Casper Element Mattress Review

Is the Casper Element Mattress for You?

Who’s Going to Love It

• Shoppers on a budget
• Back sleepers
• Lightweight and average-weight people
• Couples and those who co-sleep

Who Should Steer Clear

• Plus-size people—instead, go with a mattress with extra support, like the Brooklyn Bedding Titan.
• Side sleepers with shoulder or hip pain—instead, consider spending a little more for the Casper Wave Hybrid mattress.
• People who sleep hot—instead, try a mattress with coils, like the Saatva Classic mattress.

Casper Element Firmness and Feel

Casper Element Firmness

The Casper Element is a medium-firm mattress. On a 1–10 firmness scale, with 10 being the firmest and 1 being the softest bed, the Element falls at a 6/10. This medium-firm feel is known as the universal firmness because it offers a balanced feel between cushion and support that works for the average sleeper. 

What Does the Casper Element Feel Like?

While medium-firm mattresses can work for all sleeping positions and body weights, the Casper Element is a minimal mattress with only two layers of foam. The Element’s comfort layer is thinner than most beds, its support system isn’t as supportive as innerspring coils, and it doesn’t have reinforced support along the body’s lumbar region.  

With minimal cushioning and no extra support at the hips, the Element isn’t a good fit for side sleepers who need extra cushioning at pressure points or stomach sleepers with lower back pain. The Element bed is best for back sleepers and people who weigh less than 230 pounds.  

What Sleeping Position is The Casper Element Mattress Best For?

Body Type:	BACK SLEEPERS	STOMACH SLEEPERS	SIDE SLEEPERS
Lightweight (< 130 lbs):	4	4	1
Average-weight (130–230 lbs):	4	2	3
Heavyweight (> 230 lbs):	2	1	1

1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent

Back Sleepers

The Casper Element suits back sleepers nicely. It’s firm enough to keep the spine in line, while also contouring to the natural curves of the body. It’s best for lightweight and average-weight back sleepers. Heavyweight folks are likely to experience too much sagging at the hips, potentially coming into contact with the firm foam below. 

For other beds that support back sleepers, including some that are better for bigger bodies, see our best mattresses for back sleepers roundup.  

Side Sleepers

The best mattresses for side sleepers are plush enough to deliver contouring along the entire side body, minimizing pressure and pain at pressure points like the hips and shoulders. The Casper Element doesn’t provide the level of comfort that we recommend for side sleepers. 

Lightweight side sleepers are likely to find the surface far too firm, while heavyweight people can sink in too much and experience excess pressure when they come into contact with the dense foam base layer. Some average-weight side sleepers who like a somewhat firmer feel may like the Element. But if you experience pain at your hips or shoulders, we recommend a softer mattress with thicker and more conforming upper foam layers.  

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers need a mattress that’s firm enough to keep the hips from sinking in too far but soft enough for a bit of snuggly comfort along the front of the body. The Casper Element has a good, balanced feel for lightweight stomach sleepers, but not enough support for average-weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers. Head over to our rundown of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers for a bed that’s a better fit.  

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers tend to toss and turn a lot and sleep best on a bed that makes it easy to change positions. The Casper Element has decent responsiveness, which means you won’t feel stuck when you want to move around. 

Combination sleepers also need a bed that supports all of their different sleeping positions. Lightweight combo sleepers who spend most of their time back and stomach sleeping are a good fit for the Element, as are average-weight combo sleepers who sleep primarily on their back and side. Plus-size combo sleepers need a more supportive mattress. For other options, check out our top picks for the best mattresses for combination sleepers.  

Casper Element Performance

Is the Casper Element Mattress Cooling?

The Casper Element sleeps slightly warmer than the average mattress, although it is cool enough for people who don’t tend to sleep hot. While the top layer is perforated to encourage airflow, that is the only cooling feature of this all-foam mattress. Hot sleepers tend to sleep better on hybrid or innerspring mattresses thanks to the breathable coils. And for hot sleepers who like the all-foam feel, there are other foam beds with more advanced cooling technologies.

