DreamCloud vs. Purple Hybrid Comparison
The Purple Hybrid has superior edge support and temperature control, but couples and back sleepers might prefer the more affordable DreamCloud.
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In the Nerd lab, we got our hands on two luxury mattresses with excellent reputations and unique features. Back and stomach sleepers, this review is for you. These hybrids create that “floating” on the mattress feel and their coil layers can help support your spine all night.
DreamCloud vs. Purple Hybrid Overview
While both of these mattresses qualify as luxury price points, you’ll pay quite a bit more for a queen Purple Hybrid. Superior edge support and temperature control, as well as the waffle-like GelFlex Grid are a few things you’ll be paying for. But couples, back sleepers, and combination sleepers will find the DreamCloud a well-performing mattress at a more affordable price.
| DreamCloud is best for… | Purple Hybrid is best for… |
| Couples | Sleepers Who Need Superior Edge Support |
| Back Sleepers | Hot Sleepers |
| Combination Sleepers | Fans of Purple’s Unique GelFlex Grid |
Who Should Choose the DreamCloud Mattress?
- Couples: If you share a bed, motion isolation, temperature control, and usable space are important qualities. The DreamCloud checks all of these boxes.
- Back Sleepers: The DreamCloud received perfect marks for back sleepers in every weight category. This means you’ll find that balance of cushion and support for a restful night of sleep.
- Combination Sleepers: Both mattresses are quite responsive which is good news if you toss and turn, but the DreamCloud provides more pressure relief for back/stomach sleepers who might occasionally sleep on your side.
Who Should Choose the Purple Hybrid Mattress?
- Sleepers Who Need Superior Edge Support: If you know you’re going to want the maximum usable space of your mattress, the Purple Hybrid is for you. The coils plus reinforced high-density foam edges won’t sag.
- Hot Sleepers: Both mattresses scored well when it comes to temperature control, but the Purple Hybrid got perfect marks for keeping you cool all night.
- Fans of Purple’s Unique GelFlex Grid: This material was originally designed for wheelchairs in order to provide pressure relief for folks as they sit in the chair. So this proprietary layer feels like nothing else out there. Check out our Purple Hybrid mattress video review to see it for yourself.
DreamCloud vs. Purple Hybrid: Top Similarities
- Mattress Feel: Both mattresses have a slight bounce before your body settles onto the comfort layer, so our testers felt they were resting “on” the mattress as opposed to the “hug” feel of traditional memory foam.
- Luxury Pricing: Neither of these mattresses would be considered a budget buy. Thankfully, each has many premium features that help justify the price tag.
- Temperature Control: Both mattresses have features to address heat. Purple’s GelFlex grid and coils combo performed only slightly better than DreamCloud’s gel-infused foam plus innerspring coils.
- Durability: Innerspring coil mattresses are some of the most durable mattresses out there. You’ll likely be able to enjoy either choice for about a decade.
DreamCloud vs. Purple Hybrid: Top Differences
- Price: While both qualify as luxury models, the Purple Hybrid is at the ceiling of this range.
- Motion Isolation: The Purple Grid flexes to provide contour and support, but this also gives it more bounce. This is why it received only average marks for isolating motion.
- Mattress Height: The DreamCloud has a profile of 14″ while the Purple Hybrid measures 11″ tall.
DreamCloud vs. Purple Hybrid: Firmness & Feel Differences
Both of these medium-firm mattresses are suitable for all back sleepers, as well as stomach sleepers weighing less than 230 lbs. This is a popular firmness level because it provides a balance of cushion and support. The biggest difference in feel comes down to the comfort layers and their differing materials.
What’s the Firmness Of the DreamCloud & Purple Hybrid Mattresses?
Our Mattress Nerd firmness scale ranges from 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest. Both of these mattresses are medium-firm, but the DreamCloud scores 6.5/10 and the Purple Hybrid a 7/10, the firmest model in Purple’s hybrid collection.
Lightweight side sleepers will not sink into the DreamCloud enough to experience pressure relief, but sleepers weighing more than 130 lbs should be fine. This hybrid mattress really excels at performance for back sleepers, as well as stomach sleepers under 230 lbs. In contrast, the Purple Hybrid scores below average for side sleepers, but back and stomach sleepers of all sizes should be pleased with the balance of cushion and support.
