Best For
- Truly impressive cooling performance, largely thanks to the hyper-elastic polymer
- Extremely low motion transfer
- Extremely high bounce makes sex fantastic
Considerations
- Edge support just isn’t good, both while sitting & lying
- Sinkage is deeper than average, 2.24″
- Potential for support issues for heavier sleepers
Our Verdict
The Purple mattress is a 9.5” specialty foam mattress made of a classic blend of foam and Purple’s patented hyper-elastic polymer grid.
It has moderate sinkage and very high bounce that provides a healthy amount of contour around the body.
It comes in a single firmness of 5 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm making it a good option for all body types and sleeping positions.
The Purple mattress has an overall score of 8.99 placing it in the top 22%, comparing all mattresses tested to date.
The price is a big of a downer on the Purple, with a price tag of $1499 (for a queen). While this is lower than the average price of a specialty mattress ($2597), if you compare it to the average foam ($1079) or hybrid ($1332), you’ll see that you really pay a premium for the Purple grid.
Type: Specialty
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. We then take the results of that test and compare to every mattress we’ve tested to date.
Check out the full performance table below to see how this mattress ranks:
| Factor | Purple | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.99 | 8.57 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,499 | $2,597 (Specialty only) |
| Cooling – Score | 10 | 8.7 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.24″ | 2.15″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 | 8.2 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 2.23 m/s² | 8.78 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 10 | 8.9 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.3 sec. | 0.9 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 12.79″ | 9.51″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Very High | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 5.1 | 8.6 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 7.75″ | 4.04″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Mediocre | Good |
| Sex – Score | 8.8 | 8.5 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 | 8.7 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 5.5″ | 4.1″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 9.5″ | 12.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.9 | 8.1 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 4 days | 7 days |
| Company – Score | 8.5 | 8.7 |
| Trial | 100 nights | 178 nights |
| Warranty | 10 years | 25% have lifetime warranties, average of other 75% of mattresses is 13 years |
How is Purple Mattress Different?
The Purple mattress has an overall performance level that is above the average mattress and a price tag that is below the cost of the average specialty mattress. However, if we take away the Purple grid, the Purple mattress is considerably more than the average foam mattress ($1,072), which is the next closest mattress type.
Advantages
The Purple mattress beats the average mattress in many categories. Cooling, motion transfer, response, sex, pressure relief, and off-gassing all scored higher than the average mattress we’ve tested.
Neutral Factors
Considering the preferential factors, bounce is 34% higher than the average mattress, and sinkage is 5% deeper.
Disadvantages
Where the Purple mattress falls behind is edge support, having 3.71″ more sitting edge compression than the average mattress.
Cooling Test
The cooling on the Purple mattress was outstanding. Our objective data measured a maximum temperature of 89.2°F.
This is 1.8° cooler than the average maximum temperature across all mattresses we’ve tested to date, which is 91.0°F. The heat dissipation curve was equally as impressive.
Baseline Temp.
79.7° F
Max. Temp.
89.2° F
Ending Temp.
84.0° F
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
Within 1 minute after getting off the mattress the temperature was reduced from 89.2 to 85.8°F. This is a decrease of 3.4°, which continued to a final temperature of 84.0° (after 5 minutes).
The top layer of Purple GelFlex grid (a hyper-elastic polymer) is constructed in such a way that it allows for an incredible level of airflow. The grid supports sleepers, provides comfort, and contours to shape, all while still offering large pockets of air.
The grid design enables better airflow and very clearly is having a significant impact on the cooling performance.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
Our subjective experience followed what we measured with our objective data. During the cooling tests, the mattress was extremely cool.
There was a notable difference in cooling performance on the Purple mattress compared to the vast majority of other mattresses we’ve tested to date.
Sinkage Test
The Purple has moderate sinkage. During our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 2.24″. This is 0.09″ more sinkage than the average sinkage depth of 2.15″, based on all of our tests to date.
