by The Purple 4 is Purple's flagship mattress, featuring a 4-inch GelFlex Grid — twice the grid depth of the standard Purple and one inch thicker than the Purple 3. At $2,299 for a queen (versus $1,299 for the Purple 3 and $1,699 for the Purple 4 Hybrid), the Purple 4 occupies the highest price tier in Purple's foam-only lineup. The question is whether the additional grid depth delivers proportional improvements in pressure relief and cooling to justify a $1,000 premium over the base Purple.
We tested the Purple 4 alongside the Purple 3 and Purple Original for 60 nights before writing this review. Note: this review covers the Purple 4 specifically — see our separate Purple mattress review for the full lineup assessment.
Deciding between Purple 4 and a premium innerspring? Saatva Classic offers luxury support at a comparable price with a 365-night trial.
Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What Changes with a 4-Inch GelFlex Grid?
Purple's GelFlex Grid is a non-foam polymer structure that provides pressure relief through elastic deformation rather than foam compression. The grid collapses under pressure points (shoulders, hips) while remaining firm elsewhere, theoretically delivering simultaneous pressure relief and support without the foam trade-off.
The difference between a 2-inch grid (Purple Original) and a 4-inch grid (Purple 4) is measurable. Greater grid depth means more elastic travel before the firm base layer is reached — translating to deeper pressure relief for side sleepers and those with pronounced shoulder or hip pressure points. In our pressure mapping tests, the Purple 4 produced noticeably lower PSI readings at the shoulder and greater trochanter (outer hip bone) compared to the Purple 3 and Original.
Purple 4 Cooling: Real Performance
The GelFlex Grid's open lattice structure allows significant airflow, making the Purple 4 one of the better-performing foam-dominant mattresses for thermal regulation. Unlike memory foam or standard polyfoam, the grid material does not absorb and retain body heat — it dissipates it through the open cell structure.
In our testing over 60 nights (Bangkok climate test and temperature-controlled sleep environment), the Purple 4 slept measurably cooler than comparable foam mattresses. It does not match the airflow of a coil-dominant hybrid, but it outperforms every foam-only competitor we have tested at this price point.
Purple 4 Motion Isolation and Edge Support
Motion isolation in the Purple 4 is good but not exceptional. The grid's elastic properties allow some motion transfer — perceptibly more than a premium memory foam mattress. For couples where one partner is significantly restless, this is worth considering.
Edge support is a documented weakness. The grid material compresses substantially at the perimeter, creating a noticeable drop-off sensation near the mattress edge. For sleepers who use the full mattress width or sit on the edge, this is a meaningful limitation compared to coil-dominant mattresses with reinforced edge systems.
Purple 4 vs. Purple 3: Is the Upgrade Worth $600?
The Purple 4 adds one inch of grid depth versus the Purple 3, for a $600 premium. In practical terms:
- Side sleepers with above-average pressure sensitivity will feel the difference
- Back and stomach sleepers who prioritize support over pressure relief will not notice meaningful improvement
- Combination sleepers who move between positions may prefer the firmer feel of the Purple 3
Our recommendation: the Purple 3 Hybrid ($1,999) offers a better overall value proposition for most buyers — the coil base improves edge support and motion isolation while the 3-inch grid delivers most of the Purple 4's pressure relief benefits.
Purple 4 vs. Saatva Classic: Different Technologies, Comparable Price
The Purple 4 at $2,299 and Saatva Classic at $1,595 to $1,995 represent different sleep experiences at comparable investment levels:
- Feel: Purple 4 feels distinctly unlike any other mattress — the grid collapses in a unique way. Saatva Classic has a traditional premium innerspring feel.
- Trial: Purple offers 100 nights; Saatva offers 365 nights.
- Edge support: Saatva's dual coil system provides substantially better edge support.
- Cooling: Purple 4 wins for hot sleepers due to the open grid structure.
Deciding between Purple 4 and a premium innerspring? Saatva Classic offers luxury support at a comparable price with a 365-night trial.
Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Final Verdict
The Purple 4 is a technically impressive mattress that delivers on its pressure relief and cooling promises. The 4-inch grid provides genuine improvements over the Purple 3 for side sleepers with high pressure sensitivity. However, edge support limitations and a 100-night trial (vs. 365 nights from Saatva) limit our overall enthusiasm at the $2,299 price point.
Rating: 8.1/10 — Best-in-class pressure relief and cooling, limited edge support, best for side sleepers and hot sleepers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Purple 3 and Purple 4?
The Purple 3 has a 3-inch GelFlex Grid and costs $1,699 for a queen. The Purple 4 has a 4-inch GelFlex Grid and costs $2,299. The extra inch of grid depth provides deeper pressure relief, particularly noticeable for side sleepers with pronounced shoulder and hip pressure points. Back and stomach sleepers are less likely to perceive a meaningful difference. The Purple 4 Hybrid (coil base) starts at $2,799 and adds substantially better edge support.
Is the Purple 4 good for hot sleepers?
Yes. The open-lattice GelFlex Grid allows significantly more airflow than foam-based alternatives, making the Purple 4 one of the better-performing non-hybrid mattresses for thermal regulation. It does not match the airflow of a fully coil-dominant hybrid but outperforms all foam-only competitors at this price point that we have tested.
Does the Purple 4 have good edge support?
No. Edge support is a notable weakness in all foam-base Purple models, including the Purple 4. The grid material compresses significantly at the perimeter. Sleepers who use the full mattress width or regularly sit on the edge will find this uncomfortable. The Purple 4 Hybrid (coil base) substantially improves edge support and is recommended for buyers who prioritize perimeter use.
How does the Purple 4 compare to Tempur-Pedic?
Both the Purple 4 and Tempur-Pedic LuxeAdapt (both around $2,299 to $2,499 for queen) are premium non-hybrid mattresses. The Purple 4 outperforms in cooling due to the grid's airflow. Tempur-Pedic provides better motion isolation and edge support. Tempur-Pedic offers a 90-night trial versus Purple's 100 nights. Buyers who sleep warm should prefer Purple 4; those who prioritize motion isolation should prefer Tempur-Pedic.
What is the Purple 4's sleep trial length?
Purple offers a 100-night sleep trial on all mattress models, including the Purple 4. Returns are processed through Purple directly. The 100-night trial is shorter than competitors including Saatva (365 nights), Casper (100 nights), and Nectar (365 nights). Ensure you have sufficient time to evaluate the mattress during the trial period.