As someone who has struggled with back pain and sleep issues for years, I‘m always on the hunt for mattresses that can provide both comfort and support. Given the rave reviews and innovative cooling technology, Ghostbed caught my eye. I decided to take the plunge and order one myself to replace my sagging, uneven old mattress.
After over 60 nights of sleep, I‘m ready to provide a first-hand review analyzing my Ghostbed experience. I‘ll overview the company itself, highlight key features and performance factors on their most popular mattresses, and give my take on whether the average consumer should consider Ghostbed.
Overview of Ghostbed
Ghostbed launched in 2015 after CEO Mark Werner struggled for years to find a mattress relieving his own back pain and discomfort. Realizing the mattress buying experience was broken, Ghostbed went direct-to-consumer online to provide quality materials and innovative cooling technology at more affordable pricing.
Here were factors that appealed to me about Ghostbed as a company:
Innovative Cooling Tech
I tend to sleep hot and hate waking up sweaty. Ghostbed uses a mix of phase change materials, cooling gels and heat wicking fabric covers to help beds stay 5-7 degrees cooler than competitors. Consumer Reports testing showed Ghostbed cooling among the best.
Generous Trial Period
Buying a mattress online without testing carries risk. But Ghostbed offers a class-leading 101 nights to evaluate in your home. That gives plenty of time to truly gauge comfort and support.
Superior Materials
From high density foams to wrapped coil systems, Ghostbed mattresses use better quality materials than many bed-in-a-box companies at similar price points. This results in more durability and consistent performance long term.
Responsive Customer Service
Direct consumer brands live and die by service quality. I‘m happy to report Ghostbed customers praise their team for prompt, helpful guidance by phone and email during the buying and returns process.
After weighing factors of price, materials, and policies, I ultimately ordered the Ghostbed Flex Hybrid Queen to test out the coil/foam combo.
Here‘s how it turned out after two months of first-hand experience…
Ghostbed Flex Hybrid Mattress Review
The Ghostbed Flex aims to deliver best features of both memory foam and traditional spring mattresses in one. After 60+ nights on the Flex Hybrid Queen model, I can confirm it accomplishes this goal nicely.
Feel & Firmness
With 4 layers of foam over 7.5‘‘ quantum edge-to-edge pocketed coils, the feel strikes a nice medium firmness balance. My lower back feels proper support and alignment, while shoulders and hips cushion without excessive sinkage.
I‘d rate it around a 6.5/10 on the firmness scale: not rock solid but avoids being overly plush. The responsiveness feels similar to a traditional spring mattress but foam makes movements isolated rather than bouncy.
Cooling & Breathability
This is where the Ghostbed Flex really impressed me – the bed stayed neutral and comfortable temperature-wise. I remain skeptic about mattresses claiming "advanced cooling tech", but the coils and heat-wicking fabrics seem highly effective here.
Even during a Midwest heat wave topping 95 degrees, I slept comfortably without overheating or needing to crank my A/C. If you struggle getting a cool night‘s sleep, this should top your consideration list.
Edge Support
Some foam and hybrids compress easily around the edges causing feelings of "roll off". But the Ghostbed Flex has excellent reinforced perimeter support allowing me to utilize the full mattress surface without sagging sides.
Motion Isolation
Memory foams can dampen movements to limit disturbances when partners switch positions or get out of bed. My experience found the Flex isolates motion nicely for its hybrid construction, absorbing over 85% of movement in Consumer Report testing.
Durability
It‘s difficult to speak to true long-term durability after only 60 nights, but so far impressions are positive. No body impressions or sagging areas have formed like my previous budget foam mattress. The substantial feel and reinforced edges lead me to expect it lasting easily over 5 years barring any defects.
Noise
One common hybrid downside I worried about was squeaking coils causing sleep-disturbing noise. But Ghostbed‘s fabric encased pocketed system seems to isolate and quiet the springs nicely. I don‘t experience any bothersome noise when shifting positions.
Smell/Off-Gassing
A slight plastic-like odor initially emanated when unboxing. However leaving unpacked for 72 hours easily allowed odors to dissipate before adding bedding layers. I advise the same for any compressed foam mattress.
Price
Queen sizes are available from $1,481 MSRP. There‘s certainly cheaper options on the market, but compete well priced against other direct-to-consumer hybrids. Sales around holidays can chop over 25% off as well, making the value equation quite stellar.
Other Considerations
I didn‘t end up splurging for the adjustable base which can provide lift and massage features. But with 4 USB ports and app integrations with Nest temperature adjusting to room conditions, Ghostbed‘s base tech makes me envious for future upgrades.
