Are Purple Mattresses Worth It?

What Makes Purple Mattresses Stand Out?

Purple mattresses are known for their signature feature: the Purple GelFlex Grid, a flexible and responsive layer designed to relieve pressure and provide a unique, almost buoyant feeling. Unlike traditional mattresses that rely on memory foam, innerspring coils, or latex, Purple takes an entirely different approach with its hyper-elastic polymer grid.

But what does this mean for your sleep, and is this technology enough to set Purple apart from the competition?

The Purple GelFlex Grid Technology

At the heart of every Purple mattress is the GelFlex Grid—a hyper-elastic polymer material arranged in a grid-like pattern. This design creates numerous columns that collapse under pressure, supporting heavier parts of your body (like your shoulders and hips) while keeping lighter areas (like your legs and torso) elevated. This grid design offers a highly responsive and adaptive sleep surface that feels unlike traditional memory foam or spring mattresses.

The GelFlex Grid has several key benefits:

• Pressure Relief: The grid collapses where you need it most, offering excellent pressure relief, especially for side sleepers who tend to feel more pressure on their hips and shoulders.
• Cooling: The open grid structure allows for airflow, helping to dissipate heat and keep you cool throughout the night.
• Durability: Unlike memory foam, which can degrade or develop indentations over time, the GelFlex Grid is designed to last without losing its shape or responsiveness.

This innovative technology has become Purple’s signature, and it is the reason why many sleepers are drawn to the brand. However, the unique feel of the grid can be a deal-breaker for some, especially those who are used to the more traditional feel of foam or coil-based mattresses.

The Purple Mattress Lineup

Purple has continually expanded and revamped its product lineup over the years, offering a range of mattresses to cater to different sleeping preferences and budgets. Currently, Purple offers several mattress models, each with varying features and price points.

1. Purple Original Mattress

The Purple Original is the company’s flagship mattress and remains the most affordable option in their lineup. It features:

• 2-inch GelFlex Grid: The same hyper-elastic polymer grid that Purple is known for, providing pressure relief and a cool sleep surface.
• Dual-layer comfort foam: Two layers of high-density foam offer support beneath the grid, giving the mattress its structure.
• Medium-firm feel: Rated around a 6.5 on the firmness scale, making it suitable for most sleeping positions.

Best for: Back and combination sleepers who want a responsive, medium-firm mattress.

2. Purple Hybrid Mattress

For those seeking additional support and bounce, the Purple Hybrid mattress adds individually wrapped coils beneath the GelFlex Grid. This hybrid design combines the pressure-relieving benefits of the grid with the support and durability of coils.

• 2-inch GelFlex Grid: Same pressure-relieving grid as the original mattress.
• Individually wrapped coils: These coils add responsiveness and durability, making the mattress feel more supportive, especially for heavier sleepers.
• Enhanced edge support: The addition of coils improves edge support, making it easier to sit or sleep near the edge of the bed without feeling like you’ll roll off.

Best for: Heavier sleepers, back sleepers, and those who prefer a mattress with more bounce.

3. Purple Hybrid Premier Mattress

The Purple Hybrid Premier is the brand’s luxury offering and comes in two thickness options: 3-inch and 4-inch GelFlex Grids. The extra thickness adds to the comfort and pressure relief, making it ideal for side sleepers or anyone who prefers a softer mattress.

• 3 or 4-inch GelFlex Grid: Offers even more cushioning and pressure relief for sensitive areas like shoulders and hips.
• Individually wrapped coils: Like the Purple Hybrid, the Premier version also has coils for support and durability.
• Plush, responsive feel: The thicker grid creates a softer feel, making it more suitable for side sleepers or those who prefer a plush mattress.

Best for: Side sleepers and those who prefer a plush, luxurious sleep experience.

4. Purple RestorePlus and RejuvenatePlus

The RestorePlus and RejuvenatePlus mattresses are part of Purple’s premium line, incorporating additional layers of comfort and customization options. These mattresses are designed for those looking for a high-end sleeping experience, combining the GelFlex Grid with multiple layers of support and cushioning.

