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Purple vs. Purple Hybrid Mattress Review
In this comparison, we’re taking a look at two Purple brand mattresses that vary in construction and cost—the original Purple and the Purple Hybrid. The more budget-friendly original Purple mattress is an all-foam bed that boasts Purple’s GelFlex grid. The Hybrid has the same GelFlex layer atop a pocketed coil base layer.
Purple vs. Purple Hybrid Overview
The Purple Original has a medium-firm foam layer with a breathable grid of air channels on top. The Purple Hybrid has the identical top layer grid but gains bounce and versatility with its innerspring coil base.
| Purple Original is best for… | Purple Hybrid is best for… |
| Back sleepers < 230 lbs | Hot sleepers |
| Budget-conscious shoppers | Back & stomach sleepers |
| Side sleepers | Combination sleepers |
Who Should Choose the Purple Mattress?
- Back sleepers < 230 lbs: The Purple Grid top layer is made of a gel-like substance that provides the pressure relief and support needed by back sleepers.
- Side sleepers: The original Purple mattress is slightly softer than the Hybrid, which is best for side sleepers. This is even more true for those who are lightweight.
- Budget-conscious shoppers: The original Purple’s price tag is a bit better for back sleepers on a budget.
Who Should Choose the Purple Hybrid Mattress?
- Back/stomach sleepers: The Hybrid is the firmer of the two, making it a good match for back and stomach sleepers—and those who toss and turn between the two.
- Combination sleepers: The added bounce from the coil base layer of the Purple Hybrid makes it very responsive to changes in sleeping positions. This is ideal if you sleep in a combination of positions instead of only one.
- Those with back pain: The firmness of the innerspring coils can aid in decreasing back pain by supporting the spine. It also creates a sturdy edge, which makes getting in and out of bed easier for those experiencing pain.
- Heavyweight sleepers: Unlike foam, the innerspring coils are able to support those weighing up to 300 lbs. With that said, we really only recommend the Purple Hybrid to heavyweight back sleepers.
Purple vs. Purple Hybrid Mattress Video Comparison
Want to see how these mattresses match up? Join the Nerd Lab as they test the Purple Original vs. the Purple Hybrid:
Purple vs. Purple Hybrid: Top Similarities
- Temperature-neutral: Both of these mattresses work to provide a cool night’s sleep with their gridded gel top layer, which boasts over 1,400 air channels.
- Back support: These medium-firm mattresses help keep your spine aligned, as well as compress only in higher points of pressure, like the shoulders and tailbone.
- Durability: Both the original and Hybrid are very durable because the Purple Grid top layer resists forming body impressions, unlike memory foam mattresses.
Purple vs. Purple Hybrid: Top Differences
- Price: The Hybrid performs better in each of Mattress Nerd’s categories, but you pay extra for this. The original is priced similarly to other bed-in-a-box brands.
- Construction: Both beds have a 2” layer of Hyper-Elastic Polymer, the Purple Grid’s gel-like substance. But the Hybrid has over 7” of pocketed coils, creating more bounce.
- Edge support: The coils in the Purple Hybrid strengthen the stability of the edges. This gives more space to stretch out on the bed, which is a good thing for couples or those who share the bed with pets or children.
Purple vs. Purple Hybrid: Firmness & Feel Differences
With the same 2” Purple GelFlex top layer, these mattresses are similar in firmness, but their feel is noticeably different.
What’s the Firmness Of the Purple vs. Purple Hybrid Mattresses?
The original and Hybrid Purple mattresses scored 6.5/10 and 7/10, respectively, on the 1–10 mattress firmness scale. This support is ideal for back sleepers. The GelFlex grid found in both mattresses compresses at heavier body parts yet retains its position in lighter areas.
If you’re a stomach sleeper under 230 lbs, you’ll likely prefer the Hybrid’s coils that keep your hips from dipping too low, helping to avoid lower back pain. Side sleepers will probably be happier with a softer mattress that relieves more pressure in the shoulders and hips.
Heavyweight sleepers will find their hips and shoulders sinking too far through the thin top layer of the original Purple. The Hybrid doesn’t have this problem thanks to the transition foam surrounding the innerspring coils. In fact, it can comfortably support back sleepers weighing up to 300 lbs.
What Do the Purple vs. Purple Hybrid Mattresses Feel Like?
The Purple GelFlex grid found in both mattresses compresses at your heavier body parts yet holds its position at lighter areas. This gives the sensation of “floating” on your mattress—different from the cushioning of memory foam. When sitting on the edge of the Hybrid, you’ll feel more stability than the original Purple mattress thanks to the pocket coils.