Sinkage Depth
2.24″
Sinkage Feel
Moderate
A sinkage depth of around 2’ish inches is sufficient to help relieve pressure and provide a nice contouring around the body.
The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.
Sinkage while lying on the side of the body, or for heavier sleepers (really any weights 180 above) does get fairly substantial. There isn’t much pushback in the top layer of Purple hyper-elastic polymer material.
As a result, it can create significant sinkage. If you’re a side sleeper or more moderate-weight back and stomach sleeper, this is most likely a non-issue.
However, other sleepers and body types are more likely to be less-than-in-love. We discuss more on the support impacts a bit further down.
Motion Transfer Test
The Purple has an extremely low level of motion transfer. During our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 2.23 m/s². This is 75% less motion transfer than the average of 8.79 m/s².
The level of motion transfer is documented in the video below.
Max. Acceleration
1.38 m/s²
Min. Acceleration
-0.85 m/s²
Accel. Range
2.23 m/s²
While the total acceleration range was low, the duration of motion on the mattress was high. This seems to be a product of the top layer of Purple hyper-elastic polymer.
The grid design works as a complete system, which is great when you’re talking about contour and hug, but less so on motion transfer. So while the total motion is low, the motion does persist for longer across the mattress.
In our motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we can see the highest motion peaks from 0 to 0.21 seconds. By 1.09 seconds we’ve returned to near-zero levels of energy.
Response Test
The Purple has an extremely fast material response. In our mostly recovered test, we measured a recovery speed of 0.2 seconds, which is 0.20 seconds faster than the average of 0.40 seconds, based on all of our tests to date.
Mostly Recovered
0.2 sec.
Complete Recovery
0.3 sec.
In our fully recovered responsiveness test, we measured a recovery speed of 0.3 seconds, which is 0.60 seconds faster than the average of 0.90 seconds.
The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.
The Purple elastic grid polymer springs back to shape nearly instantaneously. As a result, there is little concern for sleepers feeling entrapped or stuck within slow-responding materials.
Bounce Test
The Purple has a very high level of bounce. During our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 12.79″. This is 3.28″ more bounce than the average of 9.51″, based on all of our tests to date.
Max. Depth
6.90″
Max. Rebound
5.89″
Total Bounce
12.79″
This is notably more than the average across all of our mattress tests, which is 9.53”.
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max. Bounce Height
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
Despite the differential compared to the average, 12.79” is not an unreasonable or crazy level of bounce. Ideally, I want to see 8-12″ of total bounce height.
For many sleepers, this level of bounce will feel more similar to a traditional coil mattress. In addition, the high level of bounce is a positive factor for sex on the mattress (discussed more below).
Edge Support Test
The Purple has terrible sitting edge support and mediocre lying edge support.
Max. Sinkage
7.75″
Lying Support
Mediocre
In our sitting edge support test, we measured a sitting sinkage compression of 7.75″. This is 3.71″ more sitting sinkage than the average of 4.04″, based on all of our tests to date.
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
While lying directly on the edge of the mattress, I felt that the support was mediocre in all sleeping positions.
The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.
Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.
Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.
Overall, I did not feel well supported at the edge of the mattress in any position.
It feels like the mattress is trying to roll me out of bed. While the Purple elastic polymer is ideal for creating easy contour for sleepers in the middle of the mattress, when it comes to the edge this material characteristic results in non-ideal edge support performance.
Sex Test
The sex score for the Purple is good, but it’s not without issue. Bounce, noise, and cooling are all fantastic—perfect 10s. The surface is engaging and active with high bounce and a fast response time.
Noise is also non-existent since there are no coils in this mattress. The grid keeps the sleeping surface nice and cool, which is also beneficial for sex.
| Sex Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | 65% | 10 | Extremely High |
| Edge Support | 20% | 4.1 | Terrible |
| Noise | 5% | 10 | Minimal |
| Pressure Relief | 5% | 9.0 | Excellent |
| Cooling | 5% | 10 | Outstanding |
So what is the problem?
