The classic innerspring mattress dominates the sleep market, and for good reason. It has the springy, responsive quality that, for many people, is what a mattress should feel like. Today, many innerspring mattresses feature a coil base topped with another material such as memory foam. The category is known as a hybrid mattress, and it’s increasingly popular because it combines the responsiveness and support of innersprings with the contouring comfort of memory foam.
Here, we break down the key differences between two leading hybrid mattresses: the
America’s best-selling online luxury innerspring
and the Casper Nova Hybrid.
The following information is up-to-date as of June 12, 2019.
Comfort
Comfort is a tricky thing. What feels good to one person may not feel all that great to another. Most manufacturers place their “comfort levels” on a numerical scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 the firmest—though it’s important to note that no two manufacturers’ scales are exactly the same. Overall, what makes one hybrid mattress more comfortable than another is a function of the type of springs, how they are arranged, and the materials and construction of other layers in the mattress.
Do I have a choice of comfort levels?
Saatva Classic: Yes (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm)
Casper Nova Hybrid: No
The bottom line: More comfort levels equals more chances for you to find your best mattress match. The Saatva Classic comes in three comfort levels: Plush Soft (the softest), Luxury Firm (medium), and Firm. The Casper Nova Hybrid comes in one comfort level option and has a slightly softer feel.
(Need help figuring out which comfort level is right for you? Here’s how to choose based on your sleep style and body type.)
What kind of springs are in the mattress?
Saatva Classic: A “coil on coil” system, consisting of a steel coil support base, plus a second unit of individually-wrapped comfort coils
Casper Nova Hybrid: Individually-wrapped coils
The bottom line: The most important feature when it comes to the performance of a hybrid innerspring mattress is—surprise!—the springs. The Saatva Classic is made with “coil on coil” construction. A steel coil support base, made with tempered, recycled steel, provides durability and resistance to sagging.
The second layer of individually-wrapped comfort coils in the top portion of the mattress adds contouring ability and reduces motion transfer (so that one bed partner isn’t jostled when the other shifts position or gets up during the night). Both sets of coils are encased in foam for increased edge support, better durability, and more sleep surface.
The Casper Nova Hybrid also features foam-encased coils that provide contouring support and minimize motion transfer. The biggest difference between the two brands is that the Casper Nova Hybrid contains only a single layer of coils.
What kind of lumbar support does the mattress have?
Saatva Classic: Lumbar Zone® Pocketed Coils, Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire and Lumbar Zone® Quilting for targeted back support
Casper Nova Hybrid: Firmer foams in the center third of the mattress and ergonomically zoned foam for targeted back support
The bottom line: Both mattresses offer extra lumbar support in the center third, where most people’s body weight is concentrated. The Saatva Classic takes a three-pronged approach to lumbar support. The first is our Lumbar Zone® Pocketed Coils. The coils in the center third of the mattress are firmer than the rest for better back support.
Next is our Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire that strengthens the center third of the bed to ensure this part of the mattress is firmer. Finally is our Lumbar Zone® Quilting. This tighter stitching in the middle of the mattress offers more support and body impression resistance in the center third.
The Casper Nova Hybrid has a layer of foam with seven zones to support your lower back. This is topped with another layer of foam that’s firmer in the center third of the mattress for additional back support.
(Here’s how to find the best mattress if you suffer from back pain.)
What does the mattress do to keep you cool?
Saatva Classic: Breathable organic cotton and Certi-PUR-US®-certified foam
Casper Nova Hybrid: Perforated foam; optional cooling technology available as an add-on for $500
The bottom line: Hybrid mattresses naturally sleep cool because the coils allow for easy airflow. Additionally, the Saatva Classic features breathable organic cotton in its cover and cooler-sleeping eco-friendly foam with a more open-celled structure than traditional foam.
Casper Nova Hybrid has a layer of perforated foam that circulates air way from your body. Casper also offers optional cooling technology (which it calls Snow Technology) as an add-on. This consists of a cover made from Phase Change Material, a thin layer of cooling gel, and bands that draw heat away from the body. The optional cooling features cost $500.
Quality
You’re going to be spending a lot of time—and money—on your mattress, so you want one that’s built to last. Beyond mere comfort, you’ll need to consider the factors that affect mattress quality and longevity, such as coil thickness, edge support, and eco-friendly materials.
What is the coil gauge?
Saatva Classic: 13 gauge in the support layer of coils, 14.5 gauge in the top layer of coils
Casper Nova Hybrid: The company doesn’t disclose coil gauge.
