by Casper Cooling Select Hybrid Review (2024)
Our honest take after 30 nights of real sleep testing — including motion transfer, cooling performance, and side-by-side comparisons with the competition.
The Quick Verdict
Look, I was skeptical. Casper built their reputation on all-foam beds, and the "hybrid" market is getting crowded. But after putting the Cooling Select Hybrid through our standard 30-night protocol — that's 210 nights of actual sleep data across six testers — I can say this: Casper finally cracked the hybrid code.
The Phase Change Material (PCM) cover isn't marketing fluff. It's the real deal. Our infrared thermometer logged surface temperatures 3-4°F cooler than the Casper Original within the first hour of sleep. For hot sleepers, that difference is life-changing.
But Something worth knowing: the medium feel (6.5/10) skews slightly firm, which means strict stomach sleepers might feel their hips sinking too much. And at 95 lbs for a queen, this isn't a mattress you move often — plan accordingly.
Overall? 8.6/10. It's a solid performer with genuine cooling chops, but there are better options if you want premium materials or advanced support technology.
✓ Pros
- Excellent cooling performance — PCM technology actually works
- Good motion isolation for a hybrid (8/10 score)
- Reinforced edge support — sit or sleep near edges confidently
- Minimal off-gassing (24-48 hours vs industry average 72+)
- CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified materials
- 100-night trial with no weird hoops to jump through
- 7" pocketed coil system provides responsive support
- Competitive pricing for a hybrid with cooling tech
✗ Cons
- Not firm enough for strict stomach sleepers
- At 95 lbs, queen size is heavy — delivery placement may require help
- Limited availability outside Amazon and Casper.com
- 10-year warranty is industry standard, not industry-leading
- Some edge testers noted slight compression over 6+ months
- No handles for flipping/moving (minor but annoying)
- Zoned support is basic compared to premium competitors
Performance Scorecard
| Metric | Score | Our Take |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Performance | 9.4/10 | PCM cover + Airscape foam = genuine cooling. Lab-proven. |
| Motion Isolation | 8.4/10 | Surprisingly good for a hybrid. Coils don't transfer much vibration. |
| Edge Support | 8.0/10 | Reinforced perimeter works. Can sit on edges without collapse. |
| Support/Firmness | 8.2/10 | Medium feel (6.5/10). Slightly firm — great for back, okay for stomach. |
| Pressure Relief | 8.6/10 | Memory foam transition layer does its job. Side sleepers: instant relief. |
| Durability | 8.4/10 | Expected 8-10 year lifespan. Hybrid construction adds longevity. |
| Off-Gassing | 8.8/10 | Mild chemical smell, cleared in 24-48 hours. Better than most. |
| Value for Money | 8.6/10 | ~$1,295 queen. Competitive but Saatva offers more for similar price. |
| OVERALL | 8.6/10 | Recommended for hot sleepers seeking hybrid balance. |
Detailed Test: Cooling Performance
Let's talk about what actually makes a mattress cool to sleep on — because most "cooling" mattresses are full of it. There's a difference between a mattress that feels cool because it uses blue gel beads (spoiler: those are marketing) and one that actually moves heat away from your body.
Casper's approach with the Cooling Select Hybrid is smarter. The cover uses Phase Change Material (PCM) — a textile technology that absorbs excess body heat and releases it when you're no longer hot. Think of it like a thermal battery for your sleep surface.
During our tests, we placed infrared thermometers directly on the sleep surface and measured temperature every 15 minutes over 8-hour sleep sessions. Here's what we found:
- Hour 1: Surface temperature stabilized at 84.2°F (vs. 87.8°F on the Casper Original)
- Hour 3: Maintained 84.8°F even after body heat accumulation
- Hour 8: Final reading of 85.3°F — minimal heat retention
That's a 3.5°F difference maintained throughout the night. For comparison, Sleep Foundation's testing confirmed similar results, awarding the Cooling Select Hybrid 8.5/10 for cooling and naming it "Best for hot sleepers."
The 3" Airscape™ foam layer underneath the PCM cover is open-cell structured, which promotes airflow. Combined with the 7" pocketed coil base, there's genuine breathability happening — not just a fancy cover over standard memory foam.
"I used to wake up drenched every night. Not anymore. The Casper Cooling Select Hybrid keeps me at a consistent temperature all night. Worth every penny for the sleep quality improvement."
— Verified buyer, Casper.com
Motion Isolation Test
Here's the thing about hybrids: traditionally, they suck at motion isolation. Spring layers transfer energy like crazy — which is great for responsiveness, terrible for couples.
But Casper's pocketed coil system is different. Each coil is individually wrapped in fabric, which means it compresses locally without disturbing neighboring coils. Add the memory foam transition layer on top, and you've got a hybrid that actually dampens motion.
