Sleep Number and GhostBed are both great mattresses, but they’re quite different. If you’re not familiar with mattresses, choosing which one is right for your needs can be a challenge. To make things easier, we put together this Sleep Number vs GhostBed mattress comparison.
Keep reading to learn more about each bed’s firmness, feel, cooling features, quality and price. By the end of this comparison, you should know which mattress will best meet your sleep needs.
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Sleep Number vs GhostBed Overview
Sleep Number is known for their adjustable air beds that offer customizable comfort. GhostBed sells many different mattresses, including the GhostBed Flex and GhostBed 3D Matrix. For this comparison, we’ll focus on the Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Bed and the original GhostBed mattress. Here’s a brief overview of who these beds may be right for:
| Who Should Get A Sleep Number Mattress? | Who Should Get a GhostBed Mattress? |
| People who want to customize the firmness of their bed | Those who want a firmer mattress |
| Those who want a more luxurious mattress | People who want a mattress with a balanced foam feel |
| Couples with different firmness preferences | Shoppers who want to save a bit of money |
Sleep Number vs GhostBed: Similarities and Differences
Now, let’s dive deeper into the details. These are the similarities and differences between Sleep Number and GhostBed:
| Similarities | Differences |
| Both have generous sleep trial periods and warranties | The Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Bed costs more than the original GhostBed |
| They’re both good options for back and stomach sleepers | The Sleep Number mattress has customizable air chambers that allow sleepers to adjust the firmness level. You cannot adjust the firmness of a GhostBed mattress |
| They are both cooling mattresses that promote airflow | The Sleep Number mattress allows couples to adjust the firmness level on each side of the bed, but the GhostBed does not have this feature |
| Both mattresses are sold online | The Ghostbed’s support layer is made with high-density base foam, while the Sleep Number’s support layer is made of adjustable air chambers |
Firmness and Feel Differences
Here at Mattress Clarity, we use a firmness scale that ranges from 1-10, with 6.5/10 representing the industry standard of medium-firm. Thanks to the adjustable air chambers, the Sleep Number mattress ranges from 4/10 to 9/10 on our firmness scale.
The GhostBed mattress feels firmer than average, coming in at 8/10. This makes it a great choice for many back and stomach sleepers.
Sleeping On the Sleep Number and GhostBed Mattresses
The Sleep Number mattress works well for a wide variety of people. There are 100 Sleep Numbers to choose from, but most back and side sleepers prefer something within the 35-40 range. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you may need a Sleep Number that sits within the 40-60 range in order to get the necessary support.
The GhostBed Mattress is best suited for back and stomach sleepers. The supportive latex foam helps keep the spine aligned in these sleeping positions, but it won’t offer enough pressure relief for many side sleepers.
What Do The Sleep Number And GhostBed Mattresses Feel Like?
The Sleep Number mattress has a balanced feel. The comfort layers offer pressure relief, and the air chambers give plenty of support. If you prefer a slow-moving memory foam feel, you may want to consider getting the Sleep Number m7 Smart Bed.
The GhostBed mattress has a balanced foam feel that’s both plush and responsive. The latex foam quickly springs back into place after pressure is applied, but the memory foam has more of a quicksand sort of feel. You’ll feel the comfort layers contour your body, but you won’t feel “stuck inside” the mattress.
Average Weight Sleepers – 130 lb – 230 lb
The Sleep Number mattress is a great choice for average weight sleepers—no matter the sleeping position. Side sleepers will prefer a Sleep Number that falls within the medium-soft range, while stomach and back sleepers will need something firmer.
The GhostBed mattress works well for average weight back and stomach sleepers. The supportive latex foam helps back sleepers maintain the proper spinal in alignment, while the thick base foam helps elevate stomach sleepers’ hips.
Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230 lb
The Sleep Number mattress works well for people who weigh between 230 and 300 lb. Larger people may need a bit more lumbar support, so a higher Sleep Number might be a better match. Those who weigh more than 300 lb may not get the proper lumbar support on the Sleep Number mattress.
