GhostBed vs. Purple – Our 2020 Mattress Comparison
Written by Jackson Lindeke
The Bottom Line.
The GhostBed Classic is made from high-quality foam and latex components for close conforming and consistent pressure relief.
The Purple Mattress features the signature Smart Grid comfort layer, which alleviates aches and pains while sleeping exceptionally cool.
Both beds offer a balanced, medium-firm feel.
GhostBed vs. Purple Mattress Overview
GhostBed vs. Purple Mattress Overview
GhostBed was founded in 2015. The brand’s flagship mattress, the GhostBed Classic (aka the GhostBed) is constructed with comfort layers of synthetic Dunlop latex and gel memory foam, along with a high-density foam support core. The GhostBed is considered ‘Medium Firm,’ or a 6 on the 1-10 firmness scale.
Purple was launched in 2015 following a successful Kickstarter campaign. Its flagship mattress, the Purple Mattress, is designed with a ‘Smart Grid’ comfort layer consisting of buckling-column gel and an elastic polymer grid, along with a high-density foam support core. The Purple Mattress is ‘Medium Firm,’ or 6.5 on the firmness scale.
Please note: Both GhostBed and Purple offer other mattresses in addition to their flagship models.
GhostBed sells the GhostBed Luxe, a mixed-foam mattress with a top layer of phase-change material.
Purple offers the Purple Hybrid, a hybrid mattress made with a 2-inch ‘Smart Grid’ comfort layer and a pocketed coil support core, as well as the Purple Hybrid Premier, which includes a 3- or 4-inch ‘Smart Grid’ comfort layer over a pocketed coil support core.
This review will exclusively look at the flagship GhostBed and Purple mattresses. For more information about other mattresses from these brands, please visit our GhostBed Mattress Reviews and Purple Mattress Reviews pages.
The GhostBed Classic and Purple mattresses may be designed with different materials, but both beds offer similar sleep experiences in terms of body conforming, pressure relief, and motion isolation. This page will examine the unique characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks of each bed, as well as the individual policies and overall reputations of both brands.
Specifies how long the product maintains structure, providing comfort and support before it begins to deteriorate. For reference, the average mattress lifespan is 6-8 years.
Average to above-average longevity is expected from the GhostBed, but the company has been in business for less than three years and long-term performance has not been evaluated.
Durability
x
Specifies how long the product maintains structure, providing comfort and support before it begins to deteriorate. For reference, the average mattress lifespan is 6-8 years.
Average to above-average longevity is expected from the GhostBed, but the company has been in business for less than three years and long-term performance has not been evaluated.
Motion Isolation
x
A measure of how effectively a mattress absorbs motion across its surface, preventing partner disturbance.
The GhostBed isolates motion to some extent, but not as much as the average foam-latex mattress.
Motion Isolation
x
A measure of how effectively a mattress absorbs motion across its surface, preventing partner disturbance.
The GhostBed isolates motion to some extent, but not as much as the average foam-latex mattress.
Off-gassing
x
Most new products emit chemical smells after being removed from packaging. Off-gassing odors are considered non-toxic, but can be quite unpleasant nonetheless.
The GhostBed emits little to no odor, which is rare for mattresses with memory foam.
Off-gassing
x
Most new products emit chemical smells after being removed from packaging. Off-gassing odors are considered non-toxic, but can be quite unpleasant nonetheless.
The GhostBed emits little to no odor, which is rare for mattresses with memory foam.
Pressure Relief
x
This refers to the degree to which a mattress molds to or cradles the contours of the body. This helps alleviate pressure point pain, especially on the hips and shoulders.
GhostBed mattresses conform closely and alleviate a fair amount of aches and pains for most sleepers.
Pressure Relief
x
This refers to the degree to which a mattress molds to or cradles the contours of the body. This helps alleviate pressure point pain, especially on the hips and shoulders.
GhostBed mattresses conform closely and alleviate a fair amount of aches and pains for most sleepers.
Temperature Neutrality
x
The temperature of a mattress throughout the night is affected by how much body heat is retained. Several factors affect temperature neutrality, including material composition, layer thickness, and dissipation of heat through airflow.
The top latex layer somewhat tempers the GhostBed’s memory foam, but some customers claim the mattress still sleeps relatively hot.
Temperature Neutrality
x
The temperature of a mattress throughout the night is affected by how much body heat is retained. Several factors affect temperature neutrality, including material composition, layer thickness, and dissipation of heat through airflow.
The top latex layer somewhat tempers the GhostBed’s memory foam, but some customers claim the mattress still sleeps relatively hot.
