Consumer Reports recently answered a question that we’ve had for years – what’s the best mattress to sleep cool?
So far we’ve seen a lot of promises but not a lot of performance when it comes to cooling products. Except the Bed Jet which blows cooler air into your bed, we don’t find many cooling products that work.
Even special fabrics or cooling gels haven’t given us great results (but a higher price tag). That goes for pillows, sheets, mattress protectors and mattresses. So rather than a cooling mattress or cooling mattress cover you should focus on finding one that doesn’t sleep hot! In other words, on that’s temperature neutral.
Foam, especially memory foam, softens when it gets warm. Then you sink in, it traps your body heat and the temperature rises. Generally speaking, the softer or more plush or the more memory foam you have, the hotter you’ll sleep. Even people who normally sleep cold will find themselves getting sweaty.
Best Mattress to Sleep Cool?
We know this isn’t a comprehensive test but Consumer Reports came out with a list of the mattresses that trapped the least body heat. One of them is an Unbox Mattress top pick – Purple!
Sleep Number c2 Adjustable Air Mattress
Purple Mattress (the original was tested – the new Purple mattresses should be just as cool or more as they have springs and the breathable polymer layer – read our review.)
As Purple states on their website: Most mattresses don’t breathe. Memory foam, latex, even foam with “cooling” gel beads are hot because there is no place for air to flow.
These materials are either completely solid or have very small airways that allow for little ventilation.
How The Beds Were Tested
Consumer Reports put a copper plate on a mattress in a temperature-controlled room. “The plate is insulated on all sides except the one that comes in contact with the mattress. Then we run an electrical current through the plate”. Then they measured how much energy the copper plate uses to maintain a temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (close to people’s average body temperature).
“If a mattress dissipates heat well, more energy is needed to maintain that temperature, but if the mattress retains heat, less energy is used,” – Consumer Reports
The 10 hour test looked at how much energy was used.
Beds that Sleep Warmest
Consumer Reports also looked at the worst performers – the mattresses that slept the warmest. Stay away from them if you want to sleep cool! It’s interesting that Sleep Number beds made both lists! That just goes to show that materials used makes a big difference! Also note that no boxed brands made the list (even though boxed brands are usually all foam).
Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed Adjustable Air Mattress
Charles P. Rogers St. Regis Pillowtop Innerspring Mattress
What materials should you avoid if you want to sleep cool? Foam.
“You’re more likely to sleep warm on a foam mattress, compared with a hybrid innerspring, which we define as several inches of foam layers over metal springs. Despite having a layer of cooling gel foam, a larger percentage of foam models still retain warmth.”
Is your mattress too hot? It might be time to switch. Let us know if you’ve ever found a cooling mattress that works!
This year’s Purple mattress Memorial Day sale is the best deal we’ve seen from them – ever. If you’re looking for a Purple mattress discount code just know that these deals don’t need a code. Instead of a discount you get FREE product!
Memorial day is the best time to buy a new mattress
Instead of coupon codes or reducing the price of their products, Purple gives you free product with a mattress purchase. This Memorial Day weekend they’re giving almost $200 worth of product with purchase.
There is no coupon necessary and FREE product will be applied at checkout when purchasing a New or Original Purple Mattress.
Dates of sale: May 25th – June 3rd, 2018
Terms: Free sheets and seat cushion with mattress purchase
We earn a small commission on purchases we refer at no cost to you. We’ve been a fan of Purple mattress for longer than any other brand. We try not to be biased because everyone has their own unique and beautiful differences – but we think it’s the best unboxed mattress on the market. Really. It’s what we sleep on and recommend most often to our readers.
Purple has the original and the new Purple mattresses, the Purple2, Purple3 and Purple4. The Purple4 has the most dramatic difference and is the thickest of the four styles. They’re all made in the USA.
For 2018 here’s what you get when you buy a Purple mattress this weekend…
FREE Purple Sheets
Best sheets for Purple mattress? Purple sheets! Stretch Armstrong is only slightly stretchier and these sheets are a lot softer!!
You can’t get the full benefit of the flexible comfort grid on top of every Purple mattress (that cushion your pressure points) without sheets that are flexible too. Otherwise you get the drum effect when cotton non-stretchy sheets are stretched across your bed. Drums don’t belong in the bedroom!
Purple bed sheets come in white, slate, sand and yes, PURPLE! Retail varies by size but a king is $129. Fits the new Purple mattress and the original.
FREE Purple Seat Cushion
A super cushy cushion for your back side and when you can’t lie down on your Purple mattress but need some pain relief. Also amazing for long road trips and jobs that involve a lot of sitting. Or maybe you just drive an old car and the seat cushioning is worn down. People use these for backs and on wheelchairs too.
The Royal Purple seat cushion – retail: $79 but free with mattress purchase on their Memorial Day special
Remember that the Purple mattress is the top mattress only. You do need something to put it on – they don’t recommend box springs. Suggested: the Purple base or if you’re really fancy, the Purple Powerbase.
“The movie star mattress” with a lot of star power…Casper is also much loved and gets the top #1 rating by Consumer Reports for the best foam mattress.
Casper Promo Code
Wonder if Casper is right for you? Try it out for less. Use this Casper mattress promo code: UNBOX50 to save $50 off a Casper bed, here.
You might think friendly ghost when you hear the unique name Casper, but I like to call Casper the movie star mattress because of the star power behind it. For example, Leonardo DiCaprio and Adam Levine are investors. You’ll also find celebrities and famous Instagrammers sleeping on a Casper.
Unbox Mattress requested and was given this queen size Casper Mattress by Casper for the purposes of this review. We weren’t paid to review Casper but we may earn a small commission should you buy one.
Casper Mattress Review
Overall, we found the regular Casper mattress to be a decent bed but we’re more wowed by the marketing and their testing than the mattress itself. However, if you love memory foam beds and want a medium soft feel, Casper might be right for you. We’ve learned that each person is unique and after getting close to the firmness, features and price you want, the next best step is to do a sleep trial.
Here’s our Casper mattress review video (we hope to review one of their higher end mattresses too):
How Casper Mattress is Made
Take a look inside of a Casper mattress.
