Updated December 2025
Purple vs Helix Mattress Review
If you are deciding between Purple and Helix, you are really deciding between two totally different approaches to comfort. Helix is a classic hybrid play with a wide range of firmness options, which makes it easier to match your sleep style. Purple is built around the GelFlex Grid, a feel that is more buoyant, more breathable, and usually better for pressure relief if you hate sinking into foam.
Quick take: Helix is usually the simpler recommendation for couples and shoppers who want a familiar feel. Purple is the better fit when cooling and pressure relief are the priorities, especially if you wake up hot or you get sore shoulders and hips.
Photo: Purple Restore Hybrid
My verdict
If you want a traditional mattress feel with a ton of model options, Helix is the safer pick. If you want a more pressure relieving surface that stays temperature neutral and feels easy to move on, Purple tends to win.
My default recommendation: start with Helix if you are unsure. Switch to Purple if you know you sleep hot, you hate the stuck feeling, or you have pressure point pain that shows up in your shoulders or hips.
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Side by side specs
| Feature | Helix | Purple |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Hybrid lineup with foam layers over pocketed coils | GelFlex Grid comfort layer with foam, plus hybrid options with coils |
| Overall feel | Traditional, more grounded, foam contouring varies by model | Buoyant, pressure relieving, less sink, easier airflow |
| Best for | Couples, combo sleepers, people who want predictable support | Hot sleepers, pressure point relief, people who dislike deep foam hug |
| Trial | 100 nights | 100 nights |
My personal findings with Helix and Purple
I have tested both brands enough to see patterns. Helix is about getting the right match in the lineup. Purple is about whether you like the grid feel. If you love the grid, it can feel like it fixes the exact spots that get sore. If you do not like the grid, you will know quickly.
My Helix notes
- Helix feels like a modern version of a traditional mattress, supportive, stable, and not too bouncy.
- For couples, Helix tends to be the easier win because motion isolation is strong, especially in the Midnight family.
- Helix works best when you choose the model that matches your position, not just your budget.
- In my testing, Helix generally has a deeper sink than Purple, which some side sleepers love, and some stomach sleepers hate.
My Purple notes
- Purple has a buoyant surface that feels like it is holding you up, not letting you sink down.
- Pressure relief is the main reason people fall in love with Purple, especially for shoulders and hips.
- Cooling feels more immediate on Purple because the grid does not trap heat like dense foams can.
- Movement is easy because the grid snaps back quickly, which helps combination sleepers.
5 real world tests I care about
These are the tests that actually translate to better sleep. Specs matter, but what you feel at 2 am matters more.
1 Cooling
Both brands can be good for hot sleepers, but they get there differently. Purple gets airflow from the grid. Helix gets airflow from coils plus upgraded covers and foams on higher end models.
2 Pressure relief
If you wake up with shoulder pain, Purple is often the faster fix because the grid compresses right where you need it. Helix can still be excellent, especially in softer builds, but it feels more like foam contouring than the grid style of pressure relief.
3 Motion isolation
For couples, Helix is usually my easier recommendation. Purple is also good, but Helix Midnight models tend to reduce partner disturbance in a very predictable way.
4 Edge support
Both brands do well here on the right models. If you sit on the edge to put on shoes or you sleep near the edge, look at sturdier hybrids like Helix Plus Luxe or Purple Restore line options.
5 Ease of movement
Purple is the clear winner for quick response. The grid snaps back fast, so changing positions feels easy. Helix is also solid, but foam layers can feel slower compared with the grid.
Design and build
Helix is built around hybrid construction: foams for comfort and pocketed coils for support. The big advantage is the variety. You can pick a model that better matches side sleeping, back sleeping, or a more supportive feel if you need it.
Purple is built around the GelFlex Grid. It acts like a pressure relief layer that is also breathable. On hybrid models like Restore options, coils add support and make the bed feel more stable overall.
Comfort and feel
Helix feels familiar. Think foam contouring plus coil support. Purple feels different. It is more buoyant and less sinky. If you have ever tried a mattress and thought, I feel stuck, Purple is often the solution.
Cooling
Purple tends to feel cooler on contact because the grid allows air to move through the comfort layer. Helix can be very competitive, especially in models with cooling covers and more breathable foams, but Purple is the one I point to first when someone says they wake up sweaty.
If you want to see current deals while you read, here are the official links: Helix deals and Purple deals.
Motion isolation
Helix is consistently strong for couples because foam absorbs movement and pocketed coils reduce ripple effects. Purple is also solid, but it feels more responsive, which some couples perceive as a little more lively even when disturbance is controlled.
Edge support
If edge support is a must, focus on sturdier hybrids. Helix Plus options and Purple Restore line models are the safest picks. Both brands can give you a stable edge when you choose the right build.
Who it is for
Helix is better if you
- Want a traditional mattress feel that is easy to get used to.
- Sleep with a partner and want strong motion isolation.
- Want more firmness choices and stronger value across the lineup.
- Prefer a slightly deeper sink and foam contouring.
- Want a safer pick when you are unsure what you like.
Purple is better if you
- Run hot and want airflow you can feel.
- Have pressure point pain in shoulders, hips, or both.
- Dislike the stuck feeling of memory foam.
- Change positions a lot and want fast response.
- Want a unique feel that stays supportive without deep sink.
Price and value
Helix usually wins on value because there are more price points and more model variety. Purple generally costs more because the grid is a specialized material and the feel is unique. If you love the grid feel, the premium can be worth it. If you want classic comfort at a better price, Helix is usually the better move.
| Model | Example Queen price | Value note |
|---|---|---|
| Helix Midnight | $1,099 | Strong all around option, great for couples |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | $1,899 | More support tuning, more premium feel |
| Helix Midnight Elite | $2,749 | Top tier cooling and build upgrades |
| Purple Original | $1,399 | Best entry point for the grid feel |
| Purple Restore Plus | $2,595 | Hybrid support plus grid pressure relief |
| Purple Restore Premier | $3,495 | Premium hybrid build for a more elevated feel |
Pricing changes often, so I treat these as reference points and focus more on fit and performance.
FAQ
Which is better for side sleepers, Purple or Helix?
Purple is often the faster win for side sleepers with pressure point pain because the grid compresses under shoulders and hips without letting you sink too far. Helix can be excellent too, but the best match depends on choosing the right firmness and model for your build.
Which one sleeps cooler?
Purple typically feels cooler on contact and stays more temperature neutral because the grid allows airflow. Helix can be very cool on upgraded models, but Purple is the simpler recommendation for hot sleepers.
