Hey, mattress hunters! If you’re stuck choosing between the Casper and Nectar, you’re not alone. These two bed-in-a-box giants are some of the most popular names in the online mattress world, each offering affordable, comfy foam beds. But which one’s right for you?
At Mattressnap, we’ve dug through reviews, analyzed performance tests, and compared the nitty-gritty details to help you decide. We break down the Casper One and Nectar Classic to guide you to your dream sleep. Let’s dive in!
Casper
The Casper One is Casper’s flagship all-foam mattress, rebranded in 2024 to replace the Casper Original. It’s an 11-inch bed with a medium-firm feel (around 6/10), designed for a balanced, neutral foam experience that’s not too huggy like traditional memory foam. Priced at about $1,245 for a queen (often discounted to ~$900), it’s a versatile pick for back, stomach, and combo sleepers. Casper’s known for its breathable AirScape foam and Zoned Support for targeted firmness. It comes with a 100-night trial, 10-year warranty, and free shipping.
Key Highlights:
- Neutral, responsive foam feel, great for those who dislike deep memory foam sinkage.
- Good cooling for a foam mattress, thanks to open-cell AirScape foam.
- Excellent motion isolation, ideal for couples.
- Wide availability in stores like Target for in-person testing.
Nectar
The Nectar Classic is Nectar’s entry-level all-foam mattress, known for its classic memory foam hug. At 12 inches thick, it has a medium-firm feel (6.5/10), slightly firmer than Casper. A queen retails for $1,099 but often drops to $649 with discounts. It’s a favorite for side sleepers and budget shoppers, offering deep contouring and pressure relief. Nectar stands out with a 365-night trial, lifetime warranty, and free shipping.
Key Highlights:
- Deep, body-hugging memory foam feel, perfect for pressure relief.
- Outstanding motion isolation, great for light-sleeping couples.
- Budget-friendly with frequent sales and a generous trial period.
- Slightly thicker and heavier, suggesting solid durability.
Compare the Models
Here’s a quick side-by-side to set the stage:
| Feature | Casper One | Nectar Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Type | All-Foam | All-Foam |
| Height | 11 inches | 12 inches |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm (6/10) | Medium-Firm (6.5/10) |
| Price (Queen, MSRP) | $1,245 (~$900 with discounts) | $1,099 (~$649 with discounts) |
| Cooling | Very Good (AirScape foam) | Average (gel memory foam) |
| Motion Transfer | Very Low | Very Low |
| Edge Support | Average | Average to Good |
| Trial/Warranty | 100 nights, 10 years | 365 nights, Lifetime |
| Shipping | Free | Free |
Best Mattress For
- Casper One:
- Back Sleepers: Zoned Support provides extra firmness under the hips for spinal alignment.
- Combination Sleepers: Responsive foam makes switching positions easy.
- Hot Sleepers: AirScape foam keeps it cooler than most foam beds.
- Couples: Excellent motion isolation minimizes partner disturbances.
- Nectar Classic:
- Side Sleepers: Deep memory foam cushions shoulders and hips.
- Budget Shoppers: Lower price point with frequent discounts.
- Couples: Superior motion isolation for undisturbed sleep.
- Pressure Relief Seekers: Contouring foam eases joint and back pain.
Performance Tests
We’ve leaned on data from trusted sources like Mattress Clarity, Sleepopolis, and NapLab to compare how these mattresses stack up. Here’s the breakdown.
Cooling Test
Casper One: Casper’s AirScape foam, with its open-cell structure and tiny perforations, promotes airflow better than most foam mattresses. Testers note it sleeps cooler than traditional memory foam, making it a solid choice for warm sleepers. Score: Very Good.
Nectar Classic: Nectar uses gel-infused memory foam and a “cooling” polyester cover, but testers often report it traps heat, especially for hot sleepers. It’s not bad for a foam bed, but it lags behind Casper. Score: Average.
Sinkage Test
Casper One: Sinkage is moderate (around 1.5-2 inches), giving a “sleeping on” feel. The responsive foam prevents that stuck-in-the-mud sensation, ideal for combo sleepers. Score: Gentle Cradle.
Nectar Classic: Deeper sinkage (2-2.5 inches) creates a “sleeping in” hug, typical of memory foam. Great for side sleepers but may feel restrictive for some. Score: Deep Hug.
Motion Transfer Test
Casper One: The all-foam design absorbs motion well, scoring high for couples. You’ll barely feel your partner moving, making it great for light sleepers. Score: Very Low.
Nectar Classic: Nectar’s dense memory foam slightly edges out Casper, offering near-perfect motion isolation. It’s a top pick for couples with restless partners. Score: Very Low.
Response Test
Casper One: The AirScape and polyfoam layers rebound quickly (0.4-0.5 seconds), making it easy to switch positions. It feels more neutral than classic memory foam. Score: Fast.
Nectar Classic: Memory foam responds slowly (0.8-1 second), giving that gradual, contouring feel. It’s less ideal for quick movements. Score: Slow.
Bounce Test
Casper One: Moderate bounce (5-6 inches) from its responsive foam layers. It’s not springy like a hybrid but livelier than Nectar. Score: Moderate.
Nectar Classic: Low bounce (3-4 inches), typical of memory foam. It’s designed for sinkage, not springiness. Score: Low.