Let’s break down some facts about Casper…
Materials and Layers
Casper is made of all foam. There are no springs inside. There isn’t a lot of memory foam. Rather Casper beds consist of at least 79% regular / non-memory foam.
Casper has 4 layers of foam. All foam layers are Certi-Pur certified.
1.5” Open-Cell Foam
1.5” Responsive Memory Foam
1.5” Zoned Support™ layer provides optimal support for the shoulders and hips
5.0” Durable Support Foam
10” total height (foam and cover). We like the touches that distinguish this bed from other foam mattresses with the extra support where you need it. Casper calls it zoned support. They continue to test and make adjustments to their mattress based on customer feedback.
Firmness Casper is a medium firm mattress, right near the middle. It offers some sink but not a lot.
Temperature
One purchaser will say Casper sleeps cool (and as I said I didn’t find complaints about the temperature) but others say it’s average temperature, neutral or even warm. Overheating didn’t seem to be a big issue, likely because there’s not very much memory foam in this bed.
Price of a Casper Mattress
You’re looking at under $1k for a queen and a king is $1195 but prices change so click below to find the current pricing.
Overall, Casper doesn’t sleep hot. The thing about foam, especially memory foam is that it warms up with body heat so even if you sleep cool, a mattress can make you sweat.
The cover is modern and clean but not fancy – we love that it zips off from the top instead of under the mattress, which makes for easier cleaning. The zipper is sturdy and it’s sort of fun to see inside.
Returns are easy and customer service is responsive.
Cons of Casper Mattress
Not as thick as some beds – although the extra material will usually add to the price.
It does have offgassing. Not the worst we’ve tested but not the best either.
Facebook Comments on What’s the Best Mattress?
We sort of hate when someone asks for friend’s recommendations for a mattress without giving any criteria. Everyone is different and it’s unlikely you’re going to have the same preferences or budget as your friends.
When we saw a thread about the best mattress, a friend raved about her Casper so we reached out to ask her what she thinks so far. She’s had hers a few years. Her response? She still loves it. Will you love it? There’s only one way to know. Try it out. And be sure to get one of the Casper mattress protectors to go with it. Nobody wants to think of what gets into your mattress without one!
Really though, that’s the beauty of a boxed mattress. You can sleep on it and that’s the best way to know once you’ve narrowed down your choices. Studies show that you’re just as likely to like a traditional mattress as a boxed one – it’s about 80% across the board.
Is Casper too Firm or Too Soft?
The biggest concerns people have with a mattress are usually the feel and the durability. The feel is subjective. The number one complaint we hear is it’s too hard or it’s too soft. As far as durability – Consumer Reports tests say they test a mattress to simulate 20 years of sleeping and Casper was at the top.
Overall Casper will be best for someone who likes medium firm memory foam mattresses without the heat. It’s probably not the ideal choice for heavier people who may want more than the 10 inches. Other than that you’ll need the 100 day trial to sleep on it to make up your mind.
You’ll like Casper if you already know you want some memory foam and softness but you like a medium firm feel. Love the sleep system – you save by buying sheets, pillows and mattress as a bundle.
We’re not hip enough to review this mattress.
Casper and the star power behind it is the biggest story because no one else in the boxed bed industry has done what they’ve done.
From nap pods in music stores to having Uber drivers deliver mattresses in New York City, they’re definitely chic. We’ve had a Google alert on their name to follow them for over a year and we’re just waiting for their nap pods to roll into our town so we can see them in person!
Casper officially launched on April 22, 2014, and they sold $1 million worth of product in the first 28 days. They’ve recently had product placed in some American Airline flights in first class. The big problem with that? People are stealing the bedding!
Casper is an award winning mattress
● Consumer Reports’ highest rated memory foam mattress under $1,000
● TIME ‘Invention of the Year’
● Fast Company’s ‘Innovation by Design’ winner
● Industrial Designers Society of America award winner
● Good Housekeeping 2018 Lab Pick
● #1 out of 27 top foam mattresses rated by Consumer Reports, beating out other brands such as Ghostbed, Lull, Tuft & Needle and more.
2017 Consumer Reports ranked Casper above Ghostbed and Purple but in a 2019 issue it rose to #1.
If we could pass out award for mattresses we review, we’d give Casper awards for…
The most personality packed in a mattress
Casper is one of the original bed in a box mattress companies that we credit with infusing fun into the otherwise snoozy mattress industry.
Casper is incredible at marketing and they have fun! During the eclipse of 2017 they took over part of Casper Wyoming (their namesake city). We think they should sponsor it like Half.com sponsored a city in Oregon for a year in 2000. They could give the city a bunch of beds in exchange!
Casper created a glamping moon gazing party that people could attend to watch the eclipse on a Casper, in Casper Wyoming! We don’t know if there were any celebrities in attendance or if they had a DJ but it looked like fun!
The stars really aligned for them too because Casper, Wyoming just happened to be one of the best places in the nation to view the eclipse. Casper Wyoming was in the Line of Totality. Talk about lucky!
If you call customer service you’ll want to be placed on hold so you can listen to the lullaby music play. We tested it out and it’s true. They supposedly also have bedtime stories if you press a certain number but we haven’t confirmed that. You can try it out by calling 1 888.498.0003.
When they launched, Casper packed actual books into the mattress box. You know how cereal boxes or cracker Jack have toys inside? Well Casper had books. Because people love to read before nodding off. Today the box comes with care interactions but we thought they should include a comic book or something.
The most engineers on staff
While they’re advertising is fun, Casper is serious about their mattress. They’ve got a testing lab where they monitor and test products, and have 30 engineers on staff. They even worked with a renowned polymer chemist to make our base foam more durable.
Today Casper has the Original Casper mattress which they continue to innovate on. It’s been re-engineered to add more support in places you need it like your hips and shoulders.
Don’t forget to always use a mattress protector with your mattress. Casper does carry a highly rated mattress protector to go with your bed. As we say never let your bed go naked. You don’t want moisture getting into the mattress and breaking it down. You want your mattress to last and be sanitary so be sure to protect it.
