So you’ve explored your options and decided a memory foam mattress is the right one for you. Good choice! People love memory foam for its pressure-relieving comfort and unique contouring ability. And people who love it really love it: Memory foam mattress owners report the highest levels of satisfaction with their sleep surface.
But not all memory foam mattresses are alike. Here’s a closer look at the key differences between our
Our ultra-premium 5-lb memory foam mattress for a body-hugging feel
memory foam mattress and the Purple Original mattress.
The following information is up-to-date as of December 20, 2018.
Comfort
Comfort is a tricky thing—what feels good to one person may not feel all that great to another. While some memory foam mattresses aim for a universal comfort level, others offer a range of firmness options, so you can tailor your sleep to your personal needs and preferences. Other factors that determine the comfort of a memory foam mattress are the number and type of layers, how it keeps you cool while you sleep, and whether it provides support where you need it most, in the all-important lumbar zone.
Do I have a choice of comfort options?
Loom & Leaf: Yes
Purple: No
Loom & Leaf comes in two comfort levels: relaxed firm and firm. Relaxed firm is the most popular choice, a combination of cushioning for pressure relief and contouring support that works for back, side, and stomach sleepers. Firm is for anyone who likes the feel of a firm mattress or for stomach sleepers who need added support. The Purple Original mattress comes in one comfort level, designed for those who prefer a firmer feel.
The bottom line: More comfort options means more chances for you to find your best mattress match. (Need some help deciding the right comfort level for you? Here’s how to choose based on your sleep style and body type.)
How many layers of foam are in the mattress?
Loom & Leaf: Four
Purple: Three
From the bottom up, the 12-inch Loom & Leaf mattress has four layers. (Here’s a detailed view):
- a 5.5-inch support base made of 1.5-lb. density polyurethane foam;
- a 2-inch transition layer of 1.8-lb. density polyurethane foam;
- a 2.5-inch layer of 5-lb. density viscoelastic memory foam;
- a 2-inch layer of 4-lb. density convoluted (wavy) memory foam infused with cooling gel.
The 9.5-inch Purple Original mattress has three layers. Starting from the bottom, it has:
- a 4-inch base layer of 2-lb. density polyurethane foam;
- a 3.5-inch middle layer of 1.8-lb density polyurethane foam;
- A 2-inch layer of Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ material in Smart Comfort Grid™.
The bottom line: The number of layers, and what’s in them, determine how a memory foam mattress feels, how well it performs, and how long it lasts. Despite the name, memory foam mattresses are not made only from memory foam. If they were, they’d be too soft to sleep on. Typically, only the upper, or comfort, layers contain memory foam, while the base support layers are made from high-density polyurethane foam. The denser the foam, the more durable and supportive the mattress. The foam in Loom & Leaf is of higher density than the foam in the Purple Original, which is designed so it can be compressed and packed in a box for shipping.
What kind of lumbar support does the mattress have?
Loom & Leaf: Spinal cooling gel and Lumbar Zone® Quilting in the center third of the mattress provide targeted back support.
Purple: The Smart Comfort Grid™ is designed to “dynamically flex under pressure so shoulders and hips are properly cradled and supported.”
The bottom line: Lumbar support is crucial when it comes to picking a memory foam mattress—or any mattress for that matter, especially if you experience pain in your back, shoulders, or hips while you sleep. Adequate lumbar support assures that the spine stays in neutral alignment, which means you won’t wake up sore or stiff. (Here’s how to keep pain from ruining your sleep.)
How does the mattress keep me cool?
Loom & Leaf: The top layer of Loom & Leaf contains a nontoxic cooling gel swirled into the memory foam. A panel of the same gel is layered onto the foam in the center third of the mattress, where body heat is concentrated, for added cooling and spinal support. Then the whole mattress is wrapped in organic cotton for maximum breathability next to the skin.
Purple: The open design of the Smart Comfort Grid™ allows for free air flow, which helps dissipate body heat. The grid itself is made from a polymer material that the manufacturer describes as “temperature neutral.”
The bottom line: The more cooling features a mattress has, the more comfortably you’ll sleep. Sleeping hot is a common concern when it comes to memory foam. That’s because memory foam responds to temperature, softening as it warms and molds to your body. While contouring is what many people love about memory foam, it can also trap and retain heat close to the body.
Quality
You’re going to be spending a lot of time—and money—on your mattress, so you want one that’s built to last. Beyond mere comfort, you’ll need to consider the factors that go into a quality product, such as eco-friendly materials, construction, foam density, and durability.
What is the density of the foam in the mattress?
Loom & Leaf: The two memory foam layers are 5 pounds per cubic foot and 4 pounds per cubic foot, respectively. The high-density foam support layers are 1.5 pounds and 1.8 pounds per cubic foot.
