Purple vs. Layla Mattress Comparison

The Purple and the Layla are both one of a kind: Every version of the Purple mattress has a patented gel-like top layer (the Purple Grid) that gives it a distinctive feel, and the Layla is a double-sided, flippable memory foam mattress, with two firmness levels in one bed. 

If you’re having trouble picking between the two, we’ve got your back. In this mattress comparison, we’ll be tearing through the Purple and Layla mattresses to see how they stack against each other in terms of sleep performance. 

All the mattresses we review are tested firsthand in our sleep lab. If you’re curious about how we review mattresses, read up on our testing methodology. 

Layla vs. Purple Overview

Layla and Purple are both very popular mattress brands that each have their own advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we highlight each mattress’s distinct strong points. Check them out to see if either mattress fits your needs.

Layla is best for…	Purple is best for…
Budget shoppers	Hot sleepers
Memory foam lovers	Back sleepers
Couples	Combination sleepers

Who Should Choose the Layla Mattress?

• Budget Shoppers: The Layla is considered a budget-friendly mattress, with a Queen size costing just over $1,000. Also, Layla often runs deals that discount the mattress by a few hundred dollars. 
• Memory Foam Lovers: The soft side of the Layla has a thick top layer of memory foam, and even the firm side of the mattress has a memory foam feel with just a little less sinkage. If you love the viscous, deep sink of memory foam beds, you should enjoy this mattress.
• Couples: The Layla isolates motion and noise across its surface, so it’s a safe pick for couples who are easily disturbed by one another’s movements throughout the night.

Who Should Choose the Purple Mattress?

• Hot Sleepers: The comfort layer, which uses Hyper-Elastic Polymer, sleeps very cool. The Purple Grid structure promotes airflow throughout the top layer, which is normally a problem spot for all-foam beds. The cover is made with polyester and Lycra, which are both breathable materials often used in sports clothing.
• Back Sleepers: The feel of the Purple mattress is firmer than average, giving it an even, supportive surface that will prevent back sleepers from sinking at the hips or shoulders. 
• Combination Sleepers: The Purple is one of the best mattresses for combination sleepers. The Purple Grid is very responsive, so combination sleepers aren’t likely to find themselves feeling “stuck” in the mattress as they change positions throughout the night.

Layla vs. Purple Mattress Video Comparison

In this video, resident sleep Nerds Loren and Adrianne do an in-depth comparison between the Layla and Purple mattresses. 

Layla vs. Purple: Top Similarities 

• Support: Neither bed is supportive enough for heavyweight sleepers, who typically need a mattress with an innerspring or coil core to support their body weight. See our recommendations on the best mattress for heavy people for other options.
• Pressure relief: Both mattresses have layers designed to alleviate tension and pressure. The Purple has the Smart Grid top layer, and the Layla uses memory foam.
• Firmness level: Layla’s firm side has a firmness level that’s similar to Purple’s.

Layla vs. Purple: Top Differences 

• Sleeping positions: All sleeping styles will find comfort on the Layla, but the soft side of the bed is a great mattress for side sleepers who want deep contouring at the hips and shoulders. The Purple can also technically work for most sleeping positions, but its responsive surface makes it especially appealing to back, side, and combination sleepers.
• Feel: Both sides of the Layla have a doughy memory foam feel, but you’ll sink in less on the firmer side. The Purple has a unique, stretchy, responsive feel that’s similar to silicone—surprisingly comfortable and unlike anything most sleepers have tried.
• Temperature regulation: Layla’s memory foam is infused with copper, so it traps less heat than other memory foam beds but does not sleep noticeably cool. The top layer of the Purple is laid out in a grid, so there is plenty of room for airflow for hot sleepers.
• Price: The price point for the beds diverge by a couple hundred dollars, with the Purple mattress ringing up as the more expensive bed.

Layla vs. Purple: Firmness & Feel Differences

Here’s how Layla and Purple compare against each other when it comes to firmness and feel.

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

The mattress’s firmness is an important thing to consider because different sleeping positions and body types require different firmness levels for comfort, support, and cushion. 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.

Let’s start off with Layla. The Layla has two sides: the soft side which measures a 4/10, which is softer than average, and the firm side which measures 6.5/10 or medium-firm. The Purple only has one side and we rate it as 6.5/10, similar to Layla’s firm side.

What Do the Layla & Purple Mattresses Feel Like?

Since the Layla has two sides, you’ll have a different experience depending on which side you sleep on. The soft side provides the “hugging” sensation of traditional memory foam when you lie down, while the firm side gives a firmer “floating sensation” that’s more responsive and bouncy. Despite being a foam bed, the Layla sleeps cool because of the Thermo-Gel cooling technology in the cover.

Because of its Smart Grid layer, the Purple offers a more responsive and conforming feel. When you lie down, it feels like you’re sleeping on an even and firm surface which is great for back support. It also sleeps cool thanks to the grid-like structure in the gel layer.

