Hey there, sleep seekers! Welcome to Mattressnap’s comprehensive review of GhostBed mattresses. If you’re on the hunt for a mattress that nails the sweet spot of comfort, cooling, and affordability, GhostBed’s innovative bed-in-a-box lineup—Classic, Luxe, Flex, and 3D Matrix—has probably piqued your interest.
In this article, we’ll deep dive, we’ll zoom in on the GhostBed Classic, put its performance to the test, and stack it up against its siblings to help you decide if it’s your dream bed.
With a friendly, conversational vibe and insights drawn from web reviews and our rigorous testing, let’s get cozy and explore what GhostBed brings to the table.
Best For
- Back and stomach sleepers crave firm support for proper spinal alignment.
- Hot sleepers need a mattress that stays cool and breezy all night.
- Budget shoppers looking for a premium all-foam mattress under $1,000 for a queen.
- Couples who want decent motion isolation paired with enough bounce for intimacy.
- Combination sleepers who shift positions and need a mattress that keeps up.
Considerations
- Side sleepers, especially lighter folks (<150 lbs), might find the Classic too firm, leading to pressure at the hips and shoulders.
- Heavier sleepers (>250 lbs) could experience too much sinkage or lack of support, particularly when stomach sleeping.
- Plush enthusiasts seeking a deep, sink-in feel may lean toward softer options like the Luxe or 3D Matrix.
- Edge sleepers might notice average edge support, making the perimeter feel less secure.
- Initial off-gassing is noticeable but fades within a couple of days in a ventilated room.
Our Verdict
The GhostBed Classic is a rockstar for back and stomach sleepers who want a medium-firm, wallet-friendly mattress with top-notch cooling and reliable support. Earning a solid 8.92/10 in Mattressnap’s performance tests, it lands in the top 25% of the 270+ mattresses we’ve evaluated.
Its unique combo of aerated latex and gel memory foam delivers a responsive yet contouring feel, perfect for position-switchers and hot sleepers. That said, side sleepers and heavier folks might find it too firm or lacking in edge support. Priced at ~$900 for a queen (after discounts), with a 101-night trial and 20-year warranty, it’s a fantastic value. If you’re craving a softer or more advanced bed, the Luxe or 3D Matrix might be worth a look.
Performance Tests
At Mattressnap, we don’t mess around when it comes to testing. The GhostBed Classic went through our 10-point gauntlet, assessing cooling, sinkage, motion transfer, and more. Here’s the breakdown, with comparisons to industry averages from our database of over 270 mattresses.
How is GhostBed Classic Different?
Launched in 2015, the GhostBed Classic is an 11-inch all-foam mattress with a unique layer stack: 1.5 inches of aerated latex, 2 inches of gel memory foam, and 7.5 inches of high-density polyfoam. Unlike traditional memory foam beds that can feel sluggish and trap heat, the Classic offers a lively, bouncy feel with solid pressure relief and cooling.
Advantages
- Cooling prowess: Aerated latex and gel-infused foam keep things temperature-neutral, a boon for hot sleepers.
- Wallet-friendly: At ~$900 for a queen, it’s 30% cheaper than the average all-foam mattress.
- Quick response: The latex layer snaps back in 0.4 seconds, making movement a breeze.
- Pressure relief: Gel memory foam hugs the body nicely for most average-weight sleepers.
- Built to last: A robust foam base and 20-year warranty signal long-term durability.
Neutral Factors
- Sinkage (2.34 inches): A tad deeper than the 2.15-inch average but still offers balanced comfort.
- Bounce (8.72 inches): Near the 9.02-inch average, aiding movement without excessive jiggle.
- Firmness (6.5/10): Medium-firm suits many but may not vibe with strict side sleepers.
Disadvantages
- Edge support: Sitting sinkage of 4.5 inches is slightly worse than the 4.2-inch average.
- Motion transfer: At 6.8 m/s², it’s higher than the 5.5 m/s² all-foam average, which could bug light-sleeping partners.
- Off-gassing: A strong initial odor takes 48 hours to fade, a bit longer than some rivals.