The biggest problem with the Purple is the edge support—it’s really lacking. We measured almost 8″ in sinkage from the top surface of the mattress to the level of deepest sinkage.
As a result, using of the edge of the mattress for amorous activities will leave much to be desired for both parties.
Pressure Relief Test
The Purple mattress has an excellent level of pressure relief. During our tests, I did not feel any significant level of pressure points anywhere on my body.
Comfort Layer
5.5″
Support Layer
4.0″
The mattress is equipped with 5.5″ of comfort material. The Purple has 1.37″ more comfort material than the average comfort layer thickness of 4.13″, based on all of our tests to date.
As a result, it’s able to contour around light and heavy sections of the body with ease, providing pressure relief. My only major concern with pressure relief is for heavier-weight sleepers.
The larger your body the more pressure you’ll put on the mattress. The more pressure, the more likely you are going to simply sink through the Purple polymer grid material and into the more dense support foam.
These foams, while firm and supportive, won’t provide much in the way of pressure relief.
Off-Gassing Test
The off-gassing smell on the Purple mattress was strong right out of the box and the mattress took 4 days to fully dissipate.
Initial Smell Strength
Strong
Off-Gassing Period
4 days
Compared to the average off-gassing duration of 7 days, Purple is 3 days faster than average.
Company
As a company, Purple has a pretty good record of positive consumer policies and terms. They offer a 100-night trial period and 10-year warranty.
Shipping is free and so are returns. They do require a 21-night break-in period, which gives your body some time to get used to the mattress.
| Company Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Period | 15% | 8.0 | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 10% | 8.0 | 10 years |
| Shipping | 5% | 10 | $0 |
| Returns | 20% | 10 | $0 |
| Trust | 50% | 8.0 | Good |
| Country of Origin | 0% | USA |
Comparing all mattresses tested to date, this trial is 44% shorter and the warranty is 3.1 years shorter.
In this time period, you cannot initiate a return. But returns are fair game between day 21 and day 100.
As for manufacturing, all Purple mattresses are produced in various factories and production centers across the state of Utah.
How firm is the Purple?
The Original Purple comes in around a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, where 10 is the most firm.
It is still a medium, but notably softer than the other Purple mattress models. It doesn’t take much to create a significant level of contour and hug around sleepers.
The other Purple mattresses have more pushback and greater firmness (though they are still within the medium to medium-firm range).
Support & Sleeping Positions
Being a 5 out of 10, the Purple mattress is still considered suitable for a wide range of sleepers, regardless of weight or sleeping position.
We have a table, shown below, that we use to help sleepers decide if a mattress is right for them. As you can see, the Purple has widespread appeal across the sleeper spectrum.
| 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 |
Over 300 lbs? According to Purple, there is no weight limit that the Purple will support although they do recommend 300 pounds per person or 600 pounds total. That being said, exceeding this recommendation will not void the 10-year warranty.
That said, if you are over 300 pounds I would strongly recommend one of the Purple Hybrid mattresses, ideally the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 or 4. The hybrid design and thicker hyper-elastic polymer grid will both lead to better performance for heavier persons.
Design
The Purple mattress is a simple combination of foam and the patented Purple hyper-elastic polymer grid.
Type
Foam Combo
Thickness
10″
Firmness
5
It is 10″ thick, which is the standard height for foam mattresses compared to higher-profile options, like the Purple Hybrid or Hybrid Premium.
Materials
The Purple mattress is a 9.5″ specialty foam mattress constructed of poly foam and Purple’s elastic grid. Here is a complete breakdown of all of the materials from top to bottom:
- 2.0″ elastic polymer
- 3.5″ poly foam
- 4.0″ poly foam
The Cover
The cover of the Purple mattress is a knit blended material that is soft and breathable. It is designed to be light and thin, so as not to overly engage the sleeper or prevent the Purple grid below from doing its job.
The white on the top of the cover continues partially down the side before breaking into a thin purple accent and using a light gray for the lower half.
