At Mattressnap, we know picking the perfect mattress can feel like choosing your go-to playlist—everyone’s got a unique vibe, and the right fit makes all the difference. GhostBed and Purple are two heavyweights in the online mattress world, each with a distinct approach to delivering dreamy sleep.
GhostBed offers a classic, budget-friendly feel, while Purple’s innovative GelFlex Grid brings a bouncy, futuristic edge. To help you decide, we’ve scoured the latest reviews, performance tests, and user feedback for a head-to-head comparison. Let’s dive into GhostBed vs. Purple and find your sleep soulmate!
GhostBed Overview
GhostBed keeps it simple and effective with a lineup of all-foam and hybrid mattresses. Their top models—Classic, Luxe, and Flex—blend latex, memory foam, and cooling tech for a practical yet premium sleep experience. GhostBed’s focus? Affordability, durability, and solid support for a wide range of sleepers.
Purple Overview
Purple is the bold innovator, thanks to its signature GelFlex Grid—a stretchy, adaptive polymer layer that feels bouncy and supportive. The Purple Original, Restore Plus, and Restore Premier are their standout models, mixing foam and hybrid designs. Purple’s all about cooling, adaptability, and a one-of-a-kind “floaty” feel that’s unlike any traditional mattress.
Mattressnap’s Verdict
Both brands deliver, but they cater to different sleepers. GhostBed is your go-to for a traditional foam or hybrid mattress with strong support and a wallet-friendly price. Purple’s GelFlex Grid steals the spotlight for those craving a bouncy, cooling bed that molds to your body. Your pick depends on your sleep style, budget, and whether you vibe with Purple’s unique grid or GhostBed’s classic comfort. Let’s break it down.
Compare the Models
We’re diving into six mattresses: three from GhostBed (Classic, Luxe, Flex) and three from Purple (Original, Restore Plus, Restore Premier). Here’s the lineup:
- GhostBed Classic: 11-inch all-foam with latex, gel memory foam, and a sturdy foam base. Medium-firm (6.5/10).
- GhostBed Luxe: 13-inch all-foam with enhanced cooling and deeper sinkage. Medium-firm (6/10).
- GhostBed Flex: 13-inch hybrid with coils and foam for bounce and support. Medium (6/10).
- Purple Original: 9.5-inch foam mattress with a 2-inch GelFlex Grid. Medium (5/10).
- Purple Restore Plus: 12-inch hybrid with a 3-inch grid for extra support. Medium-firm (6/10).
- Purple Restore Premier: 13-inch hybrid with a 4-inch grid for plush comfort. Medium-soft (4/10).
Best Mattress For
- GhostBed Classic: Back and stomach sleepers, heavier folks, and budget-conscious buyers.
- GhostBed Luxe: Side sleepers, hot sleepers, and those who love a sink-in feel.
- GhostBed Flex: Combo sleepers and couples needing bounce and edge support.
- Purple Original: Back and combo sleepers who want a unique, bouncy vibe.
- Purple Restore Plus: Couples, back sleepers, and those prioritizing edge support.
- Purple Restore Premier: Side sleepers and anyone craving a plush, adaptive mattress.
Performance Tests
At Mattressnap, we rely on data-driven insights from trusted sources like NapLab, Sleepopolis, and CNET to evaluate mattress performance. Here’s how GhostBed and Purple stack up across key metrics.
Mattresses Compared
We’re testing the GhostBed Classic, Luxe, and Flex against the Purple Original, Restore Plus, and Restore Premier. These models span firmness levels, materials, and price points for a comprehensive comparison.
Cooling Test
Hot sleepers, listen up! Cooling is a big deal, and both brands bring their A-game.
- GhostBed Classic: 9/10. Aerated latex and gel memory foam keep it breathable but not the coolest. Max temp: 92.7°F.
- Purple Original: 10/10. The GelFlex Grid’s open structure is a cooling champ. Max temp: 89.2°F.
- GhostBed Luxe: 9/10. Ghost Ice tech and a cool-touch cover make it great for hot sleepers.
- Purple Restore Plus: 9.7/10. Grid plus coils ensure excellent airflow.
- GhostBed Flex: 9/10. Coils and Ghost Ice tech keep heat in check.