Edge Support
x
The degree to which the perimeter of the mattress supports body weight. In some cases, mattresses may sink when weight is applied. This sinkage, often called “roll-off”, affects how closely you might sleep to the edge of the bed.
The GhostBed offers better edge support than many other memory foam and latex models, but the bed is still susceptible to sinkage in places where people sit.
Edge Support
x
The degree to which the perimeter of the mattress supports body weight. In some cases, mattresses may sink when weight is applied. This sinkage, often called “roll-off”, affects how closely you might sleep to the edge of the bed.
The GhostBed offers better edge support than many other memory foam and latex models, but the bed is still susceptible to sinkage in places where people sit.
Noise
x
Certain mattresses – particularly those with coils – can be quite noisy when bearing weight. Others are nearly silent. Material composition is often the limiting factor for noise potential.
The GhostBed is virtually silent when bearing weight.
Noise
x
Certain mattresses – particularly those with coils – can be quite noisy when bearing weight. Others are nearly silent. Material composition is often the limiting factor for noise potential.
The GhostBed is virtually silent when bearing weight.
Sex
x
Mattresses that are bouncier and more responsive tend to be better for sex, as they’re easier to change positions on. In contrast, unresponsive mattresses can cause couples to have trouble switching positions.
The GhostBed is not particularly bouncy or springy, and the bed may not be responsive enough for some couples.
Sex
x
Mattresses that are bouncier and more responsive tend to be better for sex, as they’re easier to change positions on. In contrast, unresponsive mattresses can cause couples to have trouble switching positions.
The GhostBed is not particularly bouncy or springy, and the bed may not be responsive enough for some couples.
Durability
x
Specifies how long the product maintains structure, providing comfort and support before it begins to deteriorate. For reference, the average mattress lifespan is 6-8 years.
Although the Purple mattress features a polymer-based buckling-column gel layer, the company has been in business for a limited amount of time and the overall lifespan of the Purple mattress has not yet been determined.
Durability
x
Specifies how long the product maintains structure, providing comfort and support before it begins to deteriorate. For reference, the average mattress lifespan is 6-8 years.
Although the Purple mattress features a polymer-based buckling-column gel layer, the company has been in business for a limited amount of time and the overall lifespan of the Purple mattress has not yet been determined.
Motion Isolation
x
A measure of how effectively a mattress absorbs motion across its surface, preventing partner disturbance.
According to many owners, the Purple mattress isolates motion to a fair extent and helps cut down on nighttime sleep disruptions.
Motion Isolation
x
A measure of how effectively a mattress absorbs motion across its surface, preventing partner disturbance.
According to many owners, the Purple mattress isolates motion to a fair extent and helps cut down on nighttime sleep disruptions.
Off-gassing
x
Most new products emit chemical smells after being removed from packaging. Off-gassing odors are considered non-toxic, but can be quite unpleasant nonetheless.
Very few Purple mattress owners report strong, persistent off-gassing odor.
Off-gassing
x
Most new products emit chemical smells after being removed from packaging. Off-gassing odors are considered non-toxic, but can be quite unpleasant nonetheless.
Very few Purple mattress owners report strong, persistent off-gassing odor.
Pressure Relief
x
This refers to the degree to which a mattress molds to or cradles the contours of the body. This helps alleviate pressure point pain, especially on the hips and shoulders.
The Purple mattress conforms somewhat closely, and a large number of owners report improved spinal alignment and targeted pressure relief.
Pressure Relief
x
This refers to the degree to which a mattress molds to or cradles the contours of the body. This helps alleviate pressure point pain, especially on the hips and shoulders.
The Purple mattress conforms somewhat closely, and a large number of owners report improved spinal alignment and targeted pressure relief.
Temperature Neutrality
x
The temperature of a mattress throughout the night is affected by how much body heat is retained. Several factors affect temperature neutrality, including material composition, layer thickness, and dissipation of heat through airflow.
The Purple mattress is fairly temperature neutral, and most sleepers remain fairly cool throughout the night.
Temperature Neutrality
x
The temperature of a mattress throughout the night is affected by how much body heat is retained. Several factors affect temperature neutrality, including material composition, layer thickness, and dissipation of heat through airflow.
The Purple mattress is fairly temperature neutral, and most sleepers remain fairly cool throughout the night.
Edge Support
x
The degree to which the perimeter of the mattress supports body weight. In some cases, mattresses may sink when weight is applied. This sinkage, often called “roll-off”, affects how closely you might sleep to the edge of the bed.
