In the sleep world, Purple is in a class of its own. The brand’s proprietary cushioning technology, the GelFlex® Grid, is an adaptive, responsive, temperature-balancing material that is both soft and supportive. In the flagship Purple Mattress, a two-inch layer of this flexible polymer is backed with the brand’s Comfort Foam and a durable base foam for exceptional pressure relief and support. Plus, the open construction of the Grid prompts airflow and combats heat retention, which is important for sleep quality. (1)
Our sleep experts put the Purple through a series of rigorous tests to better understand how this combination of materials translates to support, comfort, cooling ability, responsiveness, and other parameters that indicate a mattress’ performance. We also considered how it compares to other popular Purple Mattress models to help you narrow down the best mattress for your sleep needs. Keep reading for our unbiased, honest take on the original Purple Mattress.
Our favorite Purple Mattress
While the flagship Purple Mattress lacks many of the bells and whistles of its pricier models, we found it a great match for back and combination sleepers on a budget. The mattress earned high marks for its pressure relief and motion isolation, making it a good fit for couples. Plus, at around $1,300 for a queen size during sales, it’s the least expensive way to enjoy the benefits of the brand’s proprietary GelFlex® Grid.
Our picks for the best Purple Mattresses
- Purple Mattress
- Purple Plus Mattress
- Purple RestorePremier™ Hybrid Mattress
- Purple Rejuvenate™ Mattress
Compare Purple Mattresses
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| Purple Mattress® | Purple Plus® Mattress | Purple RestorePremier™ Hybrid Mattress | Purple Rejuvenate™ Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||
| Price (queen) | $1,499 | $1,899 | $3,699 | $5,495 |
| Material | Foam | Foam | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Sleep style | Back | Back, side | Back, stomach | Back, stomach |
| Firmness | Medium-firm | Medium | Firm | Firm |
| Cooling | GelFlex® Grid | GelFlex® Grid | GelFlex® Grid, cooling cover, hybrid construction | GelFlex® Grid, cooling cover, hybrid construction |
Purple Mattress
Key product features
What you should know
The brand’s flagship Purple Mattress has an adaptive feel thanks to its proprietary GelFlex® Grid, which responds well to movement and evenly distributes body weight to relieve pressure. The Grid’s open construction also promotes airflow, reducing the stuffiness common with all-foam mattresses. Comfort and support foam layers give the mattress a medium-firm feel and excellent motion isolation.
- The GelFlex® Grid in the Purple Mattress has a buoyant sensation that makes sleepers feel almost weightless.
- With a queen priced around $1,300 during sales, the flagship Purple falls in the low to middle of the price spectrum when compared to competitors.
- Our team found the combination of foam layers and the Grid a great fit for back sleepers, combination sleepers, and couples in search of motion isolation.
- Since it lacks a coil layer, edge support could be better on the Purple, so it may not be well suited to those with mobility issues.
Purple Mattress overview
The Purple Mattress combines Purple’s signature GelFlex® Grid with two foam layers, adding comfort and support. The GelFlex® Grid is a proprietary elastic polymer that’s both stretchy and squishy but ultra-supportive. It responds immediately to the movements of the body and cradles curves to help ease pressure. Plus, according to our testers, it gives the Purple a unique floating sensation. Its open construction allows for optimal airflow, which makes the mattress twice as cool as traditional foam mattresses. Our testers confirmed that the Purple isn’t cool to the touch, but the breathable cover and Grid work well to keep the mattress from retaining body heat.
While Purple says its original mattress has a medium-firm feel, recommended for those with back pain (2), our team found it a touch firmer. It worked particularly well for back sleeping. Our team gave it full marks for its support and pressure relief in this sleep position because it supports a neutral sleep posture, which can help keep back pain at bay. (3) Both back and side sleeping are ideal sleep positions for easing back and neck pain, but the Purple lacks the softness and sink that most side sleepers need to cushion their shoulders and hips. (4, 5) We think the mattress should work if you’re primarily a back sleeper but spend some time on your sides. We don’t recommend the Purple Mattress for dedicated side sleepers, and we caution stomach sleepers in higher weight ranges to look for a mattress specifically designed to support more weight.
