Picking the right mattress can sometimes turn out to be a difficult decision. The information found online is not good enough to provide sufficient details about different products, making it hard to compare. Because of that, we have created numerous guides and reviews to help people choose new bedding products. When you have all the information in one place, it is easier to make the decision, and the more informed you are, the better it will be. Remember that price is not the only indicator of quality, and if you dig deep enough, you can find excellent products for a better value.
Today we review two beds that are more affordable to the average buyer, but both perform very well. Casper and Tuft and Needle have been on the market for about the same time, so let’s dig into their strengths and weaknesses and see how they compare.
Casper vs. T&N – Basic Info
Casper has been in business since 2014. The Casper is their flagship mattress, and it features a high-density polyfoam layer, in addition to comfort system that consists of three separate foam layers. It comes at a moderate price, and it is considered to be medium on a firmness scale, rating at 5.5 out of 10. The company also offers the Casper Essential, which is a memory foam mattress, and the Casper Wave that consists of foam and latex. However, this review will focus on the feature of their flagship bed, the Casper model.
Tuft & Needle was founded in 2012, so they have been around for a little longer than Casper. The T&N Mattress is their flagship model, and it is made entirely out of polyfoam, with a 7” high-density base, and a 3” comfort layer. It is considered inexpensive, and it is rated at 6.5 out of 10 on a firmness scale, making it a medium firm. Tuft & Needle also offers the Mint Mattress, which is also made of polyfoam, but with a gel-infused comfort layer for added cooling effect. However, we will concentrate on the T&N Mattress and see how it compares to the Casper.
Mattress Construction
The construction is essential when it comes to mattresses. If the manufacturer uses quality materials, has a good manufacturing process, and pays a lot of attention to details, you can expect to end up with a product that will provide you with superior comfort in many years to come.
Both mattresses are foam based, and this material has its good and bad sides, so while some people love it, others find it impossible to sleep on. Firstly, foam is incredible at pressure relief because of its conforming abilities, and you will experience less pain after sleeping on a material that hugs you tightly. With softer models, you tend to sink inside completely, while the firmer ones contour just a little bit so that you don’t feel trapped inside. Foam models also offer superior motion isolation and are silent when bearing weight, making it perfect for couples that are easily distracted by their partner’s movements during the night. A few drawbacks are that these beds tend to sleep hotter than other types, sometimes the edge support is not strong enough, and they don’t have the most responsive surface so some people might feel trapped inside and unable to switch positions easily during the night.
The Casper comes at a medium (5.5) firmness, it is 12” thick, and it weighs 85 pounds in Queen size, which is average, so moving and placing it won’t be a problem. The base is made of 5” of high-density polyfoam, that provides good foundation and stability for the rest of the layers. The comfort system consists of three layers, where the top and bottom ones are made of polyfoam while the middle one is made of memory foam. The cover is made of polyester, a breathable material with moisture-wicking abilities that has a light, soft touch. Recent additions to the construction feature zoned support, meaning it is slightly sturdier in the lumbar region for proper spinal alignment. You can now even choose the hybrid version of the Casper, but it costs additional $400.
The T&N Mattress has a medium firm (6.5) feel, it is 10” thick, and it weighs 72 pounds in Queen size, which is lighter than most other models, so you won’t need help maneuvering it. It is entirely made of polyfoam, with high density 7” base, and a 3” comfort layer. Because it is slightly firmer, it won’t hug the body as tightly as the Casper, but it provides enough contouring and pressure relief, making it an excellent choice for people who don’t like to sink in too much. The cover is made of a mix of rayon and polyester, which means that it is highly breathable and ensures cool sleep for most of the night.
Performance Comparison
There are several things to consider when buying a new mattress. We want to see how these two beds compare to each other in terms of performance and sleep satisfaction from users. Let’s dig in.
Since both brands haven’t been on the market long enough to witness the actual life span of these products, we can only tell by the user experience so far. With Casper being active for five and T&N for seven years, that is slightly below the average lifespan of a foam mattress. However, so far it looks like both beds are performing excellent, as minimal saggings and deteriorations have been reported. Because of this, no matter which one you chose, you can expect it to serve you without any problems for 7-8 years, which is the average durability of foam mattresses.
Sleeping too hot is a problem for many users who sleep on all-foam beds, as they are less breathable and have a tendency to retain heat. However, we found that both these models performed well in this area, so we can say that they have good temperature regulation. They might not be the best choice for hot sleepers who often experience night sweats, but they are more than suitable for average users.
Both models perform well when it comes to conforming, and even though the T&N Mattress is a little firmer, it provides better contouring and pressure relief. If you are somebody who often experiences pains and aches, this model might be a better choice.