If you struggle with temperature regulation, check out one of the beds that made our list of the best cooling mattresses.  

Edge Support

The Casper Element is plenty supportive for most lightweight and average-weight people. The edges are stable and comfortable, so you can lie or sit along them and feel secure. The combination of high-density foam and a contouring top layer delivers the balanced feel that back sleepers need. However, heavier folks and most stomach sleepers are likely to experience sinkage under their hips, causing poor body alignment and potentially back pain. 

Responsiveness

The Casper Element has decent responsiveness—AKA, the bed’s ability to adapt to changes in your sleeping position. However, it’s works for a very limited range of body types and sleeping positions (back sleepers under 230 lbs and stomach sleepers under 130 lbs). The people who need a responsive mattress the most are those who move around a lot, so the Element’s lack of range may not matter.

Motion Isolation: Is it good for those who share a bed?

The Casper Element is great for some couples and not ideal for others. Thanks to the Element’s all-foam construction, it doesn’t readily spread motion from one side of the mattress to the other. By minimizing motion transfer, couples can sleep together with fewer disturbances. The Element’s edges are also comfortable and secure to lie along, so you can spread out without feeling like you’re about to fall off the mattress. 

However, the Element isn’t a great bed for heavy people as well as most side and stomach sleepers. If both you and your partner weigh less than 230 pounds and typically sleep on your backs, the Element is an excellent budget-friendly option. But if either of you needs ample cushion or support, you’d be better off choosing one of the beds that made our list for the best mattresses for couples. 

Noise

We didn’t notice any noise while testing our Casper Element.

Pain Relief

The Element is a value mattress, so while it’s affordable, it’s not the best mattress for pain relief. It’s a good fit for back sleepers with lower back pain, but it’s unlikely to offer enough pressure relief to those with joint pain or lumbar support to stomach sleepers. For better options, see the best mattresses for back pain.

Related: Best Mattresses for Arthritis

Sex

The most important mattress performance factors for sex are cooling, responsiveness, and silence. The Casper Element is quiet, but it’s not especially responsive or cooling, so it’s not a great mattress for sex. It should work just fine for the average couple, though.

Off-Gassing

We noticed a slight “new mattress smell” right after unboxing our mattress, but it went away quickly. Casper mattresses are made with CertiPUR-US certified foams that are free of harmful chemicals, so any odor you notice is non-toxic and temporary. Let your new Casper mattress air out for at least 24 hours before adding sheets.

Durability

The Element is not a very durable mattress. The top layer is prone to softening with time, and you may find it becoming less comfortable after five or so years of regular use. However, kids and lightweight people don’t place as much pressure on the surface and may find that the Element lasts them for ten or more years. 

Casper Element Mattress Construction: What’s it made of?

The Casper Element is an all-foam bed made from two layers of polyfoam. The top layer is soft and breathable, providing slight contouring without excessive heat retention. The bottom layer is a high-density polyfoam that brings stability. The balance of softness and support falls between sleeping “on” and “in” the surface, the feel preferred by most sleepers.  

Layer #1—Eco-Friendly Mattress Cover: A soft and breathable cover made from upcycled cotton, recycled plastic bottles, Lycra, rayon, and polyester. 

Layer #2—Airscape Foam (3”): The Element’s only comfort layer is a 3” layer of perforated foam that’s just soft enough to gently contour to the body’s curves. Casper utilizes polyfoam rather than memory foam here to support ease of movement and minimize heat retention. 

Layer #3—High-Density Support Foam (6.5”): A thick layer of firm polyfoam minimizes sinkage and provides stability without the bouncy feel of innerspring coils. This layer of foam further dampens motion transfer and adds support to the mattress’s edges.  

If you aren’t sure if an all-foam bed is right for you, see the top innerspring mattresses that provide support and make it easier to change positions.

How Much Does the Casper Element Mattress Cost? 

