Purple Pillow Review: Dream in Purple
- 08/19/2024
Ben Trapskin
The Purple Mattress Company, officially known as Purple Innovation, Inc., is an American manufacturer and retailer of mattresses, pillows, and other sleep-related products. The company was founded in 2015 by brothers Tony and Terry Pearce, who had a background in aerospace materials, manufacturing, and design. Purple is headquartered in Lehi, Utah.
Purple is best known for its signature Purple Grid technology, which is a patented, hyper-elastic polymer gel grid that offers both support and pressure relief for sleepers. The unique grid design helps to evenly distribute weight, reduce motion transfer, and promote airflow, leading to a cooler and more comfortable sleep experience.
The company’s product line has expanded over the years to include various models of mattresses, pillows, bedding, bed frames, and other sleep accessories. Some of the popular mattress models include the Purple Mattress, Purple Hybrid, and Purple Hybrid Premier, each offering different levels of comfort, support, and thickness.
Purple mattresses have gained a loyal customer base due to their innovative design, quality materials, and commitment to customer satisfaction. The company offers a 100-night trial period for their mattresses, allowing customers to try the product risk-free in their homes. Additionally, Purple provides a 10-year warranty on their mattresses, ensuring lasting durability and performance.
Apart from selling products through their website, Purple also partners with brick-and-mortar retailers and operates a few showrooms across the United States, allowing customers to experience their products firsthand before making a purchase.
Get \$100 off a Purple Mattress + Platform Base, while supplies last. Click here to activate and get the best discount.
I recently bought the Purple Pillow from onpurple.com. The Purple Pillow pairs perfectly with the purple mattress. It is the most breathable pillow I have tested to date. That’s because it is made with the same technology as the Purple Mattress and Purple Seat Cushions. It is also a heavy pillow weighing 9 lbs. Thankfully you won’t need to ever flip it to the cool side because it stays cool all night long.
Here’s another fun commercial from Purple demonstrating how their pillow works and why it is so unique.
Overview of the Purple Pillow
Below is a video overview of the Purple Pillow and me taking it out of the packaging. I like how it came in a purple plastic bag that can be unzipped. This is basically a miniature version of their mattress packaging. You can order this direct from the Purple website. It is an extremely popular pillow and I think they are trying to keep up with demand.
Construction of the Purple Pillow
I haven’t found any other pillow quite like this one. Here are the construction details and highlights as listed on the Purple website:
- NO MORE FLUFFING
The Purple® Pillow is made with Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ and arranged in a head-specific Smart Comfort Grid™ so it will never break down or lose its shape. - GET REAL NECK SUPPORT
Made with hundreds of little triangles that give the pillow lateral strength so it can relax under pressure without losing support. The reinforced edges give your neck extra support all night. - SLEEP COOL ALL NIGHT
Waking up hot and sweaty is the worst. Sleep neutral—not too hot, not too cold—with the Purple® Pillow because it allows air to flow freely through the pillow. - CUSTOMIZE YOUR HEIGHT
Like a taller pillow? Use the air booster to add some extra height to your pillow. Inflate it once and you’ll never need to touch it again. You’ll just get perfect sleep every night.
My Purple Pillow Findings
Here’s a picture of the inside of the Purple pillow.
Here’s another picture of the Purple Pillow without the cover. This shows how much the pillow will sink. The bowling ball in the photo weighs 14 lbs.
Here’s the tag that is on the pillow listing the chemicals used for construction. The cover that the tag refers to is the pillowcase. The pillow itself is 98% Gel which is the hyperelastic grid while the remaining 2% is polyester.
You also get the Purple Booster which is basically a blow-up cushion that you can put under the pillow and inside the pillowcase. I didn’t need this as I prefer a thinner pillow. I don’t think using the booster would be all that comfortable either since it has a tendency to move apart from the pillow itself.
Here’s another updated pic of the Purple Pillow with a newer iphone
This is what the pillow booster looks like inflated:
The Purple pillowcase is very stretchy which lets you get the full effect of the purple grid. I washed mine as normal in my washing machine and didn’t notice any shrinkage. Below are the washing instructions for the Purple pillowcase. I washed mine in warm water and didn’t have a problem.
