<bi-shortcode id="disclaimer" class="mceNonEditable" data-type="insiderpicks"></bi-shortcode><p><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5ef4f2513f7370103c72ca56-1200/casper%20nova%202.jpg" border="0" alt="Casper Nova 2" data-mce-source="Casper"></p><bi-shortcode id="summary-shortcode" data-type="summary-shortcode" class="mceNonEditable" contenteditable="false">Summary List Placement</bi-shortcode><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Side-sleepers usually need a soft mattress to support shoulders and hips without additional pressure.</strong></li><li><strong>The<a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F"> Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress</a> (starting at $1,095) has a softer-than-average feel that cradles my body. </strong></li><li><strong style="color: #222222;">Read more: </strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-mattress" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The best mattresses you can buy in 2021</strong></a></li><li><strong><a href="https://newsletter.businessinsider.com/join/4np/insider-picks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://newsletter.businessinsider.com/join/4np/insider-picks" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals.</a></strong></li></ul><div></div><bi-shortcode id="table-of-contents-sticky" class="mceNonEditable" data-type="h2">Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky</bi-shortcode><p>Casper has been one of the top bed-in-a-box brands since it first hit the market in 2014. One reason why the company continues to stay ahead of the competition is its focus on customer feedback and incorporating it into upgrades to its mattress product line.</p><bi-shortcode id="related-article-module" class="mceNonEditable" data-type="5cd97c13021b4c33b70ec9f2" data-title="We tested 5 of the most popular Casper mattresses at homehere's what to expect from each one" data-url="https://www.businessinsider.com/casper-mattress-review" data-thumbnail="https://i.insider.com/5f36ee2ee89ebf001f044dba" data-shortcode-display-text="Related Article Module: We tested 5 of the most popular Casper mattresses at homehere's what to expect from each one"></bi-shortcode><p>The startup recently updated a few popular models and added two completely new mattresses: the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/casper-element-mattress-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">budget Element</a> and the plush <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a>. I tested the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> for free and was impressed with its balance of support and comfort. After testing all five of the mattresses, it's by far my favorite one. In fact, it's one of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-mattress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">top mattresses in our buying guide</a>. </p><h2>Specs</h2><p><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5ef4f2643f7370105068f9d6-1200/casper%20nova%204.jpg" border="0" alt="Casper Nova 4" data-mce-source="Casper"></p><p>In addition to a layer of individually-wrapped springs that aid in airflow and support, the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> has four foam layers. The proprietary foam of the top two layers is called "AirScape" because it's designed to help prevent overheating. The plush topmost layer has small perforations that are designed to increase airflow to cool you down at night.</p><p>The next layer features three ergonomic zones for pressure relief and spine alignment. The third layer works with the above layer to provide more zoned support, relieving pressure under the shoulders and supporting the hips, lower back, and waist. And, the base layer surrounds the coils to offer firm edge support.</p><p>Casper doesn't use ozone-depleting materials in the making of the foam for the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a>, and it's CertiPUR-US certified. The cover is made of upcycled cotton, rayon, lycra, and recycled polyester (which is partially composed of recycled bottles).</p><p>Casper has brick-and-mortar stores in <a href="https://stores.casper.com/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">every major US city</a>, though certain stores have restrictions given the novel coronavirus pandemic, so call ahead first. Usually, at the stores, you can schedule a 30-minute sleep trial to try before you buy. If you shop at Target, more than 1,000 Target locations across the US sell Casper mattresses too.</p><h2>Set-up process</h2><p>The process of unboxing and setting up the mattress was similar to other beds that arrive at your door in a box. Casper provided some simple instructions, but the process is intuitive. First, you remove the vacuum-sealed mattress from the box onto your foundation. Any foundation will do. I used a cheap <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D7HBR76/ref=as_li_tl'ie=UTF8&tag=biipf_062520_casper-nova-hybrid-mattress-review-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07D7HBR76&linkId=e46da97859d9449f07d5168429bcd080" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">Zinus</a> bed frame.