Purple Mattress vs Saatva – Which Is Right for You?

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Purple Mattress and Saatva are two of the most popular mattress brands, but which is best for you? In this Purple mattress vs Saatva mattress comparison, we will take a close look these products so you know what you are buying.

At first glance these mattresses may appear very similar, but you will quickly see they don’t have that much in common. Keep reading to find out which one is the right choice for you.

Purple Mattress vs Saatva Overview

The Purple brand utilizes one of the most unique materials out there – a squishy gel grid. It’s made from hyper-elastic gel polymer, and you’ll find it inside many of their products, including the Purple Pillow and Purple Hybrid Premiere mattress.

Saatva is another online mattress company. Along with the Saatva Classic, they have mattresses such as the Saatva HD, the Loom & Leaf and the Zenhaven. Saatva comes in three firmness levels (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm and Firm), and two heights (11.5” and 14.5”). In this mattress comparison, we’ll focus specifically on the Luxury Firm 11.5” model.

Who Should Get The Purple Mattress

  • Back sleepers
  • Hot sleepers
  • Heavyweight side sleepers

Purple Mattress

the Purple Original mattress sits on a bed frame in a bedroom

Purple is an innovative mattress that is a great fit for all three sleeping positions and doesn’t sleep hot.

Clarity Score 4.1/5
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

100 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5

Purple Mattress

the Purple Original mattress sits on a bed frame in a bedroom

Purple is an innovative mattress that is a great fit for all three sleeping positions and doesn’t sleep hot.

Clarity Score 4.1/5
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

100 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
the Purple Original mattress sits on a bed frame in a bedroom

Purple Mattress

Purple is an innovative mattress that is a great fit for all three sleeping positions and doesn’t sleep hot.

Clarity Score 4.1/5
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

100 nights

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5

Who Should Get The Saatva

  • Sleepers with back pain
  • Combination sleepers
  • Fans of a classic innerspring mattresses

Saatva Mattress

Saatva Mattress Review

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Innerspring

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review

Saatva Mattress

Saatva Mattress Review

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Innerspring

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Saatva Mattress Review

Saatva Mattress

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Innerspring

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review

Purple Mattress vs Saatva Mattress Video Comparison

If you want to see how Purple mattress and Saatva compare next to each other, check out our video comparison.

Similarities Between the Purple Mattress and Saatva?

How are these two brands similar? Let’s take a look:

If you want to learn more, check out our Purple mattress comparisons.

Key Differences Between the Purple Mattress and Saatva?

In this section, we’ll highlight some of the key differences between the Purple and Saatva. This way, you can really learn which one will work best for you.

  • The Purple mattress has a unique gel grid, while the Saatva is a traditional innerspring mattress.
  • The Saatva has multiple firmness and height options.
  • The Purple mattress has an entirely unique feel because of it’s hyper-elastic gel grid, while the Saatva has a more traditional feel.

Learn more about how the Saatva compares to other mattresses in our other Saatva mattress comparisons.

Firmness and Feel Differences

In this section we will go over how these mattresses feel for different sleepers.

How Firm Are the Purple Mattress and Saatva Mattresses?

The industry standard for firmness is 6.5/10. The original Purple mattress is a 6.5/10, which is a nice medium-firm feel. It is important to note that because of the gel grid, heavier sleepers will feel like this is a softer mattress.

The Saatva Luxury Firm option is slightly firmer at 7/10. The Plush Soft option is 5.5-6/10 and the Firm option is 8/10. The Saatva is built with a pillow top that adds some softness before the support layers.

Sleeping on the Purple and Saatva Mattresses

If you are a back sleeper, you will most likely love the Purple mattress. The Purple Grid collapses under the heaviest parts of your body and stays upright everywhere else.

Back Sleeping On The Purple Mattress

The Purple mattress works well for heavier side sleepers, but it may feel too firm for lighter people. If you’re a larger person, this mattress will create fantastic pressure relief.

For stomach sleepers, the Purple mattress is a great choice. The bed supports our hips and keeps them in line, so we never feel out of place. In fact, is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

The Saatva is also one of the best mattresses for back sleepers. It creates an excellent balance of comfort and support and is one of the best mattresses for people with back pain as well as one of the best mattresses for people with arthritis. It has great lumbar support.