Cooling Test
The Classic is a cooling champ, scoring 9.2/10. Its aerated latex layer boosts airflow, while the gel memory foam wicks heat away. In our tests, the surface stayed stable, moving from a 78°F baseline to 82°F after 5 minutes of lying on it—no heat buildup here. Hot sleepers will love it, though those with intense night sweats might opt for the Luxe or 3D Matrix for next-level cooling.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
Heat clears out fast, with the Classic returning to baseline temp within 3 minutes post-sleep. The latex’s ventilation and gel foam’s heat-dispersing magic prevent that “trapped heat” vibe of older memory foam beds. It dissipates heat 20% quicker than the average all-foam mattress.
Sinkage Test
Sinkage gauges how much you sink into the bed. The Classic hit 2.34 inches, a smidge deeper than the 2.15-inch average, creating a supportive yet gentle cradle. Lightweight sleepers (<150 lbs) might not sink enough to feel the memory foam’s hug, while heavier folks (>250 lbs) could sink too far, especially on their stomach.
Motion Transfer Test
For couples, motion transfer matters. The Classic scored 6.8/10, with a peak acceleration of 6.8 m/s²—higher than the 5.5 m/s² all-foam average. In our 10-pound ball drop test, motion faded quickly but was noticeable across the bed. It’s solid for most couples, but light sleepers might sense partner tosses. The Luxe or Flex, with better isolation, could suit sensitive sleepers better.
Response Test
Response time—how fast the bed bounces back—shines at 0.4 seconds, 30% quicker than the 0.6-second average. The latex layer ensures you’re never “stuck,” making it great for combo sleepers who flip positions. It also makes intimate moments smoother.
Bounce Test
We measure bounce by dropping a 10-pound ball and tracking rebound height. The Classic’s 8.72 inches is close to the 9.02-inch average, balancing ease of movement with controlled motion transfer. This 8-12-inch range is perfect for repositioning and intimacy without feeling like a bouncy castle.
Edge Support Test
Edge support is decent but not stellar, scoring 7.8/10. Sitting on the edge, we saw 4.5 inches of sinkage (vs. 4.2-inch average), and lying near the edge felt okay but not rock-solid. If you hug the edge, the Flex or 3D Matrix, with coil reinforcement, offer more stability.
Sex Test
The Classic scores 8.5/10 for intimacy, thanks to its 8.72-inch bounce, snappy 0.4-second response, and okay edge support. These ensure smooth movement and comfort. Its cooling and quiet foam layers are bonuses. However, the 2.34-inch sinkage might feel limiting for some. Couples prioritizing this might prefer the bouncier Flex.
Pressure Relief Test
Pressure relief is a strong point, scoring 9.0/10. The gel memory foam contours well, easing pressure at the shoulders and hips for average-weight (150-250 lbs) back and side sleepers. Lightweight side sleepers may find it too firm to sink into, while heavier folks might hit the firmer base, reducing relief. The Luxe or 3D Matrix, with deeper comfort layers, excel here.
Off-Gassing Test
The Classic has a noticeable new-mattress smell, scoring 7.5/10. The foam’s odor was strong out of the box but cleared up in 48 hours with good ventilation—slightly longer than the 36-hour average. It’s not a dealbreaker but worth noting.
Company
GhostBed, part of Nature’s Sleep since 2015, is a bed-in-a-box trailblazer based in Florida. Using eco-friendly, CertiPUR-US-certified materials, it prioritizes safety and sustainability. The Classic offers a 101-night trial, a 20-year warranty (10 years non-prorated), and free shipping. The 30-day break-in period for returns can feel restrictive for some. A queen runs ~$900 after discounts. Check out ghostbed.com for more.
How Firm is GhostBed?
The GhostBed Classic clocks in at 6.5/10—medium-firm with a touch of cushion. It’s a sweet spot for back and stomach sleepers but might feel too firm for lightweight side sleepers. Heavier folks may prefer the softer Luxe (6/10) or 3D Matrix (5/10), while the Flex (6/10) is a bit plusher yet supportive.
Support & Sleeping Positions
- Back Sleepers: A+ support, with latex and foam keeping the spine aligned. Great for light to average-weight (110-250 lbs) sleepers; heavier folks may sink slightly but stay supported.
