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Casper vs. Bear Mattress Comparison
The original Casper is an all-foam mattress with a bouncy foam top layer and a zoned memory foam layer that supports your shoulders and hips. The Bear mattress caters specifically to those with active lifestyles by including a Celliant cover and cradling top layer of memory foam.
In this mattress comparison, we’ll be pitting the two foam mattresses against each other to know if they are similar or different, how they’re constructed, and how they perform when it comes to sleep.
We test our mattresses firsthand in our sleep lab. If you want to know how we do things behind-the-scenes, check out our testing methodology.
Bear vs. Casper Overview
Here’s a short overview of the Bear and Casper’s strong points, as well as which type of sleepers will benefit the most from each mattress.
| Bear is best for… | Casper is best for… |
| Those with back pain | Side sleepers |
| Back sleepers | Combination sleepers |
| Stomach sleepers | Back sleepers |
Who Should Choose the Bear Mattress?
- Those with back pain: People suffering from back pain will benefit from the Bear’s balance of support and spinal alignment.
- Back sleepers: Those who sleep on their bank will sink just deep enough into the mattress for full body contouring.
- Stomach sleepers: Lightweight or average-weight stomach sleepers will probably get enough hip support on the Bear’s firmer foam layers.
Who Should Choose the Casper Mattress?
- Side sleepers: Sleepers who side on their side will appreciate the targeted support for their pressure points.
- Combination sleepers: People who toss and turn in bed shouldn’t have trouble changing position on top of Casper’s responsive layers of foam.
- Back sleepers: Back sleepers will probably experience a good night’s sleep since Casper provides a great balance of support and cushioning.
Bear vs. Casper Mattress Video Comparison
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the top similarities and differences between the Casper and Bear mattresses
Bear vs. Casper: Top Similarities
- Responsiveness: While the Casper is exceptionally responsive, both of these mattresses adjust quickly when you move from one sleep position to another.
- Edge support: The Bear and Casper mattresses both keep you well-supported along their edges.
- Price point: The pricing of these beds never differs by more than $100.
Bear vs. Casper: Top Differences
- Conforming feel: Bear’s memory foam layer sits right on top of the mattress and conforms closely to your body. The memory foam layer in the Casper sits in the middle, under a buoyant, latex-like layer of foam.
- Firmness: Both mattresses are considered medium-firm, but the Casper is a fraction softer, and we think it offers better pressure relief making it the better mattress for side sleepers.
- Cooling: The cooling technology in the Bear mattress is a bit more effective than the cooling features in the Casper, so the Bear sleeps a touch cooler.
Bear vs. Casper: Firmness & Feel Differences
We did some testing in the sleep lab, and here’s what we found out about Bear and Casper’s firmness levels and feel.
What’s the Firmness Of the Bear & Casper Mattresses?
An easy way to gauge how a mattress feels is to locate where it falls on the firmness scale. An extremely plush mattress has a firmness level of around 2/10, while an extra firm mattress is closer to 8/10. With that said, mattress firmness is subjective to each person. A lightweight person may find a mattress to be firm, while a heavyweight person may consider the same mattress medium-firm or even soft.
The Casper and Bear mattresses are both medium-firm, which ranges from 6/10 to 7/10 on the firmness scale. We think the Bear is a bit firmer than the Casper. Specifically, we rank the Bear at 7/10 and Casper at 6/10.
What Do the Bear & Casper Mattresses Feel Like?
Bear mattresses provide a balanced foam feel that comes with excellent support and pressure relief. It falls a bit on the firmer side of foam mattresses, so there’s not much sink to it, despite having a memory foam top layer. Lying down on the Bear mattress feels more like you’re sleeping on top of it rather than in it.
Similarly, Casper also offers a balanced foam feel but with a slightly hugging sensation, which is probably because of its soft memory foam. It’s balanced out by the cushioning feel of its polyfoam layer. So while you may feel like it’s firm when you lie down on it, you’ll gradually sink and feel it conform around your body. Despite this, it’s very responsive and we found no trouble moving around on it.
