You will agree with me that Casper, Tuft & Needle and Leesa are among the best mattress brands.
If you are looking for a Queen size mattress, we have lined up the best models from each brand.
These are Casper Sleep Element Mattress, Leesa M-Q-01 10-inch Memory Foam Mattress, and Tuft & Needle Original 10-inch Memory Foam Mattress.
- The three are 10-inch memory foam mattresses that offer excellent value for money.
But which one is the best mattress in 2021? Let’s find out which mattress wins this Tuft & Needle vs. Casper vs. Leesa comparison review.
Before we move further to the finer details, a little acquaintance with the brands and their respective models will set us on the right footing.
Last update on 2024-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tuft & Needle is No.1 Top-rated on Amazon
This is a US mattress brand that was started in 2012.
Currently, it has two mattresses manufactured in the USA;
- Tuft & Needle Original
- the new Tuft & Needle Mint.
We picked the Tuft & Needle Original 10-inch mattress because it is the most popular T&N mattress and is widely available at an affordable price.
T&N comes with one support core layer and one comfort layer infused with gel and graphite.
Casper Mattress Represents Good Value
This is arguably the best mattress brand and was established in 2014.
Today, Casper boasts four mattress series:
- Casper Element
- Casper Original
- Casper Nova
- Casper Wave.
The Casper Sleep Element Mattress is our choice because it is better than the Essential.
As for the Wave, it still hasn’t hit the market; therefore not a good match for comparison with other brands.
Casper has a single support core and AirScapeTM perforated breathable foam layer and is one of the most supportive and responsive mattresses in the market.
Leesa Mattress is Thoughtfully Designed
Established in 2014, Leesa is also an American mattress brand that is renowned for two mattresses as well;
- Leesa 10-inch Foam Mattress
- Sapira Hybrid Mattress.
We picked the Leesa mattress because it is a foam mattress like T&N and Casper.
This mattress has one support core layer and two comfort layers.
Tuft & Needle vs. Casper vs. Leesa Face-to-Face Comparison
If you are not sure which is the best mattress for you among the three, we have tried our best to compare all the important aspects we consider when buying a mattress.
For every consideration, we have a winner and the reason as to why it is better than the other two.
So without further wasting more time, let’s get to business.
Mattress construction
- The most important aspect when choosing a mattress is its construction.
Let’s see how the construction of Tuft & Needle Original Queen 10-inch Memory Foam Mattress, Casper Sleep Element Mattress and Leesa Universal Adaptive Feel Memory Foam Cooling 10” Mattress, Queen compare and find out which one is the best.
Cover
attentionThis is the outer material of the mattress. It is imperative to look out for a mattress cover that is easy to maintain and doesn’t catch dirt easily.
Besides maintenance, you want a mattress cover that ensures air circulation. Above all, it should be appealing to the eye.
So, how does Tuft & Needle vs. Casper vs. Leesa compare?
Leesa Universal
This mattress comes with a Seamless Iconic Four-stripe Cover made from high-quality Woven Polyester and Lycra® Spandex.
We really don’t like the polyester because it not cool and makes sleepers feel sweaty and that’s why Leesa introduced Lycra® Spandex to at least give the mattress breathability and also body contouring as it stretches easily.
WinnerAs far as the mattress cover is concerned, we really appreciate the efforts of the three brands.
The mattresses all have breathable covers, so it is a draw as far as sleeping cool is concerned.
However, regarding maintenance, and durability, Leesa Universal Adaptive Feel Memory Foam Cooling 10” Mattress takes the crown. The cover doesn’t catch dirt easily while the blend of woven polyester and spandex makes the entire cover tough.
Comfort Layer
Next up is the comfort layer and this is what ensures your mattress contours around your body.
attentionWhen it comes to mattress comfort, the more the layers, the more comfortable the mattress. Also, the type of material used to craft these layers really matters with memory foam, gel and latex being the popular materials.
If you wake up with bed sores, backaches and body pains, it is imperative that you look for the most comfortable mattress to relieve your pressure points.
