Casper Dawn Mattress Review

A Budget All-Foam Model with Casper’s Signature High-Quality Materials

The Casper Dawn is one of the newest offerings from Casper, a legendary company in the Canadian mattress market. Casper’s mattresses are notoriously expensive, which left an underserved demographic for Casper’s offerings. The Dawn is made to be less expensive for the consumer without sacrificing the great properties of Casper’s proprietary foams. 

Casper is at the top of the mattress game because of its outstanding luxury mattresses that perform well across multiple areas. It also offers some great company policy, at least as far as customer service is concerned. This mattress is one of the best all-foam options in this price range to offer motion isolation, quick response, strong edge support, and more.

Our Methodology

Here at Slumber, we use a rigorous gauntlet of tests to help you decide on a mattress. We give each mattress several scores based on our testing across multiple conditions, with several teams of testers, and with our testing equipment. Each mattress is examined in detail in a range of different situations to determine how they will perform in your bedroom.

Our testers perform immediate feedback testing and long-term feedback while using the mattress at home. We use their detailed reports, our experts’ opinions, and our testing data to develop scores that we hope will help you decide how a mattress might work for you. 

Mattress Details

The Casper Dawn is an all-foam mattress that uses three layers of Casper’s proprietary foams to deliver a comfortable, responsive material. This mattress works to relieve pressure and promote bounce, which it does without sacrificing motion isolation. The foam design doesn’t use any active cooling features, though – this means that the mattress sleeps a little hotter than other foam mattresses at this price point. 

Still, it has a lot of things going for it. The price is extremely affordable for Canadians who are daunted by costly mattresses. At just $999 for a Queen, this mattress offers some of the features Casper is best known for without reducing effectiveness just to save. Instead, the savings are passed on to you. 

When it comes to performance, this mattress is right where you would expect it to be. It offers great motion isolation and response time but can be lacking when it comes to cooling and pressure relief. The company policies are also a little shorter than some of the others we’ve seen, with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty (both of which are shorter than the industry standard of 365 nights and 15 years).

• Price: $699 to $1299
• Firmness: Medium Firm
• Type: All Foam
• Shipping Cost: Free (Except in some remote locations)
• Warranty: 10-Year Limited
• Sleep Trial: 100 Nights

The Casper Dawn Mattress is great for:

• All sleeping positions
• Lighter sleepers
• Those who move around a lot at night
• Those on a budget
• Couples with restless partners
• Edge sleepers

Skip the Casper Dawn Mattress if you:

• Need deep pressure relief
• Sleep hot
• Are you a heavier side sleeper

Casper Dawn Mattress Prices and Sizes

Casper’s mattresses are notoriously expensive, with most of them falling outside the average Canadian budget. That’s why they made the Casper Dawn, an all-foam mattress that is available at a much more affordable price. The materials are still premium enough to make it comfortable and durable, but it won’t break the bank.

The Casper Dawn is available in all six standard mattress sizes, ranging in price from $699 to $1299. The most popular size, the Queen, is just $999. This puts the Dawn in a price bracket with several of Canada’s most affordable all-foam options.

Mattress Construction

The Casper Dawn is an all-foam mattress that uses three layers of foam inside a cozy, stretchy knit cover. This mattress is only 9” tall, with a strong support base and two comfort layers totalling 3” in height. 

• The Cover: The cover of the Casper Dawn is a stretchy knit cover. It’s extremely soft and comfortable, with a smooth texture that works well under all of your sheets. The cover is removable and can be washed and dried at home.
• The 1st Layer: The top layer of Casper Signature Foam is responsive and helps with pressure points. It offers some bounce and helps soothe you into sleep without adding any additional strain on your body. This layer is 1.5” thick. 
• The 2nd Layer: A 1.5” layer of high-quality transition foam helps reduce deeper pressure points and cushion your body from the firm foam below. This layer helps you fall asleep and supports your body, providing proper alignment.
• The 3rd Layer: The bottom layer is a thick 6” slab of ProSupport foam, which helps reduce sagging and discomfort for better sleep overall. This layer supports your body without being too firm or uncomfortable.

The materials used within the Casper Dawn are still high-quality and extremely supportive, but they come at a much lower price. The Dawn was constructed to be a less expensive mattress than most of Casper’s other offerings, but that doesn’t mean that it uses poor materials.

Mattress Performance Test Results

We tested the Casper Dawn in the same way we tested all of our mattresses. We use a team of testers with diverse sleep needs, as well as simulation experiments, to determine how the mattress will work in many different situations. Here’s how the Dawn performed in three key areas that Canadians shop for, including temperature control, motion isolation, and edge support.

