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Casper Wave Mattress Reviews – 2019 v 2020 Models Compared

If you’re thinking about buying the Casper Wave mattress then you might be wondering what the differences between the 2019 and 2020 models are and which one is best for you.

There’s actually very little difference between the Casper Wave 2019 and 2020 models for the end-user because both mattresses have a 13-inch profile and an all-foam, 5-layered design that makes either model suitable for front, back, and side sleepers in the 130 – 230 lbs range.

The rest of this article reviews and compares the Casper Wave 2019 and 2020 mattress models in more detail to help you find out which one is right for you.

But if you don’t want to buy either mattress then see my top mattresses to buy here for some alternatives.

Related: find out if Casper’s mattresses are worth buying here.

Casper Wave Mattress Reviews

To summarise, I personally think that despite the different types of foam layers used, there’s not much difference between the 2019 and 2020 models of the Casper Wave mattress in terms of performance and the types of sleeping positions and weights they can accommodate.

So I think that if you’re a front, side, or back sleeper in the 130 lbs – 230 lbs range then you’ll feel comfortable, supported, and cool in both the 2019 or 2020 models.

Although the 2019 version may be the best option for combo sleepers under 230 lbs due to the latex layer that increases responsiveness.

Whilst side sleepers under 130 lbs may find both mattresses to be a bit too firm if you’re of a slighter build.

Check out my full Casper Wave mattress review below for a more thorough analysis.

Or check out some of my other mattress reviews if you’ve already decided that the Casper Wave isn’t for you.

Casper Wave Design Analysis

To be honest, there’s not a massive amount of difference between the two models in terms of the final output.

Because both mattresses leverage a 13 inch profile with a 5-layered all-foam design to provide a combination of support, comfort, and cooling capabilities that are well above average when compared to many of the other all-foam mattress on the market that I’ve reviewed so far.

However as I’ll discuss in more detail in upcoming sections, it’s worth noting that the Capser Wave is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) [1] because of its ergonomic design that promotes spinal alignment.

1) 2019 Construction

The Casper Wave 2019 model is a 5-layered, all-foam mattress that’s topped by a thick – yet breathable – wool cover that’s also mixed with polyester and rayon so that it can help to wick away moisture to keep you dry.

Beneath the cover you’ll find three sequential layers of soft comfort foam, breathable latex foam, and pressure-relieving memory foam that combine to provide maximum comfort with enough responsiveness so that you can move around without feeling like you’re being swallowed up by the materials.

The very base of the mattress consists of a firm, high density support core that works with a transition layer containing targeted gel pods to support your hips and core with individualised precision.

2) 2020 Construction

The 2020 version is also a 5-layered all-foam mattress with very similar features to the 2019 model.

The cover is eco-friendly and can be removed.

The Zoned Support™ foam layer ergonomically adapts to your individual body shape for maximum pressure relief – with softer contouring around your shoulders and upper body to assist the high density support core and gel pods in keeping your spine naturally aligned.

And the AirScape™ system helps to keep you cool by combining 3 layers of perforated foam to enhance breathability with air channels that are specifically designed to allow heat to escape whilst the infused gel feels cool to the touch for added soothing comfort.

Casper Wave Performance Analysis

To summarise, even though they are layered differently, I personally think that both the 2019 and 2020 Casper Wave models perform equally well when it comes to providing superb levels of support, comfort, and the capacity to help you sleep cool.

More details below.

1) Firmness

Both mattresses have a medium level of firmness.

But I personally think that the overall feel of the mattress is slightly more towards the medium-firm end of the spectrum when you factor in how the comfort, transition, and support layers combine together.

So in my opinion, the firmness for both models is around a 6 out of 10 – with 10 being extra firm and 1 being extra soft.

This means that if you’re in the 130 lbs – 230 lbs weight range, when you first lie on either of the Caser Wave models it will initially feel nice and soft but with an underlying sense of firmness that stops you sinking too far into the materials.

2) Support

The support for both models is very good.

Because they both combine a high density base layer with unique gel pods in the transition layer that are positioned strategically to provide support for your hips and spine better than a standard all-foam mattress might.

The ACA’s endorsement [2] serves to substantiate the effectiveness of the Casper Wave’s ability to provide good spinal support.

3) Pressure Relief

The pressure relief that you’ll experience on the more angular areas of your body is nothing short of exceptional for both models due to the layered foam design.

More specifically, both models also leverage either softer foam or contoured channels that allow your shoulders to sink into the materials for greater comfort.

4) Moving Around

Despite the all-foam design, you should be able to move around and switch sleeping positions in both mattresses pretty well if you weigh less than 230 lbs.

This is especially true of the 2019 model because the second layer contains latex – a material that’s specifically used in mattresses to increase responsiveness and guard against sinkage.

5) Noise

Both mattresses should be very quiet providing that they are placed on a suitable and well put-together frame because all-foam mattresses lack the potentially noisy springs that hybrid and innerspring mattresses contain.

