Purple Hybrid Mattress Review

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Is the Purple Hybrid Mattress for You?

Who’s Going to Love It

  • Hot sleepers need a mattress that cycles body heat out of their bed. The Purple Hybrid achieves this by having one of the most breathable constructions we’ve seen. 
  • People who toss and turn or change sleeping positions (i.e. combination sleepers) need a mattress that quickly responds to their movements to prevent them feeling “stuck” in their bed. The gel-like Hyper-Elastic Polymer material used to make the Purple Grid top layer is naturally springy, and it’s paired with a bouncy coil support layer.
  • Back and stomach sleepers need a supportive mattress. With a medium-firm feel, the Purple Hybrid is firm and supportive enough to keep back sleepers and stomach sleepers comfortable.
  • People with back pain need a mattress that keeps their spines in a healthy posture while they sleep. The Purple Hybrid does a good job of keeping lightweight (< 130 lbs) and average-weight (130–230 lbs) folks’ spines aligned, particularly when lying on their backs or fronts.

Who Should Steer Clear

  • Side sleepers are likely to develop shoulder or hip pain without sufficient pressure point relief. The Purple Hybrid is too firm to provide adequate pressure relief for side sleepers. Instead, the Purple Hybrid Premier is a softer mattress, or check out the best mattresses for side sleepers.
  • Light sleepers who share the bed may notice some motion transfer when their partner changes positions or gets in or out of bed. You can find our top alternatives on our best mattresses for couples roundup, or consider the original Purple mattress.
  • People who love traditional memory foam mattresses won’t get the closely conforming memory foam feel they’re looking for. Instead, check out the Nectar mattress—an affordable memory foam bed with a similar price point.

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.

Want the bottom line? Skip to the Nerd’s Take below.

Purple Hybrid Mattress Video Review

 The Purple Hybrid combines the proprietary Purple Grid—a contouring and bouncy material—with pocketed coils for a refreshingly cool, responsive, and supportive sleeping experience. The unique feel of the Purple Hybrid is best for lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers and back sleepers of every body type. Sleep expert Adrianne offers even more insight in this Purple Hybrid mattress video review.

Purple Hybrid Mattress Firmness and Feel

Purple Hybrid Mattress Firmness

The Purple Hybrid is considered a medium-firm mattress. It’s firmer than both the original Purple mattress and Purple Hybrid Premier mattresses, rating at a 7/10 on the mattress firmness scale, with 10 being the firmest mattress available. This firmness level is best for back or stomach sleepers with a body weight up to 300 lbs. If you weigh more than 300 lbs, see the best mattresses for heavy people.

What Does the Purple Hybrid Feel Like? 

We think the Purple Hybrid works best for individuals who like a flatter, more supportive feel, since the Purple Grid and pocketed coil pairing creates a feeling of sleeping on the mattress surface (as opposed to feeling hugged by your mattress). 

The Purple Grid flexes under the body, collapsing at heavier body parts and staying supportive under lighter zones. This promotes even weight distribution with gentle contouring around your curves. Sleepers often use the word “floating” to describe lying on the Purple Grid.

Stomach and back sleepers who require support in their hips and shoulders will benefit from this bed, since it provides comfort and pressure relief without throwing the spine out of alignment in these sleeping positions. Side sleepers are likely to find the feel too firm as this sleep position requires a bit more cushion at pressure points. 

Support and Pressure Relief by Sleeping Position

Back Sleepers

The Purple Hybrid is a good mattress for back sleepers, especially lightweight and average-weight folks who weigh less than 230 lbs. The supportive coils provide enough support to prevent excess sinkage at the hips, while the Purple Grid gently contours to the body’s curves, supporting the spine’s natural curvature. 

Most heavyweight back sleepers do well on the Purple Hybrid, but those who weigh more than 300 lbs may prefer a bed with thicker comfort layers.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers typically need a soft mattress to keep their hips and shoulders free from pressure buildup. The Purple Grid, located at the top of the mattress, provides some pressure relief for the hips and shoulders in average-weight and heavyweight side sleepers. However, the Purple Hybrid is too firm for most side-only sleepers, especially lightweight folks. 

