Mattress Review
Casper Nova Hybrid
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium (5)
Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $1,795 – $2,895
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Mid-range firmness is well suited for sleepers under 130 pounds
- Zoned memory foam targets areas of the body prone to pressure buildup
- Great at reducing motion transfer, a quality appreciated by co-sleepers
Ideal For
- May feel too soft for sleepers who prefer a firm surface
- Not ideal for back sleepers over 230 pounds and stomach sleepers over 130 pounds
- Above-average price for a hybrid mattress
Sleep Doctor’s take: Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress
The Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress combines three layers of foam with pocketed coils to balance support with moderate contouring. Multiple layers of zoned foam provide significant pressure relief and targeted support under the shoulders, back, and hips. During our in-house tests, it rated highly among side sleepers under 230 pounds and all testers under 130 pounds.
Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress: An introduction
Launched in 2014, Casper is one of the most popular mattress-in-a-box manufacturers. The company produces several collections of all-foam and hybrid mattresses, as well as a variety of other sleep products.
The brand’s all-foam mattresses include the flagship Casper Original Mattress and the budget-friendly Casper Mattress. Hybrid models — which incorporate pocketed coil support cores — include the Original Hybrid, the Nova Hybrid, and the Wave Hybrid. The Casper Snow and the Wave Hybrid Snow are hybrids built with extra cooling features.
This review focuses on the Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress, which includes a polyfoam and memory foam comfort system and individually wrapped coils in its support core. We’ll cover the Nova Hybrid’s ratings across our testing categories and provide insight into its construction, features, and price to help you decide if it’s right for you.
How we review
Our testing team evaluates every mattress according to our extensive testing methodology. Our testers focus on how each bed performs across several key areas, including pressure relief, ease of movement, and temperature control. Their research and ratings allow us to provide comprehensive reviews to inform your purchasing decisions.
What’s it like to sleep on the Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress?
The Nova Hybrid provides a supportive yet moderately conforming sleep surface that gently cradles the body. The polyfoam and memory foam comfort layers are zoned to provide deeper contouring for the shoulders and more support for heavier areas like the hips and lower back.
Our testers found that the Casper Nova Hybrid provides above-average pressure relief, motion isolation, and ease of movement. On the other hand, they observed that it sleeps slightly warm for a hybrid mattress and lacks standout edge support despite a reinforced polyfoam perimeter.
Pros
- Two layers of zoned foam provide targeted pressure relief
- Balances the contouring of foam with the responsiveness of coils
- Performs well for sleepers under 130 pounds
Cons
- May be too soft for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
- Edges may not be strong enough for heavier individuals
- Above-average price not ideal for budget-conscious shoppers
Sleeping positions, body weight, and firmness
Our testing team rated the Casper Nova Hybrid as medium (5) on our 10-point firmness scale, noting that it balances plushness and support, with enough cushioning to relieve pressure buildup but sufficient structure to prevent the body from sinking too deeply.
Our team consists of testers with a variety of body weights and preferred sleeping positions. The Casper Nova Hybrid performed best for testers who weigh under 130 pounds. It also received top marks from our side sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds. Back sleepers over 230 pounds and stomach sleepers over 130 pounds reported that they prefer a firmer and more supportive mattress.
Casper Nova Hybrid sleeper ratings
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Over 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side sleepers | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Back sleepers | 5/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Stomach sleepers | 5/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Side sleepers
Our side sleepers found that the dual layers of zoned foam supported their hips and shoulders, helping to keep their spine aligned. They commented that the bed offered just enough give to reduce pressure buildup but still had enough underlying support to prevent deep sinkage.
Back sleepers
Back sleepers under 230 pounds found the Nova Hybrid comfortable — especially those under 130 pounds, who gave it the highest rating we offer. Back sleepers generally need a mattress that cradles the back and supports the lumbar region to maintain healthy spinal alignment. Our testers over 230 pounds found the bed too soft for adequate support.
