Purple vs. Amerisleep Mattress Comparison

The Amerisleep AS3 mattress comes in an all-foam version and a hybrid version with pocketed coils instead of support foam. We’re focusing on the all-foam version in this comparison, which is made entirely of polyfoam. In contrast, the original Purple mattress has the Purple Grid—a unique top layer made from a gel-like material called Hyper-Elastic Polymer.

If you’re looking for a new mattress and you’re down to your top two, look no further. In this article, we’ll be doing an in-depth mattress comparison between the Amerisleep AS3 and the original Purple mattresses.

We test and review all of the mattresses firsthand in our sleep lab. If you want to know more about how we do it, read up on our testing methodology. 

Amerisleep vs. Purple Overview

Amerisleep and Purple are both popular mattress brands that bring unique features to the table. Here’s a brief overview of each mattress’s strong points and who we recommend it for.

Amerisleep is best for…	Purple is best for…
Lightweight and average-weight sleepers	Side and back sleepers
All sleep positions	Sleepers who enjoy a unique, floating feel
Combo sleepers	Hot sleepers

Who Should Choose the Amerisleep Mattress?

• Lightweight and average-weight sleepers: The AS3 strikes a balance between support and comfort for those under 230 lbs by cradling pressure points without too much sinkage.
• All sleep positions: The bed’s medium firmness level is just soft enough for average-weight side sleepers and just firm enough for back sleepers and lightweight stomach sleepers.  
• Combo sleepers: While traditional memory foam beds might feel overly cushioning, the top foam layer on the Amerisleep is a more responsive memory foam, so you won’t feel stuck in the mattress.

Who Should Choose the Purple Mattress?

• Side and back sleepers: The Purple distributes body weight evenly, making it one of the best mattresses for back sleepers. Side sleepers will also find great contouring at the hips and shoulders.
• Sleepers who enjoy a unique, floating feel: The top comfort layer of the Purple Original is a thick slab of Hyper-Elastic Polymer, which has a similar feel to the gel material used in shoe insoles. The result is a responsive bed that’s soft, yet firm, with a weightless, buoyant feel.
• Hot sleepers: The Purple Grid’s construction allows air to flow through the top layer, so it distributes body heat and sleeps much cooler than the average all-foam bed.

Amerisleep vs. Purple Mattress Video Comparison

Here are the top similarities and differences between the Amerisleep AS3 and Purple mattresses.

Amerisleep vs. Purple: Top Similarities 

• Body types: Both offer the best spinal alignment and comfort for lightweight or average-weight body types, regardless of whether you’re a side, back, or stomach sleeper.
• Ease of movement: Both beds are fairly easy to move around on, making them good mattresses for combination sleepers.
• Ideal for back sleepers: The medium to medium-firm feel of the Purple and AS3 makes them great mattresses for back sleepers, particularly those under 230 lbs.

Amerisleep vs. Purple: Top Differences 

• Feel: The Purple Grid (used in all Purple mattresses) relieves pressure points without allowing the sleeper to sink too far into the mattress. Some say it feels like floating on top of the mattress. The AS3 has a balanced foam feel that’s moderately cushioning. 
• Temperature: Both companies claim that their mattresses sleep cool, but the Purple Grid promotes steadier airflow than the all-foam version of the AS3. Even the hybrid AS3 has below-average breathability for a mattress with a coil support layer.
• Price: The Purple mattress offers an innovative design for a reasonable price point. The AS3 has a relatively traditional foam design, yet is more expensive.

Amerisleep vs. Purple: Firmness & Feel Differences

After some rigorous testing in our sleep lab, here’s how the Amerisleep and Purple mattresses stack up against each other.

What’s the Firmness Of the Amerisleep & Purple Mattresses? 

A mattress’s firmness can make or break you’re sleeping performance. Before buying a mattress, it’s important to know what its firmness level is so that you’ll know whether it can accommodate your sleeping position and body type well. For this part, we’ll be using the industry standard firmness scale which goes from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

Both of these mattresses have a mid-range firmness level, but we rate the Purple at 6.5/10, or medium-firm, and the Amerisleep AS3 at 5/10 which falls on the “true medium” level.

What Do the Amerisleep & Purple Mattresses Feel Like?

The Amerisleep has a balanced foam feel that feels like you’re sleeping “on” it than sinking in it. However, since this is a foam mattress, your experience while lying down will be different depending on your body type. Despite having foam layers, the Amerisleep has cooling capabilities because of its open-celled Bio-Pur foam. 

Sleeping on the Purple mattress feels like you’re floating on top of it rather than “in” it. This is because of its responsive Smart Grid layer that provides an even and sturdy sleeping surface. This gel layer responds very well to movement and collapses under pressure to conform around the body. Another benefit of the Smart Grid layer is its breathability which allows you to sleep cool.

What’s It Like to Sleep On the Amerisleep & Purple Mattresses?

