Why You Can Trust CNET Purple Hybrid Mattress Review: A Supportive Bed for Everyone
While the Purple Hybrid mattress is no longer available, you can still check out Purple's new line of mattresses.
Purple Hybrid Mattress
Score Breakdown
Like
- Extra breathable so hot sleepers feel cooler throughout the night
- Supportive hybrid design suits all body types
- Great for back, stomach and combination sleepers
Don't like
- High price won't appeal to shoppers on a budget
- Might feel too strange and unfamiliar for those who want a standard foam bed
- Not soft enough for strict side sleepers
Product details
- Type Hybrid mattress
- Firmness 6 or medium to medium-firm
- Trial 100 nights
- Warranty 10-year limited warranty
Editor's Note
Purple has discontinued the Purple Hybrid and Premier mattresses. They are no longer available for purchase. To read more on the mattresses Purple does have available check out our review on the new Purple line and the Purple mattress. You can view our sleep expert’s full list of the Best Hybrid Mattresses here.
At the time of the Purple Hybrid and Premier mattresses, there was the Purple Hybrid and the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 and 4. This review covers the differences between the hybrid options and will show who may like which hybrid beds better.
The Purple Hybrid is the thinnest of the hybrid options and it's 11 inches thick. It's also firmer than the other two models and is ideal for back or stomach sleepers. With that said, it's the most affordable mattress from the Purple Hybrid series.
The Purple Hybrid Premier 3 is 12 inches thick with a thicker Hyper-Elastic Polymer comfort layer. This makes it feel a bit softer and lands around a medium to medium-firm on the scale. This bed is suitable for all types of sleeping positions including side sleepers.
The Purple Hybrid Premier 4 is the most expensive of the Purple hybrid beds, but it's a whopping 13 inches thick and is extra supportive. Like the Purple Hybrid Premier 3, it has a medium to medium-firm profile, and we think it would suit all body types.
First impressions
The Purple Hybrid incorporates purple detailing throughout the bed, a great touch for an avid lover of the color. The details in the cover give it a premium look, and you can tell it's a bit more heavy-duty than the flagship Purple mattress. The main thing people want to know about this mattress is what does the Purple feel like?
Well, it's completely different from the innerspring mattress in the guest room at Grandma's, I'll tell you that much. It's a new concept for a bed that I think ended up working in the company's favor.
Video: Purple Hybrid Mattress Review
Watch CNET video producer Owen Poole review the Purple Hybrid mattress.
Purple Hybrid mattress firmness and feel
What does Purple Hybrid feel like?
Regardless of the model you get, the Purple Hybrid mattresses are soft and airy without feeling like foam. When you run your hand down the center of the mattress, you can feel the squishy squares bend and morph underneath.
It's not super noticeable when you're laying down, it just feels buoyant like you're floating on your back or laying on a hammock. Though, it's also really supportive because of the thick layer of pocketed coils, which I'll explain more below.
If you're curious about the Purple Hybrid but you aren't willing to explore unconventional ways of bedding, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you're open to a mattress that takes pressure off your hips, shoulders and back while simultaneously making you feel weightless, you might be pleased with its benefits.
How firm is Purple Hybrid?
The Purple Hybrid 2 simultaneously feels pressure-relieving and supportive, while maintaining a slightly firmer profile; I think it's around a medium-firm, or 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. The soft squares don't push into your hips and shoulders when you're on your side like your typical firm bed, but my back and spine feel very reinforced above the bed's Hyper-Elastic Polymer layer. I think it's a tad bit firmer than the Original Purple mattress.
Purple Hybrid Premier
The brand's two upper-level hybrid beds have the same signature Purple feel, but they have a slightly softer profile because of their thicker layers of Hyper-Elastic Polymer. I think they both land in between a medium to medium-firm, or around a 6 on the firmness scale.
Purple Hybrid mattress construction
The Purple Hybrid comes in three different models, each with a different thickness of the Purple Grid gel layer.
The Purple Hybrid is four layers thick and around 11 inches tall. Here's a simple breakdown of the bed's layers so you get an idea of what makes Purple, Purple:
- A thin slab of basic foam about an inch thick, which supports the thick pocketed coil layer above.
- A thick system of 7.5-inch pocketed coils, individually wrapped with fabric to help limit motion transfer across the mattress. It's the main reason why this mattress is so supportive.