That wraps up our Casper mattress review. What do you think of this movie star mattress? Let me know in the comments and check the video description for a link to buy along with ourCasper promo code UNBOX50 to save $50 if you decide to try one out.
Finding the right boxed mattress for you is a bit like dating – you have to be willing to date different kinds until you find the right one. Except you get a full refund and the bed goes to charity after every breakup!
Casper Questions and Answers
Can I use a box spring with a Casper? When you order a Casper mattress you only get the top mattress. You’ll need a surface to put it on. You can use a box springs but there’s no need to but they’re outdated and were used when mattresses were thinner and weighed less. Today’s mattresses are heavier and are made mostly of foam. You need a surface to get your mattress off the ground and help distribute your weight evenly.
Instead of box springs, it’s preferable to use a platform, bed base, adjustable base, or even put your mattress on the floor.
How long are Casper mattresses expected to last?
In general a foam mattress like Casper is expected to last 5-7 years.
How thick is a Casper bed? The Casper mattress is 10 inches thick.
I wrote this post while lying on my Purple mattress. I can’t sleep and wanted to take down some notes. 1,000 or so words later….this is what happens to you when you think about mattresses a lot. You have a lot of opinions. You’re a bit long winded.
One of the most common questions about the new Purple mattresses is:
Is the new Purple mattress softer?
My short answer is no, not really. If you thought the original Purple mattress was too firm you probably won’t be happier with the new Purple mattress (read or new Purple mattress review). But if you do decide, go for the Purple4 since it will have the softest feel.
At Purple headquarters, the word employees use is that the new beds are more immersive than the original Purple mattress, whatever that means.
Let’s start with that you don’t sink into a Purple mattress very much. There’s not any memory foam in it and the Smart Comfort Grid (formerly called the super stretchy polymer) has very little give. So if you want to feel any hug you’re not going to get it, but it’s not cold and unresponsive (like your ex husband or wife). But it’s definitely supportive (unlike them).
If you’re heavier, as in over 350 lbs, you’re going to want to spring for the Purple3 or 4. If you’re lighter go for the Purple2, unless you just like the look of a higher profile bed.
With other mattresses my biggest complaint is that my hips sink in so my spine isn’t aligned. It’s kind of in an uneven V shape. That’s the stuff of bad backs. With all the mattresses I review, my back needs to be pampered. If I could have anything I wanted, I’d wish for a mattress butler who followed me around and moved mattresses for me.
The Biggest Reason People Return a Purple Mattress? Too Firm
I have a hobby of asking people why they return their mattress. The most common answer is it’s too firm. Note that I also hear it’s too soft. For the same brand.
That’s the reason a sleep trial is so important, these are very personal and subjective terms. One person’s plush is another person’s too hard.
The new Purple beds don’t feel softer. Adding more comfort grid and springs doesn’t change the feel significantly. Even though I’m sleeping on the Purple4, the one with a full 4 inches of polymer (the most of any model they offer), it can’t be called soft. In other words, buy it for the height or support, not for more give.
As long as the top layer is polymer it never will be soft. Although Purple was anti springs when they were a startup and not a publicly traded company, that did something they swore they’d never do, they added springs. If you told the original Purple they’d grow up and be sold in Mattress Firm they’d never have believed you. However, I don’t see Purple adding anything above the polymer layer. It’s too integral to the brand.
And that’s not bad. Mattress Underground, the most long winded review site online, says a firmer mattress is more durable, writing that:
“Firmer materials will tend to compress less and last longer than softer versions of the same material so if you are choosing between two mattresses that are both a suitable choice in terms of comfort, firmness, and PPP and one of them is slightly firmer than the other and there are no other significant differences between them that would affect durability then I would choose the one that is slightly firmer.”
Note that PPP = Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences
You want soft? Get a Loom and Leaf or other memory foam bed. I spoke with a woman who says after waiting to adjust to the new Purple and just wanting something softer she settled on a Loom and Leaf and has been happy.
There are fewer soft options than firm in the online mattress world than medium firm. If you want a true what I call marshmallow bed, try Linenspa mattresses. You’ll sink and hopefully not drown!
How do you know if your mattress is too firm?
If your mattress is too firm, it will push on your pressure points like your shoulders, hips and butt. This will take you out of alignment and you’ll start to feel aches and pains.
If you feel pain as soon as you lay on your bed, it’s probably not your mattress. The telltale signal that it’s your mattress not you is you feel worse after spending hours in bed.
When a mattress is too soft and you sink into it too much causing the heavier parts of you to sink in further than the rest of you. So your spine isn’t in neutral. causing back pain.
Too Firm for Older Adults?
My parents, who are both in their 80s (and in denial about it), added a $40 mattress pad to their Purple mattress and have been happy ever since. But Purple wouldn’t ever suggest that, because well, they’re selling you on the properties of sleeping directly on the responsive layer. It’s like their prized granddaughter and all they want to do is show it off.
At least you could replace the topper (here are the bestselling mattress toppers on Amazon). when it develops an imprint which you can’t do when that softer foam is built into your bed.
Is the New Purple Worth It?
Purple really does sleep temperature neural. It actually does cushion your pressure points and has the best motion isolation of any bed I’ve ever slept on. Those are it’s biggest selling points. Is the new Purple worth the price tag? I think it is. Purple truly offers something unique in the boxed mattress industry. All these comparison videos between Purple beds and other brands make me roll my eyes.
Purple is nothing like a typical foam block mattress in which one is so much like another, they’re really hard to choose between. It’s like deciding which arm you like better.
I have a friend who bought a Purple who has read so many conflicting reviews that she hasn’t opened it yet. She’s afraid to and now she’s blown through her 100 day trial and can’t return it. I’m tempted to buy it from her because our mattress in a box that’s only a year old has developed something that looks like a tumor on the side. Since it was a review sample I can’t make a warranty claim, but that’s a first! I’m tempted to put another Purple on that bed.
But don’t expect Purple to feel like other beds and don’t expect it to be soft. Remember how you used to go camping and sleep on the hard ground and be just fine? Those days are over. They thing that’s soft is your middle age tolerance for a bad night’s sleep.
