Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Editor
Purple is almost as famous for its commercials as it is for reinventing what it means to build a mattress. From Goldilocks and the Three Bears to an egg dropped on a bed, their ads catch attention.
Despite their iconic marketing, Purple is probably best known for its innovative Purple GelFlex™ Grid. Stretchy and ultra-responsive, this grid features unique hyper-elastic polymer material.
In this Purple mattress review, we take a look at the brand's unique hyper-elastic grid and dissect what all the fuss is about. We’ll also cover its performance in key categories like motion isolation, support, and cooling.
Purple Mattress
Up to $400 off Purple mattresses
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Purple Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Purple Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Watch Our Purple Original Video Review
Who We Recommend The Purple For:
- Those who want versatility – Consumers looking for a bed that matches multiple sleep postures or body types should enjoy the Purple, as that’s the goal behind the hyper-elastic grid design.
- Pressure relief seekers – If you suffer from aches and pains, the last thing you need is pressure building up while you sleep, but this system was designed to cradle your weight (whatever that may be). It can relieve pressure where it builds up while reinforcing areas that need support.
- Hot sleepers – Some old-fashioned foams hold in heat, but the Purple grid system is designed to be temperature neutral as it has over 1,400 air channels built into its construction.
Who We Don’t Recommend The Purple For:
- Heavyweight stomach sleepers – Although the Purple can work for a variety of sleepers and positions, heavyweight stomach sleepers may not feel supported by this mattress. It will likely feel too soft and cushioning to keep these sleepers’ hips raised, so these folks are better off with a firm mattress.
- People who prefer a traditional mattress – For those who want a traditional innerspring or memory foam mattress, the Purple may not work for you. This bed has a uniquely bouncy, yet pressure-relieving feel. In other words, it doesn’t have the slow-sinking sensation of memory foam, but it also lacks the on-top-of-the-mattress feel that comes with an innerspring bed.
First Impressions: Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 6/10
Please remember that firmness is a subjective characteristic and your shape will dictate how you experience a bed. A heavier person whose weight can more easily push through softer comfort and support layers may experience a bed as softer than a lightweight person. The way you are shaped could also play a role here. Consider your weight, shape, and size when evaluating firmness scores.
The best way to evaluate if a mattress will fit your needs is to consider its firmness and feel. We rate mattress firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. This way, you have a better chance of understanding how a mattress feels before you buy it.
This Purple bed feels medium-firm, which falls at a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale. This mid-range firmness should fit most people, depending on their weight. We recommend it most for back sleepers, most average-weight people, and those who rest on their side.
How Does It Feel?
Lying on the Purple mattress, you should feel the grid conforming to your curves. However, if you push on it with your hands or try to switch to your stomach or side, you’ll see how springy the grid is.
The Purple bed will likely be an unfamiliar experience for you, so we recommend giving it a chance before making any final decisions. Therefore, be sure to use the sleep trial to see how it works for you. Although the Purple has two foam layers in its design, the bed doesn’t feel like a classic foam mattress, so it may take some getting used to.
What We Like About the Purple
- Unique materials – The Purple mattress has two inches of GelFlex Grid, which is the brand’s proprietary material designed to adapt to your body in various sleeping positions. This layer supports the body and returns back to its original shape the moment you get up or switch positions.
- Mid-range firmness – As we stated earlier, the Purple mattress has a medium-firm feel that should be comfortable for most people. Back sleepers and average-weight people should like it best, but side and stomach sleepers may find it comfortable as well, depending on their weight.
- There’s a hybrid version – There’s a hybrid version of this all-foam mattress that’s a part of Purple’s premium collection. The hybrid has the same GelFlex Grid, a transition layer, and a coil unit with individually-wrapped coils.
Our Purple Complaints
- Not a classic feel – Classics are given that title for a good reason, and many people prefer to sleep on what’s already familiar to them. If you’re not up for brand-new technology, you may not be the right match for a Purple mattress.
- Little bounce – When using this mattress, you’ll find some bounce, but if you’re looking for the strong pushback that’s commonly associated with innerspring beds, you might want to look at the hybrid version of the Purple mattress instead.
- No natural materials – Purple uses plenty of top-notch materials in their mattresses, but eco-conscious folks may be put off by the lack of natural materials in their designs.
