Choosing between GhostBed and Purple feels like picking between two tempting desserts – both look amazing, but which one will truly satisfy? After countless nights of testing and analyzing customer feedback, we've discovered that while both mattresses excel in cooling and responsiveness, they cater to distinctly different sleep preferences.
Quick Answer: GhostBed wins for stomach sleepers and value seekers with its firmer support and longer warranty, while Purple takes the crown for couples and hot sleepers thanks to superior motion isolation and innovative cooling technology.
Both brands have earned their spots among the top online mattresses, but understanding their unique characteristics will help you make the right choice. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into construction, performance testing, pricing, and real user experiences to guide your decision.
We've tested these mattresses extensively and compiled unbiased data to help you sleep better without the guesswork.
Contents
Let's start with a clear snapshot of how these popular mattresses stack up against each other.
| Feature | GhostBed | Purple |
| Price (Queen) | $1,695 (often 30-50% off) | $1,499 (sales up to $400 off) |
| Firmness | 6.5-8/10 (Medium-firm to Firm) | 6.5-7/10 (Medium-firm) |
| Materials | Latex + Memory Foam | Purple Grid + Polyfoam |
| Trial Period | 101 nights | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 20-25 years | 10 years |
| Best For | Stomach sleepers, value seekers | Couples, hot sleepers |
Both mattresses share some impressive similarities. They're designed with cooling as a priority, offer responsive surfaces that make movement easy, and ship compressed in a box directly to your door.
The major differences lie in their core technologies. GhostBed uses proven materials like aerated latex and gel memory foam, while Purple features its proprietary hyper-elastic polymer Grid. These choices impact everything from feel to longevity.
Understanding what's inside each mattress helps explain their unique performance characteristics and price points.
The GhostBed Classic showcases thoughtful engineering with time-tested materials. Its cover uses a soft polyester-viscose blend that promotes airflow while remaining durable enough for years of use.
The comfort system starts with 1.5 inches of aerated latex foam. This synthetic latex layer provides immediate bounce and cooling, responding quickly to movement while preventing that "stuck" feeling common in traditional memory foam.
Beneath the latex lies 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam. This layer adds contouring support and pressure relief while the gel infusion helps dissipate heat throughout the night.
The foundation consists of 7.5 inches of high-density support foam. GhostBed's exclusive ProCore™ technology reinforces the center third of the mattress, providing 33% more support where your body needs it most.
Purple's innovative design centers around its famous Grid technology. The SoftFlex cover combines polyester, viscose, and lycra for a stretchy, breathable surface that moves with the Grid below.
The star of the show is the 2-inch hyper-elastic polymer Grid. This unique material creates hundreds of supportive columns that buckle under pressure for comfort while maintaining support in other areas.
A 3.5-inch transition layer of polyurethane foam prevents the feeling of bottoming out. Purple surrounds the Grid edges with firmer foam for enhanced edge support – addressing a common complaint about earlier models.
The 4-inch base layer provides foundational support. While effective, some mattress industry experts question whether this thinner profile affects long-term durability compared to thicker alternatives.
The way a mattress feels can make or break your sleep quality. Let's explore how these two options compare in real-world comfort.
GhostBed rates between 6.5-8 out of 10 on the firmness scale, placing it firmly in medium-firm to firm territory. This makes it ideal for those who prefer more support and less sink.
Purple measures around 6.5-7 out of 10, technically medium-firm but with a twist. The Grid's unique properties mean it feels firmer under light pressure but softer as you apply more weight.
Your body weight significantly impacts perceived firmness. Lighter sleepers (under 130 lbs) often find GhostBed too firm, while the Purple Grid may not activate enough to provide its signature cradling effect.
Average-weight sleepers (130-230 lbs) typically experience both mattresses as intended. Heavier sleepers (over 230 lbs) compress the materials more, making both feel slightly softer than their ratings suggest.
GhostBed delivers what many describe as a "balanced foam feel." The latex top provides immediate response and slight bounce, while the memory foam beneath offers gradual contouring without excessive sink.
Purple's Grid creates an entirely different sensation. Users often struggle to describe the "squishy yet supportive" feeling – imagine a firm mattress that magically softens exactly where you need pressure relief.
Motion responsiveness differs notably between the two. GhostBed's latex layer enables easy position changes, though the memory foam slightly delays full recovery. Purple's Grid responds almost instantly, making it excellent for combination sleepers who change positions frequently.