Here’s the tag from the Purple pillowcase that explains a little more about it:
This pillowcase is a little different than most in that it has a zipper to fully enclose the pillow. The reason it needs to fully encase the pillow is that if you were to use the booster, it will keep them together and prevent them from falling out. You don’t need to use another pillowcase on top of this, that will take away from some of the pressure relief.
My Purple Pillow Recommendation
The Purple Pillow has a unique feel. I can see why they decided to make a pillow based on the success of the mattress. My first night sleeping on it was interesting. I appreciated the ability of this pillow to remain temperature neutral. Heat did not build up since air flowed freely through the grid. Pressure relief was definitely there as well. However, I did wake up a couple times during the night because my ear felt a little sore. I’m not sure how to remedy this but it may be something I’ll get used to. For people that sleep hot, I highly recommend trying it and if you’re a fan of the Purple mattress, this completes the experience.
The pillow comes with a 1-year warranty but I do not see anything about a free trial period.
Get $100 off a Purple Mattress + Platform Base, while supplies last. Click here to activate and get the best discount.
More Details on the Purple Pillows
Purple offers three primary pillow models, each designed to cater to different sleep preferences and needs. The company may have introduced new models or updated the existing ones since then, but here is an overview of the three primary pillow models available at that time:
Purple Pillow: The original Purple Pillow features the company’s signature Purple Grid technology, which is a hyper-elastic polymer gel grid designed to provide both support and pressure relief. This pillow is engineered to maintain a consistent shape and provide excellent head and neck support while sleeping. The Purple Grid also promotes airflow, ensuring that the pillow remains cool throughout the night. The pillow cover is made from a blend of polyester, spandex, and nylon, making it soft, stretchy, and breathable.
Purple Plush Pillow: The Purple Plush Pillow is a more traditional pillow design that focuses on providing adjustable comfort. It features a unique “Smart Fluff” filling, which is made of interlocking poly fiber balls that can be adjusted for firmness by simply zipping or unzipping the pillow’s side vents. The pillow cover is made of a cooling, moisture-wicking material called Lyocell, which helps to keep you cool and dry during sleep. This pillow is suitable for sleepers who prefer a softer, more customizable sleep experience.
Purple Harmony Pillow: The Purple Harmony Pillow combines the best features of the other two models, offering both the Purple Grid technology and a responsive, latex-like Talalay latex core. The pillow’s outer layer consists of a hexagonal grid made from the hyper-elastic polymer, which provides excellent airflow and pressure relief. The Talalay latex core is designed to offer responsive support and maintain its shape over time. The pillow cover is made of a soft, moisture-wicking material that further enhances the cooling effect. This pillow is ideal for sleepers who want a balance between support and comfort.
Each of these pillow models caters to different preferences and sleep styles. They all share the common features of promoting airflow, providing pressure relief, and offering a comfortable sleep experience. However, it’s essential to consider personal preferences and sleep habits when choosing the right Purple pillow for you.
Purple Pillow Prices
- Purple Pillow: $109
- Purple Plush Pillow: $49
- Purple Harmony Pillow: $159
What’s So Special About the Purple Pillow?
The Purple pillow range stands out in the market due to several unique features and attributes that differentiate them from other pillows. Here are some of the special aspects of Purple pillows:
Purple Grid Technology: Purple’s patented hyper-elastic polymer gel grid, known as the Purple Grid, is the cornerstone of their products, including their pillows. The grid is designed to provide pressure relief and support, adapting to the individual contours of your head and neck. This ensures proper spinal alignment and reduces the likelihood of waking up with aches and pains.
Breathability and Temperature Regulation: The open-grid design of the Purple Grid technology promotes airflow and helps to dissipate heat. This results in a cooler and more comfortable sleep experience, reducing the need to constantly flip the pillow to find a cooler side.
Durability and Longevity: The hyper-elastic polymer used in Purple pillows is known for its durability and resilience. It resists flattening and maintains its shape over time, providing consistent support and comfort.
Variety and Customization: Purple offers a range of pillow models to cater to different sleep preferences and needs. The original Purple Pillow provides excellent support and pressure relief, the Purple Plush Pillow offers adjustable comfort, and the Purple Harmony Pillow combines the best features of both for a balanced sleep experience.