Temperature Control (7.5/10)

If you sleep hot, you aren’t alone. Many Canadians report that they often wake up overheated, sweaty, and uncomfortable. If this sounds like you, you’ll need a mattress that has active cooling features to keep you comfortable. During our testing phases, we looked at the materials used within the mattress. We also kept an eye on the temperature of the mattress during use, where it peaked, and how quickly it dissipated after it built up. Hot sleepers need a score of at least 8 out of 10 to remain comfortable, but higher scores are better for cooling.

The Casper Dawn is an all-foam mattress and is therefore notorious for retaining heat. The materials at the top of the mattress don’t do enough to remove heat from the mattress, so it builds up fairly quickly and can’t escape again. This may be one of the poorest temperature control scores in this price range, so make sure to approach this mattress cautiously if you sleep hot.

Motion Isolation (9.1/10)

If you sleep with a partner, you know that motion isolation can be an incredibly important feature. Every time your partner moves, motion can be transferred to your side of the bed. This can sometimes wake you up, particularly if the mattress moves around a lot or vibrates with motion. We test mattresses for motion isolation using weighted ball drops, equipment that measures vibrations, and even tester teams with in-depth feedback. During these phases, we needed to get a good idea of how it reacted to motion in every possible scenario. A rating of at least 7.5 is essential for those who have restless partners.

All-foam mattresses are great at motion isolation. The Casper Dawn isolates motion well, though it’s not the best performance we’ve ever seen in this category. For the most part, our testers didn’t feel many of the small movements happening on the other side of the bed. They felt larger motions like their partners getting up out of bed. Our simulation tests returned some vibration with larger movements, and some of it may be disruptive for extremely light sleepers.

Edge Support (8.9/10)

Do you gravitate towards the edge of the bed as you sleep? If you find yourself near the edge, or if you like to sit there in the morning before starting your day, edge support is important. Edges tend to sink or sag under your weight, even in mattresses that claim to have better edge support. We put each mattress to the test with our usual gauntlet of practical tests and simulation tests to see how it would perform.

The Casper Dawn performed better than we expected for an all-foam mattress. It doesn’t use any additional edge support features, so we expected the support levels to drop off sharply as you approached the edge. However, we found that this was far from the case when we began testing. This mattress does hold up well for most Canadians, with the support extending further to the edge of the mattress than other options in this price point and category.

Firmness and Feel of the Casper Dawn Mattress

The Casper Dawn is a medium-firm mattress. On our scale, we rank mattresses on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being extremely soft and 10 being extremely firm. This mattress is about a 6.5 on our scale, which is about average for an all-foam mattress. 

That said, the comfort layers are only 3” thick. The support layer is 6” thick on its own, meaning that some sleepers are much more likely to feel the firmer comfort layers below. This mattress feels a little firmer than it is at first and softens as the mattress heats. Over time, it may be uncomfortable to remain in the same spot. 

Casper Dawn has somewhat moderate sinkage levels, which means that you may begin to feel trapped in the mattress. Its responsive materials make it a little easier to move around than the average all-foam mattress, but there may be some instances where it doesn’t quite stack up. Heavier sleepers may want to avoid this mattress, as the thinner comfort layers can become uncomfortable quickly.

Performance for Different Weights and Sleeping Preferences

While our ratings and performance testing can give us a good idea of how a mattress will perform overall, mattresses will perform differently for different people. Factors like your body type and preferred sleeping position can play a huge role in how comfortable you find a mattress, so it’s worth considering these factors before you purchase a mattress.

Weight Considerations

Your body type will change the way a mattress feels, especially if you sleep on your side. If you weigh more than average (defined by the mattress industry as 230 pounds), you will sink further into the mattress than lightweight or average sleepers. This can cause issues for those who need pressure relief, as it can make the mattress extremely uncomfortable. 

The Casper Dawn is a thinner mattress, with a profile of only 9”. This is fine for most sleepers, though it’s a bit on the thinner side even for average Canadians. Because the comfort layers are only the top 3” of this mattress, it can be uncomfortable for heavier sleepers. You may be able to feel the firmer foam at the core of the mattress, reducing how effective this mattress keeps you comfortable.

Sleeping Positions

Each sleeping position requires a different level of support. This means that a mattress may feel okay for most sleeping positions, but a single mattress rarely fits the needs of every sleeper. Here’s how this mattress performed for our testers in different sleeping positions.