The Purple mattress offers minimal edge support, and sinkage where people sit is fairly common.
Edge Support
x
The degree to which the perimeter of the mattress supports body weight. In some cases, mattresses may sink when weight is applied. This sinkage, often called “roll-off”, affects how closely you might sleep to the edge of the bed.
The Purple mattress offers minimal edge support, and sinkage where people sit is fairly common.
Noise
x
Certain mattresses – particularly those with coils – can be quite noisy when bearing weight. Others are nearly silent. Material composition is often the limiting factor for noise potential.
The Purple mattress is virtually silent when bearing weight.
Noise
x
Certain mattresses – particularly those with coils – can be quite noisy when bearing weight. Others are nearly silent. Material composition is often the limiting factor for noise potential.
The Purple mattress is virtually silent when bearing weight.
Sex
x
Mattresses that are bouncier and more responsive tend to be better for sex, as they’re easier to change positions on. In contrast, unresponsive mattresses can cause couples to have trouble switching positions.
The Purple mattress is fairly responsive thanks to its unique comfort layer, and provides better springiness for sex than most competing all-foam beds.
Sex
x
Mattresses that are bouncier and more responsive tend to be better for sex, as they’re easier to change positions on. In contrast, unresponsive mattresses can cause couples to have trouble switching positions.
The Purple mattress is fairly responsive thanks to its unique comfort layer, and provides better springiness for sex than most competing all-foam beds.
The GhostBed Is Good for...
Sleepers who suffer from frequent back pain
People who tend to sleep hot on all-foam beds
Those who prefer firmer surfaces with moderate conforming
The Purple Mattress Is Good for...
Side and back sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or more
People who normally sleep hot on all-foam beds
Those who prefer firmer surfaces with moderate conforming
Sleep Position Ratings
GhostBed
The GhostBed is ideal for sleepers who experience frequent aches and pains in sensitive areas of their body, such as the neck and lower back, and also tend to sleep hot. The gel memory foam and latex layers offer body-hugging pressure relief and spinal alignment, as well as great temperature neutrality. The GhostBed also absorbs and minimizes motion transfer to a significant extent and makes no noise when bearing weight, making it a great option for couples.
Purple Mattress
Because the Purple Mattress is ‘Medium Firm,’ it offers adequate conforming for people who weigh at least 130 pounds and earned the highest ratings sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds; those weighing less than 130 pounds may find the mattress too firm. The Purple Mattress also sleeps fairly cool, making it suitable for hot sleepers. The mattress has a longer-than-average expected lifespan, as well.
GhostBed
Purple
Weight
Light
Average
Heavy
Sleep Position
Less than 130 LBS
130 LBS - 230 LBS
Greater than 230 LBS
Side
Back
Stomach
Weight
Light
Average
Heavy
Sleep Position
Less than 130 LBS
130 LBS - 230 LBS
Greater than 230 LBS
Side
Back
Stomach
Our Recommendations
Choose the GhostBed Classic if...
You experience frequent aches and pains in the neck, lower back, and other sensitive areas
You weigh at least 130 pounds
You want a mattress that offers moderate conforming
You and/or your sleep partner awaken easily due to noise or movement
Choose the Purple Mattress if...
You consider yourself a hot sleeper
You want a firmer mattress that provides moderate conforming
You weigh at least 130 pounds
You sleep on your side, back, stomach, or any combination of the three
Now let’s look at how the GhostBed and Purple mattresses are made. The next table lists specs for each bed’s firmness, thickness, weight, and material composition.
The Ghostbed is made with two comfort layers: a top layer of synthetic Dunlop latex and a bottom layer of 4 PCF gel memory foam. These components work together to create a sleep surface that conforms rather closely to align the sleeper’s spine and alleviate aches and pains throughout their body. The aerated latex layer also promotes strong airflow, allowing the Ghostbed to sleep cool and comfortable for most.
The mattress also features a base layer of high-density polyfoam measuring 7.5 inches high. This layer reinforces the bed very well and helps maintain an even, supportive surface for sleeping. The Ghostbed weighs 89 pounds in a Queen size, making it heavier than most all-foam beds (due in part to the latex component).
How Is the Purple Mattress Built?
The signature ‘Smart Grid’ found in the Purple Mattress features buckling-column gel dispersed throughout an elastic polymer grid. The material conforms to the sleeper’s body and alleviates pressure points much like memory foam and latex, but it is also more durable and less susceptible to indentations. The Smart Grid also sleeps relatively cool, as well.
