Sleep Number vs. Purple Mattress Comparison
- Serena Scheide
- Last Updated: September 28, 2023
If you’re on the hunt for a new mattress, chances are you’ve already crossed paths with Sleep Number and Purple. Renowned for their groundbreaking sleep technology, both Purple and Sleep Number aim to revolutionize our sleep experience. But what exactly sets these brands apart, and, more importantly, which one suits your unique needs?
In our comprehensive Purple vs. Sleep Number review, we’ll dive deep into both brands, exploring their mattress lineups, construction features, and sleep innovations. Additionally, this Sleep Number vs. Purple mattress comparison will delve into essential purchase details such as sleep trials, warranties, pricing, and more.
Quickview
Mattress Models
- c2
- c4
- p5
- p6
- pSE
- m7
- i8
- i10
- iLE
- Climate 360
- NewDay
- Purple Mattress
- Kids Purple Mattress
- Purple Plus
- Purple Restore Hybrid
- Purple RestorePlus Hybrid
- Purple RestorePremier Hybrid
- Purple Rejuvenate
- Purple RejuvenatePlus
- Purple RejuvenatePremier
Notable Features
Air-adjustable technology, sleep tracking, dual-sided options, adjustable base compatibility.
Hyper-Elastic Polymer grid, excellent airflow, pressure relief, durability.
Firmness Options
Adjustable firmness settings from soft to firm.
Models ranging from soft to medium-firm
Sleep Trial
100-Night
100-Night
Warranty
15-Year Limited
10-Year
Shipping
White Glove ($199)
FREE
Ideal For
- Couples
- Sleep Tracking
- Firmness Customization
- Hot Sleepers
- Pressure Relief
- Combination Sleepers
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Mattress Models
NewDay
Purple Mattress
Kids Purple Mattress
Purple Plus
Purple Restore Hybrid
Purple RestorePlus Hybrid
Purple RestorePremier Hybrid
Purple Rejuvenate
Purple RejuvenatePlus
Purple RejuvenatePremier
Notable Features
Hyper-Elastic Polymer grid, excellent airflow, pressure relief, durability.
Firmness Options
Models ranging from soft to medium-firm
Ideal For
Hot Sleepers | Pressure Relief | Combination Sleepers
Purchase Details
Sleep Trial
100-Nights
Warranty
10-Year
Shipping
FREE Standard
Mattress Models
c2 |c4 | p5 | p6 | pSE | m7 | i8 | i10 | iLE | Climate 360
Notable Features
Air-adjustable technology, sleep tracking, dual-sided options, adjustable base compatibility.
Firmness Options
Adjustable firmness settings from soft to firm.
Ideal For
Couples | Sleep Tracking | Firmness Customization
Purchase Details
Sleep Trial
100-Nights
Warranty
15-Year Limited
Shipping
White Glove $199
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Mattress Lineups
Sleep Number Collection
- Classic Series: Includes budget-friendly options like the C2 and C4. These mattresses are known for their firmness, with minimal cushioning between you and the air chambers.
- Performance Series: The Performance Series includes the p5, pSE (special edition), and p6. These mattresses have a slightly taller profile and feature comfort layers ranging from 4″ to 5″ in height, designed to provide enhanced pressure relief compared to the Classic Series.
- Innovation Series: Sleep Number’s premium line, the Innovation Series, includes the i8, i10, and ILE. These mattresses stand at a height of 12 “-13″ and boast comfort layers ranging from 6″ to 7” in height. They provide superior pressure relief and feature cooling technology to absorb and release excess heat, making them suitable for hot sleepers.
- Memory Foam Series: The Memory Foam Series features the m7, the only model in this category. Standing at a height of 11″ with a 5″ comfort layer, it’s the only 360® smart bed with memory foam.
Purple Mattress Collection
- Essential Collection: Includes the Purple NewDay, Purple, and Purple Plus Mattresses. This is Purple’s most affordable collection, featuring a combination of foam and the GelFlex Grid.
