Purple Mattress Reviews

The Purple Mattress brand is relatively new to the mattress industry, but their popularity has soared with their innovative foams and thousands of satisfied customer reviews. Unlike most other online mattress brands who use memory foam, Purple invented their own patented material for mattresses, called the Purple Grid™. Made of Hyper-Elastic Polymer™, this stretchy, responsive material keeps the sleeper cool and prevents that all-too-familiar “trapped” feeling common to traditional memory foam mattresses.

The gel-infused Purple Grid™, combined with built-in air channels, make this brand one of the coolest (literally) mattress brands out there. Let’s take a look at all this popular brand has to offer.

The Good

• Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ deters sagging while relieving pressure points and contouring closely to the body
• Gel infusion keeps sleepers cool
• Purple has a range of firmnesses and two different mattress types to suit every sleeping position

The Not So Good

• The feel of the Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ is quite unique, and some sleepers may prefer the feel of memory foam
• Some customers report the beds are too cool

Purple Mattress Similarities

Though Purple has five different mattresses, they all have similar materials. The difference is the thickness and composition of every layer. And of course, the hybrid models contain pocketed coils, while the Original Purple and Kid Mattress do not.

Purple Grid™ – The Purple Grid™ is made of Purple’s own Hyper-Elastic Polymer™. A stretchy, responsive material that cradles the body but doesn’t sink, this is Purple’s answer to the ubiquitous memory foam. The Purple Grid™ is so named for its grid-like structure, and it’s the comfort layer of every Purple Mattress. The Purple Grid™ is infused with gel for extra cooling.

Dual-Layered Comfort Foam – The Original Purple and Kid Mattress both have something called Dual-Layered Comfort Foam. This layer, which sits underneath the Purple Grid™, comprises two high-density foams of different firmness: the first layer is soft while the second is firm for extra support. The second, sturdy layer acts as the base for both the Original Purple and Kid Mattress.

Transition Foam – In all three of Purple’s hybrid models, there are two thin layers of transition foam on top of and below the pocketed coil base. This transition foam acts as a buffer so the sleeper can enjoy the responsiveness of the coils without feeling stuck or trapped. The foam also makes for better motion isolation, so unlike other beds with innerspring coils, the movement from your restless partner won’t wake you up.

Pocketed Coils – Perhaps you’ve never heard of pocketed coils, but they are the reason behind the recent popularity of hybrid mattresses. Hybrids combine the pressure relief of foam with the responsiveness of coils—however, the coils in hybrid beds are wrapped, or pocketed in fabric for better motion isolation. The coils respond to movement independently of one another, so there’s less risk of sagging.

StretchMax Cover – All hybrid models in the Purple lineup are encased in the StretchMax Cover, which is a stretchier version of the SoftFlex Cover found on the Original Purple. The malleability of this cover allows sleepers to enjoy the Purple Grid beneath without a thick barrier in the way.

Purple also doesn’t use fiberglass in its mattresses, so you won’t find any underneath the cover.

The Basics – Every Purple Mattress purchase comes with their company policies attached, such as a sleep trial and warranty. Let’s go over each feature in detail.

• Made in the USA – Every Purple Mattress is made in the USA, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic
• Trial period – 100 nights from the time you receive your bed; Purple requires you to keep the bed for at least 21 days to adjust to it
• Warranty – 10 years, covers sagging greater than 1 inch
• Refunds and exchanges – Purple ships their mattresses for free and extends free returns within the sleep trial period. If you decide the Purple isn’t right for you during the sleep trial, you can return it for a refund. You can also exchange your mattress for a different model within the sleep trial window

Purple Mattress Comparison

In this table, we’ll go over the differences between each model that Purple offers, including their new Kid Mattress. Most are very similar to each other, with the key disparities being firmness. Purple offers three hybrid models and two with no coils at all, the Original Purple and the Kid Mattress. The Kid Mattress looks almost identical to the Original Purple, but the brand designed the Dual-Layered comfort foam in this model to be slightly softer, able to support bodies weighing less than 115 pounds.

Choosing the best mattress for you takes more than knowing your preferred firmness, although that is a critical part of mattress comfort. You will also need to consider your weight, sleeping position, and any health issues that could affect your comfort, such as chronic back pain.

*the Purple Kid Mattress is only available in twin size

Original Purple

The Original Purple is the brand’s best selling mattress. The top layer features a 2-inch Purple Grid™ for even cushioning and support, while the dual-layered comfort foam beneath ensures the top layer doesn’t sag or bunch up. The 1,800 air channels in the gel-infused Purple Grid™ add even more airflow to this already cool mattress. The SoftFlex cover encasing the mattress is just stretchy enough for sleepers to enjoy the top layers.