What’s It Like to Sleep On the Bear & Casper Mattresses?
Bear is a very versatile mattress that can accommodate all sleeping positions. However, because of its firm nature, it’s better suited to back and stomach sleepers than side sleepers. Lightweight side sleepers, as well as some average-weight folks, may find the mattress a bit too firm, but some heavyweight side sleepers may feel like it’s just right. It’s also very responsive, so combination sleepers will also be very satisfied with this mattress.
The Casper Original is also better suited for back sleepers and some stomach sleepers, thanks to its supportive polyfoam layer. This dense polyfoam layer does a good job of distributing body weight evenly, thereby reducing or preventing any pressure build-up. Some side sleepers may find comfort in Casper, but others (especially heavier folks) may feel like it’s a bit too firm.
The Bear vs. Casper Mattresses By Body Type
Bear Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Casper Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 3 | 2 | 2 |
1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent
Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)
Average-weight back sleepers will have no trouble picking from either mattress since both mattresses provide excellent back support and cushion. However, we think the slightly firmer Bear outperforms the Casper in terms of support.
The Casper Original would be the better choice for average-weight side sleepers, since most side sleepers will probably find Bear too firm for comfort. Casper provides just the right amount of support and comfort for those who sleep on their side.
Since average-weight stomach sleepers will require enough hip support to keep their hips aligned with their spine, we think the Bear is the better choice.
Both are responsive foam mattresses, so average-weight combination sleepers can pick from any of the two. We suggest picking based on your dominant sleeping position for the best comfort possible.
Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)
Both mattresses performed similarly when it came to accommodating heavyweight back sleepers, but we think the firmer Bear will probably be more supportive and comfortable.
Both Bear and Casper struggle a bit when it comes to accommodating heavyweight side sleepers, as they both can’t provide enough support and pressure relief to keep them comfortable. However, the Bear may be more comfortable because of its firm foam layers.
We can’t recommend either mattress for heavyweight stomach sleepers since both mattresses can’t provide enough hip elevation to keep a healthy spine alignment. Instead, we recommend firmer and more supportive mattresses, like our picks in our best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Heavyweight combination sleepers will probably have a hard time moving around on both mattresses, so we recommend taking a look at more responsive mattress options in our best mattresses for combination sleepers list.
Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)
Lightweight back sleepers will get a good night’s sleep no matter which mattress they choose. The choice falls on whether you prefer the firmer feel of Bear or the softer foam feel of Casper.
Lightweight side sleepers will probably appreciate the soft yet supportive feel of the Casper Original over the Bear. Most will feel like the latter is firm and somewhat uncomfy.
Both mattresses can easily accommodate lightweight stomach sleepers, but in terms of overall support and comfort, we think the Bear beats the Casper Original by a slight margin.
Lightweight combination sleepers who toss and turn a lot will be happy with either mattress since both Bear and Casper have responsive foam layers that are easy to move around on.
Differences In Mattress Construction
Bear and Casper are both popular foam mattresses. Bear stands at 10″ thick, while the Casper Original is slightly thicker at 11″. Here’s a closer look at how they’re constructed.
| Bear Mattress Materials | Casper Mattress Materials |
| Breathable Celliant Cover | Polyester Blend Cover |
| 2” Graphite-Gel Memory Foam | 1.5” Airscape Perforated Polyfoam |
| 2” Responsive Transition Foam | 2” Memory Foam |
| 6” High-Density Support Foam | 7.5” High-Density Polyfoam |
Cover
Bear uses a proprietary Celliant cover that redirects infrared light into your body to speed up muscle recovery and improve performance and blood flow. Casper has a soft polyester blend that’s soft, stretchy, and breathable, despite being made from recycled bottles.
Comfort Layers
Bear uses a graphite gel-infused memory foam comfort layer that’s designed to help you sleep cool through the night. Casper has its patented Airscape foam system, which is made from perforated polyfoam that provides excellent airflow and support.