Numbers don't lie when it comes to mattress performance. Here's how these beds stack up in crucial testing categories.
Both mattresses excel at temperature control, but through different mechanisms.
| Temperature Test | GhostBed | Purple |
| Starting Temp | 84.0°F | 79.7°F |
| Peak Temp | 92.7°F | 89.2°F |
| After 5 Min | 87.5°F | 84.0°F |
| Cooling Score | 8/10 | 10/10 |
Purple's Grid structure allows exceptional airflow between its polymer columns. Combined with the breathable cover, it creates one of the coolest sleeping surfaces available without active cooling technology.
GhostBed's aerated latex and gel memory foam work together effectively. While not quite matching Purple's performance, it still outperforms most traditional memory foam mattresses significantly.
Motion isolation can determine whether you sleep through your partner's midnight bathroom trips or wake up grumpy.
Purple Original achieves an impressive 2.23 m/s² in motion transfer testing – among the lowest (best) scores recorded. The Grid's unique properties absorb movement exceptionally well despite its responsive feel.
GhostBed Classic measures 4.80 m/s², still excellent for couples. The combination of latex and memory foam balances motion absorption with ease of movement.
Edge support tells a different story. GhostBed's reinforced perimeter provides only 4.13 inches of compression when sitting on the edge. Purple averages 5.17 inches of sinkage, making the edges feel less stable for sitting or sleeping near the perimeter.
Both mattresses scored 9/10 for pressure relief in testing, but achieve it differently. GhostBed's memory foam layer excels at cradling pressure points, particularly beneficial for side sleepers with shoulder or hip pain.
Purple's Grid offers dynamic pressure relief. The polymer buckles precisely where needed while maintaining support elsewhere, creating a floating sensation that many find therapeutic.
For those dealing with back pain, the choice depends on your specific needs. GhostBed's firmer support often works better for stomach sleepers needing to prevent hip sag. Purple's adaptive support may benefit back sleepers seeking targeted lumbar relief.
Understanding the true cost involves more than just sticker prices. Let's break down what you're really paying for.
| Size | GhostBed MSRP | GhostBed Sale | Purple MSRP | Purple Sale |
| Twin | $1,295 | $647 | $999 | $799 |
| Twin XL | $1,395 | $697 | $1,099 | $879 |
| Full | $1,495 | $747 | $1,399 | $1,119 |
| Queen | $1,695 | $847 | $1,499 | $1,199 |
| King | $2,015 | $1,007 | $1,999 | $1,599 |
| Cal King | $2,025 | $1,012 | $1,999 | $1,599 |
GhostBed frequently runs 50% off promotions, making it exceptionally affordable for a premium mattress. Purple typically offers $300-400 discounts during major sales events.
Long-term value extends beyond initial price. GhostBed's 20-25 year warranty potentially saves thousands in replacement costs compared to Purple's standard 10-year coverage.
Consider potential additional expenses too. Both mattresses work with standard sheets, though Purple's unique feel might inspire you to upgrade your bedding for the best sleep experience.
GhostBed suits specific sleeper profiles exceptionally well. Stomach sleepers benefit most from its firmer support, which prevents excessive hip sinking that can strain the lower back.
Budget-conscious shoppers appreciate GhostBed's combination of quality materials and competitive pricing. When on sale, it offers premium features at mid-range prices, making it an excellent value proposition.
The extended warranty appeals to those planning long-term. If you hate mattress shopping and want something built to last decades, GhostBed's 25-year coverage on higher-end models provides peace of mind.
Hot sleepers who dislike the unique Purple Grid feel find GhostBed's traditional-yet-cool construction more familiar. The latex and gel foam combination provides effective cooling without the unusual sensation.
Purple mattresses cater to specific preferences and needs that GhostBed doesn't fully address. Couples rank Purple among their top choices thanks to exceptional motion isolation that prevents partner disturbance.
The Grid technology creates an ideal environment for combination sleepers. Its instant response to position changes eliminates the "quicksand" feeling of traditional memory foam while maintaining pressure relief.
Those seeking a mattress like Purple but cheaper often return to the original after trying alternatives. The unique feel proves difficult to replicate, making Purple worth the investment for those who love it.
Side sleepers weighing over 130 pounds often prefer Purple. The Grid provides excellent pressure relief at shoulders and hips while maintaining spinal alignment better than softer alternatives.
Beyond the mattress itself, company policies significantly impact your purchase experience and long-term satisfaction.