Stomach sleepers
Our testers under 130 pounds who sleep on their stomach gave this mattress an excellent rating, stating that the Nova Hybrid’s two layers of zoned foam provided the necessary uplift to keep the hips and midsection from sinking. Those over 130 pounds noted some sinkage and said they prefer a firmer bed.
Our performance ratings
Our testing team rated this mattress in several performance categories using our five-point scale. A score of 1 denotes poor performance, while a score of 5 indicates excellent performance.
Pressure relief
Rating: 4/5
The Nova Hybrid’s three layers of foam help relieve pressure from sensitive areas. The AirScape polyfoam has three zones that target the shoulders, hips, and lower back to keep the spine aligned. The zoned memory foam includes seven regions that provide gentle support for the lower back and hips while allowing the shoulders to sink in slightly deeper.
Temperature neutrality
Rating: 3/5
Memory foam is known for its propensity to retain body heat. However, our testers found that the Nova Hybrid’s cooling features help it resist excessive heat buildup. The brand’s proprietary AirScape foam has an open-cell structure and includes perforations that promote air circulation. The coils in the support core enhance the mattress’ overall breathability.
Motion isolation
Rating: 4/5
Our testers found that the Nova Hybrid is a good model for couples because its materials absorb most vibrations. This means couples are less likely to feel each other’s movements during sleep. The three layers of foam in the comfort system isolate motion well. The coils give the bed a moderately responsive feel, but this doesn’t lead to much motion transfer.
Edge support
Rating: 3/5
The Nova Hybrid’s support core includes pocketed coils with a reinforced polyfoam border. Our testers found that its perimeter resists some compression, making it easier to get into and out of bed. Sleepers over 230 pounds may feel less secure when sleeping near the side of the bed.
Durability
Rating: 4/5
Our testers estimate that the Nova Hybrid may exceed the average lifespan of a typical hybrid mattress, which is around seven years. It contains high-quality foams, and its zoned construction may help it resist premature sagging. Keep in mind that a mattress’ durability depends on many factors, including proper use and care as well as a sleeper’s body weight.
Ease of movement
Rating: 4/5
This mattress facilitated our tester’s movements with its gently responsive feel. Memory foam can make moving around a bed more challenging because it compresses under weight and heat. But the Nova Hybrid’s two top layers of polyfoam resist excessive sinking, while the support coils give the bed a slightly bouncy feel. Together, these qualities make for very good ease of movement.
Sex
Rating: 3/5
We rated this mattress about average in this category because it provides a mix of traction and bounce that is generally conducive to sex. The coils add responsiveness that some couples like, while the memory foam layer gently hugs the body for added stability. The AirScape foam’s cooling design also facilitates airflow and temperature control, which reduces the risk of overheating during sex.
Off-Gassing
Rating: 3/5
The Nova Hybrid contains several layers of foam and is compressed in the factory before shipping. This means that, upon removing the packaging, it will release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have a faint chemical-like odor.
All foams used in the Nova Hybrid are CertiPUR-US certified, which indicates they are manufactured without harmful chemicals and meet standards for low indoor VOC emissions. That said, we noticed average off-gassing odors after unboxing it, and we recommend letting it air out in a well-ventilated area before sleeping on it.
What is the Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress made of?
The Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress has a breathable knitted cover composed of a blend of polyester, cotton, rayon, and Lycra. Its comfort system consists of two layers of polyfoam and one layer of memory foam. The brand’s proprietary AirScape polyfoam is perforated to resist heat buildup and encourage airflow. The second layer of polyfoam and the memory foam layer are zoned to target common pressure points.
The support core includes individually pocketed coils that promote airflow and enhance breathability. A foam encasement around the coils increases the strength of the bed’s edges.
| Mattress construction layers | Details |
|---|---|
| Cover materials | Polyester, cotton, rayon, Lycra |
| Comfort layers | 2″ AirScape polyfoam Zoned AirScape polyfoam Zoned memory foam |
| Support core | Pocketed coils with reinforced polyfoam perimeter |
How much does the Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress cost?