Side sleepers looking for a softer feel should consider the Purple Hybrid Premier mattress or one of the beds that made our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers 

Similar to back sleepers, stomach sleepers need a mattress that’s firm enough to support the spine with some cushion for comfort. The Purple Hybrid has a firm enough surface to prevent the hips of lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers from sinking into the mattress, while the Purple Grid cushions sensitive areas. 

However, the more you weigh, the more likely you are to experience a dip in the hips and eventual lower back pain. That’s why we recommend heavyweight stomach sleepers choose from one of the beds that made our best mattresses for stomach sleepers list.

Combination Sleepers

The best mattresses for combination sleepers support every sleeping position while also allowing the sleeper to change positions easily. Between the rubbery Purple Grid and the 7.5” layer of pocketed innerspring coils, the Purple Hybrid mattress offers great bounce and responsiveness, which is why it scores high for ease of movement. 

Because the Purple Hybrid is best for stomach and back sleepers, we don’t recommend it for combination sleepers who spend much time on their sides. Similarly, heavyweight people benefit from thicker comfort layers for adequate pressure relief, so this isn’t the best bed for combination sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs. But if you’re a lightweight or average-weight combo sleeper who sleeps primarily on your back and stomach, the Purple Hybrid is a great option.  

NERD RATING: Will this bed work for you? 

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

Purple Hybrid Mattress Performance

Is The Purple Hybrid Mattress Cooling? 

The entire construction of the Purple Hybrid allows it to stay at a neutral temperature. How? By increasing airflow to prevent the build up of heat. The mattress cover is designed to be breathable, and the Hyper-Elastic Polymer grid top layer allows space for hot air to move away from the body. 

Additionally, mattresses that incorporate coils, like the Purple Hybrid, are typically considered to be some of the best cooling mattresses thanks to generous airflow. While the Purple Hybrid’s cover doesn’t feel cool-to-the-touch, the combined breathability of the coil layer and Purple Grid should keep most hot sleepers happy. 

Edge Support

When it comes to edge support, the Purple Hybrid excels. Durable coils aren’t as prone to sinkage as foams. Plus, there’s a high-density foam frame around the edges of the bed that keeps sleepers (or sitters) secure and comfortable. Solid edges also make it easier to get into and out of bed.

Responsiveness

Both the innerspring coils and Purple Grid are very responsive, making the mattress surface quite bouncy. A springy surface makes it easy to switch positions, which is good for combination sleepers and people who toss and turn.

Motion Isolation: Is it good for those who share a bed?

For those who sleep with a partner, pet, or child, motion transfer can lead to sleep disturbances when one individual’s movements are felt by the other. The Purple Hybrid doesn’t earn top marks in motion isolation because of the combined bounce from the Purple Grid and support layer of coils. 

Sensitive sleepers who sleep with a partner could consider the original Purple mattress as a possible alternative. Because the original Purple uses polyfoam for a support layer rather than bouncy coils, it manages to isolate motion better than the hybrid. For other recommendations, check out our best mattresses for couples.

Noise

The Hyper-Elastic Polymer grid, as well as the foam encasement, keeps the Purple Hybrid pretty silent as you move around on the surface.

Pain Relief

When lying on your side, you need a mattress that gives at the shoulders to minimize any potential pressure buildup. If a bed’s surface is too stiff, people with shoulder pain who sleep on their sides can experience discomfort that leads to greater daytime pain.

We used a pressure mapping film to evaluate how well the Purple Hybrid dissipates pressure at the hips and shoulders when side sleeping. Our results showed regions of high pressure along the side of our tester’s body, concentrated at the shoulders. The lighter the person, the greater the pressure is likely to be. These results lead us to recommend that side sleepers with shoulder pain avoid the Purple Hybrid, instead opting for a softer mattress.

Sex

A good mattress for sex is responsive, breathable, and noise-free. The Purple Hybrid checks all of these boxes. The grid and coils make the Purple Hybrid an ultra-responsive mattress, the abundance of airflow makes it breathable, and the bed stays quiet.

Off-Gassing

Off-gassing is an odor you may notice after unboxing a mattress. It’s similar to the way a freshly painted room smells, and is caused by recently manufactured foam being compressed and stored in plastic wrapping. When our team unboxed the Purple Hybrid, we experienced the average amount of off-gassing. After allowing it to air out for a few hours, the smell went away.

