GhostBed Mattress Review

Is the GhostBed Mattress For You?

Who’s Going to Love the GhostBed Mattress

• Back sleepers
• Stomach sleepers
• Combination sleepers
• Those with a body weight under 230 lbs

Who Should Steer Clear of the GhostBed Mattress

• Those with heavier body types over 230 lbs—instead, the Big Fig mattress is designed to comfortably support those with “bigger figures”…get it?
• Couples especially concerned about motion transfer—instead, consider a mattress made entirely of memory foam, like the Nectar or TEMPUR-Cloud mattress.
• Those who want the bounce of coils—instead, we recommend the Saatva Classic mattress to innerspring lovers.

Video Review

Do you want to see us test the GhostBed mattress at our Nerd lab? Watch or editor, Loren, as she walks through how the GhostBed performed and who should buy it.

GhostBed Mattress Firmness & Feel

GhostBed Firmness

The GhostBed is considered a medium-firm mattress, around 6/10 on the 1–10 mattress firmness scale. It’s a popular firmness level because it supports your body without allowing excessive pressure build up near your hips and shoulders.

Back sleepers will appreciate the combination of a soft, contouring top layer and supportive base layers. Stomach sleepers with lightweight to average-weight body types will also get a balance of support and comfort, though heavier folks are prone to spinal misalignment, since they’ll sink deeper into the mattress. Most side sleepers will want a softer mattress—or at least one that’s more pressure-relieving.

What Does the GhostBed Feel Like?

While the GhostBed has a soft, cushy top layer, it’s only 1.5” thick, which means you quickly bump into the firmer support layers beneath. We felt like we were laying more “on” the mattress than “in” it. In other words, even though it has a memory foam layer, it doesn’t have the “hug” of memory foam—instead, it feels supportive and relatively bouncy for an all-foam bed.

What Sleeping Position Is the GhostBed Best For?

Body Type:	BACK SLEEPERS	STOMACH SLEEPERS	SIDE SLEEPERS
Lightweight (< 130 lbs):	4	4	2
Average-weight (130–230 lbs):	4	4	3
Heavyweight (> 230 lbs):	2	3	2

1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent

Back Sleepers

The best mattresses for back sleepers support their lower backs, necks, legs, and hips. The Ghostbed’s firmness and dense memory foam layers provide great support, helping to keep the spine straight throughout the night. The soft top layer also gives added contouring when lying on your back. Heavyweight back sleepers won’t find the support they need in the Ghostbed flagship mattress, but lightweight and average-weight back sleepers should get ample support.

Stomach Sleepers

Similar to back sleepers, stomach sleepers need support in their hips, legs, back, and neck. The Ghostbed is firm enough to keep average-weight and lightweight stomach sleepers’ spines properly aligned while also preventing their hips from sinking into the mattress. Heavyweight sleepers, on the other hand, might not find the support they need for their hips in the Ghostbed mattress. For supportive mattresses, see best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Side Sleepers

When people sleep on their sides, they require a softer mattress that will cradle their hips and shoulders and relieve these pressure-heavy spots. Since the GhostBed is on the firmer side of medium-firm, lightweight, average-weight and heavyweight side sleepers may want a more plush mattress that can conform to their body when lying on their side, but the mattress isn’t so firm that side sleepers can’t get a good night’s rest on it.

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers frequently change positions while sleeping, so their mattress needs to accommodate their various sleeping positions. The GhostBed uses a combination of latex and foam, making the bed responsive to your movements for all body types. Those who toss and turn can also check out our list on the best mattress for combination sleepers.

GhostBed Mattress Performance 

Is The GhostBed Mattress Cooling?

Standard memory foam mattresses had a bad reputation for grabbing body heat and letting it raise the mattress temperature throughout the night. The GhostBed has technology meant to keep the sleeping surface cool. To start, the cover is stitched with a breathable blend of viscose and polyester.

Next, the latex top layer is aerated (i.e. hole punched), and the hundreds of small holes promote airflow. Finally, the memory foam layer is infused with temperature-regulating gel. While the GhostBed doesn’t make our list of best cooling mattresses, it does a great job of keeping you cool for an all-foam bed.

Edge Support

Typically all-foam beds are known for having less-than-stellar edge support, but the latex foam used in the GhostBed is strong enough to offer good (not great) support along the four edges of the mattress. 

