Purple Pillow Review 2021
Updated on January 18, 2021 While all product recommendations are chosen independently, we may receive compensation for purchases made through our site. Learn more about how we make money here.Purple was founded in 2016 by two brothers with over 20 years of combined experience in aerospace materials, manufacturing, and design. The company began with the Purple mattress, which features a Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ material formed in the shape of a grid. The Smart Comfort Grid™ relieves pressure and provides exceptional support. Purple translated the Smart Comfort Grid™ mattress technology to create the Purple Pillow. They have since come out with a brand new Purple Plush Pillow. This offering expanded the product line to include a more traditional polyfill pillow.
The Purple Pillow’s unique grid keeps your head level while you sleep. The edges are reinforced to support your neck, while the softer center cradles your head. The Purple Plush Pillow has a more traditional feel, as it is filled with Smart Fluff made from interlocking denier poly fiber. Two sides of the Plush pillow feature zippers that allow you to adjust the pillow to be softer or firmer. Read on for our full review of the Purple Pillow and the Purple Plush Pillow.

In-depth Purple Pillow Review
Purple Pillow Construction and Firmness Options
Firmness Options | Loft | Interior Materials | Exterior Materials | |
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Purple Pillow | Only one option available – Medium Firm | 3”; not adjustable | Hyper-Elastic Polymer Smart Comfort Grid coated with a non-toxic polyethylene copolymer powder | Fabric cover is 88% Polyester, 9% Spandex mesh, 3% Nylon |
Purple Plush Pillow | Adjustable – Soft to Firm | Adjustable | “Smart Fluff” – interlocking 3 denier poly fiber puff balls | Fabric cover is 60% Lyocell, 40% Nylon and treated to be moisture-wicking |
How Do the Purple Pillows Perform?
Purple Pillow

The Purple Pillow is considered medium firm with a low loft. There is only one available option for the Purple Pillow, which is not adjustable in height or firmness. While other pillow designs let you customize the feel of the pillow, the Purple Pillow would require additional accessories to change the firmness or height. For users who want a customized height, Purple has recommended placing a foam egg crate, folded towel, or flat pillow under the Purple Pillow. It should also be noted that the Purple Pillow does not require any fluffing and keeps its shape due to its proprietary grid technology.
Since the Purple Pillow is made of synthetic material, it does have a chemical smell at first. However, Purple products have VOC CleanAir Gold Certification. This means they have been third-party tested and shown to have minimal chemical off-gassing. The initial smell should dissipate within a couple of days, depending on how well-ventilated your room is. To offset the chemical smell, the Smart Comfort Grid can also be hand-washed with warm water and a mild detergent. It may take a few washes for the smell to completely go away. Pillows made with natural fibers and fabrics are less likely to have an initial chemical smell or off-gassing.
The Purple Pillow is easy to use and easy to clean. While the original Purple Pillow design included an inflatable cushion, the updated design does not include any accessories and is straightforward in its design. For easy care, the removable fabric cover can be machine washed cold and tumble dried on low. Hand wash the Smart Comfort Grid with a mild detergent or dish soap in warm water and let air dry.
The Purple Pillow weighs 10 pounds, which is much heavier than a standard pillow. It is not meant to be flipped. As it can accommodate back and side sleepers comfortably, the pillow can stay put throughout the night even if you change positions. Since it is so heavy, it is not meant to be propped up for sitting up in bed. It is noticeably heavier than most pillows, including memory foam and latex designs.
The Purple Pillow features a reinforced edge and a soft center. The edge provides neck support, while the center is designed to cradle your head. The patented Smart Comfort Grid design is responsive to pressure while keeping your head level. The synthetic material may not be as conforming as memory foam or latex.
The Purple Pillow Smart Comfort Grid is specifically designed with shape retention in mind. The elasticity of the polymer grid allows the pillow to bounce back to its original shape. It also holds its shape while you sleep.The added edge support reinforces the perimeter of the pillow. Memory foam pillows can sag or compress over time with repeated use, while the Purple Pillow should keep its shape.
The patented Smart Comfort Grid of the Purple Pillow allows for passive airflow and temperature regulation. The Purple Pillow is temperature neutral, providing a comfortable feel. The breathable design helps dissipate body heat and keep your head and neck cool.
The Purple Pillow is flexible, as the Smart Comfort Grid is designed to respond to pressure. It is pliable enough that it can be folded, though users who fold the Purple Pillow have noted it is then too high for a comfortable sleep. As it bounces back to its original shape, it is not easily scrunched. The medium firm pillow is designed to lay flat. It does not need to be fluffed or shaped.
Purple Plush Pillow

