Leesa vs. Purple Mattress Comparison

Online shoppers looking for a new mattress will likely come across both Leesa and Purple. These popular mattress-in-a-box companies offer foam and hybrid models in addition to pillows, bases, bedding, and other sleep accessories.

Leesa is a certified B Corporation with a social mission that includes charity work and regular mattress donations. The company launched with its flagship foam Leesa mattress and has since expanded its product line to include the Studio by Leesa, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, and the Leesa Legend. The price points range from budget-friendly to luxury, and each mattress incorporates proprietary foam layers for pressure relief.

Purple gained popularity quickly with its unique Purple Grid, a hyper-elastic polymer comfort layer with open air channels. The Purple Grid cradles the body and cushions pressure points. Since the debut of the flagship Purple mattress, the company has improved upon the original design and expanded the Purple mattress line to include the Purple Hybrid and the Purple Hybrid Premier.

Shoppers may be wondering which mattress offers better temperature regulation, pressure relief, and motion isolation. We’ll break down how each Leesa and Purple mattress performs in these and other key categories. We’ll also cover the price of each mattress and overall customer ratings. Lastly, we’ll review the company policies that shoppers should be aware of before making a purchase.

This in-depth Leesa vs. Purple mattress guide will help shoppers decide which mattress is best-suited for their unique needs and preferences.

Sizing and Weight Options

Bedroom size and layout differ for each shopper, and choosing the right mattress size is essential. In addition to how much space there is in the bedroom, shoppers should also consider their needs and preferences. Mattress size can impact how much comfort and support the mattress provides and impact the overall sleep experience.

Most mattresses are offered in standard sizes twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. Some are available in split sizes, which are often used with dual-sided adjustable bases. Not every mattress is available in every size, which can narrow down options for some shoppers.

Mattress weight is another important factor, as it affects how easy it is to set up, adjust, and move the mattress as needed. Mattresses can be heavy, with some queen size mattresses weighing 100 pounds or more. Heavier mattresses are harder to adjust and move, but the weight can help keep them in place on the bed frame.

The height of the mattress determines how easy it is to get in and out of bed. It can also impact whether or not the mattress fits in the designated space. Lower profile mattresses are often required for smaller spaces, including bunk beds and RVs. Higher profile mattresses generally have additional layers and can provide more support.

Leesa and Purple each have several mattress models available to appeal to shoppers with different needs and preferences. Both companies have expanded beyond their flagship foam models to include more options.

The Leesa and the Leesa Sapira Hybrid are available in all six standard sizes, but the Legend is not available in a twin size. Purple offers a split king size for each model, but the Purple Hybrid and Hybrid Premier are not manufactured in a twin size.

Since each mattress differs in construction, including the comfort layers and support core, they also differ in height and weight. Shoppers looking for a low-profile mattress may prefer the Studio by Leesa, the Leesa, or the Purple, as these models are 9 to 10 inches in height. Coils add height and support to the hybrid models for both Leesa and Purple, making them better suited for sleepers who want a high-profile mattress.

The Purple models all weigh more than 100 pounds in a queen size. This can help the mattress stay in place on the bed frame, but makes moving or adjusting the mattress more difficult. The Leesa foam models are significantly lighter than the hybrid options, and may be better for shoppers who plan to move with the mattress.

Construction and Materials Comparison

Mattresses are often made with foam, latex, innerspring coils, and other natural and synthetic materials. The construction of the mattress determines what type of mattress it is and affects how durable and supportive the mattress is. Both Leesa and Purple offer foam and hybrid mattresses, but use different materials in the comfort systems and support cores.

The comfort system of a mattress is responsible for pressure relief. Comfort layers often include contouring foam or latex to cushion pressure points and keep sleepers comfortable throughout the night. Low density foam can be prone to deep impressions over time, while high density foam is more durable. Natural latex resists impressions and has above-average durability.

The support core of a mattress reinforces the comfort system and provides an even, consistent surface for sleepers. Foam mattresses tend to have a high-density polyfoam base for ample support and added durability. Hybrid mattresses typically use pocketed coils for support. Steel coils can be tempered for improved durability.

Leesa

The Leesa product line includes four models, two of which are foam mattresses and two of which are hybrids. Leesa constructs each mattress with a responsive foam comfort system, though the composition of the layers vary between each mattress model. Each Leesa mattress offers notable contouring and pressure relief.

The Leesa

The flagship Leesa is a foam mattress with a 10-inch profile. Like the Studio, the Leesa has a breathable polyester blend cover. The Leesa is softer, rating as a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale.