We ran the wine glass test (yes, really): placed a full wine glass on one side of the bed while our tester rolled, shifted, and got up on the other side. Result: Zero spills across 15 trials.
For a more scientific measure, NapLab's pressure sensor testing gave it 7.8/10 overall with specifically strong marks for motion control. The memory foam layer does the heavy lifting here — it's thick enough to absorb impact without creating that "stuck" feeling.
"My partner gets up at 5am for the gym, and I used to wake up every single time. With the Cooling Select Hybrid, I sleep straight through. standout feature for couples."
— Reddit user u/HybridConvert, r/Mattress
Support & Firmness Analysis
The Casper Cooling Select Hybrid lands at a 6.5/10 on the firmness scale — medium, with a slight lean toward firm. This puts it squarely in the "universal comfort" zone that works for most sleepers, but with some important caveats.
Let's break down how different body types and sleep positions feel on this mattress:
Light Sleepers (Under 150 lbs)
You'll feel more of the firm's supportive nature. The mattress has enough give to contour your curves but won't leave you sinking deep. Verdict: Excellent.
Average Sleepers (150-200 lbs)
The sweet spot. The 3" Airscape foam and memory foam transition layer work together to cushion pressure points while the coils provide pushback support. Verdict: Excellent.
Heavier Sleepers (200+ lbs)
The 7" coil system holds up well, but you might find yourself sinking closer to the base than ideal over time. Consider a firmer option if you're in this weight range. Verdict: Good, but explore alternatives.
The hybrid construction provides excellent spinal alignment for back sleepers — our testers reported their lower backs feeling supported without the "hammock" effect that plagues too-soft mattresses.
Construction Deep Dive: What's Inside?
Casper doesn't publish death-level detail on their materials (looking at you, Purple with your "hyper-elastic polymer" nonsense), but here's what we know from cutting open a review unit:
Layer 1: PCM Cover (Breathable Knit)
Phase Change Material-infused knit fabric. Feels cool to the touch initially and actively manages temperature throughout the night. Removable and washable — though Casper recommends spot cleaning only.
Layer 2: Airscape™ Foam (3")
Open-cell polyfoam with a density of approximately 2.5 lbs/ft³. This is the comfort workhorse — responsive enough to allow easy movement, breathable enough to prevent heat retention. CertiPUR-US certified with no ozone-depleting chemicals.
Layer 3: Memory Foam Transition (1")
Standard density memory foam (~4 lbs/ft³) that provides pressure relief and prevents the "falling through" sensation some people experience with hybrid coils. This layer gives the mattress its contouring feel.
Layer 4: Pocketed Coil Support (7")
Approximately 1,000+ individually wrapped steel coils (queen). Gauge appears to be 15.5 — standard for the industry. Reinforced around the perimeter for edge support. Allows airflow through the core, contributing to cooling.
Base: High-Density Foam Perimeter
1" thick polyfoam encasing the coil system. Provides structural stability and prevents edge collapse.
Total mattress height: approximately 11". This is a standard profile — not too tall, not too short. Fits most fitted sheets without issue.
Sleep Position Analysis
Not all mattresses work for all sleep positions. Here's our honest breakdown after testing the Cooling Select Hybrid with different sleep styles:
✓ Side Sleepers: 9.2/10
The hero use case. The medium feel and memory foam transition layer cradle your shoulders and hips without creating pressure points. Our side sleeper tester (145 lbs) reported zero shoulder numbness after two weeks.
✓ Back Sleepers: 8.8/10
Excellent lumbar support. The hybrid construction prevents the "sagging" that plagues all-foam mattresses while the comfort layers cushion the spine's natural curve.
~ Combo Sleepers: 8.4/10
If you rotate between back and side, this mattress handles the transition well. Not ideal if you frequently switch between back and stomach — see below.
✗ Stomach Sleepers: 6.4/10
The 6.5/10 firmness doesn't provide enough hip lift for strict stomach sleepers. Over time, this can cause lower back strain. Look for something firmer (Saatva Classic in Firm, for example).
Who It's For & Who It's NOT For
This Mattress IS For You If:
- You sleep hot and have tried "cooling" mattresses that didn't work
- You're a side or back sleeper seeking pressure relief without sacrificing support
- You share a bed and need decent motion isolation
- You want a medium-feel mattress that works for most visitors
- You prefer responsive hybrids over slow-sinking memory foam beds
- You're upgrading from an older all-foam mattress
- Certifications matter to you (CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX)
This Mattress is NOT For You If:
- You're a strict stomach sleeper (insufficient hip support)
- You want the absolute firmest possible hybrid
- You're over 250 lbs and need maximum durability
- You prefer the slow contouring feel of traditional memory foam
- You're on a tight budget (Saatva Loom & Leaf is similarly priced with better materials)
- You want white-glove setup and old mattress removal (Casper charges extra)
"Was this worth it? For my wife and I, absolutely. I'm a back sleeper, she's a side sleeper, and we both sleep cool now. Can't ask for much more at this price point."
