The Internet opened up a whole new way of purchasing things. You don’t have to suffer long lines or spend hours stuck in traffic just to get to the store. You simply need an Internet connection and your credit/debit card to make the purchase.
Today, almost everything under the sun is available for purchase online. That includes beds and mattresses. The inclusion of beds and mattresses in online stores gave rise to an interesting industry called bed in a box.
Let’s understand what it is and review the Original Mattress by Purple, one of the leading names in the industry.

The Bed in a Box
Have you ever heard of the new industry term “bed in a box”? It was conceived as a response to three main factors:
* massive success, demand, and proliferation of online shopping
* new technologies in manufacturing mattresses
*more innovative and efficient ways of product packing and delivery processes
Specifically, “bed in a box” refers to more it is an inventive way of buying, packing, and shipping a mattress. It allows people to easily purchase a mattress online. The product’s specifications are very detailed, so buyers have a vivid and good idea on how the mattress works for them. After completing the online transaction, the purchased mattress is then delivered right at the customer’s door in a conveniently sized box. That’s where the term comes from. No need to spend time, money, effort, and gas to go to a furniture shop.
As with any existing or new industry, there are always winning brands that set the standard for quality. In the case of the bed-in-a-box industry, the brand Purple is one of them. Purple, which was launched in 2015, is known for their innovative bedding designs, with the popularity of the Original Purple Mattress catapulting them to success.
Features of the Purple Mattress
Here, we’ll review one of the most in-demand and popular mattresses in their product line, the Purple Mattress. This product, which is an improved version of Purple’s original and first mattress model, is packed with patented technology to ensure a comfortable, restful sleep.
Okay, let’s start but let’s be clear about one thing first. It’s not purple, it’s white!
Cover
The first thing that tells you that you have an awesome product is the Purple Mattress’s cover. The material is made of lycra viscous polyester blend. If lycra sounds familiar to you, it’s because it’s the same material used in making bathing suits and exercise outfits. The one on the Purple Mattress, however, is more high tech.
The material holds up very well to pulling and stretching. Because it’s stretchable, it does not get damaged if you spot clean it, for instance, if you spill some coffee on it. It also hugs the mattress tightly, so it doesn’t move even when the sleepers shift positions.
Hyper-Elastic Polymer
Underneath the cover is a wealth of next-generation foam technology. The first layer is made up of 2 inches of Purple’s patented Hyper-Elastic Polymer, often called the Purple Grid. This makes the mattress stand out from all others. Conceived by a manufacturing expert and a rocket scientist, the layer is designed like a grid. Imagine the entire layer as a huge ice cube tray. But instead of plastic, this “ice cube tray” is made of high-tech elastic polymer material.
It is important to note that this polymer is not memory foam like other beds-in-a-box. Rather, it feels like some sort of a silicone or gel-like material.
The great thing about the Hyper-Elastic Polymer is that it has the right balance of softness and firmness. That means it is designed to relieve pressure but can still support all categories of sleepers. It is also very responsive; after applying weight on it, the layer bounces back to its original shape. Finally, the grid structure makes it breathable, letting you enjoy a cooler sleep.
Comfort Polyurethane Foam
Sandwiched between the Hyper-Elastic Polymer and Support Foam is a 3.25-inch Comfort high-density Polyurethane Foam. The layer has a medium-soft density that provides adequate support without making the mattress feel too firm. This is in part due to the polyfoam material, which is denser and thicker than other traditional transitional layers in most 100% foam beds.
Base Layer
Finally, the foundation of the mattress is made of 4 inches of high-density polyfoam. This support foam gives the entire mattress its strength and rigidity. An interesting thing about the Purple Mattress’s base layer is that the edges are actually reinforced. So even if you shift your position to the side while you sleep, you do not roll off the bed. The reinforced sides mean that the Purple Mattress has a bigger usable sleeping area.
Certi-PUR US Standard
The Purple Mattress meets Certi-PUR US standard qualities. The product is tested by a third-party to make sure that it does not contain or emit harmful chemicals. Being Certi-PUR-certified also means that no hazardous materials or substances were used in manufacturing the mattress.
And a Few More Enticers
As you‘ve read above, the Purple Mattress is truly a first-class mattress. But its revolutionary construction and material quality aren’t the only things that make it a must-have item for your bedroom.
Different Sizes, Different Prices
It doesn’t matter how big you are, how big your bedroom is, or if you’re sleeping solo or as a couple. The Purple Mattress comes in a variety of sizes that will fit right with your preference or circumstance. As with other beds, the Purple Mattress price you need to pay depends on the size of the bed.
- Twin XL — 38 x 80 inches
- Full — 54 x 76 inches
- Queen — 60 x 80 inches
- King — 76 x 80 inches
- Cal King — 72 x 84 inches
Free Protector
When you purchase a Queen-sized Purple Mattress, the company will show their appreciation of your purchase by including a free machine-washable mattress protector.
Free shipping
Your Original Purple Mattress is shipped for free right at your doorstep. There is a small fee though if you want the mattress delivered to Hawaii, Alaska, or Canada.
