GhostBed Review: Original (Plus Flex, Luxe & 3D Matrix)
Last Updated: May, 2024
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GhostBed Review (Ghost Mattress Original)
Built with an innovative mix of gel-infused memory foam, cooling technology, aerated latex foam, and poly-foam/support foam, the GhostBed mattress breaks the traditional mold of bed-in-a-box style mattresses.
This ghost bed mattress is an affordable, high-quality memory foam mattress that's suitable for a variety of sleep styles. However, this bed might not be for everyone.
If you're considering purchasing the GhostBed original, or one of their other three models, make sure you read this whole review to find out if GhostBed is a good fit for you.
Ghostbed Mattress Overview:
With 3 neck surgeries to date, GhostBed founder Marc Werner knows a thing about aches and pains. So 20+ years ago when he couldn’t find a mattress that was comfortable, he decided to invent his own! A fifth-generation family business (Werner’s grandfather started the Werner Ladder Company, now a household name), GhostBed now offers a variety of the highest-quality, most comfortable mattresses available at prices competitors simply can't beat.
The GhostBed Original is one of three different models offered by GhostBed. It's the most affordable and firmest of their mattress options. This makes the GhostBed original a great pick for back and stomach sleepers but a little on the firm side for strict side sleepers, so if you're a side sleeper, keep reading to find out what other options might be a good fit.
Pros
Cons
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Other GhostBed Models
While the GhostBed original is the most popular and most affordable option, GhostBed does have three other models that we'll cover in this GhostBed mattress review. This Ghostbed mattress review is going to focus mostly on the GhostBed original, but in this section, you can learn the basics of the other models they offer to see if they may be a better fit than the Original. These reviews are very simple, but the reviews of these models should help you get an idea of which model is ideal for you.
Firmness: Medium to Medium Firm Feel
Construction: Hybrid foam & Spring
Sleeper Type: All Sleepers
Profile Height: 13"
The GhostBed Flex is a seven layer luxury hybrid mattress that feels more like a traditional innerspring mattress but better. If you're not in love with the idea of having an all-foam Ghostbed mattress and want something that feels more classic and familiar, the Flex might be a good fit for you.
When it comes to firmness, it comes in at around a 6-7, making it a pretty solid medium to medium firm feel. This makes it great for combination sleepers and couples who may struggle to agree on the ideal firmness level.
The GhostBed Flex is built for cooling. It has a cooling quilted cover, followed by cooling fiber, followed by two separate layers of cooling gel memory foam.
This Ghostbed mattress is a great fit if you want a bouncier bed that is built to keep you cool.
GhostBed is running a sale, active May 1, 2024 on the GhostBed Flex.
Firmness: Medium-Soft
Construction: All foam
Sleeper Type: Combo Sleepers
Profile Height: 13"
The next alternative to the GhostBed Original is the GhostBed Luxe. This Ghostbed mattress is similar to the GhostBed Flex in that it's built to keep you cool, but instead of the innerspring hybrid design, the Luxe is made of multiple foam layers.
It's softer than the GhostBed Original, making it a good pick for strict side sleepers. If you like the feel of an all-foam Ghostbed mattress but want something on the softer side, the GhostBed Luxe is a safe bet.
While this Ghostbed mattress is best suited for side sleepers, it's also a great pick if you just overall tend to like a softer mattress. While most side sleepers like a softer mattress, not all people who like softer mattresses are strict side sleepers.
GhostBed is running a sale, active May 1, 2024 on the GhostBed Luxe.
Firmness: Plush
Construction: 3D matrix + spring hybrid
Sleeper Type: Combo sleepers or side sleepers
Profile Height: 12"
The most premium-level mattress offered by GhostBed is the 3D Matrix. This is the softest of the mattresses offered by GhostBed, and offers 7 layers of comfort and GhostBed's patented 3D Matrix technology. One of those layers are individually wrapped coils, giving it a more traditional, bouncy feeling.
However, what makes this Ghostbed mattress special is the layers.
There are two layers of this mattress that use the 3D matrix design. The first is directly under the cover. This layer is made of gel polymer, which helps draw away body heat and prevents heat retention. It also helps with pressure relief better than traditional memory foam materials or latex layer mattress.
