Nolah vs. GhostBed Mattress Comparison

The Nolah Original 10” mattress is made from three foam layers and has a medium firmness. The flagship GhostBed is a medium-firm mattress made from a combination of foam and latex. 

The GhostBed is cooler and springier than the Nolah thanks to a top layer of aerated latex foam. These attributes make the GhostBed better for hot sleepers and people who toss and turn often. The Nolah’s surface is softer and provides superior pressure relief, which is great for side sleepers and lightweight people. Both mattresses have reliable edge support and minimize motion transfer, so they’re excellent for couples who share the bed.

In this article, we’ll be pitting both mattresses against each other to see which is the better pick. If you’re curious to know how we test our mattresses, you can read up on our testing methodology. 

Nolah vs. GhostBed Overview

Which of the two mattresses is better for you? In this section, we’ll give you an overview of the strong points of both Nolah and GhostBed. 

Nolah is best for…	GhostBed is best for…
Memory foam lovers	Hot sleepers
Couples	Back and stomach sleepers
Light to average-weight sleepers	Couples

Who Should Choose the Nolah Mattress?

• Memory foam lovers: People who enjoy the feeling of all-foam mattresses—specifically memory foam mattresses—are a good fit for the Nolah. Its surface lightly hugs the body for a close, contouring feel. 
• Couples: Couples need a mattress that absorbs motion so they can get a good night’s sleep. The Nolah’s cushiony foams do an outstanding job limiting motion transfer. During testing, we found no motion transfer between couples changing positions or getting in and out of the bed.
• Light to average weight sleepers: The Nolah mattress works well for lightweight people (< 130 lbs) no matter their sleeping position. It’s also good for average-weight people (130–230 lbs) who sleep on their side or back. This is due to the balanced feel created by a soft top layer and responsive, supportive transition layer.

Who Should Choose the GhostBed Mattress?

• Hot sleepers: People who find most traditional memory foam mattresses too hot can find relief on the GhostBed mattress. The GhostBed’s top layer is aerated latex. Latex is naturally cooler than other foams, and the aeration facilitates airflow for a cool and dry night’s sleep. 
• Back and stomach sleepers: The GhostBed is a fantastic mattress for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. GhostBed’s latex and memory foam comfort layers bring gentle contouring without excess sinkage, delivering a supportive yet comfortable surface.
• Couples: The GhostBed mattress minimizes motion transfer and has a responsive surface that’s better for sex than all-foam mattresses. Couples can both sleep well and play well on the GhostBed.

Nolah vs. GhostBed Mattress Video Comparison

We compared the Nolah and GhostBed’s features and summarized their top similarities and differences below.

Nolah vs. GhostBed: Top Similarities 

• Good for couples: Both mattresses provide the sturdy edges and motion isolation needed by couples and those who share their bed with pets or kids. 
• Not for heavyweight sleepers: Neither the Nolah nor the GhostBed is designed to support heavyweight people (those over 230 lbs). For more supportive mattresses, see our picks for the best mattress for heavy people.
• Good spinal alignment: Both the Nolah and GhostBed mattresses balance pressure relief with support, providing superb spinal alignment for people who weigh less than 230 lbs. Healthy spine alignment makes both beds a good fit for people with back pain.

Nolah vs. GhostBed: Top Differences 

• Sleeping position compatibility: While both mattresses work well for back sleepers, the Nolah is the best mattress for side sleepers, and the GhostBed is the best mattress for stomach sleepers who weigh more than 130 lbs. 
• Feel: Different materials in the comfort and transition layers give these mattresses very different feels. The GhostBed is slightly firmer, a bit bouncier, and creates the feel of sleeping “on” the surface. The Nolah hugs the body more closely and is softer. 
• Temperature: The GhostBed sleeps cooler than the Nolah mattress. This is because GhostBed’s latex doesn’t absorb as much body heat as Nolah’s AirFoam layer.
• Durability: Latex foam is more durable than polyfoam, which means the GhostBed is likely to outlast the Nolah mattress. 

Nolah vs. GhostBed: Firmness & Feel Differences

Wondering how the Nolah and GhostBed stack up against each other when it comes to firmness and feel? Here’s what we found out in the sleep lab.

What’s the Firmness Of the Nolah & GhostBed Mattresses? 

At Mattress Nerd, we use a 1–10 firmness scale. The higher the number, the firmer the mattress. The Nolah’s firmness level falls at 5.5/10, and the GhostBed at 6/10. Despite similar firmness, these beds feel very different. 

The GhostBed’s comfort layer is made from latex and Nolah’s is from a soft polyfoam called AirFoam. Nolah’s AirFoam provides close contouring and a feel that’s like sleeping “in” the mattress. The GhostBed’s latex delivers a more gentle contour and a sensation that’s closer to floating on the mattress surface, so it’s a bit easier to move around on. The GhostBed is the better mattress for combination sleepers who need to change positions frequently while still receiving pressure relief.

