Purple Mattress Review: Is the Hype Around the Gel Grid Really Worth It?

Purple Mattresses

When it comes to mattresses, few brands have managed to shake up the industry quite like Purple. With its quirky commercials, bold promises, and signature GelFlex® grid, which is in no way comparable to conventional memory foam or spring systems, Purple has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in the sleep world.

But here’s the real question: Does the Purple Mattress actually provide better sleep—or is it just another marketing gimmick? After taking a thorough look at the technology, customer experiences, and the overall brand offering, we put Purple to the test in this brutally honest review.

About Purple: A Quick Brand Snapshot

Founded in 2015 by two brothers with engineering backgrounds, Purple is known for its hyper-elastic polymer grid (also known as GelFlex® Grid). Unlike memory foam, which slowly conforms to your body, this grid instantly flexes under pressure while remaining supportive everywhere else. The result? A mattress that sleeps cooler, relieves pressure, and adapts to virtually any sleeping position.

Since launching the original mattress, Purple has expanded its offerings to include several mattress models (Original, Hybrid, and Hybrid Premier), as well as pillows, bedding, and even pet beds. It’s clearly not just one product—the brand is aiming to dominate your entire sleep ecosystem.

✔️ Pros

  • Unique GelFlex® Grid offers pressure relief without heat build-up.
  • Sleeps much cooler than traditional memory foam.
  • Extremely durable, with minimal sagging over time.
  • Versatile comfort for different sleeping positions.
  • 100-night sleep trial with free returns.

❌ Cons

  • Takes a few weeks to adjust to the unusual “grid” feel.
  • Motion transfer isn’t as good as memory foam (light sleepers may notice movement).
  • Pricier than many all-foam competitors.
  • Edge support is weaker on the Original model.

What Makes the Purple Mattress Different?

Here’s what sets Purple apart from the crowd of memory foam and hybrid mattresses:

  • The GelFlex® Grid – The crown jewel of every Purple mattress. It’s a stretchy, durable, and springy grid that compresses when pressure is applied (e.g., at the hips and shoulders) but remains firm where you need support (e.g., your lower back).
  • Breathability – The grid design creates thousands of air channels, making this one of the coolest mattresses on the market. If you tend to overheat at night, this is a huge advantage.
  • Durability – Unlike foam, which can sag over time, the hyper-elastic polymer is extremely resilient. Many users report that it retains its shape better than traditional memory foam.
  • Universal Comfort – Purple markets its mattresses as suitable for all sleep types (back, side, and stomach sleepers). While no mattress is truly universal, the grid makes it more versatile than most.

Purple Mattress Models

Purple Original Mattress

Purple Original Mattress
  • Construction: GelFlex® Grid over dual-layer foam.
  • Feel: Medium-firm, slightly bouncy, very pressure-relieving.
  • Best For: Budget-friendly shoppers who want the signature Purple feel.
  • Downside: Edge support isn’t great; heavier sleepers may prefer a hybrid.
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Purple Hybrid Mattress

Purple Hybrid Mattress
  • Construction: GelFlex® Grid + responsive coils.
  • Feel: Supportive, with better edge stability and responsiveness.
  • Best For: Combination sleepers, couples, and anyone who likes more support.
  • Downside: More expensive than the Original.
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Purple Hybrid Premier (3” or 4”)

Purple Hybrid Premier Mattress
  • Construction: Thicker GelFlex® Grid with coils.
  • Feel: Luxuriously plush yet supportive; like sleeping “on” the mattress, not sinking “in.”
  • Best For: Side sleepers, people who want a premium, cloud-like feel.
  • Downside: Pricey compared to other mattresses.
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Shipping, Returns & Warranty

  • Shipping: Free within the US.
  • Trial Period: 100 nights to test the mattress. If you’re not satisfied, Purple will pick up the mattress and refund your full purchase price.
  • Warranty: 10 years against manufacturing defects.
  • Returns: Hassle-free, but you must keep the mattress for at least 21 nights before returning it (to allow for the adjustment period).

Who Is the Purple Mattress Best For?

  • For people who sweat while sleeping: Thanks to the ventilation provided by the mesh, it’s one of the coolest beds on the market.
  • For side sleepers: Excellent pressure relief for shoulders and hips.
  • For back sleepers: Strong lower back support, especially in the hybrid models.
  • For people who hate sinking foam: Purple feels better than the deep hug of memory foam.

Not ideal for:

  • Traditionalists who prefer the feel of classic innerspring or memory foam.
  • Strong stomach sleepers who may need extra firmness.
  • Buyers on a budget, as Purple starts higher than many entry-level mattresses.

Final Verdict: Is Purple Worth the Hype?

If you’re tired of the same old memory foam and are looking for something truly innovative, the Purple Mattress is definitely worth considering. The GelFlex® Grid isn’t just a gimmick—it truly offers cooling, pressure relief, and long-lasting support.

However, Purple isn’t for everyone. The feel can take some getting used to, and the price can be a bit overwhelming. But for people who sweat at night, sleep on their sides, or are looking for a mattress that stays comfortable night after night, Purple lives up to its reputation.

Conclusion: The Purple mattress isn't just hype—it's one of the few "revolutionary" mattresses that actually deserves that title.