The IKEA Morgedal is a straightforward, budget-friendly foam mattress, while the Casper Original Mattress is a premium direct-to-consumer option with advanced materials and a significantly higher price point. The primary differences come down to price, material quality, and the shopping experience - Morgedal is a basic in-store purchase from IKEA, while Casper offers an online buying process from Casper that includes a 100-night trial period.
Here's everything you need to know to decide between these two popular foam mattresses.
IKEA Morgedal Foam Mattress
The Morgedal mattress is IKEA's answer to the need for a simple, firm, and incredibly affordable foam mattress. It’s a no-frills choice, popular for guest rooms, kids' rooms, and first apartments, offering reliable support without the advanced features - or the high cost - of premium brands.
- What it is: A high-resilience polyurethane foam mattress designed for firm support.
- Key features: Available in firm and medium-firm, removable and machine-washable cover, rolled up for easy transport.
- Price: Approximately $399 for a queen size.
- Style: Utilitarian and basic. The classic Scandinavian approach focuses on function over adornment.
- Materials/Construction: A single, solid layer of high-resilience polyurethane foam. It lacks memory foam or cooling gel layers.
- Pros: Extremely budget-friendly at under $400 for a Queen. Can be picked up in-store the same day. The firm feel is great for many back and stomach sleepers. Its simple design works with any standard bed frame.
- Cons: Lacks advanced comfort layers for pressure relief. No trial period or easy returns if you've opened it. Might be too firm for side sleepers. Basic materials may not offer the same longevity as premium mattresses.
This mattress is for buyers whose top priority is price, offering a dependably firm sleep surface for guest rooms or transitional periods without a major financial commitment.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/morgedal-foam-mattress-firm-dark-gray-30272200/
The Original Casper Mattress
The Casper Original is one of the original bed-in-a-box pioneers, known for its balanced foam feel that combines support and pressure relief. It's built with multiple layers of high-quality foam, including targeted ergonomic support zones, making it a popular choice for a wide range of sleepers looking for a sleep-focused upgrade.
- What it is: A direct-to-consumer memory foam mattress with zoned ergonomic support.
- Key features: Multi-layer foam construction, Zoned Support™ for alignment, AirScape™ cooling technology, 100-night at-home trial.
- Price: Approximately $995 for a queen size.
- Style: Sleek and modern. The minimalist design with its tightly woven cover projects a premium, contemporary feel.
- Materials/Construction: Comprises three layers: a top layer of perforated breathable foam, a middle layer with Zoned Support™ (softer under shoulders, firmer under hips), and a durable base foam layer.
- Pros: Generous 100-night risk-free trial. Zoned support helps with spinal alignment and comforts different body areas. AirScape™ foam improves breathability and helps prevent overheating. Free shipping and easy returns enhance the customer experience.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than the IKEA Morgedal. Online-only means you can't test it in-store before buying. Some users report a slight off-gassing smell initially.
This is the mattress for anyone who views a good night's sleep as an investment and wants the security of an at-home trial and advanced support features.
Shop this product: casper.com/mattresses/casper-original/
IKEA Morgedal vs. The Original Casper Mattress Comparison
Materials & Construction
The materials contrast starkly and represent the biggest difference between the two. The IKEA Morgedal uses a single block of high-resilience polyurethane foam. It’s durable and supportive but basic. There are no comfort layers, no memory foam for contouring, and no cooling technologies.
The Casper Original, on the other hand, is built with three distinct foam layers. Its top AirScape™ layer is perforated to promote airflow, addressing the common issue of foam mattresses trapping heat. Below that, its signature Zoned Support™ layer is firmer under the hips, waist, and lower back to help with spinal alignment, while remaining softer under the shoulders. This multi-layer system is designed for superior ergonomics and comfort compared to a simple foam block.
Comfort & Feel
The Morgedal offers a decidedly firm feel. It provides a solid, supportive surface with very little give or "hug." This is ideal for sleepers who prefer to feel like they are sleeping "on" their mattress rather than "in" it, particularly back and stomach sleepers who need solid support to keep their hips from sinking.