What Do the DreamCloud & Purple Hybrid Mattresses Feel Like?
The DreamCloud’s cashmere cover is as soft as a cloud, and looks like one too. The mattress feels like a true hybrid—you are first cushioned by the foam layers before arriving at the support of the coil layer. Our testers felt like they were resting “on” the mattress instead of sinking into it.
The Purple Hybrid has a proprietary material called the Purple GelFlex Grid that contours to your pressure points, yet stays firm and supportive elsewhere. This waffle-like grid feels soft and cushioning, while still keeping you “floating” above the coil layer.
What’s It Like to Sleep On the DreamCloud & Purple Hybrid Mattresses?
Sleeping position greatly affects how you experience the firmness and feel of a mattress. The medium-firmness of both the DreamCloud and Purple Hybrid makes them especially great for back sleepers of all sizes and even stomach sleepers weighing less than 230 lbs. Side sleepers will find more cushion and pressure relief in a softer mattress. And heavyweight stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to keep their hips elevated, so take a look at these best mattresses for heavy people instead.
Combination sleepers who roll from front to back during the night might prefer the DreamCloud with its slightly higher performance marks. There’s also more versatility in the DreamCloud since it does provide better pressure relief if you happen to roll to your side.
The DreamCloud vs. Purple Hybrid Mattresses By Body Type
DreamCloud Performance By Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Average weight (130 – 230 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 3.5 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 5 | 2 | 4 |
Purple Hybrid Performance By 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)
Average-weight back and stomach sleepers aren’t likely to have any complaints about the DreamCloud mattress. Even if you switch to your side for a little each night, you should still be reasonably happy with the contour of the gel-infused foam layer.
Similarly, average-weight back and stomach sleepers (the easiest to please when mattress shopping) should sleep well on the Purple Hybrid. 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)
For heavyweight sleepers, DreamCloud’s support layer of individually wrapped coils holds up quite well if you prefer your back, side, or a combination of the two. But stomach sleepers won’t find enough support to keep your hips elevated and spine aligned.
For heavyweight back sleepers, the Purple Hybrid’s construction creates that 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)
Back and stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 lbs will appreciate the stellar contouring and support of the DreamCloud. It received perfect marks in these categories. But if you love sleeping on your side, you just won’t sink enough into the foam layer to find pressure relief for your shoulders and hips. Look for a softer mattress instead. Similarly, the Purple Hybrid scored poorly for lightweight side sleepers, aimed more at delivering cushion and support for back and stomach sleepers.
Differences In Mattress Construction
Measuring 14” in height, the DreamCloud is a reasonably thick mattress made from multiple layers of foam atop coils. The Purple Hybrid’s 11” thick mattress has a unique GelFlex grid and pocketed coils that are encased in high-density foam.
| DreamCloud Mattress Materials | Purple Hybrid Mattress Materials |
| Quilted Cover (foam and cashmere blend) | Stretchy knit cover (polyester, viscose, and Lycra) |
| Gel-infused Memory Foam | Smart comfort grid (2” GelFlex) |
| Foam Transition Layer | High-density foam |
| Support Coils (individually wrapped steel coils) | Support coils (7.5”) |
| High-density foam |
Cover
Close your eyes and remember how that expensive cashmere sweater felt in the store. Soft and dream-like. The DreamCloud cover is that, blended with foam. It feels as good as you’d imagine. The Purple Hybrid’s cover is a soft, stretchy blend of viscose, polyester, and lycra that can help keep you cool.
Comfort Layers
The gel-infused foam of the hybrid DreamCloud draws heat away from your body. This material also creates a bit of bounce. The comfort layer of the Purple Hybrid is a 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 DreamCloud’s coil layer is sandwiched between foam layers. This provides a transition so you don’t sink into the coils, as well as increases durability.
The Purple 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.
DreamCloud vs. Purple Hybrid Pricing
| Size | DreamCloud Prices | Purple Hybrid Prices |
| Twin | $ | $ |
| Twin XL | $ | $ |
| Full | $ | $ |
| Queen | $ | $ |
| King | $ | $ |
| California King | $ | $ |
For exclusive discounts, see our Purple Mattress coupons.