Thanks to its supportive feel, the GhostBed mattress works well for heavier people. Those who weigh between 230 and 300 lb should feel a good balance of comfort and support while back, side and stomach sleeping. Those who weigh more than 300 lb may find themselves “bottoming out” on this mattress. If you fall in this category, you may want to consider getting one of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Lightweight Sleepers – Under 130 lb
The Sleep Number mattress works well for lightweight sleepers. Because most people in this category won’t compress the top layers too much, they may prefer a Sleep Number that falls within the 30-35 range. This medium-soft setting should offer the optimal amount of comfort and support.
The GhostBed mattress works well for lightweight stomach sleepers, because its firm feel helps support the hips and keep the spine in the proper alignment. The GhostBed isn’t a great choice for lightweight back and side sleepers, though. People in this category won’t sink into the top layers too much, so they won’t feel as much pressure relief as heavier people do. Check out our list of the best mattresses for lightweight people for some more options.
Mattress Construction Differences
To really understand how these beds differ, we’ll need to look at their layouts. Here’s what you can find inside the Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Bed and the original GhostBed mattress:
Cover
The Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Bed has a tufted Euro pillow top made with a soft and breathable fabric. This not only allows room for airflow—it also gives the mattress a hotel look and feel.
The GhostBed mattress has a cover made from a stretchy polyester material. Soft and breathable, this cover is great for hot sleepers.
Comfort Layers
The Sleep Number p5 has two comfort layers. The first one consists of a two-inch pillow top, which feels luxurious and plush. Underneath that, you’ll find a two-inch layer of proprietary PlushFit foam. This material has five zones, which means it has slightly different firmness levels throughout. This helps sleepers maintain the proper spinal alignment throughout the night, and it can help some people alleviate back pain.
The GhostBed mattress has a 1.5” layer of aerated latex foam, which feels cool and responsive. Beneath this sits a two-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam, which helps pull heat away from the body and cushion pressure points.
Support Layer
The Sleep Number mattress contains two adjustable air chambers. With the help of the Sleep Number app, you can easily adjust the amount of air that sits inside, which will make the mattress feel firmer or softer. Couples can even adjust the firmness setting on their side of the bed, so there’s no need to compromise.
The GhostBed mattress has a 7.5” layer of high-density support foam. This offers lumbar support and helps prevent sleepers from “bottoming out” on the bed.
Mattress Height
The Sleep Number mattress is 10” tall, and the GhostBed mattress is 11” tall.
Sleep Number And GhostBed Performance Differences
We aren’t done yet! It’s also important to look closely at how well each mattress performs. Keep reading to learn more about motion transfer, edge support, durability and more.
Sleeping Hot or Cold
Many people said the Sleep Number p5 mattress trapped body heat, so it may not be a great choice if you tend to sleep hot at night. The thick foam layers don’t allow a lot of room for airflow.
The GhostBed mattress is a better choice for hot sleepers. It has a breathable cover that surrounds cooling latex foam. And because it feels responsive, sleepers won’t sink into the top layer and trap heat all around them.
Motion Transfer
Couples who share a mattress may want to find a mattress that isolates motion well. That way, they won’t feel their partner’s movements whenever they switch sleeping positions during the night.
The Sleep Number mattress isolates motion quite well, thanks to the thick comfort layer. You shouldn’t feel your partner’s movements during the night.
The GhostBed mattress doesn’t isolate motion as well. The latex foam has a responsive feel, and when I tested it, I could feel my side of the bed wiggle whenever the person next to me moved around. Check out our list of the best mattresses for motion isolation for more options.
Edge Support
Edge support is also important for couples. If a bed sinks or sags near the sides, it will force people to sleep closer toward the center of the mattress.
Fortunately, both mattresses have great edge support. The Sleep Number mattress’s supportive air chambers make the sides of the bed feel particularly sturdy. The GhostBed also has a supportive base layer. When I sat along the side of the bed, I felt stable and secure.