The second instance of the 3D matrix is part of the soft transitional foam that sits between the top comfort layers of the Ghostbed mattress and the lower support layers. This transitional layer is critical for pressure relief and distributing your body weight evenly around the mattress.
The GhostBed 3D Matrix mattress is a great fit if you struggle with back or neck pain and need the extra pressure relief, and have the budget for a premium-level mattress. Like all of GhostBeds mattresses, this Ghostbed mattress is backed by a 101-night sleep trial period, 20-25 year warranty and free returns if you don't absolutely love it.
GhostBed is running a sale, active May 1, 2024 on the GhostBed 3D Matrix.
Still don't know which GhostBed mattress is best for you after seeing these reviews? Take their sleep quiz to get matched with the ideal GhostBed mattress model for your sleep style and preferences. Take me to the quiz.
Now that we know a bit about all the mattresses offered by GhostBed, it's time to dig a little deeper into the Original.
Ghostbed Firmness Level
The GhostBed Original is the firmest mattress offered by GhostBed, but it's still considered a medium firm. It is about a 7/10 on the firmness scale, meaning it has a good balance of support and pressure relief for most people.
The exception to this would be certain weight classes (which we'll cover in the next section) and strict side sleepers.
If you sleep on your back or your stomach or tend to switch positions a lot while you sleep, you'll likely find the firmness level of this Ghostbed mattress comfortable. Stomach sleepers tend to like a firmer feel, so if you're one of those stomach sleepers, you'll likely thing the Original Ghostbed mattress is quite comfortable. Apart from the GhostBed mattress, combination sleepers can choose the Amerisleep Mattress, which does a great task of relieving pressure points and cradling their bodies without making them feel stuck. If you fall in this category, feel free to go over our Amerisleep Mattress Review to learn more about this foam hybrid mattress.
What Does The GhostBed Feel Like (By Weight)
The way that a mattress will feel varies depending on how much you weigh and your sleep style, so not all reviews are accurate for everyone. We had a variety of sleepers help us with this test, and here's what you can expect the GhostBed to feel like, depending on which weight range you come in at.
Average Weight Sleepers (130-230lbs)
If you're in this weight range, most of what we've already said about this mattress applies to you. If you're on the lower end of the spectrum and sleep on your back or side, there's a chance that the GhostBed Original may feel too firm. You may want to go for a softer model, such as the Lytton Comfort Plush Mattress, which boasts a cushiony Euro-top cover and cradling foams to ensure equal weight distribution across the mattress while reducing pressure points on the hips and shoulders. However, If you're a stomach sleeper, you will find the GhostBed Original to be a perfect fit.
Heavyweight Sleepers (230lbs+)
If you're over 230lbs, you'll likely find a mattress to be a bit softer than it's advertised. Because of this, you'll likely want to lean more towards a firm mattress. If you're around 230-250lb, the GhostBed Original will feel great if you sleep on your back or your side. If you're closer to 300, you'll want to opt for one of the other models that has springs for added longevity and durability.
Lightweight (<130lbs)
Sleepers who weigh under 130lbs tend to feel that their mattress is firmer than advertised. A medium firm mattress may feel closer to a firm. This is because your bodyweight doesn't press into the mattress as much, and leaves you feeling like you have less support. Lightweight sleepers who sleep on their stomach will like the firmness of the GhostBed original, but if you sleep in any other position, you'll probably find it to be too firm, even though it's only a medium firm. You may want to go for the GhostBed Luxe or the GhostBed 3D matrix instead of the original if this is the case.
GhostBed Foam Construction & Layers
Now that you know a little bit more about the GhostBed Original and how it feels for different sleepers, lets dig into the details of the construction of this mattress.
1. The Cooling Cover
The cover of the GhostBed Original mattress is pretty standard for the mattress price point. It's made of polyester-blend fabric with a bit of a stretch to it. It's thin, lightweight, and breathable without sacrificing durability. You can also spot clean the cover for a clean and fresh sleep surface. For more information on how to keep your mattress clean, check out our blog on how to clean a mattress.