DreamCloud vs. Purple Hybrid Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences
Temperature
If you’ve ever woken up sweaty, you might be a hot sleeper. Both of these models address and perform above average for temperature control. The DreamCloud’s gel-infused foam layer draws heat away from the body while the coils increase airflow. The Purple Hybrid takes it up a notch with its Purple Grid. It keeps warm air moving out of the bed, as does the coil support layer. Even still, if warmth is your number one concern, take a look at our list of best cooling mattresses.
Motion Transfer
If you’re a light sleeper who shares the bed with a partner, pet, or child, the DreamCloud is more likely to deliver undisturbed rest. The flex of the Purple Grid in the Purple Hybrid creates a bit of felt motion across the mattress.
Edge Support
Mattresses with innerspring coils are known for their stellar support, even along the perimeter of the bed. Both mattresses are constructed to prevent sagging, but the Purple Hybrid has extra reinforcement along the edges with some high-density polyfoam. This will be especially helpful if you need to get up and down slowly, or maybe you tie your shoes on the edge of your bed often.
Pressure Relief
Average-weight and heavyweight sleepers find contouring cushioning in the DreamCloud which can provide pressure relief for your points of contact with the mattress. Lightweight sleepers might not sink enough into the foam layers to experience the same relief.
Despite its higher price tag, the Purple Hybrid performs only average in this category due to its firmness. When our testers rolled out the pressure map and tested the side sleeping position, it showed some collection around the shoulders. While there’s sufficient pressure relief for back and stomach sleepers, side sleepers will want to opt for a softer mattress.
Pain Relief
Back pain can be worsened by a mattress that doesn’t support the natural “S” curve of your spine. The DreamCloud made our list as one of the best mattresses for back pain if you sleep on your stomach and weigh less than 230 lbs. It also delivers healthy support for back sleepers, no matter your weight.
The Purple Hybrid shouldn’t create back pain for back and stomach sleepers, but for those with existing back or joint pain, check out other options to get performance and value from your mattress.
Durability
Both the DreamCloud and Purple Hybrid mattresses have above-average durability. Mattresses with innerspring coils have a good reputation for being long-lasting. And the Purple Hybrid’s top layer Purple grid is resistant to body impressions—unlike memory foam. You’ll be holding on to these mattresses for a good 10 years.
Shipping, Returns, & Warranties
DreamCloud
Shipping is free in the contiguous U.S. and only an additional $150 for Alaska and Hawaii. DreamCloud offers a lengthy 365-night sleep trial period with a full refund available. There’s also a generous, lifetime warranty for normal wear, defined as permanent body impressions over 1.5”.
Purple Hybrid
Shipping is free in the U.S., with a small fee if you live in Alaska or Hawaii. If you’re not satisfied during the 100-day sleep trial period, Purple will pick up your mattress and issue a full refund for the return with no restocking fees. The Purple mattress comes with a 10-year warranty, and that is around the time you should think about replacing your old mattress.
Other Models Available
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
Our Final Take
The DreamCloud is a good pick for shoppers who sleep on their backs (no matter their weight), as well as stomach sleepers weighing less than 230 lbs. At a more competitive price, the DreamCloud will also appeal to couples because of its motion isolation, temperature control, and bounce. But those able to pay a bit more likely won’t be disappointed with the Purple Hybrid and its superior temperature control and edge support—not to mention the unique GelFlex Grid.
DreamCloud & Purple Hybrid FAQs
How long do Purple Hybrid mattresses last?
Mattresses with innerspring coils have a good reputation for being long-lasting. And the Purple Hybrid’s top layer Purple grid is resistant to body impressions—unlike memory foam. You could be holding on to this mattress for a good 10 years, about the time to think about replacing your old mattress.
How many years does the DreamCloud mattress last?
The DreamCloud scored above average for durability. Individually-wrapped coils are some of the most durable mattress materials out there, so this luxury mattress is a good investment. It should serve you well for around 10 years. And if for some reason it doesn’t, the company backs its quality with a lifetime warranty.
Is the Purple Hybrid too firm?
We rated the Purple Hybrid as a 7/10 which is on the firmer side of medium-firm. This means it provides excellent support for back sleepers and most stomach sleepers. Side sleepers, no matter your size, will not find the cushion needed for pressure relief in your hips and shoulders.