When you sit on the edge, you won’t slide off onto the floor, and you’ll be able to sleep right up along the edge of the bed without feeling unstable. Our testers did note that they felt better supported while laying, rather than sitting, along the edges of the bed. 

Responsiveness

The responsiveness of this mattress comes mainly from the layer of latex on the top of the bed. Latex is well-known for adding bounce, meaning that you shouldn’t feel like you’re sinking too deeply into the GhostBed mattress. Instead, you should be able to move and change positions relatively easily and without feeling “stuck.”

Related: Best Latex Mattresses

Motion Isolation: Is it good for those who share a bed? 

If you sleep with a partner who tends to wake you up at night with constant tossing and turning, you know the importance of finding a mattress with adequate motion isolation. There is some motion transfer across the GhostBed, probably due to the latex layer at the top of the mattress. 

For options that do a better job of dampening motion transfer, check out the best mattresses for couples.

Noise

Normally mattresses made entirely of foam are silent, but our testers could hear each other moving around on the mattress surface. Fortunately, the sound was subtle and much quieter than the squeaking associated with old school innerspring mattresses.

Pain Relief

We typically divide pain relief into two categories: joint pain and back pain. The GhostBed earned only average scores for pressure relief, so it’s not the best option for those with joint pain or arthritis, particularly if you sleep on your sides. However, the supportive feel of the foams helps to keep your spine aligned, which is key when looking for a mattress for back pain. However, heavier folks should opt for an even firmer mattress, preferably one with coils.

Sex

The GhostBed earned above average scores for responsiveness and temperature regulation, which are two main factors we consider when recommending a mattress for sex. You may notice a little noise coming from the latex foam, but it shouldn’t be noticeable to those outside of your bedroom.

Off-Gassing

Off-gassing is an industry term describing the process of new foam airing out. It’s similar to the way a freshly painted room smells. The odor is non-toxic and temporary, but it can be bothersome while it lasts. Those GhostBed had a very noticeable odor when we unboxed it, but leaving off bedding and allowing the mattress to air out for 24 hours solved the problem.

Durability

We estimate that the GhostBed will last you around seven years before showing signs of wear. Latex is a very durable mattress material, but memory foam and polyfoam are prone to breaking down after seven or eight years of regular use.

Construction: What’s Under the Surface?

The GhostBed is an 11″ latex and foam mattress with three layers that work to give great support to the sleeper. Back sleepers and stomach sleepers are going to get the most pleasure out of this mattress, but some side sleepers might find the latex and foam layers too firm to provide ample cradling around their pressure points.

Layer #1—Plush Cover: The cover is soft, breathable viscose fabric that wicks away heat and moisture.

Layer #2—Comfort Layer: The 1.5″ top layer is aerated synthetic rubber latex that absorbs pressure. You won’t sink or get loss in the mattress either, since the latex bounces back.

Layer #3—Transition Layer: The 2″ transition layer is memory foam infused with a cooling gel that offers pressure relief for the hips, thighs, back, and shoulders. If you’re struggling with back pain, this pressure relief could help.

Layer #4:—Support Layer: The bottom layer of the GhostBed is a thick, 7.5″ piece of high-density foam. This support foam layer is very resilient and supports the rest of the mattress, giving it a great chance to gracefully withstand years of use.

How Much Does the GhostBed Cost?

Mattress Size	Price	Dimensions	Height	Weight
Twin	$545	39″ x 75″	11”	58 lbs
Twin XL	$745	38” x 80”	11”	62 lbs
Full	$995	54” x 75”	11”	78 lbs
Queen	$1,095	60” x 80”	11”	89 lbs
King	$1,250	76” x 80”	11”	112 lbs
California King	$1,275	72” x 84”	11”	112 lbs
Split King	$1,490	76” x 80”	11”	112 lbs

See our GhostBed Mattress Coupons for more great deals! If you are looking for budget-friendly options, check out the Best Affordable Mattresses.

How Do the Policies Measure Up? 

Shipping and Unboxing

The GhostBed is delivered to your door compressed and rolled into a shipping box. The company ships free to the 48 contiguous states, and you should expect to see the new bed at your door within 3-5 business days. That almost qualifies as lightning-quick in the mattress industry.

