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This memory foam topper by GhostBed might look peculiar with its convoluted surface and zoned construction.
But what else does it have to offer aside from its curious design? Does it live up to the hype, or is it just a marketing trick? Let’s find out.
In today’s GhostBed mattress topper review, I will cover everything from its construction to performance in various situations to see how this mattress topper works for different types of sleepers. Want to know more? Let’s dive in!
Construction and Design
Let’s start this GhostBed mattress topper review with its construction. After all, the mattress topper’s design can affect multiple aspects, including comfort, support, pressure relief, and more.
For comparison, I used my Ghostbed topper on my Zoma mattress. The Zoma was chosen for its medium-firm firmness, a universally popular firmness in most homes.
Now, the topper by GhostBed uses gel-infused memory foam. Therefore, this model has a cradling feel, which I will discuss more later.
It’s worth mentioning that the GhostBed has a zoned, convoluted design. There are five zones that provide different support levels for different body sections. The middle area is slightly firmer than the rest of the surface to provide optimal support for the midsection (where people typically carry more weight). I did notice that the GhostBed topper prevented my belly from sinking in too deep, keeping my back relatively straight.
As for the convoluted design, it is meant to help increase air circulation. As a result, this mattress topper sleeps cooler than many memory foam competitors. Of course, the gel particles are responsible for cooling too. But improved breathability helps with moisture wicking and contributes to thermoregulation.
This model is 3 inches thick. This height is suited for a wide range of sleepers. The GhostBed is thick enough to cradle hips and buttocks in back sleepers, but it can also offer a decent amount of a hug for side sleepers’ shoulders and hips.
The GhostBed mattress topper comes with a cover that works like a fitted sheet. It’s waterproof and acts as a mattress protector (just to compare to a similar model – the Puffy – that works like a fitted sheet but does not offer moisture protection). While this can help sleepers extend the life of the topper and the mattress, it might be somewhat more finicky to make the bed (when there are two pieces involved - the topper and the cover).
It’s also worth mentioning that a fitted-sheet cover is a nice bonus that's relatively rare on the market as many popular mattress toppers come without a fastening system and simply sit on top of the bed.
I also like how the fitted cover sits on the mattress. It is stretchy but sturdy, ensuring a secure fit throughout the night. This may come in handy for combo sleepers like me. The topper will likely stay put no matter how much you toss and turn in bed.
The GhostBed’s cover has pretty deep pockets, so it can work even with taller mattresses (hybrid models, for example). I’d also like to note that the Queen-sized topper that I tested was slightly longer than my mattress. It seems like the guys at GhostBed leave some extra space just in case.
Firmness
The next aspect I want to discuss in this GhostBed mattress topper review is how firm this model is. Firmness is essential as it can affect your comfort greatly.
Now, I’m sure most people understand that firmness is subjective. The same mattress topper may seem too stiff for a lightweight sleeper and too plush for a heavier user.
If you are somewhere in between (an average sleeper), the GhostBed would probably seem like a medium mattress topper. I would rate it 6 on the firmness scale, with 10 being the stiffest. This model is neither too hugging nor too stiff, making the GhostBed very likely to hit that golden middle.
I also like that this topper doesn’t feel restricting despite being pretty thick. Therefore, it won’t limit your movements when shifting in bed. In other words, the GhostBed isn’t overly hugging. That’s relatively rare for memory foam toppers, as they are typically very hugging.
I would also like to mention that this model feels very adaptive. It cradles the body curves and fills in the gaps, making the tension spread evenly and dissipate. That’s why the GhostBed mattress topper can work for people with lower back pain, sensitive joints, tender hips, and so on. This topper prevents pressure build-up, which helps reduce pain levels.
Sinkage
Ghostbed’s 3 inches of memory foam has a surprisingly high amount of sinkage, which I measured at around 2.05 inches on top of my Zoma mattress (without the topper, it was around 2.07 inches for the compression). Looking at these figures, it’s not surprising I felt extra cradled. This level of sinkage is comparable to the Puffy topper, which also had a sinkage of around 2.02 inches, meaning Ghostbed is a suitable option if you want pressure relief at a bit of a cheaper price, saving $26 between the two models.
Cooling
The Ghostbed Topper is surprisingly cooling, likely due to its gel infusion and channeled design. When testing the surface temperature, I measured about 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit on the topper, whereas the mattress below (Zoma mattress) had a higher temperature of 84.5 degrees Fahrenheit. This change means the Ghostbed topper can effectively lower the temperature of your mattress, which is good news if you’re looking for a topper for an already-hot mattress. This temperature decrease contrasts the Puffy topper, which decreased the mattress’ temperature by 1.1 degrees, while Ghostbed decreased by 3.9 degrees. This means the Ghostbed topper is three times better at keeping you cool at night.
Edge Support
Sitting on the edge of my bed with the Ghostbed topper, I measured a compression of about 4.55 inches (with just the mattress, the compressions measured at around 4.4 inches). This is a bit much for edge support, as I find 4 inches is typically a good number to work with in terms of conformity, support, and adequate stability while lying on the edge. Puffy’s edge support was lower by 0.35 inches, which means the mattress topper firmed up the mattress. Ghostbed reduced sinkage by 0.15 inches, meaning Puffy outperformed Ghostbed twice as much in this regard.