Support Layers
Both mattresses use high-density polyfoam support layers, but the Casper has a slightly thicker one by 1.5”.
Bear vs. Casper Pricing
| Size | Bear Prices | Casper Prices |
| Twin | $786.00 | $895.00 |
| Twin XL | $849.00 | $995.00 |
| Full | $911.00 | $1195.00 |
| Queen | $998.00 | $1295.00 |
| King | $1304.00 | $1695.00 |
| California King | $1304.00 | $1695.00 |
For exclusive discounts on both beds see our Bear mattress coupons and Casper mattress coupons.
Bear vs. Casper Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences
Temperature
Memory foam is notorious for trapping heat, but Casper and Bear address this issue by adding cooling features. The top layer of the Casper is perforated to enable better airflow, and the Bear’s top layer is infused with cooling gel and graphite. The Bear’s mattress cover is also woven with Celliant fibers that absorb body heat.
We think the Bear sleeps a tad bit cooler, but Casper also offers a hybrid version of the Casper original mattress that’s noticeably more breathable. If you’re a hot sleeper seeking to overhaul your sleep setup, check out our list of best mattresses for hot sleepers and the best cooling blankets.
Motion Transfer
If you sleep alone, you may not be concerned about how well a mattress minimizes motion transfer, but it’s an important consideration for anyone who sleeps with a partner or pet. Foam beds generally do an excellent job of isolating motion at its source, and that’s true in this comparison, though Casper has the best motion isolation. Memory foam mattresses are usually able to absorb motion in the foam layers better, but we also have recommendations on the best hybrid mattress for couples.
Edge Support
If you don’t want to roll off the edge of the bed while sleeping, this category is for you. Mattresses with good edge support deploy perimeter reinforcements like high-density foams or high-caliber innerspring support systems. The Bear and Casper performed similarly on our edge support tests, thanks to dense foams and supportive base layers. Over time, as we get in and out of bed, the edges around the mattress may start to sag and lose shape. This can make getting in and out of bed even more difficult, especially for sleepers with back pain.
Pressure Relief
Sleepers with different body types and sleeping positions experience pressure relief on a mattress differently. Those with lightweight body types don’t sink as deeply into the mattress, and typically need a softer bed, especially if they prefer side sleeping. The Casper fits this profile, though it may be too firm for some lightweight sleepers.
Average-weight sleepers will experience sufficient pressure relief on either bed, though strict side sleepers should opt for the Casper. Heavyweight sleepers will experience pressure relief on both beds, but the Bear will provide better overall support. If you weigh more than 230 lbs and are looking for a new mattress, see our best mattresses for heavyweight sleepers.
Pain Relief
A mattress with good pain relief is a mattress that’s able to relieve pressure efficiently. If there’s gradual pressure build-up in one area, that area’s likely to develop pain and aches.
Both Bear and Casper provide good pain relief for lightweight and average-weight sleepers, more so for back and stomach sleepers. Both mattresses have supportive foam layers that score well when it comes to pressure relief.
However, heavier folks and those dealing with side pain are better off looking elsewhere since both mattresses struggle in those aspects. If you want a mattress that can help you with shoulder pains, check out our best mattresses for shoulder pain list.
Durability
Mattress durability hinges on a couple of factors, including mattress materials, construction, and frequency of use. All-foam or memory foam mattresses are designed to last upwards of seven to 10 years, and the Casper and Bear mattresses are both covered by 10-year warranties.
Shipping, Returns, & Warranties
Bear
Bear provides free shipping in the contiguous U.S. Each mattress comes with a 120-day sleep trial and a Lifetime warranty that covers material and design defects but only under certain conditions.
Casper
Casper offers free shipping across the contiguous U.S., with extra fees for deliveries to Alaska and Hawaii. They also offer a 100-sleep trial period, with free returns and a full refund. You’ll also get a 10-year warranty with your mattress, which includes free repair or replacement in case of defects.