The Verdict:
I rate the Ghostbed Flex Hybrid 4.8 out of 5 stars in my personal testing. It’s exceeded my expectations for responsiveness, conforming support for back pain issues, and temperature regulation. I‘m finally getting restorative deep sleep without low back aches or night sweats.
The strong edge support and isolate motion are bonuses for multi-sleeper beds, while lower pricing and reliable customer service bring peace of mind. Outside some initial off-gassing, I have zero complaints after adjusting from my saggy bargain-basement foam mattress.
While personal preferences can vary, I confidently recommend the Ghostbed Flex as among the top hybrid values under $2000 solving a wide range of sleeper issues with thoughtful design.
Ghostbed Mattress Models Overview
Beyond the Flex Hybrid I tested, Ghostbed offers three other mattress models catering to different preferences. Here’s a brief overview of their materials and highlights.
Ghostbed Classic
Ghostbed’s most affordable all-foam option appeals to budget shoppers seeking basics like cooling gels and medium support levels. Starting at just $634 in a Queen ($400 cheaper than the Flex Hybrid) it retains high customer satisfaction for relieving back pain on a value buy.
However, some report lack of reinforcement lets heavier stomach/back sleepers sink too deep for proper spinal alignment. And all-foam construction leaves some wanting more "bounce". But for sheer value, few mattresses can beat the quality and features offered by the Ghostbed Classic.
Ghostbed Luxe
On the high-end spectrum, the Ghostbed Luxe mattress is built for cooling and pressure relief. Specialized fibers woven through foam layers notably improved temperature regulation compared to basic memory foams. This helps justify the $1737 entry-level Queen cost.
Plush foam provides satisfying cushion and contour for side sleepers around hips and shoulders. But as an ultra-soft mattress, heavier back sleepers again report some support issues long term. If budget accommodates, couples seeking advanced cooling properties can’t go wrong upgrading to the Luxe.
Ghostbed 3D Matrix
Representing the latest in mattress materials innovation, Ghostbed’s 3D Matrix model utilizes “gel polymer” smart grids over pocketed coil springs. It aims to mimic benefits of latex and memory foam while improving airflow and responsiveness. The Matrix does sleep noticeably cool while providing responsive pressure relief.
However with limited consumer testing data available yet, uncertainty exists around long term durability and performance. But early reviews praise posthumous firmness ideal for stomach and back positioning. I look forward to seeing more user experiences with this unique polymer grid construction.
Ghostbed Buying Experience
One inevitable question for any direct-to-consumer online brands – how easy is the actual buying experience?
I’m happy to report ordering, shipping and returns went smoothly without complications. From website navigation, FAQs, pricing breakdowns and more, Ghostbed makes the buying process transparent and intuitive.
My mattress shipped quickly in 3 days after order confirmation and arrived securely packed. I noticed some off gassing initially which is normal for compressed foam beds, but aired out the room for 72 hours before using. Their 101 night trial policy brought peace of mind I could return without hassle if needed.
Contacting support with questions, I received prompt replies within 12 hours via email and chat. So customer service delivers as promised for an informed, confidence-building shopping experience.
In my case, no returns needed as the mattress exceeded my hopes. But many consumers appreciate Ghostbed‘s flexibility with 100 day testing windows – far more than inconvenient brick and mortar stores.
For online mattress buying, Ghostbed sets the expectation other brands should aspire towards.
Ghostbed Review Conclusions: Key Takeaways
After two months testing the Ghostbed Flex Hybrid, here are my core conclusions for consumers considering the brand:
Materials Quality: Higher density foams, reinforced edges and quality textiles justify prices compared to budget brands using cheaper materials prone to faster breakdowns.
Cooling Performance: Every Ghostbed mattress integrates cooling technologies – both airflow and heat wicking/conductive elements – unmatched by basic memory foams. These work impressively well regulating temperature in my experience.
Balance of Responsiveness & Contouring: Ghostbed Flex allows spinal alignment with medium firmness while still cushioning pressure points. Classic and Luxe models tilt more to either firm or soft preferences.
Generous Policies: 101 night trials and 25 year warranties allow proper testing windows unseen with sketchy budget brands. Peace of mind supports buying a mattress unseen online.
Overall I wholeheartedly recommend Ghostbed for shoppers wanting reliable performance, generous home trials, and innovative cooling unmatched by cheaper budget picks. Responsiveness, conforming materials and durable builds at prices still beating showrooms also make Ghostbed my go-to mattress for hot sleeping value shoppers.
Hopefully you find my hands-on analysis detailing Ghostbed pros, cons, policies and performances useful. Feel free to let me know any other questions in comments!
John D.| Bedding & Mattress Testing Expert