Our Verdict
Purple offers innovative and unique pillows to appeal to different types of sleepers. The Smart Comfort Grid design of the Purple Pillow offers support for your head and neck. The temperature regulation of the grid’s passive airflow keeps your head and neck cool and comfortable. Side and back sleepers who prefer a low loft pillow that stays put throughout the night will enjoy the Purple Pillow. This low maintenance pillow is easy to clean and retains its shape.
For sleepers who prefer an adjustable pillow with more pliability, the Purple Plush Pillow is a good choice. The added benefit of an adjustable loft without having to remove or add filling provides a customized feel easily. Since the entire pillow is machine washable, it is easy to keep clean and requires minimal maintenance to retain its fluffy shape. It has a more traditional pillow feel and can be scrunched, folded, and adjusted to your desired shape and height. It also provides good support for back and side sleepers.
Both the Purple Pillow and the Purple Plush Pillow are designed with durability and comfort in mind. Their innovative designs and breathable materials provide a comfortable place to rest your head for a good night’s sleep.
Pros | Cons | |
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Purple Pillow |
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Purple Plush Pillow |
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How Do Customers Rate the Purple Pillow?
Purple Pillow | Purple Plush Pillow | |
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Purple.com | 3.8/5 (13,099 reviews) | 3.4/5 (1,779 reviews) |
Amazon | 3.5/5 (647 reviews) | 3.5/5 (4 reviews) |
Google Shopping | 3.7/5 (67 reviews) | N/A |
Consumer Reports | N/A | N/A |
What to Know Before You Buy the Purple Pillow
The Purple Pillow and Purple Plush Pillow differ in price, size, and support. If you are wondering if the Purple Pillow or Purple Plush pillow is right for you, it is important to consider what type of sleeper you are and what you are looking for in your pillow.
Purple Pillow
Size | Dimensions | Loft | Price |
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Standard | 24″ x 16″ | 3″ | $99 |
Queen | N/A | N/A | N/A |
King | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Purple Plush Pillow
Size | Dimensions | Loft | Price |
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Standard | 26″ x 18″ | Adjustable | $49 |
Queen | N/A | N/A | N/A |
King | N/A | N/A | N/A |
What Type of Sleeper is Well-Suited to a Purple Pillow?
Side Sleepers: When sleeping on your side, it is important for the loft of your pillow to be the right height to supports your neck and head. The Purple Pillow features a reinforced edge that supports your neck and keeps your head level when sleeping on your side. The Smart Comfort Grid is responsive to pressure, while still retaining its shape. The Purple Plush Pillow gives you the option of adjusting the loft of the pillow with its side zippers, which provides a customizable feel for a comfortable height. Depending on your personal preferences, either pillow should provide good support for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers: For back sleepers, it is important that the pillow supports the head and neck without tipping the head too far forward. The lower loft of the Purple Pillow provides comfortable support for back sleepers. The Smart Comfort Grid cradles the head while keeping the neck supported. Since the Purple Plush Pillow is adjustable, back sleepers can choose a softer or firmer feel for the right support. The poly fiber fill is lightweight for a soft feel under the neck and head. However, heavier back sleepers may find that the Plush Pillow is not lofty enough to keep their head level and supported.
Stomach Sleepers: Since stomach sleepers turn their heads to the side, they require a lower loft pillow to keep from straining their neck. The 3-inch loft of the Purple Pillow and its heavier construction may be uncomfortable for stomach sleepers. The Purple Plush Pillow features an adjustable loft that is better for a stomach sleeper. The soft, lightweight fill can be adjusted to a comfortable height. Heavier stomach sleepers may find that the Plush Pillow is not supportive enough, as they may sink into the lightweight poly fiber.
Purple Pillow | Under 130 lbs | 130-230 lbs | Above 230 |
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Side Sleepers | Good | Good | Good |
Back Sleepers | Good | Very Good | Good |
Stomach Sleepers | Poor | Fair | Poor |
Purple Plush Pillow | Under 130 lbs | 130-230 lbs | Above 230 |
---|---|---|---|
Side Sleepers | Very Good | Very Good | Good |
Back Sleepers | Very Good | Good | Fair |
Stomach Sleepers | Good | Fair | Poor |
Purple Pillow Deals and Bundles
Purple offers promotions throughout the year. They currently offer a free product with the purchase of a Purple Mattress, up to a $129 value. You can choose which product to receive; the options listed include both the Purple Pillow and Purple Plush Pillow. This promotion does not have an expiration date listed.
Purple Delivery, Trial, and Warranty Information
Delivery: Purple ships to the United States and Canada. They offer free shipping within the contiguous United States. Shipping times are listed on each product page. Currently, the Purple Pillow is ready to ship in 5-6 days. The Purple Plush Pillow is ready to ship in 1-2 days.
Returns: Purple offers free returns on their pillows within 100 days of the date of delivery. The pillow must be clean and undamaged to be eligible for return within this time frame. Returns can be set up easily via phone or email.
Sleep Trial: Purple offers a 100-night trial on both the Purple Pillow and the Purple Plush Pillow. You have 100 days from the date of delivery to return the pillow. Purple recommends trying the pillow for at least 30 nights to fully adjust to the new pillow.
Warranty: Both the Purple Pillow and the Purple Plush Pillow are backed by a one year warranty from the date of purchase. Purple will repair or replace your pillow if it is found to be defective due to workmanship or materials.
Company Information
Customer Service: Purple is responsive when it comes to customer service inquiries and complaints. Their team is available via phone, live chat, and email, Monday through Saturday. The majority of customers seem to be happy with the Purple customer service team, regardless of whether they kept their Purple product.
Reputation: Purple has built its reputation around providing innovative mattresses and sleep accessories for a more comfortable sleep. The founders have years of experience in manufacturing and design that translate into unique and durable products.
BBB Rating: Purple has an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau notes that the reason for the A rating is the length of time Purple takes to respond to customer complaints.
Years in Business: Purple started in 2015 with a crowd-funded Kickstarter campaign for their original mattress design. They launched their website in 2016 and have since expanded their product line to include pillows, sheets, mattress accessories, and pet beds.
Physical Stores: While Purple does not have a brick-and-mortar shop, they do have a showroom in Alpine, Utah, where you can try out their products. Select retailers like Bed, Bath & Beyond also carry Purple products.
Contact Information: The Purple Customer Service Team can be reached by phone at 888-848-8456, or by email at [email protected]. They also have a live chat option on their website. Customer Service hours are Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm MT, and Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm MT.