Welcome to Mattressnap, where we’re all about helping you find the perfect bed for your best sleep yet! If you’ve been eyeing the Purple Mattress, you’re probably curious about its unique GelFlex Grid and promises of cool, comfy nights. This all-foam mattress has made waves for its innovative design, but does it deliver?
We’ve scoured the web, analyzed reviews, and dug into performance data to bring you a detailed, easy-to-read review of the Purple Mattress. Let’s dive in and see if this bed is your sleep soulmate.
Best For
The Purple Mattress is a great fit for:
- Hot sleepers who want a bed that keeps heat at bay all night.
- Back and side sleepers under 230 pounds looking for a mix of support and cushioning.
- Couples needing low motion transfer to sleep undisturbed.
- People with joint pain who need top-notch pressure relief.
- Anyone craving a unique sleep experience—the GelFlex Grid feels unlike any traditional mattress.
Considerations
Before you click “buy,” here are some things to think about:
- Edge support is lacking, which can be an issue if you sleep or sit near the edge.
- Heavier sleepers (over 230 pounds) may find it too soft, especially for stomach sleeping.
- Returns cost $150, which hurts if you decide it’s not for you.
- Firmness might feel soft for those who love a super-firm bed or sleep on their stomach.
- Off-gassing lasts a few days, so sensitive noses should plan to air it out.
Our Verdict
At Mattressnap, we think the Purple Mattress shines with its GelFlex Grid, offering stellar cooling and pressure relief that competes with high-end beds. It’s a fantastic pick for back and side sleepers under 230 pounds who want a medium-firm, “floaty” feel. That said, weak edge support and challenges for heavier sleepers or stomach sleepers hold it back from being everyone’s dream bed. If you’re drawn to its cooling tech and unique vibe, the 100-night trial makes it worth a shot—just be ready for its quirks.
Performance Tests
To give you the full scoop, we leaned on rigorous testing from trusted sources like NapLab and Sleepopolis. Here’s how the Purple Mattress performs in key areas.
How is Purple Mattress Different?
The Purple Mattress stands out from the crowd with its GelFlex Grid, a 2-inch layer of hyper-elastic polymer in a grid pattern. Unlike memory foam’s sink-in hug or the bounce of coils, this grid flexes to cradle your body while staying firm for support. It’s breathable, responsive, and built to last, creating a “floating” feel that’s both contouring and airy. It’s a game-changer for anyone tired of traditional mattress feels.
Cooling Test
Hot sleepers, this one’s for you! The Purple aces cooling, with a max surface temperature of 89.2°F in NapLab tests—1.8°F cooler than the average mattress (91°F). The GelFlex Grid’s open design lets air flow freely, preventing heat buildup. Testers reported no sweaty nights, even after hours of sleep. If you’re done with overheated beds, Purple’s cooling tech is a breath of fresh air.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
The Purple doesn’t just stay cool—it sheds heat fast. NapLab’s heat dissipation tests showed the mattress cooling down quicker than most foam beds. After five minutes, the surface temperature dropped significantly, thanks to the grid’s airflow. This makes it a top choice for anyone who runs hot at night.
Sinkage Test
Sinkage affects how a mattress feels and how easy it is to move on. The Purple has a sinkage depth of 2.27 inches, slightly deeper than the average (2.14 inches). This creates a balanced feel—enough hug to contour your body, but not so much you’re stuck. Lighter sleepers might feel like they’re floating, while heavier folks could sink closer to the firmer base foam.
Motion Transfer Test
Sharing a bed? Motion transfer is key. The Purple performs well, scoring above average in NapLab’s tests. The GelFlex Grid absorbs motion despite its bounce, keeping disturbances low. In a bowling ball test, a soda can a foot away stayed put, showing minimal transfer—perfect for light sleepers with wiggly partners. Some users note slight motion with heavier partners, though.
Response Test
Response time measures how fast a mattress adjusts when you move. The Purple’s grid is super quick, with near-instant recovery in NapLab tests. This prevents any “stuck” sensation, making it a breeze to switch positions. Combination sleepers who flip around will love this responsiveness.
Bounce Test
Bounce impacts movement and, well, fun in the bedroom. The Purple offers 9.87 inches of bounce, 34% more than the average (9.50 inches). The grid’s springy nature gives a lively feel without the jarring bounce of coils. It’s enough for easy repositioning but won’t disturb your partner too much.
Edge Support Test
Here’s a weak spot. The Purple’s edge support is below average, with 7.88 inches of sinkage when sitting—almost double the average (4.17 inches). Lying near the edge feels unstable, and sitting can make you slide. This is a bummer for couples who spread out or anyone who sits on the edge often. Purple added foam reinforcements in 2019, but it’s still not great.
Sex Test
For intimate moments, the Purple does well but isn’t flawless. NapLab gave it perfect scores for bounce (10/10), cooling (10/10), and noise (10/10)—no creaky coils here. The quick response keeps things lively. But the poor edge support limits usable space, which can be a mood-killer. It’s a solid choice for couples, just not the best for edge play.
