Purple Mattresses Review

purple-mattress

Perhaps you’ve seen the Purple mattress commercial where Goldilocks conducts the “raw egg test.” After donning a pair of goggles, the quirky character brings a 330-pound sheet of tempered glass with four eggs attached to its bottom crashing down onto Purple’s signature grid.

Of course the eggs survive the test, so Goldilocks goes on to show how other mattresses fail, and how the Purple grid cradles and supports pressure points. It’s a lot of fun to watch Goldilocks smash eggs, but is the Purple mattress all it’s cracked up to be? Keep reading to find out what we learned.

Purple Mattresses Special Features

There’s no doubt that Purple mattress commercials are some of the most entertaining in the business. But great advertising only goes so far: Performance is what matters most, in the end! The company did a fantastic job of developing some special features that contribute to its comfort, popularity, and excellent ratings. Purple mattresses unique features include:

  • Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ Smart-Comfort Gel Grids that offer a unique blend of soft comfort, good support, and a springy feel.
  • Customized support via adaptive grids either fold or support, depending on the amount of pressure that’s placed on each one.
  • Free Air Flow technology, with built-in channels meant to prevent heat from building up overnight

It’s very important to note that people weighing around 125 pounds or less tend to experience Purple’s comfort level as firm to medium firm, simply because their bodies do not exert enough pressure to fold the adaptive grids fully. If you have a light body weight and you prefer to sleep on a soft mattress under $1,000, you might do better with a mattress from Saatva, Helix, or ZenHaven. If you’ve got your heart set on Purple, don’t worry – many light-weight sleepers find the Purple 3 and Purple 4 mattresses offer a great feel. And, if you’re among those who find the mattress feels too firm, you can take advantage of the sleep trial and send it back within the first 100 days.

Purple Mattresses Materials

All Purple Mattresses are encased in removable, washable covers made with a blend of Polyester, Lycra, and Viscose. Like the stretchy sheets that the company recommends for its mattresses, this material is thin and breathable, helping to ensure good airflow while providing a barrier between the mattress’s inner layers and your body. Despite its thinness, it wicks away moisture for added cooling.

Next comes the comfort layer, which you can feel through the cover. The Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ Smart-Comfort Gel Grid helps distribute weight evenly while preventing motion transfer and helping to prevent pressure points. It’s worth noting here that side sleepers usually need a Purple 3 or Purple 4 mattress to feel comfortable. Many of the company’s negative reviews are from side sleepers who got a mattress that feels too firm for their taste.

The Original Purple mattress has a layer of 1.8-pound poly foam beneath the Smart-Comfort Gel Grid, which contributes support while transitioning to the base layer.

Purple 2, Purple 3, and Purple 4 mattresses have a hybrid design, with responsive, individually-wrapped support coils built in for even greater pressure relief and more support in areas where it’s needed. The Original purple mattress lacks this layer. Because of the hybrid design, Purple 2, 3, and 4 mattresses have a much bouncier feel than the Original purple.

The base layer on all models is made of 2-pound poly foam, which creates a firm foundation. On Purple 2, 3, and 4 mattresses, there is also a layer of firm foam surrounding the edges, preventing users from sinking deeply or slipping off the side of the mattress. 

Purple Mattresses: Models Available

Purple states that it is “on a mission to help people sleep better.” Perhaps that’s why this company has several different mattresses to choose from – there really is something for everyone, although prices increase as mattresses get deeper and softer mattress. The Original Purple mattress is firmest, and the Purple 4 is most plush. The company also offers pillows, sheets, seat cushions, and bases. Since Purple has cut out the middle man, prices are surprisingly affordable. Despite the special technology that goes into each Purple mattresses, prices begin at $699. Shipping is free, and so is in-home setup if you need it. The company will even take your old mattress away so you don’t have to figure out what to do with it.

The Original Purple Mattress

Back and stomach sleepers tend to love the Original Purple mattress for its firm yet gentle support, which keeps the spine well-aligned while providing total support with no pressure points. Just like the eggs in the commercial, your body parts are gently cradled by the Smart-Comfort Gel Grid system. Motion transfer is about the same as with memory foam, so you shouldn’t feel your sleeping partner moving around much at all. The level of edge support is good, even when you sleep all the way to one side of the mattress. You’ll probably notice a little more sinking in when you sit on the side of the bed – not a huge deal, and comparable with what you’ll experience with most memory foam and hybrid mattresses.

Of all Purple mattress models available, the original sleeps hottest, although it’s cooler than regular memory foam. Because it uses the least amount of materials, it’s also the lowest-priced model the company has to offer.

