Bedding & mattresses: Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover vs. Casper Original Mattress

Quick Verdict

The Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover is best for users prioritizing advanced cooling technology, sleep tracking, and personalized temperature control, despite the higher cost and subscription fees. The Casper Original Mattress is a more budget-friendly option suitable for those seeking a comfortable, medium-firm memory foam mattress with good motion isolation and a longer trial period.

The Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover is a mattress topper focused on advanced cooling and sleep tracking, while the Casper Original Mattress is a memory foam mattress designed for balanced comfort and support.
Eight Sleep offers active temperature regulation and extensive smart features, whereas Casper relies on breathable materials for cooling and lacks smart integrations.
Casper provides a longer trial period and warranty, but Eight Sleep's subscription model offers extended warranty options.
Eight Sleep is significantly more expensive upfront and includes ongoing subscription costs, while Casper is more affordable.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover	Casper Original Mattress
Mattress Type	Mattress cover/topper, often contains a layer of foam sewn to the top surface.	Memory Foam
Cooling Technology	Actively regulates temperature using an "Active Grid" of water tubes connected to a Hub that heats or cools water. Temperature range is typically 55 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 43 degrees Celsius). "Autopilot" system automatically adjusts the bed's temperature.	AirScape Technology (perforated foam for airflow), Breathable open-cell foam
Smart Features	Sleep tracking (sleep stages, heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate), Temperature control, customizable for each side of the bed, App integration for setting temperature preferences, analyzing sleep patterns, and receiving personalized tips, "GentleRise" feature that uses gradual temperature changes to wake you, Thermal and vibrating alarm.	Not specified
Firmness Level	Adds some firmness to the mattress. One review rated the mattress itself a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale.	Medium-Firm (around 6/10, some feel closer to 7/10)
Edge Support	Not a strong point, sagging may occur.	Decent, may cave a little on the extreme edge
Motion Isolation	Some reviews suggest high motion transfer.	Good
Cover Material	Soft cotton material.	Soft, breathable knit (polyester, cotton, rayon, Lycra, some with recycled materials)
Adjustable Base Compatibility	Generally compatible.	Yes
Trial Period Length	30-night trial period.	100-night trial (30-night adjustment period may be required)
Warranty Length	Standard 2-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. Extended 5-year warranty available with an active "Autopilot Enhanced" or "Elite" membership plan.	10-year limited warranty
Certifications	Mentions of sustainable features recognized by trusted certifications for some similar mattress covers, indicating safer chemicals.	CertiPUR-US certified
Price Range (Queen Size)	Around $2,295, but this does not include the subscription costs.	Around $1295
Smart Features Accuracy	Deep sleep detection: 91% accuracy compared to ECG readings. Heart rate monitoring: 99% accuracy compared to ECG readings.	Not available

Overall Comparison

Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover: Price $2,295, 30-night trial, Deep sleep detection accuracy 91%. Casper Original Mattress: Price $1295, 100-night trial, Firmness 6/10.

Pros and Cons

Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover

Pros:

Effective cooling technology, especially for hot sleepers
Highly customizable temperature control with dual-zone settings
Accurate sleep tracking metrics
Compatible with most adjustable bed frames
Phenomenal customer support (according to some reviews)

Cons:

Edge support is not a strong point
Some reviews suggest high motion transfer
Internal components may be noticeable initially
Subscription costs are not included in the initial price

Casper Original Mattress

Pros:

Good motion isolation
Compatible with adjustable bed frames
Soft and breathable cover
100-night trial period
CertiPUR-US® certified
Decent edge support
Engineered with temperature regulation in mind

Cons:

Some users report overheating
Edge support may cave a little
Some users report the mattress feels too soft or loses support over time, especially for heavier individuals

User Experiences and Feedback

Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover

What Users Love

Significant improvements in sleep quality due to cooling technology
High accuracy in sleep metric tracking
Customizable temperature control for each side of the bed
Returns are typically free within the 30-night trial

Common Complaints

Sagging may occur due to weak edge support
High motion transfer can be disruptive
Some users found the internal components noticeable initially

Value Perception

Cooling technology is a "game changer"
More effective than traditional cooling methods

Casper Original Mattress

What Users Love

Provides a balanced feel of pressure relief and support
Cushions the body without excessive sinkage

Common Complaints

Some users still report overheating.
Some reviewers feel it's closer to a 7/10.
Some users report the mattress feels too soft or loses support over time, especially for heavier individuals.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The Casper Original is engineered with temperature regulation in mind.
AirScape™ technology with perforated foam helps circulate air and disperse heat.
Compared to traditional memory foam, it sleeps a bit cooler.
It isolates motion well, which is great for couples.
The cover is soft, breathable, and has good stretch.
You shouldn't feel like you're going to roll off, but there may be some compression.