What’s It Like to Sleep On the Purple & Purple Hybrid?
At Mattress Nerd, we use this neat pressure mapping film. Think of a heat map from your local weather report. Warm colors (reds, yellows, and oranges) are “hot spots” where pressure is high. Cool colors (blues and greens) are spots where applied pressure is low.
On both mattresses, the Purple Grid flexes where your body presses deeper into the mattress giving nice pressure relief under the hips and shoulders. But you won’t sink far past this top layer before hitting the firm foam base.
The Purple Original doesn’t contain innerspring coils yet it’s one of the coolest mattresses on the market. It scores 5/5 for temperature neutrality, just like the more expensive Hybrid that does, in fact, have innerspring coils. Either way you go, you’ll enjoy a cool nights’ sleep.
The Purple & Purple Hybrid Mattresses By Body Type
Purple Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 3 | 4 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 5 | 2 | 3 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 3 | 1 | 3 |
Purple Hybrid Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 1 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 4 | 3 | 2 |
1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent
Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)
For average-weight back sleepers, the original Purple mattress aids spinal alignment. Side sleepers are better off finding a softer mattress that offers relief for the shoulders and hips, like one from our review of best mattresses for side sleepers.
The Purple mattress tends to sink in at the hips for average-weight stomach sleepers, which can lead to spine misalignment and back pain. Here are our best mattresses for stomach sleepers recommendations. Combination sleepers: consult our review of best mattresses for combination sleepers.
By comparison, the Hybrid’s innerspring coils bring it a higher rating for average-weight people who sleep on their back or stomach, making it also good for those who move between these positions. Side sleepers will not have adequate pressure relief in the hips and shoulders. Instead, take a peek at the luxury model, the Purple Hybrid Premier mattress.
Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)
Heavyweight sleepers will do best to steer away from the original Purple mattress. Those over 230 lbs will likely experience too much sinkage through the top Purple Grid layer, regardless of how they sleep.
For heavyweight back sleepers, the Hybrid is a different story. For those weighing up to 300 lbs, its combination of foam and innerspring coils creates the flat, supportive feel of “floating.” Otherwise, for stomach and side sleepers, it does not provide the needed support or pressure relief.
Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)
The original Purple has decent support and pressure relief for lightweight sleepers of all positions. For couples, just keep in mind that your partner might have different mattress needs. The Hybrid scored poorly for lightweight side sleepers, but that’s about it. For the extra cost, the Hybrid is a good fit if you sleep with a partner or share your bed with pets or children.
Differences In Mattress Construction
The original Purple mattress measures 9.25” high, while the Hybrid is 11”. Both have a top layer of Purple’s GelFlex grid. The difference in height is due to the Hybrid’s pocketed coils that are encased in high-density foam.
| Purple Mattress Materials | Purple Hybrid Mattress Materials |
| Stretchy knit cover (polyester, viscose, and Lycra) | Stretchy knit cover (polyester, viscose, and Lycra) |
| Smart comfort grid (2” GelFlex) | Smart comfort grid (2” GelFlex) |
| Medium-firm polyfoam (3.5”) | High-density foam |
| High-density polyfoam (4”) | Support coils (7.5”) |
| Non-slip bottom | High-density foam |
Cover
Both of these Purple mattresses have a fabric cover made from a combination of polyester, viscose, and Lycra. This stretchy material is a great match for the flexible Purple Grid.
Comfort Layers
The comfort layer in both beds is the same proprietary Hyper-Elastic Polymer material—a unique 2” gel-like grid with 1,400+ air channels. This stretchy, waffle-looking grid is contouring and bouncy, which enables it to compress at pressure points but remains sturdy and supportive elsewhere. It also keeps the mattress temperature-neutral for those who sleep hot.
Support Layers
The original Purple has 7.5” of foam, whereas the Hybrid has a 7.5” base layer of thicker-than-average pocketed coils, sandwiched by transitional foam. The coils prevent sinkage, disperse body heat, provide more stability when sitting on the edge, and create more bounce. We’ve heard couples might like that for… activities other than sleeping.