Durability

The Purple Hybrid is an incredibly durable and supportive mattress. The Purple Grid top layer is resistant to body impressions, and the thick pocketed coil base layer should stay supportive over time for those who weigh less than 230 lbs. The Purple Hybrid is warranted against manufacturing defects for 10 years, and that’s around the time you should think about replacing your mattress.

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Construction: What’s Under the Surface?

The Purple Hybrid mattress consists of a stretchy mattress cover, Purple Grid comfort layer, polyfoam transition layer, and pocketed coil support layer. The Purple Grid provides a gentle cradle and floating feeling while keeping sleepers cool.  

Layer #1: StretchMax Cover

The mattress cover blends viscose, polyester, and Lycra for a soft and stretchy feel. This material is also breathable, complementing the coolness of the pocketed coils and the Purple Grid it encases. At the bottom of the mattress, the cover is made of a non-slip material.  

Layer #2: Smart Comfort Grid

The comfort layer of the Purple Hybrid is made of their Purple’s proprietary Hyper-Elastic Polymer material—a unique gel-like grid layer. The grid is designed to flex under pressure and remain sturdy where pressure isn’t exerted. The balance of support and give evenly distributes body weight for a feeling akin to floating.   

Layer #3: High-Density Transition Foam

The transition layer is a slab of high-density polyfoam. This durable foam prevents sleepers from sinking into the pocketed coils that are beneath it. Polyfoam transition layers are common with hybrid models since they’re great for motion isolation and durability. 

Layer #4: Pocketed Coil Support System

The support layer of the Purple Hybrid consists of 7.5″ pocketed coils. These thicker-than-average coils provide excellent support and bounce that works well for sleepers of every body size. Surrounding the coils is high-density polyfoam, which helps reinforce the edges of the bed to improve overall edge support.

Layer #5: High-Density Foam Base

The base layer is a thin layer of polyfoam that supports the coils directly above it and ensures that the mattress retains its durability. 

 

How Much Does the Purple Hybrid Cost?

Mattress Size Price Dimensions Height Weight
Twin XL $1,899 38” x 80” 11” 77 lbs
Full $2,149 54” x 76” 11” 106 lbs
Queen $2,399 60” x 80” 11” 122 lbs
King $2,899 76” x 80” 11” 149 lbs
Split King $3,798 76” x 80” 11” 154 lbs
California King $2,899 72” x 84” 11” 148 lbs

Check out our Purple Mattress Coupons for the best price on a new mattress from Purple.

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How Do the Policies Measure Up? 

Shipping & Unboxing

Purple mattresses can be purchased on Purple’s website, Amazon.com, and in various brick-and-mortar locations throughout the U.S. The mattresses ship for free to all 48 contiguous states, and can be shipped to Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada for an additional shipping fee. 

Only the Purple Hybrid Premier comes with free white glove delivery, which includes in-home setup and old mattress removal. You may select this service when you check out with the Purple Hybrid for an added fee.

Like most bed-in-a-box mattresses, the Purple Hybrid might have a mild odor when unboxed. This said, major off-gassing shouldn’t be an issue with the Purple, as most reviewers note that the smell dissipates within a few days. 

Warranty

The Purple Hybrid comes with a 10-year warranty that begins on the date of purchase. Purple will repair or replace mattresses with defects for this entire period. We recommend reading our Purple mattress warranty breakdown for detailed information about what the warranty does and does not cover.

To avoid rendering the warranty void, be sure to place the Purple Hybrid on a supportive base and use a mattress protector to safeguard from spills or accidents. 

Trial Period & Returns

Purple beds come with a 100-night sleep trial that begins on the date you receive your new mattress. During this trial, the bed can be returned for a full refund or exchange. The company has someone come to your door to pick it up so you don’t have to worry about stuffing it back into its box. Returned beds are either donated or recycled. 

If you decide to return the Purple Hybrid for a full refund, you’ll have to keep the mattress for at least 21 nights before you do so. Purple requires this “break-in period” in order for your body to fully adjust to the new feel of the mattress.

