A Purple mattress is worth it for shoppers who value innovation, cooling technology, and superior pressure relief, but it might not be the best choice for those on a tight budget. Its proprietary Hyper-Elastic Polymer grid sets it apart from traditional memory foam beds, offering a unique "floating" feel that excels at cradling joints and preventing heat buildup.
Purple mattresses sit in the mid-to-premium end of the online market, competing with brands like Casper and Tempur-Pedic. Their quality and durability generally justify the price, especially for side sleepers and those with back pain. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you get for your money.
How Is Purple's Quality?
Purple's quality is consistently high, primarily due to its unique materials and US-based manufacturing. The standout feature is its durable and supportive polymer grid, which solves many common problems found in all-foam mattresses.
- Construction & Craftsmanship: Purple mattresses are built with their signature Gelflex®, Grid (Hyper-Elastic Polymer) over layers of high-density polyurethane foam or responsive coils in hybrid models. The grid is engineered to be both soft and supportive, collapsing under pressure points like hips and shoulders while supporting the back and legs. Workmanship is precise and durable, with breathable covers that integrate seamlessly with the grid.
- Materials & Durability: The polymer grid is the star, designed for a 10-15 year lifespan with excellent resistance to the sagging and body impressions that plague memory foam. The high-density foam base layers are rated for 7-10 years. This construction often makes Purple more durable than similarly priced all-foam competitors.
- Real-World Performance: Long-term customer reviews (3-5+ years) frequently praise how well the mattresses maintain their supportive feel over time. The grid's elasticity prevents the "stuck" feeling of memory foam and provides consistent comfort without developing soft spots.
- Common Issues: The most common complaints include an initial "off-gassing" odor that typically fades within 48-72 hours. A small number of users have also reported issues with the durability of the mattress cover, which can be prone to tearing if handled improperly.
Is Purple Good Value for the Price?
Purple offers a strong value proposition, particularly for sleepers with specific needs like pressure relief or sleeping cool. While not a budget brand, its performance and longevity often justify the investment over cheaper, less durable options.
Price Positioning
Purple mattresses range from about $1,399 to over $2,499 for a Queen size, placing them in the mid-range to premium segment of the bed-in-a-box market. Their pricing is competitive with brands like Casper's hybrid line and Tuft & Needle's higher-end models but generally less expensive than Tempur-Pedic. The direct-to-consumer model helps eliminate retail markup, making the price fair for the unique technology you receive.
What You're Paying For
You're primarily paying for the patented Gelflex Grid technology, which delivers simultaneous support and pressure relief that other materials struggle to replicate. The cost also covers durable, high-density base foams, high-quality covers, US-based manufacturing, and a 10-year warranty, all of which contribute to a long-lasting and comfortable product.
Where You Get Good Value
- Pressure Relief: For side sleepers or individuals with joint and back pain, the grid's ability to collapse under pressure points while supporting the spine offers exceptional value.
- Cooling: If you sleep hot, the grid's open-air channels provide far better airflow than dense memory foam, making it one of the coolest mattresses on the market.
- Durability: If you're tired of mattresses that sag after a few years, Purple's resilient polymer grid offers excellent long-term value by maintaining its support for a decade or more.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- Budget Shoppers: If your priority is the lowest possible price, you can find basic memory foam mattresses from brands like Nectar or Zinus for significantly less.
- Traditional Feel Seekers: If you love the deep "sinking" hug of memory foam or the bounce of a traditional innerspring bed, Purple's unique "floating" sensation might not feel worth the price to you.
- Lightweight Sleepers: Some lighter individuals (under 130 lbs) may not sink in enough to fully activate the grid's pressure-relieving benefits on firmer models.
Purple Quality by Mattress Type
Purple's quality is consistent, but different models cater to different needs and budgets by combining the signature grid with different support cores.
Purple Original & All-Foam Models
The original Purple mattress features the Gelflex Grid over two layers of high-density support foam. This all-foam construction is great at isolating motion and provides a conforming, pressure-relieving feel. Starting around $1,399 for a Queen, it's the most accessible way to experience Purple's technology. Verdict: A great value for side and combo sleepers seeking maximum pressure relief without the bounce of coils.
Purple Hybrid Models (Purple Hybrid, Hybrid Premier)
The hybrid models pair the Gelflex Grid with a supportive core of individually wrapped coils. This combination increases airflow for even better cooling, adds responsive bounce, and provides superior edge support compared to the all-foam models. Ranging from $2,399+, they are a significant upgrade in price and performance. Verdict: Worth the upgrade for hot sleepers, heavier individuals, or anyone who prefers a more responsive, traditional mattress feel combined with modern pressure relief.
