Bear vs. Purple Mattress Comparison

Sizing and Weight Options

Before getting your heart set on a particular mattress model, it’s a good idea to consider how it will fit into your existing bedroom setup. The main points to consider are the mattress’s size, height, and weight.

Most mattress manufacturers sell their mattresses in six standard sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. Some companies also offer a split king size, which may allow couples to adapt each side of the bed according to their personal comfort preferences.

A heavy mattress can be an issue during initial setup and whenever you need to rotate or flip it. People who anticipate moving often may prefer a mattress that weighs less and is easier to move. The weights given below are for a queen size mattress.

Mattress height is dictated by the layers within, so you’ll have to consider whether the benefits of the mattress construction justify the profile of the mattress for you. Many people find it easier to get in and out of bed when the mattress is higher off the ground, but it’s important to note that this is also affected by the height of the foundation or bed frame. Thicker mattresses may need deep-pocket fitted sheets, which can represent an additional investment.

Like many manufacturers, Bear and Purple offer a targeted selection of all-foam and hybrid models designed to appeal to a wide variety of shoppers. Bear focuses more on its all-foam offerings and offers just one hybrid model. In contrast, Purple has just one all-foam option and three hybrid options, counting the Hybrid Premier 12-inch and 13-inch versions.

Mattress weights are comparable for all-foam and hybrid models, with hybrid models weighing more due to the pocketed coils. Purple Hybrid Premier customers should note that the mattress is quite heavy, which may make it inconvenient to move.

In terms of sizing, Bear mattresses come in all the standard sizes. Customers can choose between a standard 10-inch and a higher 12-inch all-foam mattress, or a 14-inch hybrid mattress. This range of thicknesses may be appealing for those who prefer a higher-profile bed.

Purple does not offer a regular twin size for its hybrid models, which may be problematic for people who already have a twin-size bed frame. All of the Purple mattresses are available in a split king option. The Purple mattresses are slightly lower-profile, but still offer a range of choices, particularly in the hybrid models which range from 11 inches to 13 inches.

Construction and Materials Comparison

The two primary goals of a mattress are to provide support and pressure relief. To this end, most mattresses are built with one or more comfort layers over a support core.

As the name suggests, the comfort layers are primarily responsible for the surface feel of the mattress. Materials that are commonly used in comfort layers include memory foam, polyfoam, latex, micro-coils, and fibers such as wool or cotton. By contrast, support cores are generally made of sturdier materials such as high-density polyfoam, firmer latex, or pocketed coils.

Mattresses can be grouped into several categories according to the materials used in the comfort and support layers. The mattresses of a given type usually share some characteristics due to their common construction. However, individual models can also differ greatly depending on their unique design and the quality of their materials.

The flagship Bear and Purple mattresses are considered all-foam mattresses, as their support cores are made with high-density polyfoam. Both companies also make hybrid mattresses, which consist of one or more comfort layers over a pocketed coil base.

Bear

In addition to providing pressure relief and support, the Bear mattresses are constructed with specialty foams that draw heat away from the surface of the mattress.

Additionally, all the Bear mattresses feature a cover that incorporates Celliant fibers, which are designed to reflect body heat back at the sleeper in the form of infrared energy. This is intended to limit heat retention and hasten muscle recovery after a workout.

Bear Original

The Bear Original has a straightforward design with three layers including:

• 2 inches of graphite-gel infused memory foam
• 2 inches of transitional polyfoam
• 6-inch high-density polyfoam base

Designed with athletes in mind, the graphite-gel infusions help draw away heat from the sleeper. The bed has a firm feel and contours lightly to reduce pressure points, while still offering some responsiveness for easier movement.

Bear Pro

The Bear Pro is a step up from the Bear Original, with an additional layer of copper-infused polyfoam on top:

• 1 inch of copper-infused polyfoam
• 1.5 inch of gel-infused memory foam
• 2.5 inches of transitional polyfoam
• 7-inch high-density polyfoam support core

Copper is antimicrobial and conducts heat away from the surface of the mattress to keep it cool. The mattress has a medium firm feel and is slightly more supportive than the Bear Original.

