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Puffy vs. Purple – Our 2022 Mattress Comparison Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

The Bottom Line.

  • The Puffy has a medium (5 out of 10) firmness while the Purple Mattress is medium-firm (6.5 out of 10).
  • The Purple Mattress features a proprietary buckling column gel.
  • The Puffy is a good choice for all sleepers under 230 lbs, while the Purple offers very good support for side and back sleepers.

Puffy vs. Purple Overview

Puffy vs. Purple Overview

Puffy launched in 2017 with their flagship Puffy Mattress, a 10-inch memory foam mattress which conforms to the body excellently. This is due to its use of softer-than-usual foam, which is then in turn balanced to allow for a true medium (5 out of 10) firmness rating. A 6-inch high-density polyfoam support core enables the mattress to offer flexible support, particularly for side-sleepers under 130 lbs.

The two comfort layers are ultra-soft and also provide two types of temperature-mediating effects. One is a heat-resistant polyfoam, and the other is a gel foam which is also naturally temperature-regulating. While sleepers under 230 lbs. will enjoy the Puffy mattress regardless of their sleep style, those above 230 lbs. are unlikely to find that this mattress offers them enough support.

Note: In addition to the Puffy Mattress, Puffy also offers the premium Puffy Lux model. This page compares only the Puffy and Purple flagship mattresses.

Purple was founded in 2015 with help from a Kickstarter campaign which raised more than $170,000 in 45 days. Their flagship Purple Mattress arrived in 2016, boasting a unique, proprietary buckling column gel (known as ‘Smart Grid’) which they use in one of the mattress’s two comfort layers. This gel has excellent pressure-relieving properties and allows for a cooler sleep than memory foam mattresses without a gel layer.

In addition to the ‘Smart Grid’ layer, the Purple Mattress has a 4-inch high-density polyfoam support core, as well as a 3.5-inch polyfoam comfort layer. We’ve found that while the Purple Mattress is “good” or “very good” for almost all sleep types, stomach-sleepers below 130 lbs. may find it too firm.

Note: In addition to the Purple Mattress, Purple also offers the Purple Hybrid and Purple Hybrid Premier models. This page compares only the Puffy and Purple flagship mattresses.

Compare Offers

Puffy Mattress

Get $455 worth of free accessories with any mattress purchase.

Our readers receive huge savings on all Puffy mattresses.

Purple Mattress

Interested in the Purple Mattress?

Our readers get the best price.

  • Puffy Mattress
  • Purple Mattress
Meet Our Testing Team
Jackson
Jackson
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
Scott
Scott
Mari
Mari
Isaac
Isaac
Rachel
Rachel

Ratings Comparison

Full Sleep Rating

Criteria
Rating

Full Sleep Rating

Criteria
Rating
Durability
Motion Isolation
Off-gassing
Pressure Relief
Temperature Neutrality
Edge Support
Noise
Sex
Durability
Motion Isolation
Off-gassing
Pressure Relief
Temperature Neutrality
Edge Support
Noise
Sex
The Puffy Mattress is Good for...
  • Sleepers under 230 lbs., regardless of their sleep style
  • Side-sleepers who weigh less than 130 lbs.
  • People with joint pain or pressure point concerns
  • Customers who prefer a soft-feel mattress with a medium firmness
The Purple Mattress Is Good for...
  • All sleepers above 130 lbs., regardless of sleep style
  • Side-sleepers and back-sleepers under 130 lbs.
  • Customers interested in their ‘Smart Grid’ technology
  • People who like a medium-firm (6.5 out of 10) mattress

Sleep Position Ratings

The Puffy Mattress

Softer-than-usual memory foam makes the Puffy Mattress an extremely comfortable choice for sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs. However, people who weigh more than 230 lbs. are likely to find that the mattress lacks adequate support, leading to a less comfortable sleep or back pain over time.

Our sleeper ratings reflect this divide, as the Puffy earned “good” or “very good” scores for all sleep types below 230 lbs, while only achieving a “fair” score across the board for those above 230 lbs. Side sleepers below 130 lbs. are likely to enjoy this mattress the most, as it will support them while cradling their joints.

The Purple Mattress

Overall, our testing found the Purple Mattress to be “good” or “very good” across the board, appealing to sleepers no matter their sleep type or weight. The one exception was stomach sleepers below 130 lbs., who may find that the Purple is too firm and increases pressure on their joints.