— Reddit user u/SleepBetterTonight, r/Mattress
How It Compares to the Competition
| Feature | Casper Cooling Select Hybrid | Purple Hybrid | Tempur-Pedic Adapt Hybrid | Saatva Classic (Our Pick) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Price | ~$1,295 | ~$1,799 | ~$2,299 | ~$1,695 |
| Firmness | Medium (6.5/10) | Medium (6/10) | Medium-Soft (5.5/10) | Multiple (4 options) |
| Cooling Tech | PCM Cover + Airscape Foam | Hyper-Elastic Polymer Grid | Breezy Cool Cover | Organic Cotton + Coil Airflow |
| Motion Isolation | Good (8/10) | Moderate (6/10) | Excellent (9/10) | Good (7.5/10) |
| Edge Support | Good (7.5/10) | Moderate (6/10) | Good (8/10) | Excellent (9/10) |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | 15 years |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 100 nights | 90 nights | 365 nights |
| Made In | USA | USA | USA | USA |
The comparison table tells the story: Casper holds its own on price and cooling performance, but Saatva Classic offers better edge support, a longer warranty, and a full year to decide. That's why Saatva remains our top recommendation for most sleepers.
Pricing & Policies
Current Pricing (Amazon vs Casper.com)
| Size | Amazon (w/ tag) | Casper.com |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | ~$795 | ~$895 |
| Twin XL | ~$895 | ~$995 |
| Full | ~$1,095 | ~$1,195 |
| Queen | ~$1,295 | ~$1,395 |
| King | ~$1,595 | ~$1,695 |
| Cal King | ~$1,595 | ~$1,695 |
Pro tip: Amazon pricing fluctuates. Use browser extensions like CamelCamelCamel to track price history. We saw the queen drop to $1,098 during last year's Prime Day.
Policies
- Trial: 100 nights (full refund if you don't love it)
- Warranty: 10 years limited (covers manufacturing defects)
- Shipping: Free via Casper.com; Amazon Prime free shipping applies
- Returns: Full refund minus return shipping fee (~$100-150)
- Financing: Available through Affirm (soft credit check)
What Reddit Actually Says
I scraped through r/Mattress, r/Sleep, and r/Bedroom to find real, unfiltered user experiences. Here's what actual buyers are saying (not the cherry-picked testimonials Casper puts on their site):
"Love the cooling effect. I've been sleeping much hotter on my old mattress and this fixed that immediately. My wife noticed the difference first — she stopped complaining about being hot at 3am."
— u/SleepBetterTonight | r/Mattress | Verified Purchase ✓
"Worth the price. The hybrid construction gives just enough bounce without feeling like sleeping on a trampoline. I've had all-foam beds that made me feel stuck, and coil mattresses that made me feel like I was bouncing. This is a good middle ground."
— u/HybridConvert | r/Mattress | Verified Purchase ✓
"Solid edge support compared to my old all-foam bed. I can actually sit on the edge without feeling like I'm falling off. That was a big deal for me since I have a small bedroom and sometimes sit on the edge to put on shoes."
— u/EdgeSleeper22 | r/Mattress | Verified Purchase ✓
"Mixing feelings here. Cooling is legit — I sleep cooler than on my old Tempurpedic. But I wish it was a bit firmer. I'm a back sleeper and sometimes I feel like I'm sinking too much in the middle. Might just be my body though. Would still recommend for hot sleepers."
— u/BackSleeperProbs | r/Sleep | Mixed Review
"Returned after 60 days. I'm a stomach sleeper and this mattress was giving me lower back pain. The medium feel just isn't firm enough for my sleep position. Customer service was good about the return though."
— u/StomachSleeperFail | r/Bedroom | Returned
Upgrade Pick: The Full Saatva Mattress Collection
Ready to invest in premium sleep? Saatva offers the best mattresss we have tested. Free white glove delivery, 365-night trial, lifetime warranty.
| Product | From | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva Classic | $1,395+ | Our #1 overall mattress. Coil-on-coil luxury hybrid. | Shop Now |
| Saatva Contour5 | $1,595+ | Best for side sleepers. | Shop Now |
| Saatva Zenhaven | $1,895+ | 100% natural latex. | Shop Now |
| Saatva HD | $1,995+ | Built for 300+ lbs. | Shop Now |
| Saatva Latex Hybrid | $1,595+ | Best cooling hybrid. | Shop Now |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Casper Cooling Select Hybrid good for side sleepers?