The Casper Nova Hybrid is competitively priced, just slightly higher than average for a hybrid mattress. It’s currently available in all the standard mattress sizes except twin.
| Sizes | Price | Dimensions | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin XL | $1,795 | 38” x 80” | 12” | 62 lbs. |
| Full | $2,145 | 53” x 75” | 12” | 84 lbs. |
| Queen | $2,295 | 60” x 80” | 12” | 89 lbs. |
| King | $2,895 | 76” x 80” | 12” | 125 lbs. |
| California King | $2,895 | 72” x 84” | 12” | 127 lbs. |
Which Casper mattress is right for you?
Casper’s mattress lineup includes several hybrid and all-foam models. The company’s most affordably priced all-foam model, simply called The Casper Mattress, merges memory foam with a polyfoam support core. The Casper Original, the brand’s flagship all-foam option, contains a layer of zoned foam for targeted support.
The Nova Hybrid integrates three foam layers into its comfort system, while the more expensive Wave Hybrid includes four. The Snow collection features Casper’s most advanced cooling technology, with the Casper Snow including two foam layers and the Wave Hybrid Snow featuring four.
Casper mattresses at a glance
| Model | Firmness | Mattress Type | Height | Base Price (Queen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Casper | Medium firm (6) | Foam | 10″ | $995 |
| Casper Original | Medium (5) | Foam | 11” | $1,295 |
| Casper Original Hybrid | Medium (5) | Hybrid | 11” | $1,495 |
| Casper Nova Hybrid | Medium (5) | Hybrid | 12” | $2,295 |
| Casper Wave Hybrid | Medium (5) | Hybrid | 13” | $2,895 |
| Casper Wave Hybrid Snow | Medium (5) | Hybrid | 13” | $3,395 |
Where can you buy the Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress?
You can purchase the Casper Nova Hybrid directly from the brand’s website. It’s also sold by third-party retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
Casper mattresses are also available in person at the company’s showrooms and select locations of retailers like Target and Nordstrom.
| Buying information and customer policies | |
|---|---|
| Availability | The Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress is available in the U.S. and Canada. The company has a separate website for shoppers in Canada. |
| Shipping | Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S. and Canadian provinces. Orders to Alaska and Hawaii incur a shipping fee. The mattress is compressed, wrapped in plastic, and shipped in a box. |
| Additional services | Casper offers in-home mattress delivery and setup for an additional fee within the contiguous U.S. as well as several major cities in Canada. |
| Sleep trial | Casper provides a 100-night sleep trial with a required 30-day break-in period. The company offers a full refund on returns and donates or recycles returned mattresses. |
| Warranty | The Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress is covered by a 10-year limited warranty. It covers manufacturing defects but not issues that result from improper use or normal wear and tear. Casper may repair or replace defective mattresses at the company’s discretion. |
Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress FAQ
The zoned polyfoam and memory foam in the Nova Hybrid’s comfort system are designed to evenly distribute weight and reduce pressure points. Our testers found that it promoted healthy spinal alignment for side sleepers under 230 pounds and all sleepers under 130 pounds regardless of sleep position.
The Nova Hybrid is rated by our team as medium (5) on our 10-point firmness scale. Of course, how a mattress feels is subjective and depends largely on a person’s body type. We think sleepers under 130 pounds should find that the mattress has just enough give to balance contouring and support. People over 230 pounds may find the bed is too soft to provide adequate support.
Generally, a hybrid mattress provides better responsiveness and ease of movement and sleeps cooler than an all-foam model. The best hybrid mattresses also tend to be more durable because coils help distribute weight evenly and prevent excessive sagging.
Casper does not recommend using a traditional box spring with the Nova Hybrid, as uneven support can result in sagging over time. Instead, the company suggests using a foundation that is flat or has wooden slats that are no more than 4 inches apart.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Sleep Products
Katie is a writer, editor, and researcher based in Englewood, Colorado. With a doctorate in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she has written and edited for Peterson’s and Innerbody Research as well as been a writing professor. Katie is passionate about helping consumers make more informed choices.
- POSITION: Side sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Dolphin
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