- Premium Collection: Purple’s premium collection offers enhanced cooling and support by combining coils with their innovative GelFlex Grid.
- Luxe Collection: Purple’s most luxurious (and expensive) collection marries the innovative GelFlex grid with the luxurious feel of a Euro-top for the ultimate comfort.
Materials & Construction
In a departure from the norm, both Purple and Sleep Number redefine mattress construction. The primary contrast lies in their support systems.
Sleep Number Mattress Construction
Sleep Number mattresses have foam layers and customizable air chambers that offer comfort and support. Adjustable air beds allow individuals to adjust the firmness of their mattress by increasing or decreasing the amount of air in the air chambers until they find their ideal Sleep Number.
In addition, Sleep Number 360 smart beds come with sleep-tracking technology that monitors your sleep patterns. The mattress is equipped with sensors that track your heart and breathing rates and how often you move in your sleep. This data is then used to generate a sleep report or score, which provides insight into the quality of your sleep.
Purple Mattress Construction
Purple mattresses are crafted with a revolutionary material called the Purple Grid. This hyper-elastic polymer gel boasts a flexible, silicone-like texture arranged in a grid pattern across the surface of the mattress. The columns of the grid respond to pressure, offering pressure point relief while maintaining essential support.
Beneath the grid, you’ll find layers of foam and/or pocketed coils, depending on the model. These layers add additional support and improve motion isolation and edge support.
Determining Mattress Firmness
Determining the precise firmness of mattresses from both brands can be challenging since we’re considering them as a whole. However, there are distinct factors to consider:
Sleep Number Bed Firmness
- Sleep Number offers a broader range of firmness options thanks to its customizable air chambers. When selecting from various Sleep Number models, keep in mind that mattresses with thicker comfort layers tend to provide a plusher feel.
- Conversely, opt for models with fewer foam layers in the top comfort layers if you prefer a firmer surface feel.
However, it’s worth noting that Sleep Number uses a single air chamber on each side of the bed. When lying on the mattress, air can shift towards the head and feet, potentially leaving the midsection unsupported. Customer reviews frequently highlight this issue, which can be frustrating for those seeking consistent support. Some of the best adjustable air beds we’ve reviewed incorporate multiple air chambers on each side for improved spinal alignment.
Purple Mattress Firmness
- Purple mattresses range in feel from soft to firm, but their firmness is not adjustable. Still, it’s important to note that this rating can vary based on factors such as body weight and preferred sleep position.
- Purple mattresses are renowned for their exceptional pressure-relieving capabilities, making them stand out. Their unique design adapts to your body and addresses pressure points effectively.
In summary, Sleep Number’s strength lies in its extensive firmness customization. In contrast, Purple excels in pressure relief with its innovative design. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific comfort preferences and sleep needs.
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Temperature-Regulation
Does Purple Sleep Cool?
When it comes to breathability and cooling, Purple beats out the competition again and again! As you can see below, the open-grid structure allows for maximum airflow and breathability. Additionally, the bouncy, latex-like feel of the Purple grid retains zero heat. This is absolutely one of the best mattresses for hot sleepers.
Does Sleep Number Sleep Cool?
Sleep Number does a good job of regulating temperature as well. However, foam (especially memory foam) tends to retain heat. And since the comfort layers of the Sleep Number beds are made with foam, the Sleep Number mattresses have a greater tendency for heat retention. Sleep Number beds include cooling technology to combat this, which certainly helps, but Purple still has the advantage here.
Purchase Details: Purple vs. Sleep Number
When it comes to purchasing a new mattress, the nitty-gritty details matter. Let’s explore what Purple and Sleep Number offer regarding trials, warranties, shipping, and financing options.
Purple
- 100-Night Trial: Purple offers a generous 100-night trial period. This means you can sleep on your new Purple mattress for over three months to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
- 10-Year Warranty: Purple stands by the durability of their mattresses with a 10-year warranty. This warranty covers manufacturing defects, providing peace of mind for years to come.
