by The Ashley Sleep Gruve is a budget hybrid sold through Ashley HomeStores with pocket coils and gel memory foam. It is decent value if you're bundling with furniture, but it falls short on edge support, cooling, and long-term durability compared to purpose-built online mattress brands. Our overall top pick in this category is the Saatva Classic, which delivers dual-coil construction, a 365-night trial, and a lifetime warranty at a comparable or lower total cost.
Saatva Classic
9.2/10
- Dual-coil design with reinforced lumbar zone pad
- Organic cotton Euro pillow top for genuine comfort
- Free white-glove delivery and old mattress removal
- 365-night home trial and lifetime warranty
- Ships flat (not in a box), requires a delivery window
- $99 return fee applies during the trial period
If you're cross-shopping the Ashley Gruve, the Saatva Classic offers considerably more: a superior coil system, three firmness choices, a lifetime warranty, and white-glove delivery included in the price. It is the benchmark for this segment.
Ashley Gruve Mattress: What You're Actually Getting
The Ashley Gruve is part of Ashley Sleep's hybrid line, available in several versions: the 12-inch Firm Hybrid and the 14-inch Hybrid 1400 are the most widely sold. Both ship in a box and use pocket coils combined with gel-infused memory foam. They're designed for furniture store bundle purchases, where they often make more sense as a package deal than as standalone mattress investments.
The original Gruve line prices range from around $399 to $999 for queen sizes at furniture stores, though newer Gruve 2.0 variants have climbed to $1,000 to $1,550. At those prices, the online mattress market offers significantly more competitive options.
Construction and Materials
The Gruve hybrid construction (14-inch 1400 model, for reference):
- Stretch knit cover: breathable surface; some versions include nano stain resistance and allergen barrier
- Gel memory foam (3 inches): infused for temperature regulation; provides contouring and lumbar-zone pressure relief
- Cushion plush foam (3 inches): adds body compliance and softness in the transition layer
- Wrapped coil support core (8 inches, ~720 coils queen): individually pocketed for independent response and reduced motion transfer
- High-density base foam (0.75 inch): stabilizes the coil unit
The 12-inch Firm Hybrid uses a denser foam stack above around 900 15-gauge coils, with a 13-gauge steel-encased perimeter for edge reinforcement. Both models are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning the foams pass emissions and chemical content standards.
The Ashley Gruve is not flippable. The comfort layers are on one side only; flipping would put you on the base foam, which is not designed for sleep.
Comfort and Firmness
The 14-inch Gruve leans plush, with the 3-inch gel foam and plush transition layer producing a soft "hug" feel. The 12-inch Firm Hybrid is meaningfully firmer and better suited to back and stomach sleepers or heavier individuals who need more pushback.
Side sleepers under 130 pounds tend to rate the plush version positively. Back and stomach sleepers, or anyone over 200 pounds, should lean toward the firm variant or look elsewhere entirely. There's no medium option in the Gruve lineup, which is a notable gap.
Performance Breakdown
Cooling and Heat Retention
The gel-infused foam and coil airflow improve on all-foam construction, but the Gruve is not a top-tier cooling mattress. Hot sleepers regularly flag heat buildup in the plush version, particularly in the first few months. The coil core helps with airflow, but the thick foam layers above it retain warmth. If cooling is a priority, look at mattresses with copper-infused foam or more aggressive airflow channels.
Motion Isolation
Pocketed coils provide reasonable motion isolation, but the Gruve's coil system is entry-level by specialty mattress standards. Couples who are sensitive to partner movement should set realistic expectations. It is not comparable to memory foam beds in this category.
Edge Support
The 12-inch Firm Hybrid has a reinforced perimeter (13-gauge edge coils), which gives reasonable edge support for its price class. The plush 14-inch version lacks this reinforcement and edges compress noticeably under sitting weight. Usable sleeping surface is smaller than the stated dimensions if you sleep near the perimeter.