Back sleepers above 130 lbs. are the most likely to appreciate the Purple, as the bed offers them the right combination of medium-firm support and cool, comfortable contouring for their joints and pressure points. Side-sleepers below 130 lbs. may also want to consider this mattress. They are less likely to find it too firm and more likely to appreciate the ‘Smart Grid’ layer than their stomach-sleeping peers.

Our Recommendations

Choose the Puffy Mattress if...

  • You prefer a medium firmness with a soft feel
  • You have joint or pressure point pain
  • You are a side sleeper under 130 lbs
  • You weigh less than 230 lbs. and want good contouring

Choose the Purple Mattress if...

  • You have joint or pressure point pain, particularly if it is severe
  • You’re curious about buckling column gel
  • You’re a back-sleeper above 130 lbs
  • You share a bed with someone who has a different sleep style

Technical Details Comparison

Sizing and Pricing

  • twin-bed
    Twin $649 Purple Mattress $599 The Puffy
  • twin-bed
    Twin XL $699 Purple Mattress $649 The Puffy
  • twin-bed
    Full $899 Purple Mattress $799 The Puffy
  • twin-bed
    Queen $999 Purple Mattress $949 The Puffy
  • twin-bed
    King $1,299 Purple Mattress $1,149 The Puffy
  • twin-bed
    Cali King $1,299 Purple Mattress $1,149 The Puffy

Mattress Construction

Next let’s look at how the Puffy and Purple mattresses are made. The table below lists firmness, thickness, weight, and composition specs for both beds.

Specification Puffy Purple Mattress
Firmness 5 (Medium) 6.5 (Medium-firm)
Thickness 10″ 9.25″
Weight (Queen) 72 lbs. 110 lbs.
Support Core Components 6″ HD Polyfoam 4″ HD Polyfoam
Comfort Layer Components 2″ Gel Memory Foam
2″ Temperature-resistant Polyfoam
2″ ‘Smart Comfort Grid’ Buckling Column Gel
3.25″ 1.8 PCF Polyfoam
Cover Composition Polyester 67% Polyester, 29% Viscose, and 4% Lycra® Spandex

How Is the Puffy Mattress Built?

Puffy only uses materials which are CertiPUR-US®-Certified to be free of carcinogens and toxins, allowing for a restful sleep. It has a 10-inch-high profile which is slightly lower than some other mattresses, though half an inch taller than the Purple Mattress.

A 6″ core made out of high-density polyfoam allows for a medium (5 out of 10) firmness despite the softness of its two 2-inch comfort layers, one of which is a temperature-resistant polyfoam and the other a gel memory foam. These layers conform well to the body to relieve pressure-point pain while retaining temperature neutrality. It also has a zip-off polyester cover for seasonal washing.

As the Puffy Mattress is softer than some other memory foam models, it is particularly well-suited for sleepers below 130 lbs. who find some other medium-firmness mattresses too stiff. Of course, these are the same qualities which make it less supportive (and therefore less comfortable) for people who weigh above 230 lbs.

How Is the Purple Mattress Built?

As with the Puffy, all materials used in the Purple are CertiPUR-US®-Certified as non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. The mattress’s flame resistance is also created using flame-resistant fibers, not a chemical coating. This may be an attractive quality for customers searching for chemical-limited memory foam options.

At 9.25 inches tall, the Purple has a reasonably low profile. Its height is partially due to its 4-inch high-density polyfoam support core, which is 2 inches less than that of the Puffy. However, this core still offers resilient medium-firm support for sleepers.

Next to this is a 3.25-inch polyfoam comfort layer, followed by a 2-inch layer of Purple’s proprietary ‘Smart Grid’ buckling column gel. The gel is structured into columns which hold a certain amount of weight before “buckling”, or compressing, onto themselves. This compression allows for highly specific contouring and pressure relief, along with the temperature regulation common to gel layers. However, it does make the mattress heavy for its size at 110 lbs. for a queen-size.

Puffy Sleep Trial, Warranty, and Delivery

  • Sleep Trial 101-night

  • Shipping USA and Canada

  • Warranty Lifetime

  • Made In USA

  • Trial Period Details

    Puffy offers a 101-night sleep trial for the Puffy Mattress.

    Like many other direct-to-consumer mattress companies, Puffy offers a 101-night sleep trial so that you can be sure you’ll be happy with your new purchase. The company encourages you to wait 30 days before considering a return, as it takes approximately 30 days to adapt to any new mattress, but returns can be initiated at any point during the 101-night period.

