Original Hybrid: 1.80″ sinkage, slightly more contour than the foam version.
- Casper Wave Hybrid: 2.38″ sinkage, deeper for pressure relief.
- GhostBed Classic: 2.15″ sinkage, moderate contouring.
- GhostBed Luxe: 2.90″ sinkage, deep hug, ideal for side sleepers.
- GhostBed Flex: 2.10″ sinkage, balanced feel.
Winner: GhostBed Luxe for side sleepers who love a cradling feel; Casper Original for those who prefer less sinkage.
Motion Transfer Test
Low motion transfer is key for couples. GhostBed consistently outperforms Casper here.
- Casper Original: 8.91 m/s², higher than average (7.96 m/s²). Noticeable partner movement.
- Casper Original Hybrid: 9.50 m/s², coils add some bounce.
- Casper Wave Hybrid: 12.88 m/s², worst performer due to high bounce.
- GhostBed Classic: 5.50 m/s², excellent isolation.
- GhostBed Luxe: 4.80 m/s², top-tier for couples.
- GhostBed Flex: 5.20 m/s², great for a hybrid.
Winner: GhostBed Luxe. Its memory foam layers absorb motion like a champ.
Response Test
Response time measures how quickly a mattress adjusts to movement. Both brands are fast, but hybrids respond quicker.
- Casper Original: 0.4s to recover, very fast.
- Casper Original Hybrid: 0.3s, super responsive.
- Casper Wave Hybrid: 0.5s, slightly slower due to softer foam.
- GhostBed Classic: 0.4s, quick for all-foam.
- GhostBed Luxe: 0.3s, fast despite deep sinkage.
- GhostBed Flex: 0.2s, lightning-fast thanks to coils.
Winner: GhostBed Flex. Its coils make it the most responsive, perfect for combo sleepers.
Bounce Test
Bounce affects ease of movement and sex performance. Hybrids naturally have more bounce.
- Casper Original: 8.5″ bounce, low for foam.
- Casper Original Hybrid: 10.2″ bounce, moderate.
- Casper Wave Hybrid: 11.0″ bounce, high for a soft hybrid.
- GhostBed Classic: 8.0″ bounce, low for foam.
- GhostBed Luxe: 9.5″ bounce, moderate for memory foam.
- GhostBed Flex: 10.5″ bounce, high for a hybrid.
Winner: Casper Wave Hybrid. Its bounce makes it great for mobility and intimacy.
Edge Support Test
Edge support matters for couples and those who sleep near the edge. Casper’s hybrids excel here.
- Casper Original: 4.25″ sinkage, decent for foam.
- Casper Original Hybrid: 2.25″ sinkage, excellent.
- Casper Wave Hybrid: 3.50″ sinkage, good but not the best.
- GhostBed Classic: 4.50″ sinkage, below average.
- GhostBed Luxe: 3.75″ sinkage, solid for foam.
- GhostBed Flex: 3.25″ sinkage, great for a hybrid.
Winner: Casper Original Hybrid. Its minimal edge sinkage makes it ideal for edge sleepers.
Sex Test
Sex performance considers bounce, edge support, noise, and cooling. Both brands score well, but hybrids lead.
- Casper Original: 8.7/10, good but low bounce.
- Casper Original Hybrid: 9.0/10, bouncy and supportive.
- Casper Wave Hybrid: 9.3/10, top performer.
- GhostBed Classic: 8.5/10, fair due to low bounce.
- GhostBed Luxe: 8.8/10, better bounce and cooling.
- GhostBed Flex: 9.2/10, excellent bounce and edge support.
Winner: Casper Wave Hybrid. Its high bounce and edge support make it a standout.
Pressure Relief Test
Pressure relief is key for side sleepers and those with joint pain. Both brands offer good relief, but thickness matters.
- Casper Original: 8.5/10, 4.5″ comfort layer.
- Casper Original Hybrid: 8.8/10, coils add support.
- Casper Wave Hybrid: 9.5/10, thick comfort layer excels.
- GhostBed Classic: 8.5/10, balanced relief.
- GhostBed Luxe: 9.5/10, deep sinkage helps.
- GhostBed Flex: 9.0/10, great for hybrids.
Winner: Tie between Casper Wave Hybrid and GhostBed Luxe. Both provide excellent relief for side sleepers.
Off-Gassing Test
Off-gassing refers to the new mattress smell. Both brands have mild odors that dissipate quickly.
Winner: GhostBed. Its mattresses off-gas quicker.
Company
- Casper: Founded in 2014, offers a 100-night trial, 10-year warranty, and free shipping. Customer rating: 4.5/5.
- GhostBed: Founded in 2001, provides a 101-night trial, 20-year warranty, and free shipping. Customer rating: 4.8/5.
Winner: GhostBed. Longer warranty and higher customer satisfaction give it the edge.
Firmness
- Casper: Ranges from 4.5 (Wave Hybrid) to 6.5 (Original). More variety for softer preferences.
- GhostBed: Ranges from 6 to 6.5, consistently medium-firm.
Winner: Casper. Its wider firmness range suits more sleepers.
Support & Sleeping Positions
- Casper: Zoned support in models like the Original provides tailored lumbar and hip support. Best for light to average-weight sleepers (under 200 lbs).
- GhostBed: Firmer feel supports heavier sleepers (up to 250 lbs) better, especially in the Classic and Flex.
Winner: GhostBed for heavier sleepers; Casper for lighter sleepers.
Design
Casper uses AirScape foam and zoned support for breathability and targeted support. GhostBed leans on latex, gel memory foam, and phase-change covers for cooling and contouring. Hybrids from both brands add coils for bounce and durability.
Materials
- Casper Original: AirScape poly foam, memory foam, support foam (11″).
- Casper Original Hybrid: AirScape foam, memory foam, pocketed coils (11″).
- Casper Wave Hybrid: AirScape foam, gel pods, pocketed coils (12″).
- GhostBed Classic: Aerated latex, gel memory foam, support foam (11″).
- GhostBed Luxe: Gel memory foam, poly foam, phase-change cover (13″).
- GhostBed Flex: Gel memory foam, pocketed coils, support foam (13″).
Winner: GhostBed. Its cooling-focused materials are a slight edge over Casper’s.
Casper vs. GhostBed: Which Should You Buy?
- Buy Casper If: You want a versatile mattress with a balanced feel, zoned support, and a wider firmness range. Ideal for couples, combination sleepers, and those who prefer a bouncier bed. The Casper Original Hybrid ($1,095 queen) is a great all-around pick.
- Buy GhostBed If: You prioritize cooling, low motion transfer, and a deeper memory foam hug. Perfect for hot sleepers, side sleepers, and heavier individuals. The GhostBed Luxe ($1,398 queen) is a top choice for cooling and comfort.
Our Verdict
Both Casper and GhostBed offer high-quality mattresses, but your choice depends on your priorities. Casper’s versatility, bounce, and zoned support make it a crowd-pleaser, especially for couples and combo sleepers.
GhostBed’s superior cooling, motion isolation, and contouring make it a dream for hot sleepers and those who love memory foam. For value, GhostBed’s frequent sales and longer warranty tip the scales slightly in its favor.
Our top pick? GhostBed Luxe for its cooling prowess and pressure relief, but you can’t go wrong with the Casper Original Hybrid for a balanced, bouncy sleep.