Durability
Thanks to its advanced technology, the Sleep Number mattress should last at least a decade. We expect the GhostBed to last between seven and 10 years.
Off-Gassing
Off-gassing refers to the chemical smell that’s emitted after people open bed-in-a-box mattresses. The Sleep Number mattress doesn’t have a long off-gassing period, because it doesn’t contain a lot of foam.
The GhostBed mattress takes about 48 hours to off-gas and expand. We recommend placing the GhostBed mattress in a well ventilated room for two days before sleeping on it.
Noise
Because they don’t contain innersprings, the Sleep Number and GhostBed mattresses don’t make noise.
Sex
Couples looking for one of the best mattresses for sex typically want beds that feel bouncy and responsive. If this is top-of-mind, both mattresses should fit the bill. The Sleep Number mattress has buoyant air chambers that prevent sleepers from “sinking inside” the bed. The GhostBed mattress’s responsive latex foam layers also make it easy to move around and switch positions.
GhostBed vs Sleep Number Mattress Size Options and Price
Take a look at our charts below to learn more about pricing and size options.
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 38″ x 75″ | $ |
| Full | 54” x 75” | $2574.00 |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ | $2699.00 |
| King | 76″ x 80″ | $3199.00 |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ | $3199.00 |
Looking for something different? Take a look at our list of the best Sleep Number alternatives.
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 38″ x 75″ | $1295.00 |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ | $1395.00 |
| Full | 54″ x 75″ | $1495.00 |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ | $1695.00 |
| King | 76″ x 80″ | $2015.00 |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ | $2025.00 |
| Split King | Two 38″ x 80″ pieces | $2790.00 |
Check out our list of the best memory foam mattresses for more great options.
Company Policies
You can’t forget to read the fine print! Here’s a brief rundown of what you can expect if you order from Sleep Number or GhostBed.
Warranty Info
Sleep Number mattresses are backed by limited 15-year warranties. This means that if you experience any issue with your bed during the first year, Sleep Number will repair, replace or issue a refund. After the first 365 days, however, you will be responsible for paying a portion of the repair fees. More detailed information can be found on Sleep Number’s website.
GhostBed mattresses are backed by 20-year warranties. The warranty covers mattress sag that isn’t caused by lack of proper foundational support and physical flaws in the latex and memory foam materials. If the mattress is deemed defective within the first 10 years, GhostBed will replace or repair the mattress. After the first 10 years, the customer may be responsible for part of the repair or replacement fee. Visit the GhostBed website for more detailed information.
Sleep Trial
Sleep Number mattresses do not come with a sleep trial period.
GhostBed mattresses come with a 101-night sleep trial period. This means that, if you aren’t happy with your mattress during this timeframe, you can return it. GhostBed does require customers to try out the mattress for at least 30 days, because it often takes a few weeks to break in a new mattress and get used to it.
Return Policy
If you want to return your Sleep Number mattress, you’ll need to reach out to the company’s customer service team. If they accept your return request, they will issue a full refund minus any return and pickup fees.
You can return a GhostBed mattress between day 30 and day 101 of owning it. Simply visit the GhostBed returns page and request a free return.
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FAQs
Which mattress is better, Sleep Number or GhostBed?
Because mattresses are so subjective, it’s difficult to say which one is better. The Sleep Number mattress is great for people who want adjustable comfort and need a bed that will last at least a decade. The GhostBed mattress is a good choice for back and stomach sleepers who tend to sleep hot at night.
How long will the Sleep Number and GhostBed mattresses last?
The Sleep Number mattress should last at least a decade, while the GhostBed mattress should last between seven and 10 years.
Can you flip the Sleep Number or GhostBed mattress?
No, these are not flippable mattresses. Both beds have support layers at the bottom and comfort layers on top. If you flipped the beds, they wouldn’t feel comfortable.
