Purple Mattress Reviews: An Honest Assessment for 2024

The distinctive feature of the Purple mattress lies in its cooling and gel-infused Purple Grid. Our team of experts has thoroughly assessed this mattress to help you determine whether it suits your needs.

Conceived by two visionary brothers eager to redefine the mattress experience, the Purple mattress introduces a groundbreaking material, reminiscent of the stretchy and highly durable fabric found in Jansport backpack straps. This innovative creation disrupted the online mattress industry, propelling the brand into a prominent position.

If you're uncertain about whether the Purple mattress aligns with your preferences, our comprehensive Purple mattress review is designed to assist you in making a well-informed decision. Navigating the complexities of purchasing a mattress online can be challenging, so to simplify the process, I've thoroughly examined the Purple mattress. In this evaluation, I outline the key factors influencing your decision to buy or pass, drawing insights from the perspective of an average sleeper who has extensively tested numerous beds over a lifetime.

First impressions of Purple

During my assessment of the Purple mattress, it was truly astonishing to realize that I was seated on a bed, as the material and sensation were entirely unprecedented. Unless you've had the chance to rest on a friend's or family member's Purple bed, this experience is likely unfamiliar. The sensation was akin to floating atop the comfort layers, reminiscent of the feeling of buoyancy when lying on your back in water. Even my hairdresser, while discussing my role as a mattress tester, shared a similar sentiment about her Purple mattress. The descriptor "unique" is frequently used in relation to the Purple bed, and it's not an exaggeration.

Amazon customer sentiment

Customers who purchased the Purple Mattress on Amazon have given it a favorable rating of 4.5 out of 5. Positive feedback highlights its cooling properties, soft feel, and effective support. The mattress's ability to contour to the body makes it suitable for various sleeping positions. Some users, however, pointed out its relatively higher cost compared to similar mattresses, and a few expressed a desire for a longer trial period and a more straightforward return process. It's crucial to be aware that if you acquire this mattress through Amazon, the return window is limited to 30 days. In contrast, purchasing directly from Purple grants you a more extensive 100-night trial period.

What does the Purple mattress feel like?

The key ingredient in Purple's unique formula is their "hyperelastic polymer," responsible for imparting the bed's distinctive feel. What exactly is hyperelastic polymer, you wonder? It's a pliable, elastic, gel-like material arranged in a comfort grid design on the top layer of the mattress. Adapting to its feel may take a couple of nights, but once accustomed, it offers a delightful sleeping experience.

This material excels in providing pressure relief and a plush sensation when lying on one's side, almost creating a buoyant effect. Simultaneously, there's no sense of my back sinking into the mattress; it strikes an excellent balance between pressure relief and support. Additionally, its exceptional bounce is particularly beneficial for combination sleepers, as it avoids the resistance often associated with memory foam.

How firm is the Purple mattress?

In terms of firmness, I would categorize the original Purple mattress as a medium, falling around a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, with 10 being the firmest.

If you're contemplating trying the mattress and find yourself uncertain, I recommend requesting a sample of the material beforehand. This allows you to make a definitive decision about whether the mattress aligns with your preferences. You'll likely discover that the mattress is not only durable (Purple claims it can stretch up to 15 times its original state) but also soft, presenting a creatively designed comfort layer for the bed.

Purple mattress construction

The Purple mattress boasts a thickness of approximately 10 inches, structured with three layers. While technically classified as a hybrid due to its combination of materials (foam and hyperelastic polymer), the original Purple bed doesn't feature coils in its base layer. If you're seeking a hybrid mattress with coils, exploring the mattresses within the new Purple Premium and Luxe collections is recommended.

The initial layer consists of 4 inches of dense support foam, providing a solid foundation for the remaining layers of the bed. The middle layer incorporates 3.5 inches of "comfort poly foam," distinguished by its responsiveness surpassing that of memory foam and enhanced breathability. This layer serves as a transitional element, separating the plush top layer from the exceptionally dense bottom layer.

The hallmark of Purple's design is its 2-inch top layer composed of hyperelastic polymer. In tandem with this stretchy polymer material, the original Purple mattress features a super-stretchy cover known as "SoftFlex," according to Purple. I find it to be more breathable and adept at moisture-wicking compared to typical cotton or Tencel covers. It's important to note, however, that the cover is not machine washable, requiring stain cleaning with warm water and a bleach-free detergent.

Purple mattress performance

Crucial aspects of a mattress, particularly when sharing a bed with someone else, include motion isolation, edge support, and temperature regulation. Let's delve into how the Purple mattress fares in these key areas.

Motion isolation

Unless your partner tends to toss and turn significantly, the Purple mattress minimizes noticeable movement quite effectively. Despite the hyperelastic polymer material being inherently bouncy, it excels in absorbing motion. If reliable motion isolation is a priority for you, the Purple mattress meets the mark.

Edge support

Had this Purple mattress review been penned two years ago, the response would have differed. However, Purple has taken strides to address concerns regarding edge support by incorporating dense foam around the sides of the bed. Consequently, the edges of the original Purple mattress now offer significantly improved support, particularly if you or your partner sleep on the extreme left or right side.