Being a “true medium” mattress, the Amerisleep AS3 mattress works well with different sleeping positions. Generally, the Amerisleep mattress provides great back support and is responsive to movement, making it a great choice for back sleepers and combination sleepers. Side and stomach sleepers may find comfort with the AS3, but depending on your body type, some may find it too firm or too soft.

For us, the Purple mattress is a good option for lightweight or average-weight sleepers. Its firm foam layers provide adequate spinal support, while its responsive gel grid layer does a good job of conforming to the body’s natural curves. However, heavier folks should take caution, as there’s a big chance you’ll sink through the thin comfort layers and onto the firm support layers.

The Amerisleep vs. Purple Mattresses By Body Type

Amerisleep AS3 Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:

Body Type:	BACK SLEEPERS	STOMACH SLEEPERS	SIDE SLEEPERS
Lightweight (< 130 lbs):	5	4	2
Average-weight (130–230 lbs):	5	3	4
Heavyweight (> 230 lbs):	2	2	2

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	4
Heavyweight (> 230 lbs):	3	1	4

1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent

Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)

Average weight back sleepers will sleep comfortably on both the Amerisleep and Purple mattresses because they both provide great back support and cushion.

For average weight side sleepers, the softer AS3 is the better pick. The Purple mattress also accommodates side sleepers well, but some may find it too firm for comfort.

We don’t really recommend either mattress for average weight stomach sleepers since we found both lacking when it comes to elevated hip support. If you sleep on your stomach, it’s better to get firmer and more supportive mattresses, like our picks in the best mattresses for stomach sleepers list.

Average weight combination sleepers will have no trouble choosing between the AS3 and Purple since both offer a great level of responsiveness. 

Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)

Heavyweight back sleepers will probably find themselves sinking in too much in both mattresses which isn’t good for maintaining a neutral spine alignment. 

The same goes for heavyweight side sleepers. Both mattresses won’t be able to provide enough cushion and support for the hips and shoulders which may lead to improper alignment.

Heavyweight stomach sleepers will want something firmer and more supportive. Unfortunately, we don’t think either mattress can provide the proper hip support needed for a healthy spine alignment.

Though both mattresses are responsive to movement, they aren’t able to provide enough support to prevent heavyweight combination sleepers from sinking. This makes it hard for them to move around and switch positions.

Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)

Lightweight back sleepers will sleep comfortably on both mattresses, so it’s only a matter of choosing based on preference for feel.

We think lightweight side sleepers will be more comfortable on the soft yet supportive Purple mattress. The Amerisleep AS3 can accommodate side sleepers well too, but some lighter folks may feel like it’s too firm.

Both mattresses will be comfortable and supportive for lightweight stomach sleepers, but the Amerisleep AS3 has a slight upper hand over the Purple because of its firmer foam layers.

Both the Purple and Amerisleep AS3 do a fantastic job at responding to changes in movement, so we think either mattress is a great choice for lightweight combination sleepers.

Differences In Mattress Construction 

The Amerisleep AS3 is a 12” all-foam mattress, while the original Purple is a 9.5” hybrid mattress. Both mattresses are made up of three layers. Here’s a closer look at each mattress’s construction and materials.

Amerisleep AS3 Mattress Materials	Purple Mattress Materials
Ultra Breathable Comfort Cover	Viscose, Polyester, & Lycra Blend Cover
3” Bio-Pur Memory Foam	2” Purple Smart Grid
2” Polyfoam w/HIVE Technology	3.5” Soft Polyfoam Transition Layer
7” High-Density Bio-Core Polyfoam	4” High-Density Polyfoam Base + Non-Slip Bottom Cover

Cover

The Amerisleep has a cotton knit cover that’s soft and breathable, while the Purple’s cover is made from a blend of polyester, viscose, and Lycra that’s soft to the touch and has temperature-regulating capabilities.

Comfort Layers

Amerisleep’s patented Bio-Pur foam comfort layer that has an open-cell structure that promotes great airflow to keep the sleeper cool. Purple’s comfort layer is made from its trademark Smart Grid that’s made from a Hyper-Elastic polymer gel material that provides pressure relief and support.

Support Layers

Both mattresses have high-density polyfoam layers. There are two notable differences: the Amerisleep AS3 is thicker by 3”, while the Purple has a non-slip bottom cover.

Amerisleep vs. Purple Pricing

Size	Amerisleep Prices	Purple Prices
Twin	$899.00	$799.00
Twin XL	$949.00	$999.00
Full	$1149.00	$1199.00
Queen	$1299.00	$1399.00
King	$1599.00	$1799.00
California King	$1599.00	$1799.00

For exclusive discounts on both beds see our Amerisleep mattress coupons and Purple mattress coupons.

Amerisleep vs. Purple Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences

Temperature

The Purple offers better temperature regulation, so it’s the best cooling mattress of the two. The open construction of the Purple Grid allows air to flow through so body heat doesn’t get trapped in the mattress. The AS3’s top layer of memory foam can trap heat, despite its breathable, cooling cover, though it should keep the average sleeper at a neutral temperature. 