Both companies offer generous trial periods – GhostBed provides 101 nights while Purple offers 100. This single-day difference seems negligible, but both require a 30-day break-in period before initiating returns.
The return process remains hassle-free with both brands. They arrange pickup and provide full refunds, though some customers report GhostBed's process moves slightly faster.
Real customer experiences suggest both companies honor their trial periods without hidden fees or excessive questioning. This commitment to customer satisfaction contributes to their positive reputations.
The warranty difference represents a major distinction between these brands. GhostBed's 20-year warranty (25 years on Luxe models) more than doubles Purple's 10-year coverage.
Both warranties cover manufacturing defects and premature sagging beyond normal wear. However, GhostBed's extended coverage provides protection well into the mattress's expected lifespan.
Coverage details matter too. Both require proper support (appropriate foundation or platform bed) and exclude normal wear, stains, or comfort preference changes. Understanding these details before delivery prevents future disputes.
If neither mattress perfectly fits your needs, several alternatives deserve consideration.
The Nectar mattress offers similar memory foam comfort at lower prices, though without GhostBed's latex bounce or Purple's innovative Grid.
Comparing Nectar vs Purple reveals trade-offs between traditional memory foam comfort and innovative technology. Nectar provides classic contouring at budget prices, while Purple offers unique support at premium costs.
The GhostBed Luxe adds enhanced cooling features for those who love GhostBed's feel but sleep extra hot. Its phase-change cover and additional cooling layers justify the price increase for temperature-sensitive sleepers.
Purple's hybrid options combine the Grid with pocketed coils for those wanting more traditional support. These models address edge support concerns while maintaining Purple's signature feel.
Choosing between GhostBed and Purple ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Use this decision matrix to guide your choice:
Choose GhostBed if you:
Choose Purple if you:
Both mattresses deliver excellent quality and customer satisfaction. Neither represents a "wrong" choice – simply different approaches to achieving restful sleep.
For the best deals, consider shopping during major sales events. Both brands offer their deepest discounts during holidays, with savings potentially reaching 50% off retail prices.
GhostBed typically works better for stomach sleepers with lower back pain due to firmer support preventing hip sag. Purple excels for back sleepers needing targeted pressure relief. Side sleepers with back pain should consider their weight – lighter individuals might find both too firm, while heavier sleepers often prefer Purple's adaptive support. Consulting with healthcare providers remains advisable for chronic pain issues.
GhostBed likely offers superior longevity based on traditional materials and extended warranty coverage. The proven durability of latex and high-density foams suggests a 15-20 year lifespan with proper care. Purple's Grid technology remains relatively new, making long-term durability harder to predict. However, the polymer material shows promising resistance to breakdown in laboratory testing.
Yes, standard sheets work fine on Purple mattresses. The unique Grid feel might inspire some to invest in stretchy, high-quality sheets that better accommodate the mattress's responsive nature. Both mattresses maintain standard thickness profiles that fit regular deep-pocket sheets. Consider upgrading to quality bedding for enhanced comfort regardless of mattress choice.
Both mattresses excel at temperature regulation compared to traditional memory foam options. Purple edges ahead slightly with its open Grid design allowing maximum airflow. GhostBed's aerated latex and gel-infused foam provide excellent cooling for most sleepers. Hot sleepers report satisfaction with both options, though extremely temperature-sensitive individuals might prefer Purple's slight advantage.
Sleepers near weight category boundaries should consider their preferred sleeping position first. Those on the lighter side of average (120-140 lbs) might find GhostBed too firm unless they're stomach sleepers. Individuals approaching 230 lbs should factor in long-term compression – both mattresses will feel softer over time. Purple's adaptive Grid may offer more flexibility for weight fluctuations.
The GhostBed vs Purple debate doesn't have a universal winner – your personal needs determine the best choice. GhostBed excels with traditional comfort, superior warranty protection, and excellent value, particularly for stomach sleepers and budget-conscious shoppers.
Purple shines for couples, hot sleepers, and those seeking innovative technology. Its unique Grid creates a sleep experience you won't find elsewhere, justifying the premium for many users.
Both mattresses represent quality investments in better sleep. Whether you prioritize GhostBed's proven durability or Purple's cutting-edge comfort, you're choosing from two of the online mattress industry's best options.
Ready to transform your sleep? Check current prices for both mattresses and remember to shop during 2025 sales events for maximum savings. Your perfect night's rest awaits with either choice – the key is matching the mattress to your specific needs.