</p><p>Next, unwrap the outer layer of plastic and unfold the mattress. At this point, I was annoyed that the mattress unfolded upside down so I had to flip it before removing the inner layer of plastic. But overall, the whole operation was relatively painless and took about five minutes.</p><p>Normally, you can skip this whole step by choosing Casper's in-home setup service. For a fee, Casper will contract with a local company to deliver your bed, set it up, remove the packaging, and remove your old mattress and foundation if you want. However, due to the novel coronavirus, the in-home setup has been suspended for now. We'll update accordingly once it resumes.</p><h2>Review of the Casper Nova Hybrid</h2><p><img src="https://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5ef4f278aee6a8707b158033-1200/casper%20nova%201.jpg" border="0" alt="Casper Nova 1" data-mce-source="Casper"></p><p>The number one best way to choose a mattress that is right for your body and sleeping style is to actually sleep on it for up to two weeks so your body adjusts to a mattress. This makes a risk-free home trial imperative. Casper gives you 100 nights to try out the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a>.</p><p>If the mattress isn't right for you, contact Casper, and the company will work with a local recycling center or charity to remove the bed. You will then get a full refund within two weeks. Casper's refund is impressive because it doesn't have any hidden costs, like a shipping or restocking fee, so you get all of your money back.</p><p>By design, this is a very soft mattress, and I absolutely loved it after tough workout days. I mainly prefer to sleep on my side, and the seven support zones of the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> cradled my body perfectly to give me one of the deepest nights of sleep I've ever had.</p><p>The <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> does a great job of dissipating heat. I'm a hot sleeper, and I was mainly sleeping in a room that was hotter than I generally like, but I never felt like I was overheating while testing this mattress. In fact, when I would return from middle-of-the-night bathroom trips, I'd notice that the spot where I was sleeping had cooled significantly. This made it easier for me to fall back asleep.</p><p>The bed's edge support is also better than average. When putting on my socks and shoes in the morning, the mattress didn't sink much. And as I rolled my body progressively closer to the very edge of the bed, I was able to get pretty far off before I finally fell. Good edge support is helpful when you have a partner who seeks to conquer the entire bed as her territory.</p><p><a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Ffaqs%2Fthe-mattress%2Fdo-you-need-to-flip-the-bed%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Casper recommends</a> rotating your mattress every three to six months. At 89 pounds, the Nova Hybrid is heavy, making this a difficult task. Plus, it tends to flop around a bit when you try to move it. Fortunately, Casper installed helpful handles under each corner of the mattress.</p><p>All Casper beds, including the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a>, are backed by a 10-year limited warranty. If your mattress has deterioration, physical flaws, major indentations, or manufacturing defects, the company will either replace or fix it. You must handle your bed properly, use a supportive bed frame, and use the mattress "normally" for the warranty to remain valid.</p><h2>Cons to consider</h2><p><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5edf9e403f737066b9349a95-1200/casper%20lifestyle%204.jpg" border="0" alt="Casper Lifestyle 4" data-mce-source="Casper"></p><p>Though hybrids with individually-wrapped pocket coils tend to offer outstanding motion dampening properties, this was not the case with the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a>. Perhaps due to its softness, the bed flunked our motion transfer test. We repeatedly dropped a 15-pound bowling ball onto the mattress so that it would 12 inches from a pop can. The can fell over every time, which means the Nova Hybrid is lacking in the motion isolation department. I could also feel when my wife or dog laid down on or got up from the bed.</p><p>Since the mattress is so soft, I would not recommend it for back or stomach sleepers. I occasionally like to sleep on my stomach, but when I tried to do it with this mattress, I found that it put my neck at a weird angle. I couldn't get as comfortable as I wanted. Back sleepers might fare a little better.