Casper Mattress 100 Day Trial: An Honest Review After 100 Days of Sleep Testing #
Author: Chinese Man
Date: June 21, 2021
Rating: 3/5 stars overall
Introduction: The Casper Phenomenon #
Casper has revolutionized the mattress industry by positioning itself as a tech-forward sleep company, though in reality, they’re selling a fairly conventional foam and spring hybrid mattress through innovative online marketing. While they’ve expanded to physical showrooms in recent years, their core business model remains centered on direct-to-consumer online sales, complete with the now-famous “mattress in a box” delivery system and generous trial periods.
As someone who values quality sleep and smart purchasing decisions, I decided to put Casper’s bold claims to the test during their 100-day trial period. Here’s my comprehensive experience breaking down every aspect of the Casper mattress journey.
Delivery Experience: Room for Improvement #
Rating: 2/5 stars
The delivery process was unfortunately one of the weakest aspects of my Casper experience. Despite paying premium prices for what’s marketed as a premium product, the delivery service felt more like a budget operation.
The mattress arrived in Casper’s signature compressed packaging - a surprisingly compact box considering it contained a full-size hybrid mattress. However, the delivery personnel simply left the package outside my apartment door without any attempt to follow building protocols. My apartment complex has a designated mailroom specifically for packages when residents aren’t home, but the delivery team completely ignored this system.
This created a significant security risk. A $1000+ mattress sitting unattended in a hallway could easily have been stolen, which would have ended this review before it began. Fortunately, I happened to be home and retrieved the package immediately, but this experience highlighted a concerning gap between Casper’s premium pricing and their actual service delivery standards.
The packaging itself was impressive from an engineering perspective. The mattress was compressed and vacuum-sealed with multiple layers of protective plastic wrapping. Once I carefully cut through the packaging (following Casper’s detailed instructions), the mattress began expanding immediately - a satisfying process to watch as it transformed from a compact package into a full-sized bed within minutes.
The Mattress Itself: Comfortable but Controversial #
Rating: 4/5 stars
I tested the Casper Original Hybrid, which represents their evolution from purely foam mattresses to their current foam-and-spring combination design. This hybrid approach attempts to combine the contouring benefits of memory foam with the support and breathability of traditional innerspring construction.
Comfort and Feel #
The mattress leans definitively toward the softer side of the firmness spectrum. This became immediately apparent during my first night’s sleep and proved to be somewhat divisive among friends and family who tried it. Several visitors commented that they found it too soft for their preferences, particularly those accustomed to firmer sleeping surfaces.
Personally, I found the softness acceptable, though my body required an adjustment period. During the first week, I experienced some back discomfort as my spine adapted to the mattress’s contouring properties. This is not uncommon with new mattresses, particularly those with significant foam components, but it’s worth noting for potential buyers.
Unlike traditional mattress retailers like IKEA or brick-and-mortar stores that offer multiple firmness options, Casper takes a “one-size-fits-all” approach to comfort. Their various models differ primarily in the number of foam layers, the presence or absence of springs, and price points, but not in firmness levels. This limitation could be problematic for couples with different firmness preferences or individuals who know they prefer particularly firm or soft sleeping surfaces.
Initial Odor Issues #
Upon first opening, the mattress emitted a noticeable latex-like chemical smell that persisted for several days despite allowing the recommended 10-hour initial airing period. This off-gassing is common with foam mattresses but was more pronounced than I expected from a premium product. The odor eventually dissipated completely, but sensitive individuals might find this initial period uncomfortable.
Long-term Comfort Evolution #
Interestingly, my relationship with the mattress improved significantly over time. What initially felt awkwardly soft gradually began feeling more supportive and comfortable as both the mattress settled and my body adapted. By the end of the trial period, I had developed a genuine appreciation for the sleeping experience it provided. The foam layers did an excellent job of pressure point relief, particularly for side sleeping, while the spring base prevented the sinking feeling often associated with pure foam mattresses.
This gradual improvement in comfort made the eventual return decision genuinely difficult from a comfort perspective, though economic considerations ultimately prevailed.
