Layla vs Purple Mattress: Which Is Best for You?

Plush memory foam or a unique gel grid? That’s the question we’re answering in this Layla vs Purple mattress comparison. These two mattresses look vastly different at first glance, but you might be surprised to learn how much they have in common. That only makes the purchasing decision even more difficult! Fear not – the mattress experts are here. We’ll detail everything you need to know about these two popular bed-in-a-box mattresses so that you can get the best night’s sleep possible.

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Layla Mattress

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Score

4.3 / 5

Check Price

Read Layla Mattress Review

Product

Purple Mattress

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Score

4.1 / 5

Check Price

Read Purple Mattress Review

Layla Vs Purple Overview

Layla is known for its flippable construction that features two firmness levels in one. It has a classic, slow-moving memory foam feel that folks love to sink into. The Purple mattress contains the company’s proprietary gel grid. It feels squishy and firm at the same time, and it creates a responsive feel. They’re both great mattresses, but they’re better suited for different people. Here’s a quick overview of who might prefer each one. Who Should Get The Layla

• Side sleepers
• Fans of a memory foam feel
• Those who want two firmnesses in one

Who Should Get The Purple

• Combination sleepers
• Those who like a more responsive mattress
• Fans of medium-firm mattresses

Layla vs Purple Mattress Comparison Video

The best way to determine which mattress is best for you is to watch our comparison video!  

Similarities Between The Layla And Purple

Before we get into all of the juicy details, let’s see what makes these two mattresses similar.

• Both have built-in cooling features.
• They work well for most back sleepers.
• Both mattresses are available as hybrids, but this comparison focuses specifically on the models with base foam.
• The Layla and Purple mattresses have generous sleep trial periods and warranties.

Read our Layla mattress review for more information.

Key Differences Between The Layla And Purple

Now, the fun part! Let’s see what makes these mattresses different.

• Purple contains a gel grid, while the Layla has a layer of memory foam.
• You can flip a Layla mattress, but you can’t flip a Purple.
• Purple has a responsive feel, while Layla has a slow-moving feel.
• The Layla costs less than the Purple.

Check out our Purple mattress review for more info.

Firmness and Feel Differences

We created a firmness scale that ranges from one to 10, and 6.5/10 represents medium-firm. This also happens to be the industry standard for most beds! As we mentioned earlier, the Layla mattress is flippable and has two firmness levels in one. The soft side feels like a 6/10, which is slightly softer than average. The firm side feels more supportive, coming in at 8/10 on our firmness scale. The Purple mattress has a classic medium-firm feel: 6.5/10. However, it’s important to note that firmness is subjective. Lightweight people won’t compress the gel grid too much, so the Purple may feel more like an 8/10 to that group.

Sleeping On the Layla and Purple Mattresses

Because the Layla is flippable, it works well for all sleeping positions. Combination sleepers, however, might have difficulty finding that perfect balance of comfort and support on just one side of the mattress. We recommend the soft side for side sleepers and the firm side for back and stomach sleepers. If you’re an average weight person, the Purple should feel comfy in all three sleeping positions. The gel grid adapts to sleepers’ bodies so that they get pressure relief where they need it most. Lightweight sleepers, however, will find the Purple is a bit too firm for side sleeping.

What Do The Layla And Purple Mattresses Feel Like?

The Layla mattress has a traditional slow-moving memory foam feel. When you rest on it, you’ll feel the foam contour your body and hug pressure points. This mattress has a tendency to make people feel like they’re sleeping “inside” their mattress rather than on top of it. The Purple mattress has a unique feel that you won’t find anywhere else. The gel grid feels squishy at first, but when you apply pressure, it becomes firm and supportive. The gel grid creates a responsive and bouncy feel, so you’ll sleep on top of the bed rather than “inside” it.

Average Weight Sleepers – 130 lb – 230 lb

Most average weight sleepers will prefer the firm side of the Layla mattress. This side offers more lumbar support, which is especially beneficial while back and stomach sleeping. Side sleepers in this category might want to flip the mattress to the soft side so they get more pressure relief along their shoulders and hips. People who weigh closer to 130 lb might not get enough pressure relief on the Purple. However, those who weigh between 150 and 230 lb should feel comfortable in all three sleeping positions. The gel grid should provide plenty of lumbar support while back sleeping, and the firmness level should keep hips elevated while stomach sleeping. Most average weight side sleepers will compress the gel grid enough to get some relief along pressure points, as well.

Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230 lb

Heavyweight sleepers will prefer the firm side of the Layla mattress because the soft side doesn’t provide enough support. However, those on the heavier end of the spectrum probably won’t get enough hip support while resting on their stomachs. Generally, stomach sleepers need especially firm mattresses in order to keep their spines in the correct alignment throughout the night. If the hips sink into the top layers, that can cause lower back pain. Heavyweight people should find the Purple to be a great match. Larger folks will compress the gel grid to get plenty of pressure relief. That said, those who weigh more than 300 lb might need something a bit more supportive such as one of the best mattresses for heavy people.

Lightweight Sleepers – Under 130 lb

The soft side of the Layla makes it one of the best mattresses for lightweight people. On this side of the mattress, smaller people should feel ample pressure relief and support – no matter their sleeping position. The Purple mattress will feel much firmer to lightweight people, so it’s not the best choice for those in this category. People who weigh less than 130 lb won’t compress the gel grid very much, so they might develop pain along pressure points.