Testing the Purple Mattress: How it Performed
We tried lying on the Purple mattress in various positions to better evaluate how it feels and fits different sleepers. While its medium-firm feel should work for most people, some may still find it too firm. We also tested for bounce, edge support, motion isolation, and other preference-based features.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
According to the company’s website, the Purple mattress does not have an official limit for how much weight it can hold. However, the company advises the bed should not support more than 300 pounds per person or 600 pounds total for couples.
| Weight | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Sleepers (-130 lbs) | ★★☆ | ★★★ | ★★☆ |
| Average-Weight Sleepers (130-230 lbs) | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★☆ |
| Heavyweight Sleepers (+230 lbs) | ★☆☆ | ★★☆ | ★☆☆ |
Side Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight side sleepers should experience a nice contour from the GelFlex Grid layer and the bed’s two comfort layers underneath. However, some may experience it as firmer.
- Average Weight Sleepers – Average-weight side sleepers should like the bed’s medium-firm feel that allows enough contouring without taking away from the support, as most of their weight is concentrated across a narrow surface.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Side sleepers who weigh over 230 may sink too deeply, especially in the hip and shoulder areas, which can lead to poor spine alignment.
Back Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Back sleepers who weigh under 130 should find this bed a bit firmer, but they should still like how the GelFlex Grid contours the pressure points without letting you sink too deeply into the mattress construction.
- Average Weight Sleepers – Average-weight sleepers should get a nice balance of pressure relief and support when sleeping on their back. Some may experience more sinkage, but overall, most should find this comfortable for back sleeping.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavy back sleepers are likely to sink deeper, which should still be comfortable for those who prefer a softer mattress. However, plus-size sleepers who weigh over 300 pounds may prefer the Purple Hybrid mattress for greater support.
Stomach Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight stomach sleepers should like the medium-firm feel. The construction should allow just enough sinkage for pressure relief while the overall firmness level ensures the hips don’t sink too deeply.
- Average Weight Sleepers – Average-weight stomach sleepers may experience this mattress differently depending on their exact weight. Those who weigh closer to 130 pounds should like the balance of pressure relief and support, while those closer to 230 pounds may want to consider the hybrid version.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavy stomach sleepers may want the hybrid version of this Purple mattress as the all-foam is likely too soft to support the hips from sinking too deeply into the comfort layers.
Pressure Relief & Pain
This company makes some bold claims regarding its No Pressure® system. By collapsing more under pressure points while maintaining support where your body needs it most, this system ensures heavier body parts don’t have to bear excess pressure.
Body areas with gentler curves may not sink in as much as areas with a more pronounced shape. When lying on your side, expect more sinkage around the hips and shoulders than you may experience when lying on your back. As a result, the bed ranges from a deeper hug to a gentle cradle, depending on the position you’re resting in.
Back Pain – People with back pain should enjoy the Purple’s medium-firm feel. The GelFlex Grid adapts to your body, which helps relieve pressure build-up and pain in this area. The mattress firmness should ensure your body is aligned in different positions, which should help people with back pain achieve a better night’s sleep.
Hip Pain – People with hip pain should appreciate the GelFlex Grid and how it adapts to your curves to relieve pressure and pain in sensitive areas. In addition, this bed has two foam layers that further help keep your hips aligned with the rest of the body.
Shoulder Pain – Those with shoulder pain should consider their body weight to determine the level of sinkage they’d experience with the Purple mattress. The GelFlex Grid follows your curves, helping to take some pressure off your shoulders, but some people with shoulder pain may prefer a softer bed for even deeper contouring.
Support
A well-supportive bed should alleviate pain in the back and neck by keeping the spine in a neutral position. The support system in this mattress starts with the grid, along with two layers of poly foam beneath. The edges are reinforced with denser foam, so support should be consistent from edge to edge.
Purple’s grid formation was designed to cradle your body in a neutral position regardless of position, so this should be good news for proper spine alignment.
However, the individually-wrapped coils in the hybrid version of this mattress may work a bit better for those searching for extra support, especially for folks who are significantly heavier.
Motion Transfer
As with most all-foam mattresses, the Purple bed has excellent motion isolation. Motion isolation is a major concern for most people, but especially for those who share their bed with a partner who tends to toss and turn. Co-sleepers who share their bed with kids and pets should also consider motion isolation.
The Purple mattress has a unique layer of GelFlex Grid followed by two other foam layers, all of which absorb motion. The medium-firm feel should further help reduce motion transfer, which helps light sleepers sleep undisturbed.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
Although this is an all-foam mattress, it does a great job of temperature regulation. The cooling starts with a breathable cover that doesn’t hold any heat that would otherwise build up around your body. In addition, the gel grid has little squares that allow plenty of airflow to further help create a temperature-neutral sleeping surface. Although this isn’t necessarily a cooling mattress, you’re unlikely to overheat when sleeping on it.
Performance for Couples
Although the Purple mattress excels in motion isolation, it didn’t perform quite as well in the bounce department, which could be a drawback for couples. While it’s certainly bouncier than the average all-foam bed, it won’t have the same level of responsiveness as a hybrid or innerspring bed that contains coils. However, partners with different sleeping schedules and those who share their mattress with a combination or restless sleeper should like how the foam layers absorb movement.
