Our verdict
The Essential scores 5.9 and ranks 40th of 53. Buyer satisfaction is its strongest part at 7.6, above the 7.0 of the pricier Casper Original, and value reaches 6.9. Care drops to 4.0 because the listing says dry clean only, and proof stays at 4.0.
Suits
- Back and side sleepers who want a medium fiber pillow from a known brand
- Couples who want two matching pillows in one order
- Anyone who liked the Casper Original but not its price
Think twice if
- Anyone who expects to wash a pillow at home
- Sleepers who need a high loft or adjustable height
- Shoppers who want the cheapest well-rated fiber pillow
Buyer ratings
What 5,617 buyers say
Buyers give the Essential Pillow 4.4 out of 5 from 5,617 ratings. Adjusted for pool size, the Essential Pillow averages 4.40, with 8% of its ratings at one or two stars.
- 5 star67%
- 4 star16%
- 3 star9%
- 2 star4%
- 1 star4%
Topics buyers raise most
- Quality455 mentions: 77% positive, 23% negative
- Softness290 mentions: 66% positive, 34% negative
- Comfort249 mentions: 78% positive, 22% negative
- Neck support247 mentions: 59% positive, 41% negative
- Value for money159 mentions: 64% positive, 36% negative
- Appearance130 mentions: 97% positive, 3% negative
- Sleep quality102 mentions: 82% positive, 18% negative
- Flatness78 mentions: 32% positive, 68% negative
67% of 5,617 ratings are five stars and only 8% are one or two. Comfort runs 78% positive across 249 mentions, and on value 64% of buyers who raise it are satisfied.
The weak spots are height and support. Of 78 buyers who mention flatness, 68% are negative, and neck support splits 59% positive across 247. Casper says the pillow keeps its shape and loft through the night without flattening; a sizable share of the buyers who comment on it disagree.
Fill and feel
Polyester fill held in three chambers
Inside is polyester fiber divided into three chambers, which Casper says keeps the fill in place and easy to fluff. The listing rates the feel medium; the marketing calls it medium-soft and names side, back and stomach sleepers. Softness draws 290 mentions at 66% positive.
Chambers stop fill from drifting to one end, but they cannot add height you do not have. If you sleep on your side with broad shoulders, the flatness counts above are the ones to weigh. Our down alternative guide explains how polyester fiber behaves as it ages.
Size and loft
A 26 by 18 inch standard, plus king
The standard measures 26 by 18 inches, and a king is offered as well, singly or in pairs. Casper names no loft figure. The cover and gusset are 100% cotton percale, which Casper sells as naturally cooling; Essential Cooling, Cooling Foam and Cooling Hybrid versions also sit in the range.
Care
Dry clean only, by the label
Casper's listing gives one care instruction: dry clean only. For a pillow you will sleep on every night, that is a real cost over its life, and it is why care scores 4.0 while the machine-washable Casper Original earns 10.0. A zippered protector over the pillow keeps the trips to the cleaner rare.
No certification is named for the pillow itself. The CertiPUR-US directory lists Casper with pillows among its categories, which is as far as proof goes here.
Value
Cheaper than the Original, still above the median
At $81 for the standard two-pack, you pay $40.50 a pillow, against a $25 median for fiber pillows. For less, the Utopia Bedding Hotel Pillows, Set of 4 score 7.2 at $7.62 each, and the Serta Medium Soft Bed Pillow scores 7.4 at $25.
Casper takes back only unused pillows in their original packaging within 30 days of delivery, on direct orders, and adds a 1-year limited warranty. Our down alternative ranking lists the fiber pillows that score best, and the Casper brand page covers the rest of the lineup.
Sizes and prices
Sizes, packs and prices
| Option | Size | Pillows | Price | Per pillow | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard / Essential Pillow / Two Pack | Standard | 2 | $81 | $40.50 |  |
| Standard / Essential Cooling Pillow / Single Pack | Standard | 1 | $44.78 | $44.78 | |
| Standard / Essential Pillow / Single Pack | Standard | 1 | $45 | $45 | |
| King / Essential Pillow / Two Pack | King | 2 | $108 | $54 | |
| King / Essential Pillow / Single Pack | King | 1 | $60 | $60 | |
| King / Essential Cooling Hybrid Pillow / Single Pack | King | 1 | $61.03 | $61.03 | |
| Standard / Essential Cooling Foam Pillow / Single Pack | Standard | 1 | $65 | $65 | |
| King / Essential Cooling Foam Pillow / Single Pack | King | 1 | $80 | $80 | |
The score
How the 5.9 adds up
Six parts, the same weights for every pillow on this site. The full method, with the formula for each part, is on our scoring page.
| Part | Weight | Score | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buyer satisfaction | 35% | 7.6 | 4.4 stars from 5,617 ratings, adjusted 4.40; 8% one or two stars |
| Complaint profile | 20% | 4.9 | 30.4% of fault-type topic mentions are negative |
| Fit range | 15% | 5.0 | fixed fill, 2 sizes |
| Materials & proof | 10% | 4.0 | No certification stated |
| Care & cover | 10% | 4.0 | Dry clean only |
| Value | 10% | 6.9 | $40.50 per pillow against a $25 median for down alternative fiber |
Alternatives
Other down alternative fiber pillows
JOLLYVOGUE Down Alternative Pillows, Set of 4
Down alternative fiber
7.5$9.25 per pillow
Serta Medium Soft Bed Pillow
Down alternative fiber
7.4$25 per pillow
Utopia Bedding Hotel Pillows, Set of 4
Down alternative fiber
7.2$7.62 per pillow
JOLLYVOGUE Hotel Collection Pillows, Set of 4
Down alternative fiber
7.2$8.25 per pillowSame brand
More from Casper
The Essential Pillow is one of 4 Casper pillows we score. Who makes the Essential Pillow, and what the trial and warranty say, is on the Casper brand page.
Questions
Questions about the Casper Essential Pillow
Can you wash the Casper Essential Pillow at home?
The listing says dry clean only. If you need a Casper you can put in the machine, the Original is listed as fully machine washable.
Is the Casper Essential better than the Casper Original?
On buyer satisfaction the Essential scores 7.6 against 7.0 for the Original, and it costs less per pillow, $40.50 against $67.50. The Original wins on care, since you can wash it whole.
Does the Casper Essential go flat?
Casper says it holds its shape and loft through the night, but 68% of buyers who mention flatness are negative.