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

The Layla has two sides so it works well with different sleeping positions. For side sleepers, Layla’s soft side cradles the shoulders and hips very well. While Layla’s firmer side is great for back sleepers, some stomach sleepers—especially those who weigh a bit on the heavier side—may find some discomfort. Light to average weight combination sleepers will probably sleep comfortably on Layla’s firm side.

Generally, we think that the Purple mattress accommodates lightweight and average-weight sleepers well. The gel grid layer conforms really well around the shoulders and hips for side sleepers, while its sturdy foam layers give proper support for those who sleep on their back. It’s also very responsive to movement, so combination sleepers who move around a lot will probably sleep comfortably. However, those weighing above 230 lbs may find themselves sinking past the comfort layers and onto the firmer support layer. 

The Layla vs. Purple Mattresses By Body Type

Layla Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:

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

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

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

Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)

Both mattresses should provide ample support for average weight back sleepers. If you choose Layla, make sure you sleep on the firmer side for better back support.

Both the Purple mattress and Layla’s softer side should provide a good mix of support and cushion for the shoulders and hips. However, some average weight side sleepers may find the Purple a bit too firm for their liking.

Though both are on the medium-firm side, both mattresses struggle a bit when it comes to providing enough support for average weight stomach sleepers‘ hips. We recommend more supportive mattresses, like our picks in the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Average weight combination sleepers will probably sleep comfortably on either mattress. It’s only a matter of choosing which mattress feel you prefer.

Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)

We don’t really recommend either mattress for heavyweight back sleepers, since both mattresses can’t offer the proper support needed for a neutral spine alignment. 

Heavyweight side sleepers will definitely sleep more comfortably on Layla’s firm side vs. the Purple mattress. The latter won’t be able to provide enough pressure relief for heavier folks which may lead to back pain.

Both mattresses aren’t well suited for heavyweight stomach sleepers. Both can’t provide adequate support to keep your hips elevated and aligned with the spine.

Heavyweight combination sleepers may have trouble moving around in either mattress, so we don’t really recommend them. If you move around in your sleep, make sure to get a responsive mattress like the ones in our list of the best mattresses for combination sleepers.

Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)

Both the Purple and Layla (the soft side, to be specific) are fantastic choices for lightweight back sleepers since both are able to provide ample support and cushion for your spine.

Both mattresses are great for lightweight side sleepers, but the Layla outshines the Purple because of its soft, conforming, and pressure-relieving foam layers.

Though not ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers, both mattresses should perform relatively well. Some stomach sleepers may experience excessive sinking around the hip area, especially if they weigh more than 130 lbs.

Finally, both mattresses are great choices for lightweight combination sleepers, but we think they’ll appreciate Purple’s responsive gel layers more than Layla’s. 

Differences In Mattress Construction 

The Layla is a 10″ all-foam mattress that has two different firmness levels, while the Purple is a 9.5″ hybrid mattress with three distinct layers. Here’s how they compare in terms of materials and construction:

Layla Mattress Materials	Purple Mattress Materials
Polyester-Viscose Blend Cover	Viscose, Polyester, & Lycra Blend Cover
3” Copper-Gel Memory Foam (soft side)	2” Purple Smart Grid
2” Max Airflow Support Foam	3.5” Soft Polyfoam Transition Layer
4” Support Core Foam	4” High-Density Polyfoam Base + Non-Slip Bottom Cover
1” Copper-Gel Memory Foam (firm side)	–

Cover

Layla has a polyester-viscose blend cover that’s infused with Thermo-Gel which helps you sleep cool by regulating your body heat. The Purple has a polyester, viscose, and Lycra blend cover that’s soft, flexible, and offers temperature-regulating properties.

Comfort Layers

The Layla has two comfort layers—one for the softer and one for the firm side—that are both made of copper-infused memory foam, with each measuring 3” and 1” thick, respectively. The Purple has its patented Smart Grid layer that’s made from a Hyper-Elastic polymer gel material that offers great pressure relief and support.

Support Layers

The Layla has a 4” Support Core foam layer, while the Purple has a 4” high-density foam layer that comes with a non-slip bottom cover.

Layla vs. Purple Pricing

Size	Layla Prices	Purple Prices
Twin	$	$
Twin XL	$	$
Full	$	$
Queen	$	$
King	$	$
California King	$	$

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

Layla vs. Purple Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences

Temperature

The copper infusion of the memory foam on both sides of the Layla helps it sleep cooler than competing all-foam beds, but it sleeps temperature-neutral at best. If you overheat on a regular basis, the Purple can provide you with a truly cool night’s sleep. The breathable cover aids in temperature regulation, but the star player is the Hyper-Elastic Polymer Grid: It has an open design that provides ample airflow throughout the night.

Motion Transfer

Purple’s bouncy, responsive top layer makes it easy to feel movement throughout the mattress. The Layla’s dense foam layers absorb both motion transfer and noise exceptionally well, especially on the soft side, making it a better pick for sensitive sleepers or couples looking to rest undisturbed. 

