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Created by two brothers who just so happened to be an engineer and a rocket scientist, Purple started out by creating cushioning for wheelchairs and critical care beds. Today, Purple has evolved to become one of the world’s most popular bed-in-a-box mattress companies. Just because it’s popular doesn’t mean that it’s right for you, however. In this Purple mattress review, we take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of each version. Our Editor’s Choice is the Original Purple Mattress.
Purple Mattress Reviews: Top Picks Based on Consumer Reports
- Original Purple Mattress – Editor’s choice, best for all sleeper types
- Purple Hybrid – Best for heavier individuals
- Purple Hybrid Premier – Best for side sleepers
- Purple Kids – Best for kids
Original Purple
Check Current Price | Best for All Sleeper Types
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Great for all sleeper types | Grid may take some getting used to |
Responsive | Not for heavier individuals |
Cooling | Cover is not machine washable |
The Original Purple mattress is Purple’s flagship mattress. Known as the bed that started it all, the Purple mattress is an all-foam mattress that features Purple’s signature Purple grid, which they call their GelFlex grid layer.
The Purple mattress has recently gone through a makeover and now comes with an all new cover as well as reinforced edge support – 2 things a lot of verified reviewers touched upon. We do appreciate a company that takes the time to listen to what their customers have to say and actually work on improvements.
Who should buy the Purple mattress?
- Couples
- Those who suffer from chronic pain
- All sleeper types, including combination sleepers
- Those who prefer a more responsive bed
- Those who prefer all-foam mattresses
- Hot sleepers
Firmness
Because of its unique hyper-elastic polymer grid that’s quite malleable and responsive, it can be a little difficult to define the Original Purple bed’s firmness level, especially since mattress firmness can be very subjective.
That said, we can safely say that the Original Purple mattress falls on a 5-6 on the mattress firmness scale, upon trying it out. This makes it a medium to medium firm. Generally speaking, the more a person weighs, the softer a mattress feels and vice versa.
Because of its medium feel, the Purple mattress is a good option for all sleeping positions, with the exception of heavier sleepers or those who weight substantially over 250 lbs. Heavier individuals need a little bit more support which only a hybrid mattress could give.
The softness of the Purple grid allows even lighter side sleepers to sleep comfortably on the Original Purple bed. Side sleepers tend to need a soft mattress which could give them more pressure relief as well as comfort.
Those who suffer from body pain or other medical issues that could affect the joints (such as arthritis) also need a mattress that’s big on pressure-relieving. While the Purple mattress is by no means what we could classify as a soft mattress, the Purple Grid gives it a soft yet supportive surface that could give both comfort and support to those who would need it.
On the flip side, that very same Purple grid layer could be the dealbreaker when it comes to feel and firmness preferences. Some people may find the Purple grid a bit too strange to lie on although for the most part, most of them end up warming up to it and liking it in the end.
Construction
The Original Purple mattress’ construction is quite simple – there are only three layers making up the entire bed.
The top layer is made up of 2″ of the GelFlex grid. Similar to memory foam in feel but not construction, the GelFlex grid conforms to the body, relieving pressure off the hips and shoulders but unlike regular memory foam, it is more responsive. There was none of that ‘stuck in the mud’ feel when we tried it out.
As we mentioned previously, the GelFlex grid is made up of hyper-elastic gel polymer that’s ultra-soft, very responsive and very sturdy. It is called a grid because it is arranged in such a way that it forms a little squares with air pockets which helps with air circulation and cooling.
Both the middle and bottom layers of the Purple mattress are made up of Purple’s very own comfort foam, which are firmer and high density polyurethane foam. These layers act as both a support layer as well as a base layer. These layers help keep the body aligned while keeping the mattress firm and sturdy.
In 2019, Purple did a little overhauling and added a reinforced foam perimeter around the Purple beds. This massively helped with the edge support of the mattress, which was a complaint quite a few people had with the older versions. Edge support is important, especially if you are a sleeper that finds themselves sleeping on the edges of the bed (like myself).
