Purple vs TempurPedic Mattress

Perhaps the biggest reason for Purple’s success is the company’s use of Hyper-Elastic Polymer. This is a material that the founders of the company invented (and since patented) and it’s used as the top layer in each of their models.

Inside Purple Mattresses

Hyper-Elastic Polymer is not a foam material. Rather, it’s more of a gel or silicone-like material (even though it’s technically neither). It truly is a unique material. It’s soft, responsive, and stretchy, yet also quite supportive. It does a great job of cradling your pressure points (hips and shoulders), while also providing the necessary support under your trunk and lower back.

It’s worth mentioning that not everyone loves the feel of Hyper-Elastic Polymer, though. Most of the team members here at the Slumber Yard really enjoy it. In fact, Slumber Yard team member Matt actually sleeps on a Purple Hybrid Premier 4. However, it is a bit too weird or unique for some. You really should try it for yourself.

Purple vs Memory Foam Comparison

Since Purple and TempurPedic beds feel vastly different, we thought we’d spend a little more time on the subject so you know exactly what to expect. As we mentioned above, Purple beds have an uncommon gel-like feel. As you lay down on Purple mattresses, you can sort of feel the tiny polymer squares shift under your body. The result is a very buoyant sleeping surface in which you almost feel like you’re floating. All in all, it takes a little time to get used to, but a lot of people out there seem to really like the feel of Purple beds.

TempurPedic beds, on the other hand, have a dense memory foam feel. As you lay down on TempurPedic mattresses, you can feel the top layers of memory foam slowly mold and conform to your body’s shape. It will almost feel as if the mattress is sort of hugging you.

We should mention that there’s no winner or loser when it comes to feel. It’s purely based on personal preference. Some people love the conforming sensation memory foam provides and others despise it. The same can be said for Purple’s Hyper-Elastic Polymer. Some people swear by it, and for others, it’s a bit too odd.

Discussing The Original Purple Bed

Now that we have covered what Hyper-Elastic Polymer is and how it feels, let’s discuss each Purple mattress model, starting with the Original Purple mattress. This is the company’s entry-level bed. It’s also the most affordable out of the four Purple beds. It contains two layers of polyurethane foam and then a 2″ layer of Hyper-Elastic Polymer on top.

We think this model comes in around a medium on the firmness scale, but honestly the polymer is so unique that it’s hard to put an exact figure on firmness (that’s the case with all the Purple beds). Regardless, we think this bed is good for all types of sleepers. It doesn’t matter whether you’re on your back, side, or stomach.

Purple likes to say the bed is “soft where you want it and firm where you need it” and we tend to agree. The Hyper-Elastic Polymer finds a nice balance between pressure relief and support.

It’s also worth mentioning the edge support with the Original Purple mattress is now much better. Previously, this was one of the big downsides with the bed, but in late 2019, the company started using dense foam side rails around the perimeter in order to correct the issue.

Purple’s Hybrid Mattresses

A couple years after the Original model, Purple introduced three new hybrid models (formerly known as the New Purple 2, 3, 4). These Hybrid models contain individually pocketed coils that provide more support than the dense polyurethane support foam in the Original Purple.

Given the construction, we’d recommend heavy folks (250+ lb) go with one of the new Purple Hybrid models. Coils provide bi-directional support, meaning they compress, but also push-back against pressure. This is ideal for the extra pressure big people apply on a bed.

By now, you’re probably asking, well, how do the new models differ? Great question. Really, the difference between the Hybrid models boils down to the thickness of the top layer of Hyper-Elastic Polymer. The Purple Hybrid Premier 4 uses a 4″ layer of Hyper-Elastic Polymer, the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 uses a 3″ layer, and so on. The price also decreases as you go down the line (i.e. Purple Hybrid Premier 4 is most expensive, followed by the Hybrid Premier 3, etc.).

Logically, the next question you might be asking is why the thickness important? Well, according to Purple, the thickness dictates which model is right for which type of sleeper.

The company says the base Purple Hybrid is best for back and stomach sleepers (it’s the firmest), the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 is best for combo sleepers (it’s in the middle), and the Purple Hybrid Premier 4 is best for side sleepers (it provides the most immersive experience with the polymer). However, to be honest, we’d have to slightly disagree (in a good way).

We actually think all three new models are good for all types of sleepers. As we mentioned before, the polymer material is very unique in that it’s supportive and pressure relieving at the same time. Slumber Yard team member Matt can attest to that. He sleeps on the Purple Hybrid Premier 4 (supposed to be best for side sleepers), but he actually splits his time between his back, stomach, and side.

