Purple vs Puffy Mattress

Purple vs Puffy Mattress: Which Is Better for Canadian Sleepers?

Written by: Duane Franklin

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Time to read 14 min

Comparing Purple and Puffy mattresses can be overwhelming for Canadian shoppers. Both brands offer unique technologies, but each has limitations in materials, support, and durability. Research shows many sleepers need options beyond these mainstream choices. We'll compare Purple vs Puffy while also introducing Fawcett's natural alternatives, helping you find your perfect mattress based on sleeping position, material preferences, and long-term value.

Quick Comparison

Feature

Purple

Puffy Cloud

Fawcett

Price (Queen)

CAD $1,599

CAD $1,599

CAD $1,399-$3,499

Materials

Hyper-elastic polymer grid, foam

Memory foam, climate comfort foam

100% Natural Talalay Latex, organic Joma wool, organic cotton

Height

9.5"

10"

7-13"

Firmness

Medium-firm (6.5/10)

Medium-soft (3.9-5/10)

Customizable (4-8/10)

Trial Period

100 nights

101 nights

100 nights comfort exchange

Warranty

10 years

Lifetime

10 years

Made In

USA

Canada

Victoria, BC, Canada

Best For

Hot sleepers, back/stomach sleepers

Side sleepers under 230 lbs, couples

Natural material seekers, customization needs

Struggling to find a mattress that suits your unique sleeping needs? Speak with our mattress experts for tailored advice designed specifically for your sleep style.

Overview of Purple, Puffy & Fawcett Mattresses

Mother and a Child Playing on a Bed

Purple

Purple, which expanded to Canada in recent years, is known for its innovative GelFlex Grid technology—a hyper-elastic polymer grid that forms the top comfort layer of all their Purple mattresses. This unique material adapts to your body's pressure points while promoting airflow for hot sleepers.

Puffy

Puffy has established itself in the Canadian market with all-foam and hybrid designs featuring proprietary foam technologies focused on comfort and cooling. Their Puffy mattresses are designed with memory foam comfort layers that contour to your body for pressure relief.

Fawcett

Fawcett Mattress takes a completely different approach. Based on Vancouver Island, we build mattresses using 100% natural materials like Talalay Latex, organic Joma wool, and organic cotton. We focus on creating personalized sleep solutions that deliver exceptional comfort, support, and longevity while promoting health and sustainability.

All three brands offer various models at different price points, with each targeting specific sleeping positions and needs.

Mattress Model Overviews

Puffy Cloud Mattress

The Puffy Cloud mattress is the brand's flagship model in Canada, featuring a two-layer all-foam construction standing 10 inches tall. The top layer consists of 4 inches of their Cooling Cloud foam, which is gel-infused to help regulate temperature. This sits atop a 6-inch Firm Core Support foam base layer.

The mattress has a medium-soft feel, rating approximately 3.9-5/10 on the firmness scale. This softer profile makes it particularly suitable for lightweight side sleepers and those under 230 pounds. Its cover is made from 98% polyester and 2% Lycra, though it's not machine washable.

With a retail price of CAD $1,599 for a Queen size, the Puffy Cloud comes with impressive policies: a 101-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. It's also made in Canada and certified by CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX for safety.

Purple Original Mattress

The Purple Original mattress features the company's signature GelFlex Grid technology in a 9.5-inch tall mattress. The Purple grid is designed to offer dynamic pressure relief by collapsing only under pressure points while remaining supportive elsewhere.

The Purple mattress has a medium-firm feel (6.5/10), creating a unique "floating" sensation that works well for back and stomach sleepers. Its SoftFlex cover is made from a blend of viscose, polyester, and Lycra.

At CAD $1,599 for a Queen size, Purple offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. The mattress is made in the USA and shipped to Canada.

Fawcett Mattress

Fawcett offers several models, including our popular Sombrio and Cumberland mattresses, ranging from 7 to 13 inches in height. Unlike the synthetic materials used by Purple and Puffy, our mattresses feature 100% Natural Talalay Latex comfort layers, organic Joma wool for natural temperature regulation, and organic cotton covers.