Most all-foam mattresses are great at isolating motion and the Purple mattress is no exception. Although its responsiveness could make one think that it wouldn’t deaden movement all that well, we found that it actually did a great job at preventing motion transfer – crucial if you share a bed with a partner or a pet.
Compared to a memory foam bed, the Purple mattress did an excellent job at helping us sleep cool. Aside from the air pockets that allow air to move about freely, the GelFlex grid is made up of – you guessed it – gel, which is inherently cooling. Though by far not the coolest mattress we’ve tried, the Original Purple mattress does come close. This makes it a good choice for those who tend to sleep hot.
The Purple mattress also features a new SoftFlex cover that is designed to complete the instant responsiveness of the Purple grid. Purple uses a non-toxic, chemical-free fire barrier in all of its mattresses. While the mattress cover is removable, it is not machine washable. Should any spills or accidents occur, we suggest spot cleaning immediately. We also advocate the use of a mattress protector, especially if you’ve just gotten yourself a new Purple mattress.
All the foam layers in the Purple mattress are CertiPUR-US certified. We did experience a little off-gassing for an hour or two but not as bad as some other memory foam beds out there.
Sizes
The Original Purple mattress comes in 7 different sizes, including a California King. It measures 9.25″ tall, which is average for mattress heights. If you prefer thicker mattresses, you might want to look into the Original Nolah mattress.
The Purple mattress is compatible with all bed frames and bases, including an adjustable base.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split Cal King
Durability
Purple offers a 100 night sleep trial for each mattress purchase. The Original Purple mattress and all other Purple mattresses are backed by a 10-year warranty. Purple also offers risk-free returns and free shipping for all of their mattresses.
The Original Purple mattress currently features a 4.6 out of 5 star rating based on 30289 verified reviews.
Buy: Original Purple
Purple Hybrid
Check Current Price | Best for Heavier Individuals
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Suitable for heavier individuals | Gel grid may take some getting used to |
Cooling | Cover is not machine washable |
Very responsive | May feel to firm for some |
For all the hybrid and innerspring lovers out there, Purple has not forgotten you. Similar in construction to the Original Purple mattress but with the addition of pocketed coils, the Purple Hybrid mattress provides extra support and durability to the ones that need it most.
A hybrid mattress is the perfect mattress for individuals who weigh over 250 lbs. Heavier individuals need more support and responsiveness than what an all-foam mattress could give. Hybrids are also great for those who hate the feeling of being swallowed up by the bed, which memory foam is quite known for.
Who should buy the Purple Hybrid?
- Heavier individuals
- Those who hate the ‘stuck in the mud’ feel
- Those who sleep hot
- Innerspring mattress fans
Firmness
Purple describes their beds as being both firm and soft and honestly, we have to agree. On the mattress firmness scale, we would classify it as a medium to medium firm. For lighter individuals though this would lean a bit more towards medium firm to firm. Nonetheless, the Purple Hybrid can accommodate all sleeper types – from stomach and back sleepers to side and combo sleepers.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, the firmness and feel of a mattress depends a lot on a person’s weight and preferred sleeping position. How the Purple Hybrid feels though can be very divisive – it’s a love it or hate it sensation. If it counts for anything, most people do like how it feels or else Purple wouldn’t be one of the most popular bed in a box brands out there.
This again is because of Purple’s proprietary GelFlex grid. When combined with the coil unit, the Purple Hybrid feels like a springy, responsive bed. Those who tend to move around a lot while sleeping would have no trouble at all switching positions. There was definitely none of that ‘stuck in the mud’ feel when we tried it out.
Construction
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of foam and innersprings. Unlike the innersprings of yore though, the spring coils in the hybrids of today come individually wrapped. This helps with motion isolation and greatly reduces motion transfer. Although hybrid beds are technically springy by nature, we found that the Purple Hybrid fared well in our motion transfer test. If you are a light sleeper however, and your partner is heavier set and likes to move about, you may feel a hint of movement.
