The Purple mattress is made from a bouncy, gel-like foam called Purple Mesh, which the company claims help relieve pressure better than memory foam. The Purple mattress is like no other, thanks to its cooling, gel-like Purple Grid.
If you’re not sure if a mattress is right for you, our purple mattress reviews can help you make an informed decision. I tested a purple mattress to make it easier for you to choose a new mattress online.
1. What is the purple grid?
The purple grid is a signature feature of purple mattresses. It’s a proprietary gel foam that Purple calls a super-elastic polymer. When something is superelastic, it means it can be stretched significantly in different directions and still return to its original shape. A polymer is simply a chemical substance made of repeating units.
In the case of Purple Grid, the polymer forms a lattice pattern – yes, it’s purple. The soft Purple Grid was originally used in medical equipment, such as wheelchair pads, and can now be found on the top layer of a Purple mattress. The purple double seat also uses a 2-inch-thick sheet of purple mesh, a pick in our guide to the best ergonomic saddles.
Senior contributor Melanie Pinola described the cushion as feeling like a “gelatinous Belgian waffle,” but in a good way—the purple mesh makes the cushion soft and Supportive (and cooler than the competition).
Purple mesh is also supposed to bring a host of benefits to your mattress, including pressure relief, support, breathability, resilience, and durability. But you have to get used to its unusual feeling first. When we tested the Purple in 2018, we found it wobbly, almost like a water bed.
It’s a cradle, but it can also support you. The mattress made crackling noises when we moved on it. Many testers were put off by the bed, but two different employees who owned it said they were happy with the purple color overall.
2. What is it like to sleep on a purple mattress?
Purple Mattress provides a gently contoured sleeping surface that supports proper spinal alignment and prevents heat build-up while you sleep. We’ve found the GelFlex Grid comfort layer relieves pressure on key areas like the hips and shoulders while still keeping you cool.
The bed’s unique construction also offers many of the advantages associated with all-foam mattresses, including low noise levels and very good motion isolation. However, purple mattresses are not for everyone.
3. Pros and cons of Purple mattresses
Here are the pros and cons of purple mattresses.
1) Advantages
- Provides good support and contour balance for side and back sleepers up to 230 lbs
- Excellent temperature regulation, especially for foam mattresses
- Best value of all Purple models
2) Disadvantages
- Lack of support for sleepers over 230 lbs
- All-foam construction is not as durable as hybrid models
- A little more expensive than regular foam mattresses
4. Performance testing
Mattress comfort and feel are affected by nine different factors. Test categories include:
1) Heat dissipation test
The cooling effect of the purple mattress is very good. Our objective data measured a maximum temperature of 89.2°F. That’s 1.8° below the average maximum temperature of 91.0°F for all mattresses we’ve tested to date. The thermal curve is equally impressive.
Baseline temperature: 79.7°F – The temperature of the mattress before someone lays on it
Maximum temperature (0 minutes): 89.2°F – The temperature after 15 minutes of lying on the mattress
End temperature (5 minutes): 84.0°F – the temperature of the mattress after 5 minutes without anyone lying on it
Within 1 minute of leaving the mattress, the temperature dropped from 89.2°F to 85.8°F. In five minutes, the temperature decreased by 3.4° to 84.0°. Purple GelFlex mesh, a super-elastic polymer, allows for incredible airflow on its top layer. The mesh supports the sleepers, providing comfort and shaping contours, while also allowing plenty of air.
The mesh design allows for better airflow and very clearly has a big impact on cooling performance. Our subjective experience follows what we measure with objective data. During the cooling test, the mattress was very cool. There’s a notable difference in the cooling performance of the Purple mattress compared to the vast majority of other mattresses we’ve tested to date.
2) Sinking test
We measured a sink depth of 2.24 inches on the Purple mattress. For a medium-firm mattress, this is within the expected range. Of all the mattresses we’ve tested to date, the average sag depth in our pressure point test was 2.15 inches. Approximately 2 inches of indentation is deep enough to help relieve pressure and provide a nice contour around the body.
Side sleepers or heavier sleepers (actually anything weighing over 180 lbs) have quite a bit of sinking indeed. The top layer of the purple hyperelastic polymer material doesn’t have much resilience. As a result, it can cause severe sinking. If you’re a side sleeper or a moderate-weight back and stomach sleeper, this most likely isn’t an issue.