Our mattresses are customizable with firmness options ranging from 4/10 (medium-soft) to 8/10 (firm), and we even offer dual-firmness options for couples with different preferences. They're handcrafted in Victoria, BC, and priced competitively at CAD $1,399-$3,499 for a Queen.

We stand behind our natural mattresses with a 100-night comfort exchange and an industry-leading 10-year warranty, reflecting our confidence in the durability of natural materials.

Construction & Materials Comparison

Puffy Cloud Mattress Construction

The Puffy Cloud mattress features a simple but effective two-layer design:

  • 4" Cooling Cloud™ Foam Layer: This top comfort layer uses gel-infused memory foam designed to draw heat away from the body while contouring to your shape for pressure relief.
  • 6" Firm Core Support Foam: This high-density base layer provides stability and support to the mattress structure.

The materials are wrapped in a stain-resistant, non-removable cover. All foams used in Puffy mattresses are CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring they're made without harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, phthalates, and heavy metals.

Purple Mattress Construction

The Purple mattress features a three-layer design with its signature grid technology:

  • 2" GelFlex Grid: This proprietary hyper-elastic polymer forms a grid structure that collapses where pressure is applied while remaining supportive elsewhere. This creates a unique balance of support and pressure relief.
  • 3.5" Transition Polyurethane Foam (1.8 lb/ft³): This middle layer helps prevent the sleeper from sinking too deeply into the support core.
  • 4" High-Density Support Foam (2.0 lb/ft³): This bottom layer provides durability and structural support.

The mattress is encased in a breathable SoftFlex cover made from a blend of viscose, polyester, and Lycra. The Purple mattress stands 9.5 inches tall and weighs about 110 pounds for a Queen size.

Fawcett Mattress Construction

Fawcett mattresses feature a multi-layer natural construction:

  • 3-4" Natural Talalay Latex Comfort Layer: This responsive, breathable material provides pressure relief without the "sinking" feeling of memory foam. It's naturally resilient, antibacterial, and dust mite resistant.
  • Organic Joma Wool Layer: This premium New Zealand wool acts as a natural fire barrier (eliminating the need for chemical treatments), while regulating temperature and wicking away moisture.
  • Support Core: Depending on the model, either 6-8" of additional natural latex layers or a pocket coil spring system made from 100% recycled steel for those who prefer a more traditional feel.
  • Organic Cotton Cover: High thread count, Oeko-Tex® STANDARD 100 certified cotton that's soft, breathable, and durable.

Unlike the synthetic materials in Purple and Puffy, our natural components don't off-gas harmful chemicals and are biodegradable at the end of their significantly longer lifespan.

Want to experience the difference between foam and natural mattresses in person? Stop by our Victoria or Nanaimo showrooms and feel why natural materials deliver exceptional comfort, support, and temperature regulation.

Firmness & Feel Differences

Person Sitting on a Mattress

Firmness Rating

The three mattresses offer distinctly different firmness experiences:

  • Purple Original: Consistently rated as medium-firm (6.5/10), with a unique floating sensation due to the hyper-elastic polymer grid technology.
  • Puffy Cloud: Rates as medium-soft (3.9-5/10), offering a more plush, sink-in feel characteristic of memory foam mattresses.
  • Fawcett: Available in customizable firmness levels (4-8/10), allowing you to select the perfect feel for your body weight and sleeping positions, including dual-firmness options for couples.

These firmness differences are important when considering your preferred sleeping position and body weight. Purple's firmer feel tends to work better for back and stomach sleepers, Puffy's softer profile generally suits side sleepers, while Fawcett's customizable options can accommodate all sleeping positions.

Sleeping Position Comparison

Side Sleepers:

  • Puffy Cloud excels for lightweight side sleepers and average-weight side sleepers (under 230 lbs), as its softer foam contours around pressure points at both the shoulders and hips.
  • Purple works better for heavyweight side sleepers (over 130 lbs) as the grid adapts to shoulders and hips while maintaining support.
  • Fawcett's medium to medium-soft options (4-6/10 firmness) provide ideal support for side sleepers, with natural latex offering pressure relief without excessive sinking, and the option to customize firmness levels for your specific body type.

