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Purple mattresses don’t fit into the usual mattress categories of foam, latex, hybrid, or innerspring. They use a proprietary stretchy material (a hyperelastic polymer) in a grid form, advertised as “no pressure support” and often known simply as the Purple Grid.
The material was invented by brothers Tony and Terry Pearce, who had already patented pressure-relief cushioning materials for wheelchairs, hospital beds, and other special uses.
Here we look at the original Purple model, which has a top layer of 2 inches (in) of the polymer grid material, and more recent models, which add pocketed coils, more support foam, and more polymer grid material.
There’s no best mattress for everyone.
What mattress brand works for you depends on many factors, including price, health considerations, your favorite sleeping position, and your size. The information here is meant to help you choose the best Purple mattress type for you.
Purple pros
- Great reviews. Most Purple mattress buyers rate their mattresses as comfortable and relieving points where they felt pressure on a previous mattress.
- A good choice for warm sleepers. Purple mattresses sleep cool.
- Buyers report that customer service is excellent. Online customer service is prompt, knowledgeable, and helpful.
- Free shipping. Delivery is free (via FedEx) to your door.
- Made in the USA. Mattresses are made in the United States.
- Lengthy trial period. You can sleep on the mattress for 100 days and return it within that time for a full refund if you don’t like it. Purple will arrange a pickup for the return if you buy from their website.
- Available both in-person and online. You can buy it online or at Macy’s, Mattress Firm, or some local retail mattress stores.
Purple cons
- The material is interesting. The polymer grid takes getting used to, according to many reviewers. If you love your foam or gel mattress, you may not adjust to the Purple Grid.
- Keep your budget in mind. Premium models come with a higher price point.
- Carrying it in is not a one-person job. Purple mattresses, especially the larger sizes, are heavy.
- Normal sheets are not the perfect fit. You may need to buy new sheets to fit the mattress. Purple recommends that you use their brand of stretchy sheets. These are relatively expensive compared with other sheet options.
- Cleaning isn’t too breezy. Purple’s mattress cover is not washable. Customer service advises, “The mattress cover can be removed, but we recommend you do not remove it even to clean it but rather just spot clean [the mattress].”
- A mattress protector may be an additional purchase. You may want to buy a mattress protector to go over the mattress cover. When asked, customer service advised, “It’s really up to you. If you have kids or pets, then it is a good idea. However, if you do choose to use a mattress protector then we recommend a stretchy one so it doesn’t create a ‘drum-like’ feel atop the mattress.”
- Be aware of the return policy. If you buy your Purple mattress on Amazon, you’ll only have a 30-day return window. Buyers via Amazon complained that Purple does not pick up returns purchased from Amazon.
Purple gives you the option of monthly payments on their website via third-party Splitit or Affirm.
Prices here are for queen-size mattresses for comparison.
- $ = under $1,500
- $$ = $1,500–$2,000
- $$$ = over $2,000
Purple’s original mattress was an internet success story, boosted by its video ads.
Materials in all Purple mattresses
- Purple mattresses have a top layer of the polymer grid consisting of 1-in squares that are 2, 3, or 4 in thick, depending on the model.
- The polymer grid has a nontoxic coating to keep the polymer from sticking to itself. (Specifically, it’s polyethylene copolymer powder.)
- The materials are FDA-approved food-grade or food-contact grade.
- The foam support layers are vegan and certified by CertiPUR-US.
- Mattresses have a nontoxic layer of fire retardant.
- Mattresses have a stretchy white cover made of viscose (29%), polyester (67%), and Lycra (4%).
Original Purple Mattress
- Price: $
- Mattress height: 9.25 in
- Mattress weight: 110 lb
The original Purple mattress has a 2-in layer of hyperelastic polymer on top of two layers of foam. The middle layer, called comfort foam, is 3.25 in. The 4-in base foam layer is for support.
Thousands of reviewers give the original Purple 5 stars for comfort and pressure relief. Some note that it may not be best for sleepers in larger bodies or tall sleepers, who do better with the Hybrid model, which has firmer support layers.
Buy the original Purple online.
Purple Plus Mattress
- Price: $$
- Mattress height: 11 in
- Mattress weight: 111 lb
The Purple Plus is a cushiony bed with ample pressure relief, making it a great pick for those who prefer softness as opposed to firmness. It has a Comfort Plus Core layer that contains additional foam, while the GelFlex Grid helps cradle pressure points along the hips and shoulders.
Hot sleepers would likely enjoy this mattress since it has more than 1,400 air channels and a breathable foam base. These materials help provide breathability, though the air circulation isn’t as high as it is in the brand’s hybrid beds.