• Multiple firmness options: Unlike earlier models, these come with the option to choose between soft and firm.
• Advanced motion isolation: Ideal for couples who are light sleepers and want to minimize disturbances from their partner’s movements.

Best for: Couples, side sleepers, and those looking for the ultimate in luxury and comfort.

Firmness and Feel: How Do Purple Mattresses Perform?

Firmness and feel are two of the most subjective aspects of a mattress, and Purple mattresses are no exception. However, because of the GelFlex Grid, Purple beds tend to have a more unique feel compared to traditional mattresses.

Firmness

Most Purple mattresses are rated around a medium-firm (5-6.5 on the firmness scale), depending on the model. The Purple Hybrid Premier 4, for example, leans toward the softer side, making it ideal for side sleepers. At the same time, the Purple Hybrid and Original models offer a more balanced medium-firm feel.

It’s important to remember that firmness is subjective. Heavier sleepers might find the bed softer than advertised, while lighter sleepers may feel it’s firmer. The Purple GelFlex Grid also tends to feel softer in areas where your body applies more pressure (like the hips and shoulders), creating a sensation that can be hard to classify in terms of traditional firmness scales.

Feel

The feel of a Purple mattress is unlike any other bed on the market. The hyper-elastic polymer grid offers a squishy yet supportive feel that can take some getting used to. When you first lie down on a Purple mattress, you’ll notice that it’s both firm and soft at the same time. The grid provides immediate support while also collapsing under pressure to relieve areas like your hips and shoulders.

This unique combination makes Purple mattresses especially appealing for side and combination sleepers, as the grid adapts to your movements and relieves pressure points effectively. However, some people may find the sensation too strange or unfamiliar, especially if they are accustomed to the enveloping feel of memory foam.

Sleeping Positions and Body Types: Who is the Purple Mattress Best For?

Choosing the right mattress depends largely on your preferred sleeping position and body type. Here’s how Purple mattresses stack up for different types of sleepers:

1. Side Sleepers

Purple mattresses, especially the Hybrid Premier models, are highly recommended for side sleepers. The GelFlex Grid does an excellent job of relieving pressure from areas like the shoulders and hips, which are typically problem areas for side sleepers. The thicker the grid (as seen in the Hybrid Premier 3 and 4 models), the softer the mattress will feel, providing better contouring and pressure relief for side sleepers.

2. Back Sleepers

Back sleepers also benefit from the Purple mattresses’ ability to offer a blend of support and comfort. The grid provides excellent spinal alignment by supporting the lower back while allowing the shoulders and hips to sink in slightly. The medium-firm feel of the Original and Hybrid models is ideal for back sleepers who want a balanced feel that promotes a neutral spine.

3. Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers typically require a firmer mattress to prevent the hips from sinking too far into the bed, which can cause lower back strain. The Purple Hybrid and Purple Restore mattresses, with their firmer options, may be better suited for stomach sleepers. However, stomach sleepers who prefer a softer feel might find the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 or 4 too plush for long-term comfort.

4. Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers who switch between positions during the night will appreciate the responsive nature of the GelFlex Grid. It quickly adapts to changes in position, making it easy to move around without feeling stuck in the bed, as you might with memory foam mattresses. The Original Purple and Hybrid models are particularly well-suited for combination sleepers.

Purple Mattress Performance: Key Factors to Consider

Now that we’ve covered the basics of Purple’s unique feel and suitability for different sleepers let’s dive into the key performance areas of Purple mattresses, including motion isolation, temperature regulation, edge support, and durability.

1. Motion Isolation

Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress prevents movement from transferring across the bed. This is an important factor for couples, especially if one person tends to move around a lot during the night.