Check out our picks on the best mattress for couples for other mattresses that isolate motion.

Edge Support 

Like most all-foam mattresses, neither the Purple nor the Layla offer much edge support. Sagging is likely to occur when people sit on the edge of the mattress or sleep near the perimeter of these beds.

Pressure Relief 

Both mattresses offer pressure relief for sleepers but in different ways. The Layla’s top layer of memory foam will cradle areas of tension, with the softer side better suited to side sleepers and the firmer side as the better mattress for back sleepers and stomach sleepers in need of pain relief. The Purple’s adaptable Smart Grid (aka Purple Grid) alleviates pressure points by cushioning where pressure is applied. 

Overall, the Purple feels firmer, and the Grid’s support and responsiveness appeal more to back and combination sleepers. If you spend a lot of time on your side, the Purple will probably be too firm to alleviate pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips, so we recommend the Layla instead.

Pain Relief 

If you wake up with back or joint pain, there’s a big chance your mattress is the problem. A mattress’s pain-relieving ability depends on the person’s dominant sleeping position and body type.

Back sleepers have the best of both worlds on the Layla since both the soft and firm sides offer great support and cushion for the spine. So if you have back pain, the Layla should easily alleviate some of the pressure off your back. Similarly, our pressure maps also showed that Layla’s soft side relieves a lot of pressure on the hips and shoulders, so those with joint pain will also benefit from this mattress.

Like the Layla, the Purple mattress is a great choice for people with back pain as its Smart Grid layer does a great job of evenly distributing your body weight. However, those with shoulder pain may find the Purple a bit lacking when it comes to pressure relief and cushioning those crucial areas.

Durability 

Layla and Purple are relatively new mattress companies, so it’s difficult to accurately predict how long they’ll last. The quality of their materials and construction is on par with other high-quality memory foam mattress models, so we expect them to last six to nine years. However, Purple’s Hyper-Elastic Polymer Grid is designed to outlast traditional foam materials.

Shipping, Returns, & Warranties 

Layla 

Layla offers free shipping in the contiguous 48 U.S. They also give you a 120-day sleep trial where you can apply for a free return and full refund after two weeks but before four months. Each mattress also gets a Layla Lifetime warranty that covers indentations, sagging, and factory and material defects.

Purple

Purple has free shipping across the contiguous U.S., with extra fees 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 Layla Mattresses

More Purple Mattresses

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

• Layla vs. Brooklyn Bedding
• Layla vs. Casper
• Layla vs. DreamCloud
• Layla vs. Leesa
• Layla vs. Lull
• Layla vs. Nectar
• Layla vs. Nolah
• Layla vs. Purple
• Layla vs. Saatva
• Layla vs. Tuft & Needle
• Layla Hybrid vs. Casper Nova Hybrid
• Purple Mattress Comparison
• Purple vs. Amerisleep
• Purple vs. Bear
• Purple vs. Brooklyn Bedding
• Purple vs. Casper
• Purple vs. GhostBed
• Purple vs. Helix
• Purple vs. Layla
• Purple vs. Leesa
• Purple vs. Lull
• Purple vs. Nectar
• Purple vs. Nolah
• Purple vs. Puffy
• Purple vs. Saatva
• Purple vs. Tempur-Pedic
• Purple vs. Tuft & Needle
• Purple vs. WinkBed

Our Final Take

If you’re still torn between these two mattresses, here’s the bottom line: The Layla is our choice for sleepers who want a traditional memory foam feel and cradling, and the Purple is our pick for sleepers who want a bed with an outside-the-box, bouncy feel. 

Either bed can work for any sleeping position, but we think side sleepers will be happier on the Layla, while strict back, stomach, and combination sleepers will enjoy the firmness of the Purple.

If price is a factor for you, we recommend the Layla: The brand runs discounts practically year-round, so you’ll almost always be able to get your mattress for several hundred dollars less than the Purple Original. 

Finally, the Purple is a clear winner for people who sleep hot. The Purple Smart Grid will provide excellent airflow and cooling, but the Layla’s Thermo-Gel cooling cover and copper-infused memory foam only keep the bed temperature-neutral.

Layla & Purple FAQs

Is Layla Mattress Good For Back Pain?

Yes, the Layla mattress is a fantastic option for people who suffer from back pain. Based on our pressure maps, Layla provides great pressure and pain relief. Also, since it has two firmness levels, there are more options for back sleepers who have different preferences.

Does The Layla Mattress Sleep Cool?

Yes. Although the Layla is an all-foam mattress, we found the Layla very cooling because of its Thermo-Gel cover and breathable memory foam layers. These layers contribute to the mattress’s ability to wick away body heat and keep the top layer cool for the sleeper.

What Are The Cons of a Purple Mattress?

The Purple mattress is a great hybrid mattress but not without complaints. Some mattress owners said that they experienced early sagging and indentations and that the mattress was difficult to set up because of its hefty foam weight. There are also complaints about poor customer service.