Unboxers, are you looking for a truly nontoxic baby mattress? We’re not talking organic, but something more amazing that will be safe for your baby? Something that’s completely unlike any baby mattress you’ve ever seen before? Keep reading our Newton Baby Mattress Review to discover what we mean…
Also, Newton agreed to an exclusive $50 coupon for Unbox Mattress. Simply use code UNBOX50 to save on any mattress purchase!
First, disclosures. Unbox Mattress was not paid to review the Newton Baby Mattresses but got one for the purpose of doing a review. We’re affiliates of Newton so we earn a commission on any sales.
At first we thought, big deal another baby mattress, but we didn’t yet know how truly unique the Newton baby mattress is. Also, if you have a tough time remembering the name, I think of a newborn that’s new in town. Newton, newborn…get it?
Keep reading for our top 3 reasons to check out a Newton crib mattress.
Newton Baby Crib Mattress
You have 100 nights to test out this mattress at home. If you decide it’s not for you, you’re out nothing. They’ll give you a full refund. Newton also offers a limited lifetime warranty.
The Newton baby mattress comes in 2 sizes: ‘mini’ and standard. The mini is for smaller beds like a bassinet and the standard that fits a crib.
The mattress comes with a zip on/off cover and they suggest that you buy an extra cover so you can wash one and have a fresh one to use. We’ll get into the unique features of the cover below but you’ll notice the beautiful cloud design. You don’t need a crib sheet or anything on top of this cover.
The cover comes in some really sweet colors:
The Newton Baby Mattress cover comes in white, moonlight grey, sunrise pink and sky blue.
The Newton Baby Mattress has a 100 day trial which means you get 100 days to try it out in your home and if you decide to return it you’ll get a full refund.
Newton Baby Mattress Coupon
Right now you can get $50 OFF any Newton Crib Mattress purchase. Just use the coupon code Save50March2018 for the remainder of March.
Top 3 Things Parents Love About the Newton Baby Mattress
Keep reading to the end to find out the #1 best reason to get this mattress…
#3: Reusable and Recyclable
The Newton baby mattress is made to last through the toddler years and can be handed down to the next child or to a friend. That makes it reusable unlike some baby mattresses which are totally destroyed after one kid.
This mattress is made to be durable. Plus it’s recyclable so you won’t need to toss it after one or two babies use.
To recycle your Newton Baby Mattress you can either find a recycling facility near you or they will send you return packaging and arrange recycling for you.
The fact that this mattress is reusable and recyclable isn’t the most amazing thing about this mattress…
#2: No Harmful Chemicals
Infants spend 50-60% of their day sleeping (and it seems like a lot of the night awake!) so they spend a lot of time on their mattress.
The Newton crib mattress contains no foam, latex or adhesives. It’s Greenguard Gold certified, which means no off-gassing, toxic chemicals or allergens. We didn’t smell anything at all from the mattress. The cover had a slight smell but it wasn’t bothersome at all.
Here’s why that’s so important. According to research reported in Environmental Science and Technology,
New crib mattresses release about four times as many VOCs as old crib mattresses.
Body heat increases emissions.
Chemical emissions are strongest in the sleeping infant’s immediate breathing zone.
Chemicals in a crib mattress are not typcially disclosed by manufacturers
Infants are considered highly susceptible to the adverse health effects of exposure to indoor air pollutants (source).
There are so many harmful chemicals used in baby mattresses and we’re glad Newton doesn’t use health-harming chemicals. They created a safer mattress that you can feel good about!
We have enough things to worry about as new parents – and a baby mattress shouldn’t be one of them!
So what IS in this mattress made of? Mostly AIR! It’s 90% air and 10% food grade polymer. Seriously, that’s it! The composition of this mattress has another huge benefit we’ll detail in the next section.
You’ll appreciate that this mattress is washable. Not just the high quality cover but the bed itself is washable. You can wash the quilted cover in the washer. The mattress itself can go in the bath or shower to clean it. Clean off dust, dead skin cells or whatever else might be inside that mattress.
We have never seen anything like it!
Honestly we thought this was just a higher end baby mattress but it’s so much more than that. We love that it’s safe, but that’s not the best part about this mattress!
#1: Your baby can breath through this bed!
Regular baby mattresses are covered in plastic that has chemicals, can easily tear, and that wear out fast. Plus you can’t easily breathe through the plastic layer.
The Newton is different. It’s breathable. That means if your baby ever ends up face down, the mattress and cover are 100% breathable, greatly reducing the risk of suffocation. This is just brilliant. It gives peace of mind and is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.
The unique cover is also breathable! It’s also really high quality with a high quality zipper you can quickly and easily remove for cleaning.
Unbox Mattress is a big fan of nontoxic mattresses in general, especially those with polymer inside (like the Purple mattress) and now the Newton Baby Mattress.
This baby mattress is remarkably supportive though and won’t collapse. It compresses and comes back up again.
Note: The cover is pretty and well constructed but it’s not soft. It’s a little bit scratchy and may not be the most comfortable against baby’s skin. That’s why we highly recommend that you purchase breathable crib sheets for this bed.
Q&A
What sheets go best with my Newton Baby Mattress?
Newton sells aden + anais 100% cotton sheets. They are 100% breathable. They come in 3 patterns to fit a standard size crib. For the mini baby mattress they recommend Babyletto mini crib sheets because they are breathable.
Is the Newton baby mattress cover waterproof?
This is an important question. The cover is not waterproof but it is water resistant! Why? If you want a waterproof mattress cover or even mattress protector, it will have a synthetic backing. Adding this eliminates breathability and increases overheating. That creates a breeding ground for bacteria.
What is the size and weight of the Newton Baby Mattress?
28” x 52” x 5.5”. We also offer a Mini Crib Mattress that will fit mini cribs with a mattress dimension of 38” x 24” x 5.5”. It weighs 11 lbs.
How much does a Newton Crib Mattress cost and do they offer financing?
The standard size Newton baby mattress is $299. Yes, Newton offers financing. You can buy now and pay later with Affirm. If you qualify you don’t pay interest for the first 6 months. Payment starts at $27/month.
Is the Newton Baby Mattress flame resistant?