- Stomach Sleepers: Solid for light to average-weight sleepers, as the firmness prevents hip sag. Heavy stomach sleepers might want the firmer Flex.
- Side Sleepers: Okay for average-weight sleepers with decent pressure relief. Lightweight side sleepers may find it too firm, and heavy ones could sink too far, causing pressure.
- Combination Sleepers: The zippy latex makes switching positions a breeze.
Design
The 11-inch GhostBed Classic is an all-foam mattress built for breathability and balance. Its three-layer setup—bouncy latex, contouring memory foam, and a sturdy base—comes wrapped in a breathable cover. It’s designed to stay cool and responsive, unlike heat-trapping traditional memory foam.
Materials
The Cover
A soft, stretchy polyester-viscose blend that’s breathable and spot-cleanable (not removable). Its thin design lets the latex layer’s cooling shine through.
The Comfort Layer
- 1.5 inches of aerated latex: Adds bounce, responsiveness, and airflow for a cool, lively feel.
- 2 inches of gel memory foam: Contours for pressure relief while gel keeps heat at bay.
The Support Layer
- 7.5 inches of high-density polyfoam: A durable base that supports the spine and limits sinkage for most under 250 lbs.
Product Evolution
GhostBed kicked off with the Classic in 2015, shaking up the industry with its latex-foam blend. The Luxe (2017) upped the cooling game for hot sleepers. The Flex (2019), a hybrid with coils, brought bounce and edge support. The 3D Matrix (2020) introduced a gel polymer for elite pressure relief and cooling. In 2023, the GhostBed Massage added air-pressure massage for a luxe upgrade. Each model evolves from the Classic to meet varied sleep needs.
Compare GhostBed Mattresses
GhostBed Classic
- Type: All-foam, 11 inches
- Firmness: 6.5/10 (medium-firm)
- Best For: Back/stomach sleepers, budget shoppers, hot sleepers
- Price: ~$900 (queen)
- Pros: Affordable, cooling, responsive
- Cons: Average edge support, moderate motion transfer
- Score: 8.92/10
GhostBed Luxe
- Type: All-foam, 13 inches
- Firmness: 6/10 (medium-plush)
- Best For: Side sleepers, hot sleepers, couples
- Price: ~$1,400 (queen)
- Pros: Stellar cooling (Ghost Ice cover), low motion transfer, plush vibe
- Cons: Deeper sinkage, pricier, average edge support
- Score: 9.10/10
- Key Difference: Softer with thicker comfort layers (3.5 inches) and advanced cooling. Great for side sleepers but less ideal for heavy stomach sleepers.
GhostBed Flex
- Type: Hybrid, 13 inches
- Firmness: 6/10 (medium)
- Best For: Combo sleepers, couples, heavier folks
- Price: ~$1,300 (queen)
- Pros: High bounce, strong edge support, great cooling
- Cons: Thinner comfort layer (2 inches), higher cost
- Score: 9.15/10
- Key Difference: Coils add bounce and edge stability, ideal for sex and heavier sleepers. Less sink-in than the Classic.
GhostBed 3D Matrix
- Type: Hybrid, 11.5 inches
- Firmness: 5/10 (medium)
- Best For: Side sleepers, hot sleepers, back pain sufferers
- Price: ~$2,400 (queen)
- Pros: Top-tier pressure relief, unique cooling polymer, balanced feel
- Cons: Pricey, higher motion transfer, thinner profile
- Score: 9.07/10
- Key Difference: Gel polymer layer boosts pressure relief and cooling. Best for side sleepers but less supportive for heavy stomach sleepers.
Final Thoughts
The GhostBed Classic is a budget-friendly gem for back and stomach sleepers, hot sleepers, and anyone who loves a responsive bed. Its cooling, durability, and value make it a Mattressnap favorite, though side sleepers and heavier folks might gravitate toward the plush Luxe or 3D Matrix.
Couples or those needing hybrid support may prefer the Flex. With a 101-night trial and 20-year warranty, GhostBed gives you room to test the waters. Head to ghostbed.com to explore the lineup and snag your perfect sleep setup. Sweet dreams!