The Leesa has 2 inches of polyfoam as the first comfort layer. This breathable layer contours to the shape of the body but has more bounce than memory foam, ensuring better ease of movement for sleepers. Beneath the polyfoam is 2 inches of memory foam for additional contouring and pressure relief.

The 6-inch high density polyfoam base of the Leesa mattress offers stability and support.

The Leesa Sapira Hybrid

The Leesa Sapira Hybrid has a cotton blend cover, foam comfort system, and coil support base. The hybrid construction results in an 11-inch profile and a medium firm (6) rating.

The comfort system of the Leesa Sapira Hybrid has three layers. The first layer is 1.5 inches of aerated polyfoam for notable contouring and bounce. This layer provides increased airflow and helps dissipate heat. The second layer is 1.5 inches of memory foam for pressure point relief. A 1-inch polyfoam transition layer acts as a buffer for the coil core and helps minimize motion transfer.

The 6-inch pocketed coil support core adds airflow and bounce to the Leesa Sapira Hybrid. An inch of polyfoam reinforces the coils.

The Leesa Legend

The Leesa Legend is the company’s luxury hybrid model. It has a dual-coil construction, 12-inch profile, and a medium firm (6) rating. The hypoallergenic cover of the Leesa Legend incorporates organic cotton and merino wool to wick away moisture.

Like the Leesa and the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, the Legend has a combined foam comfort system that includes polyfoam and memory foam. This includes 1 inch of aerated polyfoam and 1 inch of memory foam for contouring and pressure relief.

Exclusive to the Legend mattress is 1.5 inches of microcoils zoned with polyfoam. This layer reduces motion transfer while supporting the hips and shoulders. A transition layer of polyfoam sits between the zoned microcoil layer and the pocketed coil support base. The support coils provide edge to edge support and are reinforced by a 1-inch layer of polyfoam.

Studio by Leesa

The Studio by Leesa is the brand’s most affordable model. It has a 10-inch profile, foam construction, and breathable polyester blend cover. Overall, the mattress has a medium firm feel that rates as a 6 on the 10-point firmness scale. It offers moderate contouring.

The comfort system of the Studio is two 1.5-inch layers of memory foam that isolate motion and relieve pressure. Memory foam cradles the body and cushions the shoulders and hips.

The Studio has a 7-inch high-density polyfoam base. This support core reinforces the comfort layers and provides consistent support.

Purple

Purple manufactures the Purple mattress, the Purple Hybrid, and the Purple Hybrid Premier. The company uses a hyper-elastic polymer grid in each mattress model, which is unique to Purple. The Purple Grid has open channels for airflow and a responsive feel that cradles the body. Each Purple mattress is hypoallergenic.

The Purple

The Purple mattress is the brand’s flagship foam model. It has a breathable SoftFlex cover that stretches in order for sleepers to feel the contouring benefits of the Purple Grid. The Purple is considered medium firm (6).

The 2-inch Purple Grid comfort layer flexes when pressure is applied, providing a cradling effect that reduces tension and cushions pressure points. Beneath the Purple Grid is 3.5 inches of soft, responsive polyfoam for added contouring and pressure relief.

The support core of the Purple mattress is 4 inches of high-density polyfoam. The firm base reinforces the comfort system and supports the body.

The Purple Hybrid

The Purple Hybrid has an 11-inch profile and medium firm (6) rating. The StretchMax cover includes breathable side panels for added airflow. The Hybrid isolates motion exceptionally well, but still has enough bounce for ease of movement.

Like the flagship Purple, the Purple Hybrid has a 2-inch Purple Grid comfort layer for pressure relief. An inch of transition polyfoam reinforces the comfort system and adds structure to the Hybrid mattress.

The core of the Purple Hybrid is 7.5 inches of pocketed coils. This responsive layer relieves pressure and supports the body.

The Purple Hybrid Premier

The Purple Hybrid Premier is the company’s luxury hybrid model. It has a thicker comfort system, and shoppers can choose between a 3- or 4-inch Purple Grid.

The 3-inch Purple Grid provides pressure relief and cradles the body. Like the Purple and Purple Hybrid, this option has a medium firm (6) rating.

The 4-inch Purple grid offers sleepers a softer feel with a medium (5) rating. The thick comfort system results in a “zero-gravity” feel, as sleepers sink more into the Grid for pressure relief.

Both Hybrid Premier options include a 1-inch transition layer of polyfoam above 7.5 inches of pocketed coils. The coil support base relieves pressure and improves the overall support and durability of the mattress.

