Tuft & Needle vs. Purple: How Do Their Mattresses Compare?

Tuft & Needle and Purple are two of the most well-known online mattress brands on the market today. Tuft & Needle is known for their budget-friendly, comfortable mattress and Purple is known for their unique gel grid and responsive support. Both these brands are highly sought after, due in part to their innovative designs positive customer satisfaction.

While they make different foam mattresses, both use their own proprietary materials in the comfort layers. So when it comes to deciding between the two for your big sleep investment, it’s difficult to compare. But at the end of the day, they create very different sleeping experiences and our goal is to help you identify the mattress that best suits your needs and preferences.

This review is an in-depth comparison of the Tuft & Needle and Purple mattresses. We put their flagship models side-by-side to evaluate how they stack up in a number of key factors, such as pressure relief, construction and temperature neutrality.

A bit about Tuft & Needle

Tuft & Needle was founded in 2012 by two software engineers who were fed up with the mattress industry. Their goal was to sell an online mattress with no markups, gimmicks or middlemen. All these years later, they’ve evolved into one of the most popular bed-in-a-box mattress companies. While they sell three models in total, they’re most popular T&N Original mattress (flagship model) is known for being simple and streamlined, consisting of only 2-layers.

A bit about Purple

Purple, Inc was founded through a Kickstarter campaign in 2015 with their official product becoming available in January 2016. They offer three mattress models, but are most known for The Purple Mattress, which is built with the company’s proprietary ‘Purple Grid’ in the comfort layers. This eye-catching, hyper-elastic, innovative grid has set the company apart from top competitors. 

It’s clear that both brands offer premium mattresses that have proved successful for struggling sleepers everywhere. But they also come with pros and cons depending on what your needs are.

So…which one is right for you?

Right out of the gate, we want to give you the information you need if you’re ready to make a decision.

See how the T&N Original Mattress and The Purple Mattress compare to other mattresses in our Best Memory Foam Mattress page.

We take a closer look at each performance rating below. These ratings are based on thorough research and reviews from mattress owners and trustworthy external sources.

The material quality and mattress construction is an important element to look at closely because it determines the standard of qualities that we get into below.

Tuft & Needle and Purple make all-foam and hybrid mattresses. Looking at the foam flagship models, it’s clear how much they differ in design even though they share some of the same materials. Both brands use CertiPUR-US certified materials, which means they are intentional with providing customers a high-quality mattress and sleep experience.

The most considerable difference between the two is in the comfort layers, as the brands use their own proprietary material.

The T&N Original Mattress is made with 3 inches of their proprietary T&N adaptive foam. This is engineered by top American chemists to be breathable, durable and provide flexible support. The open cell support foam and addition of heat-absorbing graphite and ceramic gel in the comfort layers means good air circulation throughout.

The Purple mattress has a temperature, neutral gel grid for the comfort layer. This material is made from hyper-elastic polymer and it’s engineered to flex under pressure points while conforming to the rest of your body.

Materials and Construction rating:
★ 5/5 stars

Mattress height:
10 inches

Details:

• Cover: ultra-soft cover that is made from a breathable polyester blend to promote circulation throughout the mattress.
• Comfort Layer: 3 inches of their proprietary T&N Adaptive Foam designed to provide pressure relief and a flexible sleep surface movements throughout the night.
• Support layer: 7 inches of high-density polyfoam to give the mattress support and structure

Materials and Construction rating:
★ 5/5 stars

Mattress height:
9.5 inches

Details:

• Cover: a knit blend of 67% polyester, 29% viscose and 4% lycra
• Comfort layer: 2” Purple hyper-elastic polymer, buckling gel grid
• Transitional layer: 3.5” 1.8 PCF high-density polyfoam
• Support layer: 4” of 2 PCF high-density polyfoam to stabilize and maintain an even surface

Durability is heavily influenced by the materials and build of a mattress. It’s mostly determined by how long the product maintains its structural integrity and comfort before it begins to deteriorate. The average mattress lasts six to eight years. So if you want a mattress by your side longer, you’re going to have to look for ones that are made with quality components.