6) Maximum Weight Capacity

I don’t know what the maximum weight capacity is for either model.

So I can only assume that the twin and twin xl sizes are able to accommodate single sleepers up to around 250 lbs whilst the the queen, king, and California king versions can hold somewhere in the region of 500 lbs of collective weight.

7) Couples

I think that both models are excellent choices if you’re sleeping as a couple because the all-foam design will help to minimise cross-motion transfer better than a spring mattress might – resulting in less chance of you waking each other up as you shuffle around during the night.

8) Edge Support

I think that the edge support for both models is good but not exceptional.

This means that as long as you’re under 230 lbs you should be ok if you tend to sleep more towards the edge of the bed – whilst couples should be able to make use of most of the mattress area without having to huddle too close to the middle to avoid excessive sinkage near the edges.

9) Allergies

If you have respiratory allergies then both the 2019 and 2020 models could be a good choice because the all-foam design means that it’s going to be harder for allergens like pollen and dust mites to become lodged in the materials where they might otherwise be inhaled when you lie down.

10) Temperature Regulation

If you tend to sleep hot or live in a warmer environment then even though they are made entirely of foam, both Casper Wave models are decent choices because they have deeply ingrained cooling systems – such as air channels and cooling gel to help regulate your temperature.

But if you’re worried about overheating, then I’d buy a cooling bed sheet set too.

11) Keeping You Dry

If you tend to sweat a lot at night then the breathable wool cover on the 2019 model can help to wick away moisture to help keep you dry.

This can be enhanced if you buy a moisture wicking bamboo bed sheet set because this will help to pull moisture away from your body at all angles.

12) Odour

The CertiPUR-US® certified foams used by Casper [3] means that the mattresses are low in the VOCs that typically cause the chemical smell that is noticeable upon unboxing these types of bed-in-a-box mattresses.

But I would still recommend leaving your windows open for a few hours after unpacking your mattress to allow any odour to clear.

13) Pain Management

If you suffer from joint or muscle pain then both models could a be a very good choice for you because they are endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) [4].

This means that the support and comfort layers combined with the zoned gel support regions work together to ergonomically adapt to your unique body shape and cradle your spine and joints more effectively than other mattresses to potentially alleviate pain.

Now, it’s my personal opinion that the capacity for pain relief that you may experience in the Casper Wave hinges more upon your dominant sleeping position, your body weight, and how they interact with the mattress – as discussed in more detail in the next section.

But as always, even with the ACA endorsement, I recommend talking to your doctor before buying a mattress for your specific health needs.

14) Cleaning and Maintenance

Although the cover for the 2020 model is removable, I would probably go for a mattress protector and buy a high quality deep pocket fitted sheet to help guard against stains and make cleaning easier.

15) Price v Value

There’s little denying that both versions of the Casper Wave are on the pricier side when compared to other all-foam mattresses on the market.

But I personally think that it’s worth the extra expense if you want to ensure that you sleep cool, comfortable, and well supported – since cheaper all-foam beds are notorious for their lack or durability and effective support over the mid to long term.

Casper Wave Comfort Analysis

To summarise, I think that both versions of the 2019 and 2020 Casper Wave are well suited to front, back, and side sleepers in the 130 lbs – 230 lbs range due to their excellent support and comfort layers.

However, if you’re a combination sleeper then you might prefer the 2019 model due to the latex layer that increases responsiveness and makes switching positions easier.

I think that you’ll need a softer mattress if you’re under 130 lbs, of a slighter build, and sleep on your side due to the slight bias towards firmness that may cause discomfort in your shoulders.

See below for more details.

1) Front Sleepers

If you’re a front sleeper in the 130 lbs – 230 lbs weight range then you should be well supported and comfortable in either model.

2) Back Sleepers

I think that the same applies for back sleepers – you should be just fine in the 130 lbs – 230 lbs range with either model.

3) Side Sleepers

If you’re a side sleeper in the 130 lbs – 230 lbs range then the ergonomic design and contoured channels of either model makes the Casper Wave an excellent choice because of its ability to take away the pressure on your shoulders and hips at a level that’s more personal and individualised than what a regular spring mattress is typically able to do.

But the bias towards firmness makes the 100 lbs – 130 lbs range for side sleeping potentially uncomfortable if you’re of the ‘bony’ body type – but if you have an average or softer build then you might be ok.

4) Combo Sleepers

Although the Casper Wave doesn’t have the bounce of a hybrid or spring bed, I still think the latex in the 2019 model will provide enough responsiveness to allow you to transition between different sleeping positions with ease if you’re under 230 lbs.

5) Edge Sleepers

I think that if you’re an edge sleeper under 230 lbs then the edge support should be ok for you but any heavier and you may experience excessive sinkage that causes you to move more towards the centre of the mattress in both models.

Which Model is the Most Durable?

I think both models make for a pretty durable mattress despite their all-foam design because the materials are high quality and the high density support core doesn’t compress excessively under average loads.