All Purple mattresses come with the GelFlex grid. This acts as the top comfort layer of the bed. It also helps relieve pressure from all the main pressure points in the body. Those who need extra pressure relief may want to opt for a softer mattress such as Amerisleep’s AS5.
Below that sits the transition layer made up of poly-foam. The transition foam helps provide support as well as act as a cushion for the spring coil unit.
The coil system in the Purple Hybrid are 7.5″ thick and come individually wrapped. This provides bounce and support to the bed. Springs are also great for keeping a mattress cool as it allows air to circulate more throughout the entire mattress.
The base layer is made up of a denser, polyurethane foam which supports the coil unit while keeping all the other layers intact.
Most hybrid beds give great edge support and we found that the Purple Hybrid is no exception. This is helpful, especially if you’re the type of sleeper who tends to sleep on the edge of the bed.
A lot of hybrid mattresses utilize gel memory foam as their comfort layer. Foam mattresses are known to retain heat but the Purple grid’s air pockets help you sleep more temperature neutral. When combined with the pocketed springs coils, this makes the Purple Hybrid more of a cooling mattress. If you sleep hot, this could be a great option for you.
The foam used in the Purple Hybrid are CertiPUR-US certified. We did not experience any instances of off-gassing when we first took the mattress out of the box.
The cover of the Purple Hybrid is a breathable, knit cover that’s particularly soft to the touch. The mattress also features a non-slip base. It is removable but not machine washable. Should any spills or accidents occur, we suggest spot cleaning immediately.
Sizes
The Purple Hybrid comes in 6 sizes. It measures 11″ thick and is compatible with most bed frames and foundations.
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split California King
Durability
As with other Purple beds, the Purple Hybrid comes with a 100 night sleep trial. Should you decide that you want it, it comes backed by a 10 year warranty. Purple also offers free shipping for their mattresses throughout the continental United States.
Buy: Purple Hybrid
Purple Hybrid Premier
Check Current Price | Best for Side Sleepers
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Good for all sleeper types | May feel too soft for some |
Comes with 2 grid thickness options | Cover is not machine washable |
Cooling |
The Purple Hybrid Premier mattress is a hybrid mattress that features a thicker layer of the Purple GelFlex grid. Until recently, it was known as the Purple Hybrid Premier 4.
Because of the thicker grid construction, we think that this bed would suit those who want more of the responsive, almost floaty feel of the GelFlex grid. In fact, Purple gives you two thickness options to choose from. Classy and luxurious, we find it comparable to beds found in high-end hotels.
Who should buy the Purple Hybrid Premier?
- Those who prefer thicker mattresses
- Those who need a bed that’s very responsive
- Hot sleepers
- Couples
Firmness
The Purple Hybrid Premier mattress has a thicker layer of the hyper-elastic polymer grid. This makes the Purple Hybrid Premier a softer mattress than the other Purple beds. It sit between a medium soft to medium on the mattress firmness scale. This makes it a great mattress for all sleeper types, including strict side sleepers.
Because it is a hybrid mattress, it would also provide better support for heavier individuals, especially ones who need extra pressure relief such as those who suffer from chronic pain. Older people would also benefit from a more responsive bed that’s also not too firm as this allows them to move around better.
Couples with different sleeping positions would also do well with a mattress like the Purple Hybrid Premier since it can accommodate different sleeper types.
Construction
As we’ve mentioned, Purple gives you the option to choose between two grid layer thicknesses: a 3″ grid and a 4″ grid. The 3″ Purple grid layer is great for back sleepers and stomach sleepers, as well as combination sleepers. It is slightly firmer than the 4″ grid. The 4″ grid layer is good for strict side sleepers and combo sleepers.
Back sleepers and stomach sleepers need firmer mattresses, whereas a strict side sleeper needs a softer mattress as their shoulders and hips bear the brunt of their weight.