More Bear Mattresses
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Star mattress captures all the most coveted features in a mattress and jam-packs them into this state-of-the-art hybrid. The cooling gel memory foam continuously carries away heat, promising you a cooler, more restful night’s sleep.
Product Details
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$
Our Recommendation
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Hot Sleepers
This bed features extra cooling technology, making it great for hot sleepers.
Joint Pain
This bed offers the needed pressure relief to help alleviate joint pain.
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Pro Hybrid is one of Bear’s newer mattresses. With four layers, including a copper-infused comfort layer designed for enhanced cooling, the Pro offers more support than the original Bear mattress.
Product Details
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$
Our Recommendation
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Hot Sleepers
This bed features extra cooling technology, making it great for hot sleepers.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
More Casper Mattresses
Casper Dream Max Hybrid Mattress
The Casper Wave Hybrid strikes a balance with a middle-of-the-road firmness level and features that make it appropriate for sleepers of all shapes and sizes. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy the Original Casper’s balance of conforming support but want more bounce.
Product Details
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5/10
Sleep Trial
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$
Our Recommendation
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Back Pain
This bed is a good match for anyone struggling with back pain, as it cushions the lumbar region and has enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers, as it provides them support and easy mobility.
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Casper Dream Max Hybrid Mattress
Extra-plush foam makes this Casper’s softest hybrid mattress yet. With seven zones of specialized support, this mattress is not too plush, and your spine should stay aligned all night. The cradling comfort foam combines with two layers of perforated cooling foam that promotes air flow and prevents heat trapping.
Product Details
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-soft: 4/10
Sleep Trial
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$
Our Recommendation
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Stomach Sleepers
This mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers as its firm support promotes spinal alignment.
Back Pain
This bed is a good match for anyone struggling with back pain, as it cushions the lumbar region and has enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers, as it provides them support and easy mobility.
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Casper Dream Hybrid Mattress
Striking the perfect balance between the contour of memory foam and the bounce of pocket-coils, the Casper Dream Hybrid offers the best of both worlds when it comes to superior comfort and support.
Product Details
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5.5/10
Sleep Trial
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$
Our Recommendation
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
This bed features extra cooling technology, making it great for hot sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is a good match for anyone struggling with back pain, as it cushions the lumbar region and has enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers, as it provides them support and easy mobility.
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Casper Element Mattress
The Casper Element is not fancy. It features three memory foam layers, one each designed for comfort, support, and stability. Casper says all three are also breathable and able to release heat.
Product Details
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Sleep Trial
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$
Our Recommendation
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers, as it provides them support and easy mobility.
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Bear vs. Casper Final Review
Overall, the Bear and Casper mattresses have similar constructions but slightly different feels. The Casper is a notch softer on the firmness scale, which aligns better with the needs of side sleepers. If you like a firmer mattress and spend time on your stomach at night, the Bear may be your best bet. We think the Bear is cooler, and thus a better choice for hot sleepers who want an all-foam mattress. The Casper is better for combination sleepers who need a responsive bed.
Bear & Casper FAQs
Do you have to flip a Bear Mattress?
No, you don’t. Bear designs their mattresses in specific layers, so sleeping on the other side will affect the level of support and comfort you’ll experience. You can, however, rotate the mattress to maintain its shape and prevent sagging.
Can I put a Casper mattress on a regular bed frame?
Yes, Casper designed their mattresses to work with standard box springs so that you can put them directly on top of any existing bed frame. If you don’t have a bedframe, Casper also sells Casper Foundation metal bed frames to go with your Casper mattress.
How long will a Bear Mattress last?
Your Bear mattress will likely last you around 8 to 10 years, depending on the daily wear and tear you put it through. You can make the most out of your mattress’s lifespan if you regularly clean it and practice proper mattress maintenance.
Is Casper high quality?
Yes, Casper is a popular mattress brand for a reason. They offer high-quality foam mattresses that cater to various sleeping positions and body types, thanks to the balanced foam feel that provides a good balance of support and comfort.
