Looking for a new mattress can be overwhelming, but Purple has become a cult favorite for those seeking a unique and comfortable sleep experience. The brand is especially known for its signature GelFlex Grid made from hyper-elastic polymer. Unlike memory foam, the innovative grid is more responsive and cooling.
Over the years, Purple has expanded its catalog from the original Purple Mattress. The Purple Hybrid Mattress, for instance, has gained considerable attention from those who want a firmer bed. Is this hybrid design perfect for you? Or should you stick with the original?
Below, we compare the two to help you decide. And if you want to know how Purple fares against other brands, check out more Purple mattress reviews here.
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Purple vs Purple Hybrid Mattress Comparison Chart
Design and Construction
Purple’s original mattress is an all-foam model, while the Hybrid option combines pocketed coils with the GelFlex Grid.
At the heart of Purple’s mattress is the innovative GelFlex Grid. It’s a layer of hyper-elastic polymer arranged in a grid pattern. Unlike traditional memory foam, the Grid provides a balance of pressure relief and support.
Although the Purple Mattress and Purple Hybrid Mattress both feature the brand’s patented Grid technology, they differ in construction and design.
The Purple Mattress is an all-foam option that consists of three layers. Its top layer is 2 inches of the GelFlex Grid, followed by a 3.5-inch layer of high-density polyfoam. At the base, you get a thick 4-inch support foam. Purple then tops the mattress with a moisture-wicking SoftFlex cover.
In contrast, the Purple Hybrid Mattress features a hybrid design that combines the Grid with pocketed coils. The bed consists of four layers, starting with a two-inch layer of the Purple Grid on top of a one-inch layer of transition foam.
Next, you get a 7.5-inch layer of individually wrapped coils that provide additional support and improve the mattress’s bounce. Lastly, the Hybrid’s base uses a one-inch polyfoam. For the cover, Purple uses the Premium StretchMax for additional responsiveness and cooling.
While both mattresses feature the Purple Grid, the Purple Hybrid Mattress is designed to provide more support and responsiveness thanks to the addition of the pocketed coils. However, this also means that the Purple Hybrid Mattress is generally more expensive than the all-foam Purple Mattress.
Firmness and Feel
The medium-firm Purple Mattress is ideal for those who want pressure relief. In contrast, the Purple Hybrid Mattress is a better choice for those who want a firmer bed.
Purple’s original mattress offers a medium-firm feel. On a firmness scale of 1 to 10, it scores a 6. Because of its all-foam construction, the bed also creates a feeling of weightlessness while maintaining spinal alignment. Meanwhile, its high-density polyfoam layer provides additional support and minimizes sinkage.
The original mattress is a good choice for side sleepers who need extra cushioning for their shoulders and hips. Back sleepers who need a medium-firm bed to maintain proper alignment may also find the Purple Mattress beneficial. However, the bed may not be the best choice for stomach sleepers, as its softer top layer may not be supportive enough for the hips and lower back.
On the other hand, the Purple Hybrid Mattress is slightly firmer than the all-foam Purple Mattress. With its pocketed coils, the hybrid model provides more support and bounce, which makes the mattress feel more responsive and supportive. However, the GelFlex Grid provides ample pressure relief like the all-foam Purple Mattress.
Most people find that the combination of foam and pocketed coils create a comfortable and supportive sleep experience. For combination sleepers, the hybrid design provides a more traditional bounce that makes it easier to move around.
The Purple Hybrid Mattress may also be a good choice for heavier sleepers who need extra support to prevent sinking too deeply into the bed. But like the Purple Mattress, it may not be ideal for stomach sleepers who need a firmer mattress to prevent sagging in the midsection.
Temperature and Support
Purple’s Hybrid Mattress offers better temperature regulation, motion isolation, and edge support than the original mattress.
Memory foam beds are prone to trapping heat, which may not be ideal for people who tend to sleep hot. Purple’s GelFlex Grid also uses polymer, like standard foam beds, but in a gel form. In the case of the Purple Mattress and Purple Hybrid Mattress, the gel memory foam dissipates heat. The grid also features thousands of air channels to promote airflow.
However, with the Purple Hybrid, the spring coils act as additional channels to allow even more airflow and to help regulate temperature.
Both mattresses offer excellent motion isolation thanks to the GelFlex Grid technology. The hyper-elastic polymer of the Purple Grid conforms to the body and isolates motion, making it a good choice for people who share a bed with a partner or a pet. However, the Purple Hybrid Mattress may have slightly better motion isolation due to the additional layer of pocketed coils.
In addition, the hybrid mattress wins in edge support. The layers of pocketed coils extend to the perimeter of the mattress, making it stabler. For sleepers, this means it’s easier to get in and out of bed or sleep near the edge of the mattress. Purple’s original mattress has ample edge support, but it may not be as firm as its hybrid counterpart.
Durability, Noise & Off-Gassing
Both Purple mattresses are durable, quiet, and low in VOCs.
Although the GelFlex Grid is responsive, it’s also known for its ability to retain its shape over time. As such, Purple’s original and hybrid mattresses enjoy a level of durability unavailable in most memory foam beds. As an assurance, both products enjoy a 10-year warranty.
The Purple Mattress and the Purple Hybrid Mattress shouldn’t make much noise during use. Purple’s grid is quiet, and the pocketed coils in the hybrid mattress are also virtually silent. Some mattresses that use springs or coils can be noisy when weight shifts on the bed, but this should not be a problem with either Purple mattress.
Like many new products, the Purple Mattress and Purple Hybrid Mattress emit a slight odor when first removed from the packaging. Known as off-gassing, it’s caused by the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the materials used in the mattress.
However, both mattresses use CertiPUR-US-certified foam, which means they are low in VOCs and free from harmful chemicals. If there is off-gassing, the period should be short-lived and typically dissipates within a few days.
Verdict
While both mattresses provide a comfortable and supportive sleep, the Purple Hybrid Mattress may be a better choice for those who prefer more support and a firmer feel.
The Purple Mattress and Purple Hybrid Mattress both offer unique features that can provide a comfortable and supportive sleep experience. While the beds feature the hallmark GelFlex Grid technology, the all-foam Purple Mattress and hybrid Purple Hybrid Mattress differ in construction and design.
If you’re a side or back sleeper, get the Purple Mattress for its medium-firm feel. Purple also recommends the bed for those who want the pressure-relieving benefits of the GelFlex Grid. Meanwhile, the Purple Hybrid Mattress is a better option for combination sleepers, heavier sleepers, and those who prefer a slightly firmer feel with added support from the pocketed coils.
Ultimately, the choice between the Purple Mattress and the Purple Hybrid Mattress comes down to personal preference, sleep style, and budget. Whichever you choose, you can be confident you’re investing in a high-quality mattress designed to promote a restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep.
FAQs
The Purple Mattress is compatible with any sturdy and flat foundation, be it a Purple Bed Frame, slats, box foundation, adjustable bed, or even the floor. Regardless of the room, your Purple Bed will look aesthetically pleasing. For additional details, refer to the Purple Mattress warranty.
The Purple GelFlex Grid is a patented technology unique to Purple mattresses. It is a layer of flexible material designed to provide pressure relief while promoting airflow, which can help to keep you cool while you sleep. The Grid is made from a hyper-elastic polymer that is both supportive and responsive, adapting to your body’s contours and movements throughout the night. This innovative design should help you sleep comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed.
No. Purple’s free shipping is only applicable to the contiguous United States. Additional fees apply when shipping to Alaska and Hawaii.
Yes. Purple offers in-house setup services. However, this is limited to the Purple Hybrid Premier mattresses.