In-Depth Ratings

Comparing mattresses can be overwhelming for shoppers at times. Marketing buzzwords, unique features of a mattress line, deals and bundles, and more can all serve as distractions for customers trying to purchase a mattress. On top of that, every sleeper has different personal needs from a bed.

The following qualities of mattresses should be understood and prioritized to help shoppers narrow down their mattress search and find the best fit. These aspects help shoppers evaluate how comfortable the mattress will be for them, and whether or not it will suit their individual needs.

• Durability: A durable mattress provides even, consistent support for many years. The less durable a mattress is, the more prone it is to sagging. This causes it to become less supportive over time. A high-quality mattress is often an investment for shoppers, but there is less of a likelihood that it will need to be replaced in a short period of time. The quality of materials used and the overall construction contribute to the durability of a mattress. High-density foam, natural materials, and tempered steel coils are all considered especially durable.
• Motion Isolation: Sleepers who share the bed are less likely to feel their partner toss and turn throughout the night if the mattress isolates motion. Comfort layers absorb most of the pressure from movements. Materials that are slow to return to their original shape when pressure is removed help prevent motion transfer. Memory foam is especially revered for its motion isolating properties. Coils are much bouncier and tend to carry movements from one side of the bed to the other. Motion transfer is frequently offset in hybrids by encasing the coils in fabric and surrounding the support core with foam layers.
• Sex: A mattress that is conducive to sex will facilitate movement and make it easy for users to change positions as needed. Hybrid and latex mattresses typically have plenty of bounce, which prevents the feeling of being stuck in the bed. Foam comfort layers can provide traction, but if they sink in too deeply can inhibit movement. Shoppers should also factor in the strength of a bed’s edge support, as this determines how much usable surface area the mattress has.
• Temperature Neutrality: A mattress that regulates temperature and maintains a temperature neutral feel can provide comfort for sleepers. Some materials retain heat while others dissipate it. Traditional memory foam conforms closely and reduces the amount of airflow around the body, but memory foam infused with gel, copper, or graphite, offsets heat retention to a certain extent. Latex and hybrid mattresses tend to be more breathable and are often preferred by hot sleepers. Shoppers should consider the climate they live in, their personal preferences, and whether or not they sleep hot before deciding on a mattress type.
• Pressure Relief: By conforming to the shape of the body, mattresses distribute weight evenly and relieve pressure. Cushioning pressure points, which are likely to develop at the hips and shoulders, can help reduce chronic aches and pains. Most sleepers will want a mattress that relieves pressure, but side sleepers and those with sharp pressure points are likely to need additional contouring. Memory foam typically provides the deepest conforming, but latex also offers a good amount of pressure relief.
• Off-gassing: As a mattress airs out, it may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are responsible for a “new mattress smell.” This is common with mattresses that are compressed and shipped in boxes, due to the manufacturing and packaging processes. Once the mattress expands, any initial odor should dissipate within one to three days. Keeping the bedroom well-ventilated as the mattress airs out will help dissipate any off-gassing. CertiPUR-US certified mattresses are low in VOCs, as are mattresses made with natural and organic materials.
• Ease of Movement: If a mattress springs back to shape when pressure is removed, it is typically easy to move around on. A buoyant comfort system helps combination sleepers change positions throughout the night. Latex is especially resilient and hybrid mattresses have coils that add bounce for ease of movement. Memory foam can provide traction for changing positions, but it can also feel restrictive if it is too soft or conforming.
• Edge Support: Edge support ensures stability and support around the perimeter of the mattress. It offers sleepers more surface area, as they feel just as supported sleeping near the edge as they do in the center of the mattress. A reinforced perimeter helps prevent sagging along the edges over time. Sturdy edge support is often found in hybrid mattresses with reinforced perimeters, but is typically lacking in foam models that compress easily.

Leesa

Purple

Prices and Sizing

Mattress pricing generally depends on the mattress type, but it is also affected by the size, height, and construction of the mattress. Foam mattresses are often more budget-friendly, while latex and hybrid models tend to be more expensive. That said, there are a wide range of price points available for each mattress type.

Many mattress companies ship directly to the consumer and eliminate overhead costs by operating exclusively online. The lower retail prices and simplified shopping experience of online companies have contributed to their popularity. Additionally, these companies offer frequent sales and promotions. It is rare for a customer to have to pay full retail price for a mattress, and no negotiating is required.