Moisture-Wicking Materials: Purple uses materials like Lyocell and bamboo-derived viscose in their pillow covers, which are known for their moisture-wicking and cooling properties. These materials help to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the night.
In summary, Purple pillows stand out due to their unique Purple Grid technology, breathability, durability, variety, and use of moisture-wicking materials. These features contribute to a comfortable and supportive sleep experience, setting them apart from traditional pillows in the market.
Can You Put a Pillowcase on a Purple Pillow?
Yes, you can put a pillowcase on a Purple pillow. While Purple pillows come with their own removable and washable covers, adding a pillowcase can help protect the pillow cover and extend its lifespan. Using a pillowcase also allows you to match the pillow with your bedding and maintain a cohesive bedroom aesthetic.
When choosing a pillowcase for your Purple pillow, consider the following:
Material: Opt for a pillowcase made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials, such as cotton, bamboo-derived viscose, or Tencel. These materials can complement the cooling properties of the Purple Grid technology and enhance your sleep experience.
Stretchiness: Since Purple pillows, especially the original Purple Pillow, have a unique design and structure, a stretchy pillowcase is recommended. This ensures that the pillowcase doesn’t restrict the pillow’s performance or compromise its pressure-relieving benefits.
Size: Choose a pillowcase that corresponds to the dimensions of your Purple pillow. Each pillow model may have slightly different dimensions, so double-check the measurements before making a purchase.
In conclusion, while it is not mandatory to use a pillowcase with a Purple pillow, doing so can provide additional protection, hygiene, and aesthetic benefits. Just make sure to choose a pillowcase made from breathable, stretchy materials that fit the pillow’s dimensions.
Is the Purple Pillow Soft or Firm?
The softness or firmness of a Purple pillow depends on the specific model you choose. Purple offers different pillow models, each with its own unique feel and support level:
Purple Pillow: The original Purple Pillow is generally considered to be medium-firm. The hyper-elastic polymer gel grid provides pressure relief and support, conforming to the contours of your head and neck. It is designed to maintain its shape and provide consistent support throughout the night.
Purple Plush Pillow: The Purple Plush Pillow is considered softer and more traditional in terms of feel. Its “Smart Fluff” poly fiber filling allows for adjustable firmness by simply zipping or unzipping the pillow’s side vents. When fully zipped, the pillow is firmer; when unzipped, it becomes softer.
Purple Harmony Pillow: The Purple Harmony Pillow offers a balanced feel, combining the pressure relief of the Purple Grid with the responsive support of a Talalay latex core. This pillow is considered medium-firm, providing a balance between softness and support for most sleepers.
Each Purple pillow model caters to different preferences and sleep styles. It’s essential to consider your personal preferences and sleeping habits when choosing the right Purple pillow for you. If you prefer a softer pillow, the Purple Plush Pillow might be the best choice. If you’re looking for more support or a medium-firm feel, the Purple Pillow or Purple Harmony Pillow could be more suitable options.
Are Purple PIllows Good for Nect Support?
Yes, Purple pillows are designed to provide good neck support, which is essential for maintaining proper spinal alignment and reducing the risk of developing aches and pains. Each Purple pillow model offers varying levels of neck support:
Purple Pillow: The original Purple Pillow features the company’s patented Purple Grid technology, which adapts to the contours of your head and neck. This ensures proper neck support and spinal alignment regardless of your sleeping position. The grid design also helps distribute weight evenly, preventing pressure points from forming.
Purple Plush Pillow: While the Purple Plush Pillow offers a more traditional, softer feel, it still provides adequate neck support due to its adjustable firmness. By zipping or unzipping the pillow’s side vents, you can customize the level of support to suit your preferences and sleeping position. The “Smart Fluff” poly fiber filling also helps to conform to the shape of your head and neck.
Purple Harmony Pillow: The Purple Harmony Pillow combines the pressure-relieving benefits of the Purple Grid with the responsive support of a Talalay latex core. This combination results in a pillow that offers both comfort and neck support, making it suitable for various sleeping positions.