2. Aerated Latex Foam Layer
The aerated latex support foam layer is a unique and welcomed addition to this mattress that provides excellent pressure relief. Since latex is a more expensive material, you rarely see it in mattresses in this price range. Kudos GhostBed.
Latex is generally more responsive and better at staying cool than a memory foam mattress and makes for a great comfort layer. This layer is the reason why the GhostBed Original doesn't make you feel stuck. It's also the reason why it's very easy to move around in, but lacks some of the motion isolation we expect to see from memory foam mattresses and does has some motion transfer.
The latex foam by itself is a cooling material, but GhostBed took that a step further by aerating the latex foam. This provides excellent airflow for temperature regulation while you sleep. Most latex mattress options only have latex on a single comfort layer.
3. Gel-infused Memory Foam
The second comfort layer of this mattress is a gel-infused memory foam that targets your pressure points. This gel memory foam bed layer is all about contouring your body and keeping you cool. Unlike the super responsive latex, this layer keeps its shape for longer.
This gel memory foam layer feels similar to traditional memory foam, but since it's infused with gel, it sleeps cooler.
4. High Density Polyfoam Support Core
The final layer of this mattress is the high density polyfoam support layer. This high density memory foam provides the sturdy support and medium-firm feel. The two comfort layers above are designed to cradle your body, this high density foam layer is designed to support it. High density foam is a great alternative to innerspring.
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Performance
As with all reviews, in this section of the GhostBed mattress review, we're going to break down how the GhostBed Original performed in the following categories.
Cooling
This mattress feels like it was designed with cooling in mind. The cover and the comfort layers of this mattress are all designed to keep you cool. The first layer of this mattress is an aerated latex, which makes the mattress cool to the touch and aids in airflow. If you struggle with keeping cool while you sleep, you'll love how the Original GhostBed performs in this category. A similar mattress with impeccable cooling structure is the SweetNight Dreamy Mattress.
Motion Transfer
With memory foam mattresses, we generally expect to see excellent motion isolation with very little motion transfer. This wasn't the case for the GhostBed mattress. Since the top layer is made of latex, you sacrifice some motion isolation for responsiveness. With this said, it still has better motion isolation than an innerspring mattress, but won't completely block the motion transfer sensation of your partner moving around like you normally expect to see with a memory foam mattress. You may want to check out our SleepOvation Mattress Review for the best mattress for couples.
Durability
Durability is critical, especially when you're spending a ton of money on a new mattress. Generally speaking, hybrid or innerspring mattresses will be more durable than memory foam mattresses. With this being said, the Ghostbed Original is a very well-built mattress and is backed by a 20-year warranty. This should give you an idea of the confidence GhostBed has in their products, as well as an idea of how long you should expect this mattress to last.
Edge Support
The overall sturdy construction of the Original GhostBed mattress is great for edge support, especially for an all foam bed. If you sleep on a smaller size mattress, edge support can be critical regardless of if you sleep with a partner.
If you sleep near the edge of the mattress, you won't feel like you're about to fall off of the GhostBed mattress.
Off-Gassing
Not unlike other bed-in-a-box mattresses, you will experience a mild chemical smell when you first unbox the GhostBed. This may be offputting at first, but is completely normal (and temporary!). The smell should dissipate with 24-48 hours.
Responsiveness
As far as all-foam beds go in our reviews, the GhostBed was one of the most responsive ones we've tested. Since the top layer of this mattress is made of latex, instead of memory foam, you'll find that it's surprisingly easy to move around and change sleep positions during the night.
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Who Is The GhostBed Best For?
Unlike other mattress companies, GhostBed as a company is very versatile, and just about everyone will be able to find a mattress that works for them from GhostBed. With that said as reference, the GhostBed original isn't for all people. If you're one of the people fall into one of the following categories though, this mattress is a great pick. This section of the GhostBed mattress review will help pair you with a mattress based solely on your sleep style.
Back Sleepers and Stomach Sleepers
If you sleep in one or both of these positions like many of our readers, you'll love the firmer feel of the GhostBed original. It does a great job supporting your neck and lower back to help prevent aches and pains when you wake up. Back sleepers tend to like either a medium or medium firm, so back sleepers as well as stomach sleepers will find the Ghostbed comfortable.