You only need to take the GhostBed out of the box, unroll it onto a box spring, foundation or adjustable base, and the mattress will spring to life.
It may take a few hours to a full day for the mattress to fully expand after its trip in a vacuum-sealed plastic covering and box. You can still sleep on it almost immediately.

Warranty

How Long Does the GhostBed Warranty Period Last?

All GhostBed warranties are pro-rated, which means that GhostBed will repair or replace defective mattresses, minus the cost of handling or transportation, for the first ten years of the warranty.

Between years 11–20 or 11–25, depending on the length of the warranty, GhostBed will repair the mattress and charge a handling cost to the owner or replace the mattress and charge the owner for transportation costs plus a prorated charge. The pro-rated charge is 50 percent of the original purchase price in the 11th year and increases 5 percent every year after.

Keep in mind that the mattress cover for all four models is only warranted one year from the original date of purchase against faults in material or workmanship. As such, a mattress protector is recommended.

GhostBed Model	Warranty Period
GhostBed Classic	20-year warranty
GhostBed Luxe	25-year warranty
GhostBed Flex	25-year warranty
GhostBed 3D Matrix	25-year warranty

Interested in buying a GhostBed mattress? Make sure to check out our GhostBed Coupons Page first! or for in depth reviews, check out our GhostBed Mattress Reviews.

What is Covered by the GhostBed Warranty?

Indentations and Body Impressions

GhostBed covers indentations (body impressions) greater than 1”, but this doesn’t include sagging associated with foundation, platform, or box spring issues. 

Mattress Cover

For all four GhostBed models, the mattress cover is only backed by the warranty for one year from the date of original purpose. Coverage includes faults in material or workmanship, but GhostBed doesn’t specify what qualifies as a “fault” in the outer cover. 

Physical Flaws, Including Splitting and Cracking

Most mattress warranties include coverage for physical flaws that occur when normal usage and proper handling are observed. Splitting and cracking in the latex and memory foam materials are examples of physical flaws.

Repair and Replacements Costs for Defective Mattresses

If your mattress is deemed defective by GhostBed, the company will cover repair and replacement costs for the first 10 years (minus shipping and handling costs). During and after year 11, owners will be required to pay a prorated replacement cost, plus shipping and handling.

What the GhostBed Warranty Does Not Cover

• Off-Gassing Smells
• Discomfort and Mattress Feel
• Changes in the Cooling Properties of the Mattress

Even if shoppers find that the GhostBed begins to sleep a little warmer over time, GhostBed does not provide coverage for repair or replacements associated with changes in the cooling properties of its mattresses. The brand claims that a decrease in the effectiveness of these cooling features is normal over time with use and exposure to the environment.

Things That Would Void the GhostBed Warranty

• The mattress has been physically damaged, burned, cut, or stained
• Products that are abnormally soiled or unsanitary
• Second-hand sale of the mattress to anyone but the original purchaser
• Mattresses not registered with GhostBed within 30 days of purchase
• Mattresses that are not purchased from an authorized dealer
• Proof of purchase (original store receipt) is not provided
• Use of an inappropriate foundation, platform bed frame, or slat base

How Does the GhostBed Warranty Measure Up?

The bottom line about GhostBed’s warranties: they’re on par with other mattress companies with regard to coverage, and a little more generous than average with regard to length.

In other words, although GhostBed technically offers 20–25 years of coverage, the first 10 years of the warranty are the most beneficial. After year 10, owners will be responsible for a relatively large portion of the cost of the repair or replacement.

GhostBed also skirts full protection for customers by explicitly stating that some of its materials are bound to decrease in effectiveness over time. We appreciate that GhostBed is honest about this in the warranty information provided on GhostBed.com, but consumers would benefit from full coverage that includes protection from long-term issues with the beds’ cooling features, especially if that’s the main reason the customer purchased their GhostBed mattress.

Filing a Warranty Claim With GhostBed

The process for filing a warranty claim is the same regardless of which GhostBed mattress you purchase. For your claim to be reviewed, your GhostBed must be registered on www.GhostBed.com within 30 days of the original purchase date, you must be the original purchaser, and you must have proof of purchase via a copy of the original store receipt that reflects the purchase date, location, and price.

GhostBed customers have two options for filing a claim:

1. Call – Contact GhostBed’s customer service team by calling 1-855-855-4499 to get started with filing your claim. 
2. Email – Send an email to GhostBed’s customer service team by emailing sleep@ghostbed.com and include details about the defect, photograph proof, and an attachment of your original purchase receipt.

