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Our GhostBed vs. Purple Bed Comparison for 2024

It is a standoff—or “sleepoff”—between two mattresses. On one side, we have GhostBed, a lesser-known newcomer, and on the other stands Purple, a well-known industry giant. Who will win?
It might be closer than you think, and the decision may come down to your personal preferences.
In this GhostBed vs. Purple comparison, we will take you through the specs while diving into the construction, feel, and support of each mattress. If you would like to take a deeper look at each brand before continuing, our individual reviews are linked below. Otherwise, read on!

Who I’d Recommend the GhostBed For

  • Who I’d Recommend the GhostBed For – GhostBed uses familiar materials while enhancing the all-foam bed experience with the infusion of gel and aerated latex.

  • Heavier people – GhostBed’s higher weight limit accommodates significantly heavier sleepers, and we think it should offer plus-size sleepers good support for proper spine alignment.

  • Shoppers looking for a taller mattress – This bed has an extra 1.25 inches of material compared to the Purple, which gives the bed slightly thicker support and some added height.

Who I’d Recommend the Purple For

  • Shoppers looking for advanced support – This brand has support down to a science; the top grid contours to the body’s curves to relieve pressure and fills in any spaces to keep the spine aligned.

  • Those requiring enhanced edge support – We found that Purple’s reinforced foam perimeter should keep edge-of-the-bed sleepers supported.

  • Shoppers seeking a unique sleeping experience – This brand has a one-of-a-kind material in its top GelFlex™ Grid. According to Purple, this bouncy yet cushioning layer was designed by a rocket scientist and engineer, and we think it’s a unique feel you’re not likely to find anywhere else.

GhostBed Mattress

Product Image of GhostBed

GhostBed is packed with quality foams and available for an affordable price that will not spook you.

Score 4.0/5
Read GhostBed Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE
SA Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

SA Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

101 nights

SA Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping minus HI and AK

SA Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

SA Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

20-year warranty

SA Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SA sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SA sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SA sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
SA sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5

GhostBed Mattress

Product Image of GhostBed

GhostBed is packed with quality foams and available for an affordable price that will not spook you.

Score 4.0/5
Read GhostBed Mattress Review
SA Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

SA Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

20-year warranty

SA Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

SA Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping minus HI and AK

SA Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

101 nights

SA Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SA sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SA sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SA sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
SA sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Product Image of GhostBed

GhostBed Mattress

GhostBed is packed with quality foams and available for an affordable price that will not spook you.

Score 4.0/5
Read GhostBed Mattress Review
SA Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Foam

SA Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

SA Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

101 nights

SA Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

20-year warranty

SA Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping minus HI and AK

SA Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SA sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SA sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
SA sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
SA sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5

Purple Mattress

Product Image of Purple Mattress

The Purple’s unique structure uses polymer to align your spine and keep temperatures neutral

Score 4.0/5
Read Purple Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE
SA Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

SA Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

100 nights

SA Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SA Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Soft: 4/10

SA Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

SA Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SA sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SA sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
SA sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
SA sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review

Purple Mattress

Product Image of Purple Mattress

The Purple’s unique structure uses polymer to align your spine and keep temperatures neutral

Score 4.0/5
Read Purple Mattress Review
SA Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

SA Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

SA Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Soft: 4/10

SA Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SA Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

100 nights

SA Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SA sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SA sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
SA sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
SA sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
Product Image of Purple Mattress

Purple Mattress

The Purple’s unique structure uses polymer to align your spine and keep temperatures neutral

Score 4.0/5
Read Purple Mattress Review
SA Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

SA Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Soft: 4/10

SA Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

100 nights

SA Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

SA Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

SA Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

SA sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SA sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
SA sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
SA sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review

Comparing GhostBed vs Purple: Top Similarities

  • Moderate bounce – We found that both beds feature some bounce, but not as much as you’d experience from an innerspring model. The GhostBed is slightly more responsive than the Purple, thanks to the latex and gel memory foam layers.
  • Firmness – At 6.5 and and 6 out of 10 for the GhostBed and Purple respectively, both beds come in at medium-firm. Our team recommends the GhostBed for most average to heavyweight sleepers, and the Purple for most average-weight sleepers.
  • Trial period – The GhostBed has a 101-night trial, while the Purple offers 100 nights, giving you plenty of time to see if your new bed is a good fit for you.
  • Cooling – Our team found both beds offered similar cooling abilities, thanks to the GhostBed’s aerated latex and gel-infused memory foam, and the enhanced breathability of the Purple’s GelFlex® Grid.