Mattress Construction Differences

To really understand how these beds differ, we’ll need to peel back the covers and look inside. Here’s what each mattress is made out of:

Cover

The Layla mattress features a heat-dissipating cover made with thermogel, a cooling material that helps sleepers feel refreshed all night long. The Purple has a soft and stretchy cover that’s thin and breathable. It works with the gel grid underneath it so sleepers can feel its full effect.

Comfort Layers

The Layla’s comfort layers differ depending on which side you’re resting on. When the soft side faces up, the first comfort layer contains 3” of copper-infused memory foam. The copper infusion helps pull heat away from the body and keep the mattress clean. Beneath this sits a layer of convoluted support foam. The firm side of the mattress only contains 1” of copper-infused memory foam and no support foam. The Purple’s main comfort layer consists of 2” of hyper-elastic gel polymer grid. Beneath this sits a layer of soft and responsive foam, which aids in pressure relief. To strengthen the mattress’s edge support, Purple added a foam encasement around the sides.

Support Layer

Between the Layla’s soft and firm side sits a thick layer of high-density support foam. This prevents sleepers from sinking into the mattress, and it makes the bed more durable. At the bottom of the Purple mattress, you’ll find a layer of firm and supportive base foam. This not only creates lumbar support – it also makes the mattress last longer.

Mattress Height

The Layla mattress is 10” tall. The Purple mattress is slightly shorter, coming in at 9.5” tall.

Layla and Purple Mattress Size Options and Price

Eager to learn the nuts and bolts? Check out our size and pricing charts below. Layla

Size	Dimensions	Price
Twin	38″ x 75″	$749.00
Twin XL	38″ x 80″	$849.00
Full	54″ x 75″	$999.00
Queen	60″ x 80″	$1099.00
King	76″ x 80″	$1249.00
California King	72″ x 84″	$1249.00

Purple

Size	Dimensions	Price
Twin	38″ x 75″	$999.00
Twin XL	38″ x 80″	$1099.00
Full	54” x 75”	$1399.00
Queen	60″ x 80″	$1499.00
King	76″ x 80″	$1999.00
California King	72″ x 84″	$1999.00
Split King	76″ 80″	$2198.00

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Layla Mattress

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Score

4.3 / 5

Check Price

Read Layla Mattress Review

Product

Purple Mattress

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Score

4.1 / 5

Check Price

Read Purple Mattress Review

Layla And Purple Performance Differences

While it’s definitely important to research firmness, feel, and construction, you can’t forget about performance features! Keep reading to learn more about the Layla and Purple’s motion transfer, edge support, durability, and more.

Sleeping Hot or Cold

The Layla mattress has many impressive cooling features, starting with its cover. Thermogel helps dissipate body heat and keep the surface of the bed cool. Memory foam tends to trap heat, but thanks to Layla’s copper infusion, sleepers shouldn’t wake up feeling stuffy and uncomfortable. That said, the Layla is still an all-foam mattress, and it won’t sleep quite as cool as the Purple. The Purple goes a step beyond with its cooling features. The gel grid is made from breathable materials, and thanks to its construction, it allows plenty of room for air to flow through the mattress. We don’t expect sleepers to feel hot on this mattress at all, but if you’re an especially hot sleeper, check out the Purple hybrid. This mattress contains coils instead of base foam, so it’s even more breathable.

Motion Transfer

Motion transfer is important to consider if you share a bed with a partner. If a bed doesn’t isolate movement well, you could wake up when your partner shifts sleeping positions. Because it’s made entirely out of foam, the Layla isolates motion much better than the Purple. If you share a bed with a pet or a loved one, you shouldn’t notice their movements in the middle of the night. The Purple’s gel grid feels super bouncy and responsive, so you’re more likely to notice movement throughout the mattress.

Edge Support

In addition to motion transfer, couples should consider their mattress’s edge support. If a bed caves in near the sides, you won’t be able to utilize the full surface area of the mattress. In this category, the tides have turned. Purple has excellent edge support, thanks to its foam encasement. When you sit or rest near the side, you’ll feel secure. The Layla mattress doesn’t have great edge support, You’ll likely feel a little unstable when sitting or resting near the side.

Durability

Both mattresses contain high-quality materials, but we think the Purple gel grid gives it a longer lifespan. The Layla mattress should last between seven and 10 years, while the Purple should last at least 10.

Off-Gassing

When you unbox a new mattress, it’s common to notice a slight chemical smell. This occurred with both mattresses, but the odor completely faded away within 48 hours.

Noise

Because both of these mattresses are free from coils, they should remain silent for their entire lifespans.

Sex

Couples looking for the best mattress for sex typically want something that feels bouncy and responsive. Because the Layla mattress has a slow-moving feel, it may not fit the bill. Couples will likely sink into the top layer and have difficulty switching positions. The Purple, on the other hand, could be a great mattress for sex. The gel grid feels especially responsive, making it super easy to move around on it.

Company Policies

Don’t rush to purchase just yet! It’s always smart to read the company policies before making your final decision.

Warranty Info

The Layla mattress is backed by an impressive lifetime warranty. Purple’s warranty lasts 10 years.

Sleep Trial

Customers have 120 nights to try out their Layla mattress in the comfort of their own home. Purple offers a 100-night sleep trial period.

Return Policy

If you’re not a fan of either mattress, you can get a full refund – as long as you return the bed within the sleep trial period.

FAQs

If you’re still curious about these two beds, check out our FAQ section below!