Trial Period 

GhostBed’s return policy says that you will be able to try the GhostBed for 101 nights, around three months. You can return it for free during your trial period after sleeping in it for at least 30 nights, to get used to the mattress and allow the foam to break in. (The mattress tends to be firmer when it’s fresh out of the box). You will get a full refund of the purchase price if you return the bed during the sleep trial, but only if you placed the order directly through GhostBed.

The GhostBed folks will take care of repacking it. GhostBed also takes care to donate the mattress to local charities and shelters so they don’t go to waste. These policies are often found in many of the best online mattress brands.

Common GhostBed Mattress Complaints

Misleading Warranty Coverage

GhostBed does prominently advertise the length of its warranties on its website and social media channels, using 20- and 25-year warranties as a selling point for its products. Coverage is provided for years 11 and beyond, but the cost to the consumer is so high that the greatest value of the warranty is in the first 10 years. That being said, experts recommend replacing your mattress every 7 to 10 years, so GhostBed thoroughly protects your purchase for the time period during which it’s healthy to keep the mattress.

Untrue Claims About Motion Transfer

A high-quality, well-made bed should do something to isolate motion, especially if it’s all-foam. That being said, GhostBed doesn’t make any bold claim about how well the Original will distill motion on its website, so customers who are dissatisfied with how well the bed performs here may have a very sensitive partner or be overweight.

If your purchase the GhostBed and find it too responsive, consider a memory foam or pillow topper, which may help the bed absorb more motion than average

Sleeps Hot

Larger sleepers and couples most frequently cite issues with the GhostBed’s heat retention. The Original GhostBed technically isn’t supportive enough for heavyweight sleepers, but if reviewers are complaining about the GhostBed Luxe, GhostBed Flex, or GhostBed 3D Matrix, all of which have dedicated cooling features, GhostBed may have some work to do here with regard to the effectiveness of its cooling technology.

If you sleep hot, the best option of GhostBed’s inventory will be the GhostBed 3D Matrix. It has a hybrid design for better airflow, features cooling materials, and can be supportive enough for heavyweight sleepers. It is, however, the most expensive GhostBed mattress.

Comparing Different GhostBed Mattresses

GhostBed vs. GhostBed Flex

GhostBed Mattress is Best For:	GhostBed Flex Mattress is Best For:
Combination Sleepers	Back & Side Sleepers
Lightweight & Average-Weight Sleepers	Couples
Stomach & Back Sleepers	Hot Sleepers

The GhostBed Flex adds individually-wrapped coils to the original GhostBed design. It’s just a bit softer than the original GhostBed mattress, and it comes with a “GhostBounce” layer of latex. Those looking for something with a little more softness and bounce should appreciate the GhostBed Flex, along with those who love the breathability and enhanced airflow of coils.

Read our full GhostBed Flex Mattress Review to learn more.

GhostBed vs. GhostBed Luxe

GhostBed Mattress is Best For:	GhostBed Luxe Mattress is Best For:
Combination Sleepers	Side & Back Sleepers
Lightweight & Average-Weight Sleepers	Hot Sleepers
Stomach & Back Sleepers	Couples

The GhostBed Luxe offers a more plush, conforming feel than the original GhostBed mattress. It also includes advanced cooling materials like the Ghost Ice fabric and a heat-sensing Ghost Ice construction layer. It’s more expensive than the GhostBed, but might just be worth the splurge if you’re looking for something soft, yet cooling. 

Read our full GhostBed Luxe Mattress Review to learn more.

GhostBed vs. GhostBed 3D Matrix

GhostBed Mattress is Best For:	GhostBed 3D Matrix Mattress is Best For:
Combination Sleepers	Hot Sleepers
Lightweight & Average-Weight Sleepers	Side & Back Sleepers
Stomach & Back Sleepers	Couples

The GhostBed 3D Matrix is the most advanced mattress model of the GhostBed line. The 3D Matrix is a hybrid mattress with individually-pocketed coils and foam layers, including a heat-transfer gel layer that works to cool the body throughout the night. 

The GhostBed is a little firmer, so side sleepers should go with the 3D Matrix. The 3D Matrix also does a better job of supporting heavyweight sleepers, since it has the stability and durability of coils. You’ll pay significantly more for the 3D Matrix, so budget shoppers will likely lean toward the original GhostBed.

