Purple vs GhostBed Mattress: A Complete Comparison for Canadian Shoppers in 2025

Shopping for a new mattress can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing popular brands like Purple and GhostBed. Both offer innovative sleep technologies that promise better rest, but which one will truly deliver your best night's sleep? Whether you're seeking pressure relief, looking for cooling technology based on your preferred sleeping position, or simply wanting the best value for your investment, understanding the key differences between these mattress giants is essential.

At Fawcett Mattress, we've been crafting quality sleep solutions for Canadians since 2014. We know finding the right mattress is about matching your unique sleep needs with the right materials and construction. That's why we've created this comprehensive purple mattress comparison guide examining GhostBed and Purple mattresses to help you navigate your options.

Purple vs GhostBed Mattress Comparison Chart

What's the Difference Between GhostBed and Purple Mattresses?

The fundamental difference between these brands lies in their approach to comfort and support. Purple's innovation centers around its purple grid, while GhostBed relies on a combination of memory foam, latex foam, and (in some models) coil systems.

Construction and Material Comparison

Purple has revolutionized the mattress industry with its GelFlex Grid—a hyper-elastic polymer arranged in a grid pattern that flexes directly under pressure points while maintaining support elsewhere. This creates a floating sensation that many sleepers find uniquely comfortable.

The Original Purple Mattress features a 2-inch GelFlex Grid atop transition and support foam layers. Their hybrid models (Restore Plus and Restore Premier) incorporate the grid with pocketed coils for enhanced support and airflow.

GhostBed takes a more traditional but still innovative approach, combining aerated latex foam and gel memory foam. The GhostBed Classic model uses a three-layer design with latex on top, followed by gel memory foam and a high-density base foam for durability.

The GhostBed Luxe mattress adds phase change material and extra cooling technology for enhanced temperature regulation, while the GhostBed Flex incorporates individually wrapped coils for a responsive hybrid feel.

Both companies use CertiPUR-US certified foams, ensuring they're free from harmful chemicals and low in VOCs—something we also prioritize in our latex mattresses.

Firmness and Comfort Levels

Purple's signature grid creates a unique feel that adapts to your body. The Original Purple offers a medium firm feel (approximately 6/10), while the Restore Plus offers a slightly softer feel (5/10) that works well for side sleepers. The Restore Premier comes in multiple firmness options, ranging from a soft version (4/10) to medium firm 6.5.

GhostBed models tend to fall in the medium firm range. The GhostBed Classic rates about 6/10 on the firmness scale, making it suitable for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. The Luxe is a bit softer at 5/10, ideal for side sleepers seeking more pressure relief. The Flex hits the middle ground at 5.5-6.5/10, accommodating most combination sleepers.

Your ideal firmness level depends largely on your sleeping position and body weight. Side sleepers typically need a softer surface to relieve pressure at both the shoulders and hips, while back sleepers and stomach sleepers generally require a firmer mattress to maintain proper spinal alignment—similar to what we offer in our hybrid mattress collection.

Motion Isolation and Edge Support

For couples, motion isolation can be a crucial feature. Purple's GelFlex Grid absorbs movement effectively, particularly in their higher-end models. The Original provides decent motion transfer reduction, while the Restore Premier excels thanks to its foam-tipped coils.

GhostBed's Luxe model offers exceptional motion isolation due to its multiple memory foam layers. The Classic provides moderate motion dampening, while the Flex balances isolation with the responsiveness of its coil system.

Edge support varies significantly between models. Purple has improved its edge support in newer designs, but it remains average edge support in the Original. GhostBed's Flex model offers great edge support thanks to its reinforced coil perimeter, allowing you to use the entire mattress surface without feeling like you might roll off.

Cooling Features and Temperature Control

If you sleep hot, mattress temperature regulation is a common concern, and both brands have developed innovative cooling solutions.

Purple's GelFlex Grid is inherently temperature-neutral because of its open-air design that allows significant airflow. The grid structure creates channels for heat to dissipate away from your body. The Restore Premier offers the most advanced cooling, rated up to 4x cooler than traditional mattresses.

GhostBed specializes in cooling technology, particularly in the GhostBed Luxe model. It incorporates phase change material in its breathable cover and Ghost Ice fabric that actively works to regulate temperature. The Classic uses aerated latex and gel memory foam for passive cooling, while the Flex combines cooling fibers with the natural airflow of its coil system.

If you're among the hot sleepers, GhostBed Luxe and Purple Restore Premier offer the most advanced temperature regulation, making them among the coolest mattresses available.

