Quick Answer: Is the GhostBed Good?
The GhostBed is a solid "Bed-in-a-Box" contender, famous for its cooling properties. It combines Aerated Latex (bouncy, cool) with Gel Memory Foam (contouring).
The Verdict: It tends to run firmer than many expect (about a 7/10 on the firmness scale). It is excellent for back sleepers and hot sleepers who like a supportive, non-sinking feel. However, buying a mattress online without trying it first is always a gamble.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1997. Every customer gets personal attention, honest advice, and the kind of follow-up service you just do not get from big box stores."
6 min read
Turn on the TV or scroll through social media, and you will likely see an ad for GhostBed. They market themselves as the "coolest" bed in the world, founded by "Nature's Sleep." For Brantford residents tired of overheating at night, their pitch is compelling.
At Mattress Miracle, we respect innovation in the sleep industry. But we also see customers who bought a bed online, found it wasn't right, and ended up needing a replacement. Let's break down exactly what you get with a GhostBed, and how it compares to what you can find locally.
Visit our Brantford mattress store at 441 1/2 West Street.
What is Inside the GhostBed?
The classic GhostBed is an all-foam mattress (no springs) constructed of three distinct layers. Understanding these layers helps you predict how it feels:
- Top Layer: Aerated Latex (1.5 inches): Latex is naturally bouncy and doesn't trap heat like foam. It provides the initial "push back" so you don't feel stuck in the mud.
- Middle Layer: Gel Memory Foam (2 inches): This is the pressure relief layer. It contours to your hips and shoulders. The "Gel" infusion is designed to wick heat away.
- Base Layer: High-Density Poly Foam (7.5 inches): The support core. This is what gives the bed its shape and durability.
The "Ghost" Feel
Because the latex is on top, the GhostBed has a unique feel. It is buoyant. Unlike a Tempur-Pedic where you slowly sink in, the GhostBed responds instantly. It is easier to move around on, which is great for active sleepers.
Does the Cooling Technology Work?
GhostBed's main claim to fame is cooling. Do they deliver?
Yes and No.
The Good: Latex is naturally cooler than memory foam. By putting latex on top, they effectively keep you away from the heat-trapping memory foam layer. The cover is also breathable.
The Reality: It is still a foam block. In a humid Brantford summer without air conditioning, any all-foam mattress will eventually warm up to your body temperature. While it sleeps cooler than a generic foam bed, it generally cannot compete with a Pocket Coil Hybrid or a Phase Change Cooling Cover for airflow.
The Firmness Factor (The Main Complaint)
This is where the online reviews get mixed. GhostBed rates their mattress as a "Medium-Firm" (6.5/10). However, many side sleepers report it feeling significantly firmer (7.5/10).
Why? The foam layers are relatively thin (3.5 inches total comfort layer) over a very hard base.
Who likes this? Back sleepers and stomach sleepers who need spinal alignment.
Who hates this? Side sleepers with broad shoulders or wide hips. They may feel the hard base layer pushing back, causing numbness.
The Risk of Buying Online
Buying a mattress in a box is convenient, but it puts the burden of logistics on you.
- The "Break-In" Period: You usually have to keep the mattress for 30 days before returning it. That's a month of potentially bad sleep.
- Return Hassles: While returns are free, you often have to coordinate with a charity or recycling service to pick it up. You can't just put it back in the box (it won't fit!).
- No Comparison: You can't A/B test it against another bed. You rely on memory and guessing.
The Local Advantage
When you shop at Mattress Miracle, you can lie on a Firm bed, then immediately roll onto a Plush bed. Your body tells you instantly which one is right. We carry Cooling Gel Hybrids that offer similar tech to GhostBed but with the added airflow of coils, and you can try them before you spend a dime.
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing chronic pain, sleep disorders, or other health conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a GhostBed last?
Expect about 7-8 years of good support. All-foam mattresses eventually soften. High-density foams (like those in GhostBed) last longer than cheap Amazon brands.
Is GhostBed made in Canada?
GhostBed manufactures in both the USA and Canada. Orders shipped to Canadian addresses typically ship from their Canadian facilities (Toronto or Vancouver).
Do I need a box spring with a GhostBed?
You need a solid foundation. A slat platform (slats < 3" apart) or a solid box spring works. Do not use an old wire-grid box spring, as the foam will sag between the wires.
Does Mattress Miracle carry GhostBed?
We do not. We carry comparable (and we believe superior) alternatives that you can actually test drive. We prioritize Canadian-made brands where we have a direct relationship with the factory.
Try Before You Buy on West Street
Don't guess with your back health. Visit Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street. Try our "Cooling Gel" section. Lie down for 15 minutes. It's the only way to be 100% sure.
Sources
- Jacobson BH, Boolani A, Smith DB. Changes in back pain, sleep quality, and perceived stress after introduction of new bedding systems. J Chiropr Med. 2009;8(1):1-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcm.2008.09.002
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain. Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Peña A, et al. Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain: randomised, double-blind, controlled, multicentre trial. Lancet. 2003;362(9396):1599-1604. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14792-7
Sources
- Jacobson, B. H. et al. (2008). "Grouped comparisons of sleep quality for new and personal bedding systems." Applied Ergonomics, 39(2), 247-254. PubMed 17662962.
- Radwan, A. et al. (2015). "Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment." Sleep Health, 1(4), 257-267. PubMed 29073401.
- Kovacs, F. M. et al. (2003). "Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain." The Lancet, 362(9396), 1599-1604. PubMed 14630439.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available, wheelchair accessible. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.