Bear Star Hybrid

The Bear Star Hybrid mattress has a similar construction in its comfort layers, but replaces the polyfoam base with pocketed coils:

• Copper-infused memory foam
• Transitional polyfoam
• Pocketed coils
• Polyfoam base

As with most hybrid mattresses, the pocketed coils add bounce and improve edge support. They also allow heat to escape, helping to keep a neutral temperature throughout the night. Like the Bear Pro, this mattress has a medium firm feel. A quilted Celliant cover adds some initial cushioning.

All of the Bear mattresses are CertiPUR-US certified to be low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Bear Star Hybrid also holds Greenguard Gold certification for low emissions. Based on our testing, the Bear mattresses should have an average lifespan compared to similarly priced models. Bear does not disclose the density of the foams used in its mattresses, which makes it a little more difficult to judge the quality.

Purple

Purple is unique in that it uses a hyper-elastic polymer grid instead of polyfoam in the top layer of all its mattresses. The grid flexes in response to pressure, conforming closely to the sleeper to alleviate pressure points. It’s also highly breathable, making temperature neutrality a major feature of the Purple mattress line. To maximize the potential of the Purple grid, all the Purple mattresses have a stretchy viscose-polyester cover.

Purple Mattress

The original Purple mattress features a layer of Purple grid over a supportive polyfoam core:

• 2 inches of Purple grid
• 3.5 inches of transitional polyfoam
• 4 inches of high-density polyfoam

Instead of using a thicker polyfoam support core as with most foam mattresses, Purple has allotted more room to the transitional polyfoam layer. This provides more immediate support to sleepers after they sink through the Purple grid, minimizing excessive sinkage in heavier body parts.

Purple Hybrid, Hybrid Premier

The Purple Hybrid mattress replaces the polyfoam support core with pocketed coils:

• 2 inches of Purple grid
• 1 inch of transitional polyfoam
• 7.5-inch pocketed coil support core

The Purple Hybrid offers enhanced durability and support compared with the original Purple. The pocketed coils also add pushback, facilitating movement on top of the mattress.

In addition, Purple offers customers the option of purchasing a Purple Hybrid Premier mattress with a thicker layer of Purple grid. Purple Hybrid Premier customers can choose either 3 inches or 4 inches of Purple grid. The rest of the mattress is identical to the Purple Hybrid.

The thicker Purple Grid layer may be beneficial to side sleepers, particularly those who weigh over 230 pounds, as it provides deeper pressure relief to avoid pressure points forming in the hips and shoulders.

Purple uses high-density foams in the support layers, and the Purple Grid is less likely than memory foam to form permanent body indentations. Consequently, the Purple mattresses have a longer-than-average expected lifespan. This is especially true of the hybrid mattresses, as the coils provide a durable base.

In-Depth Ratings

Aside from its ability to provide support and pressure relief, there are several additional factors that affect the performance of a mattress. As comfort is a matter of personal preference, you may find that some of these factors are more important to you than others. Understanding how each of the following elements affects your sleep can help you prioritize certain categories over others when choosing a mattress.