- A thin half an inch of foam to help neutralize the feel of the pocketed coils in the bed's foundation.
- Around 2 inches of the brand's special Hyper-Elastic Polymer, laid out in a grid formation. This is the primary layer that distinguishes it from the other two Purple Hybrid mattresses -- each mattress has a different thickness of this layer. It's bouncy, squishy, soft and provides most of the Purple's comfort.
- Surrounding the edges are dense foam slabs to make the sides feel more supportive and sturdy.
On top is the Purple's "StretchMax" cover, and just like the name implies, it's extra-stretchy. I think it feels more breathable than your typical mattress cover and compare the feel more to an athletic antisweat undergarment than a soft cotton top.
Purple Hybrid Premier mattress layers
The two Purple Hybrid Premier beds are the top-tier mattress options from the brand. Really, the only major differences in construction are the top layers. The Purple 3 has a 3-inch layer of Hyper-Elastic Polymer at the top, while Purple 4 has 4 inches. It doesn't make a huge difference in feel, but they are softer than the Purple Hybrid.
Purple Hybrid mattress performance
Motion isolation
Motion isolation isn't usually an innerspring bed's forte, but with the pocketed coils and special material you find in the Purple Hybrid mattress, it's a different story. I think it's pretty good at isolating motion, even if it is a super-bouncy bed. It virtually makes no noise, and you'll hardly be able to notice your partner moving around on the other side.
Edge support
The Purple Hybrid mattresses are constructed with firm foam around the edges to hold your body up more firmly if you tend to creep towards the side of the bed during the night. As a result, I give edge support capabilities on this mattress two enthusiastic thumbs up.
Temperature
The other benefit of the Purple Grid besides bouncy comfort would have to be its temperature-regulating abilities. It's not designed with any fancy cooling material, but instead, the Purple Grid's natural breathable design makes it one of the best mattresses for allowing airflow. It also doesn't retain heat like memory foam or poly foam might, making it an appealing mattress for hot sleepers like me who need the additional cooling relief. It's not cold to the touch, but I really don't feel hot while sleeping on the Purple.
Durability
The Purple Hybrid is made with Purple's GelFlex Grid and strong, steel pocketed coil layers. The GelFlex Grid can be stretched up to 15 times its size, while its steel coils make a strong and supportive base layer. All of this is to say the Purple Hybrid is a durable mattress that should last around eight to 12 years. Just make sure you rotate it every six months (rotate the head of the mattress to the foot) to ensure your weight is distributed evenly throughout the bed over the years.
Off-gassing
One downside of bed-in-a-box beds is their off-gassing smell. I compare it to the smell of a new car. It comes with the territory since these mattress foams are compressed and wrapped in plastic after manufacturing. If you notice an unpleasant, plastic-y smell coming from your bed after opening, don't worry. It should dissipate in a day or two after it airs out.
Purple Hybrid's ideal sleeping positions and body types
You wouldn't expect to fit in every shirt size at your favorite clothing store, and you shouldn't assume every mattress is accommodating for you. Especially since there are so many different options to pick from. Generally, your perfect mattress comes down to your body type and your favorite position to sleep in.
Position
The Purple Hybrid mattress is ideal for stomach and back sleepers because it properly supports the back, shoulders and hips.
The primary sleeping positions are side, stomach, back or a combination of them all. I think the Purple Hybrid will work best for back and stomach sleepers because of its firmer, more supportive profile. Although, heavier side sleepers over 230 pounds will find the bed more accommodating and pressure relieving.
If you're a side sleeper under 230 pounds and really want the Purple Hybrid mattress, I'd opt for one of the Purple Premier mattresses or the flagship Purple mattress. They are a bit softer and more pressure-relieving than the standard hybrid model, which will be more of a benefit to your sides and shoulders.
Body type
Regardless of your body type, whether you weigh 105 pounds or 250 pounds, I think the Purple Hybrid beds will be perfectly suitable for you.
The Purple Hybrid mattresses are great for all body types because they are more supportive than typical foam beds like the Nectar mattress or the Casper mattress. They have that layer of steel pocketed coils on the bottom, and if you think about it, steel is much more durable than foam. The difference in how this mattress will hold up over time compared to an all-foam bed will be especially noticeable over the course of 10 years.