Back Sleepers:

  • Purple provides excellent support for back sleepers of all weights, with the grid relieving pressure at the lower back while keeping the spine aligned.
  • Puffy offers adequate support for lightweight back sleepers but may lack sufficient support for those over 230 lbs.
  • Fawcett's medium to medium-firm options (6-7/10 firmness) deliver optimal support for back and side sleepers, with natural latex providing both comfort and support for proper spinal alignment.

Stomach Sleepers:

  • Purple's firmer grid helps prevent hip sinking, making it a more supportive mattress for average weight stomach sleepers and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
  • Puffy's softer surface often allows too much hip sinking for stomach sleeping, potentially causing spinal misalignment, though it may work for lightweight stomach sleepers.
  • Fawcett's firmer options (7-8/10 firmness) are ideal for stomach sleepers, providing the necessary support to keep hips elevated and aligned with the spine, preventing lower back pain.

Performance Differences

Pressure Relief & Comfort

Puffy Cloud relies on memory foam's conforming properties to distribute weight and relieve pressure. The 4-inch Cooling Cloud foam layer allows for deep contouring, which works especially well for side sleepers needing shoulder and hip relief. However, this sink-in feeling can create a "stuck" sensation that makes changing positions more difficult.

Purple's GelFlex Grid offers dynamic pressure relief by collapsing only under pressure points while remaining supportive elsewhere. This creates a floating feeling with less sinkage than memory foam mattresses. The Purple grid flexes instantly when you move, making it responsive and easy to change positions.

Fawcett's Natural Talalay Latex provides responsive pressure relief that contours to your body without the slow response time of memory foam. It offers immediate cushioning for pressure points while quickly adapting when you change positions. The natural responsiveness of latex creates a comfortable, supportive mattress that balances contouring with ease of movement—avoiding both the "stuck" feeling of memory foam and the "floating" sensation of the Purple grid.

Motion Isolation

  • Puffy Cloud excels at motion isolation due to its all-foam construction, making it an excellent choice for couples where one partner is a light sleeper.
  • Purple offers moderate motion isolation, with the grid absorbing some movement but transferring more motion than all-foam designs.
  • Fawcett provides good motion isolation, particularly in our all-latex models. Our hybrid mattresses with pocket coil systems also minimize motion transfer by using individually wrapped coils that move independently.

Edge Support

Edge support varies significantly between these mattresses:

  • Purple features edge support foam that provides reinforced edge support, making it easier to use the full surface of the mattress and get in and out of bed.
  • Puffy Cloud has no specialized edge support system, resulting in noticeable compression when sitting or sleeping near the edges.
  • Fawcett mattresses offer excellent edge support across the entire surface. Natural latex maintains its structural integrity to the edges, while our hybrid models include reinforced perimeters for additional edge support.

Temperature Regulation

Temperature regulation also differs substantially:

  • Purple excels at keeping cool due to the grid structure's 1,400+ air channels that allow for substantial airflow and heat dissipation, making it ideal for those who sleep hot.
  • Puffy incorporates cooling gel in its foam layers but, like most memory foam mattress options, tends to retain more heat than breathable designs like Purple's.
  • Fawcett mattresses feature natural temperature regulation through the combination of breathable Talalay latex (with its open-cell structure) and moisture-wicking Joma wool. These natural materials create effective airflow and heat dissipation without relying on synthetic cooling technologies, helping you stay comfortable in all seasons.

Durability & Longevity

  • Purple mattresses typically last 7-10 years, with the hyper-elastic polymer grid showing good resilience but the foam support layers potentially compressing over time.
  • Puffy claims a lifetime warranty, but foam mattresses generally have a lifespan of 6-12 years before noticeable sagging or softening occurs.
  • Fawcett mattresses are built for exceptional longevity, with natural latex retaining its resilience and support characteristics significantly longer than synthetic foams. Our 10-year warranty reflects our confidence in the durability of our natural materials.

Pricing & Value

Close-up of Fawcett mattress production

Puffy Cloud Mattress Pricing

The Puffy Cloud mattress is priced at CAD $1,599 for a Queen size in Canada. Other sizes range from Twin (CAD $1,199) to California King (CAD $1,799). Puffy frequently offers promotions that can significantly reduce these prices.