Pillows & Accessories
Purple also applies its grid technology to pillows and seat cushions. The Purple Harmony Pillow is consistently rated as one of the best pillows on the market, combining a latex core with a layer of Hex grid for a cool, supportive feel. Verdict: Purple accessories are high-quality but come at a premium. They are an excellent choice if you already love the "Purple feel."
Our Verdict: Is Purple Worth It?
Purple is absolutely worth it for the right sleeper. If you struggle with heat retention, shoulder or hip pain, or find memory foam too confining, the unique benefits of the Gelflex Grid provide solutions that justify the price tag. Its proven durability also makes it a strong contender against cheaper mattresses that need replacing sooner.
Quality Grade: B+
Purple earns a B+ for quality due to its innovative and highly durable grid system, US-based manufacturing, and long-term performance. The materials are a clear step up from a-dime-a-dozen memory foam mattresses. It falls just short of an A grade because of minor issues like the durability of the cover on some models and the fairly standard quality of the base foams beneath the premium grid.
Value Grade: B
Purple gets a B for value. The price is fair for the unique technology and superior durability offered. For many users, solving issues like pain and hot sleeping provides a value that far exceeds the cost. However, it's not a budget option, and competitors offer simpler hybrid or foam mattresses for less, making Purple a good, but not chart-topping, value choice for the average consumer.
Better Alternatives to Purple
If Purple’s unique feel isn’t for you, or you’re exploring other options, here are several excellent alternatives that deliver strong quality, durability, or value in a similar price tier:
Saatva Classic
Offering a luxury innerspring feel, the Saatva Classic combines a dual-coil system with a plush Euro pillow top. It provides excellent durability and support, especially for heavier individuals, and comes with free white-glove delivery - something Purple charges for. It’s a better choice if you prefer a traditional bouncy feel with proven longevity.
Shop now at saatva.com
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-ProAdapt
If you want ultimate pressure relief and motion isolation and love a deep memory foam "hug," Tempur-Pedic is a market leader. It costs more than Purple, but its proprietary TEMPUR material is legendary for its body-contouring comfort and long-term durability, often lasting well over 10 years.
Shop now at tempurpedic.com
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
The Aurora Luxe is a fantastic hybrid competitor known for its advanced cooling features, combining copper-infused foam with a cool-to-the-touch cover. It provides excellent support with zoned coils and is often available at a slightly lower price point than Purple's hybrid models, offering exceptional value for hot sleepers.
Shop now at brooklynbedding.com
Casper Wave Hybrid
Casper's premium hybrid mattress focuses on ergonomic support through its Zoned Support™ Max system, using gel pods to provide targeted relief for the lower back. It offers a more traditional foam hybrid feel compared to Purple’s grid, making it a strong alternative for those who need advanced spinal alignment in a familiar package.
Shop now at casper.com
Leesa Sapira Hybrid
The Leesa Sapira is a well-balanced hybrid mattress that delivers comfort and support at a very competitive price. It combines pocket coils with high-performance memory foam, providing good bounce and pressure relief. It's an excellent value alternative if Purple's hybrids are outside your budget.
Shop now at leesa.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Purple mattress 'grid' actually feel like?
The Purple grid feels unlike memory foam or springs. It's often described as feeling like you're "floating" on the mattress. It is soft and yielding under your body's sharpest points (like shoulders) but remains firm and supportive everywhere else, keeping your spine aligned without the slow "sinking" sensation of foam.
Are Purple mattresses good for back pain?
Many users report that Purple mattresses help with back pain. The grid is engineered to provide targeted support and relief, collapsing under pressure points while holding up the rest of the body to promote proper spinal alignment. This can significantly reduce aches and pains for many back and combo sleepers.
Do Purple mattresses sleep hot?
No, Purple mattresses are known for being one of the best options for hot sleepers. The Gelflex Grid has thousands of open-air channels that allow body heat to dissipate easily, making it far more breathable than traditional solid memory foam that can trap heat.
Can you flip a Purple mattress?
Purple mattresses are not designed to be flipped. They have a one-sided construction with the support layers at the bottom and the Gelflex Grid at the top. To promote even wear, you should rotate the mattress 180 degrees (head-to-foot) every 3-6 months.
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