Tuft & Needle vs. Purple Mattress Comparison

Tuft & Needle and Purple are popular online brands that specialize in direct-to-consumer mattresses. In addition to mattresses, both companies also sell other sleep products, including pillows, sheets, blankets, and bed frames.

Tuft & Needle’s mattress line includes two all-foam models and a hybrid model. The Original Mattress and the Mint Mattress are constructed of multiple layers of polyfoam. The Original Mattress uses two layers, while the Mint uses three. The Hybrid Mattress uses two layers of foam and two layers of coils.

Purple is most well known for its Purple Grid comfort layer. This layer uses hyper-elastic polymer constructed in a grid pattern. The walls of the grid can buckle to adjust to a sleeper’s shape, but they spring back quickly when weight is removed. Each of Purple’s four models uses this material in their comfort layers. The flagship Purple Mattress is an all-foam model. The Purple Hybrid, Purple Hybrid Premier 3”, and Purple Hybrid Premier 4” pair the signature Purple Grid with coil support cores.

Both Tuft & Needle and Purple have medium and medium-firm models, rating between 5 and 6 on the 10-point firmness scale. This falls close in the average firmness range, which most sleepers tend to prefer.

Here we’ll compare Tuft & Needle and Purple on key factors that may influence your purchase decision, including sizing, construction, customer ratings, performance, and more.

Quick Look

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Sizing and Weight Options

The dimensions of a mattress may play a role in how well it fits in your room and how it performs.

A mattress’s height influences its convenience and performance. Higher-profile mattresses may provide more support, particularly for heavier individuals. They may also make it easier for sleepers with mobility issues to get into or out of bed. However, high-profile models may require extra deep sheets.

Mattress size affects whether it fits onto its foundation and how much usable surface area the sleeper has. Selecting a mattress size that fits properly onto the foundation can reduce the likelihood of it shifting. Couples often favor larger mattress sizes to allow more room for each partner to change position during the night.

 

Tuft & Needle

Tuft & Needle

 

Purple mattresses tend to be heavier than Tuft & Needle mattresses. The lightest Tuft & Needle mattress, the Original, weighs just 72 pounds. Purple’s lightest model, the Purple, weighs 110 pounds. This trend continues across the companies’ models.

Purple mattresses also come in a wider range of heights, starting at 9.25 inches and going up to 13 inches. Tuft & Needle models are 10 inches or 12 inches thick. People who are looking for a lower-profile or higher-profile model may prefer Purple.

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Construction and Materials Comparison

Mattress materials can affect the quality and performance of the mattress. Let's break down the most common components of today's mattresses.

Memory foam responds to heat and weight to contour to a sleeper’s body. High-density memory foam tends to be more durable, but it is also more likely to trap heat. While heat retention can be a problem with memory foam mattresses, many models include special features to help the mattress sleep cooler. Memory foam tends to regain its shape more slowly than other materials when pressure is removed, which may make it more difficult to move across the surface of the mattress or change position during the night.

Polyfoam is frequently used in both comfort and support layers. This material cushions a sleeper’s body without the close hug of memory foam. High-density polyfoam is usually more durable.

Natural latex is often considered one of the most durable materials used in mattresses. It has a springier feel than memory foam or polyfoam. While it contours to the sleeper’s body, it spreads their weight out over a wider surface area, making it feel more like sleeping “on” the bed rather than “in” the bed.

Coils are a traditional mattress material that remains popular today. The durability depends largely on the quality, but a high-quality coil layer can be quite durable. A coil layer often gives a bed more bounce, edge support, and breathability, but it may lead to more motion transfer and noise which could cause disturbances during the night.

Tuft & Needle

Tuft & Needle Original

The Tuft & Needle is an all-foam model constructed of two layers.

The comfort layer uses 3 inches of T&N Adaptive foam. This polyfoam is engineered to contour to the body for pressure relief while springing back more quickly than memory foam. This open-cell foam is infused with graphite and gel to pull heat away from the sleeper’s body and allow it to dissipate.

A 7-inch layer of polyfoam serves as the support layer, reinforcing the sleep surface.  

