by Our #1 Recommended Mattress
After testing 20+ mattresses across every category, this is the one we recommend first.
Saatva Classic. From $1,095
365-night trial · Lifetime warranty · Free white-glove delivery
We earn a commission if you make a purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Casper Nova Hybrid Overview
The Casper Nova Hybrid sits at the top of Casper's lineup, above the Original and Wave Hybrid in the cooling-focused category. Designed for side sleepers who sleep hot, it combines Casper's signature Zoned Support foam with Snow Technology cooling and a pocketed coil support system. It's Casper's answer to the growing segment of sleepers who want memory foam pressure relief without the heat retention.
Construction Breakdown
- Cover: Soft Tencel blend with phase-change material (Snow Technology)
- Layer 1: 1.5" AirScape perforated open-cell memory foam (Snow Technology cooling)
- Layer 2: 1.5" Zoned Support AirScape foam (softer under shoulders, firmer under lumbar)
- Layer 3: 1.5" transition foam
- Support: 7" pocketed coil system with reinforced perimeter
- Total height: 13"
- Firmness: Plush (3/10) or Regular (5/10)
Snow Technology: Does It Actually Cool?
Snow Technology is Casper's most significant innovation in this mattress. The phase-change material in the cover absorbs body heat up to a specific threshold — similar to the principle of an ice pack. The AirScape perforated foam provides physical channels for heat dissipation rather than relying purely on gel infusion. In independent testing, the Nova Hybrid consistently runs 4-6°F cooler than equivalent non-snow foam mattresses. This is a meaningful and real improvement for hot sleepers, not just a marketing claim.
Feel and Performance
The Nova Hybrid has a distinctly premium feel from the first night — the plush comfort layer is noticeably softer and more enveloping than the Original. Side sleepers immediately feel the shoulder and hip sinkage. The Zoned Support creates a sensation of lumbar support that the Original's more uniform foam doesn't provide as distinctly. The coil support system adds bounce and prevents the "stuck" feel that pure foam can create.
Motion isolation is good but not exceptional — the pocketed coils allow slightly more motion transfer than all-foam designs. For most couples, it's adequate; for highly sensitive sleepers where motion is a primary concern, an all-foam design may be better.
Edge Support
The reinforced perimeter coil system provides solid edge support. You can sit on the edge without significant compression. For couples who use the full queen width, this edge integrity is meaningful — you have a full 60" of usable sleep surface rather than 54-56" effectively usable as in mattresses with soft edges.
Casper Nova Hybrid vs Casper Original Hybrid
| Feature | Nova Hybrid | Original Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | Snow Technology (excellent) | Standard (moderate) |
| Pressure Relief | Deep (thicker comfort layers) | Moderate |
| Firmness Options | Plush / Regular | Medium only |
| Best For | Hot side sleepers | All sleepers, better value |
| Queen Price | ~$1,895-2,595 | ~$1,295 |
Who Should Buy the Casper Nova Hybrid
- Side sleepers who sleep hot and need meaningful cooling plus pressure relief
- Couples where one sleeps hot and pressure relief is important
- Buyers who want a Casper but find the Original too warm
- Sleepers who like memory foam feel but have been disappointed by heat in other foam mattresses
FAQ
Is the Casper Nova Hybrid worth the price?
The Casper Nova Hybrid is worth the premium for sleepers who specifically want Snow Technology cooling combined with deep pressure relief and hybrid construction. If cooling is your primary concern and you like Casper's foam feel, the Nova Hybrid delivers meaningfully better temperature regulation. For buyers primarily motivated by value, the Casper Original Hybrid at ~$1,295 provides the core hybrid benefits at lower cost.
How does the Casper Nova Hybrid differ from the Casper Original Hybrid?
The Nova Hybrid has three key differences: Snow Technology cooling (phase-change material + AirScape foam), thicker comfort layers for deeper pressure relief, and a plush-to-medium firmness profile vs Original's medium. The Nova is designed for hot side sleepers; the Original is the all-around value choice.
Is the Casper Nova Hybrid good for side sleepers?
Yes — the Nova Hybrid is specifically designed with side sleepers in mind. The plush to medium-soft firmness (4-5/10) and thicker comfort layer allow the shoulder and hip to sink adequately for pressure relief. For hot side sleepers specifically, the Snow Technology cooling makes the Nova one of the better foam-comfort hybrid options.
What is Casper Snow Technology?
Casper Snow Technology combines phase-change material in the cover (absorbs heat up to a specific temperature) with AirScape perforated foam that allows heat to dissipate away from the body. Independent temperature testing shows the Nova Hybrid runs 4-6°F cooler than average memory foam mattresses — a meaningful and real improvement, not just a marketing claim.