• Side Sleepers: The two key features that side sleepers need to be comfortable are alignment and pressure relief. The Casper Dawn does great with alignment, keeping your spine neutral when you lay on your side. However, it can struggle with pressure relief, especially for heavier sleepers. Keep this in mind if you sleep on your side.
• Back Sleepers: Those who sleep on their backs need contouring and support to reduce strain on their joints and lower back. The moderate sinkage on the Casper Dawn is perfect for this, but it may not be soft enough for some.
• Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers need extreme support, a softer top for comfort, and great alignment to prevent sinking and discomfort. The Casper Dawn might not have the support needed or the soft top that stomach sleepers prefer, but some stomach sleepers may find that it is comfortable for them.
• Combination Sleepers: Combination sleepers need to move around a lot to get comfortable in the middle of the night. They value mattresses that are responsive and easy to change positions on but also need a mattress that will suit any position they find themselves comfortable in. Combination sleepers will love how responsive the Casper Dawn is. While the mattress might not be the most comfortable for every sleeping position, it is comfortable enough that most combo sleepers will be fine here.

Delivery, Sleep Trials, & Returns

The Casper Dawn ships quickly from Canadian warehouses and usually arrives at your door within 3 to 7 business days. Shipping and returns are free for the most part, though there are some areas where shipping and return fees may be observed. These include Yukon, Nunavut, and N.W.T. If you aren’t sure if your address qualifies for free shipping, you can always constant Casper’s customer service directly. 

During your 100-night sleep trial, you can return your mattress after the first 30 nights. If you don’t love the mattress, Casper will schedule a pickup. You will need to be home during your scheduled pickup time. You don’t have to pack the mattress up again; the courier will do that for you. Returned mattresses are donated to charities when possible, and your original payment method will receive a full refund of your purchase price.

After you decide to keep the mattress, you’ll have a 10-year limited warranty. This warranty covers defective parts, materials, and workmanship. To ensure that your problem is covered under the mattress warranty, make sure to review the terms on the company website.

• Shipping Cost: Free (with some exceptions)
• Time to Delivery: 3 to 7 business days
• Courier: Various
• Sleep Trial Length: 100 nights
• Warranty: 10 Year Limited
• Ease of Return: Free pick up and full refund after an initial 30-day period.

Company Background

Casper is one of the longest-standing mattress manufacturers currently active in North America, with a history that rivals some of the biggest household names. They are also extremely innovative, and most of the materials that go into their mattresses are proprietary and engineered exclusively through the company. Casper’s roster of mattresses is always changing to represent new industry standards, the newest technologies, and the visions of their brightest engineers.

Casper donates all mattresses returned during sleep trials and has made over 70,000 donations to charities around North America. They also sell bedding, bedroom accessories (including nightlights), dog beds, bedroom furniture, and pillows.

Commitment to the Environment

Casper has fewer environmental commitment claims than other mattress companies, but we can see the difference in how they create their materials. They use a lot of materials that are sourced responsibly, and some of the covers on Casper mattresses are even made from recycled bottles. All foams are CertiPUR-US certified to help protect the ozone layer, and they try to manufacture their mattresses in a way that reduces their carbon footprint. If you are an eco-conscious Canadian, Casper is a better mattress company than they may appear at first.

Casper Dawn vs Other Casper Mattresses

Casper makes a host of other mattresses. Most of them are in an entirely different class to the Casper Dawn, which makes comparing them tricky. Still, here’s how this mattress stacks up to other mattresses on offer from Casper. We compared it to the Casper Atlas, which is their budget hybrid, as well as their innovative Casper Wave Hybrid Snow.

Casper Dawn vs Casper Atlas

The Casper Atlas is also part of Casper’s initiative to offer a more affordable mattress. This hybrid option uses coils instead of foam for a supportive base and includes some improved features over the Casper Dawn. It cools a little better and has better pressure relief.

On the other hand, the Casper Atlas has much better motion transfer and edge support. They have a similar response time, but the Casper Atlas is nearly $300 less for a Queen. The choice between them comes down to which features you value, as well as how much you have in your budget for a new mattress. 

Casper Dawn vs Casper Wave Hybrid Snow

The Casper Wave Hybrid Snow is one of Casper’s most expensive options. This hybrid mattress costs three times as much as the Casper Dawn on average, but it comes with some compelling features and better performance almost across the board. This mattress uses zoned foam with supportive gel pods, flexible coils, and an edge support perimeter to keep you aligned and comfortable. Plus, phase-changing materials and breathable layers make it much cooler than the Dawn.

However, the Casper Dawn still wins out when it comes to motion isolation. The mattresses have similar edge support, while the Casper Atlas has one of the best pressure relief scores we’ve seen. The choice between these mattresses may come down to a few key features for some Canadians, but most will be more concerned about the price disparity.