Mattress Size	Price	Dimensions	Height	Weight
Twin	$		”	lbs
Twin XL	$		”	lbs
Full	$		”	lbs
Queen	$		”	lbs
King	$		”	lbs
California King	$		”	lbs

See our Casper mattress coupons for the best deal on a new mattress.

How Do the Policies Measure Up?

Shipping & Unboxing

The Casper Element mattress ships compressed in a box that arrives in two to five business days—much faster than the average bed-in–a-box mattress. Shipping is free anywhere in the lower 48 states and parts of Canada. You pay for shipping to Hawaii or Alaska. 

Once it arrives, simply carry it to your room, unroll it on top of your foundation, and wait a few hours to a few days for it to fully puff up. There may be a slight odor known as off-gassing that happens when you decompress foam. The off-gassing scent typically fades within a few days, and it helps to not dress your mattress and to crack a window.  

Warranty

The Casper Element mattress comes with a 10-year limited warranty, the most common warranty length for mattresses. The Casper warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, such as body indentations deeper than 1” or cracks in the foam. 

Casper requires you to use their mattresses on the right type of foundation. They say the Element is best supported by a platform, foundation, or adjustable base. You can also use a slatted foundation if the slats are less than 4” apart.

Trial Period & Returns

The Casper Element comes with a 100-night risk-free sleep trial. If you decide that you don’t like your new mattress before the 100 days is up, Casper sends someone to your home to remove the mattress. Casper either donates or recycles used beds. After mattress pickup, you can expect a full refund. 

We always recommend sleeping on any new mattress for at least 30 days to break it in and get used to the feel before you decide to return it. It takes time to adapt, especially if you’re new to an all-foam mattress. If you’re not in love with your Casper Mattress you can read more in depth about the Casper Mattress Return Policy to walk you through the Casper Mattress policy. 

Addressing Casper Mattress Complaints

• Not for Heavy People: The Element is made from only two layers of foam, with most beds designed for adults having 3+ layers. The construction is neither supportive nor pressure-relieving enough for bigger bodies. 
• Can Sleep Hot: While the Element’s top layer is perforated for breathability, it does not sleep as cool as many other all-foam beds that have more advanced cooling technology. It’s also not nearly as good for hot sleepers as innerspring or hybrid mattresses.
• Mediocre Pressure Relief: The Element has only one comfort layer, and it’s not soft enough to deliver the pressure relief that side sleepers or people with joint pain need.

Not sure that the Casper Mattress is for you? Check out our Casper Mattress Alternatives.

Comparing Different Casper Mattresses

Casper Element vs. Casper Original Mattress

Casper Element Mattress is Best For:	Casper Original Mattress is Best For:
Back Sleepers < 230 lbs	Couples Concerned About Motion Transfer
Budget-Conscious Shoppers	Side Sleepers < 230 lbs
Teens & College Students	Back Sleepers

The Casper Original is a memory foam mattress. What sets it apart from the all-foam Element is a middle layer of zoned support memory foam that brings added softness to the shoulders and support to the body’s trunk. 

Even though both the Element and the Original Casper have a similar medium-firmness, the Casper Original’s balanced cushion and support make it better for side sleepers and stomach sleepers. The Element is less expensive than the Casper, although both are budget-friendly options.

Read our full Casper Mattress Review to learn more. 

Casper Element vs. Casper Hybrid Mattress

Casper Element Mattress is Best For:	Casper Hybrid Mattress is Best For:
Budget-Conscious Shoppers	Those Weighing Between 130–230 lbs
Stomach Sleepers < 130 lbs	Back Sleepers
Back Sleepers < 230 lbs	Hot Sleepers

The Casper Hybrid marries the same breathable, responsive Airscape foam that the Element has in its top layer with zoned memory foam and pocketed coils. The Casper Hybrid is just a touch softer than the all-foam Element, with its zoned support making it a better fit for stomach sleepers, side sleepers, and heavier folks. 

The Casper Hybrid sleeps cooler than the Element and has a bouncier surface. While the Casper is affordable for a hybrid bed, it costs over twice that of the Element.

See our full Casper Hybrid Mattress Review to learn more. 