However, other sleepers and body types are more likely not to love. We further discuss support impact.
3) Motion transfer test
Movement transfer is low. In our accelerometer tests, we measured accelerations in the range of 2.23 m/s². This is significantly better than the average acceleration range of all mattresses we have tested so far, which is 5.88 m/s². While the overall acceleration range is low, the duration of motion on the mattress is long. This appears to be a product of the top layer of purple hyperelastic polymer.
The mesh design works as a complete system, which is great when you’re talking about silhouette and hugging, but not when it comes to motion transfer. So while total motion is low, motion does last longer on the mattress. From the accelerometer data, we conclude that there is a high level of motion until 0.3 seconds and a medium level of motion until 0.8 seconds.
While motion transfer on the Purple mattress is excellent, it’s not as good as the top-performing mattresses we’ve tested. All-foam mattresses that perform well in motion transfer, such as the Nectar Premier Copper (1.88 m/s²), Leesa (2.06 m/s²), and BedInABox Tranquillium (2.39 m/s²), perform even better in terms of motion transfer.
However, a mattress with a greater total amount of motion but a shorter duration may still perform worse.
4) React Test
Response times are lightning-fast. Within 0.2 seconds, the Purple mattress has mostly returned to its original shape, and after 0.3 seconds the material has fully returned to its original shape.
Most recovery: 0.2 seconds
Full recovery: 0.3 seconds
The purple elastic mesh polymer springs back to its original shape almost instantaneously. As a result, there is little concern for the sleeper feeling trapped or stuck in slow-response material.
5) Bounce test
The total bounce height of the purple mattress is high. In our testing, we measured a total bounce height of 12.79 inches. That’s significantly higher than the 9.05″ average across all our mattress tests.
Despite the variance from the average, 12.79” is not an unreasonable or crazy level of bounce. For too many sleepers, this level of bounce will feel more like a traditional coil mattress. Additionally, the high level of bounce is a positive factor in sex on the mattress
6) Edge support test
It’s just not icing, and the edges don’t hold up well. We measured a compression depth of 7.75 inches when we sat directly on the edge of the mattress.
Maximum, Sunken: 7.75″
Lying Support: Fair
That’s the most of any mattress we’ve tested to date, and it’s much deeper than the 4.82-inch average we’ve measured so far. Lying on the edge of the mattress wasn’t much better either. In any position, I felt that the edges of the mattress were not well supported.
It felt like the mattress was trying to roll me out of bed. While purple elastic polymers are great for creating a comfortable contour for a sleeper in the middle of the mattress, when it comes to the edges, this material characteristic can lead to less-than-ideal edge support properties.
7) Gender test
In order to rate a sexual performance, we consider many different factors that affect the quality of the sexual performance. Among the most important factors are:
Sex Bounce: 10
Edge Support: 7.6
Noise: 10
In addition to the above factors, there are other considerations such as pressure relief and cooling. For the Original Purple mattress, these individual factors yielded a gender score of 9.5. Purple’s gender scores are good, but not without problems. The bounce, the noise, and the cooling are all great – a perfect 10 seconds. The surface is attractive and active with high bounce and fast response time.
Since there are no coils in this mattress, there is no noise either. The mesh keeps the sleeping surface cool, which is also good for sex.
So what’s the problem?
Purple’s biggest problem is its lack of edge support. We measured almost 8 inches of depression from the top surface of the mattress to the level of the deepest depression. Therefore, using the edge of the mattress for erotic activities is not satisfactory for both partners.
8) Pressure relief test
I have found the pressure relief from the Purple mattress to be very good. Elastomeric polymers don’t require a lot of weight before engaging and contouring.
Comfort layer: 5.5″
Comfort layer ratio: 55%
As a result, it easily contours both lighter and heavier parts of the body, reducing stress. My only major concern about decompression is heavy sleepers. The bigger your body is, the more pressure you put on the mattress. The harder you press, the more likely you are to simply sink through the purple polymer mesh material into the denser support foam.
These foams, while firm and supportive, don’t offer much in the way of pressure relief.
9) Exhaust test
Mattresses of this type typically have an exhaust smell.
Initial Odor Intensity: Strong
Exhaust Period: 4 days
After opening the box, the smell was strong and lingered in the room for about four days. Most mattresses we’ve tested so far will smell for 2-4 days. The average duration was 2.72 days.
