Tempur-Pedic vs Casper (2022): Comparing Their Cheapest Foam Mattresses

Well-recognized mattress brands like Tempur-Pedic are being challenged by newcomers like Casper through the popularity of online mattress shopping. Now that both Tempur-Pedic and Casper have established themselves among the younger generations as topnotch mattress manufacturers, it get more difficult to decide which brand to go with. We’ve compared their entry-level foam mattresses below, the TEMPUR-Cloud Prima and the Casper Sleep Element, to highlight their strengths and differences.

Tempur-Pedic vs Casper Foam Mattress Comparison Chart

Construction and Materials

Tempur-Pedic generally uses more premium materials than Casper.

Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary TEMPUR foam remains the key to its mattresses’ impressive quality. The company adapted NASA’s memory foam, also called viscoelastic foam, and made its own version that compresses only where pressure is applied, enhancing its body contouring and motion isolation properties. Its TEMPUR-Cloud Prima uses the TEMPUR-ES (Extra Soft) variant, which is softer and feels plusher than other types.

Meanwhile, Casper uses its own innovative materials such as AirScape polyfoam, which is perforated foam that enhances air circulation and prevents heat retention. It combines the best properties of latex and memory foam, providing enough resilience and pressure relief. Casper also uses a zoned transition foam in its other mattresses, though it’s not included in the Casper Sleep Element model.

There are a lot more layers in the TEMPUR-Cloud Prima than on the Casper Sleep Element. Under the Prima’s cooling top cover are three interior layers: a conforming comfort layer made of TEMPUR-ES foam, a support TEMPUR foam layer, and dual cooling base layers. The topmost internal layer determines how the mattress feels while the support layer distributes body weight across the mattress.

In comparison, the Casper Sleep Element only has two layers: an AirScape polyfoam and a supportive base polyfoam. Similar to the TEMPUR-Cloud, these layers balance softness and cooling with support and pressure relief. Casper also notably uses recycled materials for their eco-friendly cover which is designed for years of use.

Firmness and Bounce

Casper mattresses are generally firmer than Tempur-Pedic.

Those who want a resilient mattress that can rebound rapidly after pressure is lifted off its surface will find the Casper Sleep Element to have more than sufficient bounce for changing sleeping positions or during sex. Because Casper has a more limited range of mattress firmness, their mattresses are generally firmer than Tempur-Pedic’s, which as mentioned has developed new mattress formulations with a wider range of firmness levels.

With 3 inches of Airscape polyfoam as the top layer of the Casper Sleep Element, it has a medium firm feel that promotes spinal alignment and relieves pressure points. Meanwhile, the TEMPUR-Cloud Prima has medium-soft feel, offering plush softness while the bottom layers provide support. Its topmost TEMPUR-ES material is extra-soft, much softer than traditional memory foam.

Whichever your preference, you can find a broader range of mattress resilience and bounce among Tempur-Pedic products, since they offer soft, medium, and firm mattresses. In comparison, Casper is more limited to the medium range.

Sleep Experience

Casper mattresses cools slightly while Tempur-Pedic has better motion isolation.

Tempur-Pedic implements a two-layer cooling system they call SmartClimate to keep sleepers comfortable throughout the night. The cooling top cover draws moisture away while the inner cover remains cool to the touch. The middle support layers helps spread body weight evenly while the base layer works to move heat away from the mattress.

Meanwhile, the AirScape foam used by Casper regulates airflow and circulates air to keep the mattress from accumulating heat. Its perforated nature promotes better breathability and prevents heat buildup. Overall, this open-cell foam does a much better job at keeping Casper mattresses cooler than Tempur-Pedic memory foam, which conforms closer to the body and has more sink to it.

In direct contrast, Tempur-Pedic mattresses provide more motion isolation and they’re well-known for precise contouring and limited motion transfer. Couples will find it easier to sleep on a Tempur-Pedic if their partner tends to move a lot while sleeping. Historically, its memory foam does an excellent job at conforming to the body and being responsive to movement, though some do not enjoy how deep you can sink in it since it can feel like you’re getting stuck in the mattress.

Tempur-Pedic also offers better pressure relief, which is great at keeping the spine properly aligned. Its contouring molds itself to reduce pressure points, though again, some may find it too much. Casper meanwhile offers sufficient responsiveness for the majority of sleepers, and cushions the neck and spine just as well.

Verdict

The Casper Sleep Element is much better value than the TEMPUR-Cloud Prima.

Considering the huge price difference between them, the Casper Sleep Element simply gets you more bang for your buck, and it’s more affordable too. Casper mattresses in general sleep cooler and provide more resilience and bounce with their breathable open-cell foam. You get a 100-night trial to test out its firm comfort, which is plenty of time to know for sure if it helps you sleep better.

Tempur-Pedic is without question the better established brand, so their mattresses enjoy a good reputation. Memory foams from Tempur-Pedic are known for contouring and motion isolation, so they hug the body closer and support posture better. The TEMPUR-Cloud Prima is one of their softer mattresses, though they offer medium and firm types as well.

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