Newton doesn’t use toxic chemical fire retardants. Instead, they say their Wovenaire® technology contains natural phosphates (salt). Interestingly, salt is a safe way to meet fire safety requirements and doesn’t contain halogen or heavy metals like other flame resistant materials.
How much does the Newton Baby Mattress Weigh?
Newton is lightweight and easy to move. It weighs 11 lbs., not much more than a newborn baby.
What firmness is the Newton Baby Mattress?
The Newton is a medium firm, though it’s not a solid surface area. It’s enough to be supportive without being hard. One Amazon reviewer, for example, said they much preferred the Newton to the naturepedic, “which is hard as stone”.
Hello Unboxers, today we’re talking about adjustable beds with our Purple Powerbase review. First, disclosures. As part of our business, we received this Powerbase. The mattress is ours. We’re affiliates of Purple and make a commission on sales. We’re also biased because we LOVE Purple products and have been using them for several years (as long as the company has been in business).
Let’s sum up the Purple Powerbase by saying: Didn’t realize I could sleep so comfortable…
Purple Powerbase is an adjustable base made especially for Purple brand mattresses (it’s made for Purple by Reverie). It’s a full-featured adjustable base that’s both therapeutic, relaxing and easy to use. We think an adjustable base is the best and only choice for anyone who suffers from back pain that makes it difficult to sleep.
Purple Powerbase Review
No more Restless nights
My neck, back and feet feels good. Wait , Who am I kidding, my entire body feels great and well rested now. No more awkward ways of sitting up in bed to read a good book to relax, this is the best decision I have made for me and my family.
The Purple Powerbase can change your sleep patterns and sleep habits so you sleep so much better and wake up refreshed.
The Purple Mattress with the Powerbase is a lifestyle change. That’s what’s amazing about this. This isn’t just for old people like an old hospital bed for lots of money. These are for people of all ages. They’re great for reading in bed, on your phone, on your laptop, and you can be upright or even watch TV. Then when you’re ready to go to sleep, relax back down and go right to sleep.
And our customers absolutely love it. They appreciate that lifestyle change, and that they have a different experience than just going to bed and trying to get to sleep. They enjoy the features of it. The Purple Mattress is fantastic. It is a mattress that is both soft and firm. So, the top few inches made of the purple gel compresses easily. So you immediately just sink into the mattress, and then you hit the layers of foam that provide the support and firmness.
In the video we show the original Purple mattress with the adjustable base. However, now Purple has come out with 3 new mattresses. We think they’re even better than the original. The Powerbase works with all Purple brand beds. Read our Purple3 Review Here.
Wireless remote
Raise your head or feet with a press of a button. The zero gravity button (which is a preset) puts you in the most weightless position possible. The anti-snore button raises your head up about six degrees.
4 Presets
You can use the preset buttons to record your own configuration of the Powerbase. There are 4 modes. Another button turns on the light that’s underneath the Powerbase. So, if you get up in the night, use the restroom, come back, there’s a little glow underneath the bed so you can see where you’re going. It prevents you from banging your shins against the bed or waking someone up, yet it’s not bright enough to disturb your sleep.
Zero Gravity
The purpose of the zero G or zero gravity, as developed by NASA, for the most comfortable position to take stress off of your joints and low back, and it’s a comfortable position for sleeping or just relaxing. The other feature that’s fantastic is the massage. It has multi speeds and you can do head and foot both or just head or just foot, It’s also on a timer. So, once you’ve relaxed thoroughly and fallen asleep it will automatically turn off, so it’s not just shaking you all night long. That’s such a great feature!
Go Back to Flat Button
Then, there’s a button that says “Flat,” that you can push to return to the flat bed position. You must press and hold it and that’s so you don’t accidentally go flat when you got it where you want. And you’ll go all the way back down, and it turns off the massage. So, once you’re ready to go to sleep you just press “Flat” and you’re done.
USB Ports
The cradle for the remote control has a USB port for plugging in or charging your phone or other USB devices. On the back are two AC outlets, which is very convenient. Some power beds have those features on the frame itself.
There’s also an app however, as of this writing it’s only available in iOS.
Massage
The massage is divided into head and foot massage, with different speeds you can choose.
Purple Powerbase with the Purple Mattress
The Purple Mattress is perfect for the Purple Powerbase, because the Purple Mattress is quite flexible with the gel and floppy is another term used to describe it, that it contours easily to the Powerbase in any position that you could put it in.
Powerbase Sizes
The sizes it comes in are Twin, Queen, and Split King. Split King is two separate beds that can control either a king mattress or a split king mattress where you have two separate mattresses.
There’s one control for each spouse. It’s a fantastic feature, and if you want single control the two sides can be linked together for one king mattress.
Purple Adjustable Bed Prices
So, for a Twin XL frame Powerbase, it’s $1,399. For Queen Powerbase, which is what we’ve been showing, is $1,499. The Split King, which is two Twin XL bases, is $2,798.
They do specials often for, if you get a mattress with your bed you get some money off and save some money.
Purple Powerbase Warranty and Trial Period
The Powerbase does come with a 20-year warranty, but just like the mattress, there is not a trial period or returns. It comes in a box and must be assembled. It’s heavy and would be very expensive or near impossible to send back.
1 Year Parts & Labor
2 Year Motor Warranty
5 Year Coverage for Parts only
20-Year Limited Warranty
Purple Mattress is Perfect for People with Bad Backs
If you lift a lot of things or have back pain for other reasons, the Purple Mattress and Powerbase takes the pressure off your back. It’s one of the only mattresses that doesn’t cause our reviewer more back pain. You won’t wake up in the morning sore and needing to stretch. It can make a big difference and a big impact on you sleep and how well you sleep.
This bed helps so much!
“The purple mattress and power base have really helped my sleeping a ton. I suffer from 3 spinal deformities and a degenerative spinal disease so getting a solid sleep without much pain is nearly impossible. After the first 2 days(it takes a bit to get used to a soft yet firm feeling mattress that doesn’t sink) I found myself getting better sleep with a lot less pain and feeling more rested. I highly suggest this bed to anyone who suffers from back pain or wants a quality bed with a quality mattress.”