Learn More: Purple Mattress Return Policy Breakdown

Addressing Purple Hybrid Mattress Complaints

  • Not soft enough for side sleepers: With no soft foams and a supportive coil base, the Purple Hybrid doesn’t provide the plush cushion needed by side sleepers, especially those who weigh less than 130 lbs. 
  • Mediocre motion isolation: With no thick foam layers to dampen motion, the Purple Hybrid spreads motion across the mattress surface. Couples and those who co-sleep are likely to feel their partner’s movements. 
  • Okay for heavier folks: The Purple Hybrid provides the contouring needed by plus-size back sleepers, but it doesn’t have the cushion needed by heavier side sleepers or the hip support that stomach sleepers need.

Comparing Different Purple Mattresses

Purple Hybrid vs. Original Purple 

Purple Hybrid Mattress is Best For: Original Purple Mattress is Best For:
Shoppers who experience back pain Shoppers looking for a softer Purple Mattress
Those who are looking for a Purple Mattress that sleeps cooler Shoppers looking for the most affordable Purple Mattress
Stomach Sleepers Shoppers who share a bed

 

The original Purple pairs the Purple Grid top layer with two foam support layers. It’s slightly softer than the Purple Hybrid, providing better pressure relief for side sleepers. Also, the original Purple better minimizes motion transfer, helping couples to sleep with fewer disruptions. 

The Purple Hybrid swaps out the foam support system with individually-encased coils. The result is a firmer, more responsive mattress that better suits stomach sleepers. It’s also cooler than the original, although both are good for hot sleepers. The original Purple is lower cost, and comes with the same 100-night trial period and 10-year warranty.

Read our Purple Original Mattress Review to learn more.

Purple Hybrid vs. Purple Hybrid Premier 

Purple Hybrid Mattress is Best For: Purple Hybrid Premier is Best For:
People who tend to sleep on their backs Shoppers looking for a softer Purple Mattress
Shoppers who Toss and Turn Shoppers who are bigger bodied
People who are looking for a more affordable Purple Mattress Side Sleepers

The Purple Hybrid and Purple Hybrid Premier both have the same materials, but they differ in the thickness of their Purple Grid comfort layer. The Purple Hybrid Premier (formerly called the Purple 3 and Purple 4) has either a 3” or 4” gel grid compared to 2” in the Purple Hybrid. The thicker Purple Grid in the Premier creates a softer, more pressure-relieving surface. 

Because the Purple Hybrid’s top layer is thinner, it’s much firmer than either of the Purple Hybrid Premier mattresses. The difference in firmness makes the Purple Hybrid better for firm mattress fans and the Purple Hybrid Premier better for side sleepers. The more generous comfort layer also means the Hybrid Premier is more accommodating of bigger bodies. Both mattresses have a bouncy feel and sleep cool.

You can expect to pay more for the Purple Hybrid Premier, but as Purple’s luxury mattress model, it comes with free white glove delivery (aka, in-home setup).

 

See our Purple Hybrid Premier Mattress Review to learn more.

Comparing Purple to the Competition

Purple Hybrid vs. Casper Hybrid

Purple Hybrid Mattress is Best For: Casper Hybrid Mattress is Best For:
Hot Sleepers Side sleepers
People Looking for a medium-firm mattress People who share a bed and looking for motion isolation
Lightweight & Average weight sleepers Shoppers looking for a softer mattress

The Casper Hybrid pairs foam layers with pocketed coils for a classic hybrid mattress feel. It’s softer than the Purple Hybrid, and the difference in materials means these beds have vastly different feels. 

The Casper features ergonomically zoned memory foam that hugs the body more closely and delivers the pressure relief side sleepers need. Thick foam layers mean better motion isolation than the Purple Hybrid, which is great for couples. Both mattresses work well for stomach and back sleepers thanks to firm support, but the Purple Hybrid sleeps cooler and is better for hot sleepers and those over 230 lbs.

Check out our Casper Hybrid Mattress Review to learn more.

Purple Hybrid vs. Saatva Classic

Purple Hybrid Mattress is Best For: Saatva Mattress is Best For:
Back Sleepers People who are looking for a Luxury Mattress
People who toss and turn All body sizes and sleeping positions
Hot Sleepers People who experience back pain

 

The Saatva Classic is a luxury innerspring mattress that pairs two layers of responsive coils with a plush Euro pillow top and organic cotton cover. The Saatva comes in three firmness levels, with the Plush Soft and Luxury Firm models both softer than the Purple Hybrid and the Firm option a tad firmer. 

