Choosing between Amerisleep and Purple pillows can feel overwhelming when both brands promise revolutionary sleep technology. After extensive testing and research, we've discovered that while both pillows offer unique benefits, the Amerisleep Comfort Classic excels with its plant-based Bio-Pur foam and 6-inch loft for side sleepers.
While the Purple pillow's hyper-elastic polymer grid provides exceptional cooling and adjustable height options. The key difference lies in their core materials: Amerisleep uses responsive memory foam that contours gently, whereas Purple employs a bouncy GelFlex Grid that offers firm support with a floating sensation.
If you're struggling to decide which pillow will transform your sleep quality, this comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about these innovative sleep solutions, from construction details to real-world performance metrics.
Contents
The Amerisleep Comfort Classic pillow features proprietary Bio-Pur foam, a plant-based material that sets it apart from traditional memory foam options. This advanced open-cell structure promotes 5x better airflow than conventional memory foam, ensuring you stay cool throughout the night.
The open cell structure of the Bio-Pur foam naturally promotes breathability, but Amerisleep has also added cooling channeling into the foam core for further enhancement. This dual-cooling approach addresses one of the biggest complaints about memory foam pillows - heat retention.
The Bio-Pur material responds quickly to movement, bouncing back to its original shape in just seconds rather than the typical 20-30 seconds of traditional memory foam. This responsiveness means you won't feel "stuck" when changing positions during the night.
Purple's pillow technology centers around their patented GelFlex Grid, made from hyper-elastic polymer arranged in hundreds of triangular columns. Our Hyper-Elastic Polymer is ultra-durable and responsive, maintaining its integrity, comfort and support night after night.
This unique grid design creates what Purple calls "no-pressure support," adapting instantly to your head and neck movements. The material can stretch up to 15x its size and snap back immediately, providing consistent support regardless of sleep position.
The individual pockets of the grid encapsulate your head and neck to provide support and elevation. Unlike foam that compresses uniformly, the grid collapses only where pressure is applied, maintaining support in surrounding areas.
When it comes to sleeping cool, both pillows excel but through different mechanisms:
Purple Pillow:
Amerisleep Comfort Classic:
Winner: Purple edges ahead slightly for hot sleepers due to its completely open grid structure, though both significantly outperform traditional pillows.
Support characteristics vary dramatically between these two technologies:
Amerisleep provides:
Purple delivers:
The feel difference between these pillows is immediately noticeable:
Amerisleep Comfort Classic:
Purple Pillow:
Side sleepers need substantial loft to fill the gap between shoulder and mattress:
Amerisleep Comfort Classic wins for most side sleepers with its generous 6-inch height and pressure-relieving foam that cushions the shoulder area. Side sleepers with broad shoulders and/or heavier sleepers are likely to really get on with the Amerisleep pillow.
Purple Pillow works for side sleepers when using the included boosters to achieve 4.5-5 inches of height, though some find it too firm for optimal comfort.
Back sleepers require medium support to maintain the natural neck curve:
Both pillows excel here, but Purple slightly edges ahead with its adaptive grid that provides targeted support while allowing the head to settle into a natural position. The 3-inch base height is ideal for most back sleepers.
Amerisleep also performs well, though lighter individuals might find the 6-inch loft slightly too high without some compression.
Stomach sleepers need minimal loft to prevent neck strain:
Purple Pillow without boosters provides the ideal low-profile support at 3 inches. We suggest checking out adjustable loft pillows, or the Purple Original pillow designed with stomach sleepers in mind.
Amerisleep Comfort Classic is generally too high for comfortable stomach sleeping, potentially causing neck discomfort.
Let's examine the investment required for each pillow:
Amerisleep Comfort Classic:
Purple Pillow:
The Amerisleep offers better value with its lower price point and longer warranty period. However, Purple's adjustable height feature adds versatility that some sleepers find worth the premium.
The Comfort Classic features:
The Purple pillow includes:
Proper care extends pillow lifespan significantly:
Amerisleep Comfort Classic:
Purple Pillow:
The Amerisleep's simpler care routine makes it more convenient for regular maintenance.
Yes, at nearly 11 pounds, the Purple pillow is significantly heavier than traditional options. This weight comes from the dense polymer grid. While this ensures durability, it can make the pillow cumbersome to move or adjust during sleep.
Despite being memory foam-based, the Amerisleep rarely causes overheating issues. The Bio-Pur foam's open-cell structure and cooling channels effectively dissipate heat. However, extremely hot sleepers might still prefer Purple's completely open design.
Both pillows fit standard pillowcases:
Consider using quality pillowcases to protect your investment and enhance comfort.
During our comprehensive testing period, several key findings emerged:
Response Time Testing:
Weight Distribution Analysis:
Motion Transfer Assessment:
Durability Projections:
Choose Amerisleep Comfort Classic if you:
Choose Purple Pillow if you:
If neither pillow seems perfect, consider these factors:
The Purple pillow typically outlasts the Amerisleep due to its polymer construction that doesn't break down like foam. Expect 8-10 years from Purple versus 5-7 years from Amerisleep with proper care.
Both pillows can help with neck pain by providing proper spinal alignment. The Amerisleep's contouring support works well for chronic pain, while Purple's firm support benefits those needing consistent elevation. Consult Sleep Foundation's guide on pillows for neck pain for more specific recommendations.
Amerisleep offers queen and king sizes, while Purple only comes in standard size. This gives Amerisleep an advantage for those needing larger pillows.
Unlike down pillows that require frequent fluffing and lose shape over time, both Amerisleep and Purple maintain consistent support. They're also hypoallergenic and don't harbor dust mites like down can.
The Amerisleep's lighter weight and traditional feel make it easier to share or adjust during the night. Purple's weight and firm structure make it less suitable for couples who might pull or adjust pillows while sleeping.
For more insights on optimizing your sleep setup, explore our guides on arranging bedroom furniture and creating a sleep-friendly environment.
After extensive testing of both the Amerisleep Comfort Classic and Purple pillows, we've found that each excels in different areas. The Amerisleep offers superior value, eco-friendly materials, and traditional comfort enhanced by modern technology. The Purple provides unmatched cooling, innovative support, and long-term durability.
For most sleepers, the Amerisleep Comfort Classic presents the best overall package, combining affordability, comfort, and quality. However, hot sleepers and those seeking cutting-edge technology will find the Purple's unique properties worth the premium price.
Remember, both companies offer generous trial periods, allowing you to test these pillows risk-free in your own sleep environment. Your perfect pillow choice ultimately depends on your individual sleep needs, positions, and preferences.