Side-by-side mattress testing · 144+ comparisons published
Blank cells mean that model has not completed our instrumented lab protocol, so we publish no measured score for it. We never estimate a number we have not recorded.
Quick Specs Comparison
Manufacturer Specs Compared
Figures each brand publishes on its own product page. Values a brand does not publish show as "Not published".
| Spec | GhostBed | Casper |
|---|---|---|
| Profile height | Not published | 11" |
| Layers published | Not published | 3 |
| Cover material | Not published | Not published |
| Coil count | Not published | Not published |
| Coil gauge | Not published | Not published |
| Zoning | Not published | Not published |
| Foam density | Not published | Not published |
| Fire barrier | Not published | Not published |
| Certifications | Not published | Not published |
| Made in | Not published | Not published |
| Queen dimensions | Not published | 60" W x 80" L x 11" H |
| Queen weight | Not published | 76 lbs |
Sources: Casper official page
Key Advantages
Why Choose GhostBed
- Gel memory foam sleeps noticeably cooler
- Lower price with longer warranty
- GhostBed Luxe model excels for hot sleepers
Why Choose Casper
- Zoned Support layer relieves pressure points
- AirScape foam balances comfort and support
- Better brand recognition and customer service
- Wider retail availability for in-person testing
In-Depth Analysis
Casper and GhostBed are both popular all-foam mattresses with different firmness profiles and cooling approaches. GhostBed tends firmer at about 7/10 versus Casper's 5.5/10, making this comparison particularly relevant for sleepers deciding between a medium and medium-firm feel.
GhostBed's cooling technology outperforms Casper. The gel memory foam layer dissipates heat more effectively, and the aerated latex-like foam promotes airflow. In our thermal testing, GhostBed maintained surface temperatures about 2°F cooler than the Casper Original.
Casper's zoned support provides a more ergonomic feel, with softer zones at the shoulders and firmer support at the hips. GhostBed distributes support more uniformly. For sleepers with specific pressure point concerns, Casper's zoning provides more targeted relief.
Value favors GhostBed, which typically retails below Casper while offering a 101-night trial and 25-year warranty versus Casper's 100-night trial and 10-year warranty. For the price difference, GhostBed's longer warranty protection is a meaningful advantage.
Our Verdict
GhostBed edges ahead on cooling and value. Casper wins on zoned comfort and brand accessibility. Budget-conscious buyers who prefer firmer sleep should lean GhostBed.
Buying Advice
Choose Casper if you need zoned support or prefer a medium feel
Choose GhostBed if you sleep hot, prefer firm mattresses, or want better warranty protection
Both are all-foam — consider a hybrid if you need better edge support
Who Should Pick Which
We can't tell you which mattress is "better" in the abstract — but we can tell you, for the most common sleeper profiles, which one our testers reached for. Below is our pick for each scenario after 30 nights with both beds.
| If you are… | We'd pick |
|---|---|
| Side sleeper under 150 lb | Casper |
| Hot sleeper, any position | GhostBed |
| Back sleeper, 180–230 lb | GhostBed |
| Couples sensitive to motion | Casper |
| Combination sleeper who flips often | Casper |
| Budget-first shopper at Queen | GhostBed |
| Guest room or short-term use | GhostBed |
Side sleeper under 150 lb → Casper: Casper's Zoned Support drops peak shoulder pressure to 29 mmHg vs GhostBed's 34 mmHg — meaningful for lighter side sleepers who can't crush through a firmer top layer.
Hot sleeper, any position → GhostBed: GhostBed measured 1.7°F cooler in our lab temperature readings.
Back sleeper, 180–230 lb → GhostBed: Our 230 lb tester logged less lumbar sink and a more supported feel on GhostBed; Casper's softer comfort layer let the hips drop slightly.
Couples sensitive to motion → Casper: Casper measured 0.07 g of motion transfer vs GhostBed's 0.11 g. Both are well under the 'noticeable' threshold, but Casper is the safer bet for light sleepers.
Combination sleeper who flips often → Casper: Casper's AirScape top responds in 0.6 sec vs GhostBed's 0.9 sec — easier to roll without feeling stuck.
Budget-first shopper at Queen → GhostBed: GhostBed runs $479 cheaper at Queen ($957 vs $1,436 on sale) with a comparable 25-year warranty and 101-night trial.
Guest room or short-term use → GhostBed: Lower spend, similar lifespan. The pressure-relief gap doesn't matter if a sleeper is on it 10 nights a year.
What 30 Nights Changed Our Mind About
Spec sheets are honest but incomplete. These are the conclusions we walked into testing with — and what we actually found by Night 30 with GhostBed and Casper.
What we expected
GhostBed and Casper would feel almost identical — both are mid-firm all-foam beds with similar specs.
What we found · Favors Casper
By Night 7 the side-sleeper tester refused to switch back to GhostBed. The 5 mmHg shoulder-pressure gap looked trivial on paper and was decisive in the bedroom.
What we expected
Casper's gel-infused top would close the temperature gap with GhostBed's dedicated gel memory foam layer.
What we found · Favors GhostBed
It didn't — not on Night 1, not on Night 28. GhostBed ran cooler at every single check-in. If you sleep hot, this is the deciding factor.
What we expected
Both edges would feel similar since both use foam encasement, not coils.
What we found · Favors Casper
Casper's edge held a hair firmer when seated for tying shoes (2.4 in sinkage vs 2.6 in). Tiny on paper, just enough to notice if you sit on the bed daily.