So, which is the most comfortable mattress in this Tuft & Needle vs. Casper vs. Leesa review?
Tuft & Needle Original
This model has a single comfort layer made from
- 3-inch 2.8pcf polyfoam infused with graphite and gel.
WinnerAs we said earlier, the more the comfort layers, the more enhanced the comfort.
T & N has a single layer but compensates the equation with infused gel. The gel is soft and very responsive making it the best for sleepers with conditions like arthritis because it contours easily and relieves all pressure points. But still, it isn’t comparable to Leesa and Casper which have more than one comfort layer made from Polyfoam and memory foam at different density.
That means the real battle here is between Casper vs. Leesa and it is the former that takes the crown because of the extra comfort layer in for of zoned support that is firmer under the hip and pelvic region and softer on the shoulder and arms region to prevent ‘dead arms.
Support
This forms the base of the mattress and is essential in keeping the spinal column aligned.
- Remember, the main reason you wake up with backaches is sleeping while the spine is improperly aligned with the pelvic region.
The support layer also contributes to edge support. If you are a heavy sleeper, you really need to get a firm mattress, and that means a solid support core.
Let’s review the Tuft & Needle, Casper and Leesa mattresses to find out which one has better support and edge support as well.
Tuft & Needle Original
The T & N Original mattress boasts one 7-inch layer of support core that consists of 1.8pcf HD Polyfoam.
WinnerHere, we want the best mattress that can support even the heaviest of sleepers without sinking. The edge support should also be able to withstand the entire weight when one sits on the edge of the bed.
A key parameter when looking at how solid the mattress support is the foam’s density represented in pounds per cubic feet (pcf). The lower the density, the more robust the support core.
As we have seen, the three mattresses have the same foam density of 1.8pcf. However, they have different thickness, and this is the aspect we will use to determine the winner. The thicker the support core, the firmer the mattress is and so is the durability.
Tuft & Needle is a favorite here because of the 7-inch thickness followed by Leesa and lastly Casper. It should also last longer before starting to show signs of improper sinkage.
Mattress firmness
- Another important consideration when choosing a mattress if its firmness and this is basically how hard or soft it feels.
A good mattress should have average sinkage in that it should neither be too hard nor soft. Firmness is represented in a scale of 1-10 with a higher score representing a more firm mattress.
One thing you need to understand is that there is nothing like the best mattress firmness because how you feel the mattress is not the same way someone else will feel it. This is because the weight is a crucial dynamic when ascertaining the firmness of a mattress.
Let’s evaluate the firmness levels of Tuft & Needle, Casper and Leesa to find out which type of sleeper each one is suited for.
Leesa
This mattress also has a 1.8pcf support core and two comfort layers resulting in firmness of 6 in a scale of 1-10.
WinnerHere, we will contradict ourselves a little bit by introducing a whole new concept called ‘universal mattress firmness.’ This is a term coined to refer to the standard mattress firmness that suits most sleepers. Good mattress firmness is in the 5-7 range, also referred to as medium firm but the accurate ‘universal mattress firmness’ is 6, in a scale of 10. That said, Leesa has the best firmness, but as we will discuss later, each firmness targets a set of sleepers, so there’s no loser even though we have a winner.
Temperature neutrality
During summer and hot weather, many sleepers get uncomfortable because of the heat. In the same token, some sleepers are naturally hot sleepers meaning they sweat even when it is not necessarily hot. In that case, you need to pick a mattress for hot sleepers.
importantThe most important consideration here is the temperature neutrality – a mattress’ ability to remain cool through air circulation.
So, which is the best mattress for hot sleepers in this Casper vs. Tuft & Needle vs. Leesa mattress comparison?
Leesa
This mattress has a proprietary LSA200 Foam Technology™ and a microcell structure that leaves airways in the foam for air circulation.
The breathable Lycra® Spandex cover also sleeps cool in temperate regions and also enhances breathability through its pores.
WinnerIt is hard to call a winner here because all the three mattresses sleep cool.
