Best For
- A hybrid with lower levels of bounce
- Excellent pressure relief with 7″ of comfort material
- Good cooling with limited heat retention
Considerations
- Higher levels of motion transfer
- Not great for sex—low bounce and worse edge support
- Priced 66% higher than the average memory foam hybrid
Our Verdict
The Puffy Royal Hybrid looks like a real winner in terms of material quality alone, but in our performance test, it struggled in many areas. The super thick 7.0” comfort layer creates low bounce, which negatively impacts sex performance. That same super-thick comfort layer also resulted in a slower material responsiveness and weaker-than-average edge support.
In terms of comfort and pressure relief, I found it exceptionally good. Much like the mattress I sleep on for personal use (Loom and Leaf), it’s got a feel you don’t want to get up from. However, the memory foam and thick comfort layers are detrimental to other performance areas.
For those who just love a dramatic contour with incredible pressure relief then the Puffy Royal Hybrid can be a great choice. As an individual sleeper, I definitely fall into this category. I love the feel of high performance memory foam, even though it has some negatives relative to hybrids and other mattresses types. Even so, the comfort and feel far outweigh the negatives for me.
However, if minimizing response time, increasing sex performance, and strong edge support are critical then you’ll probably be better off with a non-memory foam hybrid.
Type: Memory Foam Hybrid
Firmness: Medium (5)
Best For: All Sleeping Positions, All Body Weights
In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs
Performance Tests
At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.
We test 10 different factors that impact the performance, comfort, and value of the mattress. Testing categories include:
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cooling | Excellent |
| Sinkage | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer | Moderate |
| Response Time | Very Fast |
| Bounce | Low |
| Edge Support | Very Good |
| Sex | Very Good |
| Pressure Relief | Exceptional |
| Off-Gassing | Very Good |
| Company | Excellent |
How is Puffy Royal Hybrid Different?
The Puffy Royal Hybrid has an overall score that is slightly below average and a price that is 66% above average—comparing the Puffy Royal Hybrid to the average memory foam hybrid.
Cooling performance is slightly above average and pressure relief is better than average as well with a 2.1″ thicker mattress profile.
As disadvantages, motion transfer levels are 33% above average and response time is 0.2 seconds slower than average as well. Edge support is worse than average with 4.75″ of sinkage when seated at the edge. The average level is 4.18″ so this 14% deeper than average.
Considering preferential factors, the Puffy Royal Hybrid has about average level of sinkage and 32% less bounce than average.
| Factor | Puffy Royal Hybrid | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.49 | 9.52 |
| Price | $2,399 | $1,443 (Memory Foam Hybrid only) |
| Cooling | 9.5 | 9.4 |
| Max Sinkage | 2.19″ | 2.18″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 10.97 m/s² | 8.19 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.6 sec. | 0.4 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 6.49″ | 9.62″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 4.75″ | 4.18″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14.0″ | 11.9″ |
| Sex Overall | 9.3 | 9.6 |
| Comfort Material | 7.0″ | 4.2″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 10 days | 4 days |
| Trial | 101 nights | 163 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 27% have lifetime warranties, average of other 73% of mattresses is 14 years |
Cooling Test
Cooling performance on the Puffy Royal Hybrid was excellent. During our tests, I felt no significant level of pressure point build-up.
Baseline Temp.
78.9° F
Max Temp.
91.0° F
Ending Temp.
84.9° F
The mattress does a fantastic job of releasing heat and keeping the surface of the mattress cooler. During our tests, we measured a temperature decline of 4.1 degrees from minutes 0 to 1. From minutes 0 to 5 that decline was 6.1°.
Max Temp.
Ending Temp
- Baseline Temperature – the temperature of the mattress before anyone lies on it
- Maximum Temperature (0 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after lying on it for 15 minutes
- Ending Temperature (5 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after being lied upon and having no one on it for 5 minutes
The Puffy Royal has a classic hybrid memory foam design. The mattress uses a thick 7.0” comfort layer built of poly and memory foam on top of a pocketed coil base.