The Casper has a more balanced, medium-firm feel. The Zoned Support™ creates a more nuanced experience. You feel lift and support around your midsection, while your shoulders can sink in slightly for better pressure relief. This makes it an accommodating choice for a wider range of people, including combination sleepers and many side sleepers, who need that balance of contouring and support.
Price & Value
With the queen-size Morgedal priced at around $399 and the Casper at $995, there's a huge price gap. The Morgedal delivers incredible value for its price. It’s hard to find a new, durable mattress for less. Its value lies in its low cost and functional simplicity.
The Casper’s value is tied to its technology, trial period, and 10-year warranty. You're paying for better materials, targeted ergonomic support, and the peace of mind that comes with a 100-night test drive. For those struggling with sleep comfort or back pain, the extra investment can be worthwhile for long-term health and rest.
Shopping Experience & Trial Period
The shopping experiences could not be more different. With IKEA, you can go to a store, briefly lie on a floor model, and take it home the same day. However, IKEA’s return policy is strict for mattresses once opened, you generally can't get a refund for a used mattress. There is no at-home trial period.
Casper’s entire model is built around its 100-night trial. You order online, and it’s delivered to your door. If at any point in the first 100 nights you don't like it, they will coordinate pickup and provide a full refund. This risk-free approach is a major benefit for anyone hesitant about committing to a mattress they haven't tried.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both mattresses serve their customers well, but those customers have very different needs and priorities.
Choose the IKEA Morgedal if:
- Your non-negotiable priority is staying within a tight budget (under $500).
- You need a mattress for a child's bed, guest room, or college apartment.
- You exclusively prefer a very firm, solid sleeping surface with minimal sinkage.
- You like the convenience of buying in-store and having your mattress immediately.
Choose The Original Casper if:
- You're looking to invest in better sleep quality and long-term comfort.
- You experience back or hip pain and could benefit from zoned ergonomic support.
- You want the assurance of a generous 100-night trial period to make sure it's the right fit.
- You are a combination or side sleeper who needs pressure relief for your shoulders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Morgedal and Casper?
The three main differences are price, construction, and trial period. The Morgedal is a low-cost, single-layer foam mattress sold in-store with no real trial. The Casper is a premium-priced, multi-layer foam mattress with zoned support delivered to your home with a 100-night risk-free trial.
Is the Casper mattress really worth the extra money?
For many, yes. The extra cost covers superior materials like cooling foam, targeted ergonomic support for spinal alignment, a 10-year warranty, and the all-important 100-night trial. If you are sensitive to pressure points or sleep hot, the features The Original Casper Mattress provides can greatly improve sleep quality.
Does the IKEA Morgedal have a trial period?
No, IKEA does not offer an at-home trial period. Their standard return policy applies, and mattresses that have been opened and used are typically not eligible for a refund, though exchange policies can vary by location. The IKEA model relies on in-person testing.
Which one is better for back pain?
The Casper is generally considered better for back pain due to its Zoned Support™ system. It's specifically engineered to be firmer under the hips and lower back, helping maintain proper spinal alignment. The Morgedal's firm support may work for some, but it lacks the targeted ergonomics Casper offers.
Do I need a special bed frame for these mattresses?
No. Both mattresses are designed to work with most modern bed frames, including solid platforms, box springs, and slatted bases (as long as the slats are no more than 3 inches apart). Always check the manufacturers' recommendations to ensure your frame provides adequate support.
How firm is the IKEA Morgedal?
The IKEA Morgedal is widely considered to be a firm mattress, often rated around a 7 or 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Sleepers who prefer a soft or contouring feel may find it too rigid.
Can I try the Casper mattress before buying?
While you typically can't try a Casper mattress in a retail store like you would with traditional brands, the 100-night trial is designed to be a better alternative. It allows you to sleep on the mattress in your own home for over three months to truly decide if it's right for you.
Which mattress lasts longer?
The Casper mattress is likely to be more durable long-term. It's constructed with higher-density foams and is backed by a 10-year warranty, which indicates the brand's confidence in its longevity. The Morgedal is a budget mattress and may be more susceptible to sagging over several years of use.
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