And recently we got this comment on our YouTube review of the Purple Powerbase + Purple4 Mattress:
“I have horrible spine issues 5 levels fused in my neck and 3 in lower back. I’m looking to buy a mattress with adjustable base and I’m wondering how big of a difference is the 3 & 4? I would like saving the $500 but if it’s significantly better than I will spend it.”
A month later she followed up with this comment: “I got my purple 4 with adjustable base…and it’s super comfy! It feels totally different than any bed I have ever laid on.”
Shoulder Pain
You’ll love how the Powerbase helps your shoulder issues…
Love my bed
I have had shoulder issues and pain for the last year. I finally went to my orthopedic doctor and the first question he asked me was “How old is your mattress”. Apparently having a 10 year old mattress is not a good idea. So I did a ton of research online and found Purple and I’m so grateful I did! My shoulder pain has gone away and the mattress is just so comfortable. I will say however, I bought the Powerbase with it and I really think that has made a huge difference. Being able to raise the head rest has also helped greatly. Also love how I can make the bed a second office!!
Snoring Solution
An adjustable bed like Purple’s can help you stop snoring. Perhaps you’ve tried things like mouthpieces or headgear to stop your snoring. They don’t look so good on and don’t always work. However, just raising your head slightly (6 degrees higher so your head is higher than the rest of your body) can open your airways, help you breath and prevent snoring for a lot of people. When you stop snoring you experience better sleep (and so does anyone who sleeps with or near you).
Acid Reflux and Sleep Apnea
Now, it also helps with these, for a lot of people, like acid reflux and sleep apnea, which are major problems and affect people’s sleep.
Purple Powerbase Question/Answers
Please leave questions in the comments and we will add them here.
Does the Powerbase work with the new Purple mattresses?
Yes, the powerbase works with all of the Purple mattresses, including the original, the Purple 2, Purple 3 and Purple 4 mattresses.
How do I use a headboard or footboard with the Purple Powerbase?
You can attach a headboard to your wall or purchase one with brackets. Since the Powerbase is made by Reverie you can call their customer support to order the parts you need.
The powerbase can drop into any bed frame as long as it doesn’t have a bar or slats in the middle (the slats must be removable). Zinus makes many styles of platform beds which will work with the powerbase. As long as the PowerBase fits inside it (most will) it will work fine.
Just like this Purple platform base is floating inside of the bed frame, you can drop a Purple adjustable bed inside of a frame.
How does the Powerbase feel?
It holds you in such a way that your lower back has support while your butt as somehow disappeared into the purple like those delicate eggs in the commercial.
Is there an Android version of the Purple Powerbase app?
Not yet. Right now it’s only available for the iPhone. Purple also plans to add a way to save preferred positions on the app.
Can I launch my spouse out of bed with the push of a button?
You wish!
Is there financing for the Powerbase?
Yes, Purple Powerbase can be purchased at checkout with Affirm. That means you get it now but pay a monthly payment. If you have good credit you can get 6 months interest free (the credit score required isn’t listed, but they perform a quick credit check when you buy). That way you can get your mattress and the Powerbase now and pay as you go.
Are there special sheets required for the Powerbase?
The Purple brand sheets work with the Powerbase – as do most sheets. However, since your mattress is going to move a lot it’s nice to have sheets that won’t pop off on the corners and that stay put. Purple’s sheets are SUPER silky and stretchy, plus have a nice warranty. We like jersey knit sheets like this too.
Does Purple make a regular king adjustable frame?
The split king frame IS a king frame. They operate separately for a split king (with 2 twin XL mattresses) or you can lock the two sides together so it doesn’t move independently for a regular king adjustable bed.
What exactly is Resonant-Frequency Massage?
The massage works in a circular motion, not a traditional pattern. I have the purple Power base with the massage I don’t know what it is but it is awesome very relaxing soon as it stops it has a timer on it and want to start it again it’s very relaxing fell asleep to it every night so far since we’ve owned it can’t go wrong with the purple Power base.
Should I get the split king or regular king mattresses?
We recommend one king size mattress if you’re sleeping with someone else. Why? There’s a gap in the middle which can cause problems.
My wife and I replaced our king bed with 2 double twins to achieve the same size bed as our king and provide independent settings from the powerbase for each side. This was a mistake. I wish we had just got a king bed. I hate the gap in the middle and the beds tend to slide apart when blankets and pillows get pushed between them. You can also drop a cell phone or a remote through it and have to fish it out from under the beds.
Will the purple mattress will work on the Sleep Number power base I already own?
Yes, the Purple bed will work an any adjustable base.
If you’d like to check out more and learn more please go to our affiliate link at Unboxmattress/powerbase.
Purple has the original Purple mattress (and is keeping it) but recently added 3 new hybrid mattresses the Purple2, Purple3 and Purple4. How are they different and are they any good? Our new Purple mattress review will help you decide!
New Purple Mattress Review (2019)
Purple mattress has come a long way in 2 years! In 2016 Purple launched with their premiere bed in a box mattress. Then in 2018, they released three new Purple mattresses that are a higher end mattress with more support.
The new models are completely different from the original Purple, they are deeper, have more advanced features and have coils. However, the only difference between the Purple 2, Purple 3 and Purple 4 are that they have different amounts of Hyper-Elastic Polymer and the mattress height. The number on each indicates the number of inches of polymer tops the mattress.
Note: we may earn a commission should you shop through our links.
Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t always easy! Many people struggle to get to sleep or they find themselves waking up during the night. This is often caused by a poor quality mattress which can cause stress to the body’s pressure points or change the natural alignment of the spine. Or your mattress can make you get too warm at night, keeping you awake.
A bed in a box mattress like Purple can help you in your search for a good night’s sleep. They are technologically advanced mattresses that are delivered directly to your front door. Purple is a leading manufacturer of bed in a box mattresses. They have developed a cult following with many thousands of happy customers around the world.
In fact, one commenter on our “new Purple mattress review” YouTube video, said this about his Purple mattress:
“I hope they stay in business forever. Because my life has been changed by sleeping on this mattress. I’ve thought about buying 1-2 spare mattresses & storing them just in case they do go out of business.”