With the right care, you might be able to get up to 6-8 years of solid use out of the Casper Wave in my opinion.

Which Model is Least Likely to Sag?

I think it’s pretty even in both cases – I wouldn’t expect premature sagging if you’re under 230 lbs due to the 13 inch profile and great support core but I would still rotate your Casper Wave once every three months to help guard against indentations by distributing the load more evenly.

What Are the Compatible Frames?

The Casper Wave can be used with platform and slatted bases.

Due to their all-foam design, both versions of the Casper Wave need as much base support as possible – so you’re best off using a solid wooden platform base if you can.

But if you’re going to use a slatted base then make sure the slats are wooden, uncurved, and no more than 3-4 inches apart.

Traditional box springs are not recommended – neither are metal slats or wire frames for supporting your Casper Wave mattress.

Can You Flip Either of the Mattresses?

No.

Both models are to be used with the denser support core touching the frame so that you can sleep on the softer comfort layers at the top.

Is There a Sleep Trial?

Yes.

Depending on your location and the retailer that you purchase from, you may be able to avail of Casper’s 100 night sleep trial for either model so that you can make sure that the bed is right for you.

Is There a Warranty?

Yes.

Both versions of the Casper Wave come with a 10 year limited warranty.

Casper Wave – 2019 v 2020 Models Compared

I’d say that both the 2019 and 2020 versions of the Casper Wave are very similar in terms of performance.

But here’s a handy table so that you can compare them head-to-head for your convenience.

Wave 2019Wave 2020
DesignAll-foamAll-foam
FirmnessMedium-firmMedium-firm
Thickness13 inches13 inches
Warranty10 years10 years
Flippable?NoNo
SupportGoodGood
Edge SupportFairFair
Pressure ReliefVery goodVery good
Moving AroundVery goodGood
CouplesGoodGood
AllergiesGoodGood
Temperature RegulationGoodGood
Pain ReliefVery goodVery good
DurabilityGoodGood
Price v ValueGoodGood
Best Sleeping PositionsFront, back, side, combo: 130 – 230 lbsFront, back, side: 130 – 230 lbs
Worst Sleeping PositionsSide: under 130 lbsSide: under 130 lbs

2019 Pros

  • American Chiropractic Association endorsed for providing excellent spinal support and comfort.
  • Latex layer makes the mattress more responsive to allow smoother switching between positions.
  • Uses ergonomic design and gel pods to provide individualised pressure relief on key areas like your shoulders whilst providing targeted support for your hips and back.
  • Wool cover helps to wick away moisture to keep you dry.
  • Open celled and perforated foams help to dissipate heat and keep you cool.
  • No springs – very quiet.
  • Limits cross motion transfer to reduce the chance of your bed partner waking you up.
  • May help to control allergies like hay fever by stopping pollen and other allergens from building up in the materials.

2019 Cons

  • Possibly too firm for side sleepers under 130 lbs.

2020 Pros

  • Eco friendly cover that can be removed.
  • Uses Zoned Support™ foam to help relieve pressure on the more angular areas of your body.
  • Uses gel pods to help enhance support for your spine and joints.
  • The AirScape™ system works to keep you cool by combining air channels, cooling gel, and perforated foam layers.
  • No springs – very quiet.
  • Limits cross motion transfer to reduce the chance of your bed partner waking you up.
  • May help to control allergies like hay fever by stopping pollen and other allergens from building up in the materials.

2020 Cons

  • Possibly too firm for side sleepers under 130 lbs.

Who Should Buy the 2019 Casper Wave Mattress?

  • Front, back, side, and combo sleepers in the 130 lbs – 230 lbs range.

Who Should Avoid the 2019 Casper Wave Mattress?

  • Side sleepers under 130 lbs may find the mattress too firm.
  • Edge sleepers over 230 lbs may find that the edges sink in too far.

Who Should Buy the 2020 Casper Wave Mattress?

  • Front, back, and side sleepers in the 130 lbs – 230 lbs range.

Who Should Avoid the 2020 Casper Wave Mattress?

  • Side sleepers under 130 lbs may find the mattress too firm.
  • Edge sleepers over 230 lbs may find that the edges sink in too far.

Which Casper Wave Mattress is the Best?

I think that both versions of the Casper Wave perform very similarly but the 2019 version might be the best if you’re a combination sleeper because of the latex layer that adds more responsiveness and increases the chances of you being able to move around in the materials with greater ease if you’re under 230 lbs.

What Are the Alternatives?

I hope that my Casper Wave mattress reviews have helped you to decide if you’d like to buy the 2019 or 2020 model more easily.

But if you don’t fancy either option then click the button below to see some alternatives.


Sources and References

[1], [2], [4] ACA – American Chiropractic Association Endorses Casper Wave Mattress. Accessed 6/4/20.

[3] CertiPUR-US® – Companies Selling Products Containing Certified Foam. Accessed 6/4/20.