Sleepers Who Need Great Edge Support
For a memory foam mattress, the edge support of the original GhostBed was really impressive. If you sleep on a smaller mattress, like a full or a twin, this excellent edge support is a huge bonus. The same can be said if you sleep with a partner (on something smaller like a queen size mattress) and get pushed to the edge of the bed on a regular basis.
Sleepers Who Like a Responsive Mattress
If you don't like feeling cradled or stuck in your mattress, you'll love how responsive the GhostBed original is. Even though its an all memory foam mattress, you don't experience that typical contouring or stuck feeling that is typical of memory foam mattress types. This Ghostbed mattress feels more like you're sleeping "on" it instead of "in" it. The top layer of latex makes it easy to move around in and change positions.
Company Policies
GhostBed is running an INCREDIBLE flash sale, active May 1, 2024. Add a zero gravity 15 massage mode adjustable base to any mattress purchase and get 40% off!
When you're buying something as expensive as a mattress online, it's nice to know the company that you choose to give your money to has your best interests in mind.
Here's everything you need to know about GhostBed as a company.
Warranty
GhostBed offers a hefty 20-25 year warranty on all of their products. Different products have different specifics with what's covered, so always make sure you check out the warranty for the specific mattress or accessory you're considering before committing to a purchase.
With that said, even the minimum 20 year warranty is generous for the industry. You can also purchase an extended warranty on an adjustable base, should you choose to buy one.
Sleep Trial Period
It's impossible to know whether you'll like a mattress longterm if you lay on it for a few minutes. This is a great case to be made for buying online and getting a long sleep trial. Not all in-store purchased mattresses offer sleep trials.
GhostBed offers a 101-night sleep trial. If you end up not liking the mattress during that time, you can return it for free. You have to keep the GhostBed in your home for 30 days, but after that period and before the 101-day mark, you're able to return it, no questions asked.
GhostBed Return Review & Shipping Review
In a best-case scenario, you'll love your new mattress so much you won't even consider returning it, but that's not always the case.
GhostBed offers free shipping to anywhere within the continental United States and free returns within a 30-101 day window. Since they deliver with a bed in a box style, you'll have to arrange special return shipping with Ghostbed directly. Bed in a box is a great way to get a mattress delivered, but there's no sense in keeping the box even if you just want to test it, since you won't be able to get it back in the box.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is GhostBed a Good Mattress?
A "good" mattress is a very subjective thing. From a build quality and customer service standpoint, GhostBed is great. They have a variety of mattress models so you can pick the one that's best suited for your sleep style, knowing that the build quality will be great no matter what. The Ghostbed is best for back sleepers, combo sleepers and stomach sleepers.
How Long Do GhostBed Mattresses Last?
GhostBed has a 20-25 year warranty on their mattresses, so you can expect them to last at least that long. The Flex and the GhostBed 3D Matrix mattress models are both hybrids with a core made of individually wrapped coils, which helps extend the life of the mattress even further.
Is GhostBed Toxic?
No. All GhostBed mattresses are made chemical-free. They do not use any harmful chemicals in the production of their mattresses, and all the materials they do use are CertiPur-US certified.
Is GhostBed Good For Back Pain & Pressure Points?
A GhostBed mattress can be great for back pain and pressure points if you select the model that best fits your sleep style. To relieve the pain, a mattress has to support your pressure points to provide pressure relief, and GhostBed mattresses do that. Pressure buildup is the main cause of pain, and a good mattress can really help.
Closing Thoughts
The GhostBed mattress is an affordable and quality made mattress that is medium-firm and best suited for back and stomach sleepers.
GhostBed as a company offers a variety of models so no matter how you sleep, you should be able to find a perfect fit for you.
If you're considering the GhostBed mattress and have any questions before you make your purchase, let us know in the comments section below! If you think you can add anything to this Ghostbed mattress review, let us know!
GhostBed is running an INCREDIBLE flash sale, active May 1, 2024. Add a zero gravity 15 massage mode adjustable base to any mattress purchase and get 40% off!
Are there any mattresses for people who have allergy to latex??