Competing Canadian Mattress Comparisons

Now we’ll look at how the Casper Dawn compares to other popular all-foam options on the Canadian market. We compared it to the popular Douglas Summit, as well as the original all-foam Silk & Snow mattress to see how it performed.

Casper Dawn vs Douglas Summit

The Douglas Summit is Douglas’s highest-tier mattress, made with more features and a denser design than any of the other mattresses they offer. There is just one performance category where it falls flat: bounce, which is partly due to the way it controls motion. Otherwise, the Douglas Summit is one of the best-performing mattresses in Canada and a leader in the all-foam mattress category. 

The cost disparity makes a difference here, but only a small one. A Queen-sized Douglas Summit is around $1,299, which is $300 more than the Casper Dawn. However, it performs better in every category except for bounce. The Casper Dawn has some give and feedback, but the Douglas Summit is extremely still.

Casper Dawn vs Silk & Snow

The original Silk & Snow mattress is a direct competitor to the Casper Dawn. It has a similar construction, and similar materials, and is in the same price range. The Silk & Snow mattress performs better when it comes to temperature control (if barely), but wins out in the pressure relief department. 

Meanwhile, the Casper Dawn has better response time and ease of movement, as well as better edge support. It’s worth noting that the Silk & Snow mattress offers a 365-night trial, which is three times longer than Casper’s. Still, the one you choose depends on which features you prefer.

Should You Buy the Casper Dawn Mattress?

The Casper Dawn mattress offers some of Casper’s best proprietary materials at a much lower price than you will find in other mattresses. This budget mattress isn’t much of a risk. With the 100-night sleep trial and free, easy returns process, trying it out is risk-free. However, we will caution that those who sleep hot or need pressure relief may not find that this mattress is a good fit for them regardless of the price point. If those two features are your primary needs for a mattress, you shouldn’t purchase the Casper Dawn. However, if you don’t mind those two features, it’s worth a try.

Highlights of the Casper Dawn Mattress

When it comes to motion transfer, response, and edge support, the Casper Dawn performs extremely well. These areas allow this mattress to work for a range of sleepers, including those who move around a lot or have restless partners. The edge support was surprising to us considering the all-foam construction, but we found the lack of deep sinkage to be ideal for many of our testers.

This mattress is a good choice for lighter and average sleepers as well. While the pressure relief wasn’t great for heavier sleepers, most average and lighter sleepers will find that this mattress delivers a perfect medium-firm feel and support.

Areas for Improvement

The Casper Dawn performs well in most areas, but there are a few key areas it could improve. First, the cooling capabilities of this mattress are sub-par. It performs just as badly in pressure relief, unfortunately. These are two areas where many Canadians find they need the most support, so adding some active cooling features and a thicker comfort layer would help this mattress perform better overall.

Our Recommendations for the Casper Dawn Mattress

The Casper Dawn mattress is a good choice for those who need a medium-firm mattress, especially light and average sleepers. It offers great alignment and response, making it the perfect choice for those who move around often at night. The motion transfer scores also make it great for those who sleep with a restless partner, while the edge support shines for edge sleepers. However, the cooling capabilities are lacking and the pressure relief could be much better to appeal to more Canadians. If you sleep hot or need better pressure relief, you should choose a different mattress.

FAQs

The Casper Dawn is a great mattress for couples, though some with extremely restless partners may find that the motion isolation doesn’t help enough. Still, it received great performance scores from us in our motion isolation testing phases.

Casper mattresses do not have a weight limit, as Casper believes that mattresses should provide better sleep for everyone.

Because the Casper Dawn is an all-foam mattress with no active cooling features, it sleeps warmer than we like to see. This mattress didn’t perform well when it came to cooling, which means it sleeps hotter than we would like.

The Casper Dawn may be good for those with back pain, but only for those in the light to average weight range. The thinner comfort layers create the perfect firmness for back pain, but the thinner comfort layers may create more problems than they solve.

In some cases, the Casper Dawn takes about 7 days to off-gas. This is longer than average for most all-foam mattresses that can be purchased online.

Returns are free in most cases. If you paid a shipping fee to have the Casper Dawn delivered to your home, you will probably have to pay a return fee as well. This is only standard in remote areas and Canadian Territories.

The Casper Dawn is extremely responsive. It got a higher score than most all-foam mattresses from us, as the foams reform quickly to make moving around simple.

While Casper ships the Dawn from Canadian warehouses, there is no guarantee that your mattress was made in Canada. Casper is an American company that manufactures mattresses in the US as well as other locations worldwide.