The Comfort Layer
The comfort layer on the Purple is technically 5.5″ thick, but that’s really divided up into two layers—a top layer of 2.0″ thick polymer grid and a second 3.5″ layer of poly foam.
While we technically count the poly foam as a comfort layer, it’s actually a bit more of a transitional layer. The poly foam is a little denser than a regular comfort foam and one of the big jobs of this layer is to transition between the comfort grid and the support foam below.
A transition material is important to (as the name suggests) transition pressure and weight from the comfort layer to the support layer below.
One other distinguishing material to mention is the foam perimeter. This foam is located at the edges and has two jobs. One, it contains the Purple grid—two, it provides edge support.
Unfortunately, the edge support is a hard miss for the Purple Original, but the design intent was solid.
The Support Layer
The support layer at the bottom of the mattress is a 4.0″ thick layer of high-density foam. This layer provides support for the poly foam and Purple grid above.
Product Evolution
The Purple mattress launched in 2015, under the wings of a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising a little over $170,000 and with only 320 backers.
Originally, Purple offered only the 10″ Original Purple mattress, but over the years expanded their reach with a few other options.
They had a Hybrid collection (including Hybrid, Hybrid Premier 3, and Hybrid Premier 4) which was discontinued in 2023 for the launch of their Restore Hybrid collection (including Restore, RestorePlus, and RestorePremier).
Other Mattresses to Consider
Not sure if Purple is the right pick for you? Check out these three other top-rated alternates you might want to consider. These mattresses have a similar feel (moderate sinkage, very high bounce) and a similar price point or lower.
They lack the Purple grid but are great options to consider if you’re looking for mattresses with a better value.
For Performance
Leesa Sapira
9.48 Overall Score
The Leesa Sapira mattress is an 11″ hybrid with a medium-firm feel (6). It has a 4″ comfort layer and uses a combination of different foam types and pocketed coils. It has very high levels of bounce, like Purple, for an active and engaging feel.
For Value
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite
9.20 Overall Score
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite is a 13″ hybrid with minimal sinkage and a very high level of bounce. It has well-rounded performance and a medium-firm feel (6). This mattress also comes in under $1000 for a queen, making it an exceptional value if you’re on a tight budget.
For Budget
Helix Midnight
8.93 Overall Score
The Helix Midnight is another great option for sleepers on a budget. It is a 12″ hybrid with minimal sinkage and high bounce, priced at $999 for a queen. It has a well-balanced performance and is a great alternative to Purple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Original Purple below and get the answers you’re looking for.
The cost of the Original Purple mattress varies depending on what size you’re looking for. Here are the current prices, with any sales or promotions reflected below:
Twin: $999
Twin XL: $1,099
Full: $1,399
Queen: $1,499
King: $1,999
Cal. King: $1,999
Split King: $2,198 (includes both sides)
*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.
The purchase of any Purple mattress comes with a 100-night trial period, a 10-year warranty, and free shipping to your door. If you decide that the mattress isn’t right for you, they offer free returns. The one exception is that you have to wait past the first 21 days, for a suitable Break-In Period.
Yes. Purple partners with a number of third-party mattress stores including: Mattress Firm, Denver Mattress, HOM Furniture, Rooms to Go, City Furniture, Macy’s, Big Sandy, Steinhafels, Mathis Brothers Furniture, Ivan Smith Furniture, Raymour & Flanigan Furniture, Miskelly Furniture, Levin Furniture & Mattress, Gardner White, Cardi’s Furniture & Mattress, and Wichita Furniture & Mattress
Cleaning a Purple mattress is similar to how you would clean any other foam-based mattress. They actually recommend the following steps:
1. Remove Sheets & Bedding
2. Vacuum Your Mattress
3. Use Baking Soda
4. Clean Spills Right Away
5. Air Out Your Mattress
6. Use a Mattress Protector
7. Rotate the Mattress Regularly (not flipping upside down)
8. Avoid Excessive Sweating in Bed
