Casper's Dream and Dream Max mattresses are both supportive, responsive hybrid models, but the Dream Max is a premium version with a softer feel and deeper pressure relief.
Choosing a new mattress is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. If you're set on a hybrid mattress (excellent choice, by the way) but unsure if you should get the Casper Dream or Dream Max, we've got you covered.
This in-depth guide will compare the Casper Dream vs Dream Max, going over the main differences, materials, firmness, and overall feel of each hybrid mattress.
Quick Take
Here's a quick rundown of the four critical differences between the Dream and Dream Max mattresses:
- Firmness – The Dream has a medium firmness level, and the Dream Max has a medium-soft feel.
- Pressure relief depth – While both alleviate pressure points, the Dream Max offers deeper pressure relief and body contouring.
- Support zoning – The Dream mattress has three ergonomic support zones, while the Dream Max has seven.
- Profile height – The Dream is 12 inches thick, and the Dream Max has a 14-inch profile due to the extra cushioning.
Side-by-Side Summary
Let's look at the main features and benefits of each mattress so you can see who each model is best for and why.
Dream Hybrid Mattress
The Casper Dream is a hybrid mattress with encased coils and foam layers. It provides medium support (not overly firm or too soft) and encourages alignment with three ergonomic zones.
This mattress has a responsive, lively feel with balanced contouring and breathable airflow. The Dream is a great value and suitable for all sleeping styles.
Dream Max Hybrid Mattress
The Dream Max is the most supportive mattress we offer. With additional foam layers, it has a medium-soft feel and plusher sink-in comfort. This premium model also boasts enhanced zoning for deeper, body-cradling pressure relief that doesn't sacrifice hybrid lift.
The Max is ideal for side sleepers (which is the most common position) but works for other sleeping styles too.1 Though the price is higher, it's worth the investment for those who want elevated comfort.
Construction and Materials
The Dream and Dream Max are both hybrid mattresses, meaning they're made with a combination of foam and encased coils. But there are notable differences in the construction and specific materials used for each.
Dream Layer Stack
The Dream is a foam-over-coil hybrid. Responsive flex coils at the base of this mattress provide support and help minimize motion transfer, along with a firm perimeter for edge support. The next layer is pro-alignment memory foam that's firmer in the middle to prevent hips from sinking and softer at the head and foot. Above that is responsive open-cell foam that allows for airflow. On top is an ultra-soft and breathable knitted cover with extra loft.
Dream Max Layer Stack
The Dream Max also has flex coils at the base for responsive support and motion isolation, plus firm edge support on all sides to maximize the sleeping area. Just above is memory foam with precisely cut channels that contour the natural curvature of your body. The next layer is alignment-promoting flex foam with more support under the hips and lower back and a softer feel at the head and feet. Then there's a layer of breathable open-cell foam to help prevent overheating and a buttery-soft knitted cover with added loft on top.
Zoned Support Systems and Pressure Relief
Both mattress tiers offer whole-body support and pressure relief, but they have distinct targeted zoning.
Dream Zoned Support
The Casper Dream is made for all-position comfort and everyday balance. It delivers ergonomic spinal alignment with three memory foam support zones.
This mattress is designed to offer softer pressure relief at the top (for the head, neck, and shoulders) and bottom (where your feet are) and a firmer feel in the center to keep your hips from dipping down and support your lower back. This helps keep your body in a neutral position while you sleep to prevent strained muscles, a sore neck, or misalignment.2,3
Dream Max Zoned Support
The Casper Dream Max has seven ergonomic support zones, offering maximum spinal alignment and enhanced pressure relief. It's softer at the head and feet and firmer under the hips and lower back—but it doesn't stop there.
Providing optimal support exactly where you need it, this elevated hybrid mattress has an additional foam layer with precision-cut channels for advanced contouring and deeper whole-body cradling. These features make the Dream Max shine for side sleepers craving pressure-point relief.
Firmness and Feel
What does all this mean in terms of what each mattress actually feels like when lying in bed? Let's take a look.
Dream = Medium; Responsive and Lively
The Dream has a medium firmness level. On a mattress firmness scale of 1 to 5 (1 being the firmest and 5 being the softest), it's about a 3. This hybrid mattress merges buoyant lift with balanced contour, offering a plush feel and supportive firmness where you need it. Thanks to the quick-responding, lively surface, it's easy to change positions without getting stuck or feeling like you're sinking into the middle.