We, however, liked the Tuft & Needle for having infused gel and graphite: two materials with excellent cooling properties.
This complements the small pores within the foam and the equally breathable cover.
Leesa is also a good option because of the microcell structure and Lycra spandex cover material.
As for Casper, there have been several complaints, especially from buyers living in hot regions for example Florida.
Off-gassing
This is the odor associated with a new mattress, especially a memory foam mattress that has been newly opened from its vacuum sealed package. Typically, memory foams release a slightly bad odor when the package is opened.
Whether you have allergies or not, you need to be concerned about a mattress’ off-gassing and most importantly, how long it will take for things to get back to normal. No one wants to sleep in a stuffy room with foul odor.
attentionPlease note, off-gassing is normal with memory foam mattress is and is not a sign of substandard materials as many websites suggest. It is also imperative to note that different materials have varying levels of off-gassing.
So which of the three mattresses in our review will.
Tuft & Needle
There is no much difference between this mattress and Casper Element.
Also here, expect it o, but at least it clears in a maximum of 72 hours, so you get to enjoy your comfort sooner.
WinnerAll these mattresses use eco-friendly and standard memory foam so there shouldn’t be a contest here. But as we promised, there is a winner, and our choice is Leesa not because it doesn’t have a bad odor; it clears in less than 48 hours and is not that strong and irritating like Casper and T&N.
Certification
In the recent past, there has been a controversy regarding the materials mattress manufacturers use in their products.
This is because some brands use raw materials that have substantial effects on the environment.
- The problem is that each brand controls whatever information that is out in the public domain. It was easy for brands to cheat and claim their mattresses are Eco-friendly.
To curb this, we now have several bodies that certify the standards of mattresses.
importantSo before buying Casper, Tuft & Needle or Leesa, it is imperative that you ascertain the bodies that accredit each mattress if any.
Leesa
CertiPUR-US also certify this mattress brand.
WinnerAll the three mattresses have been manufactured with eco-friendly foam that is CertiPUR-US®.
This means there are no ozone depletors, mercury, lead, PBDE flame retardants and other composites regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Foam is also Low Volatile Organic Compounds emission which ensures air quality.
That said, there is no clear winner here. While T&N looks like the best option because of three certifications, CertiPUR-US is the industry standard.
Motion isolation
If you are an active sleeper or your partner is one, you need to be concerned a lot with motion isolation. You don’t want to disturb your partner when moving in the bed, in or out.
But at the end if the day, there is one memory foam mattress that has the most reduced motion isolation.
Leesa
This mattress deadens any disturbance caused by the sleeper’s movement.
The multilayers work to absorb the energy transferred when either partner is moving in or out of bed.
We tested it, and the disturbance was felt from 8-inches away.
WinnerAll three mattresses have nice motion isolation. But T&N is the best choice because the layers dampen the motion really well, the other partner won’t feel any disturbance.
Where to buy, shipping & delivery
Where are you buying the mattress from?
Some brands are available online only through the manufacturer’s website while others may be on the manufacturer’s website or through third party online retailers.
In the same token, some brands are available online as well as offline stores.
Shipping is also a concern. Memory foam mattress is a bulky order even though it may be vacuum sealed.
- Make sure the mattress you want to buy can be delivered in your locale. It is also important to ascertain the shipping charges if any. Lastly, does the company offer set up and old mattress removal?
A good deal is a 10-year warranty, at least 100 days of sleep trial and white glove service.
So which brand wins this battle?
Casper
The Casper Element also ships in a vacuum-sealed box and is available on the Leesa website, Amazon and some offline stores.
It ships for free in all regions in the United States save for Alaska, Hawaii and other peripheries.
Unfortunately, white glove service is not available for the Casper Element, unless the Casper Wave.
WinnerIt is not easy to call a winner here because all the three brands offer the same shipping and delivery.
However, T&N sounds a good deal because of the optional same day delivery (at a fee). Otherwise, the shipping is free regardless of the brand you choose.