The GelFlex grid is temperature neutral while its air pockets allow air to circulate throughout the mattress more freely. This helps sleepers keep cool as the grid allows body heat to dissipate rather than go into the mattress.
Similar to the Purple Hybrid, the Purple Hybrid Premier features individually wrapped coils as its support layer. They are a major factor in the bed’s springiness while the grid layer adds to its responsiveness. This makes it a good mattress for combo sleepers who switch positions frequently throughout the night. The coil unit also reacts to pressure quickly and the combination of the grid and coils provide optimum pressure relief. This makes it a great choice for those who suffer from aches and pains, whether chronic or not.
The individually wrapped coils also help with both heat and motion transfer. Coils allow air to move freely throughout the mattress, keeping heat away. Pocketed springs help deaden movement better than plain, uncovered springs. While foam mattresses are best at keeping motion at bay, we couldn’t find fault with the Purple Hybrid Premier’s motion isolating capabilities and we don’t think you would too – unless you are a very light sleeper.
Each foam layer in the Purple Hybrid Premier is certified by CertiPUR-US. This means they are free from harmful VOCs and other chemicals. Both the transition foam and base layer are made up of high density poly-foam.
The Purple Hybrid Premier features a breathable, stretch knit cover that’s removable but not machine washable. We recommend you use a mattress protector as soon you get your new mattress. The Hybrid premier also has a non-slip bottom so there’s no danger of it moving around your bed frame.
We did not experience any off-gassing with the Purple Hybrid Premier mattress.
Because it is quite at thick mattress, moving it around might be difficult and the initial mattress setup is a two man job (a common Purple mattress complaint). Needless to say, moving around – such as moving houses – with the Purple Hybrid Premier may be a little inconvenient although not impossible. If you decide that this brand isn’t for you, then you should take a look at our list of Purple mattress alternatives to find a similar brand that better meets your needs.
Sizes
The Purple Hybrid Premier comes in 6 sizes, including the eternally popular Queen mattress. It measures 13″ tall and is compatible with most foundations, bed bases and bed frames.
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
Durability
Purple offers a 100 night sleep trial for all of their mattresses. The Purple Hybrid Premier is also backed by a 10 year warranty, should you find yourself wanting to commit. Purple also provides free shipping for all of their beds.
The Purple Hybrid Premier currently has a 4.8 out of 5 star rating based on 7207 verified reviews.
Purple Kids
Check Current Price | Best for Kids
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Good for all sleeper types | Not for heavier kids |
Cooling | May be too thin for some |
Responsive and supportive |
Kids need mattresses that adapt to their growing bodies while providing both comfort and support. The Purple Kid mattress features the same GelFlex grid layer on their adult mattresses in their kid mattress, which can be used by children from toddler age up to 14 years old.
Think of the Purple Kid mattress as the training wheels as your child transitions from crib to a proper bed. Training wheels offer support and safety as your child gets ready for the big boy bike. The same goes for the Purple Kid mattress.
Not a lot of mattress in a box brands offer kids’ mattresses and we definitely appreciate the fact that Purple is all-inclusive. Nobody gets left behind.
Who should buy the Purple Kids?
- Children aged 3 to 14
- All sleeper types
- Kids who tend to sleep hot
Firmness
The Purple Kid mattress sits on a 5-6 on the mattress scale. This makes it a medium to medium firm mattress, which is suitable for all types of sleeping positions, including strict back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Most children are combination sleepers and tend to move around the bed a lot. If your child is the type of sleeper who travels all over the bed, you may want to look into getting bed frames that have side rails.
Just like with the adults, heavier kids may find the bed to be a little soft while lightweight children may feel that the Purple Kid mattress might be a tad too hard.
Kids who weigh over 115 lbs, however, may need the support of a thicker and heavier bed.
While it may be safe to assume that your child will be having a bed to him/herself but in the event that they would share a bed (with maybe a pet or a sibling), we found that the Purple Kid mattress did a good job of reducing motion transfer.