Motion Transfer

All-foam beds tend to isolate motion better than other styles, but the Purple, not the AS3, prevents the most motion transfer. The responsive foam on top of the AS3 allows movement to affect the rest of the mattress, while the Purple keeps excessive motion from spreading across the mattress surface. Couples concerned about motion transfer should opt for the Purple or one of the best mattresses for couples.

Edge Support 

Support around the perimeter of a mattress is key for sleepers who want to spread out on their bed. It’s also important for couples looking to use the entire surface of the mattress or those who sit on the edge of the bed to get ready for the day.

Edge support is often achieved by denser, thicker foams and tends to be better on innerspring and hybrid mattresses. Neither of these beds earned a perfect score in this category, but the Purple is noticeably more supportive around the edges than the AS3.

Pressure Relief 

Pressure relief refers to how well a bed cradles pressure points like the hips and shoulders. The AS3 provides enough body contouring for all sleeping positions, but the Purple’s pressure-relieving ability varies by sleeping position.

Stomach sleepers in particular will find that their torsos sag on the Purple mattress, which can lead to neck and shoulder pain; however, the Purple is the better mattress for side sleepers thanks to adequate pressure relief and even weight distribution that keeps side sleepers’ spines aligned. 

Pain Relief 

If you’ve ever woken up with back pain, your mattress may be the culprit. That’s why it’s crucial to evaluate a mattress’s pain-relieving ability. A mattress’s pain-relieving ability depends on two factors: the sleeper’s dominant position and body type.

The Amerisleep’s “true medium” firmness allows it to accommodate different sleeping positions, especially back sleepers. So for those with back pain that prefer a medium feel, the Amerisleep AS3 should be your pick. If you have shoulder or hip pains, the AS3 should also be able to alleviate some of the pressure and prevent pain from reoccurring.

If you’re experiencing back pain, the Purple is a good choice. Its Smart Grid layer evenly distributes your body weight to alleviate pressure build-up in heavier areas. On the other hand, sleepers with shoulder pain may feel a bit of discomfort because there’s not enough support and cushion for the hip and shoulder areas.

Durability 

A mattress’s lifespan can usually be predicted by its style and the quality of its materials. Though it’s hard to tell exactly how long different mattresses will last, we predict the AS3 mattress will last about seven years. Purple has not been on the market long enough to determine the average lifespan of their original mattress, but we’d expect about the same lifespan or longer. 

Shipping, Returns, & Warranties 

Amerisleep 

Amerisleep offers free shipping within the contiguous U.S., but those who live in Hawaii or Alaska may need to pay extra fees. They also offer a 20-year warranty and a 100-day sleep trial for those who want to try their mattresses out.

Purple

Purple offers free shipping across the contiguous U.S. and paid shipping for orders going to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. Purple also offers a 100-day sleep trial and a 10-year warranty for each mattress, which covers material and workmanship defects.

More Amerisleep Mattresses

More Purple Mattresses

Haven’t made a decision yet? Check out these other comparisons:

• Amerisleep vs. Leesa
• Amerisleep vs. Casper
• Amerisleep vs. Tempur-Pedic
• Purple vs. Tuft & Needle
• Purple vs. Lull
• Purple vs. Saatva
• Purple vs. Casper
• Purple vs. Leesa
• Purple vs. Layla
• Purple vs. Helix
• Purple vs. Puffy
• Purple vs. Ghostbed
• Purple vs. Nectar
• Purple vs. Tempur-Pedic
• Purple vs. Bear
• Purple vs. Nolah
• Purple vs. Tuft & Needle
• Purple vs. WinkBeds
• Purple Alternatives
• Purple Mattress Comparison

Our Final Take: Amerisleep vs. Purple

Purple is the clear choice for people who sleep hot or those with a tighter budget. We also recommend it to those who want the support of a medium-firm mattress. The Amerisleep AS3 is better for those who prefer the conforming feel of foam, but who want more responsiveness than traditional memory foam.

Both beds work well for back sleepers under 230 lbs and side sleepers with average body types. The Amerisleep could work for lightweight stomach sleepers, but lightweight side sleepers should opt for the Purple or a softer Amerisleep mattress. No matter which you choose, you’ll get a full 100 days (and nights) to test out your new bed.

Amerisleep & Purple FAQs

Are Amerisleep Mattresses Toxic?

No, Amerisleep mattresses are CertiPUR-US certified which means that they’re made with non-toxic chemicals and materials that don’t harm people or the environment.

What Are The Cons of a Purple Mattress?

All in all, the original Purple mattress is a great hybrid mattress. However, we’ve heard some complaints about early sagging and indentations, as well as poor customer service. Some also say they found it hard to move and install the mattress because of its heavier-than-average weight.

Why Are Purple Mattresses So Popular?

The Purple mattress is popular because of the distinct “floating” sensation that their patented Smart Grid technology provides. This Smart Grid technology provides a great blend of support, comfort, and breathability that many sleepers have come to know and love.