Both mattresses are great for hot sleepers and people who toss and turn. The Saatva’s softer models make it superior for side sleepers and most lighter people. The Purple Hybrid does an even better job supporting healthy spine alignment in average-weight back sleepers. Price wise, the Saatva is more affordable. It also comes with a 180-night trial period and free white glove delivery.

See our full Saatva Classic mattress review to learn more. 

Purple Hybrid vs. DreamCloud

Purple Hybrid Mattress is Best For: DreamCloud Mattress is Best For:
Back Sleepers Couples
Lightweight to Average Weight Stomach Sleepers People who tend to Sleep Hot
People with Lower Back Pain Combination and back sleepers

The DreamCloud is a luxury mattress made with soft polyfoam, memory foam, and pocketed coils. It has a feel that’s both soft and pressure-relieving and springy and supportive. The plush top layer of the DreamCloud makes it a slightly better fit for side sleepers than the Purple Hybrid

The Purple Hybrid’s weightless feel makes it even better for average-weight back and stomach sleepers with back pain, and it sleeps cooler than the DreamCloud. The DreamCloud is more affordable than the Purple Hybrid, but a Twin size still costs over $1,000.

See our full DreamCloud Mattress Review to learn more.

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

Purple Hybrid Mattress FAQs

Is the Purple Hybrid worth it?

Purple has two hybrid mattress models: the Purple Hybrid and the Purple Hybrid Premier. Both models are pricey, but Purple hybrid mattresses are known for their durability, so they're worth the money if you choose the right model for your sleeping position, body type, and lifestyle.

How long do Purple mattresses last?

We estimate that all Purple mattresses will last between seven and 10 years. Purple also gives that lifespan range, and they warrant their beds up to year 10 of original ownership. The Hyper-Elastic Polymer material used to make the Purple Grid is one of the most durable mattress materials around.

Does the Purple Hybrid mattress sag?

We've seen a few customer accounts of Purple mattresses sagging after only a few months or a year; however, this is definitely the exception, not the norm. If your mattress begins to sag, check to make sure your foundation is level and can still handle the weight of the mattress. If your foundation checks out, you can make a warranty claim for permanent indentations deeper than 1" when compared to the rest of the mattress surface.

The Nerd’s Take: What’s the Bottom Line?

The Purple Hybrid mattress contours to your body while keeping you lifted on top of the bed. It’s the best fit for back sleepers and stomach sleepers, as well as combination sleepers who flip between their back and stomach. People who sleep hot should stay nice and cool, and couples will be able to stretch out securely edge-to-edge. The Purple Hybrid isn’t the most affordable online mattress, but it should last you a solid 10 years. 

The Nerd’s Scores for the Purple Hybrid Mattress

Performance Factor Out of 5
Motion Isolation 3
Pressure Relief 3.5
Ease of Movement 5
Edge Support 5
Temperature Control  5
Durability 5

Purple Ascent Adjustable Base

Purple Ascent Adjustable Base
Mattress Nerd Score
4.40 / 5 starstarstarstarstar

Accessories Details

Material
Material

Polyurethane, Polyester

Warranty
Warranty

10-year limited warranty

Financing
Financing

Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy
Return Policy

No returns

Purple SoftStretch Sheets

Purple SoftStretch Sheets
Mattress Nerd Score
4.70 / 5 starstarstarstarstar
Read Full Review
Check Price

Accessories Details

Material
Material

Rayon, Bamboo, Polyester

Trial Period
Trial Period

30 nights

Warranty
Warranty

1 -year warranty

Financing
Financing

Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy
Return Policy

Free returns

Purple Pillow

Purple Pillow

The original Purple pillow is made with the same stretchy, supportive Hyper-Elastic Polymer Smart Comfort Grid as the Purple mattress. We think back sleepers will love it, larger stomach sleepers will like it, and side sleepers will need to add the included boosters to make it more comfortable.

Mattress Nerd Score
3.80 / 5 starstarstarstarstar
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Accessories Details

Material
Material

Polyester, Spandex, Polyurethane

Trial Period
Trial Period

100 nights

Warranty
Warranty

1-year warranty

Financing
Financing

Available

Shipping Method
Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy
Return Policy

Free returns