Response
Ghostbed had a moderate response, which I measured at 0.47 seconds for a partial recovery, and 0.89 for a full recovery. A slower recovery is better, as the topper uses a higher-density foam that will conform and alleviate pressure better than foam that bounces back faster (as they’re usually made of a lighter density, and can fall apart faster). Ghostbed is only 0.02 seconds slower than Puffy for a partial recovery, and 0.04 seconds slower for a full recovery, meaning they react very similarly.
Being able to measure precisely how a mattress topper performs is why we go through specific, thorough topper tests to ensure we are recommending the best toppers for your home.
Motion Transfer
Let’s move on to motion transfer, an aspect that is essential for restful slumber if you share your bed with a partner. A motion-absorbing mattress topper can aid undisturbed sleep, especially if one of the sleepers tends to be restless during the night.
So, can the GhostBed help couples sleep more peacefully?
My answer is yes.
This mattress topper slowly returns to its shape after the pressure is applied. In other words, it doesn’t spring back. As a result, the GhostBed mattress topper does not allow shock from motion to travel from one side of the bed to the other.
How It Feels for Different Types of Sleepers
Next, I would like to discuss how the GhostBed mattress topper performs for different types of sleepers. The thing is, each sleeping style requires different conditions for maximum comfort. And naturally, one mattress topper can’t be perfect for all.
So, here’s what the GhostBed topper can offer to various types of sleepers:
- Side sleepers. Overall, the GhostBed is an excellent mattress topper for side sleepers. It’s thick and hugging enough to gently cradle the shoulder and the hip when lying on one side. I didn’t experience any tension build-up or discomfort when sleeping on the GhostBed topper, even after quite a while. I also think this model is thick and hugging enough for both petite and overweight side sleepers.
- Back sleepers. Back sleeping requires proper support, especially in the middle (to prevent the spine from curving). Luckily, the center section of the GhostBed is slightly firmer than the rest of the surface. That’s why I experienced optimal alignment when lying on my back on the GhostBed mattress topper. No tension, no back pain.
- Stomach sleepers. Based on my tests, I can assume that the GhostBed mattress topper might work for petite stomach sleepers only. The thing is, this sleeping style calls for firm support. And even though the GhostBed offers additional support in the middle, it might be too plush to keep average and overweight stomach sleepers in a proper alignment. The amount of the hug my stomach experienced in this sleeping style caused my back to curve slightly. In the long run, this could lead to tension accumulation and pain.
- Combo sleepers. Overall, I think the GhostBed mattress topper can be an excellent solution for combination sleepers. It’s slow-moving but doesn’t feel overly hugging, so this model won’t seem restricting when switching positions.
Sleeping Positions: Summary
Sleeping Position | Ghostbed |
|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | The 3 inches of memory foam did a great job cushioning my shoulders and hips, and I felt adequately free from tension or pressure build-up. This model is thick and conforming enough to support and cradle sleepers under 130 pounds, and sleepers over 230 pounds. |
| Back Sleepers | The zoned support system in the Ghostbed topper shone while I was lying on my back, as I felt more support in my lumbar area. As an average-weight sleeper, I was well supported with enough cushioning to consider that the topper may suit sleepers under 130 pounds, and may suit heavier back sleepers over 230 pounds. |
| Stomach Sleepers | As an average-weight sleeper, I felt a bit uncomfortable on my stomach due to the topper’s plushness. This model would best suit lightweight sleepers under 130 pounds, who don’t need as much support. Average-weight and heavier sleepers over 230 pounds may sink into the foam too much. |
Other Important Information
Now, allow me to share the details that might be real deal-breakers for some shoppers. After all, the GhostBed topper might be comfortable, but it’s crucial to pay attention to other important aspects when shopping for a mattress topper.
Shoppers might also be happy to learn that the GhostBed mattress topper comes with a 5-year warranty (which is significantly longer than the industry-standard 1-year coverage).
It’s also worth mentioning that this model by GhostBed might have a noticeable off-gassing upon unpacking. However, in my case, it dissipated within 24 hours. The topper expands fully pretty fast, so it can be used right away if you don’t mind the smell.
Summary
All in all, the GhostBed is a quality mattress topper that’s worth trying out. It’s not perfect, of course, but can satisfy many sleepers and improve the feel of almost any bed. I like how it relieves pressure without feeling like quicksand. The washable cover may also come in handy, especially for allergy-prone sleepers. And if you don’t mind a slightly longer set-up (as there are two parts of this topper), the GhostBed might be a good choice.
Pros:
- Zoned design to guarantee proper support and spinal alignment.
- Waterproof, washable cover for easy cleaning.
- Stays in one place during the night.
- Isn’t likely to sleep hot.
- The topper expends fully pretty fast.
Cons:
- Noticeable off-gassing is present upon unpacking.
- Might not be supportive enough for average and overweight stomach sleepers.
- This model combines two parts (the topper and the removable cover), which may take longer to set up with the rest of the bedding.
I would be purchasing this for my parents. They need a topper to prevent pressure areas. Does this topper help prevent? Or do you know of another topper that may be more appropriate.?
Hi Stephani,
Thanks for reaching out! In my opinion, you will want to look for a topper with a high amount of pressure-relieving material and systems in place to provide spinal alignment, like a zoned design. However, I’d suggest seeking professional advice from a chiropractor to get a definite answer.
I didn’t think any toppers were any good but this one helps me sleep cooler and my hips, shoulders, and back don’t hurt anymore finally getting more than 4 or 5 hours sleep at night