Construction
Similar in construction to the Purple mattress, the Purple Kid mattress is an all-foam mattress that combines foam with their proprietary GelFlex grid. Both soft and supportive, the GelFlex grid provides pressure relief while providing support in areas where kids need it most. No matter their sleep style, the Purple grid responds and adapts to their movements quickly.
Because it is made from temperature neutral gel as well as air pockets, the Purple Grid helps with children who tend sleep hot, which also means more sleep for mommy and daddy.
Growing bones need a lot of comfort and the Purple Kid mattress‘ dual-layered comfort foam is designed to be a softer supportive layer that can help cradle smaller bodies. The foam used in the Purple Kid mattress are certified by both CertiPUR-US and Clean Air GOLD, which means less toxins and harmful chemicals.
We also noticed there was only a very slight ‘new mattress’ smell to the Purple Kid mattress after unboxing. This is normal and can easily be remedied by airing out the mattress in a well ventilated room for a day or two.
The Purple Kid mattress features a non-slip cover that’s soft and breathable. It is also removable and machine washable – very convenient for those inevitable spills and accidents.
Just like the adult version Purple beds though, some kids may need some getting used to the initial feel of the Purple grid layer and thankfully, most bed in a box companies offer risk-free sleep trials.
Sizes
The Purple Kid mattress comes in only one size, a Twin. It measures 7″ in thickness and is compatible with most bed bases, frames and foundations, including an adjustable bed base.
Durability
Like with all Purple mattresses, the Purple Kid mattress comes with a 100 night risk-free sleep trial. Like the Purple bed, it is backed by a 10 year warranty. Purple offers free shipping and free returns for all of the Purple mattresses.
The Purple Kid mattress currently has a 5 out of 5 stars rating based on 170 verified reviews.
Buy: Purple Kid Mattress
Quick view and comparison
Brand | Original Purple | Purple Hybrid | Purple Hybrid Premier | Purple Kid |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sizes | 7 | 6 | 6 | 1 |
Thickness (inches) | 9.25 | 11 | 13 | 7 |
Feel | Medium to Medium Firm | Medium to Medium Firm | Medium | Medium to Medium Firm |
Motion Transfer | Minimal to none | Minimal | Minimal to none | Minimal to none |
Hybrid | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Adjustable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Edge Support | Very good | Excellent | Excellent | Very good |
Sleeping Position | All sleeper types | All sleeper types | All sleeper types | All sleeper types |
Trial (nights) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Warranty (years) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Link to buy | Buy Original Purple | Buy Purple Hybrid | Buy Purple Hybrid Premier | Buy Purple Kid |
Coupon code |
FAQs
Q: Which Purple mattress is the best?
A: Each Purple mattress serves different purposes just like every sleeper has different needs and preferences. The best mattress is the mattress that best serves your needs and comfort.
Q: How much does Purple mattress weigh?
A: Each Purple mattress weighs different according to their size and type. All information on weight and dimensions can we found on Purple’s website.
Q: How does Purple mattress ship?
A: Purple mattress comes shipped in a box and are rolled and compressed.
Q: Do Purple mattresses go on sale?
A: Purple sometimes offers discounts and sales during certain times of the year.
Q: Can you put a Purple mattress on an adjustable base?
A: Definitely. All of Purple’s beds are compatible with an adjustable base.
Q: Where is Purple mattress sold?
A: Purple mattresses are sold primarily online, on their official website. They can also be found in authorized resellers’ websites such as Amazon. Purple also has brick and mortar showrooms throughout the country.
About Purple
Introduced in 2013, the brains behind the Purple mattress brand have been inventing and re-inventing technology that focuses on health and comfort. The only mattress brand to utilize a patented hyper-elastic polymer gel grid a the primary comfort layer, Purple has paved the way for brands to lean towards science for comfort.
Purple’s sleep product range has expanded to bedding, bed frames, cushions and even pet beds.
Contact Purple
Phone: 888-848-0248
Purple is active in most social media platforms such as FaceBook, Instagram and Reddit.
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