The mattress comes with impressive policies that add value:

  • 101-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Free shipping across Canada
  • CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certifications

Purple Original Mattress Pricing

The Purple Original mattress is also priced at CAD $1,599 for a Queen size in Canada. Other sizes range from Twin (CAD $1,199) to California King (CAD $1,799). Purple occasionally offers promotions and bundle deals.

The mattress includes:

  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • Free shipping to most Canadian locations
  • CertiPUR-US certification for foams

Fawcett Mattress Pricing

Fawcett mattresses are competitively priced between CAD $1,399-$3,499 for a Queen size, depending on the model. Given the use of premium natural materials and handcrafted construction, this represents exceptional value compared to synthetic alternatives.

Our mattresses include:

  • 100-night comfort exchange
  • 10-year warranty
  • Free shipping across Canada
  • Natural materials free from harmful chemicals
  • Customizable firmness options

Value Comparison

When comparing overall value:

Purple Original (CAD $1,599 for Queen):

  • Innovative grid technology that promotes airflow
  • More durable materials than traditional foam
  • Better edge support and temperature regulation than all-foam mattresses
  • 100-night trial and 10-year warranty

Puffy Cloud (CAD $1,599 for Queen):

  • Soft, contouring classic memory foam feel
  • Better motion isolation for couples
  • Lifetime warranty vs. Purple's 10-year coverage
  • Made in Canada vs. Purple's U.S. manufacturing

Fawcett (CAD $1,399-$3,499 for Queen):

  • Premium natural materials (latex, wool, cotton) vs. synthetic materials
  • Customizable firmness options, including dual-firmness for couples
  • Superior longevity of natural latex vs. synthetic foams
  • 100-night comfort exchange and 10-year warranty
  • Crafted on Vancouver Island
  • Comparable pricing despite higher-quality materials

For Canadian buyers seeking premium options, all three brands offer higher-end models:

  • Puffy Lux Mattress (CAD $2,449) adds a coil system and additional comfort layers
  • Puffy Royal Hybrid (CAD $3,749) includes zoned support and enhanced cooling
  • Purple Hybrid models (starting at CAD $2,399) combine the grid with pocketed coils
  • Fawcett's premium models feature additional latex layers, enhanced support systems, and extra customization options

Customer Service & Warranty

Puffy Customer Service

Puffy mattresses come with customer-friendly policies:

  • 101-night sleep trial with full refunds (after a minimum 30-night adjustment period)
  • Lifetime warranty covering defects and sagging greater than 1.5 inches
  • Free shipping via FedEx across Canada
  • Live chat support (starts with AI but transfers to human representatives)

Customer feedback on Puffy's service is mixed. While many praise the responsive initial support, some report challenges with warranty approvals and exchanges for higher-end models.

Purple Customer Service

Purple's customer service includes:

  • 100-night sleep trial (requires 21-night minimum trial)
  • 10-year non-prorated warranty covering indentations deeper than 1 inch
  • Free shipping for orders over $75 (possible surcharges for remote areas)
  • Support via phone and email

Customer reviews highlight some concerns with Purple's service, including delivery delays and occasional difficulties with warranty claims. Their expansion into Canada through Sleep Country stores has improved accessibility but created some customer service challenges.

Fawcett Customer Service

At Fawcett, we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service:

  • 100-night comfort exchange
  • 10-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and excessive sagging
  • Free shipping across Canada
  • Direct access to our mattress experts for personalized recommendations
  • Local showrooms in Victoria and Nanaimo for in-person consultations

Our team is dedicated to ensuring you find the perfect mattress for your needs. We offer a comfort exchange program during the trial period if your initial firmness selection isn't quite right, and our warranty process is straightforward and customer-friendly.

Health & Environmental Considerations

Puffy

Puffy uses CertiPUR-US certified foams, ensuring they're made without ozone depleters, certain flame retardants, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals. Their OEKO-TEX certification also indicates testing for harmful substances. However, like most synthetic mattresses, they still use chemical flame retardants and may emit minimal off-gassing when new.