What Do the Nolah & GhostBed Mattresses Feel Like?

Despite being a foam mattress, the Nolah Original sleeps cool thanks to its TENCEL cover and AirFoam construction. It also has a thick foam base that makes it a very supportive mattress that responds well to movement. There’s a slight sink that we feel, but we think it’ll present any issues if you move around in your sleep a lot.

Similarly, the GhostBed mattress is also very breathable and cooling. This is because of its aerated (i.e. hole punched) latex top layer that facilitates great airflow and memory foam layer that’s infused with temperature-regulating gel. Since it has a latex top layer, there’s a definite bounce to this mattress, so you won’t have any problems sinking into the mattress. Despite this, we found the GhostBed to be quite responsive to movement.

What’s It Like to Sleep On the Nolah & GhostBed Mattresses?

The Nolah is softer than most foam mattresses, so we recommend it the most to side sleepers. We also think it provides great support for the back and hips for most back and stomach sleepers. On the other hand, heavier folks may be a bit uncomfortable with the Nolah since it’s too soft and lacks the right amount of support to maintain a neutral spine alignment. For combination sleepers below 230 lbs, you’ll have no issues sleeping comfortably with the Nolah thanks to its responsive foam layers.

The GhostBed’s thick memory foam layers give great support for a neutral spine alignment, so most back, stomach, and combination sleepers will sleep comfortably on it. However, side sleepers will probably want a softer mattress that’ll take pressure off their hips and shoulders. Additionally, heavier folks may find the GhostBed mattress to be too soft and sinking and may have trouble moving around in their sleep.

The Nolah vs. GhostBed Mattresses By Body Type

Nolah Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:

Body Type:	BACK SLEEPERS	STOMACH SLEEPERS	SIDE SLEEPERS
Lightweight (< 130 lbs):	5	4	5
Average-weight (130–230 lbs):	4	3	5
Heavyweight (> 230 lbs):	3	2	4

GhostBed Performance By Body Type & Sleeping Position:

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

Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)

Both the Nolah and GhostBed mattresses give ample support for average weight back sleepers and be able to keep a neutral spine alignment through the night.

Average weight side sleepers will also be able to sleep comfortably on either mattress, since both offer enough support and cushion to relieve pressure off the shoulders and hips.

Both mattresses should also be comfortable for most average weight stomach sleepers. However, some may want to look for firmer mattresses, like the ones in our best mattresses for stomach sleepers list.

For average weight combination sleepers, either mattress is a fantastic choice. Both do an excellent job at responding to sudden movement changes, so combination sleepers should be comfortable tossing and turning in bed.

Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)

Heavyweight back sleepers probably won’t find enough support needed in both mattresses and feel themselves sinking in too much.

Similarly, heavyweight side sleepers may feel that both mattresses lack proper joint support. We recommend plusher mattresses that can conform to the body’s natural curves.

Stomach sleepers on the heavier side may feel their hips sinking into the mattress, which can blow your back out of alignment and lead to back pain.

For heavyweight combination sleepers, we recommend the GhostBed over the Nolah. GhostBed uses the right combination of latex and foam to give heavier sleepers just the right amount of support for changing positions.

Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)

Both the Nolah and GhostBed are easy choices for lightweight back sleepers since they can provide excellent support for the back and ample cushion to keep you comfy all night.

Lightweight side sleepers will be comfortable on either mattress, but between the two, we’ll give more points to Nolah. Nolah is slightly softer than the GhostBed, so it’ll be able to give you more hip and shoulder support.

Lightweight stomach sleepers will also fare well with either brand, but this time, the firmer GhostBed mattress outperforms the Nolah.

Either mattress is a great choice for lightweight combination sleepers, so it all boils down to preference. If you like a softer and plusher feel, go for the Nolah, but if you like your bed more on the firm side, the GhostBed should be your pick.

Differences In Mattress Construction 

The Nolah Original is a 10” all-foam mattress that’s made up of three layers, while the GhostBed is an 11” hybrid mattress that’s constructed of latex and foam layers. Here’s a closer look at how each layer of each mattress contributes to sleeping performance.

Nolah Mattress Materials	GhostBed Mattress Materials
TENCEL Mattress Cover	Viscose/Polyester Blend Cover
2” AirFoam	1.5” Aerated Latex Foam
1” High-Resilience Foam	2” Gel Memory Foam
7” High-Density Base Foam	7.5” High-Density Polyfoam Base

Cover

The Nolah cover is made up of an eco-friendly and sustainable fabric called TENCEL, which boasts breathability, a soft touch, and the ability to wick away body heat. The GhostBed has a cover that’s made from a viscose-polyester blend that’s also soft, breathable, and moisture-absorbent.

Comfort Layers

The Nolah has a comfort layer made of its patented AirFoam technology, which has air pockets that promote great airflow, along with pressure-relieving and body-conforming features. The GhostBed comfort layer is made from aerated synthetic rubber latex that absorbs pressure.