The mattress is encased in a cover that uses a blend of micro polyamide and polyester. This cover is soft to the touch while allowing cooling air circulation into the mattress.

Tuft & Needle Mint

The Mint is an all-foam model with many similarities to the Original. Like the Original, The Mint has a 3-inch comfort layer of T&N Adaptive foam infused with graphite and gel to help wick away heat while contouring to the body. The Mint also has a 7-inch polyfoam support layer and a breathable cover of micro polyamide and polyester.

The most notable difference between the two models is that the Mint incorporates an extra 2-inch layer of T&N Adaptive foam infused with graphite and gel. This layer acts as a transition layer, giving extra support and preventing the sleeper from sinking in against the core.

Tuft & Needle Hybrid

The Hybrid uses a hybrid design that combines multiple layers of foam and coils.

The 1-inch thick pillow top contains foam infused with carbon fiber and graphite. This creates a plusher feel while cooling the surface.

The comfort layer uses 2 inches of T&N Adaptive foam. This material is engineered to contour to the body while regaining its shape quickly. It is infused with graphite and gel to wick away heat.

The Hybrid has two transition layers. The top layer uses 1-inch of microcoils. Microcoils give extra bounce and cradling while allowing cooling airflow. Next, a 1-inch layer of T&N Adaptive foam separates the two coil layers.

The support core consists of 6 inches of pocketed coils. These coils give the bed extra bounce, but they can move independently to limit motion transfer and reduce the amount of movement a sleeper feels when their partner moves. The coil layer is also breathable and has reinforced edges. Finally, a 1-inch layer of foam acts as the base of the bed.

Purple

The Purple Mattress

The Purple Mattress is constructed of three layers of foam.

The comfort layer uses 2 inches of Purple’s proprietary grid. This grid is constructed of hyper-elastic polymer. While the grid walls buckle when weight is applied, they regain their shape quickly when weight is removed. This material provides contouring and pressure relief while permitting significant airflow.

A 3.5-inch transition layer of 1.8 PCF polyfoam acts as a barrier between the softer comfort layer and the firm core. The support layer uses 4 inches of 2 PCF polyfoam to stabilize the mattress surface.

The mattress cover is a blend of viscose, polyester, and lycra. This fabric is soft and stretchy, allowing it to move and bend to accommodate the Purple Grid.      

Purple Hybrid

The Purple Hybrid Mattress combines the proprietary Purple Grid with a pocketed coil core. Like the Purple Mattress, the Purple Hybrid has a 2-inch layer of the Purple Grid, which is responsive, breathable, and contouring. The Hybrid also has the same stretchy cover constructed of viscose, polyester, and lycra.

The Purple Hybrid uses a 1-inch transition layer of 2 PCF polyfoam, which separates the comfort layer from the coil layer while preventing sleepers from sinking in too deeply.

The 7.5-inch thick pocketed coil layer gives the mattress extra bounce, edge support, and breathability. The pocketing of the coils reduces motion transfer by allowing each spring to move independently, so sleepers might not notice if their partner changes position. A final thin layer of transition foam serves as an even base for the coil layer to rest on.

Purple Hybrid Premier 3”

The Purple Hybrid Premier 3” uses a very similar construction to the Purple Hybrid, including the same stretchy cover, 1-inch transition layer, and 7.5-inch pocketed coil layer. These similarities give the Purple Hybrid Premier similar bounce, breathability, and edge support to the Purple Hybrid.

The main construction difference is that the Purple Hybrid Premier has an extra inch in its comfort layer. This 3-inch thick layer of the Purple Grid gives extra cushioning.

Purple Hybrid Premier 4”

Like the Purple Hybrid and the Purple Hybrid Premier 3”, the Purple Hybrid Premier 4” uses a soft, stretchy cover, a 1-inch transition layer, and a 7.5-inch layer of pocketed coils that gives the mattress bounce while allowing cooling air circulation.

What sets the Purple Hybrid Premier 4” apart is its 4-inch thick comfort layer. This uses the same Purple Grid system as the other Purple models. The extra thickness makes the Purple Hybrid Premier 4” softer than Purple’s other options while giving extra conforming.