Pricing and Value for Money

Purple mattresses range from $1,499 for a Queen Original to $3,699 for a Queen Restore Premier. The significant price jump reflects additional features like thicker grid layers, advanced cooling, and enhanced support systems.

GhostBed pricing is more consistent across models, with a Queen Classic at approximately $2,130, the Flex at a similar price point, and the Luxe at around $2,600.

Value depends on what features matter most to you. If you're seeking the unique pressure relief of the GelFlex Grid, Purple may justify its higher price point. If durability is your priority, GhostBed's longer warranties (20-25 years compared to Purple's 10 years) might offer better long-term value for your new mattress investment.

Trial Periods and Return Policies

Both companies offer generous sleep trial periods to ensure customer satisfaction:

Purple provides a 100-night comfort exchange. If you're not satisfied, you can return the mattress for a refund after the 21-day break-in period.

GhostBed offers a 101-night trial, also requiring a 30-day break-in period before returns.

At Fawcett Mattress, we understand the importance of finding the right fit, which is why we also offer a 100-night comfort exchange on our mattresses.

GhostBed Mattress Overview

GhostBed, launched in 2015 by Nature's Sleep, has quickly built a reputation for quality sleep products with cooling technologies and competitive pricing.

GhostBed Classic

The GhostBed Classic is an 11-inch all foam mattress designed to offer balanced support and comfort. Its three-layer construction includes:

1. 1.5 inches of aerated latex for responsive comfort and cooling
2. 2 inches of gel memory foam for pressure relief
3. 7.5 inches of high density foam for durability

The Classic works well for back sleepers and stomach sleepers seeking a medium firm feel with some bounce. Its latex top layer prevents the "stuck" feeling sometimes associated with memory foam, making movement easier for average weight sleepers.

With a 20-year warranty, the Classic demonstrates GhostBed's confidence in its durability. It's their most affordable value mattress but still incorporates quality materials and thoughtful design in its comfort layer and support layer construction.

GhostBed Luxe Mattress

Marketed as "the coolest bed in the world," the GhostBed Luxe is a 13-inch all foam mattress that prioritizes temperature regulation. Its seven-layer design includes:

1. Ghost Ice Fabric with cooling fibers
2. 1 inch of gel memory foam quilted into the cover
3. Ghost Ice Layer with phase change material
4. 2 inches of gel memory foam
5. Ghost Bounce Layer (latex-like responsive foam)
6. 7.5 inches of high-density support foam

The Luxe offers a medium-soft feel (5/10) that works exceptionally well for side sleepers and those who enjoy a more conforming sensation. Its cooling technologies make it ideal for hot sleepers who typically avoid memory foam due to heat retention concerns.

GhostBed backs the Luxe with a 25-year warranty, emphasizing its premium construction and expected longevity.

GhostBed Flex

The GhostBed Flex is a 13-inch hybrid mattress combining the pressure relief of foam with the support of innersprings. Its layers include:

1. Quilted cover with cooling fibers
2. 1 inch of cooling gel memory foam
3. 1 inch of gel memory foam
4. Ghost Bounce transition layer
5. 8.5 inches of individually wrapped coils with reinforced edges
6. 1 inch of high-density support foam

The Flex offers a medium firm feel (5.5-6.5/10) that accommodates most sleeping positions. The reinforced coil perimeter provides excellent edge support, making it suitable for couples who share a bed and need to maximize the sleeping surface.

Like the Luxe, the Flex comes with a 25-year warranty. Its hybrid design provides enhanced durability and bed's strong support, particularly for heavier individuals, while still accommodating lightweight side sleepers and lightweight stomach sleepers.

Purple Mattress Overview

Purple was founded in 2015 by the Pearce brothers, who leveraged their expertise in aerospace materials to create the GelFlex Grid that has become Purple's signature innovation.

Purple Original

The Purple Original features a straightforward design centered around the GelFlex Grid technology:

1. 2 inches of GelFlex Grid (hyper-elastic polymer)
2. 3.5 inches of transitional polyfoam
3. 4 inches of high-density support foam

At 9.5 inches tall, it's the slimmest of Purple's offerings but still delivers the brand's unique pressure relief and temperature neutrality. With a medium firm feel (approximately 6/10), it works well for back sleepers and combination sleepers.

The Original provides the most affordable entry point to experience Purple's innovative grid technology. Its open-air design promotes airflow, making it a good option for those who sleep hot.