Back Pain and Lumbar Support
The gel memory foam layer does provide pressure relief at the lumbar area, and the firm coil core under it prevents deep sinkage in the firm version. This works for mild back discomfort. For diagnosed lower back issues or herniated discs, the Gruve lacks the targeted zoned support that mattresses like the Saatva Classic (with its reinforced lumbar zone pad) provide.
Durability
Ashley offers a 10-year non-prorated warranty on the Gruve. Real-world reports suggest the plush models begin to develop body impressions after 3 to 5 years of regular use, which is typical for entry-level hybrids at this price point. The firm version holds up better due to denser foams. The warranty covers manufacturing defects but not normal wear.
Who Should Buy the Ashley Gruve
- Furniture bundle buyers: If you're outfitting a bedroom at an Ashley HomeStore, adding a Gruve to a bed frame package often makes financial sense.
- Lightweight side sleepers: The plush Gruve suits sleepers under 130 pounds who want cushioned pressure relief without spending on a premium model.
- Guest room use: For infrequent use in a spare bedroom, the Gruve's price is competitive and the quality is appropriate.
Who Should Skip the Ashley Gruve
- Heavier sleepers (over 200 lb): The plush version sags prematurely. The firm version is more appropriate, but online options at the same price offer more durability-focused engineering.
- Hot sleepers: The foam layers retain heat. Mattresses with copper-infused or phase-change material covers perform better here.
- Couples with motion sensitivity: The coil system is not optimized for motion isolation compared to foam-dominant or higher-gauge coil alternatives.
- Anyone buying a standalone mattress for the long term: At Gruve 2.0 prices ($1,000 to $1,550), the Saatva Classic, with its lifetime warranty and 365-night trial, is a significantly stronger investment.
Price and Sizes
| Size | Dimensions | Approx Price (Original Gruve) |
|---|---|---|
| Queen | 60" x 80" | $399 to $799 |
| King | 76" x 80" | $599 to $999 |
| California King | 72" x 84" | $599 to $999 |
Prices vary by retailer, promotion, and model variant. Gruve 2.0 hybrids run $1,000 to $1,550. Ashley HomeStores frequently run promotional pricing, so check current offers before assuming list price.
Trial, Delivery, and Warranty
The Ashley Gruve ships compressed in a box and typically expands fully within 24 to 48 hours. Delivery and return policies vary by retailer. Ashley's standard warranty is 10 years non-prorated, covering manufacturing defects but not normal wear impressions below a certain threshold (typically 1.5 inches). There is no standard 100-night home trial comparable to online mattress brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ashley Gruve mattress good for back pain?
The firm Gruve provides reasonable lumbar support for mild discomfort. The plush version is too soft for most back pain cases, particularly for anyone over 150 pounds. For a dedicated back pain solution, a mattress with zoned support (like the Saatva Classic's reinforced lumbar pad) is more effective.
Does the Ashley Gruve come in a box?
Yes, both the 12-inch and 14-inch Gruve hybrids ship compressed and roll-packed in a box. Allow 24 to 48 hours for full expansion before sleeping on it.
Is the Ashley Gruve mattress adjustable-base compatible?
Yes, the Gruve is compatible with adjustable bases, slatted frames, platform beds, box springs, and the floor. Ashley sells matching frames and bases separately.
How does the Ashley Gruve compare to the Saatva Classic?
The Saatva Classic is a dual-coil hybrid with a reinforced lumbar zone, organic cotton Euro pillow top, 3 firmness options, a 365-night trial, and a lifetime warranty. White-glove delivery and old-mattress removal are included. The Gruve has a 10-year warranty, no standard home trial, and simpler construction. At original Gruve pricing, the Gruve wins on budget. At Gruve 2.0 prices, the Saatva Classic is the better investment by most measures.
What firmness is the Ashley Gruve?
The Ashley Gruve is available in firm (12-inch version) and plush (14-inch version). There is no medium option, which limits its range compared to brands offering three or more firmness levels on the same model.
The Ashley Gruve is a serviceable entry-level hybrid for furniture bundle purchases or guest rooms. For a primary bed purchase, the Saatva Classic offers meaningfully better construction, a longer trial, and a lifetime warranty at competitive pricing.