GhostBed Mattress Review (2024)
Updated: November 19, 2024
Brook Bell
Sleep Content Strategist
Our Rankings
Edge support and
motion isolation are factored into our overall mattress ratings. These scores are shown in green (scores of 5.0+), yellow (3.0–4.9), or red (2.9 and below).
Firmness,
bounce, and cooling features are a matter of personal preference and aren’t part of our rating system, so these scores are shown in grey.
7.7 /10
9.0 /10
5.2 /10
4.6 /10
3.7 /10
Product Details
The GhostBed Classic is an 11″ latex and foam mattress with a firm feel. While this level of firmness can be comfortable for back and stomach sleepers, side sleepers may find that a firm mattress can trigger pressure points by putting too much pressure on their shoulders, hips, and knees.
GhostBed features a layer of aerated latex foam and cooling gel foam to provide cushioning when you lie down without sacrificing breathability for heat regulation. The mattress’s cover is made from viscose for breathability and polyester for durability. Unfortunately, the cover isn’t machine washable, so you’ll have to spot-clean it.
At $2,195 for a queen size, GhostBed Classic is notably more expensive than comparable foam mattresses like Douglas Original. We have also noticed GhostBed increasing their usual prices for sales (see August 2023 vs December 2023). This makes it look like they’re offering more significant discounts, when in fact they’re raising prices. GhostBed also requires customers to pay back any discounts before issuing returns
In comparison, Douglas Original offers a medium-firm feel that fits all sleep styles. It comes with a moisture-wicking top cover that draws moisture away to keep you dry at night, a layer of cooling gel foam for heat dissipation, and a layer of responsive latex-like Elastex®—all for just $799 for a queen size.
Ideal For: Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers
Want a queen-size foam mattress for under $1,000? Consider Douglas instead.
Read Douglas Original Review
You May Prefer Our Top Pick 2024
Douglas Original
9.9 /10
Made in
Winner!
2021 Product of the Year™
Voted the top choice overall in the Mattress-in-a-Box category through a survey of 4,000 Canadians by Kantar.
GhostBed Mattress Sizes & Prices
Looking for an award-winning mattress at an affordable price? You should meet Douglas.
Compare GhostBed vs Douglas
Delivery, Sleep Trial & Returns
FedEx will deliver GhostBed Classic to all parts of Canada. The mattress typically ships from locations in the United States but can come from Toronto or Montreal if demand is especially high. Ghostbed Classic should arrive at your door in 3–5 business days, including dispatch and delivery time.
GhostBed Classic arrives in a cardboard box and is wrapped in two layers of heavy-duty plastic for extra protection. After you remove the plastic, GhostBed Classic expands to its full 11″ height. You can sleep on the mattress the same day it’s delivered.
At 101 nights, GhostBed’s sleep trial is on par with other mattress brands. However, mattress brands like Douglas offer a significantly longer 365-night trial. If you decide to return your mattress within the trial period, you will need to fill out an online form for GhostBed to coordinate your return and refund.
GhostBed promises a hassle-free return experience. But complaints about denied returns and hidden fees are common on Consumer Affairs, Trustpilot, and Better Business Bureau (BBB). The customer backlash doesn’t end there. GhostBed gained media attention in 2022 when a pent-up customer brought their “extremely frustrating experience” with GhostBed’s return policy to CBC Go Public.
Want to see how Ghostbed vs Douglas’s delivery and returns stack up?
Compare GhostBed vs Douglas
GhostBed Mattress Construction
The GhostBed Classic mattress measures 11″ tall. Although the company advertises that it is a 4-layer mattress, we don’t count the top cover as a layer. GhostBed Classic contains only 3, aimed at combining cooling, contouring, and support.
- Layer 1: GhostBed Classic has a 1.5″ layer of aerated latex. The aeration allows airflow, which can help cool the surface. However, while latex offers natural breathability and bounce, some sleepers may find it doesn’t deliver the same deep contouring as memory foam, particularly for side sleepers who need significant pressure relief.
- Layer 2: The mattress’s second comfort layer is 2″ of gel memory foam. This layer is designed to offer a mixture of cooling and contouring. The gel is intended to help with heat dissipation, though gel-infused foam alone may not provide long-lasting cooling for those who sleep especially hot. This layer does offer good pressure-point relief, though, particularly for the shoulders and hips.
- Layer 3: GhostBed Classic’s support layer is 7.5″ of high-density foam, which serves as the mattress’s main support structure and adds durability.
GhostBed Classic’s knit cover, made from a blend of viscose and polyester, is designed to offer breathability and complement the cooling elements of the foam layers.
However, unlike Douglas Original, which features a removable and machine-washable cover, GhostBed Classic’s cover is non-removable. That means that only spot cleaning is possible. This may be a drawback for those looking for easier maintenance and more thorough cleaning options.
Get the foam mattress with a cooling, machine-washable top cover.
Compare GhostBed vs Douglas
MattressReviews.ca commissions licensed third-party engineers and uses public data to rate mattresses on over 40 criteria.
This allows us to accurately rate and compare the performance of the mattresses reviewed on this website. Engineer independence and operating standards help ensure their results remain unbiased, valid, and reliable. Each mattress was evaluated using the same strict mattress testing methodology to protect the overall integrity of the results. The full report has been given the official stamp of approval from an APEGA-certified engineer operating under a strict ethical code of conduct.
Mattress testing conducted outside of this professional standard poses a greater risk of validity errors or reviewer bias.
7.7 /10
Firmness
In third-party engineer testing (commissioned by us), GhostBed Classic scored 7.7/10 for firmness. This places GhostBed Classic in the firm category.
