Purple Pillow Review

Updated on May 25, 2020 While all product recommendations are chosen independently, we may receive compensation for purchases made through our site. Learn more about our affiliate program 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.

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In-depth Purple Pillow Review

Purple Pillow Construction and Firmness Options

	Firmness Options	Loft	Interior Materials	Exterior Materials
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

Durability

The Purple Plush Pillow’s Smart Fluff filling is made of interlocking balls of denier poly fiber, which is meant to last longer than traditional fiber-filled pillows. The average pillow lasts two to three years at most and shows its age by losing its shape or becoming lumpy. The poly fiber of the Plush Pillow is made to keep its shape longer, extending the life of the pillow. However, as this is a newer product, it is difficult to attest to the longevity of the pillow. The seams are not reinforced, which may lead to tears. The Purple Plush Pillow is backed by a one-year warranty.

Firmness Options

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.

Off-Gassing

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.

Ease of Use and Ease of Cleaning

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.

Weight

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.

Conforming

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.

Shape Retention

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.

Temperature Neutrality

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.

Pliability

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

Durability

Firmness Options

The Purple Plush Pillow can be softer or firmer, as it has two adjustable zippers on the sides that can change the overall firmness of the pillow. Traditionally, adjustable pillows change loft by adding or removing filling to suit your preference. The Plush Pillow is unique in that instead of removing or adding more filling, the sides can either be zipped shut for a firm feel or opened for soft feel. You can also customize the feel by partially zipping one or both zippers. The filling stays inside the pillow, as the zipper opens to a panel of ventilated fabric.

Off-Gassing

Since the Purple Plush Pillow has a Lyocell and Nylon cover and is filled with poly fiber, there is no noticeable chemical smell or off-gassing. Off-gassing is more typical of memory foam pillows, as the chemicals in the synthetic foam dissipate and let off a chemical smell. The Plush Pillow is also easy to clean.

Ease of Use and Ease of Cleaning

It may take some adjusting of the side zippers to customize the feel of the Purple Plush Pillow for use, which may not be ideal for people who don’t want to have to mess with their pillow. However, the entire pillow is machine washable making it very easy to care for. Purple recommends using a front-loading washing machine and washing the pillow with like colors. Running the spin cycle twice will remove additional water from the pillow after washing. You can then tumble dry the pillow on low. For added fluff, dry the pillow with clean tennis balls and remove promptly. The Plush Pillow can be washed multiple times without affecting the integrity of the Smart Fluff filling or moisture-wicking cover.

Weight

With a weight of 3.6 pounds, the Purple Plush Pillow has an average weight and feel. It is especially lightweight compared to the original Purple Pillow, which weighs 10 pounds. The Smart Fluff filling feels light, and the loft is customized by the adjustable side zippers. However, adjusting the loft of the pillow does not change the weight, as the filling remains the same. You can move the pillow easily if needed throughout the night. The Lyocell and Nylon cover is breathable and lightweight, with mesh panels underneath the zippers for added air circulation.

Conforming

The interlocking poly fiber fill is light and airy. Adjusting the side zippers changes the firmness of the pillow, but the poly fiber is still only moderately responsive to pressure. It provides support under the head and neck but does not have a cradling effect. The poly fiber does provide a fluffed up feeling around the head and neck. Latex and memory foam pillows are more responsive to pressure and provide a more customized feel.

Shape Retention

The Smart Fluff interlocking denier poly fiber puff balls are designed to hold their shape with elasticity and bounciness. Purple recommends fluffing the Plush Pillow at least once a week to retain its shape and feel. Following the care instructions and fluffing after drying will also help. Traditional polyester filled pillows can feel lumpy and lose their shape over time with repeated use.

Temperature Neutrality

The Purple Plush Pillow is designed with a Lyocell-blend cover that wicks away moisture from your neck and head. It is a breathable fabric that helps with temperature regulation to keep the pillow cooler. The mesh side panels under the zippers allow for increased air circulation when the pillow is unzipped. The pillow may feel less cool when fully zipped, as there is not as much air circulation when the adjustable panels are closed.

Pliability

Unlike foam pillows, which are fairly rigid when it comes to folding or scrunching, the Purple Plush Pillow is flexible due to its poly fill. It can easily be folded and scrunched to your desired shape and height. It is more pliable when the adjustable side panels are unzipped, as it becomes softer.

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.

Get the sleep you deserve with a Purple pillow

	Pros	Cons
Purple Pillow	Smart Comfort Grid with reinforced perimeter provides comfortable head and neck support. Hyper-Elastic Polymer retains its shape and elasticity. Easy to clean; fabric cover can be machine washed and the Smart Comfort Grid can be hand washed. Temperature neutral with passive airflow and a breathable fabric cover. Does not need to be fluffed.	Only one option available for size, firmness, and loft. Does not conform to your head and neck as well as memory foam or latex. Might not be as comfortable or supportive for stomach sleepers. Heavy weight, especially compared to other pillow types. Those who prefer a soft, pliable pillow may not like the firmness of the Purple Pillow.
Purple Plush Pillow	Loft is adjustable without having to remove or add filling. Ventilated side panels improve air circulation and temperature regulation. Lyocell and Nylon cover are breathable and moisture-wicking. Smart Fluff filling makes the pillow pliable. Entire pillow is machine washable for easy cleaning.	May not provide adequate support for stomach sleepers. As this is a newer product, durability and longevity have not yet been proven. Does not conform to the head and neck as well as memory foam or latex pillows. Lightweight fill may not provide enough support for heavier sleepers. Requires regular fluffing to retain shape.

How Do Customers Rate the Purple Pillow?

	Purple Pillow	Purple Plush Pillow
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
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
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
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

Want more information? Check out Purple!

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.