Support Layers

Both mattresses have thick, high-density foam layers that provide great foundation and support. Nolah’s base foam layer stands at 7”, while the GhostBed has a slightly thicker polyfoam base at 7.5”.

Nolah vs. GhostBed Pricing

Size	Nolah Prices	GhostBed Prices
Twin	$699.00	$1545.00
Twin XL	$899.00	$1800.00
Full	$999.00	$1920.00
Queen	$1149.00	$1995.00
King	$1349.00	$2445.00
California King	$1349.00	$2475.00

For exclusive discounts on both beds see our Nolah mattress coupons and GhostBed mattress coupons.

Nolah vs. GhostBed Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences

If you’re curious to see how the Nolah and GhostBed compare when it comes to sleep performance, read up on our ratings below. 

Temperature

While both beds are cooler than most all-foam mattresses, the GhostBed is the better choice for most people who struggle with temperature regulation at night. If you wake up hot and sweaty, the GhostBed’s latex surface is breathable and doesn’t hold on to excess body heat. The Nolah’s surface is cool, just not as cool as the GhostBed. For mattresses that incorporate different cooling features, check out the best mattresses for hot sleepers.

Motion Transfer

While both mattresses offer above-average motion isolation, the Nolah is even better at minimizing motion transfer than the GhostBed. This difference is thanks to the motion-absorbing properties of the Nolah’s all-foam construction. That said, most couples won’t be bothered by the GhostBed’s small amount of motion transfer. If motion isolation is important to you, be sure to check out our picks for the best mattress for couples.

Edge Support 

Both mattresses have sturdy and comfortable edges, so you’ll feel supported when sleeping along the mattress perimeter. The GhostBed’s borders are more supportive when you’re sitting on the edge of the bed. They also provide a sturdier surface to balance when getting into or out of bed, which is important for many elderly folks. For older sleepers who are looking for a better mattress, see our recommendations for the best mattress for seniors.

Pressure Relief 

The Nolah mattress boasts superior pressure-relieving properties, especially for lightweight sleepers. This is because the Nolah’s top foam layer is softer than the GhostBed’s latex layer. This softer feel and generous cushion are great for side sleepers.  

Pain Relief 

Both mattresses scored fairly well in our pain relief test, but the Nolah really outperformed the GhostBed thanks to its signature AirFoam layer, which cradles your pressure points to relieve pressure and pain. 

Durability 

Based on our evaluation of each bed’s construction, our team thinks the GhostBed is more durable than the Nolah mattress. GhostBed utilizes latex along the mattress surface. Latex tends to be more resistant to indentation than the polyfoam found along the Nolah’s surface. 

Shipping, Returns, & Warranties 

Nolah 

Each Nolah mattress comes with free shipping in the contiguous U.S. We like the fact that they offer a long 120-day sleep trial, which comes with free returns and a full refund after 30 days. You’ll also get a Nolah Lifetime warranty that provides complete coverage for 15 years and prorated repair costs after.

GhostBed

GhostBed ships free in the contiguous U.S. They have a 101-night sleep trial, where you can get a free return and full refund after 30 nights (but only if you directly ordered from GhostBed). They also provide a 20-year warranty, which is above industry standard. Here’s our breakdown of the GhostBed mattress warranty.

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More Nolah Mattresses

More GhostBed Mattresses

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. Nolah
• GhostBed vs. Purple
• Ghost vs. Tempurpedic
• GhostBed vs. Tuft & Needle
• Nolah vs. Bear
• Nolah vs. Brooklyn Bedding
• Nolah vs. Layla
• Nolah vs. Leesa
• Nolah vs. Nectar
• Nolah vs. Puffy
• Nolah vs. Purple
• Nolah vs. Tuft & Needle

Our Final Take

The Nolah Original and GhostBed are popular online mattresses that each come with a generous return policy. The Nolah has a softer feel and superior pressure relief, so it’s good for side sleepers and lightweight folks. The GhostBed pairs latex and memory foam for a mattress that’s cooler, firmer, and more responsive than the Nolah. These properties make the GhostBed an excellent bed for back sleepers, hot sleepers, and people who toss and turn. 

Nolah & GhostBed FAQs

How Firm is Nolah Mattress?

According to our firmness scale, the Nolah scores a 7/10 (1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest), which puts it at the medium-firm level. The medium-firm feel can mostly be attributed to its proprietary adaptive AirFoam layer.

Is GhostBed Good For Side Sleepers?

For body types below 230 lbs, the GhostBed mattress may provide just enough support for the hips, shoulders, and joints. Heavier folks are better off with a firmer, more supportive mattress. However, for ample support and comfort, it’s better to go for softer mattresses.

Is GhostBed Mattress Toxic?

Not at all. According to GhostBed, they only use unharmful and non-toxic chemicals and materials in the construction of GhostBed mattresses. Though you may find a subtle chemical smell when you first unpack the mattress, it’s not harmful and will eventually fade as time passes.