While the Purple Grid is relatively responsive, the foam layers in the mattress do an excellent job of dampening motion transfer. Our team gave the mattress close to full marks for this performance marker. While big movements are detectable, more minor disruptions, like a partner rolling from one position to another or climbing out of bed, weren’t noticeable during testing. That makes the Purple a good fit for couples or those who share the bed with a pet.
Our team didn’t find the mattress particularly bouncy, which aligns with its foam construction. The Grid responds quickly, but the mattress has a slower-moving feel. While our testers didn’t feel like they were sinking deeply into the mattress, they reported that changing position still took some effort. If you consistently toss and turn, you may prefer a more responsive mattress, but we still feel comfortable recommending it to back-and-side combination sleepers.
According to our testing, the Purple Mattress’s most glaring issue is its lack of edge support. We scored the mattress 3.5 out of 5 in recognition of the deep sinking our testers experienced when seated or lying on the edge. That might be a concern for those with mobility issues or anyone who is in the habit of sitting on the side of the bed to put on their socks and shoes.
A queen-size Purple Mattress costs around $1,500 before discounts and promotions, but frequent sales bring that price down slightly. It puts the mattress in the middle of the pack compared to competitors, but keep in mind that Purple is the only brand with the GelFlex® Grid. If that sort of novel mattress technology appeals to you and you’re primarily a back sleeper, there’s a good chance you’ll be very pleased with the mattress. Plus, there’s a 100-night sleep trial, which gives you ample time to put it to the test.
Specs
| Material | GelFlex® Grid and foam |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Price (queen) | $1,499 |
| Height | 9.25 inches |
| Weight (queen) | 88 pounds |
| Trial period | 100 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
What customers are saying
The Purple Mattress is available for sale on Amazon, where it’s very highly reviewed. Out of almost 1,400 reviews, the mattress has an overall rating of 4.4 stars. Customers praise the Purple for its quality and firmness. One customer with the username “Nai-Nai,” writes, “As anyone should be, I was very skeptical of all the rave reviews this mattress receives. However, I was beyond impressed after I tried it on the first night. I have now been sleeping on it for a few months, and it has continued to be the most comfortable mattress I’ve ever tried. Although it has a different feel from memory foam after a while, it’s easy to see that this engineering is superior to memory foam.”
However, some people didn’t find the Purple a good fit. One customer who uses the username, “A Guy,” says he purchased the mattress because of a glowing recommendation from his brother. He writes, “This bed has been disappointing for me. I’ve been waking up well before my alarm due to low back pain. And while I can usually force myself back to sleep, I’m constantly aware of how sore my back feels. I gave it plenty of time in the hopes that I was just adjusting to a more suitable sleeping posture. But a couple of months later, it still isn’t better. I’m a big guy (6’3″, 290lbs), so I suspect the problem is that my lower back is completely compressing the grid, and my tailbone is effectively resting on the harder surface beneath.”