Purple NewDay Mattress
- Price: $
- Mattress height: 8 in
- Mattress weight: 77 lb
Dubbed by Purple as the brand’s essential mattress with a firmer feel, this bed boasts GelFlex Grid construction that gives it a more adaptive feel. It also contains a supportive high density foam layer and air channels that help with temperature regulation.
This mattress isn’t as responsive as softer options from Purple, so it’s a better fit for sleepers who want a firm and supportive surface every night.
Purple Kid Mattress
- Price: $
- Mattress height: 7 in
- Mattress weight: 37 lb
Introduced in mid-2020, the Kid mattress is about the same price as a twin-size original Purple model. The dimensions are the same as an adult twin bed, but the mattress has less depth. It consists of a 2-in grid layer of hyperelastic polymer, on top of two 2.5-in layers of foam.
The Kid mattress has the advantage of a washable mattress cover.
It’s recommended for youth up to 115 lb.
Buy the Purple Kid Mattress online.
Purple Pet Mattress
- Price: $
- Mattress height: 5 in
- Mattress weight: 8, 16, or 25 lb
Pet beds come in three sizes to accommodate small (1–30 lb), medium (31–70 lb), and large (71+ lb) pets. They’re sturdy, antimicrobial, and come with washable covers. They also come with a 100-day trial period and a 1-year warranty.
Reviews averaged 4.5 stars, with many pet owners reporting that the bed helped their older dogs.
Purple Hybrid Mattress
- Price: $$
- Mattress height: 11 in
- Mattress weight: 122 lb
The Hybrid has a 2-in layer of the polymer grid on top of a dense polyurethane foam layer both above and below a 7.5-in layer of individually wrapped pocket coils (made of 95% recycled steel).
The addition of coils gives the Hybrid mattress more support and bounce than the original.
The Purple Hybrid might be a good bet for sleepers in larger bodies because it has more support.
We tried it!
Melissa Lee, market wellness editor, has been sleeping on a Purple Hybrid mattress for over 6 months. Her sleeping positions vary between her side and back, but she can confirm that it has an impressive amount of bounce for being such a supportive mattress.
She would recommend it for sleepers who don’t need or want a super firm bed since the coils are very responsive.
Melissa says that it arrived tightly wound up (not in a box), but it immediately uncoiled when it was opened. It didn’t have an off-putting scent, either, and was ready to sleep on that night.
“I will say that it’s extremely heavy to carry, though,” she warns. “My partner and I live in a third-floor apartment, and we struggled to bring it up together.”
She also notes that despite owning the queen size, a normal pair of queen-size sheets are a bit too small.
“Beyond how heavy it is — which will probably be a pain in the event that we move — my sheets are constantly popping off the corner of the bed, so I almost always have to adjust them the next morning.”
Purple RestorePlus Mattress
- Price: $$$
- Mattress height: 12–13 in
- Mattress weight: 145–168 lb
The Purple RestorePlus mattress has a thicker layer of polymer grid than the original and the Hybrid. The Purple RestorePlus comes in two models with either 3- or 4-inch grid layers.
The supportive coil and foam layers are the same as in the Hybrid. The RestorePlus mattresses don’t feel as firm as the Hybrid. The difference in having more of the Purple Grid has been described as feeling more “floaty,” with great pressure relief. Other people describe the feel of the Purple Grid as cradling their body and giving them a weightless feeling.
The 4-in RestorePlus may be best for sleepers in larger bodies. Purple also advises the 4-in grid layer for side sleepers because it’s softer to the touch but also gives more support to the heavier parts of your body.
The RestorePlus usually comes with White Glove service, where Purple will deliver and install your new mattress. They do not remove your old mattress.
Buy the Purple RestorePlus online.
Purple RestorePremier Mattress
- Price: $$$
- Mattress height: 11 in
- Mattress weight: 168 lb
Slightly less supportive than Purple’s other Hybrid models, the RestorePremier is an ultra cushiony bed with ample air circulation and pressure relief. At 13 in, it’s the tallest of the Hybrid beds since it features two grid layers (4 in total) that are designed to flex underneath pressure points.
It also has a layer of instant response coils that, as Purple explains, are flexible enough to reshape beneath your posture every time you move.
Purple also has a Luxe collection of mattresses, though they’re not readily available to be purchased online. To buy, you’ll have to either talk with a sleep consultant, call Purple at 888-848-0665, or visit a store.
