
Leesa vs Purple: Mattress Construction
Both mattresses feature foam for comfort and support, although they differ in construction. The Leesa Original Mattress is 10 inches thick, and Purple is 8 inches thick.
Materials and Inner Layers
Leesa has cooling foam, as well as a 2-inch memory foam layer for contouring and pressure relief. Purple has a 2-inch patented grid that may feel similar to memory foam to some sleepers. This hyper-elastic polymer layer offers pressure relief and quick bounce-back.
The two spotlighted mattresses each have a 6-inch foam base. Leesa uses high-density support foam. Purple uses 28 ILD polyurethane foam, which is a moderate density. Some people look for high-density foam for longer mattress stability.
Covers
The top covers differ, with Purple’s being made of a polyester and elastic blend. The material stretches to optimize the grid’s flexibility and overall mattress breathability. Leesa’s knit cover is also breathable, as well as soft and moisture-wicking. An upgrade to the Cooling Quilt Top may suit hot sleepers who want a cool-to-the-touch surface with extra cushioning.
Certified Foams
Both mattresses are CertiPUR-US® certified. That means the foams are free of many harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, heavy metals, ozone depleters, and specific flame retardants. These foams are also known to have very low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions, reducing “off-gassing” or a slight odor that newly unboxed foam mattresses can have. Those who want cleaner indoor air or a safer bedroom for adults, kids, and pets may look for this certification.
Are the Sizes the Same?
Leesa’s Original comes in one additional size to Purple, which is California king. Cal king is popular with tall sleepers and couples who want extra space at the feet and head. The Leesa Original Mattress is available in:
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- Cal King
Leesa vs Purple: Comparing Foam Mattress Firmness
The feel or firmness you prefer in a foam mattress depends on many things, including your favorite sleep position, body shape, and personal preference. The Leesa Original Mattress is a medium firmness, while the Purple is medium-firm.
Leesa describes the Original on its website as in the 4-6 range on the industry-wide mattress comfort scale, whereby 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. While Purple does not give an exact number online, we researched web feedback about the mattress to determine it is in the 6-7.5 range.
Who Typically Prefers Which Feel?
Based on buyer reviews, our team finds that Purple has a slightly firmer feel. That may suit those who want slightly more support or those who like the feeling of sleeping on top of a mattress, rather than in it. Leesa’s Original has more of a body-hugging feel with more foam layers, which some people find comforting.
Firmness, Sleep Style, and Body Type
Generally, average-weight back and stomach sleepers prefer medium or medium-firm, depending on personal preference and individual sleep needs. Some plus-size individuals like medium-firm, while others want even firmer.
The medium firmness of Leesa’s Original Mattress is often what side sleepers look for to provide pressure relief on the hips and shoulders. Combination sleepers may like medium or medium-firm. The Original is designed for all sleep positions, per Leesa’s website. Lightweight sleepers may find that the slightly softer Leesa offers plenty of pressure relief for their lighter frame.

For Affordability, How Do Leesa and Purple Compare?
The highlighted Leesa and Purple mattresses are similar in pricing. Both are among the most affordable in their brand’s collections online. Those who are budget-conscious will appreciate that in the foam mattresses.
Quality at a Reasonable Price
We like that the Leesa Original Mattress maintains a reasonable price point for its high-quality materials, including memory foam and high-density foam. The same holds true for Purple with its proprietary material. Leesa, with its extra two inches of thickness (10 inches), impressively is in the same price range as the 8-inch Purple.
Discounts & Convenience
Adding to the value of mattresses like these are online-only discounts that brands offer from time to time. Also, both are mattress-in-a-box brands, which are popular for being budget-friendly, conveniently arriving at your door, and being straightforward to unbox, unroll, and let expand.
Why Mattress in a Box is More Affordable
Brands can offer mattress-in-a-box models at lower pricing than in a physical showroom because there are no special shipping fees, middleman, or brick-and-mortar location to maintain. The two Leesa and Purple mattresses have free standard ground shipping, with in-home setup available for a reasonable additional fee.