- Purple Restore Premier: 9.7/10. Thicker grid boosts breathability.
Winner: Purple, with the Original’s perfect score and consistently cooler performance.
Sinkage Test
Sinkage measures how much you sink into the mattress—think cozy “hug” vs. floaty “lift.”
- GhostBed Classic: 2.34 inches (deeper than average). Contoured, cozy feel.
- Purple Original: 2.03 inches. Floaty, less sink-in sensation.
- GhostBed Luxe: 2.90 inches. Deepest sinkage, ideal for side sleepers.
- Purple Restore Plus: 2.04 inches. Balanced, moderate sinkage.
- GhostBed Flex: 2.15 inches. Great for combo sleepers.
- Purple Restore Premier: 1.82 inches. Shallowest, perfect for those who dislike sinking.
Winner: Tie. GhostBed for a cradled hug; Purple for a floaty lift.
Motion Transfer Test
Low motion transfer is key for couples, keeping partner movements from disturbing your sleep.
- GhostBed Classic: 4.8 m/s² (very low). Great for light sleepers.
- Purple Original: 3.2 m/s² (exceptional). A couple’s dream.
- GhostBed Luxe: Low, but not as impressive as the Classic.
- Purple Restore Plus: Moderate, slightly higher than the Original.
- GhostBed Flex: 5.0 m/s². Decent but not top-tier.
- Purple Restore Premier: Moderate, similar to Restore Plus.
Winner: Purple Original for near-perfect motion isolation.
Response Test
Response time shows how fast a mattress bounces back—crucial for combo sleepers.
- GhostBed Classic: 0.3 seconds (fast). Latex keeps it snappy.
- Purple Original: 0.2 seconds (very fast). Grid is ultra-responsive.
- GhostBed Luxe: 0.4 seconds (fast).
- Purple Restore Plus: 0.2 seconds (very fast).
- GhostBed Flex: 0.3 seconds (fast).
- Purple Restore Premier: 0.2 seconds (very fast).
Winner: Purple’s grid takes the lead for lightning-fast response.
Bounce Test
Bounce impacts ease of movement and intimate moments.
- GhostBed Classic: 8.34 inches (low). Stable, less bouncy.
- Purple Original: 11.29 inches (high). Lively and mobile.
- GhostBed Luxe: ~9 inches (moderate).
- Purple Restore Plus: 10.5 inches (above average).
- GhostBed Flex: 10.63 inches (high). Coils add spring.
- Purple Restore Premier: 10.2 inches. Controlled bounce.
Winner: Purple Original for its high-energy bounce.
Edge Support Test
Strong edge support lets you sleep or sit near the edge without slipping.
- GhostBed Classic: 4.5 inches sinkage (weaker).
- Purple Original: 5.17 inches (below average).
- GhostBed Luxe: 4.0 inches. Solid for all-foam.
- Purple Restore Plus: 3.5 inches (excellent). A standout.
- GhostBed Flex: 3.25 inches (great). Coils boost stability.
- Purple Restore Premier: 4.0 inches. Strong, coil-enhanced.
Winner: Tie—GhostBed Flex and Purple Restore Plus for top edge support.
Sex Test
This score combines bounce, edge support, noise, and cooling for intimate performance.
- GhostBed Classic: 8.5/10. Decent but weaker edges.
- Purple Original: 9.22/10. High bounce shines.
- GhostBed Luxe: 8.5/10. Good but not exceptional.
- Purple Restore Plus: 10/10. Perfect for bounce and edges.
- GhostBed Flex: 9.0/10. Strong bounce and edges.
- Purple Restore Premier: 9.5/10. Near-perfect.
Winner: Purple Restore Plus for its ideal balance.
Pressure Relief Test
Pressure relief keeps joints comfy, especially for side sleepers.
- GhostBed Classic: 9.0/10. Solid for most.
- Purple Original: 9.5/10. Grid cradles pressure points.
- GhostBed Luxe: 9.5/10. Deep sinkage for side sleepers.
- Purple Restore Plus: 9.5/10. Great for back and side sleepers.
- GhostBed Flex: 9.5/10. Balanced comfort.
- Purple Restore Premier: 9.5/10. Plush grid for max relief.
Winner: Tie. Both brands excel at pressure relief.
