My Purple Mattress Review (Since 2016): The GelFlex® Grid, Real-World Comfort, and Which 2025 Model Actually Fits You
Hands-on tests at home and in our retail showrooms. If you want the blunt take, you’re in the right place.
The GelFlex® Grid: Why Purple feels different
Material: a hyper-elastic polymer that’s springy, durable, and more temperature-neutral than dense foams.
Design: a grid of flexible columns that collapse under pressure points and hold up everywhere else. Air moves through open channels, so heat escapes instead of building up.
- Pressure relief without the slow “stuck” feel.
- Adaptive support that keeps your spine level.
- Real airflow for hot sleepers.
- Quick response for easy position changes.
- Durability that resists body impressions better than most memory foams.
Motion Transfer (Mattresses & Pillows)
Mattresses: The Grid disperses force sideways and the hybrids’ individually wrapped coils keep waves from traveling. Net: good to very good isolation for couples.
Pillows: Models using the Grid, MicroAir® foam, or shredded foam localize movement well. Partner head-turns don’t echo across.
Pros & Cons (from years of use + customer feedback)
Pros
- Pressure relief + support without swampy sink.
- Cooler than solid foam thanks to airflow.
- Durable materials; resists impressions.
- Multiple firmness/heights across lines.
- Couple-friendly motion isolation.
Cons
- Pricier than many foam beds.
- Initial off-gassing can linger a couple days.
- Heavy; awkward to move.
- Unique feel isn’t for everyone.
- Edge support is okay, not tank-like.
Who it fits (position & weight)
- Side sleepers: generally great—look at Plus/Restore/Rejuvenate Plush for deeper relief.
- Back sleepers: Original, Restore, or Rejuvenate Premier (medium) keep the pelvis level.
- Strict stomach: you’ll want firmer support; some do better on firm traditional hybrids.
- Heavier bodies: go thicker/firm or hybrid for alignment and edge strength.
Pressure Relief, Back Pain & Shoulder Pain
The Grid flexes at the shoulders/hips and holds at the lumbar, which is why many side sleepers and folks with nagging shoulder pain do well here. Some back pain users report improvement; firmness match still matters. Chronic issues? Use the 100-night trial and sanity-check your pick with your clinician.
Purple Through the Years (my timeline)
I first reviewed Purple in 2016 (they sent a king). I’d followed the 2015 Kickstarter (320 backers, $171,560). Since then we’ve stocked Purple in stores—people either love the Grid or don’t. That’s your cue to try it in person when possible.
- 1996: hyper-elastic polymer grid idea lands.
- 2013: Mattress Max enables full-size grid molds.
- 2015–16: DTC rocketship.
- 2018→: public company, wider retail footprint, more models.
- 2025: line simplified around PurpleFlex, Restore Hybrid, and Rejuvenate Luxe; DreamLayer™ top debuts for Rejuvenate.
Model Guide (Updated for 2025)
PurpleFlex (replaces “New Day”)
- Build: 2″ GelFlex® Grid over supportive foams; firmer, cooler intro to the Grid.
- Who it fits: budget shoppers, back/stomach sleepers who want lift over hug.
- Queen list price: $1,299 (promos often dip lower).
- Shop PurpleFlex
Original & Plus (all-foam)
- Purple (Original): 2″ Grid + comfort foams; medium-firm.
- Purple Plus: extra breathable foam for a softer, deeper cradle; still sleeps cool.
- Typical Queen pricing: Original ~$1,299–$1,499 on promo; Plus ~$1,899 typical sale price.
- Compare Original vs. Plus
Restore Hybrid Collection (Restore / RestorePlus / RestorePremier)
| Model | Height | Grid | What’s different | Queen price snapshot* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restore | 11.5″ | ~2″ | Balanced feel, coil support | $2,399 list |
| RestorePlus | ~13″ | ~3″ | Zoned coils, deeper relief | $2,999–$3,299 MSRP; frequent promos to ~$2,499–$2,999 |
| RestorePremier | ~13″ | ~3″ | Most immersive Restore feel | Above Plus; promo-dependent |
*Promos change often; verify live price. Check current deals.
Rejuvenate Luxe Collection (Rejuvenate / Rejuvenate Plus / Rejuvenate Premier / Rejuvenate Ultimate)
- What’s new: DreamLayer™ surface (micro-scale Grid + MicroAir™ foam) replaces the old euro-top feel—softer surface without smothering cooling.
- Feel: ranges from plush to supportive “medium,” depending on trim.