Casper Element vs. Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress

Casper Element Mattress is Best For:	Casper Wave Hybrid  Mattress is Best For:
Back Sleepers	Luxury Mattress Shoppers
Value Mattress Shoppers	Those With Joint Pain
Stomach Sleepers < 130 lbs	Side Sleepers

The Casper Wave is Casper’s most luxurious—and expensive—mattress, while the Element is Casper’s most affordable bed. The Wave is a high-end hybrid that’s slightly softer and sleeps cooler than the Element. 

The Wave has both zoned memory foam and pocketed coils which together offer better spinal alignment in every sleeping position than the Element. The Wave is a bit bouncier, although both are easy to move around on. The Element offers slightly superior motion isolation.

Read our full Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress Review to learn more.

Comparing Casper to the Competition

Casper Element vs. Tuft & Needle Mattress

Casper Element Mattress is Best For:	Tuft & Needle Original Mattress is Best For:
Back Sleepers < 230 lbs	Those Weighing < 230 lbs
Stomach Sleepers < 130 lbs	Back Sleepers
Budget-Conscious Shoppers	Couples

The Tuft & Needle Original mattress and the Casper Element have a lot in common. They’re both budget-friendly all-foam mattresses with a medium-firm feel. Both have a top layer of patented polyfoam designed to support cool sleep and ease of movement with a durable polyfoam base. 

The biggest difference is that the Tuft & Needle bed is slightly firmer and more supportive than the Casper Element. This difference makes the Tuft & Needle better for stomach sleepers, while both offer excellent support for back sleepers. The Tuft & Needle is slightly cooler than the Element, while the Element costs a bit less than the Tuft & Needle.

See our full Tuft & Needle Mattress Review to learn more. 

Casper Element vs. Nectar Mattress

Casper Element Mattress is Best For:	Nectar Original Mattress is Best For:
Back Sleepers < 230 lbs	Couples Concerned About Motion Transfer
Shoppers On A Tight Budget	Average-Weight Back Or Side Sleepers
Those Who Prefer To Sleep “On” Their Bed	Those Who Like the “Hug” Of Memory Foam

The Nectar is a memory foam mattress with a deeply conforming feel, so long as you weigh more than 130 pounds (lighter folks don’t sink in as far). The Casper Element is an all-foam mattress that doesn’t have memory foam but instead, a balanced foam feel that cushions without cradling like the Nectar. Both mattresses have a similar medium-firm firmness level. 

The Nectar’s hugging foam surface delivers superior pressure relief when compared to the Casper Element, making it better than the Element for side sleepers. The Element is less expensive than the Nectar. 

See our full Nectar Mattress Review to learn more. 

Casper Element vs. Purple Mattress

Casper Element Mattress is Best For:	Original Purple Mattress is Best For:
Back Sleepers < 230 lbs	Back Sleepers
Teens & College Students	Hot Sleepers
Budget-Conscious Shoppers	Those Who Want A “Floating” Feel

The Purple mattress is a hybrid bed with a feel and construction unlike any other mattress. The top layer of this bed is made from a hyper-elastic polymer grid that evenly distributes weight. Many sleepers describe the feel of the Purple as “floating,” while the Casper Element has a traditional foam mattress feel that slightly contours to the body. 

While the Purple is slightly firmer than the Casper, the difference in construction and feel makes the Purple better for side sleepers. The Purple also sleeps cooler but spreads motion a bit more than the all-foam Casper.

See our full Purple Mattress Review to learn more.

Casper Element Mattress FAQs

The Nerd’s Take: What’s the Bottom Line?

The Casper Element is an affordable all-foam mattress. Its medium-firm feel and foam layers provide the cushion and support that back sleepers need, but it’s not supportive enough for heavier folks or most stomach sleepers. Side sleepers generally require greater cushion than the Element provides.

The Element is a good pick for couples who need a competitively priced mattress, and we also love it for growing kids, guest rooms, and dorm rooms. The Element comes with Casper’s risk-free 100-night trial, so you only keep the Element if it lives up to your expectations.

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