Edge Support Test
Casper One: Edge support is average for an all-foam mattress. Sitting on the edge causes noticeable sinkage, and sleeping near the edge may feel unstable. Score: Average.
Nectar Classic: Slightly better edge support due to its denser foam. It’s still not great for sitting, but you can sleep closer to the edge. Score: Average to Good.
Pressure Relief Test
Casper One: The memory foam layer and Zoned Support provide excellent pressure relief, especially for back sleepers. Side sleepers may find it a touch firm. Score: Very Good.
Nectar Classic: Deep-contouring memory foam excels at cushioning pressure points, making it a standout for side sleepers and those with joint pain. Score: Outstanding.
Off-Gassing Test
Casper One: As a bed-in-a-box, it has a mild foam smell that fades within 24-48 hours after unboxing. Score: Good.
Nectar Classic: Similar mild off-gassing, dissipating within a couple of days. Some users note a slightly stronger initial odor. Score: Good.
Company
- Casper: A pioneer since 2014, Casper has an A+ BBB rating and offers a 100-night trial, 10-year warranty, and free shipping. You can try it in stores like Target or Casper showrooms. Returns are free after a 30-day adjustment period.
- Nectar: Launched in 2016, Nectar is known for value and has a strong online presence. It offers a 365-night trial, lifetime warranty, and free shipping. Returns may incur a shipping fee. Available at partner retailers for in-person testing.
Firmness
- Casper One: Rated at 6/10 (medium-firm), it feels slightly softer than Nectar. The Zoned Support makes it firmer under the hips and softer at the shoulders, ideal for back sleepers. Lighter sleepers may find it softer, heavier ones firmer.
- Nectar Classic: At 6.5/10, it’s a true medium-firm with a consistent feel across the surface. Its memory foam hug suits side sleepers, but it may feel too firm for petite side sleepers or too soft for some stomach sleepers.
Support & Sleeping Positions
- Back Sleepers:
- Side Sleepers:
- Stomach Sleepers:
- Heavy Sleepers (Over 230 lbs):
Design
- Casper One: An 11-inch all-foam mattress with a sleek, gray knit cover. Its AirScape foam and Zoned Support create a responsive, neutral feel with targeted firmness for ergonomic support.
- Nectar Classic: A 12-inch all-foam bed with a quilted, cooling polyester cover. Its thick memory foam layers deliver a slow, contouring hug, prioritizing pressure relief over responsiveness.
Materials
Casper One
- Cover: Breathable knit blend (polyester, polyethylene, Lycra), smooth and soft.
- Comfort Layer: 2” AirScape open-cell polyfoam for cooling and responsiveness.
- Transition Layer: 1.5” Align memory foam for pressure relief and Zoned Support.
- Base Layer: 7.5” high-density polyfoam for stability.
Nectar Classic
- Cover: Quilted poly-blend with polyethylene for a cool-to-the-touch feel.
- Comfort Layer: 2” gel-infused memory foam for contouring and heat dissipation.
- Transition Layer: 3” adaptive polyfoam for spinal alignment and airflow.
- Base Layer: 7” high-density polyfoam for durability.
Casper vs. Nectar: Which Should You Buy?
Should You Buy the Casper One?
Choose the Casper One if:
- You want a neutral foam feel that’s not too huggy.
- You’re a back or combination sleeper needing spinal support.
- You sleep warm and need better cooling for a foam bed.
- You prefer a shorter trial (100 nights) and want to test in stores.
- You value responsiveness for easy movement.
Considerations:
- Slightly pricier than Nectar, even with discounts.
- Edge support is average, not ideal for edge-sitters.
- May be too firm for some side sleepers.
Should You Buy the Nectar Classic?
Choose the Nectar Classic if:
- You love the deep, cradling hug of memory foam.
- You’re a side sleeper or need superior pressure relief.
- You’re on a budget and want a longer trial (365 nights).
- You share a bed and need top-tier motion isolation.
- You prioritize value and a lifetime warranty.
Considerations:
- Sleeps warmer, not ideal for hot sleepers.
- Slow response may feel restrictive for combo sleepers.
- Slightly softer, less supportive for stomach sleepers.
FAQ
Q: What’s the main difference between Casper and Nectar?
A: Casper One has a responsive, neutral foam feel with Zoned Support, while Nectar Classic offers a deep, contouring memory foam hug.
Q: Which is better for hot sleepers?
A: Casper One, with its AirScape foam, sleeps cooler than Nectar’s memory foam.
Q: Can I try them in a store?
A: Yes! Casper is available at Target and Casper showrooms. Nectar can be tested at partner retailers like Mattress Firm.
Q: How long do they last?
A: Both should last 7-10 years. Nectar’s denser foam may edge out slightly for durability, but Casper’s quality is solid.
Q: Are they good for couples?
A: Both excel at motion isolation, but Nectar’s deeper hug makes it slightly better for light sleepers. Casper’s responsiveness suits couples who move a lot.
There you go, sleep seekers—a full breakdown of the Casper One vs. Nectar Classic! At Mattressnap, we hope this guide makes your decision easier. If you’re still unsure, Nectar’s 365-night trial gives you a year to test, while Casper’s store availability lets you try before you buy. Sweet dreams!