Both T&N Original and Purple mattresses have 10 year warranties and are constructed with high-quality, dense materials. However, we think that Purple rates slightly higher because it’s hyper-elastic gel grid is incredibly durable, and because it contains a transition layer before the support core, the mattress is more likely to withstand deterioration. Whereas the T&N Original Mattress doesn’t have any transition layer.

Durability rating:
★ 3/5 stars

Details:
This mattress is medium-firm and made with a large, high-density support core of polyfoam, though it’s made with a very simple design of two layers and the comfort layer has a lower density.

Durability rating:
★ 4/5 stars

Details:
The Purple grid comfort layer is made from highly durable hyper-elastic gel material. The thick transitional layer after acts as a great buffer between the grid and denser support core which helps to prevent sinking and sagging.

For people who sleep hot, temperature neutrality is a very important quality. A mattress’s cooling and temperature control all contribute to a mattress’s overall breathability. It refers to how much body heat a mattress retains, and this could be influenced by the materials and layer thickness.

The Purple mattress provides exceptional breathability and temperature control. Thanks to its grid technology, air is able to flow more freely and neutralize the temperature throughout the night. The T&N Original Mattress has a breathable cover layer and is infused with graphite and cooling gel that puts it ahead of other traditional foam mattresses. The Purple will sleep noticeably cooler, but you definitely won’t be sweating through your sheets with T&N either.

Temperature control rating:
★ 3/5 stars

Details:
The soft knit cover has a soft and breathable feel. The adaptive comfort layer absorbs less body heat because it’s low-density and infused with cooling gel and graphite that helps to further promote airflow in the mattress.

Temperature control rating:
★ 5/5 stars

Details:
The Purple Grid’s open construction allows more air to flow through the bed. That way heat can move away from the body instead of being absorbed by the mattress. Most sleepers will sleep very cool with the Purple Mattress in contrast to other all-foam beds.

This refers to how well a mattress responds to different parts of your body, adjusts to your movements and bounces back to its original shape. The level of a mattress’s responsiveness determines how easily you can move across a mattress. But it’s also important for those who have mobility issues or change sleep positions frequently during the night.

Both the Purple and T&N mattresses are medium-firm surfaces that offer moderate conforming. We would say that they both perform equally in regards to overall responsiveness, especially for being all-foam mattresses.

On the one hand, the Purple Grid flexes instantly under pressure and springs right back into place as your body readjusts. On the other hand, the T&N adaptive proprietary foam does a better job at responding and adjusting to movement compared to other foam models. Neither mattress permits much sinkage or body cradling.

Responsiveness rating:
★ 4/5 stars

Details:
You won’t feel stuck in this mattress, due to the open cell structure in the T&N adaptive foam that provides flexible support and responsiveness.

Responsiveness rating:
★ 4/5 stars

Details:
The Purple has a slightly springier feel due to the hyper-elastic polymer grid. It feels like you’re sleeping more on top of it instead of in it. This provides both a conforming and responsive feeling.

Edge support references how sturdy and strong the perimeters of a mattress are. If the edges aren’t strong, you might feel like you’re rolling off the edge if you get too close.

Good edge support is the degree to which a mattress supports body weight around the perimeter. If you have trouble getting out of bed or sleep with a partner, it’s important to have use of the entire mattress surface.

Neither the T&N Original or Purple Mattress offer above average edge support. While they are both made with dense materials in the support core, they’re not strong enough to reinforce the edges to the extent that innerspring or hybrid models would because of their denser coil systems.

Edge Support rating:
★ 2/5 stars

Details:
While there is high density polyfoam in the support core, people who sit often near the edge of the mattress, may find it sinks with pressure over time because of the simple, 2-layer construction and lower density foam in the comfort layer.

Edge Support rating:
★ 3/5 stars

Details:
The Purple mattress has an average edge support. Even though the hyper-elastic polyfoam grid layer is supportive in many aspects, it can be weaker at the edges. Over time, if the transition and support layer deteriorate, this could also weaken the edge support.

Most new mattresses will emit a slight odor once they are removed from their packaging. This is also known as off-gassing, which derives from volatile organic compounds (VOCs); otherwise known as a “new mattress smell”. Once synthetic foams are compressed, they don’t always get the chance to escape the mattress right away.

While off-gassing odors are non-toxic, they can still be unpleasant and problematic for sleepers who are sensitive to smells or have chemical allergies.