Along with sales and promotions, online mattress companies frequently offer free shipping. That said, customers should keep in mind that additional costs can arise, including shipping fees to certain locations or additional services like White Glove delivery and old mattress removal.

Leesa

Purple

Since Leesa and Purple have similar product lines with comparable price points for several models, shoppers will likely need to consider more than just price when comparing the two. Both companies have multiple mattress models and a range of price points to accommodate different budgets.

The flagship Leesa and flagship Purple foam mattresses are similarly priced. The Purple Hybrid and Leesa Sapira Hybrid are also comparable, and reasonably priced in general for hybrid models. The Leesa Legend and Purple Premier are both luxury hybrid models and have price points to match.

Leesa does have a slight edge over Purple for budget shoppers, as the brand recently released the Studio by Leesa. The Studio is more affordable than the average memory foam mattress. Those who want to invest in a luxury mattress have their choice of the Leesa Legend or Purple Hybrid Premier. The Hybrid Premier is more expensive, but some may appreciate that it is rated slightly higher in terms of durability, temperature regulation, and off-gassing.

Trials, Warranty, and Delivery

Shipping

While most online mattress companies ship mattresses compressed in a box, delivery methods, time frames, and other shipping policies vary between manufacturers.

Since mattresses shipped in boxes are typically compressed and vacuum-sealed, many are made to order or manufactured in small batches to prevent long-term storage.

Standard shipping is typically free within the contiguous United States, but additional fees may apply for orders shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally. In addition to standard shipping, White Glove delivery is typically available but may cost extra. Some companies offer freight shipping for orders placed outside of the contiguous United States.

Leesa Shipping Policies

Leesa ships free to all 50 states in the United States. Shipping is available to Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany for an additional charge. White Glove delivery is available to select locations for an additional $150 charge. This service includes old mattress removal.

Leesa mattresses are made to order in the United States and typically ship within three to eight business days. The mattress is compressed, vacuum-sealed in plastic, and shipped as a mattress in a box. In-home delivery and set-up can take an additional seven business days for delivery.

Purple Shipping Policies

Purple offers free ground shipping to the contiguous 48 U.S. states. Shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada is available for an additional charge. White Glove delivery, which includes old mattress removal, is offered for $149.

Purple mattresses are made in the United States. Orders are processed within three to five business days. The mattress is compressed and shipped as a mattress-in-a-box. Standard shipping takes three to five business days, while White Glove delivery can take a few weeks.

Returns

Mattresses purchased online often include a sleep trial so purchasers can try out the mattress in the comfort of their homes. Sleep trials range in length from three months to a full year, and some include a mandatory break-in period before a return can be initiated.

Returned mattresses that have been used are typically donated or recycled, but not resold. As a fully expanded mattress cannot be easily compressed and returned in its original packaging, the mattress company usually helps coordinate pickup of the mattress. Some companies offer free return shipping, while others charge a return transportation fee.

Leesa Return Policy

Leesa offers a 100-night sleep trial, which includes a 30-night break-in period before a return can be initiated. If the customer decides to return the mattress, Leesa coordinates pickup and return or donation of the mattress. Returns are free for the contiguous United States, but orders shipped to Alaska and Hawaii are subject to a $100 return fee.

Purple Return Policy

Purple provides a 100-night sleep trial with a 21-night minimum before a return can be initiated. In the event of a return, Purple coordinates pickup and donation of the mattress. There are no return fees.

Warranties

A warranty protects the mattress in the event of a defect. Companies will usually repair or replace a defective mattress. Defects may include interior cracks or splits in the foam layers, deep impressions or indentations, and/or flaws in the cover.

Companies offer warranties to show they stand behind the quality of the product. Mattress warranties often differ in length of coverage and eligibility requirements, so shoppers should compare warranties before making a purchase. Eligibility requirements may include using a specific type of bed frame or foundation, along with keeping mattress tags intact, and saving any proof of purchase.

Warranty costs may include shipping or transportation fees, a prorated replacement charge, and/or inspection costs.

Leesa Warranty

Leesa provides a 10-year limited warranty for each mattress, which covers defects in materials and manufacturing. This includes impressions greater than one inch and physical flaws in the foam and/or cover. The company will repair or replace a defective mattress. The customer is responsible for any shipping charges.

Purple Warranty

Purple offers a 2-year limited warranty for its mattress cover, and a 10-year limited warranty for the mattress interior. This warranty covers defects in materials and manufacturing, including indentations greater than one inch and splits or cracks in the foam. Purple will repair or replace a defective mattress, but the customer is responsible for shipping and inspection charges.