Purple

Purple's GelFlex Grid is made from hyper-elastic polymer (a type of mineral oil-based plastic) with CertiPUR-US certified foams in the support layers. The company states their materials are non-toxic and low-VOC, though some customers report initial off-gassing. The synthetic materials are not biodegradable at the end of their life cycle.

Fawcett

Fawcett mattresses are crafted from natural, sustainable materials that prioritize both human health and environmental responsibility:

  • 100% Natural Talalay Latex contains no synthetic additives and doesn't off-gas
  • Organic Joma wool serves as a natural fire barrier, eliminating the need for chemical flame retardants
  • Organic cotton covers are Oeko-Tex® STANDARD 100 certified for safety
  • All materials are biodegradable at the end of their lifecycle
  • Natural materials create a healthier sleep environment for those with chemical sensitivities or respiratory concerns

For health-conscious Canadians, these natural materials offer significant advantages over synthetic alternatives.

For more helpful comparisons, take a look at our Endy vs Casper mattress showdown, see how the Nectar and Purple mattresses compare, or explore our Novaform vs Casper detailed guide.

FAQs

What mattress is as good as Purple?

Several mattresses offer comparable benefits to Purple:

  • Fawcett Sombrio: Uses natural latex for responsive pressure relief without chemicals, with customizable firmness and superior durability
  • Douglas Summit: Another Canadian option with competitive pricing
  • Endy: A popular Canadian foam mattress with medium firmness

Each offers distinct advantages, but Fawcett stands out for natural materials, customization options, and longevity.

Is Puffy a good mattress?

Puffy provides good value for specific sleepers, especially:

  • Side sleepers and back sleepers under 230 pounds
  • Those preferring softer, more conforming surfaces
  • Shoppers prioritizing warranty length

However, its all-foam construction may not suit hot sleepers, stomach sleepers, or those needing enhanced edge support. The Puffy Lux and Royal models address some of these concerns but at significantly higher price points.

For those concerned about synthetic materials or seeking greater durability, Fawcett's natural latex mattresses offer an excellent alternative with comparable pricing.

Do mattresses sag over time?

All mattresses experience some compression over time, but to varying degrees:

  • Purple mattresses show better-than-average resistance to sagging compared to memory foam options. The polymer grid holds up well, but the foam support layers beneath may compress, especially under heavier users. Their 10-year warranty covers indentations deeper than 1 inch.
  • Puffy mattresses, like most all-foam designs, may develop body impressions over time. Their lifetime warranty covers sagging greater than 1.5 inches, though the comfort layers typically soften before reaching this threshold.
  • Fawcett mattresses, with their natural latex construction, show exceptional resistance to sagging and body impressions. Natural latex retains its resilience significantly longer than synthetic foams, maintaining consistent support for many years. Our 20-year warranty covers impressions greater than 1 inch, reflecting our confidence in our materials.

Based on customer feedback and material properties, Fawcett's natural latex construction shows minimal sagging issues over time, making it a compelling option for Canadians concerned about long-term durability.

Conclusion

Purple, Puffy, and Fawcett each offer distinct advantages for Canadian sleepers, catering to different preferences and priorities. Purple excels with its innovative grid technology, providing a unique balance of support and pressure relief with excellent cooling properties. Meanwhile, Puffy offers the classic memory foam feel with deep pressure relief and excellent motion isolation.

Fawcett stands apart with our commitment to natural materials, customizable comfort, and exceptional durability. By handcrafting our mattresses on Vancouver Island using 100% Natural Talalay Latex, organic Joma wool, and organic cotton, we provide a healthier, more sustainable sleep solution that addresses the limitations of synthetic mattresses.

For Canadians seeking a personalized sleep experience with the benefits of natural materials and local craftsmanship, we invite you to explore our collection or contact us to speak with a mattress expert who can help you find your perfect match.

A great sleep. A better you. Life changing.

 

Duane Franklin Headshot

The Author: Duane Franklin

Co-Founder

A mattress maker since the age of 18, Duane honed his skills under the guidance of a master craftsman and gradually earned a reputation as Victoria's premier mattress maker. Through his experience and direct engagement with customers, he arrived at a valuable understanding of the perfect materials and methods for mattress making. Soon after, he met Ross and Fawcett Mattress was born.