Looking for where to test a Purple mattress before buying? Purple is known for its unique gel grid technology that delivers cooling comfort and pressure relief. While you can find Purple in some stores, their business still leans heavily on online sales - which can make in-person testing hard to come by.
The good news? You can still explore mattresses with the same cooling goals and responsive support by testing comparable options at SleePare.
Why It’s Hard to Find Purple in Mattress Stores
Unlike other major mattress brands, Purple does not sell through large mattress store chains in every city. Instead, they rely on direct-to-consumer shipping, selling online through their website and select partners. While this makes shipping fast and often free, it also means you’re left guessing about comfort until it arrives at your door.
Still, a few retail locations carry Purple mattresses, including:
- Purple Showroom NYC – 200 5th Ave, New York, NY
- Mattress Firm & Macy’s – select stores across the U.S.
- Check the Purple Store Finder for nearby availability
But keep in mind: not every retail store stocks the full Purple lineup, and many locations may only have one or two models on display - if any.
💡 Pro Tip: Not everyone lives near a Purple showroom - and even if you do, availability varies. That’s why many people explore similar cooling mattresses at stores like SleePare before buying online.
What Makes Purple Mattresses Unique
Purple’s claim to fame is the GelFlex® Grid, a hyper-elastic polymer grid that flexes under pressure but supports evenly. It’s airy, cool, and feels more like floating than sinking.
Unlike memory foam beds, which cradle and contour the body, Purple's mattresses feel more bouncy and breathable. The in-store experience, when available, gives you a clear idea of how different this mattress feels compared to other options.
What shoppers love about Purple mattresses:
- A cooler sleep surface thanks to open-grid airflow
- Zoned comfort that cradles joints while supporting your spine
- A bouncy, easy-to-move-on surface
- Pressure relief without the sinking “stuck” feeling
- Multiple models with varying firmness levels
But if you can’t find a mattress store that carries Purple near you, there’s a better solution than buying blind
Try Purple-Style Alternatives In-Store at SleePare
If you’re shopping for a bed that feels cool, supportive, and adaptive like Purple, SleePare showrooms offer a variety of cooling, pressure-relieving mattresses that share Purple’s goals - without the need to order online first.
We specialize in helping shoppers explore online-only mattress brands in person, giving you a better buying experience from start to finish.
Similar cooling and responsive mattresses you can test in-store:
👉 Browse mattresses at SleePare
All of these beds feature high-end temperature control, motion isolation, and adaptive comfort to help you find the best mattress for your sleep style and climate.
Why Testing Similar Cooling Technology Makes Perfect Sense
Purple’s hyper-elastic gel grid offers a unique take on cooling and pressure relief but it’s not the only option. Hands-on testing helps you feel the difference between breathable foams, gel layers, and responsive hybrid materials so you can choose what works best for your body and sleep style.
Types of Cooling Mattresses Similar to Purple's Approach
At SleePare, we focus on mattresses that share Purple's commitment to cooling comfort and responsive support. Here's what you can test in our showrooms:
Why people love Purple’s technology:
- Open-grid design promotes airflow and stays cool
- Responsive feel that won’t trap or overheat
- Pressure relief with consistent full-body support
- Bouncy, easy-to-move-on surface
- Options in firmness for different sleep positions
By testing different cooling mattresses in person, you’ll know whether Purple’s feel is right for you - or if another breathable, responsive design suits you even better.
Explore Different Cooling Mattress Technologies
Purple is one way to stay cool at night - but it’s not the only way. At SleePare, we offer a wide range of materials and construction styles built for temperature control and pressure relief.
Cooling Foam Beds:
- Gel-infused memory foam
- Open-cell structure for airflow
- Copper or graphite infusions for added cooling
Hybrid Cooling Beds:
- Coil support systems with breathable top layers
- Cooler than traditional all-foam beds
- Bouncy yet supportive feel
Smart Cooling Covers & Responsive Layers:
- Phase change materials that react to body heat
- Zoned layers that support different parts of the body
- Quick-recovery foams that mimic grid bounce
Whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or combo sleeper - you’ll find something that suits your comfort profile.
The Problem with Buying Cooling Technology Online Only
Cooling and responsive technologies can feel very different from person to person. What provides perfect temperature regulation for one person might not work the same way for another. Since cooling mattresses are often a significant investment, testing similar technologies helps you understand what to expect.
At SleePare, you avoid the online guessing game:
- Test multiple cooling technologies in one visit
- Feel the difference between various cooling approaches
- Compare responsive vs traditional foam constructions
- Find the exact cooling level that works for your body temperature
- Ask questions about long-term cooling effectiveness
- Take home your perfect cooling mattress immediately
Many customers come in thinking they want one type of cooling technology and discover something completely different works better for their sleep temperature and comfort preferences.
Visit SleePare to Test Cooling Mattresses Today
Already tried a Purple mattress? At SleePare, you can compare multiple cooling mattresses side by side - all in one place.

Test breathable covers, gel-infused foams, and responsive designs from top online brands. Our sleep experts guide you through each option so you can find the perfect cooling mattress for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you try a Purple mattress in a store?
Yes, Purple mattresses are available at some retail stores like Macy’s, Mattress Firm, and a few Purple showrooms, including their flagship in New York City. Not all stores carry every model, so it’s best to check the Purple Store Finder. If you're in NYC, you can also visit the SleePare New York showroom to try similar cooling mattresses in person.
What's the best way to test a mattress like Purple?
The best way is to visit SleePare, where you can try mattresses with cooling technologies and responsive foams similar to the Purple Grid. This lets you feel how different materials support your body and regulate temperature. You can also browse our cooling mattress collection at SleePare’s online store.
Where can I find stores that carry Purple mattresses?
Purple sells through a few retail partners like Mattress Firm, Macy’s, and showrooms in New York City, Los Angeles, and Tampa. Use the Purple store finder to see what’s near you. If you're in the Washington, D.C. area, visit the SleePare Tysons Corner showroom to try similar cooling and responsive mattresses in person.
What is similar to the Purple Grid in feel?
Mattresses like the Mlily Fusion Luxe and Brooklyn Aurora Luxe offer a bouncy, breathable sleep surface like the Purple Grid. They use cooling foams, coils, and zoned comfort layers to provide similar support. You can test these models at a SleePare showroom near you.
Should I test a cooling mattress before buying online?
Yes, it’s smart to test cooling mattresses in person because each material feels different. Memory foam, hybrids, and grid designs all react differently to heat and pressure. At SleePare, you can try them side by side and find the best bed for your sleep style.
Final Thoughts: Try Before You Buy
Purple mattresses are popular for a reason - but if you're searching for where to test a Purple mattress, you might find it challenging. Their showrooms aren’t available everywhere, and many mattress stores don’t carry their beds.
The good news is you can still try grid-like, breathable comfort in person at a SleePare mattress store. Visit your nearest SleePare location to shop smart by testing responsive, cooling mattresses that offer a similar feel - before you buy.
More Resources
Meet The Author:
Shanir Kol
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.