On top of that, the Purple has denser foam around the sides to help maintain edge-to-edge support, which is perfect for people who share their mattress and want to maximize their space.
Purple Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Purple Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Purple Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Preference-based Features
Modified Bed-in-a-box Shipping
Purple ships this mattress in a sturdy bag with handles, so it’s easy to carry from your front door to the bedroom. This shipping method is popular among mattress brands for its convenience and cost, which allows companies to offer cheaper and even free shipping. However, most brands use boxes, whereas Purple uses bags you can reuse later.
Proprietary Materials
The brand’s GelFlex® Grid is a unique twist on the typical pressure-relieving material usually seen in all-foam mattresses. Although you won’t experience the classic foam feel, the Purple mattress should make you feel like you’re resting inside a cloud that still adapts to your movement.
Adjustable Base Compatible
This Purple mattress works with most bed foundations, including an adjustable base for those who want to customize the bed’s feel and performance even more.
Handcrafted in the USA
Construction: What’s Inside the Purple Mattress?
At 9.25 inches tall, the Purple’s cover extends over three layers and features a SoftFlex material composed of polyester, viscose, and lycra. The cover’s soft material is breathable and allows it to adapt to both your movements and those of the grid.
- Below the cover is Purple’s signature 2-inch Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ grid that the brand calls “pressure-erasing.” This grid is highly durable, provides comfort, and protects the layers beneath. In addition, the structure allows it to release and equalize pressure across the grid, which evenly distributes weight. When pressure does not need to be released, the Purple grid holds its upright form to provide support.
- The middle layer consists of 3.5 inches of medium-soft poly foam. In addition to acting as a comfort layer, it helps to create a smooth transition from the top to the base layers.
- The base layer is a 4-inch medium-firm support level made from poly foam. The layer gives the bed shape and durability. This is the main support system that ensures all the layers above perform at their peak, while supporting your body and preventing you from sinking too deeply in any of the layers.
Note: Purple’s hybrid version builds upon this construction by adding coils below the grid.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
Purple sends its beds in a bag, which allows fast shipping at no cost. The bag should be easy to handle, but keep in mind it may be heavy, depending on the mattress size you choose. Sadly, white glove delivery is only available with Purple’s hybrid mattresses.
Once it arrives, you’ll notice the mattress is rolled inside plastic packaging. Remove the plastic and let the bed unroll and decompress. The mattress is ready for use the moment you remove it from the packaging, although it may take a few hours to reach its full size. Off-gassing odors are minimal and likely to dissipate within a few hours.
Certifications
- Eco-Friendly Certifications – The foams in this bed are CertiPUR-US® certified. CertiPUR-US® is a third-party program that ensures the foams meet rigorous health and safety standards. This means they don’t contain harmful substances like ozone depleters, PBDEs, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. They should also have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
Noteworthy Updates:
- Extra edge support in the Purple Grid™ layer – The foam perimeter added here should further enhance your comfort experience while resting on the edge of this mattress. Additionally, edge support is fantastic for couples, as they typically want to comfortably use the mattress’ surface area as much as possible.
- SoftFlex™ cover – The SoftFlex™ cover is designed to adapt to your body, further complementing the contouring effects of the Purple Grid™ below.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
- Shipping – Shipping is free to 48 contiguous states, with a small shipping fee for Hawaii and Alaska. The bed also ships to Canada through its partner, Sleep Country Canada.
- White Glove Delivery – Purple only offers white glove delivery with their hybrid mattresses.
- Trial – Try this product in your home for 100 nights to decide if it works for you. You can send it back if you don’t think it’s right.
- Warranty – Purple mattresses come with a 10-year limited warranty.
- Return Policy – You can return your Purple mattress before the 100-night trial is up, and the company will refund your money.
Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38" x 75" x 9.25" | $799 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 9.25" | $999 |
| Full | 54” x 76” x 9.25" | $1,199 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" x 9.25" | $1,399 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 9.25" | $1,799 |
| Cali King | 72" x 84" x 9.25" | $1,799 |
| Split King | 38” x 80” x 9.25" | $1,998 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you flip the Purple mattress?
Due to the special design of the Purple mattress, you cannot flip it. The product has a base layer and a gel grid on the cushion for maximum comfort. If you were to flip the bed, the grid layer would be on the bottom, which would make for an unsupportive, uncomfortable mattress.
Is the Purple mattress right for hot sleepers?
Yes! The Purple mattress is great for warm sleepers and is terrific at regulating temperature. Purple claims to have over 1,400 air channels built into its grid construction, which promote a temperature-neutral mattress that should keep you cool night after night.
