Our original Intellibed review
Review context: Ben received and tried the king-size Relief Perfect for his 2016 review. His observations and videos describe that older mattress, not a standardized laboratory test or a current Purple model.
Intellibed is now owned by Purple. Purple Innovation acquired Intellibed in an all-stock deal in September 2022. Purple announced plans to incorporate Intellibed technology into a luxury Purple product line. That announcement is historical, not a description of models currently for sale.
Purple and Intellibed are both known for their gel-based mattresses, but they have different approaches to design and construction. Purple uses a Hyper-Elastic Polymer grid in its mattresses, while Intellibed uses a Revolutionary Gel Matrix. Both companies say that their mattresses provide pressure relief and support, but they may feel different to different sleepers.
The acquisition has already taken place. For current product specifications, prices and support, check Purple’s current site rather than relying on this original Intellibed review. However, it is clear that Purple is looking to expand its offerings into the luxury mattress market.
The Intellibed is a unique mattress company that was founded in 2000. What sets them apart from the competition is their Intelligel technology. I first became aware of Intellibed when I reviewed the Purple mattress which incorporates a similar technology. The Intelligel is a membrane that addresses pressure points by collapsing in key areas of your body. It is a very different system than memory foam or coil. What I like about the Intellibed is that it utilizes this technology along with spring and latex to create a unique and comfortable mattress.
At the time of this original review, Intellibed offered direct ordering; that historical purchase route is not verified as available now. The mattress was delivered rather than shipped in a box. At the time of this review, delivery averaged about 14 days; that timing is historical and should not be used as a current estimate. At the time of review, paid old-mattress removal was also offered. I received a king size relief perfect mattress for review and it is heavy given all the material used in making it so I’m glad that a professional crew was able to deliver it.
Historical policy note: At the time of this review, the return policy required purchase of a mattress protector. Do not rely on that former policy for a current purchase.
Below is an overview of how the mattress works
Specifications and Construction of the Intellibed
These specifications relate to the Relief Perfect Intellibed model which is their plushest mattress. However even though it’s the softest in their line, I found it to be very supportive and you won’t get stuck in it like a eurotop or pillow top foam mattress.
TOP LAYER
- Organic cotton
- Natural silica fire-blocker
- The original description claimed no off-gassing from the top layer; emissions were not independently tested in this review.
INTELLI-GEL LAYER
- Medical-grade intelli-GEL®
- Non-toxic, hypoallergenic
- Intellibed advertised the gel as having no off-gassing; this was not independently tested here.
- Seeks and relieves pressure points
- Sleeps cool
- Advertised 20-year durability (historical manufacturer claim)
TALALAY LATEX FOAM LAYER
- Top quality Talalay latex foam
- Superior durability
- Furniture grade quality
- Body impressions can develop with use; the original review did not establish long-term durability.
SUPPORT LAYER
- Laced inner-spring
- Highest quality steel
- Best alignment support
- Superior durability
My Intellibed Findings
Having already tried the Purple mattress, I found the this model of the Intellibed to have a better overall feel. The reason I am singling out Purple is because they both use the same technology for pressure relief. You will definitely pay a premium for Intellibed however the Intellibed feels more like a traditional mattress while the Purple will take some getting used to.
In my original test, the coils and latex gave the mattress a bouncier feel than the Purple model I had tried. My review and bounce videos appear below.
As you can see below, the mattress wont sink all that much. However it will hug you a bit due to the organic cotton batting on the cover. This is one way the Intellibed sets itself apart from the Purple
The other distinguishing characteristics of this bed is that it also has a pocket coil system as a base layer followed by a layer of latex as well. It is a bouncy mattress but the intelligel grit helps to isolate motion.
This mattress sleeps cooler than memory foam mattresses. This is in large part to the intelligel grid. The Purple mattress will sleep cooler than the Intellibed because the Purple mattress does not have a padded cover, instead, you can feel more of the grid directly beneath the ticking.
A lot of people complain about heat retention on their mattress and I think a big contributor to that is the mattress pad. Since most mattress pads are waterproof they just don’t breathe. If you find that you really enjoy the feel of this mattress and you’re past your trial period but find that it sleeps hot, you should try sleeping on it without a mattress pad/protector.
My Intellibed Recommendation
I think the Intellibed has perfected the use of the gel grid technology that’s also found in Purple. People who prefer a firmer mattress would most likely find the Purple mattress a good fit. However, if you prefer a more plush mattress with an innerspring bounce then the Intellibed is the way to go. At the original review price of $3,899 for a queen size Relief Perfect model, it is certainly not cheap. However this is one of those mattresses that can justify the cost.