Although Purple pillows are designed to provide neck support, individual preferences and needs may vary. It’s essential to consider your sleeping habits and personal comfort preferences when choosing a pillow. If you have specific neck issues or concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
Purple offers free ground shipping on all their pillows, including the Purple Harmony Pillow and Purple Harmony Anywhere Pillow. Expedited shipping options are not available at this time.
According to Purple’s website, it typically takes 3-5 business days for a small parcel, like a pillow, to arrive after it is processed.
Purple offers a 100-day trial period and a 1-year limited warranty on all their pillows. Here’s a breakdown of both:
100-Day Sleep Trial: You can try out your Purple Pillow for 100 days from the delivery date. If you decide it’s not for you within that window, you can return it for a full refund, as long as the pillow is clean and undamaged [5]. Purple recommends sleeping on the pillow for at least 30 days before initiating a return to allow your body to adjust to the new sleeping surface [5].
1-Year Limited Warranty: The pillow is covered under a 1-year limited warranty from the original purchase date. This warranty protects against manufacturing defects and material flaws. If you believe your pillow has a warranty issue within a year of purchase, contact Purple’s customer care to initiate a claim
The Purple Harmony Pillow might be a good choice for allergy sufferers for a few reasons:
Hypoallergenic Materials: The core of the pillow is made of Talalay latex, which is naturally dust mite resistant [1]. Dust mites are a common allergen that can trigger symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes.
Breathable Design: The gridded design of the Purple Harmony Pillow promotes airflow, which can help prevent moisture buildup and the growth of mold and mildew [6]. Mold and mildew can also trigger allergy and asthma symptoms.
Washable Cover: The cover of the Purple Harmony Pillow is removable and machine-washable. This allows you to easily wash away allergens, sweat, and dead skin cells that can build up on your pillow over time [1].
Here are some things to keep in mind:
New Materials Off-gasing: Some people may be sensitive to the off-gasing of new materials, which can cause respiratory irritation. Talalay latex is generally considered to have low off-gasing compared to other types of latex, but it’s still possible to experience some irritation [3].
Regular Cleaning is Key: Even with a hypoallergenic material and washable cover, it’s important to wash your pillowcase weekly in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill dust mites [8]. You should also wash the pillow itself according to the care instructions on the tag, which may recommend spot cleaning or machine washing on a gentle cycle.
Overall, the Purple Harmony Pillow could be a good option for allergy sufferers because of its hypoallergenic materials, breathable design, and washable cover. However, as with any new bedding product, it’s always a good idea to test it out in a store or for a short period at home to see if it irritates you.
The Purple Pillow, unlike memory foam pillows, shouldn’t off-gas according to the manufacturer [6]. The Purple Pillow uses a hyperallergenic, CertiPUR-US® certified polyurethane foam which is designed to have low off-gasing emissions [7, 8].
However, you might still notice a faint “new product smell” when you first open the box [6]. This is described as a “nutty or woodsy” smell and should dissipate fairly quickly [6]. Here’s how this might impact users:
Sensitive Individuals: While uncommon, people with chemical sensitivities might be more susceptible to this new product smell. If the odor is strong and bothersome, you can air out the pillow in a well-ventilated room for a few days to expedite the process [6].
Dissipation Time: The time it takes for the smell to dissipate can vary depending on ventilation and individual perception of odors [6].
Overall, off-gasing shouldn’t be a major concern with the Purple Pillow. But if you have any concerns or sensitivities, it’s always best to check with the manufacturer or a healthcare professional.
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17 thoughts on “Purple Pillow Review: Dream in Purple”
Has it gotten any better? I’m set to receive mine soon and I’ve heard very mixed reviews about this pillow. I don’t own the purple mattress either. But in your experience has the pillow broken in the more you use it?
It still feels the same. So if you don’t like the feel after the first couple nights then it probably isn’t for you.
You mentioned that your ear hurt while sleeping on it. Did that continue to be a problem? I currently sleep on the Nest Easy Breather Natural pillow (the latex fill one) and like it, but it tends to feel hard by the morning and can make my ear hurt sometimes. I’m really interested in the Purple pillow, but not if I am going to have similar problems. How do the 2 pillows compare?