The Original Purple Mattress
Compared to the new Purple mattresses, the original seems pretty basic now! This is still a great mattress and value, but it doesn’t really compare to the new Purple mattresses, as you’ll soon see. The original comes compressed and rolled up in a box. The new ones are made upon order and delivered to your bedroom flat.
One of Purple’s key to success is their comfort grid technology (called Hyper-Elastic Polymer™), which is unlike almost anything on the market. In a world full of all-the-same foam block mattresses, Purple is truly unique. It’s made with an advanced polymer that can transfer the weight of pressure points to other areas on its surface. All Purple mattresses feature this polymer as the top layer.
The grid is famous for the raw egg test which shows how it collapses around your pressure points but stays supportive everywhere else.
You will see just how much heavier and deeper the new Purple mattresses are in the charts below (which also include prices).
The new Purple mattresses come rolled up (compressed) and in a purple duffle bag but unlike the original, they’re delivered to your door and set up in your room for you.
All of the Purple brand sheets, protectors and bases will fit the new mattresses as well as the original Purple.
All are ordered online and come shipped to you in a box but the newer beds are delivered and set up.
You will need a base as it does not come with a box spring nor are they recommended. We recommend the Purple Powerbase adjustable frame.
Purple 2 Mattress
click the image to see more reviews
11 inches tall.
Size/Dimensions
Weight
Price
Twin XL
38”x80”
77 lbs
$1,299
Queen
60”x80”
122 lbs
$1,599
King
76”x80”
149 lbs
$1,899
CA King
72”x84”
148 lbs
$1,899
Purple 3 Mattress
Click the image to see more reviews
12 inches tall.
Dimensions
Weight
Price
Twin XL
38”x80”
91 lbs
$1,899
Queen
60”x80”
145 lbs
$2,199
King
76”x80”
176 lbs
$2,699
CA King
72”x84”
175 lbs
$2,699
Purple 4
Click the image to see more reviews
13 inches tall.
Size/Dimensions
Weight
Price
Twin XL
38”x80”
105 lbs
$2,499
Queen
60”x80”
168 lbs
$2,799
King
76”x80”
204 lbs
$3,499
CA King
72”x84”
202 lbs
$3,499
We HIGHLY recommend you get a Purple brand mattress protector to go with your bed and put it on before you sleep on it for the first time. This greatly enhances the life of your mattress and keeps it clean. The covers on the new Purple have zippers and can be removed but they recommend spot cleaning (we’ve washed ours and let it air dry with no problem).
Regardless you’ll want an easy to remove barrier to prevent sweat and liquids from getting into the interior of the mattress. The Purple mattress protector (which we have) is made of stretchy material and is specially made to flex with your bed and provide the most comfort.
Can you finance a Purple Mattress?
Yes, you can get a payment plan to pay for all the new Purple mattresses in lower monthly payments through Purple’s website. You can get approved within seconds, see all of the terms and schedule automatic payments before you agree. You may also qualify for interest free payments- as an example a queen Purple 3 starts at around $100 a month.
Each of the new Purple mattresses are the same except for how much comfort grid they have. They’re constructed from 5 components (from top to bottom):
Comfort stretch cover
We find the Purple cover to not only be stylish but it’s thicker and higher quality than any other online brand we’ve tested. The synthetic cover is 98% polyester / 2% spandex and is stretchy, breathable, and comfortable. This is thicker than the original cover and is made to stretch and move with the comfort grid system. It also has the word PURPLE embroidered on it in purple thread and purple thread throughout with purple piping along the sides. The purple label which gives the bed name and some facts about your mattress is on several sides.
Purple® Smart Comfort Grid™
All Purple beds have Purple’s® Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ technology, this section is designed to transfer weight from your pressure points (shoulders and hips) and support the rest of your body. It is soft to touch but firm enough to support your entire weight.
Specialized Comfort Foam
This is a layer of ultra-durable polyurethane foam that acts as a transition layer between the Smart Comfort Grid™ and the supporting layers. It is certified by CertiPUR-US.
Responsive Support Coils
The next layer is Purple® Smart Comfort Grid™, a layer of individual cells that provide pressure relief and support. They are individually fabric-encased steel coils (which the original Purple mattress did not include). This adds structure to the mattress. These are also designed to be quiet (not make noise).
This is an inside look at a Purple 2:
Edge Support
The new Purple mattresses have better edge support. Plexus side panels wrap around the perimeter of the bed. In the original Purple the comfort grid extends to the edges and collapses more when you sit or lay on the edge. Now there’s a layer that provides more support so you can sit or sleep on the edge of your bed without feeling like you might roll off.
Sleep Cooler
They are made from a strong, breathable material that helps to keep your mattress cool. If you’re one of 51% of people who sleep warm, you’ll love this bed. While no mattress truly cools, you’re not going to get sweaty like you do with most foam beds. The grid system as well as the breathable cover lets air flow between the layers as well as between you and the bed.
All new Purple mattresses are available in these sizes. See dimensions in the tables above.
The only difference between the three new models is how thick the purple stuff is (the super stretchy polymer as they call it). The Purple2 has a 2-inch thick layer, the Purple3 has a 3-inch top layer, and (you guessed it) the Purple4 has a 4-inch top layer.
The new Purple beds are also much thicker than the original which is a shortie at 9.5″ deep. Purple 2 is 11 inches tall, Purple 3 is 12 inches, and Purple 4 is 13 inches.
The main feature that sets Purple mattresses apart from products made by other manufacturers is the Purple Smart Comfort Grid. This is a patented material that does a wonderful job at transferring weight from pressure points on the mattress.
The Specialized Comfort Foam is superior to the foam used by most bed in a box manufacturers. The breathable Plexus Side Panels and hypoallergenic cover help to keep you cool while you sleep.
What’s the Softest Purple Mattress?
The answer here may surprise you. Read our article about the new models and how firm or soft they are: is the Purple 4 really soft?
What is Sleeping on Purple Really Like?
Sleeping on a Purple mattress is very different to sleeping on a traditional spring coil mattress. It will take some time for your body to adapt to changes, so patience is required when trying one for the first time. Most people are used to the mattress after a couple of weeks. The most noticeable benefits obtained from using a Purple mattress include:
Better spine alignment
The softness and support provided by the Purple mattress helps to keep your spine naturally curved as you sleep. It works well for both back sleepers and side sleepers.
