Sleep Number c vs. Purple Mattress Comparison

Overall Rating

7.5

Sleep Number c2 (Classic Series)

Bottom Line

An airbed that allows the user to adjust the firmness of each side from soft to very firm.

Check Price on SleepNumber.com

$999 from Sleep Number (queen)

Full Mattress Review

VS

Overall Rating

8.3

Purple Mattress

Bottom Line

A grid of hyper-elastic polymer allows for cooling airflow and brings a responsive feel to the bed.

Check Price on Purple.com

$1,399 from Purple (queen)

Full Mattress Review

Our Testing Team’s Take

Over the past decade, our testing team has evaluated nearly 2,000 mattresses in our Seattle Test Lab. Through this hands-on testing, we’ve developed a unique product research methodology that forms the backbone of our mattress rating system. 

Using cutting-edge technology, we pressure map each bed to identify where pressure points may form. We use similarly advanced tools to measure motion transfer across each mattress’ surface and heat retention.

We also have testing team members take mattresses home for weeks at a time, allowing them to mimic real-world use. Because our team members represent a variety of body weights and sleep position preferences, their perspectives can help you identify which might be the best mattress for you.

Our Verdict  

Because of their different constructions and materials, the Sleep Number c2 and the Purple Mattress tend to appeal to sleepers interested in different features. The Sleep Number’s standout feature is its ability to quickly and easily change firmness levels via adjustments to the amount of air in its support core. 

Mary Fenton

Head of Product Content

Combination sleeper

150 pounds

Sleeps with a noise machine

“I really appreciated the adjustable firmness feature — it’s a game-changer for finding just the right level of support. While the mattress does feel quite firm at lower numbers, the customization makes it easy to dial in my comfort.”

The Purple Mattress stands out by excelling at relieving pressure, isolating motion, and sleeping cooler than the average foam bed.

Different but overlapping groups of sleepers rate each mattress highly. Sleepers of all sleep position preferences weighing less than 130 pounds find comfort on the Sleep Number c2, as do side sleepers weighing less than 230 pounds. The Purple is most popular with back sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds, as well as side sleepers of all body weights.

Brad Nehring

Senior Product Analyst

Side sleeper

215 pounds

Sleeps with a weighted blanket

“Purple’s signature buckling column gel is definitely a unique material that you’ll either love or hate, but I personally really like the feel. As a side sleeper, I appreciate that it relieves pressure well and helps prevent heat buildup.”

Construction and Materials

The Sleep Number c2 is an airbed, and the Purple Mattress is a foam mattress, meaning the materials in each bed’s support core differ, which can lead to different feels. The comfort layers in these beds are also made up of different materials, with the Sleep Number containing polyfoam and the Purple using its proprietary buckling column gel for comfort.

Sleep Number c2 Breakdown 

The Sleep Number c2 is an airbed with adjustable firmness that can range from soft to firm, or from 3 to 8 on our 10-point firmness scale. It also has an 8-inch profile containing three layers, including the cover, which is a polyester blend.

The comfort layer in this bed is a 2-inch layer of gel-infused polyfoam. This layer provides cushion, and its gel infusion is intended to reduce heat build-up. This layer also helps promote spinal alignment, especially for side sleepers. However, most sleepers weighing over 230 don’t find that this layer is firm enough to keep them from sinking down to the bed’s support core.

The support core of the Sleep Number c2 consists of adjustable air chambers. Sleepers can adjust the firmness level on each side of the bed individually using a remote, which allows couples who share a bed to sleep on different firmness levels tailored to their individual needs. As a smart bed, the Sleep Number c2 also collects sleep data, which sleepers can view online or in an app.  

Purple Mattress Breakdown 

The Purple Mattress measures medium-firm, or 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale. It’s slightly taller than the Sleep Number c2, with a 9.25-inch profile. This mattress contains four layers, including a viscose, polyester, and Lycra blend cover. Purple calls this the SoftFlex cover and says it stretches to work in synergy with the Purple grid under it.

The Purple grid is part of the mattress’ comfort system and also called the GelFlexⓇ Grid. Made of a unique buckling column gel, this grid has a rubbery, jiggly feel that differs from the feels of other common comfort materials, like foam and latex. Open spaces within the grid allow for airflow that prevents heat buildup. 

Underneath the Purple grid is a 3.25-inch transitional layer made of polyfoam. This layer adds comfort and support at the same time. At the bottom of the mattress is a 4-inch polyfoam support core. The support core keeps the bed stable and contributes to its firmness level.

Mattress Sizing and Weight 

Both beds are available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes. The Sleep Number c2 is also available in split king, FlexTop king, split California king, and FlexTop California king sizes. 

Split mattresses are those that come in two pieces to reduce motion transfer. FlexTop mattresses are in one piece that is split down the middle at the top of the bed, so one side can be individually adjusted on an adjustable bed base while the other lies flat.

Performance Ratings 

The Sleep Number c2 and the Purple Mattress perform well in different areas. Sleepers who prefer the Sleep Number c2 tend to enjoy the ability to adjust the bed’s firmness level. This feature is especially useful for side sleepers weighing less than 230. Also, all sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds rate the bed very highly. The ability to adjust firmness also stands out to couples in which each individual requires a different firmness level to feel supported.

The Purple Mattress performs best with side and back sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds. Also, side sleepers of all weights give the bed an above-average rating. This mattress especially stands out for its ability to relieve pressure and isolate motion. Motion isolation is important for couples who share a bed, as it can help them avoid disturbing one another. Compared to other foam mattresses, the Purple also does an excellent job of keeping sleepers cool throughout the night.

Full Reviews: Other Sleep Number and Purple Models

Sleep Number Classic

Overall Rating:

7.5 /10

Price Range:

$599 – $1,999

Mattress Type:

Airbed

Firmness Options:

Medium Firm (6) to Firm (7-8)

Purple Plus Mattress

Overall Rating:

8.4 /10

Price Range:

$1,499 – $2,898

Mattress Type:

Foam

Firmness Options:

Medium (5)

Purple Rejuvenate Mattress

Overall Rating:

8.4 /10

Price Range:

$4,495 – $8,990

Mattress Type:

Hybrid

Firmness Options:

Medium (5)

Purple Restore Mattress

Overall Rating:

8.5 /10

Price Range:

$1,845 – $3,690

Mattress Type:

Hybrid

Firmness Options:

Firm (7)

Mattress Pricing and Policies

The Sleep Number c2 and the Purple Mattress are in the same general price range, but the Purple costs a few hundred dollars more. This higher price tag likely stems in part from the bed having a 1.25-inch taller profile, which means it contains more materials, which come at a cost.

Both beds come with similar policies, though there are some differences. Sleep Number offers a longer warranty period than Purple, but does not offer free shipping.

What Customers Are Saying

Overall, both the Sleep Number c2 and the Purple Mattress have positive customer reviews online. People praise both beds for the comfort they provide and the high-quality sleep that sleepers obtain on the beds. Many Sleep Number c2 reviewers say they enjoy having the ability to adjust the bed’s firmness level and sleep at a different level than their bed partner. Many Purple Mattress reviewers say they enjoy the bed’s pressure relief and feel it’s eased their pain.

Both beds have also received some negative reviews. Reviewers complaining about the Sleep Number tend to mention having trouble keeping the bed inflated or difficulty replacing broken parts under the warranty. Those complaining about the Purple Mattress note that they feel uncomfortable on the bed or that it’s causing back pain. Some reviewers also complain that the Purple Mattress didn’t remain supportive for as many years as they would’ve expected.

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