You can also upgrade to the Ghost SmartBed 3D Matrix, which has a base layer of air chambers with sensors that automatically adjust to your position as you sleep.

Read our full GhostBed 3D Matrix Mattress Review to learn more.

GhostBed vs. GhostBed Natural

GhostBed Mattress is Best For:	GhostBed Natural Mattress is Best For:
Budget Shoppers	Hot Sleepers
Lightweight & Average-Weight Sleepers	Back & Stomach Sleepers
Stomach & Back Sleepers	Side Sleepers Over 130 lbs

The GhostBed Natural is a hybrid mattress that’s made with Dunlop latex, Talalay latex, coils, organic cotton, and wool. It’s one of the best GhostBed mattresses, but it’s also one of the most expensive.

The Natural works for all sleeping positions and body types, and it’s responsive enough to keep up with your changes in position. It also outperformed the original GhostBed in every performance category. Go with the GhostBed Natural, unless your budget won’t allow it.

Read our full GhostBed Natural Mattress Review to learn more.

Comparing GhostBed to the Competition

GhostBed vs. Avocado Green

GhostBed Mattress is Best For:	Avocado Green Mattress is Best For:
Budget Shoppers	Hot Sleepers
Lightweight & Average-Weight Sleepers	Eco-Conscious Shoppers
Stomach & Back Sleepers	Combination Sleepers

The Avocado Green is another latex mattress that’s responsive and temperature neutral. Unlike the GhostBed, the Avocado doesn’t have memory foam and has a coil base instead of foam. It feels bouncier and firmer than the GhostBed, though you can add a latex pillow top that softens the feel a bit.

Choose the GhostBed if you like a little more cushion and have a limited budget (the Avocado is more expensive). Go with the Avocado if you like a firmer feel and want the bounce and breathability of coils.

See our full Avocado Green Mattress Review for more information.

GhostBed vs. Saatva Latex Hybrid

GhostBed Mattress is Best For:	Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress is Best For:
Budget Shoppers	Those Who Prefer Firm Mattresses
Lightweight & Average-Weight Sleepers	Stomach & Back Sleepers
Stomach & Back Sleepers	Hot Sleepers

The Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress also has a latex top layer, but it has a coil base layer instead of high-density foam. The coils and latex give it a firmer feel that’s best for stomach sleepers and back sleepers who like a firm mattress.

The Saatva is marginally better for hot sleepers, since it has breathable coils. It’s also a better choice for those who want natural materials. The GhostBed is more affordable, and it works just as well for back and stomach sleepers under 230 lbs.

See our full Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress Review for more information.

GhostBed vs. WinkBeds EcoCloud

GhostBed Mattress is Best For:	WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress is Best For:
Budget Shoppers	Hot Sleepers
Lightweight & Average-Weight Sleepers	Back & Stomach Sleepers
Stomach & Back Sleepers	Combination Sleepers

The WinkBeds EcoSleep mattress has a simple construction of Talalay latex and coils inside an organic cotton cover. It has the same medium-firmness as the GhostBed, but it’s bouncier because of the coils. 

Both mattresses work well for back and stomach sleepers, but the WinkBeds can also support heavyweight side sleepers. Neither isolate motion very well or offer above average pressure relief. If budget is your main concern, the WinkBeds is significantly more expensive than the GhostBed.  

See our full WinkBeds EcoSleep Mattress Review for more information.

Haven’t made a decision yet? Check out these other comparisons:

• GhostBed vs. Brooklyn Bedding
• GhostBed vs. Casper
• GhostBed vs. Leesa
• GhostBed vs. Nectar
• GhostBed vs. Purple
• GhostBed vs. Tempur-Pedic
• GhostBed vs. Tuft & Needle

FAQs

The Nerd’s Take: What’s the Bottom Line?

The GhostBed is an affordable, medium-firm mattress made with latex and memory foam. It’s best for back and stomach sleepers under 230 lbs, as well as hot sleepers who like foam mattresses. It quickly responds when you shift positions, which is great for those who move around at night.

The Nerd’s Scores for the GhostBed Mattress

Motion Isolation	3
Pressure Relief	3
Ease of Movement	4.5
Edge Support	3.75
Temperature Control	4
Durability	4