Temperature

This is the area where the Purple mattress truly excels. Its grid design facilitates a significant amount of airflow through the small air pockets, surpassing the ventilation capabilities of your typical memory foam, poly foam, or even latex foam mattress. While it lacks advanced cooling technology within its layers, the Purple Grid itself stands out as an exceptionally breathable material by design. I would even venture to say that it ranks among the top mattresses for effective temperature regulation.

Durability

Distinguishing itself from other foam mattresses in the market, the Purple mattress boasts superior durability, thanks to its primary secret ingredient—the hyperelastic polymer. With an impressive capability to stretch up to 10 times its size and exceptional flexibility, this material renders the Purple mattress stronger than conventional foam mattresses, ensuring an extended lifespan.

Off-gassing

A characteristic of new bed-in-a-box mattresses is the release of an odor once they are unpacked from their packaging. When you cut through the plastic enveloping the bed, it releases the scents accumulated during the post-manufacturing process. On a positive note, the Purple mattress doesn't have as pronounced of an odor as compared to other bed-in-a-box mattresses.

Who is the Purple mattress best for?

Determining your optimal mattress option should be based on factors such as your body weight and preferred sleeping position. It's akin to selecting the right type of fuel for your car—they might all technically serve the purpose, but choosing the one that best suits your needs will prove more advantageous in the long term.

Sleeping position

The key considerations typically revolve around your preferred sleeping position—whether you favor lying on your back, side, stomach, or you're a combination sleeper who shifts during the night (unless you're engaging in some Cirque du Soleil moves while asleep). Given that the original Purple mattress tends to land around a medium firmness level, approximately a 5 on the scale, it proves suitable for all sleeping positions. It offers ample firmness for those who sleep on their back or stomach while providing effective pressure relief for the majority of side sleepers.

I would like to offer a specific consideration for side sleepers who are lightweight, particularly those weighing under 145 pounds. In such instances, I recommend opting for a softer mattress, such as the Layla mattress. This choice provides enhanced pressure relief around the hips and shoulders for individuals in this weight category.

Body type

Individuals with varying weights, such as someone weighing 95 pounds compared to a 200-pound individual, will perceive a mattress differently. Generally, the more you weigh, the softer a mattress will feel, while the effect is the opposite for lightweight sleepers. I also believe that mattresses without coils are more suitable for individuals weighing under 230 pounds, as they may lack the necessary support and durability.

Considering these factors, I recommend the original Purple mattress for lightweight to moderately sized individuals. However, for plus-sized sleepers weighing over 230 pounds who are keen on purchasing a Purple mattress, it's advisable to explore their hybrid mattresses available in the Premium and Luxe collections, as they offer enhanced support and durability for individuals in this weight range.

Purple mattress pricing

SizeMeasurementsPrice
Twin38x75 inches$799
Twin XL38x80 inches$999
Full54x74 inches$1,199
Queen60x80 inches$1,399
King76x80 inches$1,799
Cal king72x84 inches$1,799

The original Purple mattress comes with a reasonable price tag, but it's not in the range of your typical Amazon mattress. Starting at $599 for a twin mattress, the retail prices scale up to $1,598 for a split king mattress. Your decision may depend on your budget and the amount you're willing to invest in a new bed. Additionally, be sure to watch for promotions that can bring down the cost of the Purple mattress even further. While these discounts aren't frequent, they tend to coincide with major holidays or flash sales.

Purple shipping, trial and warranty

Even for dedicated online shoppers, making a purchase over the internet can be daunting when you're uncertain about a brand's policies, especially those related to returns.

The Purple mattress is conveniently shipped for free in a cardboard box directly to your doorstep. Unboxing is a straightforward process—simply open the package, remove the plastic wrap, unroll the mattress, and you're all set with your new bed. Although there may be an initial off-gassing smell upon unpacking, it typically dissipates within a few days and shouldn't be a major concern.

To ensure you have ample time to decide if the mattress suits your preferences, Purple provides a generous 100-night trial. It's advisable to dedicate at least 30 days to allow your body to acclimate to the mattress's feel.

Additionally, Purple offers a standard 10-year warranty for its original mattress, aligning with the industry norm for online beds.

Final verdict on the Purple mattress

In wrapping up our review, I'll provide a comprehensive overview to assist you in determining whether the Purple mattress is the ideal choice for you.

You might like the Purple mattress if:

  • If you experience heat during sleep, the design of the Purple mattress provides substantial breathability, promoting cooler and more comfortable sleep.
  • You desire a highly responsive and bouncy mattress.
  • Whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach, the Purple mattress caters to all sleeping positions, except for individuals weighing under 145 pounds who exclusively sleep on their side.
  • If you're a fan of Purple's commercials and are open to embracing an adventurous choice for your new bed, the Purple mattress might be the perfect fit.

You might not like the Purple mattress if:

  • If you're seeking a conventional foam mattress without any specific features,
  • You have a budget constraint of under $1,000 for a queen or king-sized bed.
  • If you have a larger body type, Purple provides hybrid mattresses that deliver enhanced durability, comfort, and long-term support.
  • Whether you prefer an extra plush or extra firm bed, Purple falls right in between, offering a balanced feel between firmness and softness.

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