Unlike more traditional memory foams, which can be heat reactive (IE, harder when it’s cold and softer when they are warm), the foams use a modern formulation.
As a result, they don’t get softer or harder based on temperature. In addition, the gel-infused formulation allows them to avoid retaining heat and breathe better.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
Overall, when I consider my subjective experience, objective data, and material analysis, I am confident that most sleepers will find the Puffy Royal hybrid to be sufficiently cool.
Sinkage Test
The Puffy Royal Hybrid has a moderate level of sinkage. In our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 2.19”. This is 0.01” more sinkage than the average of 2.18” (based on all of our tests to date).
Sinkage Depth
2.19″
Sinkage Feel
Moderate
While the point sinkage depth is more moderate, there is notably more sinkage for the heavier parts of my body. My butt and midsection in particular sank down more.
The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.
The mattress creates a dramatic and exacting body-contouring hug. Unlike traditional memory foam, which can be harder to move around on and prevent sleepers from changing positions, the Puffy Royal remains more responsive and easy to move on. This is due to the modern memory foam formulation.
In essence, it creates the hug and body contouring that sleepers love from memory foam while minimizing the negatives of excessive hug and a “stuck” feeling.
Motion Transfer Test
The Puffy Royal Hybrid has a moderate level of motion transfer. In our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 10.97 m/s². This is 34.3% more motion than the average of 8.17 m/s².
Max. Acceleration
3.26 m/s²
Min. Acceleration
-7.71 m/s²
Accel. Range
10.97 m/s²
The level of motion transfer is also documented in the video below.
In our motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we can see the highest motion spikes from 0 to 0.14 seconds. Motion drops off significantly immediately thereafter and by 0.72 seconds we are back at near-zero levels.
Mattresses with the lowest motion are able to return to near-zero energy levels within 0.3 seconds. Needless to say, Puffy Royal is a good bit worse than that, but it’s not bad by any stretch.
The thick 7.0” comfort layer absorbs the bulk of the energy such that most sleepers will find only the immediate energy spike to be noticeable.
Response Test
The Puffy Royal Hybrid has a very fast level of material responsiveness, however, it is notably slower than average. In our tests, we measured a mostly recovered response speed of 0.6 seconds and a fully recovered response speed of 1.2 seconds.
Mostly Recovered
0.6 sec.
Complete Recovery
1.2 sec.
Based on all of our tests to date, the mostly recovered average response speed is 0.42 seconds and the fully recovered average response speed is 0.86 seconds. As a result, Puffy Royal is moderately slower than both averages.
The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.
Sleepers who are hypersensitive to slower-responding mattress materials could find this level of recovery speed to be problematic. However, it is still considerably faster than traditional memory foam, which can take 3-5 seconds to fully recover.
Bounce Test
The Puffy Royal Hybrid has a low level of bounce. In our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 6.49”. This is 3.12” less bounce than the average of 9.61”.
Max. Depth
5.87″
Max. Rebound
0.62″
Total Bounce
6.49″
Mattresses with super thick comfort layers tend to absorb more of the bounce energy. In addition, mattresses that utilize memory foam also absorb more bounce energy.
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max Bounce Height
Puffy has both of those attributes, with a 7.0” comfort layer (average is 4.1”) and thick layers of memory foam. As a result, the lower bounce was unsurprising.
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
A lower bounce negatively impacts sex performance and can also make it more difficult to move around on the mattress.
If you find it difficult to move on thicker foam mattresses, memory foam, or if you have slept on more traditional coil mattresses most of your life you may find the Puffy Royal just doesn’t have enough bounce for your preferences.
Edge Support Test
The Puffy Royal Hybrid has good, but not great edge support. In our sitting edge support tests, we measured a sitting edge compression of 4.75”. This is 0.58” worse (more) edge compression than the average of 4.17”.
Max Sinkage
4.75″
Lying Support
Fair
The visuals below show just how deep the edge sinks when under direct pressure. Lying edge support was a similar story. I found the performance to be fair at best.