Saatva Mattress - Back Sleeping

Some side sleepers may find Saatva’s Luxury Firm mattress isn’t soft enough. If that’s the case, you should opt for the Plush Soft model.

Stomach sleepers generally feel supported and comfortable on the Saatva Luxury Firm. But if you are a bit heavier, you might enjoy the Firm option more.

What Do the Purple and Saatva Mattresses Feel Like?

The Purple mattress is one of the most unique mattresses out there. It has a squishy yet firm feel that is unlike any other.  The hyper-elastic gel grid collapses under pressure but maintains its firmness when less pressure is applied.

The Saatva is a classic innerspring mattress with a pillow top feel, so it feels responsive and firm. Thanks to its coils, this mattress has a bouncy and supportive quality. When you rest your head at night, you won’t sink into it and feel stuck.

Average Weight Sleepers – 130lbs – 230lbs

Average weight sleepers should find the Purple mattress is a great pick. Back sleepers should feel ample pressure relief, though if you are very close to 130lbs, it might not collapse enough for you. The same problem applies to side sleepers, but heavier people should feel enough pressure relief on the shoulders and hips. Stomach sleepers will have no problems in this weight range.

If you’re an average weight person, Saatva’s Luxury Firm option should support you in all three sleeping positions. When side sleeping, you’ll feel some nice pressure relief from the plush pillow top. When back sleeping, you’ll notice a great balance of comfort and support. Even average weight stomach sleepers should find this is a decent pick. If this is your only sleeping position, however, we recommend getting the Firm option.

Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230lbs

Heavyweight stomach and back sleepers should enjoy the Purple mattress.  If you’re a side sleeper, you should feel ample comfort and pressure relief. However, if you are above 300lbs, you may prefer one of the best mattresses for heavyweight sleepers.

On Saatva’s Luxury Firm bed, heavyweight back and side sleepers will feel decent support and pressure relief. Stomach sleepers will need to choose the Firm option because the Luxury Firm is too soft. For the best results, however, we recommend opting for the Saatva HD. This mattress was designed specifically for heavier people in mind, and it’s extra supportive and firm.

Lightweight Sleepers – Under 130lbs

On the Purple, lightweight back and side sleepers won’t sink into the mattress very much, so they won’t feel the desired pressure relief. This could be a great match for lightweight stomach sleepers, though, because the mattress will feel quite firm.

No matter the sleeping position, lightweight sleepers should feel supported on the Saatva.

Mattress Construction Differences

It is helpful to know what a mattress is made of, so let’s take a close look.

Cover

The Purple mattress features the Purple SoftFlex cover, and it is stretchy enough to move with the grid.

Saatva’s cover is made from breathable organic cotton. It is tufted and quilted with foam, which is why we named it one of the best pillow top mattresses.

Comfort Layers

The Purple mattress’s comfort layers start with the Purple Grid. Like previously mentioned, the hyper elastic gel polymer grid is the top layer that contours to your body. It collapses under pressure, but remains firm elsewhere. Under that there is a transition layer of soft foam that adds some pressure relief and responsiveness.

Purple Grid

Beneath Saatva’s pillow top sits a layer of memory foam. This material creates some cushioning for pressure points.

Saatva Mattress - Construction

Support Layer

The Purple Mattress’s support layer is made out of firm, high-density foam. It provides plenty of structure for the mattress.

In the Saatva’s support layers, you’ll find two distinct sets of coils. The first is a group of individual microcoils that conform to your body. The next are thick, high grade steel coils that provide structural support.

Mattress Height

Purple mattress is 9.5” tall.

The Saatva has two height options – 11.5” and 14.5.”

Purple Mattress and Saatva Mattress Size Options and Price

In this section we show all the size and price options these mattresses come in.

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

Want to spruce up your bed? Check out our Purple Harmony pillow review.

Saatva

Size Dimensions Price
Twin 38″ x 75″ $1395.00
Twin XL 38″ x 80″ $1495.00
Full 54” x 75” $1995.00
Queen 60″ x 80″ $2095.00
King 76″ x 80″ $2595.00
California King 72″ x 84″ $2595.00
Split King 76″ x 80″ $2990.00
Split California King Two 38″ x 80″ pieces $2990.00

Use our coupon for the best deal on these mattresses.

