Purple
Purple Mattress (Original)
$1599
Released 2016
Best Mattresses · head-to-head
Purple Mattress (Original) vs Helix Midnight
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Helix Midnight is cheaper at $1332. Every spec and price links to its source.
Helix Sleep
Helix Midnight
$1332Cheaper
Released 2019
Which is better: the Purple Mattress (Original) or Helix Midnight?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Helix Midnight is the cheaper at $1332.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Purple Mattress (Original) | Helix Midnight |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $1599 | $1332 |
| Brand | Purple | Helix Sleep |
| Released | 2016 | 2019 |
| Type | foam | hybrid |
| Firmness | medium-firm | medium-firm |
| Height (in) | 9.25 | 12 |
| Cooling | GelFlex-Grid-open-air-columns | breathable-cover + coil-airflow (memory-foam-layer; no active phase-change standard) |
| Trial nights | 100 | 120 |
| Warranty years | 10 | — |
| Lifetime warranty | No | Yes |
| Made in usa | — | — |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US | CertiPUR-US |
| Release | 2016 | 2019 |
Sources — Purple Mattress (Original): purple.com (verified 2026-06-15). Helix Midnight: mattressclarity.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Purple Mattress (Original) and Helix Midnight?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 9). Matching specs are omitted.
- Type: Purple Mattress (Original) foam vs Helix Midnight hybrid
- Height (in): Purple Mattress (Original) 9.25 vs Helix Midnight 12
- Cooling: Purple Mattress (Original) GelFlex-Grid-open-air-columns vs Helix Midnight breathable-cover + coil-airflow (memory-foam-layer; no active phase-change standard)
- Trial nights: Purple Mattress (Original) 100 vs Helix Midnight 120
- Lifetime warranty: Purple Mattress (Original) false vs Helix Midnight true
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Purple Mattress (Original)
Two whitelisted hands-on testers agree the Purple Original is a firm/medium-firm, notably cool, low-motion mattress worth its premium price: Reviewed (USA Today) after 30 nights plus infrared-lamp lab tests (2021), and Tom's Guide after a two-week test (2025). Both flag it as heavy and awkward to move (hard to handle solo) and premium-priced, and note it can be too firm for lighter sleepers or strict side sleepers. No other whitelisted, model-specific reviews survived verification. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Sleeps cool / strong temperature regulation from the open GelFlex grid; Genuinely firm and supportive, especially for back and stomach sleepers; Low motion transfer — good for couples and restless partners.
Flagged: Heavy and awkward to move/unbox — hard to handle solo; Can be too firm for lighter sleepers (under 130 lb) or some strict side sleepers; Premium-priced, with discounts that are occasional rather than permanent.
Helix Midnight
Two whitelisted hands-on testers (Tom's Guide, TechRadar) both recommend the Helix Midnight as a top medium hybrid for side sleepers, praising pressure relief, motion isolation and cooling. Both flag only-average edge support and warn it's too soft for stomach or heavier sleepers. No RTINGS/Wirecutter body available; retailer and forum reviews excluded. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Deep pressure relief and contouring for side sleepers; Strong motion isolation, good for couples; Good temperature regulation for a hybrid.
Flagged: Edge support only average / could be sturdier; Too soft for stomach sleepers and heavier bodies; Short 100-night trial vs rivals offering 365 nights.