Comparing GhostBed vs Purple: Key Differences

  • Warranty period – If a longer warranty is important to you, be aware that the GhostBed has a 20-year warranty, while the Purple has a shorter warranty of 10 years.
  • Materials – The GhostBed has a more traditional construction, with latex and memory foam layers, while the Purple uses a hyper-elastic polymer grid and comfort foam, offering a unique sleeping experience that may not appeal to some customers.
  • Machine-washable cover – Both covers are fully removable, but you can only spot clean the Purple’s cover. The GhostBed’s cover can be safely machine-washed.

Comparing Firmness, Support & Feel

Firmness

Both brands score about the same on our Sleep Advisor mattress firmness scale of 1 to 10; with 10 as the firmest – GhostBed is 6.5 and Purple is 6, making them medium-firm. However, we think the GhostBed should work especially well for average-weight and heavyweight sleepers as it provides a bit more pushback and support without sacrificing comfort.
Our team recommends the Purple for back sleepers, most average-weight people, and those who rest on their side.

firmness scale for 6 and 6.5
Comparing the Ghostbed and Purple on our Firmness Scale

Support

We think the Purple’s GelFlex® Grid should be a dream for most sleepers; the elasticity and grid design adapt to each position and support heavier spots where more weight is concentrated.
Combination sleepers should feel comfortable on the GhostBed in a variety of positions — the medium-firm feel is great for supporting your bodyweight while cushioning high pressure areas, like the shoulders and hips. It is also pretty supportive and has a higher weight limit than its competitor at 750 pounds.

Feel

Purple has a very unique feel that’s hard to compare to other materials, but similar to latex, the GelFlex® Grid springs back into place quickly. We recommend making the most of the sleep trial to give the unfamiliar feel a chance before making your final decision.
However, all-foam devotees may prefer the more traditional feel of the GhostBed. Its latex top layer has a quick response, and the gel and dense foam add in their contouring, pressure-relieving qualities as you sink deeper into the bed.

Comparing Sinkage and Bounce

You should expect to feel a gentle cradle from both brands; rather than sinking into the beds, you’re likely to feel as if you’re sleeping more on top of them. We experienced an element of bounce from both the GhostBed’s latex layer and the Purple’s GelFlex™ Grid, which is a plus for repositioning as both should resist that feeling of getting ‘stuck’ in the mattress. GhostBed’s latex top layer has a quick response, and you should experience contouring and pressure relief.
However, the Purple offers sleepers a contouring hug.


Comparing Motion Transfer

When a bed has a good amount of bounce, often the consequence is some unwanted motion transfer. However, our testers found both brands contain movement extremely well because their lower foam layers help absorb motion. This may not be an important category for everyone, but those who share a bed with kids, pets, or restless partners will most likely find this to be essential for quality rest

However, shoppers seeking a bed with high bounce for sex may prefer a traditional innerspring  mattresses over both beds. People with limited mobility may also prefer a bouncier bed.


Comparing Cooling

Overheating should not be a problem on either bed. GhostBed contains latex, which is naturally heat-resistant and is aerated for extra airflow. The gel in its memory foam layer helps draw heat away from the body, combating memory foam’s tendency to get too hot. Its open-cell design also allows for added ventilation.

Purple’s GelFlex® polymer layer is designed like a grid, with air channels that keep the bed breathable, allowing for a temperature-neutral sleeping surface. Both beds also feature breathable covers, for added airflow and cooling. While neither mattress is necessarily dedicated to cooling, we think most sleepers should remain at a comfortable temperature on both.

Read more about cooling mattresses here.

Comparing Construction (Materials & Quality)

GhostBed Construction

The GhostBed Classic is 11 inches thick and contains three layers. The machine-washable cover contains a plush blend of polyester and viscose, which was designed to be breathable and moisture-wicking.

