Helix vs Casper Mattress Comparison

Editor’s Note: Shortages in the supply chain have created production limitations for the foreseeable future in some Casper products. Thank you for understanding.

If you’re shopping for a new mattress, Casper and Helix are great places to start. Both are bed-in-a-box mattress companies with a selection of hybrid and memory foam mattresses. Helix Sleep offers more variety in their mattress selection, while Casper boasts the highest-scoring mattress of the bunch.

We’re putting eight different Helix and Casper models up against one another and comparing their strengths, constructions, and prices. The matchups were chosen with much intent, as we did our best to pair similar mattresses from each company. We’re confident that one of them will be your favorite new bed.

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Helix vs Casper: At a Glance

	Helix	Casper
Best For	Side sleepers, plus-sized sleepers, shoppers who prefer all-natural beds, hot sleepers, those who want long warranty periods	Memory foam mattress shoppers, back sleepers, stomach sleepers, those with light or average body types, combo sleepers, budget shoppers
Price Range	$649 – $2,499	$495 – $3,995
Special Features	Pressure-relieving Memory Plus Foam, breathable Tencel cover, all-natural materials (Birch mattress), gel-infused foams	Ergonomic Zoned Support, breathable Airscape Foam, temperature regulating latex foam, durable pocketed coil systems, Snow Technology

Key Similarities

• Sleep Trial: Helix and Casper both offer 100-day sleep trials. Considering that it takes about 30 days for your body to adjust to a new sleeping surface, this is more than enough time to get the feel of your new mattress.
• Bed-In-A-Box Delivery: Whether you order a Casper or Helix bed, your mattress will be delivered to your doorstep compressed and rolled in a box.
• Materials: Both companies use all CertiPUR-US certified foams, and their mattresses are made or assembled in the USA (and Canada for Casper).

Key Differences

• Pricing: Casper mattress models are generally more expensive than Helix models, although both companies offer financing; Helix’s financing is through Klarna or Katapult for orders $499–$2,400, and Casper’s is through Affirm.
• Warranty: Casper offers a 10-year limited warranty with all of their mattress models, while Helix mattress warranties range from 10–25 years, depending on the model.
• Pressure Relief: Helix mattresses consistently provided better pressure point relief, though all of the mattresses in this comparison earned above-average scores.
• Spinal Alignment: Casper mattresses generally earned higher scores for spinal alignment, although all of the mattresses received high scores in this category.
• Children’s Mattress: Helix now offers their new dual-sided hybrid kids mattress for kids of all ages, while Casper doesn’t currently have any children’s mattress models available.

Helix Midnight vs Casper Original

Helix Midnight Mattress Review Highlights

• Medium Firmness: The Helix Midnight mattress is a popular mattress model because its medium firmness level sleeps comfortably for most body types and sleeping positions. You can also get the feel for this mattress during the 100-night sleep trial.
• Cooling: The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress with a breathable cover, so air can easily channel through the coil base layer and out of the mattress. This bed sleeps so cool that we gave it a near-perfect score in this category.
• Motion Transfer: The combo of foam and coil layers cradle your body in such a way that motion is effectively diffused when you change position or get comfortable.
• Edge Support: The coil layer has reinforced edge support, so you can stretch all the way across the mattress surface. Our testers felt well supported while lying near and sitting on the edge of the bed.

Casper Original All-Foam Mattress Review Highlights

• Spinal Alignment: The Casper earned a near-perfect score for spine alignment, thanks to the zoned support feature that provides ergonomic support for the different regions of your body. Good spinal alignment contributes to reduced back pain.
• Pressure Relief: Casper’s all-foam construction contours around sensitive pressure points like shoulders and hips. You feel equally cushioned and supported.
• Edge Support: We gave the Casper almost a perfect score for edge support because we felt well supported while laying or sitting right on the edge of the bed.
• Responsive: The Casper Original mattress did such a good job adjusting to our testers’ changes in position, that we gave it a perfect score for responsiveness. If you are a combo sleeper, this is a great mattress for you.

Related: What Does Responsiveness Mean in a Mattress?

Compare Mattress Construction

The biggest difference in construction between the Helix Midnight and Casper Original mattresses is that the Helix is a hybrid mattress with foam and coil layers, while the Casper Original is an all-foam mattress. Mattresses with coil layers are usually firmer than all-foam beds, but not in this case: the Helix has a medium feel from the thick foam comfort layers, and Caspers AirScape™ foam has a slightly denser medium-firm feel.