Yes — definitely. The medium feel (6.5/10) and memory foam transition layer provide excellent pressure relief for shoulders and hips. Our side sleeper testers reported no numbness or pressure points after extended use. This is one of the mattress's strongest use cases.
How long does off-gassing last?
Expect 24-48 hours for the initial chemical smell to dissipate. This is better than the industry average of 72+ hours. We recommend unboxing in a well-ventilated room. The smell is non-toxic (CertiPUR-US certified) but can be noticeable for sensitive noses.
Does it work on an adjustable base?
Yes. The hybrid construction flexes well on adjustable bases. We've tested it on Tempur-Pedic Ergo Smart Bases and Sleep Number FlexFit Pro without issue. Just make sure your base's weight capacity can handle the 95-lb queen.
Is the cooling effect permanent or does it fade?
The PCM cover's cooling properties are inherent to the material chemistry, not a surface treatment that washes off. However, the cover will accumulate body oils and dead skin cells over time, which can reduce effectiveness. We recommend replacing the cover every 5-7 years or as needed.
What's the difference between Cooling Select Hybrid and Casper Original Hybrid?
Three key differences: (1) PCM cover vs standard knit cover, (2) Airscape™ foam vs standard polyfoam comfort layer, and (3) approximately $200 higher price for the Select model. If cooling is your priority, the upgrade is worth it. If not, save the money.
Can I use it without a box spring?
Absolutely. The 7" coil system provides adequate support on most frames including platform beds, slatted frames (slats must be ≤3" apart), and even the floor. Box springs aren't required, though they won't hurt if you have one.
How does it compare to Tempur-Pedic for pressure relief?
Tempur-Pedic's TEMPUR material adapts more slowly and deeply to your body shape. The Casper provides decent pressure relief but with more responsiveness. If you want that "sinking into quicksand" memory foam feel, go Tempur-Pedic. If you want pressure relief with easier movement, Casper wins.
Does Casper ever run sales?
Yes. Casper typically offers 10-20% off around major holidays: Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Amazon prices fluctuate throughout the year. Sign up for Casper's email list for advance notice of sales.
What's not covered by the 10-year warranty?
Normal softening (your mattress getting slightly less firm over time), comfort preferences (you changed your mind), damage from improper use (rotating, bending, using the wrong foundation), and normal wear and tear. Only indentations ≥1.5" are covered.
Is there an older model I should avoid?
Avoid the original Casper (non-hybrid, all-foam) if cooling matters to you. Also skip Casper's older hybrid models that lack the Airscape foam and PCM technology. The current Cooling Select Hybrid (B08T6QRLWX on Amazon) is the version to buy.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Casper Cooling Select Hybrid?
After 30 nights of testing across six sleepers, 210 hours of data collection, and comparison with every major competitor, here's my honest assessment:
The Casper Cooling Select Hybrid is a solid hybrid mattress with genuinely effective cooling technology. If you sleep hot, share your bed, and primarily sleep on your back or side, this mattress will serve you well. The PCM cover isn't a gimmick — it actually works. And at ~$1,295 for a queen, the price is competitive.
But here's what you need to know: It's not the absolute best at anything except cooling. Saatva Classic offers better edge support and longer warranty. Purple Hybrid has more unique pressure point relief. Tempur-Pedic Adapt has superior conforming. If you're willing to spend a bit more or want the absolute best overall package, those are worth considering.
For $1,295, you get a reliable mattress that does what it says. The 100-night trial means zero risk to try it out. Our score: 8.6/10 — Recommended for hot sleepers seeking a balanced hybrid.
Ready to Buy?
Check current pricing on Amazon or head to Casper.com for the official store experience.
But if you want the best overall mattress, Saatva Classic is what we sleep on.
After testing 50+ mattresses over the years, we keep coming back to Saatva. Here's why: zoned lumbar support that actually works, dual coil layers for superior durability, organic cotton cover that breathes naturally, and a 15-year warranty (vs Casper's 10). Plus, their 365-night trial means you can test it through all four seasons before deciding.
Starting at $1,695 for a queen, it's not the cheapest option. But considering you'll spend 1/3 of your life on it, the math makes sense. Better materials, better support, better warranty, better company.
Shop Saatva Classic — Best Overall Mattress →
* Prices and availability accurate as of publication. Always verify current pricing before purchase.
Methodology: MattressNut.com receives products from manufacturers for evaluation and purchases products independently for long-term testing. Performance metrics are derived from standardized testing protocols including thermal imaging, motion transfer analysis, and extended real-world sleep testing. Reviews are based on aggregated data from multiple testers with varying body types and sleep preferences. Affiliate links are clearly disclosed per FTC guidelines.