    If you choose not to keep your Puffy mattress, you will receive a full refund and will not be charged any pick-up fees. Instead, Puffy will attempt to work with facilities local to you to donate your used mattress.

     

  • Warranty

    Puffy offers a lifetime warranty.

    Puffy uses less-dense foam than some of its competitors, meaning that there is a chance it will not be as durable over time. However, this is made up for by the company’s lifetime warranty. If your mattress develops indentations over 1.5 inches, sagging of more than 1.5 inches, or cracked zippers and unraveling seams on the cover, Puffy will make it right.

    For the first ten years, your mattress will be replaced with a new version. After ten years, they will still repair or replace your previous mattress, but you can also choose the “Quick Sleep” option to save 50% on a new mattress while keeping your old model. This warranty is void if your mattress does not have proper support, does not cover ordinary changes or wear-and-tear, and is non-transferrable.

     

  • Delivery Details

    How is the Mattress Shipped?

    Puffy ships their mattress compressed, vacuum-sealed, and packed in a protective box.

     

    Where Do They Ship?

    Customers in the contiguous U.S. states, as well as Canada, can take advantage of Puffy’s free shipping offer. Shipping is available to Hawaii and Alaska with an additional fee, and shipping to non-Canadian international locations is unavailable.

     

    White Glove Delivery

    Puffy does not offer White Glove delivery.

     

    Full Shipping Details

    Once you have paid for your new mattress, Puffy will ship it via FedEx within two business days. If you live within the contiguous U.S. states, you can expect your mattress within 3-5 business days of shipping. Canadians, Hawaiians, and Alaskans may experience a slightly longer wait. A FedEx tracking number will accompany your order, allowing you a better idea of when your mattress will arrive. Since Puffy doesn’t offer white glove delivery, please make sure that you can carry the mattress yourself (the queen-size weighs 72 lbs.) or have people on hand who can help you do so.

     

    Old Mattress Removal?

    Puffy does not offer old mattress removal.

Puffy Coupons and Discounts

Get $455 worth of free accessories with any mattress purchase.

Purple Sleep Trial, Warranty, and Delivery

  • Sleep Trial 100-night sleep trial

  • Shipping USA and Canada

  • Warranty 10-year non prorated

  • Made In USA

  • Trial Period

    Purple offers a 100-night sleep trial for the Purple Mattress.

    Once you receive your Purple Mattress, you have 100 nights to decide whether it is the right mattress for your sleep needs. Like Puffy, Purple encourages customers to wait out the 30-day break-in period before considering a return, but returns can be initiated (by phone) at any point during the trial. If you decide that the Purple Mattress isn’t what you need, you can return it for a full refund on the cost of the mattress itself.

    You can also choose to exchange it for a Purple Hybrid mattress, though you must pay the difference (which is $600-$2000 for a queen-size) and the second mattress will not be eligible for a sleep trial. Purple will cover all shipping costs for returns unless there are extenuating circumstances.

  • Warranty

    Purple offers a 10-year non prorated warranty

    Warranty coverage begins on the date of purchase and covers indentations over 1 inch (measured while the mattress is on the floor), as well as cracks, splits, and other damage due to factory flaws. The warranty does not cover owner damage, infestation, damage from weather or the sun, or indentations of less than 1 inch.

    You will void your warranty if you do not support your mattress according to Purple’s specifications, and it is non-transferable if you give away or sell your mattress. The mattress cover is protected by a separate limited two-year warranty.

  • Delivery Details

    How is the Mattress Shipped?

    The Purple is shipped compressed, vacuum-sealed, and boxed.

     

    Where Do They Ship?

    Delivery is free within the contiguous U.S. states, while customers in Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada must pay a fee. International shipping outside Canada is unavailable.

     

    White Glove Delivery

    Purple does not offer white glove delivery for the Purple Mattress.

     

    Full Shipping Details

    Customers in the contiguous U.S. states should expect to receive their mattress within five days of purchase. Those in Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada may have a slightly longer wait, so refer to your tracking number for a better idea of when your Purple mattress will arrive. (Expedited shipping is available, shortening the wait in the contiguous states to two days.) Once your mattress has shipped, you cannot cancel your order. As the Purple Mattress is heavy (110 lbs. for a queen-size), be sure to have help on hand to move and set up your mattress once it arrives.

     

    Old Mattress Removal?

    As Purple does not offer white glove delivery for the Purple Mattress, old mattress removal is unavailable.

Purple Coupons and Discounts

Our readers get the best price on Purple mattresses.

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