This “So Comfy” Mattress Did Wonders for My Back Pain (I’ve Never Slept Better!)
When I moved into my first college apartment, I had to completely furnish it from scratch. Checking items off of my list as quickly as I did, I didn’t put much thought into it — I just put a bulk order in at IKEA and hoped for the best. When my mattress arrived, I seriously regretted my choice. It was far too stiff for my liking, and it took weeks for my body to get used to it. I added a mattress topper as a temporary fix, but as great as it was, my bed never felt just right. I knew it could be cozier than it was.
However, I wasn’t able to shake my old mattress until a full year after graduation. Even as I gradually upgraded every other piece of bedding — from my pillow to my comforter to my sheets — I couldn’t bring myself to deal with the most important element. (Priceyness aside, a mattress isn’t an easy thing to get rid of when you live in a walk-up apartment.) This summer, I finally switched to a high-end mattress, and I totally understand now why it’s worth the investment. I didn’t connect the dots between my back pain and old mattress until the Purple Mattress came into my life, and now that it’s all but gone, I can’t believe I didn’t splurge sooner.
A Quick Look at the Purple Mattress
- Measuring 9.25 inches, it’s made up of five layers, including a 2-inch GelFlex Grid, comfort foam, edge support foam, and durable base foam, all topped off by a breathable cover.
- The feel is medium-firm, which is especially ideal for back sleepers, though it supports other sleeping positions.
- Its construction allows significant airflow, which regulates body temperature.
- The mattress is covered by a 100-day trial and 10-year warranty.
Design Features That Stand Out
Like me, you’ve probably heard of Purple before. It’s one of the more popular mattress brands out there, known for its exclusive GelFlex Grid technology. One of several layers, its distinct grid pattern is designed to adapt to you, providing support in every position and through every movement. Beneath that are two more foam layers: One that adds edge support for getting in and out of bed easily and another that contours to the body and elevates comfort. Last but not least is the base layer, which gives the mattress stability. The material also has the ability to draw out heat and promote airflow, keeping you cool all night long.
How It Performed
As someone who’s always wanted their bed to be as cloud-like as possible, I never thought that a mattress described as “medium-firm” would work for me, but the Purple Mattress surprised me. It’s so comfy. Even though it’s not fluffy, the bouncy foam allowed me to sink into it and feel supported at the same time. I’m a combination sleeper, usually switching between all three positions throughout the night, and there hasn’t been any instance where I’ve felt uncomfortable. Heck, when I first unrolled the mattress — it’s also worth mentioning that it comes in a transportable bag with handles — I laid flat on it for a good hour or so without a pillow. Honestly, it cradles my entire body so well that I might even be able to forgo a pillow entirely.
What’s impressed me the most is how much better my back has felt since I made the switch. Even before I was working full-time, I would write hunched over my laptop for hours at a time. I assumed that was the only cause behind the aches I would feel when I woke up every morning. However, since I started sleeping on the Purple Mattress, I realized that I was mistaken. My old mattress didn’t keep my body aligned in the way this one does. I haven’t found myself needing to stretch and crack my back nearly as much as I used to, which is a major win. Now, I never want to get out of bed, especially considering that I’m far less prone to overheating with its airflow technology. I’ve even taken to lounging on it more frequently than my couch!
What We Loved
- The pressure-relieving foam: You get what you pay for when it comes to mattresses, and this one lives up to every expectation. The way the foam hugs and supports every curve of my body removes so much tension, allowing me to sleep through the night restfully. Then, when I wake up, I’m refreshed and far less achy.
- Its cooling capability: I started testing this mattress in the dead of summer, and I’m glad it arrived when it did. Paired with my cooling bedding, I found myself kicking off the covers far less than I used to.
Good to Know
The only aspect that took some getting used to is its thickness. At only a little over nine inches, the Purple Mattress keeps me far closer to the ground than my previous mattress. Placing a topper underneath for some extra loft might be worth doing if height is important to you. For me, the comfort it offers offsets the lack of elevation. Plus, it’s remarkable that such a thin mattress feels so cushioned! I bet transport will be a breeze during my next move.
Should You Buy the Purple Mattress
This might just be the Goldilocks of mattresses, but I would especially recommend if you’re looking for a mattress that:
- Strikes a balance between marshmallow-soft and rigidly supportive
- Keeps you from overheating during the night
- Alleviates tension on every area of your body, but especially your back
Where to Buy the Purple Mattress
- Purple, starting at $999
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