A high-density polyfoam base reinforces the entire bed and helps maintain an even, supportive sleep surface. The Purple Mattress is fairly heavy – weighing 110 pounds in a queen size – and will be somewhat difficult to move and rotate compared to all-foam beds.
GhostBed Sleep Trial, Warranty, and Delivery
Sleep Trial 101 nights
Shipping All 50 states
Warranty 20 years partially prorated
Made In USA
Trial Period Details
GhostBed offers a 101-night sleep trial for the GhostBed mattress.
This sleep trial includes a mandatory 30-night break-in period. Customers will not be able to return the mattress for a full refund until at least 30 nights have elapsed.
The sleep trial begins on the day the mattress is shipped.
This sleep trial is available to customers who buy their mattress directly from GhostBed; those who purchase their mattress on Amazon.com will qualify for that site’s standard 30-night trial.
One mattress return per household is allowed.
Warranty
GhostBed offers a 20-year nonprorated warranty:
This warranty is partially prorated. GhostBed will repair or replace defective mattresses at no extra charge for the first 10 years of ownership. During years 11 to 20, customers will pay a prorated replacement fee based on the bed’s original price that increases five percent (5%) for each successive year of ownership.
The mattress cover is covered under warranty for one year.
Mattress owners are responsible for all shipping charges associated with mattress repairs or replacements for the entire 20-year warranty.
The warranty will cover the following defects:
Sagging or indentations in the sleep surface measuring one inch (1″) or deeper.
Physical flaws in the mattress that cause materials to split or crack despite proper use and handling.
The warranty will not cover the following:
Sagging or indentations in the sleep surface that measure less than one inch (1″) deep.
Normal increases in mattress material softness that do not compromise its pressure-relieving abilities.
Damage that occurs due to lack of proper foundational support.
This warranty is non-transferable, and is exclusively available to original owners who purchase their mattress from GhostBed or an authorized retailer. Those who buy or acquire their mattress from the original owner or a non-authorized retailer will not be eligible for warranty coverage.
Delivery Details
The delivery policy for GhostBed mattresses is as follows:
GhostBed mattresses are shipped within 24 hours of each order; most customers receive their bed within three to five business days.
Customers receive a FedEx tracking number once the mattress has shipped.
Changes cannot be made to the order once it has been submitted; orders that are cancelled will incur a 15% restocking fee.
How Is the Mattress Shipped?: Compressed, vacuum-sealed, and shipped in a box. Where Do They Ship?: All 50 states, but no U.S. territories or international addresses. Delivery Fee: Shipping in the contiguous U.S. is free of charge; customers in Alaska and Hawaii pay a flat delivery fee of $600.
Purple offers a 100-night sleep trial for the Purple Mattress.
This sleep trial does not require a break-in period. Customers may return the mattress for a full refund at any point during the 100-night trial.
The cost of promotional items included with the Purple Mattress purchase will be deducted from the total refund amount.
Warranty
Purple offers a 10-year nonprorated warranty:
This warranty is entirely nonprorated.
The warranty will be voided if the Purple Mattress is not used with a flat, solid-surface, non-spring foundation.
Mattress owners are responsible for all shipping costs associated with mattress repairs or replacements.
The warranty will cover the following defects:
Sagging or indentations in the sleep surface measuring 1″ or deeper.
Splits or cracks in the mattress material despite proper handling and care.
The warranty will not cover the following:
Sagging or indentations in the sleep surface measuring less than 1″ deep.
Burns, cuts, stains, mold infestation, and other types of damage that occur due to abuse or neglect.
This warranty is non-transferable. It is exclusively available to original owners who purchase their mattress from Purple or an authorized retailer. Those who buy or acquire their mattress from the original owner or a non-authorized retailer will not be eligible for warranty coverage.
Delivery Details
The delivery policy for the Purple Mattress is as follows:
After placing their order, most customers receive their Purple mattress within 2-8 business days.
Standard ground shipping is free within the lower 48 states, but customers in Alaska and Hawaii pay additional delivery charges.
Expedited or White Glove delivery options are not available for the Purple Mattress.
How Is the Mattress Shipped?: Compressed, roll-packed, and shipped in a box. Where Do They Ship?: Anywhere in the U.S. and most of Canada Delivery Fee: Free shipping for customers in the contiguous U.S., but those in Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada pay additional delivery fees.
Old Mattress Removal
Purple does not offer old mattress removal with Purple Mattress orders.
Purple Coupons and Discounts
Buy the Purple Mattress at the lowest available price.