Who the Purple Mattress is recommended for:
Purple recommends its original Purple Mattress for back sleepers, though it can support other sleep positions. After our testing, we agree. Our team found the Purple ideal for back sleeping, with exceptional support and an almost floating sensation from the GelFlex® Grid. It fared reasonably well when we tested it for side sleeping, but there isn’t much sinkage, so it’s likely better suited to back and side combination sleepers than dedicated side sleepers. Since sleeping on the side puts direct pressure on the hips, which can cause hip pain, a softer mattress is usually a better fit. (6)
However, it’s important to keep in mind that sleep needs vary from one person to the other. Individual body types, as well as personal needs and preferences, directly influence what makes a mattress comfortable (7), and these factors can’t be overlooked when considering a mattress. Finding a mattress that accommodates your sleep style is key for supporting sleep quality. (8)
Who the Purple Mattress is not recommended for:
The medium-firm feel of the Purple Mattress and its “on top” feeling aren’t well suited to those who spend the entire night on their sides. The mattress simply lacks the softness necessary to cushion the hips and shoulders enough and keep the pressure at bay. Stomach sleepers, except those in the lightweight category, should also keep looking. They’ll need a firmer mattress to ensure proper hip elevation and maintain neutral alignment, especially because stomach sleeping can be stressful on the neck, shoulders, and lower back. (2, 9)
How we rated the Purple Mattress
After comprehensive testing, here’s how we scored the Purple Mattress in multiple categories:
While the mattress scored well in most performance areas, we found it lacking edge support (though that’s not uncommon when a mattress lacks a coil layer). Its trial and warranty policies could be better as well. While the 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty are the industry standard, many brands offer more generous policies.
The Purple Mattress pricing and sizing
| Size | Price |
| Twin | $999 |
| Twin XL | $1,099 |
| Full | $1,399 |
| Queen | $1,499 |
| King | $1,999 |
| Cal king | $1,999 |
| Split king | $2,198 |
Warranties and policies
Purple offers a 10-year warranty on its flagship Purple Mattress, which is comparable to many brands. While it’s not as generous as some companies’ lifetime warranties, it ensures you’re protected for an entire decade in the event of a manufacturer’s defect. Purple notes that they’ll replace the mattress during the 10-year warranty window, which begins from the date of the original purchase. Keep in mind that most mattresses can be expected to last between 7 and 10 years. (10)
The Purple Mattress also comes with a 100-night sleep trial. Again, this isn’t as generous as the brands that offer a 365-night trial, but it still translates to just over three months of testing. It can take up to a month to fully adjust to a new mattress, so this is plenty of time to decide if the Purple is right for you. The trial begins the day the mattress is delivered, and Purple requires that you sleep on the mattress for at least 21 days before initiating a return or exchange. If it’s not a good fit after that, Purple will have the mattress picked up and issue a full refund, minus the discount, any accrued interest if you financed the purchase and shipping fees. Note that the mattress must be clean and undamaged, and the mattress law tag must still be attached to be eligible for a return.
Purple Mattresses ship for free in the contiguous U.S. Mattresses shipped to Hawaii and Alaska incur a fee calculated at checkout. An in-home setup, which includes free removal of your old mattress, is available for mattresses over 150 pounds (both Essential and Restore models). It’s a $200 service that must be coordinated with the company.
Additional models from Purple
If you’re drawn to Purple because of the GelFlex® Grid, as many are, but your sleep style warrants a different firmness, or you’re interested in upgrading cooling features, there are other models to consider.
Purple Plus Mattress
Key product features
What you should know
As the name implies, the Purple Plus builds on the flagship Purple Mattress. Its comfort foam layer has a more breathable construction and a softer feel for a greater cradling sensation, while two layers of base foam mean more stability and support.
- Like the original, the Purple Plus has a two-inch layer of GelFlex® Grid, which gives the sleepers the sensation of floating on the mattress, though there’s a touch more sink.
- The Plus is $400 more than the Purple Mattress. A queen is $1,899 before sales pricing, which puts it in the middle of the pack compared to competitors.
- The medium feel and enhanced cradling make it a good fit for side sleepers.
Purple Plus mattress overview
The Purple Plus shares a similar construction to the original, with two inches of GelFlex® Grid and foam comfort and support layers. But the Plus is engineered with more cushioning and better breathability in the comfort foam, while two layers of support foam in the base add more stability and enhanced motion isolation. That makes it an excellent match for couples, but it likely won’t appeal to active combination sleepers, who need a little bounce to change position easily.
The Plus shares the same trial window and warranty but is slightly higher than the Purple Mattress. A queen is $1,899 before promotional pricing.