You can expect some initial mild off-gassing once you open either the T&N Original or Purple mattress. But long-term off-gassing should not be an issue for most sleepers who use either mattress and should dissipate after the first couple of days, especially if you leave them in a well-ventilated room.

Off-gassing rating:
★ 3/5 stars

Details:
Some initial off-gassing might occur after unboxing this mattress but it should evaporate within a couple of days.

Off-gassing rating:
★ 4/5 stars

Details:
While there is an initial, mild off-gas after unboxing the Purple mattress, it tends to dissipate quickly.

Supportive pressure relief is what most people look for in a mattress. It’s primarily responsible for restorative sleep because it influences how well a mattress contours to your body, promotes better spinal alignment and relieves tension at pressure points like the hips, lower back and shoulders. A mattress that offers good pressure relief is particularly important for those who struggle with chronic aches and pain.

Both these models offer a good balance of body-conforming and support. The Purple’s hyper-elastic gel grid is soft and cushioning, especially around your hips and shoulders. And the T&N is made with adaptive foam that is designed with pressure relief in mind. However, it doesn’t have the same hug of memory foam.

Pressure Relief rating:
★ 4/5 stars

Details:
The T&N alleviates pressure well for sleepers in between 130-230 pounds. The adaptive foam comfort layer is particularly good at spreading pressure build-up, but it won’t be as contouring as memory foam.

Pressure Relief rating:
★ 4/5 stars

Details:
This mattress has good pressure relief and body contouring properties due to its transitional polyfoam layer. However, some side sleepers may find this mattress to be too firm. But overall it provides good pressure relief for combination sleepers.

Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress absorbs motion across the surface. So it’s an important consideration if you sleep with a partner, child or even a pet. If one person is a light sleeper or has a different schedule or sleep-wake cycle, then good motion isolation helps to reduce those interferences.

This is another category that both mattresses excel in. Typically memory foam is the best material for motion isolation, whereas latex and coil material aren’t. Polyfoam mattresses like the T&N Original isolates and absorbs motion across the surface. While the Purple’s surface is slightly more responsive, it also cuts down on motion transfer. However, we think the T&N Original performs slightly better because of its soft and conforming comfort layer.

Motion Isolation rating:
★ 4/5 stars

Details:
Even though it’s not made with memory foam, sleepers will notice very little motion transfer on the T&N Original surface, thanks to the flexible, contouring adaptive foam.

Motion Isolation rating:
★ 4/5 stars

Details:
The Purple Mattress does an exceptional job at isolating motion thanks to its memory foam comfort layers and hyper-elastic gel grid that allows sleepers to put weight on the mattress without transferring to other parts.

Let’s not ignore the obvious—mattresses are used for more than just sleeping. Looking at what makes a mattress better for sex, generally the most important traits are: bounce, responsiveness and edge support.

Both these mattresses are quite responsive and easy to move around on, making either one a good choice for couples.

Sex performance rating:
★ 3/5 stars

Details:
While the T&N lacks good edge support, it provides flexible responsiveness that gives more of an “on top” feeling that couples may be looking for to engage in bedroom activities. It’s also a very quiet mattress.

Sex performance rating:
★ 4/5 stars

Details:
The grid comfort layer is responsive and offers noticeable bounce, making this a great mattress for sex. It’s also virtually silent when you move on it.

Side sleepers who weigh between 130-230 pounds will experience the best balance of pressure relief and support on the T&N Original. But due to its medium-firm feel, it might be too firm for lightweight sleepers. Keep in mind that the 3-inch adaptive foam comfort layer provides good contouring but not as deep of a cradling hug that most side sleepers crave.

The Purple mattress is able to support side sleepers a good mix of contouring and pressure relief thanks to its transitional layer. However, heavier individuals may drop a bit more into the mattress and need something firmer.

Back sleepers will find the T&N Original mattress to be quite comfortable and supportive. It’s balanced, medium firm feeling will keep your spine aligned while cushioning around your midsection. However, back sleepers over 230 pounds may experience some sinkage near their hips.

Because the Purple mattress gives a plush feel while providing good lumbar support, those who are lighter and sleep on their backs will find this gives them adequate support. But heavier back sleepers might want a firmer mattress.

