If you’ve seen their advertising lately, you might assume that Purple mattresses are perfect for plus-size sleepers, but you would have been mistaken. Although marketing is great, we believe research and solid design is better. Besides, shouldn’t the best mattress for heavier people be chosen through careful research of the details in craftsmanship, construction, and design? We think so.
Luckily, we'll help you make your decision easier when it comes to the Big Fig vs. Purple Mattress. With thousands of happy customers and glowing 5-star reviews, the Big Fig’s ability to deliver life-changing sleep speaks for itself. We're proud to have created a mattress that provides restorative rest, especially for the plus size and big & tall community. Supporting this community is our company's core mission, and we’ve designed our products with that in mind. We believe the Big Fig mattress is thoughtfully crafted for plus-size sleepers of all kinds—whether you're a side, back, or stomach sleeper, we've got you covered.
Big Fig Classic Mattress
- Medium-Firm Support
- Best for Multi-Position Sleepers
- THERMOGEL COOLING® Technology
Big Fig Heavy Duty Foundation
- 5x stronger than a standard foundation
- Supports up to 2,000 lbs
- 20-year warranty
- 100% European SPF
Big Fig Bed Frame
- Made from recycled railroad steel
- Smart leg design that stabilizes on uneven surfaces
- Supports up to 2,000 lbs
- Gets stronger as weight is applied
While Purple has gained attention for its grid technology, it became clear that innovation alone doesn’t address all needs. This led to the development of their hybrid mattresses, which offer broader support. However, they weren’t specifically designed for heavier sleepers. That said, the choice is yours—continue reading to see how the Purple Hybrid compares with the Big Fig.
Check out our full comparison guide for a complete look at how we compare to other competitors. We're here to help you find the mattress that's perfect for you.
Mattress Firmness Level
When it comes to comparing the firmness levels of the Big Fig Mattress vs. Purple, both mattresses are designed with different types of sleepers in mind, particularly when it comes to firmness and support.
The Big Fig was designed for full-figured folks (300 lbs and up) or people who prefer a very supportive feel. The mattress has a high-density polyfoam comfort layer for no-sag cushioning, latex for some bounce, and a strong coil system (1,600 count, 50% more than the average direct competitor!) for support. The Big Fig mattress feels more structured and supportive, which is ideal for plus-sized sleepers who need extra reinforcement, especially for back and stomach sleepers.
Due to its gel grid structure, the Purple Hybrid offers a slightly softer, more adaptive feel; therefore, it is not as firm as the Big Fig. Its firmness level strikes a balance between support and pressure relief, which adapts to the sleeper’s body.
Mattress Firmness Level
Purple: LOSER
Big Fig Mattress: WINNER
Mattress Weight Stress Test
When comparing Big Fig and Purple in a stress test environment, it’s clear that Big Fig is specifically tailored to provide better long-term support and durability for heavier individuals. The edge support and weight capacity differences make Big Fig the superior option for those who need a mattress designed to handle higher weights. While Purple may provide excellent comfort for a variety of sleepers, it falls short in addressing the specific needs of bigger-bodied individuals who require a stronger mattress that doesn’t compromise on stability or longevity.
The Big Fig, with its ability to support up to 550 lbs per sleeper, is built to accommodate larger bodies without compromising on comfort or longevity. This durability is reflected not only in its weight limit but also in its materials, which are designed to maintain their shape and support over many years of use.
On the other hand, Purple's weight capacity maxes out at 600 lbs for the entire mattress, significantly limiting its ability to support heavier couples or individuals. Even if the GelFlex Grid provides good comfort and pressure relief for people within the weight limit, it is not as robust in terms of long-term durability under heavier loads.
Stress Test
Purple: LOSER
Big Fig Mattress: WINNER
Mattress Edge Support
Edge support is a critical aspect when comparing mattresses, especially for heavier individuals who need stability across the entire surface. During the stress tests conducted in-house, the Big Fig's edge support excelled. The mattress is reinforced along its perimeter, allowing it to bear significant pressure without collapsing or losing its structural integrity. Simulating the weight of a 550 lb sleeper, a 270 lb load was applied to the edge of the mattress, and the Big Fig held up flawlessly. This makes a big difference for those who need to sit or sleep near the edge without fear of rolling off.