Off-Gassing Test
New mattress smell? Shorter off-gassing is better.
- GhostBed Classic: 48 hours (faster than average).
- Purple Original: 24 hours (very fast).
- GhostBed Luxe: 48 hours.
- Purple Restore Plus: 36 hours.
- GhostBed Flex: 48 hours.
- Purple Restore Premier: 36 hours.
Winner: Purple Original for quickest off-gassing.
Company Policies
- GhostBed: 101-night trial, 20-25-year warranty, free shipping, $99 return fee.
- Purple: 100-night trial, 10-year warranty, free shipping, $150-$350 return fee (updated 2025).
Winner: GhostBed for longer warranty and lower return fees.
Firmness
- GhostBed Classic: 6.5/10 (medium-firm). Supportive with cushion.
- GhostBed Luxe: 6/10 (medium). Softer, sink-in feel.
- GhostBed Flex: 6/10 (medium). Balanced with bounce.
- Purple Original: 5/10 (medium). Softer, floaty vibe.
- Purple Restore Plus: 6/10 (medium-firm). Supportive hybrid.
- Purple Restore Premier: 4/10 (medium-soft). Plush and adaptive.
Winner: Tie. GhostBed for firmer options; Purple for softer, plush feels.
Support & Sleeping Positions
- GhostBed Classic: Best for back, stomach, and heavier sleepers. Aligns the spine.
- GhostBed Luxe: Side and back sleepers, especially lighter folks.
- GhostBed Flex: Combo sleepers and average-weight sleepers.
- Purple Original: Back and combo sleepers. Less ideal for strict side sleepers.
- Purple Restore Plus: Back, stomach sleepers, and couples.
- Purple Restore Premier: Side sleepers and those with back pain.
Winner: GhostBed for broader support across weights and positions.
Design
GhostBed leans on classic foam and hybrid builds with cooling features like Ghost Ice and aerated latex. Purple’s GelFlex Grid delivers a bouncy, breathable experience that feels futuristic. GhostBed is traditional; Purple is out-of-the-box.
Materials
GhostBed Classic
- 1.5” aerated latex foam (bounce, cooling)
- 2” gel memory foam (pressure relief)
- 7.5” support foam base
Purple Original
- 2” GelFlex Grid (adaptive, cooling)
- 3.5” comfort foam
- 4” support foam base
GhostBed Luxe
- 2” gel memory foam
- 2” Ghost Bounce layer (responsive foam)
- 7” support foam base
Purple Restore Plus
- 3” GelFlex Grid
- 2” comfort foam
- 7” pocketed coils
GhostBed Flex
- 1” gel memory foam
- 1” Ghost Ice layer
- 8” pocketed coils
- 2” support foam
Purple Restore Premier
- 4” GelFlex Grid
- 2” comfort foam
- 7” pocketed coils
Winner: Purple for its innovative grid; GhostBed for reliable, classic layers.
GhostBed vs. Purple: Which Should You Buy?
GhostBed Mattresses
- Choose GhostBed if: You’re after a budget-friendly mattress (queen averages $1,375 vs. Purple’s $2,079), prefer a traditional foam or hybrid feel, need robust support for heavier weights, or want a longer warranty. Classic suits back sleepers, Luxe is for side sleepers, and Flex works for combo sleepers.
- Skip GhostBed if: You want a super bouncy, unique feel or top-tier motion isolation.
Purple Mattresses
- Choose Purple if: You love a bouncy, floaty feel with elite cooling and motion isolation. Original is great for back sleepers, Restore Plus for couples, and Restore Premier for side sleepers. The grid is a game-changer for hot sleepers and back pain relief.
- Skip Purple if: You’re on a tight budget or prefer a classic memory foam hug.
Mattressnap’s Final Take
GhostBed and Purple both deliver stellar sleep, but they speak to different sleepers. GhostBed’s affordable, supportive mattresses are a no-brainer for those who love a reliable, traditional bed. Purple’s GelFlex Grid offers a fresh, bouncy experience that’s a dream for hot sleepers and anyone craving innovation. On a budget or need broad support? GhostBed’s your pick. Want cooling, bounce, and a unique feel? Go Purple. Whichever you choose, Mattressnap is here to help you rest easy with a mattress that matches your vibe.
