Purple Mattress Review 2026: Grid Technology, Cooling & Value Analysis

Purple disrupted the mattress industry with something genuinely different: a grid made of Hyper-Elastic Polymer that feels unlike any foam or coil system. This review covers whether the unique technology delivers on its promises and who should consider making the switch.

For brand comparisons, visit our Brand Comparisons Hub.

Purple lineup overview

Model	Grid Thickness	Support Layer	Price (Queen)	Best For
Purple Original	2"	Foam	$1,299	Budget entry, back sleepers
Purple Plus	2" + foam	Foam	$1,799	Side sleepers wanting softer feel
Purple Premier 3	3"	Coils	$2,599	Hot sleepers, couples
Purple Premier 4	4"	Coils	$3,199	Maximum pressure relief

The GelFlex Grid: what makes it different

Purple's signature technology is a grid of Hyper-Elastic Polymer—essentially a flexible, supportive plastic arranged in a grid pattern with open air channels.

How it works

• Smart Flex Technology: Grid walls collapse under heavier body parts (shoulders, hips) while supporting lighter areas (lumbar)
• Temperature Neutral: No heat-trapping foams; air flows through the grid continuously
• No Motion Transfer: Grid cells move independently, isolating partner movement
• Instant Response: Unlike memory foam, the grid springs back immediately

Grid vs. foam feel comparison

Characteristic	Purple Grid	Memory Foam	Innerspring
Responsiveness	★★★★★ Instant	★★☆☆☆ Slow	★★★★☆ Quick
Cooling	★★★★★ Excellent	★★☆☆☆ Poor	★★★★☆ Good
Contouring	★★★☆☆ Moderate	★★★★★ Deep	★★☆☆☆ Light
Motion Isolation	★★★★☆ Very Good	★★★★★ Excellent	★★☆☆☆ Poor
Edge Support	★★★☆☆ Average	★★★☆☆ Average	★★★★☆ Good

Model-by-model breakdown

Purple Original (2" Grid)

The entry-level option with the full Purple experience at a more accessible price.

Construction:

• 2" GelFlex Grid
• 4" Support foam base
• Total height: 9.5"
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)

Best for:

• Back sleepers
• Budget-conscious buyers wanting Purple feel
• Lighter sleepers (under 180 lbs)

Watch out:

• Side sleepers may want more cushion
• Heavier sleepers may bottom out

Purple Plus (2" Grid + Foam Transition)

Adds a foam comfort layer for a softer initial feel while maintaining grid benefits.

Construction:

• 2" GelFlex Grid
• 2" Purple foam transition layer
• 7.5" Support foam base
• Total height: 11.5"
• Firmness: Medium (5.5/10)

Best for:

• Side sleepers
• Those transitioning from memory foam
• Sleepers wanting softer feel with grid cooling

Watch out:

• More expensive than competitors at similar firmness
• Less grid feel due to transition layer

Purple Premier 3 (3" Grid + Coils)

The sweet spot for most sleepers—thicker grid on a responsive coil base.

Construction:

• 3" GelFlex Grid
• 1" Comfort foam
• 7.5" Responsive coils
• Total height: 12.5"
• Firmness: Medium (5-6/10)

Best for:

• Hot sleepers maximizing airflow
• Couples (coils + grid = minimal motion transfer)
• Back and combination sleepers

Watch out:

• Significant price jump from Plus
• May feel too bouncy for some

Purple Premier 4 (4" Grid + Coils)

Maximum grid thickness for deep pressure relief without sacrificing support.

Construction:

• 4" GelFlex Grid
• 1" Comfort foam
• 7.5" Responsive coils
• Total height: 13.5"
• Firmness: Medium-soft (4-5/10)

Best for:

• Side sleepers needing maximum pressure relief
• Heavier sleepers wanting grid benefits
• Those with shoulder/hip pain

Watch out:

• Premium pricing
• Softer feel may not suit stomach sleepers

Performance ratings

Cooling: ★★★★★

Purple's biggest strength. The grid's open-cell design allows unrestricted airflow—no foam to trap body heat. Hybrid models add coil ventilation.

Real-world: Hot sleepers consistently report Purple among the coolest beds they've tried. Even in warm rooms, the surface stays neutral.

Pressure relief: ★★★★☆

The grid's smart collapse provides targeted relief at pressure points. Not as enveloping as memory foam, but effective.

Real-world: Side sleepers report good shoulder/hip relief on Premier models. Original may feel firm at pressure points for some.

Motion isolation: ★★★★☆

Grid cells move independently, absorbing partner movement effectively. Hybrid models with coils perform slightly better than all-foam.

Real-world: Partner disturbance is minimal. Not quite as dead as dense memory foam, but close.

Edge support: ★★★☆☆

Average across the lineup. Grid compresses at edges, which can feel unstable when sitting.

Real-world: Sleeping near the edge is fine, but sitting on the edge to put on shoes feels less stable than firmer hybrids.

Responsiveness: ★★★★★

The grid bounces back instantly—no sinking in sensation. Easy to move on and change positions.

Real-world: Combination sleepers love this. No feeling of being "stuck" like with memory foam.

Who should buy Purple

Trial, warranty, and policies

Policy	Details
Trial Period	100 nights
Returns	Free pickup, full refund
Warranty	10 years, non-prorated
Shipping	Free, compressed in box
White Glove	Available for additional fee
Financing	Affirm available, 0% APR options

Price comparison (Queen)

Purple Model	Regular Price	Sale Price	Value Rating
Original	$1,299	$1,099-1,199	★★★☆☆
Plus	$1,799	$1,499-1,599	★★★☆☆
Premier 3	$2,599	$2,199-2,399	★★★★☆
Premier 4	$3,199	$2,699-2,899	★★★☆☆

Best value: Purple Premier 3 offers the best combination of features (coils + 3" grid) for the price point. Wait for sales.

Common complaints and rebuttals

"It feels weird"

Fair. The grid is genuinely different from any foam or coil system. Some people love it; others never adjust. The 100-night trial exists for this reason.

"It's expensive"

Also fair. Purple's technology is proprietary and costs more to manufacture. If budget is primary, consider Nectar or DreamCloud. If cooling is priority, Purple justifies the premium.

"Edge support is weak"

Valid concern. If you sit on the bed edge frequently or sleep near the edge, this could be annoying. Premier models with coils are better, but not great.

"Customer service issues"

Some customers report delayed deliveries or return hassles. Purple has improved since early years, but check current reviews if this concerns you.

Final verdict

Purple is best for: Hot sleepers, back sleepers, and combination sleepers who want responsive support without memory foam's heat and slowness.

Skip Purple if: You want deep contouring, pillow-top plush feel, or strong edge support.

Buy this model:

• Budget: Purple Original if you're under 180 lbs and sleep on your back
• Best overall: Purple Premier 3 for the optimal grid thickness + coil support combination
• Maximum relief: Purple Premier 4 if you need deep pressure relief and can afford it

The GelFlex Grid isn't for everyone, but for those it fits, it's genuinely unique. Use the 100-night trial to find out.

For comparisons with other brands, see Purple vs Casper vs Nectar and our Brand Comparisons Hub.

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