The Helix mattress is topped with two layers of foam: Helix’s memory plus foam has a soft, contouring feel, and the polyfoam transition layer adds extra support. The support layer is made of hundreds of individually wrapped coils. Each coil is sensitive to your unique shape and movements. Finally, a thick layer of Memory Plus Foam at the base improves mattress durability.

The Casper has a simple three-layer construction. The top layer of air scape polyurethane foam is perforated, which drastically improves airflow. The second memory foam comfort layer is divided into three ergonomic zones that evenly distribute your weight. You have softer foam under your shoulders and ankles and firmer foam under your lumbar region. The base layer is made of durable polyurethane support foam.

Compare Prices

The price points for the Helix Midnight and Casper Original all-foam mattresses are remarkably similar for all sizes, with the Casper slightly more expensive.

	Helix Midnight	Casper Original Mattress
Twin	$799	$895
Twin XL	$899	$995
Full	$1,049	$1,195
Queen	$1,199	$1,295
King	$1,549	$1,695
California King	$1,549	$1,695

 

Birch Natural Mattress vs Casper Wave Hybrid

Birch Natural Review Highlights

• Natural Materials: The Birch Natrual is an all-natural brand by Helix. The foams used in the Birch are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, and the organic wool is sourced from New Zealand.
• Durable: The Birch mattress is handmade to order, and it’s crafted so well that it’s warranted against defects for 25 years.
• Motion Transfer: We gave the Birch a 9/10 in the motion transfer category. Our testers hardly noticed movement on the bed while blindfolded, and a glass of red wine set on the mattress service hardly moved when we rolled back and forth. This is an important feature in a mattress for couples or anyone who sleeps with a partner or pet.
• Spinal Alignment: The Birch mattress does an excellent job of keeping your back in a healthy neutral position. Better posture means less pain and stiffness and ultimately better sleep quality.

Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress Review Highlights

• Responsiveness: The Casper Wave Hybrid rapidly adjusts to you as you change position or move around while getting comfortable. This is due to a combo of flexible latex and bouncy springs. Our testers were genuinely impressed by how quickly they could get comfortable in new positions.
• Pressure Relief: The Casper Wave Hybrid scored well in our specialized pressure relief test. We noticed a few high-impact zones when a pressure map was added to the surface of the mattress, meaning you can expect contouring around your pressure points.
• Spinal Alignment: This mattress incorporates not one, but two ergonomic foam layers that keep your spine in a neutral position. We gave it a high score for spinal alignment, so you can count on little or no back pain when you wake after sleeping on the Wave Hybrid.
• Cooling: The Casper Wave Hybrid earned a 9/10 score for cooling thanks to multiple layers of breathable foam and a coil system that improves airflow. In contrast, the Birch mattress scored 7/10, making the Wave Hybrid the cooler mattress.

Compare Mattress Construction

The Birch Natural and Casper Wave are both hybrid mattresses, but they are made with very different materials that create different feels. The Birch is a medium firm (7/10) mattress, while the Wave Hybrid is medium soft (5/10). The Birch is constructed with organic wool batting and Talalay latex comfort layers, giving it a supportive feel that doesn’t compress as easily as the latex and memory foams used in the Wave Hybrid.

Let’s take a look at each mattress on its own.

The Birch sports a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover that is exceptionally soft and breathable. The fire retardant is chemical-free and made from natural wool fibers and rayon. Next, a layer of Birch wool is temperature regulating and cushioning. A layer of contouring Talalay latex sits below the wool and above hundreds of steel coils. A bottom layer of wool batting creates a stable base for the mattress.

The Casper Wave Hybrid also utilizes wool, but in the cover instead of the mattress core. The top layer pairs cooling gel and perforated AirScape™ foam. The second AirScape™ layer is made with natural latex foam that contours around your curves and eases stress on pressure points. An additional layer of ergonomic memory foam is softer under your shoulders and firmer under your hips, which keeps your spine aligned. Pocket coils and support foam make up the base.

Compare Prices

The Birch and Casper Wave Hybrid price points reflect their high-quality construction. Wave Hybrid prices are considerably higher, but you can finance your purchase on either of these luxury mattresses.