I strongly urge people who have tried many types of mattresses and feel they are at the end of their rope to give this one a try. It is a truly unique feel that will give relief to the most sensitive sleepers.
Coupon update: This offer has expired, and Intellibed is no longer sold as a mainstream direct-to-consumer brand.
Historical lineup and pricing: The following Numea models and prices appeared in an earlier update. They are not current offers.
Numea Azure
The Numea™ mattress is the only mattress that is both 100% Firm and 100% Soft providing each sleeper with the optimal sleeping experience.
A queen size historically retailed for $3,799
Numea Sapphire
Intellibed mattresses are both 100% Firm & 100% Soft at the same time. Surrounded in a premium cover is the Gel Matrix™, Talalay Latex and individually wrapped coils for motion control.
A queen size historically retailed for $4,199
Numea Indigo
Intellibed mattresses are both 100% Firm & 100% Soft at the same time. Surrounded in a premium cover is the Gel Matrix™, Talalay Latex and individually wrapped coils for motion control.
A queen size historically retailed for $5,499
Disclosure: Yawnder may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through links on this page.
Our original review videos
Watch Ben’s original Intellibed overview and bounce demonstration below. These show the older mattress reviewed here.
Intellibed Mattress Review: Original Model FAQs
Is the Intellibed mattress worth the investment, particularly for hot sleepers?
Ben found the original model comfortable and noticed a cooler feel than some memory-foam mattresses he had tried. Cooling varies by sleeper and bedroom. The original review did not establish 20 years of durability, and historical prices are not current offers.
How does Intellibed compare to Purple mattresses, its parent company?
Ben found the original Relief Perfect had a more traditional feel and more bounce than the Purple mattress he had tried. Both used grid-like comfort layers, but current Purple models may feel different.
What are the unique features of the Intellibed mattress delivery and setup?
Those delivery timelines, removal charges and return conditions describe historical Intellibed offers, not current Purple or retailer policies. Owners of older models should check their original paperwork or contact Purple's Intellibed warranty support.
Who is the Intellibed mattress best suited for?
The original sample may appeal to people who like a more traditional, bouncy feel with a gel grid and latex. Ben noted that it had a padded cover. Comfort and temperature are individual, and this older experience does not establish how a current mattress will feel.
What are the specifications of the Intellibed Relief Perfect model?
The Relief Perfect model features an organic cotton top layer with a natural silica fire-blocker, a medical-grade Intelligel layer, a Talalay latex foam layer, and a laced innerspring support system. Intellibed advertised long-term durability, but this review did not independently verify a 20-year lifespan.
Where can I try the Intellibed mattress in person before buying?
We do not confirm that an original Intellibed mattress is available to try at Yawnder. You can compare current mattresses at the Encinitas showroom, but check with the store before looking for a particular legacy model.
Want to test this in person? Visit our Encinitas showroom or call 858-232-5760.
Availability update: can you still buy an Intellibed in 2026?
This is now the most important part of the page, so we are putting it first. Intellibed is no longer an independent company, and the brand is no longer a mainstream direct-to-consumer line.
- September 2022: Purple Innovation acquired Advanced Comfort Technologies, Inc. — the maker of Intellibed — in an all-stock deal, consolidating the gel-grid patents under Purple (Purple investor announcement).
- 2026: Intellibed-branded mattresses are being sold as remaining inventory rather than as a current lineup, and availability varies by size and by retailer. Purple’s own grid mattresses are the actively produced product built on the same idea.
What that means practically: if you find an Intellibed at a good price, confirm in writing who honours the warranty, that the unit is new rather than a floor model, and what the return terms are before paying. A discontinued premium bed with no serviceable warranty is not a bargain.
If you wanted an Intellibed for the gel grid
The reason people shopped Intellibed — a gel column layer that buckles under pressure points while staying supportive elsewhere, which suits hot sleepers and side sleepers with shoulder or hip pain — is exactly what Purple’s current grid mattresses do. You get the same core behaviour with a current warranty, a real sleep trial, and parts and support from a company that is still selling the product.
If you already own one
Keep it. These were heavily built mattresses and the gel layer is one of the more durable comfort materials on the market. Rotate it, keep it on a properly supportive base, and retain your original purchase documentation — warranty claims on a discontinued brand go much more smoothly with proof of purchase.
Purple now owns the gel-grid patents Intellibed was built on, and its lineup ships with a full trial and manufacturer warranty. Buying through this link supports Yawnder’s independent work at no extra cost to you.
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