• Durability: The better the quality of its materials and design, the longer a mattress can provide support and pressure relief without starting to break down. Better-quality mattresses can last as long as 7 or 8 years before needing to be replaced. Finding a mattress with components that can stand the test of time will help you get the most out of your investment.
• Motion Isolation: Motion isolation refers to a mattress’s ability to prevent movement on one side of the bed from being felt on the other side. Close-conforming materials like memory foam or the Purple Grid tend to perform best at this, and can help minimize disruptions for couples.
• Sex: Most people agree that the best mattress for sex has some bounce to it. Responsive surfaces facilitate movement, preventing couples from feeling stuck in the bed. On the other hand, some couples prefer a surface with some traction, such as polyfoam. Additional qualities that are important for sex include strong edge support, temperature neutrality, and a quiet surface.
• Temperature Neutrality: Temperature regulation is especially important for people who tend to overheat, as the body is programmed to sleep more soundly when it’s not uncomfortably warm. Temperature neutrality can be achieved with breathable materials such as latex, cotton, and wool, or components that allow for airflow, such as a pocketed coil support core. Since all-foam mattresses tend to trap heat, they’re commonly infused with additional cooling materials such as gel, graphite, or copper. As a general rule, close-conforming mattresses trap more heat around the sleeper, which is something to keep in mind if you’re a hot sleeper.
• Pressure Relief: One of the main purposes of any mattress is to distribute body weight and prevent pressure build-up in the sleeper. Pressure points often occur when heavier body parts, such as the hips and shoulders, come into prolonged contact with the firmer layers of a mattress. These can be alleviated by choosing a close-conforming mattress that cushions sensitive areas. The right amount of contouring can also help reduce strain on the lumbar area, which can be vulnerable to pressure build-up in mattresses that are too firm or too soft.
• Off-gassing: Many mattresses emit a “new mattress” smell when they first arrive. This is perfectly normal and is not considered harmful, although it may cause discomfort for people who are sensitive to smell. The odor is most common in polyfoam and memory foam mattresses, where it is the result of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) being released into the air after being unboxed. Letting the mattress air out in a well-ventilated room can help the smell dissipate more quickly.
• Ease of Movement: Mattresses with close-conforming comfort layers and a slow response to pressure can hinder a sleeper’s ability to switch positions. This is why combination sleepers tend to prefer more responsive mattresses, such as latex or hybrid mattresses. Firmer surfaces that keep the sleeper “on” instead of “in” the mattress can also facilitate movement.
• Edge Support: It’s not uncommon for mattresses to compress considerably around the edges. This often happens with plush mattresses such as memory foam models, and the issue may be exacerbated for people who weigh more than 230 pounds. Weak edge support can lead to feelings of roll-off and make it difficult or impossible to sit on the edge of the bed. If you share a smaller size mattress, or if you prefer to sleep near the edge of the bed, look out for a mattress with reinforced edge support. This can come in the form of sturdier coils or a foam encasement around the perimeter, and is more often found in hybrid models.

Based on our research and testing, we’ve assigned ratings in each of the following categories for the Bear and the Purple mattresses to help you narrow down your choice.

Bear

Purple

Prices and Sizing

Mattress prices vary widely, and it can sometimes be difficult to understand why one mattress is priced so much higher than another. Additionally, mattress retailers offer frequent discounts which can make it even more complicated to compare prices across brands.

While higher-quality mattresses are often more expensive, more expensive mattresses are not necessarily higher-quality. Since a mattress represents a significant investment, it pays to understand what’s behind the price tag. These are some of the main determinants:

• The type of mattress and the materials used
• The number of layers and the mattress’s overall height
• The quality of the materials and their certifications, such as whether they’re organic
• The source of the raw materials and the location where the mattress is made
• Proprietary materials and special features that affect the sleep experience
• Delivery options such as White Glove delivery or old mattress removal

The booming online mattress industry has given rise to a wealth of options across budgets. The Bear mattress lineup is very reasonably priced. Purple also has some mattresses at attractive price-points, but offers additional luxury options for those who are willing to splurge. Both companies regularly offer discounts off the suggested retail price.

The price-points of the flagship Bear and Purple mattresses both fall within the average range for an all-foam model, although the Bear Original leans more towards the lower end of this range. The Bear Pro has an almost identical price-point to the Purple, which is understandable given that both mattresses incorporate proprietary features that put them a cut above the basic all-foam model.

Likewise, the hybrid Bear and Purple models are similarly priced and offer decent value for money given the quality of their materials and design. Hybrid mattresses tend to cost more, but they offer greater durability and support. This is especially attractive for individuals who weigh more than 230 pounds.