Specs
| Material | GelFlex® Grid and foam |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Price (queen) | $1,899 |
| Height | 11 inches |
| Weight (queen) | 109 pounds |
| Trial period | 100 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
Who the Purple Plus is recommended for
The Plus has a medium feel that’s more accommodating to side sleepers. It’s still a good match for back sleepers, with the lumbar support they need to keep aches and pains at bay. While the brand markets this model as suitable for all sleep styles, we disagree. Stomach sleepers, especially those in higher weight ranges, will likely find the Plus too soft for their needs.
Purple RestorePremier™ Hybrid Mattress
Key product features
What you should know
The RestorePremier™ is a hybrid mattress that combines the brand’s GelFlex® Grid with its CoolFlex coils. The hybrid construction promotes breathability and complements the temperature-neutral Grid, while the moisture-wicking cover works well for hot sleepers prone to night sweats.
- Three inches of Grid in the RestorePremier™ adapt well to different sleep positions and offer enhanced pressure relief.
- The Restore collection is the brand’s mid-tier offering, and this model is the most luxurious. A queen starts at $3,699 before discounts.
- Our team found the combination of foam layers and the Grid to be a great fit for back sleepers, combination sleepers, and couples seeking motion isolation.
Purple RestorePremier™ Hybrid Mattress overview
Part of the Restore collection, the RestorePremier™was designed with hot sleepers in mind. The hybrid construction allows body heat to pass through the GelFlex® Grid to the coil layer below, while a moisture-wicking cover helps repel sweat for cooler, drier nights. Plus, it’s treated with an antimicrobial finish to keep the mattress fresh.
The foam-topped coils in the support layer are responsive and dynamic, offering individualized support where sleepers need it most. Above, a generous three-inch layer of Grid helps relieve pressure. The RestorePremier™ also has an edge support system with reinforced coils around the perimeter. This differentiates this model from those in the Essential collection, which lacks in this performance category.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid (GelFlex® Grid, foam, and coils) |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Price (queen) | $3,699 |
| Height | 13 inches |
| Weight (queen) | 137 pounds |
| Trial period | 100 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
Who the Purple RestorePremier™ Hybrid Mattress is recommended for
With its medium-firm feel, enhanced support, and responsive coils, the RestorePremier™ is an excellent fit for various sleep styles. But it’s the cooling upgrades that make it particularly ideal for hot sleepers. Keep in mind that the premier price tag pushes this mattress out of reach for some shoppers.
Purple Rejuvenate™ Mattress
Key product features
What you should know
The Rejuvenate™ Mattress is a premier pick in the Rejuvenate Luxe collection. That’s evident in the quilted Euro top, upgraded GelFlex® Grid Plus, and zoned coil system. It ticks all the boxes for support, pressure relief, and cooling ability, but its firmer feel is best suited to back, stomach, and combination sleepers.
- The six-layered mattress combines Purple’s GelFlex® Grid with layers of foam and springs for standout support, alignment, and pressure relief.
- The Rejuvenate™ is an expensive mattress. A queen is $5,495 before promotional pricing, which may make it out of reach for many people.
- The luxurious Euro-top adds a pillowy feel and is nicely balanced by the firm support.
- The 15.5-inch mattress is definitely tall, so consider that when pairing it with an appropriate foundation and sheets.
Purple Rejuvenate™ mattress overview
The Rejuvenate™ Mattress is impressive, with its upgraded GelFlex® Grid Plus, luxurious quilted Euro top, and zoned support system. The premium mattress is engineered for advanced support and neutral alignment with a tri-zone system. The head and shoulder zone features medium support to keep the head and neck comfortable, the lumbar and hip zone is targeted with firmer support, and the lower leg and foot zone provides gentle support.
The mattress has six layers, including a cooling cover and dual comfort layers that add responsiveness and pressure relief. The GelFlex® Grid Plus layer adds to the mattress’ breathability and support, while upgraded edge support makes it easy to get in and out of bed and maximizes the sleeping surface, which is ideal for couples. It also improves durability by adding structure to the mattress as a whole.