Purple: The top foam layer is 1.8 pounds per cubic foot; the base layer is 2 pounds per cubic foot.
The bottom line: The higher the foam density, the more supportive and durable the mattress. The foam used in the Purple Original mattress is lower density than the foam in Loom & Leaf so that it can be more easily compressed into a box.
How soon can I sleep on the mattress?
Loom & Leaf: Immediately
Purple: After it’s unboxed, taken out of plastic, and expanded
The bottom line: A multi-layer, high-density foam mattress can’t be flattened and shipped in a box. Loom & Leaf mattresses are never crushed or compressed, so you can sleep comfortably on them from the moment they’re delivered. Beds in boxes, like the Purple Original, need a few minutes to inflate once they’re taken out of the packaging. They also need some time to air out: Vacuum sealing and wrapping in plastic concentrates odors. (Learn about mattress off-gassing here.)
What flame retardant material is in the mattress?
Loom & Leaf: Eco-friendly natural thistle
Purple: Firegard® Knit Barrier
The bottom line: When it comes to mattresses, toxic ingredients are most likely to turn up in fabrics and components treated with fire retardants, such as covers and foam padding. Loom & Leaf’s fire barrier is made from all-natural material—thistle pulp woven into a mesh—without the use of harmful chemicals. Purple uses Firegard® Knit Barrier, a flame-retardant fabric made without chemical treatments.
What is the mattress cover made from?
Loom & Leaf: Organic cotton
Purple: 29% viscose, 67% polyester, 4% Lycra
The bottom line: Cotton is the most popular bedding material because it’s naturally cool and breathable. Organic cotton has the added benefit of being produced without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, which means it’s hypoallergenic and gentle on skin. Loom & Leaf’s fabrics are certified by Oeko-Tex to be free of harmful chemicals. The main ingredient in the Purple cover is polyester. (Here’s what you need to know about organic mattress components.)
Value
Last but certainly not least, we come to value. When you’re buying a new mattress, cost is often one of the biggest factors. But to decide whether you’re truly getting the most for your money, consider fine-print issues such as comfort guarantees, delivery policies, warranty terms, and customer service.
How much does the mattress cost?
Loom & Leaf: $2,395 (queen)
Purple: $1,399 (queen)
The bottom line: The Loom & Leaf mattress costs more than the Purple Original. That’s because it’s a premium mattress made with quality materials, hand-delivered and set up in your home. Don’t get us wrong: boxed beds are a great choice for some shoppers—they’re convenient and affordable. But at Saatva, we believe you can’t fit true luxury into a cardboard box.
How is the mattress delivered?
Loom & Leaf: Free in-home delivery and setup, plus removal of your old mattress
Purple: Free shipping via UPS
The bottom line: Free white-glove delivery is the Saatva service standard. We’ll deliver and set up your new mattress, plus take away old bedding, for no extra charge. Purple is delivered to the customer’s doorstep, but setup is your responsibility (a queen-size Original Purple weighs 110 pounds).
How long is the at-home trial period?
Loom & Leaf: 365 days
Purple: 100 days
The bottom line: It sometimes takes a while to get used to a new mattress, especially if it’s a type of bed you haven’t slept on before. With Loom & Leaf, you get 365 days to decide whether or not you’re happy with your mattress. If not, the company will exchange it for another mattress or take it away for donation or recycling. In the case of a return, the customer is responsible only for a $99 processing fee. Purple will cover the cost of pickup and arrange for a returned mattress to be donated to charity, or you can arrange the donation and dropoff yourself; in either case, the refund requires a verified donation receipt.
How long is the warranty?
Loom & Leaf: Lifetime warranty
Purple: 10 years
The bottom line: The Loom & Leaf memory foam mattress carries a lifetime warranty. The warranty works like this: If a mattress is deemed defective during the first two years, Saatva will replace it with a brand-new mattress, free of any charge. Starting in year three and for as long as you own your mattress, Saatva will repair and re-cover your mattress. You will be responsible only for a $149 processing fee. Purple offers a 10-year warranty. Processing fees and inspection costs associated with repairs or replacements are the responsibility of the purchaser.
What about customer support?
Loom & Leaf: Noncommissioned sleep guides are available in Saatva’s New York operations center to answer questions about Loom & Leaf 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Purple: Purple representatives are available Monday to Friday during business hours, and part of the day on Saturday.
The bottom line: Concierge service is the Saatva standard. Call or chat with us anytime, day or night. Our representatives are always at the other end of the line.
Improve your sleep with our high-quality memory foam mattress
Loom and Leaf Memory Foam Mattress
Premium memory foam, handcrafted in the U.S. with eco-friendly materials. Breathable organic cotton, cooling spinal gel, and layers of high-density support foam assure a cool, comfortable night's sleep.
Still haven’t made up your mind? Read our reviews. Ready to buy a mattress? Head on over to saatva.com.