Dream Max = Medium-Soft; Responsive and Lively
The Dream Max has a medium-soft firmness level. On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the softest), it's a 4. This mattress has a plush overall feel on the surface, but it still springs back quickly with a perfect touch of bounce for effortless movement. You'll get enhanced responsiveness and deeper contouring without feeling stuck or losing any crucial underlying support.
Breathability and Temperature
If you run hot or get night sweats, don't overlook the breathability of your mattress.
Dream
The Casper Dream has a layer of open-cell foam, pocketed coils, and a breathable knitted cover to promote airflow. While it doesn't have active cooling technology like our Snow mattresses, this allows for passive cooling while you sleep.
Dream Max
The Dream Max features encased coils, a layer of our most breathable open-cell foam, and a breezy knitted cover to keep air flowing naturally and prevent warmth from getting trapped within the layers.
Motion Isolation and Edge Support
Motion isolation and edge support are essential for couples and heavier sleepers. These features help prevent you from feeling stuck and disturbing your partner when you sit on the edge or get in and out of bed. They also maximize the available sleeping space by keeping the edges from dipping down if you move toward the side.
Motion Transfer Control
Both the Dream and Dream Max have encased coils, foam layers, and firm perimeters that keep partner movement in check while still allowing you to move around freely. The Max's taller profile offers a more substantial perimeter for advanced edge support.
Bounce, Mobility, and Ease of Movement
The Dream Max has a bit more bounce while still maintaining motion isolation. This is useful for couples and position changes throughout the night. But both mattresses have sturdy bases and supportive edges to make it easier to utilize the entire surface and provide stability when you sit on one side.
Heights and Weights
Casper's Dream and Dream Max mattresses both combine a flex-coil base with foam layers. But with unique construction and features, the stack height and weight of each are different.
- Dream – The Dream has a 12-inch profile. A queen size of this hybrid mattress weighs 99 pounds, and a king is 119 pounds.
- Dream Max – The Dream Max is 14 inches tall. A queen size of this mattress is 102 pounds, and the king is 128 pounds.
Who Each Model Is Best For
These mattresses both stand out for a comfortable feel and alignment-supporting features that promote high-quality sleep. So, which one is best for you? Match the model to your sleeping position, support needs, and preferred feel.
- Choose Dream if you prefer a medium, lively feel with balanced lift. This is also a great option for back, stomach, and combo sleepers who want value with their mattress purchase.
- Choose Dream Max if you want medium-soft, lively comfort with deeper pressure relief and advanced zoning. This is an excellent choice for side sleepers, couples, and those seeking extra plushness.
Pricing and Value
Think about your budget for buying a new mattress. Are you looking for the best value, or are you open to investing in a premium model with upgraded features?
Dream = Value-Forward
The Dream mattress is a reliable mattress with supportive construction. It's a stellar value if you're looking for a high-quality model with hybrid performance and Zoned Support.
Dream Max = Premium Features
The Dream Max is priced higher than the Dream based on its elevated design. It has a deeper comfort system with seven support zones and extra foam layers.
Setup, Foundations, and Care
The right foundation, proper setup, and ongoing care can help you get lasting performance out of your mattress.
Compatible Bases
Casper hybrid mattresses are compatible with most bed frames and bases. You do not need a box spring as Casper mattresses are incompatible and using one will void your warranty. We recommend a sturdy platform with solid wood or metal slats. The Dream and Dream Max can also both be used on an adjustable base.
Break-In and Rotation
You can sleep on your new mattress the very first night. Just know that it can take up to three days to fully expand after taking it out of the box. And you can expect a break-in period of one to three months while your body gets used to the feel.
To even out the wear, we suggest rotating your Casper mattress every three to six months. But you should never flip your mattress.
Explore Casper's Dream Mattresses
Whether you're looking for medium support and lively balance or a medium-soft feel with extra plushness and advanced zoning, you'll find it here. With Casper mattresses, you can dial in on alignment and pressure relief to reduce strain and sleep more soundly, no matter your sleeping style.
To create your comfiest bedroom setup ever, explore our breathable bed sheets and supportive pillows too.
Sources:
- Nature and Science of Sleep. Sleep positions and nocturnal body movements based on free-living accelerometer recordings: association with demographics, lifestyle, and insomnia symptoms. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29138608/
- CADTH (Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health) Health Technology Review. Therapeutic Mattresses for Chronic Pain. https://canjhealthtechnol.ca/index.php/cjht/article/view/rc1415/612
- Applied Ergonomics. Effect of prescribed sleep surfaces on back pain and sleep quality in patients diagnosed with low back and shoulder pain. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003687010000724