10) Company
As a company, Purple has a strong track record with aggressive consumer policies and terms. There is a 100-night trial period and a 10-year warranty. We offer free shipping and free returns. They do require a 21-night break-in period to give your body time to adjust to the mattress.
During this time, you cannot initiate returns. But between day 21 and day 100, the payoff is fair. As for manufacturing, all Purple mattresses are produced at various factories and production centers in Utah.
5. The firmness and feel of purple mattresses
Here are some firmness and feel reviews for purple mattresses.
1) How do you feel?
Its secret lies in Purple’s super-elastic polymer, which is what gives the bed its signature feel. What are hyperelastic polymers, you ask? It’s a soft, bouncy, jelly-like material arranged on top of the bed in a cozy grid design. It definitely takes a few nights to get used to, but once you do, it’s a wonderful sleeping experience.
When I’m on my side, it’s stress-relieving and soft, almost lightening you. Also, my back never felt like it was sagging into the mattress. It’s a great balance of stress relief and support. Not to mention that it’s very stretchy, which should be music to composite sleepers since it doesn’t offer any resistance like memory foam.
2) How sturdy is it?
My rating for the original Purple mattress is medium, or 5 out of 10, with 10 being the firmest. You can ask for a sample of the material before testing the bed, which I recommend if you’re on the fence about trying it.
That way, you can decide with absolute certainty whether you want to go to bed or not. But you may find that it’s durable (purple means it can stretch up to 15 times its original state), soft, and an idea for a cozy layer in your bed.
6. Purple Mattress Structure
The Purple mattress is approximately 10 inches thick and stacks three high. It’s technically a hybrid mattress, as it contains two different types of materials (foam and superelastic polymer), but the original Purple bed didn’t have coils on the bottom layer. If you’re looking for a coil hybrid mattress, we recommend checking out the mattresses in the new Purple Premium and Luxe collections.
The first layer is 4 inches of dense support foam to support you and the rest of the bed.
The center is made of 3.5″ “Comfort Poly Foam”, which is more responsive and breathable than memory foam. It acts as a transition separating the cozy top layer and the very dense bottom layer.
Purple’s bread and butter is its 2-inch super-elastic polymer top layer.
In addition to the stretchy polymer material, the Original Purple Mattress Cover is also extremely stretchy. As Purple calls this a “SoftFlex” cover, I think it’s more breathable and moisture-wicking than cotton or Tencel. But it is not machine washable, so you must clean all stains with warm water and a detergent without bleach.
7. Who is a purple mattress suitable for?
Your weight and sleeping position should help you choose the best mattress. You put it in your car like gas. Technically, they can both get the job done, but the type that works best for you will be more beneficial in the long run.
1) Sleeping position
Sleepers tend to be back, side, belly, and combination sleepers unless they’re doing Cirque du Soleil. Considering the original Purple mattress falls somewhere around a medium or 5, I think it’s good for all sleeping positions. It’s strong enough for back or stomach sleepers, and perfect pressure relief for most side sleepers as well.
The only caveat would be lightweight side sleepers under 145 pounds. In this case, I recommend a softer mattress, such as a Layla mattress, as it reduces pressure around the hips and shoulders.
2) Body type
A 95-pound person thinks differently about a mattress than a 200-pound person. In general, the heavier you are, the softer the mattress will feel. For light sleepers, the effect is just the opposite. I also think beds without coils are best for people under 230 lbs, as they don’t have enough support or durability.
Having said that, I recommend the Original Purple mattress to anyone of light to medium build. If you’re a queen-size sleeper who weighs over 230 pounds and really wants to buy the Purple, they have hybrid mattresses in their Premium and Luxe lines that will give you more bang for your buck.
8. Purple mattress review: who is best for?
To end our review, I’m going to lay out everything and help you decide if the Purple bed is the best mattress for you.
1) You might like a purple mattress if
- You get hot when you sleep. The design of the Purple bed offers tons of breathability, which should help you sleep cooler and more comfortably.
- You want a very bouncy, responsive bed.
- You sleep on your side, back, or stomach. It works in all sleeping positions unless you weigh less than 145 lbs and sleep strictly on your side.
- You love the Purple ad and are excited to try a new bed.
2) You may not like purple mattresses if
- You are in the market for a standard plain foam mattress.