Suffer from back pain? A mattress can really help and Purple especially. Pair with the Purple adjustable base for even more relief. Just put in zero gravity and it’s like you’re sleeping on a Lazy Boy but you actually have room to move around (and there’s room for your dog, spouse, etc).
Extremely comfortable
The breathable top layer, Purple Smart Comfort Grid™ and supporting layers make it very soft and comfortable to sleep on. The unique thing about Purple mattresses is that they are both soft and firm simultaneously, thanks to the way that the smart comfort grid distributes weight.
Motion isolation
This is another feature that many people love. The Smart Comfort Grid helps to isolate you from other people who are moving in the bed. That means you are less likely to wake up if your partner gets out of bed or your dog jumps onto the bed. It has very low motion transfer – the flexible comfort grid seems to absorb movement.
Won’t sleep hot
The breathable materials used in the Purple mattress make it easier for heat to dissipate. This gives you much more control over your temperature as you simple add or remove blankets to get the temperature “just right”.
Memory foam is known to get soft as it warms with your body heat. Purple has no memory foam in it – ZERO. In addition, the grid is not a solid surface and is covered by a breathable cover. That means there is air flow next to your body. Purple is temperature neutral and you’ll never feel that stuck feeling like you can get with other mattresses.
Sleep Trial of the New Purple Mattress
Purple mattresses all come with a 100 night trial (you can return the mattress in the first 100 nights and get a refund so you’re out nothing, not even shipping) – this is the same as the original Purple mattress.
Warranty
Just like the original Purple, the Purple2, Purple3 and Purple4 all come with a 10 year warranty.
What happens if you decide you want to return your Purple mattress within the 100 sleep trial? It’s easy and quick. Just call customer service and they’ll ask you how you want to return it. Since it’s impossible to get it put back into the bag you won’t be asked to ship it. Options include, donate it to charity, or schedule an in-home pick up.
The Downside of Buying the New Purple Mattress
The downsides include:
Cost
The new Purple® mattress is more expensive than many other bed in a box mattresses but it’s a steal when compared to other showroom mattresses. Of course, you get what you pay for! Cheaper mattresses tend to use low quality materials and do not have the same technologically advanced features as a Purple® mattress.
Heavier people may need a thicker mattress
People who weigh more than 280 pounds may need to purchase the more expensive Purple2, Purple3 or Purple4 to obtain the same level of comfort.
Base selection
Purple says that you should not use this mattress on a box spring base. They recommend using the floor, a platform bed, an adjustable or foundation base. Whatever base you get, it must be able to support a lot of weight – you, your mattress and anyone sleeping on your bed. This mattress base supports up to 1,600 lbs or you can get the one from Purple. Purple also has an adjustable bed called the Purple Powerbase.
Our verdict
The new Purple mattress is a remarkable product. The incredible technology used by this bed makes it one of the best beds on the market. And it’s one of the few truly unique beds because of the comfort grid. Of course, the cost is higher than some other bed in a box mattresses, but you really do get what you pay for with this bed.
This is the bed we sleep on (a king Purple4) and it’s our top pick. We give it our highest recommendation. We’ve had one since Purple was founded and it’s held up perfectly with no indentations or issues. We continue to get a great night’s sleep on a Purple mattress!
Q&A
Who sells Purple mattresses?
Most people buy their Purple mattress from their website. However, you can also purchase an original Purple mattress from selected retailers like Amazon. The new Purple mattresses are also at select Mattress Firm locations.
What is the new Purple mattress made of?
Stretchy, Breathable Cover: Top: 98% polyester / 2% spandex
Plexus Side Panels: 99% polyester / 1% spandex
Smart Comfort Grid™ is Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ with non-toxic polyethylene copolymer non-stick coating
Responsive Support Coils: Individually fabric-encased steel coils.
Transition layer: Polyurethane Foam
How much do Purple mattresses weigh?
The new Purple mattress are heavier than the original, with the Purple3 King size mattresses weighing over 200 lbs.
How long is the warranty on Purple mattresses?
The warranty is 10 years and you have a 100 night trial period.
Has the Purple mattress cover changed?
The new cover is slightly thicker than the last one and instead of being quilted like the original, it’s one piece, and stretchy. You can pull up on it and lift the whole top of the mattress cover up and it will bounce back into shape. That allows for the flexibility that’s key to this mattress so it can shift and move with your body weight while not waking up the person next to you. It’s truly unique in that way!
The new mattress cover is removable. It unzips at the bottom and it’s one piece (not two like the original). Purple says not to wash the cover but to spot clean it. The issue is that you might have bleeding from the grey part onto the white. The custom stitching may not make it through the wash either. So be sure to get one of their mattress protectors.
How much do the new Purple mattresses cost?
Prices start at $1,299 for the Twin XL Purple2 and go up to $3,499 for the Purple4 Cal King.
Can you get a Purple mattress discount code?
Check their website for free upgrades such as a free Purple pillow or sheets with a purchase of a mattress. No code needed, it will automatically be added to your order.
What did Consumer Reports say about Purple mattress?
Consumer Reports hasn’t yet reviewed the new Purple mattresses but they’re ranked in the top 10. Read Consumer Reports Purple Mattress.
Which new Purple mattress should I get? The choice is individual but the more grid the more bounce and submersive experience. We think the Purple 3 is a good selection for most people because we found the original didn’t have enough of the purple grid thickness as we’d like.
The Purple 4 is ideal if you want to sink in more and/or are heaviest. This one is best for those who are very heavy who would otherwise hit the foam layer and not get as many benefits of the grid for cushioning your pressure points.
Do any of the new Purple mattresses come in a full size?
Yes, they all now come in a full.
We hope you enjoyed reading New Purple Mattress Review (2018)! Do you have any questions about any of the new mattresses? Post a comment and we’ll help you out.
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The Newton crib mattress contains no foam, latex or adhesives. It’s Greenguard Gold certified, which means no off-gassing, toxic chemicals or allergens. We didn’t smell anything at all from the mattress. The cover had a slight smell but it wasn’t bothersome at all.