The largest discrepancy in price between Bear vs. Purple mattresses occurs with the aptly named Purple Hybrid Premier models. Both the 12-inch and 13-inch Hybrid Premier mattresses have luxury price tags that reflect the thicker layers of Purple Grid, which is a unique material that commands a higher price.

The Purple Hybrid Premier mattresses also come with free White Glove delivery and old mattress removal. These services often cost upwards of $100 with other manufacturers, making this a very good deal for customers who need help setting up their mattress.

Trials, Warranty, and Delivery

Shipping

Mattress-in-a-Box

A major impetus for the online mattress industry has been the ability to compress mattresses and shrink-wrap them for shipping. These mattress-in-a-box beds are cheaper and easier to ship.

Most mattress companies offer free shipping in the contiguous U.S., and mattresses usually arrive at your doorstep within a few business days. Shipping times may vary depending on whether the mattress is shipped from overseas or from a manufacturing plant in the U.S.

Setting up the mattress requires moving the box to the room where you want it, carefully removing the box and plastic layers, and letting the mattress expand. It may be easier to do this with two people.

Purple and Bear both offer free shipping to the contiguous U.S. via FedEx Ground.

White Glove Delivery

With White Glove delivery, a delivery team will come and set up the mattress for you. Customers who select White Glove delivery can usually opt for old mattress removal as well. Since White Glove delivery is more involved, it usually takes longer, comes at an extra fee, and may not be available outside the contiguous U.S.

Purple offers optional White Glove delivery for its hybrid mattresses. This service is offered at an extra fee for the Purple Hybrid, and included free of charge for the Purple Hybrid Premier and any models over 150 pounds. King and California king Hybrid Premier mattresses come with mandatory White Glove delivery due to their extra weight. All White Glove customers can also request optional old mattress removal.

Bear offers White Glove delivery for an additional $100, plus old mattress removal for a total of $150.

Shipping Outside the Contiguous U.S.

Orders to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, or other locations outside the contiguous U.S. may incur extra shipping charges, and orders may take longer to arrive. Mattresses may not be available for purchase at all in these locations, and White Glove delivery is a rarity.

Bear and Purple both ship to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada for an additional charge. Purple mattresses that weigh more than 150 pounds are not available for purchase in Hawaii and Alaska as they’re too heavy to be sent by ground shipping.

Returns

It’s common practice for online mattress companies to offer an in-home sleep trial of at least 90 nights. During the sleep trial, if you decide the mattress isn’t right for you, you can return it for a refund.

In most cases, the company will arrange for pickup and removal of the mattress. Returned mattresses are either recycled or donated to charity. While most companies offer a risk-free policy, some companies may charge a nominal restocking or return shipping fee.

Purple offers a 100-night sleep trial, but asks that customers try the mattress for at least 21 nights to allow time for the body to adjust to the feel of the new mattress. In lieu of a refund, customers may also opt to exchange the mattress for another Purple model.

Bear offers a 120-night sleep trial with a 30-night break-in period required. Customers who wish to exchange the mattress for a different Bear model should first return the mattress, then order the new one.

Warranties

Mattress warranties are designed to protect consumers against manufacturing and workmanship defects. Warranty coverage should be included at no additional charge for original purchasers of a new mattress from an authorized dealer.

The standard mattress warranty length is at least 10 years. During this time, the manufacturer will usually repair or replace the mattress at its discretion. Some warranties are prorated, meaning that after a given amount of time, customers will be partially responsible for the repair or replacement cost of a defective mattress.

Most warranties cover visible indentations and splitting or cracking in the foam, as well as defects in the cover. To be valid for warranty coverage, most companies require that their mattress be used with a properly supportive foundation. Mattress warranties don’t usually cover comfort preferences, normal wear and tear, stains, improper care, or mattresses with other signs of abuse. Keep the law tags attached and take note of any other requirements in order not to void the warranty.

Bear offers a lifetime warranty for all mattresses. Purple offers a 10-year non-prorated warranty for all its mattresses, with a separate 2-year warranty for the covers.