However, the Purple Hybrid fell short in this department. When the same 270 lbs were applied to the edge of the Purple mattress, it quickly became clear that it wasn't designed to handle this amount of pressure. The lack of reinforcement along the edges meant that the mattress began to give way under the load, failing to maintain the same level of support as the Big Fig. In practical terms, this could lead to a sagging sensation when sleeping near the edge of the uncomfortable feeling of "rolling off" the mattress.
Edge Support
Purple: LOSER
Big Fig Mattress: WINNER
Coil Count & Quality
Then we went deep. We cut open the mattress to get to the heart of its construction. Has anyone actually felt that grid before? It’s not a pretty sight, nor does it seem healthy. What you can see is that everything collapses for Purple pretty quickly… like it literally collapses. We put 135lbs on it, and the grid was absolutely flat and the coils had started to compress. This doesn’t sound like the ideal situation for a plus-sized sleeper. We design beds that are comfortable AND supportive, not just a soft mattress that “claims” to be the best mattress for heavier sleepers. To sum things up, when it comes to just basic design, Big Fig wins this one.
Coil Count & Quality
Purple: LOSER
Big Fig Mattress: WINNER
Mattress Cooling Features
One of the standout features of the Big Fig is its THERMOGEL COOLING® technology cooling technology. Here’s how it works: The mattress cover is treated with a cooling ThermoGel-infused fabric. This material is activated by body heat and moisture, helping to cool the surface of the mattress as it interacts with the sleeper’s body. It regulates temperature by creating a cooling effect, which can reduce the buildup of excess heat throughout the night.
Beneath the surface, the mattress incorporates a layer of perforated latex foam infused with cooling gel. The latex is naturally breathable, and the gel helps draw heat away from the body, dispersing it to maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature. These cooling features aim to prevent overheating, which can be a common issue with traditional mattresses, especially for plus-sized sleepers who may generate more body heat.
The Purple mattress features Purple Grid™ (Hyper-Elastic Polymer Grid) technology, a flexible, gel-like material arranged in a grid pattern that promotes superior airflow to help keep the surface cool. However, it is not as effective as Big Fig’s THERMOGEL COOLING® technology in keeping you dry and comfortable. That said, you’ll pay slightly more for the Big Fig—but it’s worth it if you don’t have to worry about night sweats, right?
Mattress Cooling Features
Purple: LOSER
Big Fig Mattress: WINNER
Manufaturing
Here’s the thing: Purple got into the game, developing their tech around the time Y2K was an actual concern. Big Fig has been around since 2016, so we lose, right? Nope! Our manufacturing partners have 100 years of experience in making best-in-class pocketed coils, comfort layers, and the best mattresses for heavy sleepers. That’s a legacy to build on!
Warranty
When it comes to making a Purple mattress vs Big Fig warranty comparison, there’s no competition. Big Fig offers a 20-year warranty, while Purple only provides 10 years. While the price tag of the Big Fig is slightly higher than the Purple mattress, the extended warranty provides peace of mind that you’re going to have your mattress for the long haul!
Warranty
Purple: LOSER
Big Fig Mattress: WINNER
Published Mattress Test Results
Several expert review websites offer comprehensive test results and comparisons for the Big Fig and Purple Hybrid mattresses. The Big Fig is designed specifically for plus-size sleepers and performs well in terms of support, edge support, cooling, and durability. The mattress is rated firm (8/10) and is ideal for stomach sleepers and hot sleepers. The Purple mattress is softer than the Big Fig and rated around medium-firm (6/10), making it a decent choice for side sleepers, back sleepers, and those with hip pain. Overall, the Big Fig trumps the Purple mattress in terms of construction, comfort, and cooling technology.
Return Policy
Nobody thinks the 10-minute store test is going to give you a sense of whether a mattress works for your body, but there’s getting a feel for your mattress, and then there’s, well, too much. Big Fig asks for 14 nights of your time to let your body adjust to better support. Purple requires a 21-day minimum before you try to initiate a return. You have another 79 days in their trial to process your return within their 100-night trial period. Big Fig has a 120-night sleep trial, which means less required time on the bed to be sure it’s the best bed for you, but more leeway if you’re feeling indecisive. Don’t worry, though–we believe our product is the best mattress available for heavy sleepers, so we’re confident it’ll be love at first sleep!
Return Policy
Purple: LOSER
Big Fig Mattress: WINNER