Warranty & sleep trials
Am important consideration when buying mattresses is the warranty length and sleep trials. It is imperative that you get a mattress with the most extended warranty. This saves you in case it has any manufacturer’s defects.
Sleep trials are also vital because shop trials may give a wrong feel.bAt least with 30 days if sleep on the mattress, you can’t be sure it is the right choice.
Most mattress brands offer 10 years warranty, but this doesn’t mean the mattress can last ten years.
Casper
This mattress comes with a 10-year warranty that is entirely non-prorated. The company also offers free shipping and returns, but orders made from 3rd party websites may attract a cost when claiming returns or exchanges. The sleep trial is 100 days and doesn’t have a mandatory 30-day break in period.
Leesa
Here, you also get a 10-year prorated warranty so make sure to read thoroughly to know what is covered and what is not covered. The warranty is not transferable and applies to the first owner only. Customers also get a 100-day sleep trial without a break-in period. Returns made through the Leesa website are free.
Tuft & Needle
The T&N also has a 10-year warranty that covers the mattress against any unexpected dipping or sinkage as well as other manufacturer’s defects. It is accompanied by a 100-days sleep trial to make sure it is the right mattress for you.
Winner:In deciding a winner here, we don’t solely based on the warranty and length of sleep trials.
Some brands may offer a long warranty, but they are ingenuine when it’s time to honor them.
Casper has the best warranty and after-sales service, and you hardly find complains about them dishonoring warranties like Leesa. T&N.
Tuft & Needle vs. Casper vs. Leesa; Which is the best mattress?
Now, we are almost winding up our mattress comparison review. It is time we make a final decision on which is the best mattress to buy in 2020.
But before that, you need to be aware of the costs.
Casper is an expensive brand, but the Queen size model of the Casper Element will cost you under $600.
As for Tuft & Needle, at least the price is fair but still, the Queen size costs approximately $200 more. At least the Tuft & Needle has a fair price. That’s why we reviewed the King size instead to at least match Casper and T&N.
So when it comes to price, and you’re on a budget, the Leesa universal is the winner.
- But then, it is not a wise idea to shop strictly based on prices; cheap is expensive. You should always strive to settle on a mattress depending on the kind of sleeper you are. That’s a clever approach if you want value for your money.
There are several types of sleepers: back, stomach, side, and combination sleepers. Besides these we have couples, arthritis patients, hot sleepers, among others.
importantBuy a mattress depending on the type of sleeper you are, and we guarantee that you will get a comfortable sleep and value for money. Don’t fall for the many marketing gimmicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best mattress for back sleepers?
Tuft & Needle is our best choice here because its support core is thicker meaning it is solid and doesn’t sink from the weight of the back. If you are 200 lbs and above, you can trust Tuft & Needle Original.
For lighters sleepers, pick Casper Element as it offers just the right sinkage.
Which is the best mattress for stomach sleepers?
Leesa Universal Memory 10-inch Foam mattress is our choice here courtesy of a single 6-inch support core and two layers for comfort. The result is a good medium-firm feel that neither feels too soft nor too hard.
Which is the best mattress for side sleepers?
Its body contouring is also excellent and relieves the arms and hips as well because they are crucial pressure points.
Which is the best mattress for combination sleepers?
Tuft & Needle and Leesa are also not bad options for combination sleepers.
Which is the best mattress for hot sleepers?
The rayon cover is breathable and has excellent wicking properties.
In addition, the microcell foam has perforations for airflow and is infused with graphite and gel which have cooling properties as well.
Casper Element and Leesa Universal can also be great purchases but not as T&N.
Which is the best mattress for allergy sufferers?
But Casper is a sweeter deal as it has a hypoallergenic latex.
Wrapping Up
There you have it; a Tuft & Needle vs. Casper vs. Leesa mattress comparison review.
As we have seen, there is no single mattress that we can fully guarantee to be the best. It all depends on your sleeping needs.
importantMake sure you understand your sleeping needs, and the kind of mattress required. This is the surest way to ensure that you are getting value for your money and most importantly, a comfortable sleep.