When it comes to features that are important for couples, both mattresses perform similarly. They offer excellent motion isolation and are silent when bearing weight. These qualities make these beds attractive for couples, as you won’t wake up your partner if you switch positions during the night or you need to go to the bathroom. However, we mentioned that all-foam beds are not so suitable for sex since they are not responsive enough, so if you are looking for a bouncier surface, you should skip these models.
When it comes to edge support, both of these models don’t perform so well in this area, and some sinkage around the perimeter may occur over time.
Finally, new mattresses often have a distinct, rubbery smell that most people find unpleasant. It is typical for foam beds to emit some odor when you first get them, but it should disappear shortly. This is where the T&N Mattress performs better, as there is less off-gassing reported, and it dissipates rather quickly. On the other hand, you can expect moderate off-gassing with the Casper.
Sleep Ratings
A mattress is an excellent choice if it provides proper spinal alignment and satisfying sleeping comfort. Of course, these things vary between sleepers and can be somewhat subjective. We try to see how the mattresses perform while people of different weight groups rest in different positions. Here is what we found out.
The Casper is excellent for every sleeping position. Even though back, side, and combo sleepers will find the most benefits, stomach sleepers will find it adequate at worst. Light and average weight sleepers reported feeling most comfortable while sleeping on the Casper, but surprisingly, heavier individuals think that it is quite good as well. Three-layered comfort system provides enough contouring and pressure relief, and users reported feeling fewer pains and aches after sleeping on this bed.
Since T&N Mattress is a bit on the firmer side, it doesn’t perform as well for petite sleepers. They don’t have enough weight to feel all the benefits of conforming and pressure relief as those who weigh at least 130 pounds. It is an excellent choice for heavier individuals who often have problems with support and sinkage on foam mattresses. Back sleeping seems to be the best-rated position on this bed, but side and stomach sleepers think it is more than adequate.
Available Sizes and Pricing
| Size |
Length |
Width |
Weight |
Price |
| CASPER |
|
|
|
|
| Twin |
75” |
38” |
56 lbs |
$595 |
| Twin XL |
80” |
38” |
59 lbs |
$695 |
| Full/Double |
75” |
53” |
73 lbs |
$1,050 |
| Queen |
80” |
60” |
85 lbs |
$1,095 |
| King |
80” |
76” |
104 lbs |
$1,395 |
| California King |
84” |
72” |
102 lbs |
$1,395 |
| T&N MATTRESS |
|
|
|
|
| Twin |
75” |
39” |
50 lbs |
$350 |
| Twin XL |
80” |
39” |
52 lbs |
$395 |
| Full/Double |
75” |
54” |
60 lbs |
$495 |
| Queen |
80” |
60” |
72 lbs |
$595 |
| King |
80” |
76” |
94 lbs |
$750 |
| California King |
84” |
72” |
94 lbs |
$750 |
Delivery, Sleep Trial, and Warranty
When it comes to transportation, sleep trial, and warranty, both companies offer similar things. Shipping is free, and while Casper delivers to all of US and Canada, T&N only delivers to the United States. Casper has a White Glove option, where they can install your products and remove your old mattress for a flat rate of $149. T&N doesn’t offer that, but they have the same day delivery for an additional fee of $50.
You’ll get a 100-night sleep trial for both models, and there is no necessary break-in period. If you are not completely satisfied with the product, you can exchange it during this period for a full refund.
The warranty that these companies offer lasts 10 years, and they cover all the malfunctions and defects that might arise. However, if you don’t use the proper support, your warranty will be voided. Damages caused by misuse and improper care are not covered. Also, keep in mind that these models get a little softer over time and that the company won’t replace your product if there is a sudden change in your sleep preference.
Which One To Choose?
We suggest picking the Casper if you weigh less than 230 pounds and like closer conforming. This bed is simply amazing for people who often experience pains and aches, and they will find much relief with the Casper. It is a perfect choice for couples, as it has superior motion isolation and makes no noise. However, you might want to skip it if you are heavier than 230 pounds, like a firmer feel with less conforming, or you tend to sleep exceptionally hot.
Go for T&N if you prefer a firmer surface with moderate contouring, and you weigh at least 130 pounds. It is also an excellent choice for co-sleeping, for the same reasons as the Casper. This bed comes at a below-average price, so it is great for value seekers. However, petite people and those who like softer feel may not like it as much, and they should probably go with a different option.
Sleep Related
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Dusan is a biologist, a science enthusiast and a huge nature lover. He loves to keep up to date with all the new research and write accurate science-based articles. When he’s not writing or reading, you can find him in the kitchen, trying out new delicious recipes; out in the wild, enjoying the nature or sleeping in his bed.
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