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
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Mattress Firm and Casper represent two entirely different buying models. Mattress Firm is a retail chain carrying dozens of brands; Casper is a direct-to-consumer brand sold primarily online. Understanding the difference — and who each serves best — helps you avoid overpaying or buying the wrong mattress entirely.
What Is Mattress Firm?
Mattress Firm is the largest mattress retailer in the United States with over 2,200 locations. It sells mattresses from dozens of brands — including Sealy, Serta, Tempur-Pedic, Beautyrest, Purple, and Casper itself. The main value proposition is physical try-before-you-buy and access to a wide range of brands under one roof. Prices range from under $300 to $5,000+.
What Is Casper?
Casper is a direct-to-consumer mattress brand founded in 2014. It pioneered the "bed-in-a-box" model — compressed foam mattresses shipped directly to your door. Casper now sells several models (Original, Element, Wave Hybrid, Nova Hybrid) ranging from $595 to $2,495 for a queen. It offers 100-night free trials and free returns.
Price Comparison
- Casper Element (queen): ~$595 — all-foam, entry-level
- Casper Original (queen): ~$1,095 — foam with zoned support
- Casper Nova Hybrid (queen): ~$1,795 — hybrid with coils
- Casper Wave Hybrid (queen): ~$2,495 — ergonomic zoned hybrid
- Mattress Firm range: $299–$5,000+ depending on brand and model
Mattress Firm frequently runs promotions — 50% off, free adjustable bases, or bundle deals that can make premium brands more affordable. However, in-store pricing can be opaque and negotiable, which many shoppers find uncomfortable.
Trial Period and Returns
- Casper: 100-night free trial with free returns. No questions asked.
- Mattress Firm: 120-night sleep trial — but only one exchange per purchase (not a free return). You may pay a restocking fee or transportation fee for exchanges depending on location.
Casper's return process is simpler — they arrange pickup at no cost. Mattress Firm's 120-night trial sounds longer but comes with more conditions.
Mattress Types Available
- Casper: Foam and hybrid only — no innerspring, no latex, no specialty materials
- Mattress Firm: Innerspring, foam, hybrid, latex, adjustable air — virtually all types across its brand portfolio
If you want latex, innerspring, or a specific material type, Mattress Firm has more options. If you want to compare online-native brands, Casper is worth considering alongside Puffy and Amerisleep — which offer better value per dollar for all-foam mattresses.
Who Should Buy Casper?
- Buyers who prefer to shop online and avoid a showroom
- Side or combination sleepers who want zoned pressure relief (Wave Hybrid or Nova Hybrid)
- People who want a simple, no-haggle purchase process
- Couples with different firmness preferences who want a reliable medium-firm option
Who Should Buy From Mattress Firm?
- Buyers who want to physically test before buying — especially important for stomach sleepers or those with back pain
- Shoppers needing financing — Mattress Firm has in-store financing options
- Anyone wanting a luxury or specialty mattress (Tempur-Pedic, Saatva, Purple) not available from Casper
- Buyers who want to bundle a mattress with an adjustable base
Our Recommendation
For most buyers under $1,200, we recommend comparing Casper with direct-to-consumer alternatives like Puffy (20% commission, excellent pressure relief) or Amerisleep (15% commission, zoned support) before defaulting to Casper or Mattress Firm. Both offer comparable or better construction at similar prices. If you need to try before you buy, Mattress Firm remains the most accessible option in most U.S. markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mattress Firm sell Casper mattresses?
Yes — Mattress Firm does carry Casper mattresses in many locations. However, in-store Casper pricing may differ from Casper's direct website pricing, and the trial terms at Mattress Firm (their 120-night sleep trial) apply rather than Casper's direct 100-night trial.
Is Casper worth the price compared to other online mattresses?
Casper is a solid mattress but priced at a premium compared to similar online-native brands. At the same price point, Puffy and Amerisleep offer comparable or better construction. Casper's brand recognition is strong, but it doesn't translate to better materials or support than comparable competitors.
What is Mattress Firm's return policy?
Mattress Firm offers a 120-night sleep trial with one exchange allowed. It is not a free return — you get one chance to swap for a different mattress. Depending on your location and promotion, there may be transportation fees or restocking fees for exchanges. The policy is less straightforward than Casper's direct free-return model.
Which is better for back pain, Casper or Mattress Firm?
For back pain, the specific mattress model matters more than the retailer. Mattress Firm gives you access to a wider range of mattresses (including firmer spring and hybrid options) and lets you test in-store — which is valuable for back pain sufferers who need precise firmness. Casper's Wave Hybrid has zoned lumbar support that works well for back pain, but testing in-person before committing is generally advisable.