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
I did not feel tremendously well supported when lying directly on the edge of the mattress. In addition, there is a sensation of being rolled off the mattress when sleeping very near the edge.
The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.
Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.
Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.
The Puffy Royal has a dramatic contouring body hug from the comfort layers, which is great for pressure relief, but also creates too much sinkage at the absolute edge.
The result is a less than super-supportive edge. Most sleepers will need to move at least a couple of inches away from the absolute edge to feel fully supported.
Sex Test
The best mattresses for sex have high bounce, good edge support, quiet materials, and good pressure relief and cooling.
These 5 factors make up the NapLab sex performance score.
| Sex Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | 60% | 9.1 | Low |
| Edge Support | 20% | 9.1 | Very Good |
| Noise | 10% | 10 | Minimal |
| Pressure Relief | 5% | 10 | Exceptional |
| Cooling | 5% | 9.5 | Excellent |
For the Puffy Royal mattress, these individual factors generated a sex score of 9.3.
This is a pretty low score, especially for a hybrid, considering the average sex score for hybrids is 9.71.
Hybrids generally have higher levels of bounce and great edge support, which are two of the most important factors for good sex performance.
But on the Puffy, we’re seeing quite low levels of bounce, uncharacteristic for a mattress of this type.
The extra thick foam layers above the coil are undoubtedly what kills the bounce and in turn kills the sex score.
Bounce aside, edge support is pretty good, albeit not great. Noise, pressure relief, and cooling all have good performance do not negatively effect the score here.
Pressure Relief Test
Pressure relief on the Puffy Royal was exceptionally good. During our tests, I felt no significant level of pressure point build-up anywhere on my body.
Comfort Layer
7.0″
Support Layer
7.0″
The mattress has a robust 14” total profile with a super thick 7.0” comfort layer. Based on all of our tests to date, on average the comfort layer is 4.1”.
With 4 individual layers and 7.0” of comfort foams the Puffy Royal is able to create a luxury feel that relieves pressure, contours to the body, and comforts sleepers.
Even heavier-weight sleepers will likely find that the total mattress thickness and comfort layer thickness create enough pressure relief. Overall, I was pleased with the level of pressure relief performance.
Off-Gassing Test
Off-gassing odors on the Puffy Royal Hybrid are strong right out of the box. The odor is a typical poly foam smell, nothing really out of the ordinary.
Initial Smell Strength
Strong
Off-Gassing Period
12 days
In our tests, it took 12 days for the mattress to fully off-gas. This is 7.6 days longer than the 4.4 day average, comparing all mattresses tested to date.
Company
The company score takes a look at factors that may influence your experience with the mattress.
Factors include length of the trial period, warranty, shipping / return costs, and country of origin.
| Company Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Period | 25% | 9.0 | 101 nights |
| Warranty | 25% | 10 | Lifetime |
| Shipping | 25% | 10 | $0 |
| Returns | 25% | 10 | $0 |
| Country of Origin | 0% | USA |
For Puffy, these individual terms and conditions generated a company score of 9.8.
It has a 101-night trial period, which is 38% shorter than the average trial period of 163 nights. Puffy also offers a lifetime warranty.
Lifetime warranties are only standard on 27% of the mattresses that we test. The average among the other 63% of mattresses is only 14 years.
Shipping is free to your door and if the mattress ends up not working out, returns are also free.
How firm is the Puffy Royal Hybrid?
The Puffy Royal Hybrid has a medium feel with a firmness rating of 5 out of 10.
This feel is suitable for a wide range of sleepers, providing enough support for heavier sleepers while also having a bit of softness for lighter sleepers.
Support & Sleeping Positions
Support on the Puffy Royal Hybrid was excellent. During our tests, I felt fully supported in all sleeping positions. The mattress checks all of the boxes I look for.
We have a thicker-than-average total profile height of 14.0” (average is 11.9”) and a thicker-than-average 7.0” comfort layer (average is 4.1”).
The support layer is a little south of the average at 7.0” (the average is 7.7”). Nevertheless, the combination of 6 layers of foam and coils creates plenty of support, while also ensuring pressure points are avoided.