Purple’s complimentary shipping for the spotlighted mattress applies across the 48 contiguous US states, with a shipping fee for residents outside of that area, such as Hawaii and Alaska. Leesa ships standard for free across all 50 US states.
Pros and Any Drawbacks: Saatva vs Purple Comparison
Comfort
Both are foam mattresses, suiting those who like a cradling feel over a hybrid or traditional innerspring. The Purple is a bit firmer and more responsive in feel than the Leesa, based on our online research. Those who find it more comfortable to sleep on a mattress rather than in it may prefer Purple, while those who want contouring and cushioning may choose the Leesa Original Mattress for its slightly softer, body-hugging feel.
Pressure Relief and Support
The extra two-inch thickness of Leesa’s Original means it has more cushioning depth. For example, the deeper foam recovery layer may give side sleepers extra pressure relief for the hips and shoulders. A thicker mattress may also provide better support for certain plus-size individuals who may sink into a thinner mattress more easily. Plus, the memory foam contours the shape of the body, distributing weight evenly to reduce pressure point stress.
The firmer feel of the Purple model can help back sleepers maintain proper spinal alignment, which may reduce pain and discomfort. It also appeals to stomach sleepers by providing support to help prevent hips from excess sinking. The grid layer adapts to the body for targeted pressure relief where needed. Lighter individuals who prefer more cushioning may choose the Leesa Original Mattress.
Does the Leesa Original Mattress sound like a good fit for you? See what else buyers have to say.
See Buyer Reviews
Made in the USA
Both mattresses are made in the United States. If you value domestic manufacturing, this detail is likely to be important. They both have parts sourced internationally.
Bounce and Motion Isolation
Purple has more bounce than Leesa with its flexible grid that quickly responds and springs back into shape when you move. That can make changing positions easier and prevent a slow “stuck” feeling. Leesa has less bounce as the memory foam contours closely and absorbs motion. Excellent motion isolation is what many couples seek in a mattress, so they are less likely to feel their partner move during the night and wake up.
Cooling
Purple excels at cooling with its high-airflow structure that dissipates heat quickly. The stretchy cover enhances breathability. Leesa’s knit cover has moisture-wicking fibers for a dry, cool sleep, and a cover upgrade is available for extra cooling. This mattress also has a top layer of breathable foam. We like that both mattresses include cooling properties, as foam construction was traditionally known for overheating.
Sleep Trials
Leesa has the longer mattress sleep trial of the two; it extends 120 nights from the date of delivery (versus Purple’s 100 nights). That gives you several months from when it is delivered to test it in your home. In the unlikely event you decide to return it, you can contact the company to start the process for a full return. For Leesa, you must wait 30 days to initiate a return, and it is 21 days for Purple.
Warranties
Leesa backs the Original Mattress with an impressive limited lifetime warranty. That covers manufacturing defects for as long as you, as the original purchaser, own the mattress, with repair or replacement based on the policy terms. Purple covers its highlighted mattress with a 10-year warranty, offering repair or replacement for defects due to faulty workmanship or materials as per its policy. A long warranty shows brand confidence in its construction, increases buyer confidence, and adds to the mattress value.
Leesa vs Purple Conclusion
You can stay within a budget and still get a top-quality foam mattress online. Leesa’s Original Mattress is proof of that and stands out as a top pick. Its 10-inch foam construction includes contouring memory foam, a high-density foam base, and breathable knit cover at a reasonable price.
The budget-friendly mattress in a box from Leesa suits a range of sleep positions with its medium firmness. It also includes cooling properties to prevent overheating, a common concern with traditional foam. The layers combine for pressure relief, support, and comfort for a variety of sleepers.
Finally, the included sleep trial and limited lifetime warranty add to the mattress value. For those who want top-quality materials in a foam mattress without exceeding their budget, Leesa’s Original is well worth considering.