</p><p>Out of the packaging, the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> had a distinct "new bed smell." This is common, and it's why I usually unbox mattresses in the morning. It gives them time to expand and get rid of their odor before I go to bed. However, the Nova Hybrid has continued to hold onto its odor. I've grown used to it, but individuals who are sensitive to scents might want to be proactive and use odor-removers to neutralize the smell.</p><p><img src="https://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5ef4f2f13ad8617c1a173bf7-1200/casper%20nova%203.jpg" border="0" alt="Casper Nova 3" data-mce-source="Casper"></p><h2>Should you buy it'</h2><p>When determining if others should buy a mattress, I assess whether I would buy it with my own money if I weren't testing it. At around $2,000 for the Queen, the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> is expensive but not unreasonable. And, it's hard to put a price on a good night's sleep. But, let's do just that. Over the course of an assumed 10-year lifespanthe length of the warrantyyou would spend less than 55 cents a night on this bed. I think we'd all agree a good night's sleep is worth some pocket change. Plus, Casper offers buying options that start at 0% APR.</p><p>However, this mattress isn't for everyone. As a side-sleeper of average weight who sleeps hot, this mattress perfectly cradled my body and kept me cool. But I think it would be too soft for stomach sleepers and most back sleepers.</p><p><a href="https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/best-mattress-for-lower-back-pain#1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Though there's no research to support it</a>, the prevailing wisdom is that firmer mattresses are better for back pain. My chronic back pain did not flare up at all while I was testing the Nova Hybrid. So, it could be a good option for back pain sufferers, but it's hard to say so check with your doctor for medical advice first.</p><h2>What size should you get'</h2><p>The right mattress size for you will depend on your bedroom, your build, and your sleeping partner's size. If you are small and sleep alone, the Twin might work. If you're on your own and taller, go with the Twin XL, and if you're bigger, try the Full. If you want extra room or you sleep with someone, a Queen, King, or Cal King will be ideal. The Queen should suffice for your average couple. Bigger couples might want to upgrade to a King or Cal King. My wife, dog, and I felt a little crowded on the Queen and usually sleep on a King.</p><h2>What are your alternatives'</h2><p>I've tested all of Casper's new mattresses, and the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> is my favorite. The <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-original%2F%3Fsize%3Dqueen" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Original Hybrid</a> was runner up at $700 cheaper (for the Queen) and has a similar construction to the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova</a>, only it lacks the zoned support layer. If you're on a budget and pressure relief isn't a major concern, the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-element%2F%3Fclickid%3DwSiSCaWgUxyOWkA0MdV3iVCmUkiyupwvj1Zq2o0%26irgwc%3D1%26utm_medium%3Daffiliate%26utm_source%3DBusiness%2520Insider.%26coupon_code_amount%3D100%26utm_campaign%3Dap_ir%26coupon_code%3DINSIDER%26partner_hero_name%3DINSIDER%26utm_content%3DCLI_INSIDER%26utm_term%3Dupper%26promo_code%3DINSIDER" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Element</a> is only about $600 for a Queen, though it isn't very dynamic in its support.</p><p>And, if you are looking for non-Casper recommendations, give <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-mattress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our guide to the best mattresses</a> a gander. I thoroughly tested dozens of mattress models to come up with the recommendations in the guide.</p><h2>The bottom line</h2><p>I've tested dozens of mattresses, and the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235'u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> ranks among the top three or four most comfortable that I've slept on. It's rare for me to sleep much past sunrise, but with this mattress, sleeping in was not a problem. And, I appreciated that when I woke up during the night, I fell right back asleep because the heat dissipated quickly.</p><p><strong>Pros:</strong> Soft comfort ideal for side sleepers, excellent heat dissipation properties, great edge support, 100-night risk-free trial, 12 inches thick with four pressure-relieving foam layers and supportive coils, made with eco-friendly materials</p><p><strong>Cons:</strong> Failed motion transfer tests, not ideal for back or stomach sleepers, never really got rid of new bed smell</p><div></div><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/casper-nova-hybrid-mattress-review#comments">Join the conversation about this story »</a></p>
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