Don’t feel like purchasing a bran new mattress? Check out our Saatva mattress topper review.

Purple and Saatva Performance Differences

Knowing how each mattress holds up under certain conditions is important, so in this section we will provide some of those answers.

Sleeping Hot or Cold

The Purple is a temperature neutral mattress. The grid and breathable cover allow for plenty of airflow so it does not trap too much heat.

The Saatva is one of the best cooling mattresses. The breathable cotton cover and coils allow for optimal airflow. It is great for hot sleepers.

Motion Transfer

The Purple mattress is not the best mattress for motion isolation. It is responsive and bouncy, so if you sleep with a partner you will more than likely feel them get up or shift their weight.

The Saatva is also not good at motion isolation. Because of the responsive pillow top and bouncy, pocketed coils, this mattress moves quite a bit.

Edge Support

Thanks to its foam encasement, the Purple mattress has high quality edge support. We can sit on the edge of the mattress without falling off.

Purple Mattress Edge Support

The Saatva mattress, with its two layers of coils, also has great edge support. We feel totally secure around the edge.

Saatva Mattress - Edge Support

Durability

The Purple is a long lasting and highly durable mattress. Given the high quality gel grid, it should last at least 10 years.

The Saatva is a long lasting, high quality mattress. It should also last at least 10 years.

Off-Gassing

With many bed-in-a-box mattresses, there is some off gassing (which is a release of gasses after it’s been decompressed). However, this shouldn’t be a problem with the Purple mattress.

Because the Saatva does not arrive compressed inside a box, there is no off-gassing.

Noise

The Purple is not a noisy mattress at all. Moving does not make any squeaking or creaking noises.

The Saatva is an innerspring mattress, but it is surprisingly quiet. It also does not create too much noise.

Sex

People looking for a good mattress for sex tend to want one that allows you to move, which perfectly describes the Purple.

The Saatva also falls into this category – in fact, it is one of the best mattresses for sex on the market.

Company Policies

In this section we’ll go over Saatva and Purple’s warranty, sleep trial and return policy.

Warranty Info

The Purple has a 10-year warranty.

The Saatva has a lifetime warranty.

Sleep Trial

The Purple sleep trial is 100 nights.

The Saatva sleep trial is 365 nights, which is a very good trial compared to the average.

Return Policy

The Purple allows you to return the mattress after 21 days in the 100 night sleep trial. If it is still in good, clean condition, it will be a free return.

Saatva charges a $99 return fee any time during the sleep trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Purple and Saatva mattresses.

Do you need a box spring with the Purple or Saatva mattresses?

For the Purple, a box spring is not necessary. You can lay it directly on a base. Saatva recommends customers use a box spring for maximum comfort.

How long will the Purple last? How long will the Saatva last?

Both the Purple and the Saatva should last at least 10 years.

Can you flip the Purple or the Saatva?

No, these mattresses need to be oriented the correct way, with the support on the bottoms and the comfort on the top.

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Joe Auer

Joe Auer

Founder/Managing Editor

About Author

Joe is the founder of Mattress Clarity and has been reviewing mattresses and other sleep products for more than five years. Joe knows a lot about mattresses, having tested more than 100 personally. Through his experience, he has developed a straightforward and practical approach to making mattress recommendations.

Joe does not believe there is one best mattress for everyone and that a more tailored approach is often the most helpful to mattress shoppers. He tries to make clear what types of sleepers a particular mattress would be good for. He also notes what considerations people should make when looking at a particular type of bed.

His extensive knowledge of mattresses, and the mattress industry, has garnered him some media attention. He’s been interviewed and featured in several online publications, including Inc.om, Business Insider, New York Magazine, Huffington Post, and Forbes.

Thanks to his expertise, Joe has tested countless approaches to improving his own sleep quality. He has two top sleep tips that he’s benefitted from personally. He limits his caffeine consumption to 100 mg a day and meditates for 15 minutes daily.

Joe has an undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and an MBA from Columbia University, where he studied entrepreneurship.

When he isn’t reviewing mattresses, Joe loves to play classical piano, read fiction and non-fiction, and travel.