Value Analysis: The Critical Weakness #
Rating: 2/5 stars
The value proposition represents Casper’s most significant weakness and the primary reason for my eventual return. While the mattress provided decent comfort and quality construction, the pricing simply couldn’t be justified when compared to alternatives offering similar performance at fraction of the cost.
Price Comparison Reality Check #
The Casper Original Hybrid I tested retailed for just over $1000, placing it firmly in the premium mattress category. However, comparable foam-and-spring hybrid mattresses from IKEA typically cost between $200-400, representing a price difference of 150-400%.
While Casper offers superior marketing, packaging, and customer service compared to IKEA, these advantages don’t justify such dramatic price premiums for what is fundamentally similar construction and materials. The foam quality, spring systems, and overall build quality were good but not exceptional enough to warrant luxury pricing.
Warranty Considerations #
Casper provides a 10-year warranty, which sounds impressive until compared to IKEA’s 25-year warranty on similar products. However, Casper does offer more comprehensive warranty service, including mattress pickup for warranty claims and clearer documentation of the claims process. IKEA’s warranty process is notably more cumbersome and doesn’t include pickup services.
Despite these service advantages, the shorter warranty period combined with significantly higher pricing makes Casper’s value proposition questionable for budget-conscious consumers.
The Return Process: Customer Service Excellence #
Rating: 5/5 stars
If there’s one area where Casper truly excels and justifies some of their premium positioning, it’s their return process. The 100-day trial isn’t just marketing - it’s backed by genuinely excellent customer service that makes the trial risk-free for consumers.
Initiating the Return #
Starting the return process was refreshingly straightforward. I sent a simple email to Casper’s customer service team explaining my decision to return the mattress. Within 24 hours, I received a comprehensive response that included a brief questionnaire designed to understand my experience and improve their products.
The questionnaire covered my reasons for returning, address confirmation, phone number verification, and scheduling preferences for pickup. The tone was professional and genuinely interested in feedback rather than defensive or pushy about trying to retain the sale.
Professional Pickup Service #
The actual pickup service was impressively professional. The team arrived precisely on time, handled the mattress removal efficiently, and completed the entire process in under 15 minutes. They came equipped with proper moving equipment and protective covering to prevent any damage to my apartment during removal.
Most importantly, they didn’t attempt any last-minute sales pitches or make the return process uncomfortable. The entire interaction felt respectful of my decision and focused on providing excellent service even to a returning customer.
Refund Processing #
The refund was processed promptly and appeared in my account within the timeframe promised during the pickup scheduling call. There were no hidden fees, restocking charges, or other surprise deductions from the refund amount.
Overall Assessment and Recommendations #
Rating: 3/5 stars
The Casper mattress experience represents a mixed bag of impressive customer service excellence undermined by questionable value proposition and mediocre delivery logistics. While the product itself provides decent comfort and the return process sets industry standards, the pricing makes it difficult to recommend for most consumers.
Who Should Consider Casper #
Casper makes sense for consumers who:
- Prioritize customer service excellence and peace of mind over price optimization
- Want the convenience of online ordering with hassle-free returns
- Have tried similar mattresses and specifically prefer Casper’s particular firmness and feel
- Can afford premium pricing without significant financial impact
Who Should Look Elsewhere #
I’d recommend exploring alternatives for consumers who:
- Are price-sensitive or budget-conscious
- Prefer firm mattresses (Casper skews soft)
- Want options to customize firmness levels
- Are sensitive to chemical odors from new products
- Already have satisfactory mattresses and are just curious about upgrades
Final Thoughts #
Casper has undoubtedly innovated the mattress purchasing experience, particularly in customer service and trial period implementation. However, innovation in service doesn’t necessarily justify premium pricing for fundamentally standard products. The mattress industry has responded to Casper’s success with numerous competitors offering similar trial periods and customer service at more competitive prices.
My recommendation is to keep your current mattress if it’s providing adequate sleep quality and consider Casper only if you’re genuinely dissatisfied with your current sleeping situation and budget isn’t a primary concern. The 100-day trial does make it essentially risk-free to test, but be prepared for the likelihood that you’ll find similar comfort available at significantly lower prices elsewhere.
For most consumers, the Casper experience serves as an expensive education in mattress marketing versus mattress value - a lesson I was fortunate to learn risk-free thanks to their excellent return policy.