Back

Back sleepers will probably enjoy the Original Purple because it’s right between medium and medium-firm. Studies have shown the best mattresses for back pain are medium-firm, and this firmness will ensure the spine stays neutral all night. Back sleepers should take care to choose a pillow that keeps their heads slightly elevated so they aren’t at risk for snoring or other breathing problems.

Side

Purple refers to the firmness level of their Original as “universally comfortable,” meaning it should work for every sleeping position. However, since it’s somewhere between medium and medium-firm, it may be too hard for some side sleepers.

Stomach

Stomach sleepers always need a relatively firm surface to rest on so they aren’t at risk for spinal misalignment or back pain. The Original Purple should work fine, as it’s one of Purple’s firmest models (next to the Purple Hybrid—both are medium-firm).

Purple Hybrid

The Purple Hybrid has the same 2-inch thick Purple Grid™ layer as the Original Purple, but instead of Dual-Layered Comfort Foam, the Hybrid is fitted with 7.5-inch tall pocketed spring coils in its base. The added buoyancy from this layer makes the Purple Hybrid a more responsive mattress than the Original. The StretchMax cover on the Purple Hybrid has side panels for extra airflow.

Back

Back sleepers might find the Purple Hybrid is even more comfortable than the Original Purple mattress thanks to the pocketed coil base, which ensures very little give. All-foam mattresses tend to come with a risk of sinking down too far, especially if a sleeper is heavy (over 230 pounds). Back sleepers need to keep their spines neutral, so a medium-firm mattress like the Purple Hybrid is best.

Side 

We don’t recommend side sleepers try the Purple Hybrid, only because it ranks as medium-firm which is typically a little too hard for most side sleepers. No matter which side you sleep on, if you prefer to rest on your side, you risk pressure build-up and numbness if your mattress is too firm.

Stomach

Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress, with an even surface that won’t sink down. A medium-firm bed like the Purple Hybrid is actually the softest comfort level stomach sleepers should try—anything more plush could cause their hips to sink down into the mattress and the spine to get thrown out of alignment.

Purple Hybrid Premier 3”

The Purple Hybrid Premier is the slightly softer cousin of the Purple Hybrid. The gel Purple Grid™ on top is 3 inches thick, allowing for just a little bit more give in the shoulders, hips, and other pressure-sensitive areas. With the extra inch of Purple Grid™, this mattress is a solid medium, which suits most sleeping positions.

Back

Back sleepers have to be careful not to choose a mattress that’s too soft, otherwise, they risk back pain and pressure buildup. A medium mattress may be too soft for some back sleepers, especially those weighing more than 230 pounds. However, if you primarily sleep on your back and you’re average weight, a medium mattress should be supportive enough. Plus, the addition of wrapped coils in the base of the Purple Hybrid Premier 3” means you’ll feel minimal sinkage.

Side

Most side sleepers should feel well supported on the Purple Hybrid Premier 3”. A medium mattress is considered the “universally comfortable” firmness, but for some side sleepers, it may still be too firm. Dedicate side sleepers, especially average weight, and petite sleepers, may enjoy the Purple Hybrid Premier with the 4” Purple Grid™ on top.

Stomach

Since the Purple Hybrid Premier 3” is a medium, it could suit some petite stomach sleepers, but overall, we suggest stomach sleepers choose a mattress between medium-firm and firm. This will prevent the risk of spinal misalignment, back pain, or hip pain.

Purple Hybrid Premier 4”

The only difference between the Purple Hybrid Premier 3” and 4” models is one inch of Purple Grid™ on top. Though it may not seem like much, that extra inch changes the feel of this mattress, combining the bounce of the coils with a plush comfort layer.

Back

For back sleepers of any weight, the Purple Hybrid Premier 4” is probably too soft. Though not all back sleepers struggle with breathing problems, the ones that do are at risk for sinking down into a too-soft bed like the Hybrid Premier 4”. When gravity pushes down on the throat, it can close up the airways, making back sleeping uncomfortable for snorers or those with sleep apnea.

Side

The Purple Hybrid Premier 4” is one of the best mattresses for side sleepers. It’s a medium-soft mattress with limited motion transfer, unlike other soft foam beds with coil bases. The Purple Grid™ absorbs any movement on the surface, and the pocketed coils enhance the pressure relief of the top layers.

Stomach

The Purple Hybrid Premier 4” is much too soft for stomach sleepers. Even with a flat pillow supporting their head and neck, stomach sleepers (like everyone else) carry their weight in the midsection, which would sink into a soft mattress and cause the spine to bow. This can lead to back pain, neck pain, hip pain, and of course, poor sleep.