Specs
| Material | Hybrid (GelFlex® Grid, foam, and coils) |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Price (queen) | $5,495 |
| Height | 15.5 inches |
| Weight (queen) | 126 pounds |
| Trial period | 100 nights |
| Shipping | Free |
Who the Purple Rejuvenate™ is recommended for
While the mattress is intended to accommodate all sleep positions and the Euro top does have ample cushioning, the firmer feel is best suited to back and stomach sleepers. The zoned coils give the mattress a responsive feel, so it’s also a good match for combination sleepers. Since the Rejuvenate™ is part of the brand’s most luxurious collection, it’s not a budget-friendly mattress.
Purple Mattress vs. competitors
It can be helpful to compare the Purple Mattress to competitors to zero in on the best match for your needs. If you’re a combination sleeper who spends as much time on your side as you do your back, the Nectar Classic is probably a better fit. The all-foam mattress has a medium-firm feel that is softer than the Purple.
Dedicated side sleepers should consider the Nolah Signature or the Helix Midnight. Hot sleepers who spend the night on their sides will fare well on the hybrid Midnight—its construction promotes airflow better than all-foam models like the Signature, and it comes with an upgrade option to a cooling cover as well.
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| Purple Mattress® | Nectar Classic | Nolah Signature | Helix Midnight | |
| Rating | ||||
| Price (queen) | $1,499 | $649 | $1,799 | $1,332 |
| Material | Foam | Foam | Foam | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Sleep style | Back | Back and side | Side | Side |
| Firmness | Medium-firm | Medium-firm | Medium | Medium |
| Cooling | Temperature neutral | Breathable cover | Breathable cover and foam | Cooling cover upgrade available |
FAQs
How long do Purple Mattresses last?
Purple mattresses have a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years. (11) While the company’s proprietary GelFlex® Grid shouldn’t break down, the mattress includes polyurethane foam as a support material, which has a 10-year lifespan.
What is the Purple Mattress made of?
Purple Mattresses are known for their GelFlex® Grid, a flexible elastic polymer that’s both soft and supportive. The original Purple Mattress, part of the brand’s Essential collection, combines the GelFlex® Grid with comfort and support layers of polyurethane foam. The combination of materials technically makes it a hybrid mattress, though there are no coils in the support layer.
What is special about the Purple Mattress?
The GelFlex® Grid makes the Purple—and all of the brand’s mattresses—unique. No other mattress company offers this kind of proprietary cushioning technology, which is stretchy and springy. The grid construction adapts immediately to movement to reduce pressure and maintain support. Plus, it doesn’t trap heat.
Is the Purple Mattress worth it?
If you’re a dominant back sleeper and overheating is an issue, the Purple Mattress could be a great fit. The GelFlex® Grid and foam layers in the mattress are supportive and pressure-relieving, while the open construction of the Grid itself keeps heat from building. Plus, a queen size priced around $1,300 during the brand’s frequent sales makes the Purple Mattress reasonably priced.
Can you flip a Purple mattress?
No. Like many modern mattresses, Purple Mattresses have distinct tops and bottoms and aren’t designed to be flipped. While they can be rotated every three months, they should never be turned over.
Our experts
Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN
Chaunie Brusie is a mom of five, a native Michigander, and a Registered Nurse turned writer and editor. She specializes in health and medical writing. Her work has appeared everywhere, from The New York Times to Glamour to Parents magazine.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Jessica Timmons
Fortune Recommends Sleep Writer
About Author
Jessica Timmons is a freelance writer who has written extensively about health, wellness, fitness, sleep, beauty, and parenting, among other topics. Her work has appeared on Forbes, Healthline, mindbodygreen, Everyday Health, and more. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four active kids, lifting weights, and getting better at rock climbing one route at a time.