While Purple mattresses do offer some level of motion isolation, they are not as effective as traditional memory foam mattresses. The GelFlex Grid is responsive and bouncy, which means movement can be felt more easily compared to foam beds that absorb and dampen motion. If you’re a light sleeper and share a bed with a partner who tosses and turns, this is something to consider.

2. Temperature Regulation

One of the standout features of Purple mattresses is their ability to regulate temperature. The GelFlex Grid’s open design allows for plenty of airflow, which helps keep the mattress cool. Unlike traditional memory foam, which can trap heat, the grid promotes breathability and minimizes overheating.

If you’re someone who tends to sleep hot, Purple mattresses are an excellent choice for keeping you cool throughout the night.

3. Edge Support

Edge support refers to how well the mattress holds up when you sit or sleep near the edge of the bed. The Purple Hybrid models, which feature reinforced edges, offer excellent edge support, making it easy to sit or lie near the edge without feeling like you’ll roll off. However, the Original Purple mattress, with its all-foam base, lacks this reinforced edge support and may feel less stable at the perimeter.

4. Durability

The hyper-elastic polymer used in the GelFlex Grid is known for its durability, and Purple mattresses are built to last. The grid retains its shape and support over time, which helps prevent the common issue of mattress sagging. The hybrid models, which include coils, also add to the overall durability, making them a good investment for those seeking a long-lasting bed.

Durability and Warranty

Purple mattresses are built to last, thanks to the durable GelFlex Grid. Unlike foam, which can degrade over time, the hyper-elastic polymer is designed to retain its shape and elasticity for years.

Purple offers a 10-year warranty on its mattresses, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Many customers report that their Purple mattress holds up well over time, showing little signs of wear even after five years of use.

The mattress also includes a 100-night sleep trial, allowing customers to test out the mattress before committing. If you don’t like the feel of the GelFlex Grid, you can return the mattress for a full refund within the trial period.

Pricing and Warranty: Are Purple Mattresses Worth the Cost?

Purple mattresses are not the cheapest on the market, but they do offer good value considering their innovative technology and durability. These mattresses are priced in the mid-to-high range, depending on the model. For example, the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 costs more than the original Purple mattress but offers greater comfort and durability. Meanwhile, the luxury Rejuvenate models are on the higher end of the pricing spectrum.

• Original Purple Mattress (Queen): Around $1,399
• Purple Hybrid Mattress (Queen): Around $1,899
• Purple Hybrid Premier 3 (Queen): Around $2,299
• Purple Hybrid Premier 4 (Queen): Around $2,999

Purple also offers a 100-night sleep trial, allowing you to test the mattress at home and return it for a full refund if you’re not satisfied. Additionally, all Purple mattresses come with a 10-year warranty, which covers manufacturing defects and ensures peace of mind.

Pros and Cons of Purple Mattresses

Pros:

• Unique GelFlex Grid technology offers excellent pressure relief
• Temperature-neutral design suitable for hot sleepers
• Responsive and bouncy feel ideal for combination sleepers
• Durable construction with a 10-year warranty
• 100-night sleep trial for risk-free testing

Cons:

• A unique feel may not suit everyone
• Heavier sleepers may find the mattress slightly too soft
• Stomach sleepers might not get the support they need
• Higher-end models like the RejuvenatePlus can be expensive

Conclusion: Should You Buy a Purple Mattress?

In conclusion, Purple mattresses are worth the investment if you’re looking for something truly unique that offers excellent pressure relief, cooling, and durability. The GelFlex Grid technology is unlike anything else on the market, providing a buoyant yet supportive sleep surface that can be especially beneficial for side sleepers and those prone to sleeping hot.

However, the unique feel of the Purple mattress may not be for everyone, especially if you’re used to the traditional, enveloping feel of memory foam. If you’re unsure whether the Purple mattress is right for you, the 100-night sleep trial makes it easy to test the waters without committing long-term.

Ultimately, Purple mattresses offer a great balance of comfort, support, and innovation—making them a solid option for many sleepers. But whether they’re worth it for you will depend on your personal preferences, sleeping style, and budget.