Kid Mattress

Like the other Purple Mattresses, the Kid Mattress features No Pressure Support from the Purple Grid™. In fact, at first glance, the Kid Mattress and Original Purple bed seem to be identical, layers-wise. However, the Dual-Layered Comfort foam beneath the Purple Grid™ is slightly softer. That’s because this bed was made to support bodies weighing up to 115 pounds (or 14 years old). The Kid Mattress ranks as a medium on the firmness scale, so it should suit all sleeping positions.

Back

Back sleepers need a mattress that keeps their spine neutral and prevents their hips and pelvis from sinking downward. The medium feel of the Kid Mattress does just that, but sleepers weighing over 115 pounds should choose the Original Purple instead for slightly more support.

Side 

Children who prefer sleeping on their sides will enjoy the Kid Mattress because it’s a perfect medium. Not too firm and not too soft, the pressure relief from the Purple Grid™ and durable support of the Dual-Layered Comfort foam means there’s minimal risk of pressure buildup to one side. The medium firmness will also keep the spine neutral.

Stomach

Usually, stomach sleepers should not choose a medium mattress because it’s just too soft to keep the midsection from sinking. However, since the Kid Mattress is made only for sleepers weighing up to 115 pounds, there’s little risk of deep sinkage, meaning stomach sleepers should be able to rest on the Kid Mattress comfortably.

Purple vs The Competition

Amerisleep

• Both brands carry all-foam and hybrid models fitted with pocketed coils. The Purple Brand uses their Purple Grid™ in every mattress, while Amerisleep uses plant-based Bio-Pur®. Amerisleep does not carry a Kid Mattress, but their mattress lineup features five beds of different firmnesses, so a Kid Mattress is not necessary.
• Both Amerisleep and Purple make mattresses with cooling features. In the Purple beds, the Purple Grid is infused with gel to dissipate heat, and the grid design ensures warmth and moisture don’t get trapped beneath the sleeper. In Amerisleep’s beds, the Bio-Pur® foam is made with castor oil and has an advanced open-cell design, so it’s more cooling and responsive than traditional memory foam.
• Amerisleep has a 20-year warranty, while Purple’s warranty is the standard 10 years.
• Amerisleep’s mattresses are slightly cheaper than Purple’s (even the hybrid line), but both brands have regular discounts and deals for customers on a budget.

Is Purple Right For You?

The Purple Mattress brand worked on their patented Purple Grid™ design for 25 years. The Hyper-Elastic Polymer relieves pressure points and offers consistent support without building up heat like memory foam. If you’re looking for consistent pressure relief and cooling in an online mattress, the Purple Mattress brand may be right for you.

We recommend trying one out in a showroom if possible, since the feel of Hyper-Elastic Polymer is unlike any other material on the market today. If it doesn’t seem right for you, there are plenty of Purple mattress alternatives to consider.

Pros

• The proprietary Hyper-Elastic Polymer fashioned into the Purple Grid™ makes the Purple Mattresses some of the most cooling on the market
• Purple guarantees their beds to last for 10 years, with some customers reporting they last beyond that
• You can use the Purple Mattresses on almost any non-spring foundation, including slatted frames, adjustable beds, or the floor
• Purple sells foundations, blankets, sheets, pillows, and almost anything else you can think of to make your bedroom complete, making shopping for a new bedroom setup easy and convenient

Cons

• Purple’s mattresses can be outside the budget range of many customers
• Purple requires customers to try out their bed for at least 21 nights before returning it for a refund

FAQs

Is the Purple Mattress worth it?

For many customers, the Purple Mattress is worth the extra cost because of the high-quality Purple Grid™. This special material not only enables airflow, but it bounces back quickly underweight and movement, deterring sags.

How long does a Purple Mattress last?

The Purple Mattress is covered by a 10-year warranty, but Purple claims their Purple Grid™ is so durable it can last even longer if well-maintained. To ensure you do not void the warranty, make sure to read the warranty terms on their website, and always use a mattress protector.

Can you flip a Purple Mattress?

No, you cannot flip a Purple Mattress because the layers are designed to be laid on a certain way. If you flip the mattress, you will be laying on the stiff, firm core, and the softer layers will then be on the bottom, potentially damaging your mattress beyond repair. You can, however, rotate your mattress every few months to ensure no sags or body indentations develop.

What’s so special about a Purple Mattress?

Purple is unlike most mattress in a box brands because it’s made using their own patented material, Hyper-Elastic Polymer. It’s not a memory foam, latex foam, or polyurethane foam, though the feel is similar. The grid design keeps sleepers on top of the mattress instead of sunk down into it, and the gel infusion keeps everything cool.

Does the Purple Mattress have edge support?

Yes, all Purple Mattresses have a foam border around the perimeter to make getting in and out of bed easier.