The Original Purple mattress comes in the following sizes:

  • Twin XL
  • Full
  • Queen
  • King
  • California King

The Purple 2 Mattress (New Purple Mattress)

The Purple 2 Mattress features a two-inch layer of Smart Comfort Grid™. Beneath that, a 7.5” layer of Responsive Support Coils helps to keep your back in alignment without creating uncomfortable pressure points. While this mattress offers a slightly softer feel than that of the original Purple mattress, it’s still on the firm side, ideal for back sleepers but not the best for those who prefer to sleep on their sides. As with all Purple mattresses, there’s little to no motion transfer, and there’s far less heat buildup than the average memory foam mattress. Because this mattress and thicker versions use more materials, they cost more than the Original Purple – and they’re heavier, too. The weight isn’t a big deal at all since setup is provided free, but it’s worth considering if you know that you’re going to be moving the mattress yourself at some point.

The Purple 2 mattress comes in the following sizes:

  • Twin XL
  • Full
  • Queen
  • King
  • California King

The Purple 3 Mattress

The Purple 3 Mattress is plush yet supportive, and is described as being “Super-duper comfy.” Designed to offer versatility for couples with different needs as well as for those who change positions frequently while sleeping, this mattress features a three-inch layer of Smart Comfort Grid™ over a 7.5” layer of Responsive Support Coils. Motion transfer is minimal, edge support is reliable, and heat buildup is minimal. As you might have guessed, this mattress is priced a bit higher than the Purple 2.

The Purple 3 mattress comes in the following sizes:

  • Twin XL
  • Full
  • Queen
  • King
  • California King

The Purple 4 Mattress

The most luxurious of all Purple’s offerings, the Purple 4 Mattress features a four-inch layer of Smart Comfort Grid™. Beneath that, there’s a 7.5” layer of Responsive Support Coils. Purple notes that this is the best mattress for side sleepers, as it offers plenty of give for hip and shoulder contours. Edge support is reliable, motion transfer is minimal, and there is a nice level of bounce that keeps you from feeling stuck in the comfort layer, so it’s easy to switch positions. Reviewers love that this mattress offers cloud-like comfort, which is probably a result of the added depth of the air pockets between the grid sections. Purple 4 tends to sleep a little cooler than other Purple mattress models. Of all four available offerings, this is the most expensive, but also the most luxurious. Even so, this mattress offers an excellent value when compared with some other brands.

The Purple 4 mattress comes in the following sizes:

  • Twin XL
  • Full
  • Queen
  • King
  • California King

Purple Mattresses: Compatible Frames and Foundations

If you decide that the Purple mattress is for you, you won’t need box springs to go with it. In fact, Purple warns its customers not to place box springs beneath its mattresses, as the “give” in the box springs can lead to sagging in the mattress. The best foundation for a Purple mattress is one that’s firm and supportive. You can go for the Purple Platform Base if you like: It’s 2.5 inches taller than standard platforms, so you won’t feel like you’re sleeping too close to the floor. Purple mattresses are compatible with adjustable bases, too, so go ahead and get one if that’s what you prefer – Purple even makes its own model, complete with built-in massagers, USB, and power outlets. You can also use a platform bed – so long as it is stur. Purple doesn’t recommend using its mattresses on the floor.

 

Purple Mattresses: Setup, Off Gassing, and More

Original Purple Mattresses are shipped tightly compressed and rolled. The package has convenient handles, but it is heavy! This heft is among Purple’s points of pride – they are quick to note that the weight is essential to the level of support these mattresses offer, and that it’s a sign that they are not skimping on materials. If you decide that this is the right mattress for you, be sure to check the shipping weight and see whether you’ll need help moving your new mattress and getting it set up. When you unzip the outer cover, you should find a handy cutter inside, along with a sample of the purple grid layer to satisfy your curiosity about what’s inside your new mattress. Once unrolled, the mattress expands and you’re free to give it a try.

If you opt for Purple 2, Purple 3, or Purple 4, your mattress will be delivered flat, like an innerspring mattress, and it will be set up for you. White glove delivery is complimentary.

While the topic of smell is subjective, it’s possible that you’ll notice a bit of new product odor with the Purple mattress. The good news is that it dissipates within about a week at most and is far less offensive than odors from some other brands. Many reviewers state that they don’t really notice a smell, but those with very sensitive noses are able to detect an odor that a few describe as strong but not long-lasting. It’s worth noting that Purple’s materials are all CERTIPUR-US® Certified, and as such are free from dangerous chemicals, ozone depleters, and heavy metals.

Purple Mattresses Trial Period

Purple offers a generous 100-day trial period. This is usually plenty of time for people to become accustomed to their new mattresses and determine whether the comfort level is right. If you don’t like the Purple mattress, you can return it within the first 100 days. The company will even send someone to pick it up.

Purple Mattresses Warranty

Purple mattresses are covered by a 10-year warranty. This warranty is similar to that offered by many other companies, but be sure to read the fine print so that you know what’s covered in the event your sleep trial has passed and you decide that you want to send your mattress back to the manufacturer.

Need to know more about Purple mattresses, or want a free sample of Purple’s signature Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ Smart-Comfort Gel? Visit the company at Purple.com. Please reach out with any questions you may have for us. We will be happy to help you!

Photo credits: Amazon.com