The T&N Original won’t be supportive or firm enough for the majority of stomach sleepers. While the firmer adaptive foam comfort layer may be enough for lightweight sleepers, most individuals will feel their hips slightly sink into the mattress, putting strain on the spine.

The Purple mattress is a better fit for lighter stomach sleepers as it’s firm enough to hold up the midsection—providing your body the support it needs. But it will likely put strain on anybody else’s neck, shoulders and lower back.

The T&N Original Mattress has a balanced, medium-firm feeling. It’s going to feel like you’re “on” the mattress more than “in” it. That being said, it’s also soft and provides moderate cushioning for your body without sinking in too deeply. The adaptive foam comfort layer gives a unique balance of responsiveness and pressure-relief, but it won’t be as deep as memory foam. It’s a perfect feel for light and medium weight side or back sleepers.

The Purple mattress has a medium-firm, responsive feel. Rather than a deep-cradling sensation, it’s going to feel more like floating on a cloud. Sleepers might enjoy it’s unique squishy and gel-like feel that provides comfort and support in multiple positions. People who weigh at least 130 pounds will feel comfortable. And for lightweight side sleepers, this may feel too firm.

Where can I buy the T&N Original mattress?
You can buy the T&N Original Mattress on the Tuft & Needle website and Amazon. They also own and operate eight stories across the country in these locations: Gilbert, AZ; Scottsdale, AZ; Glendale, CA; Leawood, KS; Raleigh, NC; Beaverton, OR; Dallas, TX; and Seattle, WA. Tuft & Needle has also partnered with a few third-party vendors, including Crate & Barrel, Lowe’s, and Unruh.

Where do they ship?
Tuft & Needle ships free to the 48 contiguous United States and for an added fee to Alaska and Hawaii.

How long is the trial period?
All Tuft & Needle mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial period. You can exchange or return your mattress for a full refund at any time during this period.

What is Tuft & Needle’s warranty policy?
Tuft & Needle offers a 10-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing and workmanship defects in the mattress. It includes things like sagging, or body impressions that are greater than 3/4 of an inch. It’s also going to cover any material breakdown of the foam that causes it to split, crack, or deteriorate in any other way.

Where can I buy the Purple mattress?
You can find the Purple mattress online on their site, on Amazon and at brick-and-mortar stores across the country, including Mattress Firm and Macy’s.

Where do they ship?
Purple mattresses are available to ship to Canada and all 50 states. Free standard shipping is offered to all customers in the 48 contiguous U.S. However, customers in Canada, Alaska, Hawaii must pay for shipping costs. Though, according to their website, they have built a flat rate for Canadians that includes taxes, higher international shipping costs and the conversion rate.

How long is the trial period?
Purple offers customers a 100-day trial period. Any eligible mattresses can be returned for full price by contacting Purple’s customer support team within this time.

What is Purple’s warranty policy?
Purple has a 10-year limited warranty that covers indentation greater than 1 inch, or premature cracking and splitting. The mattress cover is protected under a different warranty for two years after the original purchase.

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Deciding between these mattresses isn’t easy. For starters, they’re both highly comfortable and supportive. But they also have very comparable feels and firmness. Yet, their benefits vary slightly, so it’s going to come down to those final personal preferences that resonate more with one mattress over the other.

If you’re a back or side sleeper that appreciates a firmer mattress with moderate conforming, then the T&N Original is the best choice. Couples will also appreciate the amazing motion isolation benefits of this model. And it will just take one look at the price for budget-conscious shoppers to decide on the T&N Original. If you’re a combination sleeper, hot sleeper or heavyweight sleeper, then the Purple Mattress might be better for you.

Neither mattress is better than the other one, they might just be better depending on what you need. And if you don’t like it? Then you can sleep soundly knowing that both brands have generous return policies.

The T&N Original and Purple mattresses are pathways to better sleep. They are both great value and boast tons of long-lasting benefits. Ultimately, it’s up to you to use all the information you have to make the best choice for your needs. But in summary:

Check out the latest price of the T&N Original Mattress and Purple mattresses now.

Disclaimer

Here at Best Mattress Finder, we do our best to provide accurate, honest product recommendations and brand reviews based on the best available information. However, stats and products are subject to change and may have updated since this page was posted.

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