There are three Purple Luxe mattresses:
- Purple Rejuvenate Mattress ($$$): This is a comfortable and cushioned mattress that’s designed to help support a rejuvenating sleep experience.
- Purple RejuvenatePlus Mattress ($$$): This luxury model has three zones of Premium Coil Core designed to offer a supportive, cradling sensation.
- Purple RejuvenatePremier Mattress ($$$): Described by Purple as having “best-in-class sleep technology,” the RejevunatePremier has two layers of GelFlex Grid Plus and five zones of Premium Coil Core.
| Pricing | Who it’s best for | Materials | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Purple Mattress | $ | – sleepers who are in larger bodies – back, stomach, and side sleepers | hyperelastic polymer, foam |
| Purple Plus Mattress | $$ | – people who sleep hot | foam, gel |
| Purple NewDay Mattress | $ | – people who want more support while they sleep | gel, foam |
| Purple Hybrid Mattress | $$$ | – side sleepers – people who are in larger bodies | polymer gel, coils |
| Purple RestorePlus Mattress | $$$ | – side sleepers – people who are in larger bodies | gel, coils, foam |
| Purple RestorePremier Mattress | $$$ | – people who move a lot in their sleep | gel, foam, coils |
Purple mattresses were originally available online only, but now you can buy them at Macy’s, Mattress Firm, and some independent local stores. Purple provides a store locator on their website.
Purple has seasonal sales like Black Friday. Purple also has website specials if you buy combinations of their products such as a mattress and a Purple pillow or sheets.
Purple offers a 10% discount to healthcare professionals, military personnel, first responders, truckers, teachers, and students.
The company increased its manufacturing capacity in 2020 to fill the growing demand for its mattresses, which are made in the United States.
Mattresses are shipped within 3–4 days, according to the Purple site.
Purple currently has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Amazon reviews have an overall rating of 4.5 stars, with 65% 5-star reviews.
According to a 2020 J.D. Power survey, Purple mattresses have the highest customer satisfaction ratings of online mattresses.
Customer reviews
Most of the reviews on the Purple site are favorable. Out of about 170,000 reviews on the website, the overall rating is 4.3 stars. Many say Purple is the best sleep they’ve ever had or that Purple relieves their pain.
The negative reviews include:
- reports of indents from wear in the mattress after a few weeks or months
- reports that the Purple grid deteriorates
- delivery delays (Purple has increased its production capability now)
- complaints that the mattress, even the Hybrid Premier, is too hard
Each seller has different return policies
Return policies and steps may vary from store to store. For example, Amazon has a 30-day return policy, and you have to box your mattress for return.
Purple gives a full refund if you return the mattress within 100 days. You can call Purple to arrange a mattress pickup.
Know the warranty policy
For example, the 10-year limited warranty covers defects in the materials. If the surface develops an indent over 1 in after proper use, Purple will replace it.
It’s likely that you’ll need someone to help carry your new mattress to the bed and lift it onto the bed platform.
Purple mattresses are heavy, especially the larger sizes, which can weigh 200 pounds. When it’s first delivered, the mattress comes compressed in a big roll with carrying straps on the package to make it easier for two people to carry.
If you’re moving, Purple has moving tips on how to wrap and carry your mattress for short- and long-distance moves or storage.
Which Purple is the most firm?
The firmest mattress is the Purple Hybrid.
What’s the difference between Purple 2, 3, and 4?
The primary difference between the Purple Hybrid models is the materials.
The Purple Hybrid contains polymer gel and coils, the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 contains transition foam, 3 in of gel, and coils, and the Purple Hybrid Premier 4 contains foam, 4 in of gel, and coils.
Is the Purple mattress good for side or back sleepers?
Yes! Many of the Purple mattresses work best for side or back sleepers, like:
- Original Purple Mattress: good for all sleeping positions
- Purple Hybrid Mattress: best for side sleepers
- Purple Hybrid Premier 3 Mattress: best for side sleepers
Purple is a good choice if you’re open to trying an innovative mattress material and you have the budget.
The original Purple accommodates many sleep types, and the Purple Hybrid offers the advantage of the Purple Grid for softness and coils for more support.
Customer service online is helpful in answering questions, and now Purple mattresses are available in stores, so you can try them out. Mattresses can be returned within 100 days for a full refund.
Marjorie Hecht is a longtime magazine editor and writer, now working as a freelancer on Cape Cod. Her specialties are science, technology, and medicine, but her eclectic career includes being a reporter at the United Nations and covering politics in Washington, D.C. She has an MSW from Columbia University, a BA from Smith College, and she did postgraduate work in race and demography at the London School of Economics.