It comes compressed and rolled up. Strangely though, the mattress is not packed in a box, which contrasts the namesake of the industry. But that’s fine as it is packaged in a good-quality protective plastic covering.
Easy setup
Setting up your new Original Purple Mattress is hassle-free. Get it to your room, and remove the protective covering. Then simply unroll the mattress into your bed frame or box spring. Leave the mattress to inflate for 24 to 72 hours before lying on it.
100-day Trial Period
You won’t know if the Purple Mattress is the right one for you until you sleep on it for some time. Thus, Purple allows you to enjoy a 100-night risk-free trial to check for yourself if the bed is right for you. If you decide that it’s not to your liking, just get in touch with their customer service department. The company will arrange for someone to pick up your mattress without you having to pay a penny.
Always keep the receipt of purchase and the receipt of third-party pickup. Provide Purple with copies of those receipts so they will fully refund you for your purchase.
10-year Warranty
The product comes with a 10-year limited warranty should you decide to keep the bed. Which. You. Will.
Purple Mattress Performance
How does the Purple Mattress fare with sleepers? Check out some insights from both expert bed testers and actual customers.
Firmness
Because of the unique patented Hyper-Elastic polymer, the bed has a soft, comfortable, gel-like feel. When you lie down on the bed, you can actually feel the polymer grid move and shift at as it adjusts to your weight and the contours of your body. That feeling can be initially weird, but you will get used to it.
The second comfort layer balances out the responsive first layer. As such, experts rate the bed around “medium” in terms of firmness. The counteraction of the first and the second layer gives the mattress a pleasant balance between support and pressure relief.
Durability
The Purple Mattress is estimated to last more or less 7 years thanks to its high-quality materials. Compared to normal memory foam or polyfoam, the first layer Hyper-Elastic foam is more durable. However, the transitional and support layers may deteriorate faster than the top layer. You can extend the product’s life and prevent the mattress from sagging and gaining permanent impressions by rotating its position every three months.
Motion isolation
The Hyper-Elastic foam layer, coupled with the dense comfort polyurethane foam, absorbs most movement thanks to its grid construction. Thus, couples would feel very little movement when their partner shifts his or her position. That’s because the grid design only absorbs specific areas where there is pressure while keeping a flat and even surface along the rest of the mattress.
Pressure relief
People weighing 230 pounds or less said that they experienced sufficient to excellent pressure relief when they slept on the mattress. Conversely, heavier sleepers experienced extra pressure. They found the mattress sags easily.
Those who sleep on their sides and on their backs find the Purple Mattress to be quite comfortable. In these positions, the mattress provides even weight distribution and support. Thus, it is among the best mattress for side sleepers and back sleepers.
On the other hand, for those who sleep on their stomach, especially those weighing more than 130 pounds, they complained that the bed sags too deeply.
Temperature management
Thanks to the Hyper-Elastic Polymer’s grid construction, air can easily flow through the layer. Thus, the mattress is remarkably cool and comfortable. Its counterparts, especially those that use memory foam, tend to trap body heat, which makes the bed uncomfortably hot.
Noise
No unusual sounds came from the Purple Mattress whenever it is subjected to pressure. The material is really silent, so it doesn’t bother those who are sensitive to the tiniest bits of sounds. Other mattresses, especially innerspring types, often creak and produce unpleasant sounds due to its internal parts.
Sex
Okay, let’s talk about something a bit more—sensitive. Customers who made love on the Purple Mattress said that the upper layer bounces considerably. It might be uncomfortable for some, but there are couples who want a springier surface. Too much movement or too heavy couples may find the mattress sinking too deeply as they do their thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You can readily set up your Purple Mattress in any flat foundation or surface. Your existing bed frame, box spring, or even your floor will make a good foundation for the product.
The Hyper-Elastic polymer actually gives you amazing relief. Why? Well, the layer is designed to bend and fold dynamically when subjected to pressure. Thus, your shoulders are cradled yet your back receives complete support.
While the entire mattress offers excellent support, it does have limits. People who are heavier than 250 pounds tend to sink deeply into the bed due to the responsive foam. Remember though that this is a common thing with all-foam beds.
If you’re in that weight range, it may be better for you to get a coil mattress. Fortunately, Purple has a great line of mattresses that feature individually pocketed coils.
Conclusion
To remain competitive, companies need to do two things: one, seriously listen to their customers and two, adapt to changes and technological advancements. Purple did both and did not disappoint with their improved Original Purple mattress.
The high-tech Hyper-Elastic Polymer is a clear winner here. It provides so many benefits compared to standard memory foam layers. As competitors try to catch up, Purple will surely improve the design. We are pretty excited about what an improved Hyper-Elastic Polymer layer can do.
The exceptional versatility and durability of this product constitute great value. Even if your body or your sleeping position changes in the years after, the Purple mattress can adapt to those changes easily without any modification.
So if you’re looking for a high-tech, comfortable mattress under $1,500 that readily adjusts to your body and sleeping poses, then you would want the Purple Mattress. It is probably a contender for the king of the beds-in-a-box