Purple Restore Plus

The Purple Restore Plus is a 13-inch hybrid mattress that combines the GelFlex Grid with pocketed coils:

1. 3 inches of GelFlex Grid
2. 2 inches of transitional foam
3. 8 inches of zoned pocketed coils

The thicker grid layer provides enhanced pressure relief, particularly beneficial for side sleepers. The zoned coil system offers targeted support—firmer under the torso and more yielding at the head and feet—promoting proper spine neutrally aligned posture.

With a medium-soft feel (approximately 5/10), the Restore Plus balances cushioning comfort with responsive support. The coil system improves airflow, enhancing the cooling properties of the grid design.

Purple Restore Premier

The Purple Restore Premier represents Purple's luxury hybrid offering:

1. 3 inches of GelFlex Grid
2. DreamLayer technology (combination of proprietary foams)
3. CoolFlex coils (foam-tipped, individually wrapped)

Available in multiple firmness options, the Premier caters to a wide range of sleeper types. The foam-tipped coils enhance motion isolation while maintaining responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for couples.

The Premier's advanced cooling features—rated 4x cooler than traditional mattresses—make it ideal for hot sleepers seeking premium comfort. It's Purple's most expensive model but offers their most comprehensive sleep solution.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Purple Advantages:

• Unique GelFlex Grid provides excellent pressure relief
• Grid design allows significant airflow for temperature neutrality
• Grid adapts to different body types and sleep positions
• Durable materials with long-term performance

Purple Disadvantages:

• Higher price point, especially for premium models
• Unique feel may require an adjustment period
• Heavier and potentially more difficult to move
• Shorter warranty (10 years) compared to GhostBed

GhostBed Advantages:

• Excellent cooling technologies, especially in the Luxe model
• Longer warranties (20-25 years)
• Consistent pricing across models
• Traditional feel that most sleepers are accustomed to

GhostBed Disadvantages:

• Less innovative pressure relief compared to Purple's grid
• Classic model may feel too firm for some side sleepers
• Memory foam may eventually develop body impressions
• Motion isolation in the Classic and Flex models is good but not exceptional

If you're still weighing your options, don’t miss our comparisons of the Casper vs Leesa mattresses, a side-by-side look at Puffy and Casper, or our breakdown of the Douglas vs Casper matchup.

FAQs

Are Purple mattresses really that good?

Purple mattresses offer genuinely innovative technology with their GelFlex Grid, which provides excellent pressure relief and temperature regulation. Many sleepers find the grid's ability to flex under pressure points while supporting the rest of the body creates a uniquely comfortable sleep experience. However, the unique feel isn't universally loved—some prefer traditional foam or innerspring sensations. Overall, Purple's average customer rating confirms that many sleepers find their technology delivers on its promises.

Do hospitals use Purple mattresses?

While Purple has developed healthcare products utilizing their GelFlex technology for applications like wheelchair cushions, there's no widespread adoption of Purple mattresses in hospitals. Healthcare facilities typically use specialized medical mattresses designed for specific clinical needs and infection control. That said, Purple's pressure-relieving properties have similarities to medical-grade surfaces designed to prevent pressure ulcers.

Which is better, Casper or Purple mattresses?

Casper and Purple represent different approaches to mattress design. Purple's GelFlex Grid creates a unique floating sensation with excellent temperature neutrality, while Casper's zoned foam design offers a more traditional feel with targeted firm support for the lumbar region. Purple may be better for hot sleepers and those with specific pressure point concerns, while Casper might suit sleepers who prefer a more conventional foam feel. Neither is universally "better"—the right choice depends on your personal preferences, sleep position, and body type.

End Note

Both GhostBed and Purple mattresses offer high-quality sleep solutions with distinct approaches to comfort, support, and temperature regulation. Your ideal choice depends on your specific sleep needs:

Choose Purple if:

• You want innovative pressure relief through the GelFlex Grid
• You sleep hot and need maximum airflow
• You're looking for a unique "floating" sensation rather than sinking into your mattress
• You prioritize adaptive support that responds to different body positions

Choose GhostBed if:

• You prefer the feel of memory foam with enhanced cooling features
• You want a longer warranty period (20-25 years)
• You need excellent edge support (especially in the Flex model)
• You prefer a more traditional mattress feel with modern improvements

At Fawcett Mattress, we understand that finding your perfect mattress is personal. If you're still unsure which mattress type would best suit your needs, we invite you to explore our collections of handcrafted latex mattresses and premium hybrid mattresses. Our Canadian-made mattresses combine the best features of these technologies with our commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Contact us to speak with a mattress expert who can help you navigate your options and find the perfect sleep solution for your unique needs.