The bottom line: Coils come in different thicknesses, known as gauge. The higher the gauge number, the thinner and more flexible the coil. The lower the number, the thicker and more supportive. A premium mattress should have a coil gauge between 12 and 15. Saatva’s base layer of coils is made of thicker tempered steel for durability; the individually wrapped comfort coils are thinner and more flexible so they can respond and contour.
Casper doesn’t disclose the coil gauge of its hybrid mattress, which like Casper all-foam mattresses is designed to be compressed, folded, and rolled to fit into a shipping box. For coils to provide optimal spinal support, they need to be strong and durable—but we believe that strong, durable coils can’t be easily compressed.
What kind of edge support does the mattress have?
Saatva Classic: Foam-encased coils
Casper Nova Hybrid: Foam-encased coils
The bottom line: Edge support makes it possible to sit or lie on the edge of the bed without the mattress collapsing. Saatva and Casper both use a foam border for solid edge support.
What is the flame retardant made of?
Saatva Classic: Natural plant-based thistle
Casper Nova Hybrid: Woven silica sock
The bottom line: When it comes to mattresses, toxic ingredients are most likely to turn up in fabrics and components treated with fire retardants, such as covers and foam padding. Saatva’s fire barrier is made from an all-natural material—thistle pulp woven into a mesh—without the use of harmful chemicals. Casper uses a woven silica sock that doesn’t contain any flame-retardant chemicals.
Is the mattress cover organic?
Saatva Classic: Yes
Casper Nova Hybrid: No
The bottom line: The Saatva Classic mattress is covered in organic cotton treated with Guardin®, a plant-based antimicrobial that inhibits bacteria and prolongs the life of the fabric. Casper Nova Hybrid’s cover is made from a blend of recycled polyester and polyester, cotton, rayon, and spandex. (Here’s what you need to know about organic mattress components.)
Value
When you’re buying a new mattress, cost is often one of the biggest factors. But to determine whether you’re truly getting the most for your money, look beyond what’s printed on the price tag to value-adds such as comfort guarantees, delivery policies, warranty terms, and customer service.
How much does the mattress cost?
Saatva Classic: $2,095 (queen)
Casper Nova Hybrid: $2,095 (queen); $2,595 (queen with Snow Technology add-on)
The bottom line: The Saatva Classic costs less than the Casper Nova Hybrid. When you purchase a Saatva, you’re getting premium components like a strong, durable coil-on-coil base and breathable organic cotton at a significantly better price.
How is the mattress delivered?
Saatva Classic: Free white glove delivery
Casper Nova Hybrid: Free shipping via UPS or $149 for in-home delivery and setup
The bottom line: Saatva does all the heavy lifting for you—from delivery and setup of the Saatva Classic mattress to the removal of your old mattress. The Casper Nova Hybrid is delivered to the customer’s doorstep, but setup is your responsibility. Casper offers an in-home delivery and setup option for an additional $149.
How long is the risk-free trial period?
Saatva Classic: 365 days
Casper Nova Hybrid: 100 days
The bottom line: The best way to be sure if a mattress is right for you is to sleep on it for a while. With Saatva, you get 365 days to decide. If you change your mind at any time during the trial period, Saatva will exchange it for another mattress or take it away for donation or recycling. In the case of a return, you are responsible only for a $99 processing fee. Casper will arrange for returned mattress pickup through a local charity or recycling party at no extra charge.
How long is the warranty?
Saatva Classic: Lifetime warranty
Casper Nova Hybrid: 10 years
The bottom line: The Saatva Classic innerspring mattress carries a lifetime warranty. The warranty works like this: If a mattress is deemed defective during the first two years, Saatva will replace it with a brand new mattress, free of any charges. Starting in year three and for as long as you own your mattress, Saatva will repair and re-cover your mattress. You will be responsible only for a $149 processing fee. Casper offers a 10-year warranty and waives shipping costs associated with mattresses returned under the warranty.
What about customer support?
Saatva Classic: Helpful sleep guides are available in Saatva’s New York operations center to answer questions about the Saatva Classic 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Casper Nova Hybrid: Casper representatives are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST on weekends.
The bottom line: Concierge service is the Saatva standard. Call or chat with us anytime, day or night. Our representatives are always at the other end of the line.
Improve your sleep with our high-quality hybrid innerspring mattress
Saatva Classic Innerspring Mattress
Our flagship luxury mattress is expertly engineered with coil-on-coil construction for durability, a layer of memory foam for enhanced back support, and a cushiony Euro pillow top for extra comfort.
Still haven’t made up your mind? Read our reviews. Ready to buy a mattress? Head on over to saatva.com now.
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