Review by Ben Trapskin
Testing Purple mattresses since 2016
My Purple Mattress Review: The GelFlex Grid, Real World Comfort, and Which 2025 Model Fits You
I started testing Purple back in 2016, when the company shipped me a king and most people only knew them from the viral egg videos. Since then I have slept on multiple Purple mattresses at home, watched people react to the Grid in my showrooms, and seen the brand expand, simplify, and rework the lineup more than once.
The short version: Purple is not a magic mattress. The feel is unique enough that some people bail after a few minutes. But if you run hot, hate the swampy slow hug of traditional memory foam, or have shoulders that complain on most beds, the GelFlex Grid can be a game changer.
Bottom line
If you want pressure relief without feeling stuck, care about sleeping cool, and like a surface that pushes back quickly when you move, Purple belongs on your shortlist. The Grid stays cooler than solid foam stacks and resists body impressions well.
Side sleepers and mixed position sleepers tend to do best, especially in the Plus, Restore, and Rejuvenate lines. Strict stomach sleepers or very heavy bodies may prefer firmer builds.
See today’s Purple dealsVideos: First Impressions & Tests
First impressions and who it fits
Motion transfer and cooling tests
The GelFlex Grid: Why Purple Feels Different
Most mattresses rely on foam. Purple’s identity is the GelFlex Grid, a flexible hyper-elastic polymer arranged in open squares. The squares collapse under high-pressure areas like shoulders and hips, but stay upright where you need more lift (lumbar and thighs).
- Pressure relief without the "stuck" feel of dense foam
- Adaptive support that keeps the spine level
- Real airflow through open channels
- Durability that resists body impressions
Motion Transfer & Pillows
The Grid disperses force sideways. When paired with pocketed coils in the hybrids, most energy stays local. In my drop tests, Purple landed in the good to very good range for motion isolation.
If you are a light sleeper who wakes up whenever your partner rolls, Purple is usually friendly territory.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent pressure relief without sinking
- Significantly cooler than memory foam
- Resists body impressions well
- Multiple firmness options (Restore, Rejuvenate)
- Couple-friendly motion isolation
Cons
- Pricier than budget foam brands
- Heavy and awkward to move
- Unique feel is polarizing (love it or hate it)
- Edge support is good, but not rigid
Who Purple Fits Best
- Side sleepers: Look at Purple Plus, Restore, and plush Rejuvenate trims for shoulder relief.
- Back sleepers: Original, Restore, or medium Rejuvenate Premier keep the pelvis level.
- Stomach sleepers: Aim for the firmer builds or non-grid hybrids.
- Heavy bodies: Go thicker and firmer (Hybrid lines) to prevent bottoming out.
- Combo sleepers: The Grid's quick response makes changing positions easy.
Pressure Relief & Pain
The Grid works because it flexes under shoulders/hips but stays supportive elsewhere. On pressure maps, you typically see smaller red hot spots at the shoulders compared with flat foam.
Purple Through the Years: My Timeline
I first reviewed Purple in 2016. Since then, we have stocked them in-store and watched customer reactions evolve. Here is how the brand has changed.
| Year | What Changed |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Hyper-elastic polymer grid concept takes shape |
| 2013 | Mattress Max machine enables full-size Grid molds |
| 2016 | Direct-to-consumer launch and viral growth |
| 2025 | Lineup simplified: PurpleFlex, Restore Hybrid, Rejuvenate Luxe |
Purple Model Guide for 2025
Purple’s 2025 lineup spans from affordable all-foam to high-end luxury hybrids.
PurpleFlex & Originals
The entry point. PurpleFlex uses ~2" of Grid over foam (firmer). Purple Original is the classic medium-firm feel. Purple Plus adds breathable foam for a softer cradle.
Restore Hybrid Collection
| Model | Grid Depth | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Restore | ~2 inches | Balanced feel, coil support |
| RestorePlus | ~3 inches | Zoned coils, deeper relief |
| RestorePremier | ~3 inches | Most immersive, "floating" feel |
Rejuvenate Luxe Collection
Adds a DreamLayer surface over the Grid. This combines micro-grid and MicroAir foam for a luxury hotel feel that still cools.
Purple vs. Memory Foam
| Feature | Purple (Grid) | Memory Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Buoyant, responsive | Slow hug, stuck feel |
| Cooling | High airflow (Channels) | Traps heat |
| Response | Instant spring back | Slow recovery |
Cooling for Hot Sleepers
Hot sleepers tend to love Purple. The Grid’s open channels allow air to move, and the polymer doesn't store heat like foam. Even models with foam layers run cooler than traditional beds.
Reasons You Might Not Buy Purple
- You are over 250 lbs and prefer a traditional firm innerspring feel.
- You are a strict stomach sleeper who needs a flat, rigid surface.
- You love the slow, sinking quicksand feel of Tempur-Pedic.
- Budget constraints (Purple sits above entry-level pricing).
Sizes & Price Ranges (2025)
| Line | Typical Queen Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PurpleFlex | ~$1,000 - $1,300 | Budget, Firmer feel |
| Original / Plus | ~$1,400 - $1,900 | All-foam preference |
| Restore Hybrid | ~$2,400 - $3,000+ | Core hybrid shoppers |
| Rejuvenate | $5,000+ | Luxury shoppers |
My Verdict
If you want pressure relief without the slow sink, run hot, and like a surface that feels "alive," Purple deserves a serious look. The GelFlex Grid is one of the few innovations that truly feels different.
However, if you are a strict stomach sleeper or deeply attached to the slow hug of memory foam, you might be happier elsewhere. Use the 100-night trial to treat the first month as an experiment.
Shop Purple DealsDisclosure: If you purchase through my links, I may earn a commission. Opinions are based on long-term testing since 2016.
FAQ
Does Purple feel like memory foam?
No. It feels buoyant and responsive. The Grid collapses only where loaded, unlike the full-body hug of foam.
Is Purple worth the price?
If the Grid solves your heat or pressure point issues, yes. If you sleep fine on standard foam, the premium might not be worth it.
Which Purple is best for side sleepers?
Purple Plus, RestorePlus, or Rejuvenate. You need the deeper Grid layers for shoulder relief.
How long will it last?
With a solid base, expect many years. The Grid resists body impressions very well compared to cheap foams.