- Queen starting prices: typically $4,999+; Premier/Ultimate climb higher with height/foam upgrades.
- See Rejuvenate Luxe lineup
Kids
2″ kid-tuned comfort foam + 2″ Grid with a breathable, machine-washable cover (Twin only). See Purple Kids
Grand (legacy note)
Occasionally seen at retail with heavy build and premium price; Purple’s 2025 emphasis is Restore + Rejuvenate as the premium paths. If you find Grand in stock, verify price and delivery weight before buying.
Purple vs. Memory Foam
| Purple (Grid) | Memory Foam | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Buoyant, responsive; collapses only where loaded | Slow hug, deep contour |
| Cooling | Air moves through channels | Can trap heat (varies by foam) |
| Motion isolation | Good–very good | Good; sometimes “roll together” on soft builds |
| Durability | Resists impressions well | Softer foams compress sooner |
Mattresses similar to Purple
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Other gel grids | Relief + bounce | Feel varies; often pricey |
| Pocketed coils | Targeted support + bounce | Less contour than foam/grids |
| Latex | Resilient, breathable, durable | Costs more; different feel than Grid |
| Memory foam | Deep contour/relief | Heat + sink risk |
Why hot sleepers tend to like Purple
The Grid’s open channels and polymer’s temp-neutral nature keep airflow moving. Some models add foams that warm it slightly, but overall Purple runs cooler than solid foam stacks. Pair with breathable bedding and a 60–67°F room for best results.
Reasons you might not buy Purple
- Over ~250 lbs: you’ll likely prefer thicker/firm hybrids (or a firm non-grid hybrid) for alignment.
- Strict stomach: firmer traditional hybrids may feel better.
- Love the slow hug: if you live for memory foam, the Grid’s bounce may bug you.
- Budget: Purple sits above many entry-level foam brands.
2025 Sizes & Price Ranges (Queen focus)
| Line | Queen “typical” price* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PurpleFlex | $1,299 list; promos ~$999–1,099 | Best budget entry; firmer |
| Purple (Original) | ~$1,299–1,499 on promo | Medium-firm, all-foam |
| Purple Plus | ~$1,899 typical sale | Softer, more plush foam above Grid |
| Restore | $2,399 list | Core hybrid option |
| RestorePlus | $2,999–3,299 MSRP; frequent discounts (e.g., ~$2,499–2,999) | Zoned coils + 3″ Grid |
| RestorePremier | Above Plus; promo-dependent | Most immersive Restore feel |
| Rejuvenate (Luxe) | $4,999+ | DreamLayer™ top + Grid; luxury |
| Rejuvenate Premier / Ultimate | $6,995–$7,999+ | Top-end Luxe builds |
*“Typical” = Purple’s current listings + recent promo snapshots. For today’s exact price: see live pricing.
Financing (Affirm)
- 0% APR for qualified customers; otherwise APR varies by credit.
- Terms: 6–36 months; minimum purchase $250; no prepay penalty.
Consumer Reports Testing (snapshot)
Overall score previously reported at 80/100 (“very good”) with strong marks for pressure relief, alignment, and durability. Caveats: the feel is polarizing and models can be heavy.
How to Clean a Purple Mattress
- Strip bedding (wash protector if used).
- Vacuum seams/surface with upholstery tool.
- Spot clean (mild dish soap + water). Dab, don’t soak.
- Blot dry with towels; let it air-dry fully (fans/windows help).
- Vacuum again; re-dress.
Where to Try Purple
Order direct (100-night trial, typical free shipping) or try in Purple stores and big chains like Mattress Firm. Call first to confirm the exact model/size on the floor. Buy direct from Purple
Common Complaints (and Reddit themes)
- Feel/adjustment: grid bounce can feel odd; some call it too firm at first.
- Durability: a minority report edge softness or localized sag; hybrids help.
- Heat: most stay cool; a few still sleep warm (bedroom climate & bedding matter).
- Customer service: some friction on returns/warranty—document everything.
My Verdict
If you want pressure relief without the slow sink, run hot, and like a responsive surface, Purple belongs on your shortlist. If you’re a strict stomach sleeper, heavier and need extra-firm lift, or you love slow-hug foam, consider a firmer hybrid (including Purple’s firmer hybrids) or a traditional innerspring. Try it in person if you can; otherwise, buy with the trial in mind.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links (at no extra cost to you). Opinions are based on long-term hands-on testing and customer feedback.