Purple vs. Purple Hybrid Pricing
Be sure to check for Purple offers and Purple Mattress coupons.
| Size | Purple Prices | Purple Hybrid Prices |
| Twin | $595 | N/A |
| Twin XL | $695 | $1899 |
| Full | $845 | $2149 |
| Queen | $995 | $2399 |
| King | $1295 | $2899 |
| California King | $1295 | $2899 |
| Split King | $1390 | $3798 |
Purple vs. Purple Hybrid Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences
Temperature
While the original Purple is technically an all-foam mattress, it doesn’t retain heat like most. The top layer is made from material that absorbs excess body heat, and the air channels in the Purple Grid keep warm air moving out of the bed.
However if temperature is a priority, we recommend the Hybrid. Innerspring mattresses are some of the best cooling mattresses thanks to increased airflow through the coils.
Motion Transfer
Our mattress testers placed a beaker of liquid on the original Purple mattress, then bounced a heavy medicine ball to mimic movement of another sleeper. There was quite a bit of motion transferred to the opposite side, which is why this model scored below average in this area.
The Hybrid has transition layers of high-density foam that surround the coils. This creates a more stable mattress edge, which means better motion isolation when getting in and out of bed. This is a plus for those sleeping with a partner or sharing a bed with pets or children. You can also check out the best mattresses for couples for more motion-isolating options.
See more—Best Mattresses for Couples
Edge Support
When sitting on the edge of the bed, you’ll find the pocketed coils in the Hybrid add more stability than the original model. This is especially important if you sit on the edge to tie your shoes or simply need to get up slowly for pain relief. It’s also a factor for couples who want to maximize the space on their bed.
Pressure Relief
The flexible Purple Grid contours to the body’s curves while staying sturdy where pressure isn’t exerted. This enables the mattress to relieve pressure in key spots like the tailbone, lower back, hips, and shoulders (depending on sleeping position). Underneath that, the firmer base layer supports the spine’s natural curvature—a foam base in the Purple Original and a pocketed spring base in the Hybrid.
Pain Relief
The Purple GelFlex grid in both models is springy enough to relieve pressure in the low back. The pocketed coils of the Hybrid equip the mattress with superior edge support which benefits those with pain when getting in and out of bed.
For stomach sleepers, our pressure mapping film of the Hybrid did show red at the shoulders so we don’t recommend it for those with shoulder pain. The lighter the person, the more this pressure is likely to be. However, the Hybrid is supportive enough to keep the hips of stomach sleepers under 230 lbs lifted in alignment with the spine, which can alleviate lower back pain.
See more—Best Mattresses for Hip Pain
Durability
Both the original and Hybrid mattresses have above-average durability. Credit goes to the top layer Purple grid that is resistant to body impressions—unlike memory foam. Mattresses with innerspring coils, found in the Hybrid, have a good reputation for being long-lasting, as well.
Shipping, Returns, & Warranties
If you live in Alaska or Hawaii, you’ll have to pay a small fee for shipping. Otherwise, it’s free in the U.S. If you need assistance with delivery and setup, you can pay an extra fee for white glove delivery.
Once you’ve received your new mattress, the company asks that you try it for 21 days before deciding if it’s a keeper. If you’re not satisfied during the 100-day sleep trial period, they’ll pick it up and issue a full refund for the return with no restocking fees.
The Purple mattress comes with a 10-year warranty. If your mattress has a defect, Purple will repair or replace during the entire 10 year time period. Be sure to read the fine print to keep from voiding the warranty.
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Our Final Take
If you’re a back sleeper on a budget, the original Purple mattress is a great choice. It’s also the clear winner for side sleepers. Combination sleepers or couples with different sleeping positions will appreciate the combo of foam and pocketed coils found in the Hybrid.
It’s true both beds are helpful to those with back pain but the superior edge support of the Hybrid makes getting in and out of bed easier for those with pain. It’s also the more breathable mattress, so we recommend it over the original to hot sleepers.
Purple & Purple Hybrid FAQs
Are the Purple 2 and Purple Hybrid the same mattress?
Purple changed their naming system so, yes, the Purple 2 is now called the Purple Hybrid. Similarly, the Purple 3 and Purple 4 are now called the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 and 4. With the Premier, you can choose between a 3” or 4” top layer of the GelFlex grid.
Which Purple mattress is the softest?
Both of these mattresses are medium-firm, but the original Purple mattress is slightly softer. If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll likely find both of these mattresses too firm to provide pressure relief for your shoulders and hips.
What’s the difference between the Purple 3 and Purple 4?
The Purple 3 and Purple 4 have been renamed the Purple Hybrid Premier. The Premier has a 3” and 4” option for the top layer GelFlex grid. The extra depth in the comfort layer allows side sleepers and heavyweight sleepers to find better support and pressure relief.