- Free Shipping & Returns: Purple is a bed-in-a-box mattress delivered directly to your doorstep. Standard shipping is free, and should you decide to return it within the trial period, Purple also offers free returns.
Sleep Number
- 100-Night Sleep Trial: Sleep Number also offers a 100-night sleep trial, allowing you to experience their adjustable air mattresses in your home.
- 15-Year Limited Warranty: Sleep Number backs their mattresses with a 15-year limited warranty, showcasing their commitment to longevity and quality.
- White Glove Delivery ($199): To ensure you get the most from your Sleep Number mattress, they require White Glove delivery for a fee of $199. This service includes setup and installation, ensuring your mattress is just right.
Cost of the Sleep Number vs. Purple Mattresses
The prices listed below do not include eligible discounts, as Purple and Sleep Number change their coupons regularly. As you can see below, Sleep Number has a more exhaustive list of mattress sizes available, though not all models are available in all mattress sizes. Interest-free financing is available with both brands.
Sleep Number Bed Prices
Sleep Number Model
Price Range
Sleep Number c2 Smart Bed
$699 – $1999
Sleep Number c4 Smart Bed
$1899 – $2699
Sleep Number p5 Smart Bed
$2149 – $3799
Sleep Number p6 Smart Bed
$3199 – $4399
Sleep Number pSE Smart Bed
$2399 – $4199
Sleep Number m7 Smart Bed
$3999 – $5799
Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed
$3399 – $5799
Sleep Number i10 Smart Bed
$5499 – $7399
Sleep Number iLE Smart Bed
$4899 – $7399
Sleep Number Climate360 Smart Bed
$9999 – $13,499
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Discount in CartPurple Bed Prices
Purple Model
Price Range
NewDay Mattress
$1195 – $1595
Purple Mattress
$799 – $1998
Purple Plus Mattress
$1495 – $3090
Kids Purple Mattress
$699 (Twin Only)
Purple Restore Hybrid
$1845 – $3690
Purple RestorePlus Hybrid
$2445 – $4890
Purple RestorePremier Hybrid
$3045 – $6090
Purple Rejuvenate
$4495 – $8990
Purple RejuvenatePlus
$5495 – $10,990
Purple RejuvenatePremier
$6495 – $12,990
$900 OffUp to $900 Off
Discount in CartWhich is Better: Purple or Sleep Number?
When it comes to choosing between Purple and Sleep Number, the decision hinges on your specific sleep needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you determine which brand suits you best:
Purple excels in temperature regulation and pressure relief, making it an excellent choice for hot sleepers and individuals who struggle with pressure point pain and chronic pain conditions.
Sleep Number stands out for its customization options. It’s a great option for those who want precise control over mattress firmness, couples with different preferences, and sleep-tracking enthusiasts.
Choose Sleep Number if:
- You want customization – Most of the Sleep Number beds are adjustable air mattresses, allowing sleepers to increase or decrease the firmness of the mattress, tailoring the bed to your needs.
- You share your bed with a partner – Sleep Number is a great option for couples with different firmness preferences. The 360 smart bed series allows for dual adjustability so you and your partner can have different firmness levels throughout the night based on your sleep preferences.
- You want to track your sleep – The 360 smart bed series includes sleep-tracking technology. You’ll receive a sleep report in the morning to tell you how well you slept and see where you could improve.
Choose Purple if:
- You sleep hot – Purple is one of the most breathable mattresses we’ve reviewed, staying cool all night long.
- You want superior pressure relief – The Purple grid is uniquely designed to buckle under your weight. This allows Purple to melt away your pressure points while still providing decent support.
- You are a heavy-weight sleeper (+230lbs) – The Purple Premium and Purple Luxe Collection are designed with pocketed coils and the Purple grid, providing better durability and overall support than the Original Purple mattress.
- You are a combination sleeper – The Purple grid is highly responsive, making it easy to move from one sleep position to the next.
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Still undecided on the perfect mattress? Check out our top picks for best mattress or browse through our mattress reviews for more information. Don’t forget to check out our mattress coupons and deals for the latest discounts.
Serena Scheide
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