Can I try the Purple mattress risk-free?
You can try it out risk-free for a limited time. The mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty, which lets customers try it out to decide if it’s the best choice for their personal needs.
Purple vs. Other Brands
Purple vs. Nolah Signature
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Who We Recommend the Purple For
- People with pressure build-up
- Side sleepers
- Couples and co-sleepers
Who We Recommend the Nolah Signature For
- Hot sleepers
- People who want a taller mattress
- Sleepers with mobility issues
Purple vs. Puffy
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Who We Recommend the Purple For
- People with hip pain
- Back sleepers
- Combination sleepers
Who We Recommend the Puffy For
- Couples and co-sleepers
- Those looking for a classic memory foam bed
- People who need a longer trial
Purple Mattress vs. Other Purple Models
Purple Mattress vs. Purple Plus Mattress
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Who We Recommend the Purple Mattress For
- Couples
- Back sleepers
- Average-weight sleepers
Who We Recommend the Purple Plus Mattress For
- Heavier people
- Combination sleepers
- People with shoulder pain
Purple Mattress vs. Purple Hybrid Mattress
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Who We Recommend the Purple Mattress For
- Lightweight sleepers
- People looking for motion isolation
- Side sleepers
Who We Recommend the Purple Hybrid For
- Combination sleepers
- Sexually-active couples
- Heavyweight sleepers
Overall Summary
We’re fascinated by a bed made by rocket scientists, and we’re impressed by its cooling design and unique approach to pressure relief and support. While its unique feel may not be for everyone, we appreciate Purple’s take on a pressure-relieving, yet still supportive mattress.
Side Sleepers
4/5
We gave this bed a four because those who need extra pressure relief might prefer the Purple Hybrid Premier, which has a thicker grid. However, most side sleepers who need pressure relief should find it with this mattress. The Purple contours to curves in this position, so pressure should not build up.
Back Sleepers
4/5
The bed earned a four in this category because those wanting something just a hair firmer might look to the Purple Hybrid built with coils. That being said, most back sleepers should feel satisfied with how this bed cradles their lumbar spine and holds their body in a neutral posture.
Stomach Sleepers
3/5
Purple scored a three here since sleepers who carry extra weight may want to steer towards the Purple Hybrid, which should provide additional firmness to keep their hips elevated and spine neutral. However, lightweight stomach sleepers should enjoy the way this bed evenly supports their weight in this position.
Combination Sleepers
5/5
This bed shines for combination sleepers of all kinds because it quickly adapts to different positions and weight concentrations. For example, a deeper sink for side sleepers can seamlessly convert into a gentle cradle when you roll onto your back. This versatility works fantastically for combo sleepers of most sizes.
Couples
5/5
Couples need versatility, and this brand was designed to adapt to different sleeping positions and body shapes. Most couples aren’t the same size and don’t sleep the same way, and this bed may be able to provide what you need. Furthermore, the motion isolation is well-designed and restless sleepers shouldn’t keep their partners awake with this brand.
Heavy Sleepers
3/5
The Purple scored a three for heavier sleepers, as they may prefer the hybrid choices with more substantial support, especially side and stomach sleepers with deeper curves. The bed did earn good points, though, since it should accommodate folks who weigh up to 300 pounds.
Lightweight Sleepers
4/5
The Purple scored a four out of five because some lightweight individuals, particularly those who sleep on their side, may prefer the softer Purple Hybrid Premier. However, this bed should be an excellent fit for lightweight sleepers who rest on their back and stomach.
Average Weight Sleepers
4/5
Average-weight sleepers should experience enough sinkage and support, although the exact level of each depends on their weight. The Purple mattress should feel good in most sleeping positions, although average-weight sleepers weighing closer to 230 pounds may want the hybrid version for stomach sleeping.
Overall Value
4/5
Purple earned an overall four of five as it is likely not supportive enough for people over 300 pounds, especially if they sleep with a partner. However, the bed earned high marks for its versatility and durability. If your body changes over time or you find yourself needing to sleep in a different position, this is a bed that can adapt to changes easily without added materials.
Our Verdict
The innovative Purple Grid™, the company’s claim to fame, if you will, helps this mattress appeal to a variety of sleepers.
For couples, great cooling, edge support, and motion isolation should provide you and your partner with an excellent bed that is versatile enough to work well for different sleep positions. Combination sleepers should also benefit from this versatility as they rotate between different postures during the night. We would also recommend this bed for folks in need of pressure relief.
However, heavyweight sleepers and stomach sleepers may not get the support they need from this mattress. These sleepers are likely better off with a hybrid bed that uses coils for better support.
Purple Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Purple Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Purple Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