Ghostbed original layers
  • Directly underneath the cover you’ll find 1.5 inches of aerated latex foam that provides bounce and responsiveness to assist in repositioning. The aerated channels promote airflow and temperature regulation.
  • Sandwiched in the middle is 2 inches of gel memory foam, which provides support, body contouring and pressure relief, as well as easing the sleeper into the firmer base foam. This layer is positioned away from the body and infused with gel to reduce possible heat retention and overheating on the surface.
  • The third layer is 7.5 inches of dense poly foam which gives the mattress a durable structure. Designed to absorb and distribute body weight, this layer also provides enough support to keep the spine in good alignment, regardless of sleep position.

Purple Construction

According to Purple’s website, their bed is 9.25 inches tall, though based on the breakdown of each mattress layer, it adds up to 9.5. So, for this comparison, we’ll say this bed is 9.5 inches tall. The Purple’s SoftFlex cover is made of a breathable blend of polyester, viscose, and lycra.

Purple Construction Layers
  • Below the cover is Purple’s signature 2-inch GelFlex® Grid, made from hyper-elastic polymer, which is highly durable, providing comfort, and protection for the layers beneath. The unique structure allows it to release and equalize pressure across the grid, evenly distributing weight. Edge support foam helps prevent the sides from collapsing.
  • The middle layer consists of 3.5 inches of medium-soft poly foam, which acts as a comfort layer as well as a transitional layer into the base foam.
  • The base layer is a 4-inch medium-firm support level made from poly foam, which gives the bed shape and durability.

Comparing Company Policies & Price

  • Warranty – The GhostBed comes with a 20-year warranty, while the Purple has a shorter 10-year warranty.
  • Shipping – Free shipping to the contiguous United States is offered with both beds, and both can be shipped to Alaska and Hawaii for an additional fee. White Glove Delivery is offered as a paid upgrade with both the GhostBed and the Purple.
  • Trial Period – You’ll have 101 nights to test the GhostBed and 100 nights to test the Purple.
  • Returns – The GhostBed can be returned for free for a full refund (less any delivery charges) after 30 days and within the trial period, while the Purple can be returned for free (less any delivery charges) after 21 days and within the trial period.
  • Price – The GhostBed is slightly cheaper than the Purple in Twin and Twin XL sizes, while the Purple comes up slightly cheaper in Full sizes and above.
SizeGhostBed Price (w/o discount)Purple Price (w/o discount)
Twin$995$799
Twin XL$1,095$999
Full$1,150$1,199
Queen$1,295$1,399
King$1,545$1,799
Cali King$1,545$1,799
Split King$2,190$1,998
Split Cali KingN/AN/A

GhostBed vs. Purple Compared Side-by-Side

FeaturesGhostBedPurple
Height11”9.5”
CoverPolyester and viscosePolyester, viscose and lycra
MaterialsAerated latex, gel-infused memory foam, high-density foamGelFlex® grid, poly foam
CoolingBreathable cover, aerated latex, gel-infused memory foamBreathable cover, GelFlex® grid
Firmness6.5/106/10
SupportGreatGreat
Motion TransferMinimalMinimal
Edge SupportGoodGreat
SinkageGentle CradlingGentle Cradle to Deep Hug (depending on sleeping position)
BounceModerateModerate
Warranty20 years10 years
Trial Period101 nights100 nights
CertificationsCertiPUR-US®CertiPUR-US®
Adjustable Base CompatibleYesYes
ShippingShips free to contiguous U.S., $600 to Alaska and Hawaii, optional white glove deliveryShips free to contiguous U.S., additional charge for Alaska and Hawaii, optional white glove delivery
Made in the USAUSA and CanadaYes
Read Full ReviewGhostBed Mattress ReviewPurple Mattress Review
Shop NowGhostBed MattressPurple Mattress

Final Thoughts

While GhostBed and Purple are constructed of different materials, they both can suit a large audience; their extra cooling capabilities and bouncy upper layers are appealing to many. They do have some differences that might make you lean one way or the other. Are you going to choose the all-foam with extra height and aerated latex or the mattress with a one-of-a-kind design?

If you’re still unsure, check out our in-depth reviews on each bed for some more detailed info. You can also browse through our list of highest-rated beds for this year if you’d like to see some other models.

Olivera Jancikin

Olivera Jancikin

Content Writer

About Author

Olivera is a content writer for Sleep Advisor and is enthusiastic about sleep. She firmly believes in the benefits of daytime naps on top of getting a full 8-hour sleep at night.

Combination Sleeper