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Average Customer Ratings

Customer reviews can give you a window into how a mattress performs for different individuals. If a mattress has a lot of positive reviews, it may inspire more trust from potential buyers.

While reviews can be very helpful, potential customers can get more out of them by knowing what to look for. The overall rating can indicate whether or not owners tend to be satisfied with their mattresses, but it does not give much information on its specific performance.

Different individuals have unique mattress preferences. Rather than relying solely on the numerical ratings, potential customers may want to read the written text to understand more specific factors. These reviews may highlight specific traits that affect how comfortable a mattress feels to an individual, like temperature neutrality, bounce, support, and motion isolation.

 

Tuft & Needle

 

Purple

In-Depth Ratings

Several factors may contribute to whether or not a mattress feels comfortable to an individual. Considering these factors when buying a mattress can give you a clearer idea of how the mattress will perform for you and whether or not it will meet your needs. While shoppers may prioritize some factors over others, the following are usually the most important criteria to look at when selecting a mattress.

• Durability: A mattress’s materials and construction influence its durability. Durable mattresses hold up better over time and often resist sagging. Selecting a durable mattress may mean you will not need to replace it as soon. While durable mattresses tend to be more expensive, the increased longevity could save you money in the long run. Anyone may prefer a durable mattress, but it may be most important for sleepers who weigh over 200 pounds for whom mattresses often wear out more quickly.
• Motion Isolation: Motion isolation occurs when vibrations from a person’s movement transfer across the surface of the bed. For people who sleep alone, this may not be problematic. However, those who sleep with a partner could be awoken when their partner changes position if the mattress does not isolate motion well.
• Sex: A mattress may provide bounce and/or traction, which may be beneficial for sex. Bounce is most common in hybrid, innerspring, and latex models. Hybrid and innerspring models usually also have the benefit of added edge support, which may make it easier for couples to use the full surface of the bed.Memory and polyfoam models tend to have less bounce, but they are more likely to have traction.
• Temperature Neutrality: Mattresses may trap heat near the sleeper’s body or allow it to dissipate. People who sleep hot may prefer a model crafted for cooling. Latex, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses usually sleep cool due to their designs and materials. Memory foam and polyfoam models tend to trap more heat. However, many models have special features to wick away heat and promote more air circulation.
• Pressure Relief: Certain body parts put more pressure on a mattress due to their weight and width. A sleeper’s hips and shoulders tend to put more force on a mattress, which may cause pressure points. Many mattress models seek to relieve these pressure points by contouring to the sleeper’s body to evenly disperse their weight. A model with strong pressure relief may appeal to anyone, but those with aches and pains may benefit most.
• Off-gassing: Off-gassing refers to the “new mattress smell” that mattresses often emit when they are first unboxed. Since mattresses that ship compressed do not have time to air out in a warehouse, odors are particularly common in bed-in-a-box mattresses.
• Ease of Movement: A mattress that holds the impression of a sleeper’s body and does not regain its original shape as quickly may be harder to move around on. This is most common in models with memory foam comfort layers because memory foam usually doesn’t spring back as quickly as other materials. If a mattress is difficult to move around on, it could be challenging for sleepers with mobility issues or those who like to change positions often during the night.
• Edge Support: When you approach the perimeter of a mattress without reinforced edges, you may feel the materials compressing. This can create a feeling of instability that may make individuals less comfortable sitting or sleeping near the edge of the bed. Couples may appreciate strong edge support since it can expand the usable mattress surface. People with mobility issues that make it more difficult to get into or out of bed may also prefer a sturdy edge since it may make it easier to sit on.

 

Tuft & Needle

 

Purple

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In-Depth Pricing

Mattress prices vary based on several key factors, including mattress type, materials, and size.

Since the type of mattress often determines the materials used, these two factors go hand in hand. More expensive materials generally increase the price of the mattress. For instance, natural latex mattresses are usually more expensive than all-foam models. Additionally, mattresses that use advanced materials tend to be more expensive than models that use more traditional materials, like coils.