- You can’t spend more than $1,000 on a queen or king bed.
- You have a bigger body type. In the long run, Purple’s hybrid mattress will provide more durability, comfort, and support.
- Are you looking for an extra plush bed or an extra firm bed? Purple is somewhere between hard and soft.
9. Shipping, trial, and warranty
Even if you’re an avid online shopper, it can be difficult to buy over the Internet if you don’t have confidence in a brand’s policies. Especially when it comes to returns. The purple mattress comes in a cardboard box and ships directly to your front door for free. All you have to do is open it, remove the plastic wrap, unfold it, and voila – you have a new bed.
There is an exhaust smell when you take it out of the box, but I wouldn’t say that’s a deal-breaker as it goes away after a few days. They offer a 100-night trial period, giving you three months to find out if you like the bed. However, you should give yourself at least 30 days to give your body a chance to adjust to the feeling.
On its original Purple mattresses, Purple offers a 10-year warranty, which is pretty standard for online beds.
10. Purple mattress return policy
You have 100 days from the date of delivery of your Purple Mattress to return your bed. They take at least 21 days to try out the mattress before you start returning it. You can initiate your return by calling Customer Service at 888-848-2305, and once your return eligibility has been confirmed, Purple experts will help streamline the process.
You can donate your undamaged mattress to a local charity, recycle mattresses through recycling facilities, or work with the returns team to assist with pickups. Once a mattress has been donated, recycled, or recycled, the Purple Customer Service team will ask for your donation or disposal receipt. They will then process your refund, which usually occurs within 15 business days.
11. How does the Purple bed compare to other mattresses?
- Casper vs. Purple: Casper, another popular boxed bed model, offers a neutral foam feel with a similar medium firmness level to Purple. However, Casper has a zoned support design that provides targeted pressure relief and support. Comparing the temperature of the Casper and Purple, the Purple mattress is a cooler bed because its air cells promote maximum airflow.
- Nectar vs. Purple: The Nectar is an affordable memory foam mattress that offers the same dense memory foam feel as the TempurPedic, but at a fraction of the price. It’s a little harder than purple and is perfect for back or belly sleepers. However, the purple mattress sleeps cooler, and it tops our list of the best mattresses for hot sleepers.
12. Purple mattress FAQs
Here are frequently asked questions and answers about purple mattresses.
1) How much is the purple mattress?
A queen-size Purple mattress is $1,299 without discounts. Twins start at $699 and go up to $1,798 for a double.
2) Is the purple mattress worth the money?
Purple mattresses are a bit more expensive than regular box beds, but they’re also more unique than any of Purple’s competitors. If you’re open to a brand new, one-of-a-kind mattress that feels almost like you’re floating, and it’s within your budget, it might be worth your time.
3) What is the purple mattress made of?
The main highlight of Purple is its special super-elastic polymer material. It’s elastic, and gel-like, and provides both support and pressure relief. The bottom layer contains regular foam, which you’ll find in many bed-in-box mattresses.
4) Where can I try out purple mattresses?
With Purple’s 100-Night Sleep Trial, you can try a Purple mattress in the comfort of your own home. If you are not satisfied, you can return the bed for a full refund. You can also try the bed at a Purple store or one of the company’s retail partner stores
5) How to clean a purple mattress?
Cleaning a Purple mattress is similar to cleaning any other foam mattress. They actually recommend the following steps:
1. Remove sheets and bedding
2. Vacuum mattress
3. Use baking soda
4. Clean up spills immediately
5. Aerate mattress
6. Use a mattress protector
7. Rotate the mattress regularly (do not flip) upside down
8. Avoid excessive sweating in bed
6) How long will the purple mattress last?
About 5-7 years, depending on how well you look after it. The purple mattress is more durable than standard foam beds because of its strong, super-elastic polymer material. Having said that, make sure to rotate the bed every 6 months and try to prevent large spills.
7) Are purple mattresses environmentally friendly?
Purple mattresses are both hypoallergenic and non-toxic. The superelastic polymer is recyclable and made from food-grade and food-contact-grade ingredients. The high-density foam is CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning it meets some of the strictest standards for emissions, content, performance, and durability.
8) What exactly is the purple grid?
Purple Grid is a mattress layer made from a Purple elastic material called GelFlex. Purple uses it in all of their mattresses to give you that special feeling of floating.