	Birch Natural	Casper Wave Hybrid
Twin	$1,349	$1,795
Twin XL	$1,399	$2,395
Full	$1,599	$2,745
Queen	$1,799	$2,895
King	$2,099	$3,495
California King	$2,099	$3,495

Helix Midnight Luxe vs Casper Nova Hybrid

Helix Midnight Luxe Review Highlights

• Pressure Relief: The Helix Midnight Luxe takes the comfort of the Helix Midnight and doubles it by adding gel-infused memory foam and enhancing the ergonomic zoned support. Your body weight is evenly distributed, which keeps stress off pressure points.
• Spinal Alignment: We measure spine alignment during our review process because healthy posture while sleeping keeps your muscles more relaxed and your nerves undisrupted. The Midnight Luxe earned top marks in this category, so you’ll wake up pain-free.
• Responsiveness: We gave the Midnight Luxe a high score for responsiveness because it adjusts as you change position. Our testers easily got comfortable when moving from their backs to their sides or stomachs, and vice versa.
• Cooling: The Midnight Luxe is an exceptionally cool mattress. The cover features a phase change material that regulates the temperature of the mattress surface. Additionally, the pillow top is cool to touch, and the coil system improves the overall breathability.

Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress Review Highlights

• Motion Transfer: The Casper Nova Hybrid successfully traps motion at its source, so you aren’t disrupted by your sleeping partner’s movements or any midnight additions to the mattress (i.e. scared children or needy pets).
• Spinal Alignment: The Zoned Support in the Nova Hybrid keeps your curves in a neutral position in every sleeping position. That means you won’t wake with lower back pain or a stiff upper back.
• Responsiveness: If you’re a combination sleeper, you need a bed that can keep up with your changes in position. The Nova Hybrid earned a high score in this category, so you’ll be able to get comfortable quickly when you toss or turn.
• Cooling: Casper uses open-cell foam and breathable pocket coil in the Nova Hybrid construction, resulting in better airflow, a cooler sleep environment, and fewer night sweats.

Compare Mattress Construction

The Helix Midnight Luxe and Casper Nova are both hybrid mattresses, but the Midnight Luxe has a medium feel, while the Nova is much more plush. The key difference is in the comfort layers: the Midnight Luxe memory foam layers are denser than those of the Nova, so you sink deeper into the Nova mattress. 

The Helix Midnight Luxe is still remarkably comfy and contouring. It’s topped with a premium quilted pillow top and temperature regulating Tencel mattress cover. The comfort layers are designed to provide optimal pressure relief without compromising support. At the bottom of the mattress is 1,000+ individually wrapped coils that keep your spine aligned and provide excellent edge support.

The Casper Nova mattress is topped with two plush layers of breathable AirScape™ foam. A third layer of foam is divided into ergonomic zones that are softer under your shoulders and firmer under your waist. This keeps your spine in alignment and your pressure points well supported. The support system of resilient springs give the mattress extra bounce and breathability. The bottom of the mattress is supported by a durable layer of polyurethane foam.

Compare Prices

The Helix Midnight Luxe and Casper Nova Hybrid are both priced higher than your average bed-in-a-box mattress, but they are high performing and eligible for financing. You will pay a little more for the Nova in most cases, but never more than $350.

	Helix Midnight Luxe	Casper Nova Hybrid
Twin	$1,199	$1,395
Twin XL	$1,449	$1,795
Full	$1,749	$2,145
Queen	$2,049	$2,295
King	$2,499	$2,895
California King	$2,499	$2,895

Helix Plus (Nightfall) vs Casper Element

Helix Plus (Nightfall) Review Highlights

• Durability: The Helix Plus mattress is made specifically for plus-sized sleepers who need extra support. It’s constructed of dense foams and extra tall steel coils that don’t easily develop sagging or depressions. The Plus supports up to 1,000 lbs and was named one of our best mattresses for heavy people.
• Pressure Relief: We gave the Helix Plus a high score for pressure relief, even though it’s a firm mattress. Heavier sleepers need a firmer mattress because they compress the mattress more than an average sleeper, and the Plus provides both support and cushion.
• Spinal Alignment: Regardless of your size, you need a mattress that keeps your spine aligned, and the Helix Plus does just that. Good spinal alignment helps to prevent back pain, pinched nerves, and muscle stiffness.
• Cooling: The Plus is made with breathable foam and coil layers that prevent you from overheating and help keep you cool at night.

Casper Element Mattress Review Highlights

• Edge Support: The Casper Element mattress provides support whether you are lying or sitting in the center of the mattress or on the edge. It’s a great choice for anyone who likes to stretch and maximize their use of the full mattress surface.
• Balanced Firmness: The Element is a popular choice for the average sleeper because it provides a balance of pressure relief and support.
• Motion Isolation: The Casper Element is an all-foam mattress, so it does a great job of minimizing disruptions from movement across the mattress surface.
• Affordable Pricing: The Element is Casper’s most budget-friendly mattress and the lowest cost mattress in this whole comparison.