Another benefit of Hyper-Elastic Polymer is that it sleeps on the cooler side of the spectrum. To begin, Hyper-Elastic Polymer is a just a naturally cooler material than memory, latex, or proprietary foam.

Truly Neutral Sleeping Temperature

In addition, Purple lays out its Hyper-Elastic Polymer in a grid formation. This creates columns, rows, and pockets for air to flow freely throughout the bed. As a result, we highly recommend Purple beds for people that tend to heat up at night.

Lastly, as long both people like the feel of Hyper-Elastic Polymer, we think Purple mattresses are solid options for couples. First, the Purple Hybrid mattresses provide solid edge support. This is important for couples who like to spread out since it extends the useful surface area of the bed.

Second, you wouldn’t think so given how bouncy Hyper-Elastic Polymer is, but the material actually does a pretty decent job of limiting motion transfer.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattresses For Couples

To conclude, we are big fans of Purple mattresses. So much so that we’ve included them on several of our Best Mattress lists. We happen to really like the feel of Hyper-Elastic Polymer, but it’s not for everybody. If you prefer more of a traditional foam feel, stay tuned for the next mattress we’ve got lined up for you.

Chances are you’ve heard the Tempur-Pedic name before. They’re one of the largest mattress manufactures in the world and they offer hundreds and hundreds of models that are sold both online and in-store. However, given they offer so many different models, it can often be quite frustrating to shop for a Tempur-Pedic mattress (there’s just too many choices). For this review, we hone in on the main model, the TempurPedic Tempur-Adapt mattress.

TempurPedic’s Flagship Mattress

In this post, we’ve decided to focus on one of their latest models that they seem to be promoting quite a bit, the Tempur-Adapt Hybrid. Now, it’s worth noting that Tempur-Pedic also offers a Tempur-Adapt all-foam model, but for the purposes of this review, we’ll just be covering the hybrid model.

As the name implies, this bed contains both coils and layers of foam. Specifically, it has a thick layer of memory foam on top, which gives the bed a memory foam feel (what a coincidence).

However, it’s not your typical soft memory foam feel. It actually has more of a firm, dense memory foam feel. It’s still very comfortable, but you just don’t really sink in that much and you don’t get any of that stuck-in-the-mud feeling that memory foam beds are known for. In fact, we actually think this bed is around a medium-firm on the firmness scale.

Bottom line, this mattress provides a ton of support. As such, we think the Tempur-Adapt is best for back, stomach, and combo sleepers. It just doesn’t provide that much pressure relief for your hips and shoulders when you’re on your side. If you’re a strict side sleeper, you’d be better off going with one of the Purple mattresses.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers

Given the firmness level of the bed and the fact that it does have coils, though, we do think this mattress is ideal for heavy folks.

TempurPedic Uses A Special Cooling Cover

Another nice thing about this bed is that it sleeps cool, which is pretty unusual for a memory foam bed. The cover contains a special cooling material that literally makes the bed cool-to-the-touch. Combined with the fact that most people will sleep more on top of the bed, rather than in it, this means the Tempur-Adapt is a solid option for hot sleepers.

Lastly, the mattress also performs well in the categories that are important for couples. The bed deadens movement very well. That means you won’t be disturbed if your partner tends to move around or get up frequently throughout the night.

Also, the Tempur-Adapt provides excellent edge support. In fact, it’s one of the best beds we’ve ever tested in that department. There’s very little compression around the perimeter of the bed and you never feel like you’re going to roll right off.

All in all, there’s a lot to like about the Tempur-Adapt Hybrid. It has a high-quality construction, it’s comfortable, and it sleeps cool. If you like the feel of memory foam and you’re primarily a back and/or stomach sleeper, it’s hard to beat this bed.

TempurPedic Hybrid vs Purple Review Verdict

If you’ve read this far, you now probably understand the major differences between these beds. However, we realize buying a mattress is a big decision, so you still might be on the fence between the two. To make things easier, ask yourself two questions.

First, do you like the feel of memory foam? If you answered that with an absolute yes, go with the Tempur-Adapt. If you answered that with a no or an “I’m not sure,” you might want to give Purple a try.

If that didn’t settle it, what’s your budget? If it’s below $1,800 (queen size), looks like the Original Purple or base Purple Hybrid will have to do. If you read $1,800 and almost had a heart attack, be sure to check out our Best Mattresses Under $1,000 list.