Purple Hybrid mattress price
The Purple Hybrid mattress is more expensive than the original Purple, of course, and isn't the best for people who are trying to spend as little as they can on a new bed. If you're looking to invest in your night's sleep, though, it's very possible you see it as a reasonable price.
Purple Hybrid mattress pricing
| Size | Measurements (inches) | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Twin XL | 38x80 inches | $1,899 |
| Full | 54x74 inches | $2,149 |
| Queen | 60x80 inches | $2,399 |
| King | 76x80 inches | $2,899 |
| Cal king | 72x84 inches | $2,899 |
The standard Purple Hybrid mattress is available in sizes from twin XL to California king. Prices start at $1,299 and go all the way up to $1,899. Like other mattress brands, Purple often runs promotions so you can regularly cash in on hundreds off the ticket price.
The Purple Hybrid mattress has metal coils encased in foam to offer support and softness.
Purple's shipping, trial and warranty
Every online mattress company tries to sweeten the deal with a few extra perks to make buying more worth your while, including shipping and a sleep trial.
You'll get free shipping right to your front door, but the type of shipping depends on the bed you get. If you get a Purple Hybrid, you'll get standard free shipping. For the Purple Hybrid Premier beds, you'll actually get free white-glove delivery, and they'll set up your mattress in-home for you.
You'll have a solid 100 nights to test out your bed. If by night 99 you find you hate it, you can get a full refund. In case of a manufacturer defect, Purple backs its mattresses with a 10-year limited warranty.
Who will and who won't like the Purple Hybrid
You came to this Purple Hybrid review for answers and we're here to give them to you. Here are the types of people we would and wouldn't recommend the Purple Hybrid to.
Who might like the Purple Hybrid:
- All body types, but especially sleepers over 230 pounds who need extra support.
- Hot sleepers looking for a super-breathable mattress.
- People who like light, airy-feeling beds.
- Anyone open to try a new, unique type of mattress.
- Back, stomach, and combination sleepers.
Who might not like Purple Hybrid:
- People on a tight budget.
- Individuals looking for a really soft bed, like petite side sleepers.
- Shoppers who want a regular ol' foam bed.
Other mattresses from Purple
Purple: The Purple mattress is the brand's original bed. It's made with three layers, including the brand's bread and butter, the GelFlex Grid. It's rated around a medium on the firmness scale, making it accommodating for all sleeping positions. This bed is best for people who weigh under 230 pounds.
Purple Plus: Purple expanded its catalog to offer a bed similar to the original Purple with one more added layer of cushioning for an even plusher, softer feel. It also neutralizes the bounce of the Purple, making the bed feel a little more like a traditional foam bed. The GelFlex Grid typically adds a responsive, springy feel thanks to its gel-like consistency.
How does the Purple Hybrid compare to other beds?
Purple Hybrid vs. Casper Wave: The Casper Wave mattress has a traditional mattress feel that's more like neutral-foam instead of memory foam. It's quite responsive, and is a generally comfortable bed that most people will enjoy. It's a thick, premium mattress designed with strong pocketed coils and multiple zoned layers to provide targeted support to your lumbar region and pressure relief to your shoulders. It's a little softer than the Purple Hybrid beds, rated around a 5 out of 10 on the scale.
Purple Hybrid vs. Saatva: The Saatva mattress is among the handful of beds that contain multiple layers of coils. This makes it incredibly durable and supportive. It's also designed with a Lumbar Zone Active Spinal Wire to promote a properly aligned spine. Unlike Purple Hybrid, the Saatva Classic is available in two different height profiles and three firmness levels.
How thick is the Purple Hybrid mattress?
The Purple 2 Hybrid is 11 inches thick, the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 mattress is 12 inches thick, and the Purple Hybrid Premier 4 mattress is 13 inches thick.
Are Purple Hybrids worth it?
If you're interested in trying a new mattress technology, something unique that's never been done before, the Purple Hybrids will be worth it. They truly make you feel like you're floating. It's a weightless and pressure-relieving experience that also keeps you supported at the same time. They're suitable for all body types, and can appeal to a wide range of sleeping positions.
Is Purple Hybrid good for side sleepers?
Side sleepers may want to check out the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 or 4 because these beds have a softer, more pressure-relieving profile than the base Purple Hybrid mattress. Side sleepers typically want soft to medium-firm mattresses that give underneath the shoulders and hips.