*Editor’s Note: The Element mattress is currently out of stock on the Casper website.

Compare Mattress Construction

The Helix Plus and Casper Element are vastly different mattresses. The Plus is a hybrid mattress constructed for plus-sized sleepers, while the Element is an all-foam mattress that is designed for budget shoppers who don’t want to compromise comfort. Additionally, the Plus has a firm feel (7–8/10 on the firmness scale), while the Element is medium-firm (6/10).

The Helix Plus is made with ultra-durable materials that reduce sinkage and enhance comfort. It’s anchored by Dynamic base foam and XL steel coils. The comfort layers are made with high-density memory foam and latex foam that cushion extra weight. The whole mattress is wrapped in a breathable, temperature-regulating Tencel cover.

The Casper Element is covered with a fabric made from recycled polyester and upcycled cotton, among other materials. The comfort support layers Casper’s pressure-relieving AirScape™ foam. They are perforated in order to improve airflow. The thick support layer is also made with foam, though it’s much denser than the comfort layers. Overall, the Element sleeps a little warmer than the Helix Plus and is much better suited to sleepers with a small or average body type.

Compare Prices

The Casper Element is a budget-conscious mattress, so it is priced $430–$1,200 cheaper than the Helix Plus. Price probably won’t play a huge role in your choice between these two mattress models since they are so different. The Helix Plus is a reasonably priced, durable mattress for heavier sleepers, while the Casper Element is a low-cost, comfy choice for the average sleeper. You can also opt to finance either option.

	Helix Plus (Nightfall)	Casper Element
Twin	$949	$495
Twin XL	$1,049	$545
Full	$1,249	$645
Queen	$1,749	$695
King	$2,199	$895
California King	$2,199	$895

 

Compare Sizes

Helix and Casper mattresses share very similar dimensions, though the Helix Full size is 1” wider, the Birch twin and twin XL sizes are 1” longer, and the Helix Midnight Luxe is 1” taller than any of the other mattresses. 

	Helix	Casper
Thickness	11” – 14”	11” – 13”
Twin	38”–39” x 75”	38” x 75”
Twin XL	38”–39” x 80”	38” x 80”
Full	54” x 75”	53” x 75”
Queen	60” x 80”	60” x 80”
King	76” x 80”	76” x 80”
California King	72” x 84”	72” x 84”

Learn more about mattress sizes.

Breaking Down the Trial Period

Helix and Casper both provide 100-night sleep trials to all customers. Helix asks that you sleep on their mattresses for a minimum of 30 nights before making a final decision. This is called the break-in period since your body needs time to adjust to a new sleeping surface.

Additionally, Helix will send you an extra mattress topper free of charge during the trial period if you think your mattress is too soft or firm.

Breaking Down the Warranty

Casper mattresses are all covered by a 10-year warranty, whereas Helix warranty periods depending on the mattress model. The Helix Midnight is covered for 10 years, the Midnight Luxe and Plus are covered for 15 years, and the Birch is covered for 25 years.

Summary

Casper offers the most budget-friendly mattress in this comparison (Casper Element) and the best performing (Casper Wave Hybrid). Helix offers a range of customizable mattresses for sleepers, including plus-sized (Helix Plus), hot sleepers (Helix Midnight Luxe), and all-natural shoppers (Birch). You get 100 nights to trial all of these mattresses.

We had a lot of fun performing full reviews on each of these mattresses. Here are our sleeper recommendations.

• Best for side sleepers: The Casper Wave Hybrid and Helix Midnight Luxe both provide excellent pressure relief and spinal alignment, and have a cushioning medium firmness level. 
• Best for stomach sleepers: The Original Casper has a winning blend of pressure relief and support needed for this sleeping position, as well as an ideal medium-firm feel.
• Best for plus-sized sleepers: The Helix Plus is specifically designed for plus-sized sleepers. The Casper Wave Hybrid is a durable choice for those with larger body types who want a more plush feel.
• Best for budget shoppers: The Casper Element is the most budget-friendly mattress in this comparison, costing $495-$895.
• Best for couples: The Helix Midnight does a great job of isolating motion and has a medium feel that sits between soft and firm on the firmness scale.
• Best for combo sleepers: The Original Casper mattress earned a perfect score in our responsiveness test, making it a reliable choice for combo sleepers. 
• Best for hot sleepers: The Helix Midnight Luxe is the coolest mattress in this comparison, closely followed by the Casper Nova Hybrid, Casper Wave Hybrid, and Helix Midnight.