woman laying on mattress with the purple grid
Buying Guides

What’s The Difference Between The Purple Grid & Memory Foam?

    Last Updated
    June 7, 2023
    6
    min read

    Memory foam mattresses have been one of the most popular mattresses on the market. Their cushioning comfort technology differentiated them from mattresses of the past. Since then, Purple’s proprietary GelFlex® Grid swiftly became the newest, sleep-changing innovation on the scene as an alternative to Tempur-Pedic and other memory foam mattress brands. When considering these two mattress types, it's important to identify the key differences and understand how each distinctive feature  benefits you.

    In this article, we break down the differences and corresponding benefits unique to each mattress type.

    What is the Purple Grid?

    Purple’s patented GelFlex® Grid is made from a proprietary Hyper-Elastic Polymer arranged in a repeating geometric structure. This design delivers pressure-relieving cushioning and comfort while providing alignment-maintaining support – a best-of-both-worlds combination for blissful, rejuvenating rest.

    Due to its ultra-responsive technology, the Grid instantly adapts to your body, moving as you move. This instantaneously flexing cradles to the body regardless of sleep position or body shape meaning uninterrupted sleep night after night.

    Memory Foam vs Purple Grid

    The primary differences between a memory foam mattress and a Purple mattress are the construction, design, and features. Unlike memory foam mattresses with a single comfort layer, Purple mattresses employ the unparalleled benefits of the GelFlex® Grid in partnership with layers of premium comfort and support layers. .

     

    Key Benefits Of Memory Foam Mattresses

    Memory foam mattresses provide the following advantages.

    Pressure Relief

    Because memory foam mattresses are body-contouring, they evenly distribute weight and alleviate pressure points in the hips, shoulders, side, and back. 

    Motion Isolation

    Memory foam mattresses absorb movement, making them ideal for people who toss and turn or share a bed with a partner. This typically reduces disturbances throughout the night.

    Allergen Resistance

    Polyurethane foam contains dense fiber patterns highly resistant to common allergens like dust mites, mold, mildew, pet dander, and dirt.

    Watch out for budget brands, as their products and accessories may contain cheap, low-quality materials that cause allergies and exacerbate skin conditions. Consider using mattress toppers to keep your bed free of irritants.

    Durability

    The average quality memory foam mattress lasts up to eight years with proper care. Higher-quality products last even longer, with an average lifespan of 15 years.

    Memory foam mattresses typically don’t require much maintenance – just the occasional flip and vacuum. You can increase your mattress’s lifespan by using a dust-proof cover and avoiding placing too much weight on it.

    Learn more about how long a mattress lasts and what you can do to increase its lifespan.

    Key Benefits Of Purple Mattresses

    GelFlex Grid

    Temperature Regulation

    Unlike memory foam mattresses which are dense and heat-trapping, the GelFlex® Grid has over a thousand channels that increase airflow and dissipate extra body heat. This allows Purple Mattresses to sleep cool and maintain an optimal sleeping temperature throughout the night. 

    Multiple Firmness Levels

    Purple’s GelFlex® Grid is offered in a range of options to satisfy all sleep preferences and needs.

    Hypoallergenic Materials

    Purple mattresses are CleanAir GOLD and CertiPUR-US certified. 

    Comfortably Supportive

    The GelFlex® Grid contains GelFlex polymer, an elastic and reconfiguring material that provides conforming comfort in tandem with ache-soothing support. Its thousands of columns support broad surfaces such as the back and gently cradle pressure points such as your hips and shoulders. Unlike other mattress models that may feel too firm, Purple is corrective without compromising on comfort.

    Compatible With All Sleeper Types

    The GelFlex® Grid provides optimal support for side, stomach, and back sleepers. By responsively adapting to weight and flexing to support where needed, every position, movement, and body type achieves cushioning, supportive comfort.

    The Purple Restore mattress can help reduce pressure for sleepers who require additional support. By comparison, it has the firmest feel and may be more appropriate for spinal alignment.

    If you want to learn more about the differences between memory foam and a hybrid mattress, our guide details all the need-to-knows. 

    Durability

    Purple’s GelFlex® Grid is developed using a hyper-elastic polyme that enables it to snap back into shape sleep after sleep. Unlike most memory foam mattresses whose edges tend to sink, Purple’s GelFlex® Grid instantly configures back to its previous shape for continued support and comfort year after year. 

    As a testament to its durability,, all Purple mattress customers get a 10-year warranty. 

    Choosing a mattress can be challenging, but our guide can help make your decision easier! With Purple, you can enjoy the benefits of the world’s first comfort technology backed by science. 

    Purple Grid vs Memory Foam Mattress FAQs

    Are Purple mattresses cooler than memory foam?

    The Purple Grid is proven to provide deeper sleep, up to 4x cooler.*

    What body type is best for Purple mattresses?

    Purple mattresses are ideal for all body types due to their responsive, contouring nature that is available ina wide range of firmness levels. Purple mattresses provide the support and durability to provide life-changing sleep for all body types, and they are compatible with various bed frames for ease of transition. 

     

    About the authors

    Cecilia Gillen

    Cecilia brings over five years of writing experience primarily centered around lifestyle and health topics. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Media and Journalism from the University of South Dakota. She’s both an advocate for sleep and a night owl at heart.