This level of firmness is enjoyed by back sleepers and stomach sleepers. If you’re a side sleeper, you could find this mattress puts too much pressure on your shoulder and hip.
Want a mattress that’s suitable for all sleeping styles? Check out Douglas Original with its firmness score of 6.7/10.
9.0 /10
Edge Support
Lower edge support is common when you’re looking at foam mattresses. However, GhostBed Classic has excellent edge support for a foam mattress with a score of 9.0/10, likely due in part to the mattress’s firmness.
5.2 /10
Motion Isolation
GhostBed Classic scored 5.2/10 for motion isolation. This is about average for a foam mattress. You may feel some of your partner’s movements, and motion transfer won’t be eliminated completely.
Looking for greater motion isolation for a more restful sleep? Douglas Original scored 8.3/10 for motion isolation in third-party engineer testing.
4.6 /10
Bounce
Foam mattresses typically have lower bounce than hybrid or traditional innerspring mattresses. GhostBed Classic’s bounce is about average for a foam mattress at 4.6/10. (If you’re looking for less bounce and a more consistent sleep surface, consider Douglas Original with its bounce score of 3.1/10.)
3.7 /10
Cooling Features
GhostBed Classic isn’t advertised as a cooling mattress. However, it does have a few cooling features and earns points for its:
- Top layer of latex foam for air circulation and heat dissipation
- Perforations in the top layer for breathability
- Layer of gel-infused foam that allows for enhanced cooling
If you want similar cooling features but don’t want to spend $2,195 on a queen-size mattress, consider Douglas Original instead. Douglas comes with a layer of cooling gel foam and a moisture-wicking cover that’s also machine washable, all for just $799 for a queen size.
Compare GhostBed vs Douglas
Company Background
GhostBed’s parent company, Nature’s Sleep, was founded in 2001 by Marc Werner. However, the company’s first bed-in-a-box mattress—The GhostBed, now known as GhostBed Classic—didn’t launch until 2015. It was shortly followed by the GhostPillow and other sleep products.
The GhostBed brand is associated with celebrities like Venus Williams who claim to be happy with their GhostBed mattress. Customers, on the other hand, have filed a large number of complaints related to returns and warranty claims. In fact, one customer’s negative experience with GhostBed’s return policy was highlighted on CBC Go Public.
At the time this review was written, GhostBed is rated “Bad” on Trustpilot. The business also has a “C” (unaccredited) rating on BBB and a customer review rating of 1.17/5 stars. Common complaints include false advertising, product quality, and difficulty arranging refunds or returns.
One of the most concerning BBB complaints comes from a customer who purchased a mattress on sale. This customer found that if they wanted to return the mattress, they would have to pay for the discounts applied to their order. We have observed GhostBed raising their prices during sales to provide a greater “discount” (see August 2023 vs December 2023), meaning customers have to pay a greater amount to return a mattress purchased on sale.
Most recently, the company issued a recall of the GhostBed Natural line of mattresses in 2024. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that “the mattresses violate the smoldering ignition requirements of the federal mattress flammability regulation, posing a fire hazard.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are GhostBed mattresses good?
GhostBed mattresses have interesting features, such as aerated latex and cooling gel foam layers. But at $2,195 for a queen size, GhostBed Classic is considerably more expensive than similar competitor mattresses. Not to mention, its firm feel isn’t suitable for all sleep styles and customer reviews on third-party sites like Consumer Affairs, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau are largely negative.
We think you should consider Douglas Original instead. Douglas mattresses are made with high-quality foams and offer similar cooling features so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep at a fraction of the cost. Priced at just $799 for a queen size, Douglas Original comes with a 365-night sleep trial, a 20-year warranty, and a free bedding bundle with your purchase. The company is also rated “A+” on BBB, and “Excellent” on Trustpilot—an indication that Douglas customers are happy with their purchases.
Who owns Ghostbed?
Ghostbed is owned by Nature’s Sleep.
Who sells GhostBed?
GhostBed mattresses can be purchased directly through the company’s website or at Dufresne and Rody’s Retail. Some mattresses like GhostBed Radiance and GhostBed Fusion are available exclusively at Costco.
Does Ghostbed need a box spring?
No, you don’t need a box spring to use a GhostBed mattress. According to GhostBed’s website, any “sturdy foundation” will work with its mattresses. GhostBed Classic’s warranty states, however, that use of an improper foundation can void your warranty.
According to GhostBed, proper foundations are considered “firm, solid surfaces, such as standard mattress foundations, box springs, or adjustable bed bases.”
How long does GhostBed take to expand?
According to GhostBed’s website, the mattress may take up to 24-48 hours to fully expand.
Where is the GhostBed Classic mattress made?
The GhostBed Classic is made in the United States and Canada.
What GhostBed Classic mattress alternatives should I consider?
Douglas mattresses are good alternatives to GhostBed Classic. Douglas Original is a combination foam mattress with a machine-washable cover, cooling gel foam, superior motion isolation, and a longer sleep trial. A queen-sized Douglas Original mattress costs $799.
For a mattress with even more cooling, upgrade to Douglas Alpine or Douglas Summit. These enhanced versions of the Douglas Original mattress are one to two inches thicker and offer additional cooling benefits. For a queen size, Douglas Alpine is available at $999 and Douglas Summit is available at $1,299.
You May Prefer Our Top Pick 2024
Douglas Original
9.9 /10
Made in
Winner!
2021 Product of the Year™
Voted the top choice overall in the Mattress-in-a-Box category through a survey of 4,000 Canadians by Kantar.
A mattress that has a latex layer
A queen-sized mattress under $1,500 CAD