Given the material quality, design, and thickness, I expect light and heavier-weighted sleepers alike will find the mattress to be fully supportive. Overall, I’m pleased with the level of support performance.
| Sleeper Weight | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 150 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 150-250 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 250-300 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Design
The Puffy Royal Hybrid mattress is 14″ thick and uses a combination of coils and foam. It has a 50/50 split, with 50% of the material being comfort material and 50% being reserved for support material.
Type
Memory Foam Hybrid
Thickness
14″
Firmness
5
The sides of the mattress feature a quilted diamond-stitched pattern, which gives the mattress a more luxurious feel. It also has handles which makes it easier to maneuver the mattress.
Materials
The image below gives an inside look at the materials on the Puffy Royal hybrid. From top to bottom, the layers include:
- 1.5″ poly foam
- 1.5″ poly foam
- 2.0″ poly foam
- 2.0″ poly foam
- 6.0″ pocketed coils
- 1.0″ support foam
The Cover
The cover of the Puffy Royal Hybrid is a thin material with a stain-resistant finish. It has a zipper which makes it easy to remove the cover for washing.
The Comfort Layer
The comfort layer consists of 4 different layers of foam. The top foam (bright blue) is a 1.5″ gel poly foam with cooling properties. This gives the mattress good cooling performance and helps to limit heat retention as well.
Below the gel foam is a second layer of poly foam (light blue), also 1.5″ thick. Puffy calls this layer a memory foam, although the law tag states that it is poly foam.
The third and fourth foams within the comfort layers are two 2.0″ poly foam layers (both white). These layers act more as transitional layers as they ease pressure points between the comfort and support layers.
The Support Layer
The support layer is a 7″ pocketed coil base with an edge support foam that wraps the perimeter of the mattress and encases the foams.
The edge foam is intended to improve edge support, but in our performance tests, we see that it’s just really not supportive to make a significant difference.
Product Evolution
The Puffy Royal mattress was first launched in June 2020 as an all-foam mattress. Since its release, the biggest change has been the shift from an all-foam mattress to a hybrid mattress which took place in July 2022.
While some of the foams remained the same, the overall feel and design of the mattress were drastically different. Since the 2022 upgrade, there have been no additional changes to note.
Other Mattresses to Consider
Not sure if the Puffy Royal Hybrid is the right mattress for you? Click here to see three other top-rated picks you might want to consider.
For Performance
Winkbed Original
9.95 Overall Score
The Winkbed Original is a high-performing hybrid that offers a 5″ comfort layer, 2″ thinner than the Puffy Royal, but of exceptional quality. This mattress is tied for the top-scoring mattress we’ve tested to date while also being $900 less than the Puffy Royal Hybrid. This mattress is available in three firmness levels—Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), or Slightly Firm (7).
For Edge Support
Helix Midnight Elite
9.81 Overall Score
The Helix Midnight Elite is another great hybrid option with a 7″ comfort layer. This mattress uses poly foam and microcoils for a fantastic comfort layer and exceptional edge support. In our tests it only had 3″ of sitting sinkage while the Puffy Royal had 4.75″ of sinkage. It is notably more expensive (around +$500).
For Pressure Relief
Nolah Evolution 15
9.77 Overall Score
The Nolah Evolution 15 offers 6″ of comfort material for some of the best pressure relief we have experienced to date. Performance is exceptional with its only real struggle being higher levels of motion transfer. This mattress is available in three firmness levels—Soft (4), Medium (5.5), or Firm (8).
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Puffy Royal Hybrid mattress mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.
Here are the current prices, with any sales or promotions reflected below:
Twin: $1,249
Twin XL: $1,449
Full: $2,149
Queen: $2,399
King: $2,699
Cal. King: $2,699
Split King: $2,898
*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.
The Puffy Royal was an all-foam mattress that preceded the Hybrid with its initial release happening in 2020. In 2022, coils were added and the Puffy Royal became the Puffy Royal Hybrid. As of September 2023, the all-foam Puffy Royal is not available.