The size and thickness of a mattress also influence its price. Larger, thicker mattresses require more materials to produce. This makes them more expensive to manufacture, and that expense is reflected in the purchase price.

 

Tuft & Needle

 

Purple

	The Purple Mattress	Purple Hybrid	Purple Hybrid Premier 3”	Purple Hybrid Premier 4”
Twin	$649	N/A	N/A	N/A
Twin XL	$749	$1,299	$1,899	$2,499
Full	$949	$1,499	$2,099	$2,699
Queen	$1,099	$1,599	$2,199	$2,999
King	$1,399	$1,899	$2,699	$3,499
California King	$1,399	$1,899	$2,699	$3,499
Split King	$1,498	$2,598	$3,798	$4,998

 

Tuft & Needle mattresses tend to be less expensive than Purple mattresses. This may make them a popular choice for budget-minded shoppers.

This price difference is likely due to the materials and construction used to produce these mattresses. Purple’s proprietary Purple Grid is unique in the mattress industry, which may contribute to the added expense. Additionally, most of Purple’s mattresses use a hybrid design. Hybrid models tend to cost more than all-foam models.

While the Tuft & Needle models and Purple models vary in price, either mattress may constitute a good value depending on what the sleeper is looking for.

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Trials, Warranty, and Delivery

 

Shipping

Tuft & Needle

Tuft & Needle mattresses typically arrive between 3-7 business days after the order is placed. They ship compressed via FedEx Ground. Tuft & Needle mattresses come with free standard shipping in the contiguous United States. For an extra fee, same-day shipping is available for the Original and the Mint in Dallas, Los Angeles, New York City, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle. White glove delivery through XPO Logistics is also available for an additional fee. Delivery dates vary based on availability.

Purple

The Purple and Purple Hybrid typically ship within 1-2 weeks. Both of the Purple Hybrid Premier models usually take 2-3 weeks to ship. Purple mattresses ship free within the contiguous United States, but the type of shipping varies between models. The Purple and the Purple Hybrid ship compressed via FedEx. In-home delivery and setup is available for the Purple Hybrid at an additional charge. Both Purple Hybrid Premiere models come with free in-home delivery.

Returns

Tuft & Needle

Tuft & Needle mattresses come with a 100-night trial. During this period, mattresses are eligible to be returned for a full refund of the purchase price. To return a mattress, contact Tuft & Needle. The customer can donate the discarded mattress or Tuft & Needle will arrange a third-party pickup service. If the customer donates the mattress, they will need to furnish a copy of the donation receipt.

Purple

All Purple mattress models are eligible for a 100-night trial. This trial requires a 21-night adjustment period. During the window between 21 nights and 100 nights, mattresses can be returned for a refund of the purchase price. To initiate the return of a Purple mattress, customers contact the company, and the company arranges mattress pickup.

Warranties

Warranties are guarantees made by a manufacturer that protect consumers against certain defects. Mattress warranties most often cover indentations and foam cracking. Some warranties also protect against defects in the mattress cover.

When looking at a mattress warranty, shoppers should note the length of the warranty, the remedies for defects, what is covered, what is excluded, and the responsibilities of the mattress owner. Noting your responsibilities before the mattress arrives in your home is quite important since some warranties can be voided if the owner doesn’t follow guidelines. Additionally, warranties frequently require that the owner retain the receipt for the mattress and leave the mattress tags attached.

Tuft & Needle

Tuft & Needle has a 10-year limited warranty that covers indentations greater than .75 inches, flaws that lead to foam cracking or splitting, and defects in the mattress cover. The warranty is valid for the original purchaser when bought through an authorized seller. The warranty excludes damage caused by abuse, misuse, and failure to use a proper foundation. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Purple

Purple’s 10-year limited warranty covers indentations greater than 1 inch, foam cracking, and foam splitting. The warranty also covers defects in the mattress cover for a period of 2 years. This warranty applies to the original mattress owner who purchased the mattress through an authorized seller. The warranty excludes abuse and misuse. The mattress must be used on a proper foundation to be eligible. Additional terms and conditions apply.