Pressure Relief Test
Pressure relief is where Purple excels. The GelFlex Grid molds to your body, easing pressure on hips and shoulders. NapLab found no major pressure points, and Sleepopolis praised it for side and back sleepers under 230 pounds. Heavier sleepers may sink to the firmer base, reducing relief. The 5.5-inch comfort layer (thicker than the 4.13-inch average) helps, but it’s not perfect for those over 230 pounds.
Off-Gassing Test
New mattresses often smell, and the Purple takes 4 days to off-gas—faster than the 7-day average but still noticeable. Some testers, like Sleep Foundation, said the odor faded in hours, while others needed days. If smells bug you, set it up in a well-ventilated space.
Company
Purple offers a 100-night trial, shorter than some (like 168 nights), but enough to test it out. Returns cost $150, unlike free returns from brands like Leesa. Shipping is free in the contiguous U.S., and the 10-year limited warranty is solid but below the 14-year average. Customer service gets good marks, though some X users grumble about edge support and return fees.
How Firm is the Purple?
The Purple scores a 6/10 on the firmness scale (10 is firmest), landing in the medium-firm zone. Sleepopolis rated it closer to a 7, noting a “on top” feel rather than a deep sink. It’s versatile but feels softer for heavier sleepers and firmer for lighter ones. If you like a balanced, not-too-plush vibe, it’s spot-on.
Support & Sleeping Positions
The Purple’s medium-firm feel suits:
- Side sleepers under 230 pounds: The grid cushions pressure points while aligning the spine.
- Back sleepers under 230 pounds: It supports the lower back and cradles curves.
- Stomach sleepers under 130 pounds: It’s firm enough to prevent sinking, but heavier stomach sleepers may need a firmer option like the Purple Restore Hybrid.
- Combination sleepers: The responsive grid makes switching positions easy.
Heavier sleepers (over 230 pounds) might sink too much, especially on their stomach or back, risking misalignment. A hybrid or firmer bed could be better for them.
Design
The Purple is a 9.25-inch all-foam mattress with a modern, minimalist look. The GelFlex Grid gives it a jiggly, responsive feel—like a giant Dr. Scholl’s insole. Its open grid promotes airflow, and the medium-firm profile delivers a “floating” sensation. Available in all standard sizes (twin to split king), it arrives compressed in a box for easy setup.
Materials
The Purple’s three-layer build is simple but clever:
The Cover
The SoftFlex cover blends polyester, viscose, and lycra for breathability and stretch. It’s thin to let the GelFlex Grid shine and wicks moisture to keep you cool. Unquilted, it doesn’t add cushion but boosts responsiveness.
The Comfort Layer
The 2-inch GelFlex Grid of hyper-elastic polymer is the star, flexing for pressure relief and staying firm for support. Its air pockets enhance cooling. A 3.5-inch polyfoam layer (1.8 PCF) below adds stability and contouring, forming a 5.5-inch comfort layer—thicker than the 4.13-inch average.
The Support Layer
A 4-inch high-density polyfoam base (2 PCF) ensures durability and structure. It’s firm to prevent deep sinking but can feel too dense for heavier sleepers who hit it through the grid.
Product Evolution
Since its launch, the Purple Mattress has evolved slightly. In 2019, reinforced edge foam was added to address early edge support complaints, though it’s still a weak point. The GelFlex Grid remains the core, but Purple expanded with hybrids (Restore, RestorePremier) for heavier sleepers and plusher models (Purple Plus) for side sleepers. The Essential Collection’s original Purple is the most budget-friendly, unchanged for 2025.
Other Mattresses to Consider
Not sold on the Purple? Here are three Mattressnap-approved alternatives.
For Performance: Leesa Sapira
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid (11 inches, medium-firm) outshines the Purple in cooling, motion transfer, and pressure relief, scoring 10s in NapLab tests. Its 4-inch comfort layer and coils offer a lively feel with strong edge support. Priced at $1,499 for a queen, it’s a bit more but ideal for all sleep styles.
For Value: Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite (13 inches, medium-firm) is a steal at under $1,000 for a queen. It matches Purple’s cooling and pressure relief, with less sinkage and high bounce (12.28 inches). Better edge support and 38% lower motion transfer make it a great value for couples.
For Budget: Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight (12 inches, medium-firm) is a wallet-friendly hybrid at $999 for a queen. With solid cooling, pressure relief, and edge support, plus moderate sinkage and bounce, its gel foam and coils suit all positions. It’s a versatile, affordable pick.
Wrapping It Up
At Mattressnap, we love the Purple Mattress for its bold GelFlex Grid, delivering unbeatable cooling, pressure relief, and a one-of-a-kind feel. It’s a top choice for hot sleepers, back and side sleepers under 230 pounds, and couples who want motion isolation.
But weak edge support, a $150 return fee, and limited support for heavier sleepers are drawbacks. At a mid-range price, it’s a strong contender if its unique vibe fits your needs. Ready to test it? The 100-night trial lets you try the grid—just air out that new-mattress smell first.