Yes, you will probably have problems with the Purple Pillow if you found the latex Easy Breather to be too firm. I would go with the foam version of the Easy Breather or a less expensive option which is the Aliso Pillow from Brentwood Home
I’ve had my pillow since before Christmas, and I have to say that I’m pretty disappointed in it. They made a lot of promises and really hyped up what this thing would do, but, to me, it’s a classic example of over-promising and under-delivering. I had expected it to be soft and cushiony and for my head to sort of sink in a bit and be cradled. However, my head just lays flat on top of it. The pillow might as well be a thick, rubber pad. Maybe if I laid the pillow flat on the bed and slept on my back, it might be OK, not comfortable, but OK, but I don’t sleep like that. If I try to prop the pillow up at an angle, it wants to slide down due to its heavy weight. Plus, the cover is a lot bigger than the pillow, so the cover bunches up. I can’t comment on the pillow case because I still haven’t received mine, and they haven’t responded to my inquiries. There is an inflatable bit, but I find that it makes the pillow even less comfortable. Because the pillow was so expensive, I’ve been trying to find some way to make it at least usable for me, but the only thing I can really do is have it beneath other pillows to add some support. I know that others have claimed that it has worked great for them, though I kind of wonder how much of that is true and how much of that is wanting to justify what they spent on it. I really, really wanted to like this pillow because I’ve been searching for a really good pillow, and I probably wouldn’t even care about the pillow case if the pillow was making me happy. After all, I backed the Kickstarter for the pillow not the pillow case, but I’ve found that not only is it not the most comfortable pillow out there, but it’s actively uncomfortable. I get more out of a pillow that I purchased from Kmart for $4.
I just received mine I literally laid on it for 5 minutes and wanted to fall asleep my head sunk right in perfectly and I am a side sleeper not a back sleeper the only problem I have is the smell… Which I’m sure will go away with time.
Yeah, it stinks. surprisingly, the mattress didn’t smell to me, but the pillow, oh, it’s bad. I’m going to try washing it with dish soap in the tub and let it air dry.
I agree, i laid my head on it for a second and it felt really nice, i do have a big head, so maybe that helps.
I have the ear pain as well with this pillow when I sleep on my side. I plan to go back to my old pillow to see the difference.
Too heavy for a pillow, too thin and too stiff. I’ve had it for a couple weeks and I prefer this memory foam pillow my father purchased for me at Costco over this. It’s been giving me neck pain instead of comfort and it’s a huge disappointment. Waste of money, I’m on it now as I write this and the back of my head is throbbing. Only thing I agree with is that it stays cool, but who cares about pillow temperature if I can’t sleep and wake up in pain??? Don’t do it to yourself.
I also have ear pain when I sleep on my side. However I really like that my head doesn’t sink into the pillow and it offers stability. I stick with it even tho my ear hurts. I try to sleep on my back. I love the fact that I don’t have to worry about dust mites.
We bought 3. Only two are currently being used. My partner hated it after a month of trying it out.
We also have the Purple mattresses. The same family members who like the mattress – like the pillows.
The booster is the only thing I don’t like about this pillow. Get a piece or two of memory or latex foam and it’s much better. The booster gets uneven if you don’t have it inflated fully and it seems to leak air so you have to re-inflate is every so often.
I am a huge fan of my Purple mattress but I’m not a fan of my Purple pillow. It is far heavier and far less cool than my down pillows. I can’t sleep on it.
However, the Purple pillow is terrific if you need a pillow under your knees. Some people also might like it as a bolster.
Terrible pillow…. floppy, heavy, flat, hot, just bad. Add that to terrible customer service that never returns your money if you send it back. Buy a real pillow from a good company if you want a good nights rest…
They are really slow shipping and the pillow smells like baby farts.
We got this pillow free with a Black Friday deal along with purchasing the mattress. We both tried it for a couple of nights and agree that this the most uncomfortable pillow we have ever slept on. Like other users we were hoping it would a game changer but unfortunately we were thoroughly disappointed and very happy we didn’t spend money on the outrageous price tag it has. Our $30 memory foam pillow from Costco is still the winner. I hope the mattress (which hasn’t arrived yet) has a much better outcome!
I never received a purple pillow booster. Paid $99 bucks for the pillow and I need the purple pillow booster as a side sleeper. How do I get one???
You can’t get them anymore. They discontinued the booster.