Do you need an adaptive all-foam mattress or contouring, cooling one? Here’s your chance to find a bed that suits your sleeping style, body size, and personal preferences. The two brands and their respective flagship models have been selected to make your mattress shopping hassles- and confusion-free.
Let’s get to know the two contenders in this GhostBed vs Leesa Mattress Review. First, we have GhostBed, an online mattress brand birthed in 2015. Even with just a few years behind it, its founder has 25 years of background in mattress design. GhostBed came about as the founder needed support for his neck and back.
Leesa entered the bed-in-a-box business in 2014. It is offering an all-foam mattress that can compete with the most popular ones. Aside from that, it is a socially aware company. It combines making a profit by making an impact. You can check out Leesa’s 2018 Impact Report for more information.
In this guide, we will be comparing the GhostBed Luxe Mattress and the Leesa Mattress based on the factors to consider when buying a mattress.
Table of Contents
GhostBed vs Leesa Mattress Comparison
GhostBed vs Leesa Mattress Review
Construction & Materials
As we said, we will be focusing on the flagship models of the two brands: the GhostBed Luxe Mattress and the Leesa Mattress.
GhostBed Luxe sports seven layers, starting with a top layer combining a topper, a memory foam, and a cover. First, you have a ½-inch cooling fabric-woven topper called the Ghost Hug. Then, it is followed by an inch of gel-infused memory foam and wrapped in a cool-to-the-touch Ghost Ice Fabric.
Layers of patented materials are next. You’ll feel the phase-changing effects of the Ghost Ice Layer. This means it keeps you cool when your skin temperature rises. Below is the Gel Memory Foam layer that dissipates heat and promotes airflow. Another proprietary foam called Ghost Bounce Layer sits underneath, which contours like memory foam and bounces like latex foam. Finally, a 7.5-inch high-density foam base completes the construction.
Meanwhile, Leesa features a blend of foam layers which include the premium foam Avena Foam. A newer foam, LSA200 Foam, is found in the latest releases.
- LSA200 Foam – The Leesa Mattress has gone through a redesign, so now the Avena Foam has been replaced by the LSA200 Foam. This one is conforming like memory foam and responsive like latex foam–just like the Avena Foam. But it delivers contouring and cooling so much better.
- 2-Inch Memory Foam – This layer conforms closely to your curves. Working as a transition layer, it also lets you feel gradual support as you hit the comfort and support layers.
- 6-Inch High-Density Foam – Supportive to most sleeper types and sizes, the base layer reinforces the benefits of the previous layers. It gives the mattress its structure as well.
- Signature Leesa Gray Cover – Four white stripes on a gray cover is the classic Leesa look. This zip-off type cover is easy to remove and wash, so you can keep your mattress fresh and clean.
Winner: GhostBed
Firmness & Feel
Are you looking for a soft or hard mattress? The firmness level is the measurement used to help you find the right feel for you. It is not an exact science, but the mattress industry uses a Standard Firmness Scale as a guideline. Medium firmness is between 5.5 to 7.
The GhostBed Luxe Mattress features a 5.5 to 6 firmness score or medium firmness. This gives you just the right feel, making it a good choice for those who are suffering from back pain and other types of pain. It also aids in recovery. Its surface is hard enough to support sleepers of all shapes and sizes, especially back sleepers.
The Leesa Mattress also falls within the same category. Rated 5.5, this all-foam has a “not too soft, not too firm” feel. While it is parked between medium and medium-firm, it is still considered medium at the surface. Then, gradually, it offers a firmer feel as you come in contact with the succeeding layers. Side sleepers of average weight can benefit the most here.
Winner: GhostBed
Cooling
GhostBed impresses from the beginning. Its 3-in-1 topper already possesses cooling properties. Then the layer featuring memory foam and latex-like foam qualities facilitate air circulation. A breathable base keeps things cool, even producing that ghostlike chill we can relate to.
On the other hand, the microcell structure in the Avena Foam is in charge of airflow and cooling. This design allows the top layer to absorb heat while conforming closely to your body. But the entire bed is ventilated well enough to enable fresh air to enter. This is what keeps the mattress from overheating.
With the LSA200 Foam, these properties are bumped up. It retains the breathability of the Avena Foam. Yet, it also takes the latter’s heat-dissipating ability to the next level. Your body feels cool and comfortable as you snooze. However, some users report that Leesa tends to sleep warm at some point.
Winner: GhostBed
Edge Support & Sinkage
Edge support is part of the industry jargon. But what does it mean? If you tend to sleep near the side of the mattress, you probably need a stable perimeter. This is where edge support enters. It’s the strength and little to no compression at the edge. It prevents you from having that roll-off feel. Plus, it allows you to take up the space meant for you to lie on.
That said, we are pleased to report that edge support in the GhostBed Luxe is good. Perimeter stability is present and what you’d expect from a bed that promises to cater to those who weigh at least 130 pounds. With thick and heavy foams, it can withstand sitting and sleeping at the edges. This also lengthens the lifespan of your bed.
Leesa has the opposite story in that you can skip it if you require some edge support. There’s some sinkage at the perimeter of this all-foam mattress. You may feel the roll-off we’re talking about if you particularly like sleeping near the edge. This is not ideal especially if you are sharing your bed with someone else.
Winner: GhostBed
Motion Transfer
This factor is important if you are sharing your bed with a co-sleeper. Lots of motion transfer can hamper your sleep cycle if you’re someone who sleeps lightly. Movements can easily wake you up–and in some cases, you might find it hard to drift off to sleep again. Finding a mattress with good to great motion isolation should be one of your top priorities.
This should not be a problem with GhostBed. Its foam layers can be effective in isolation motion, allowing you to sleep through the frequent shifting of your co-sleeper in bed. However, if you and/or your partner are on the heavier side, you might feel the impact of some movements. Better see if there is another option for your weight and situation.
Leesa Mattress excels in this area thanks to its proprietary foams: first, the Avena Foam, and then, the LSA200 Foam. Movements are insulated in the area where they originated, resulting in minimal motion transfer. The memory foam sitting below the Avena Foam or the LSA200 Foam should also be credited for enhancing this capability. It is possible to enjoy some uninterrupted sleep on this mattress.
Winner: Leesa
Pricing
Pricing can be a great deal for many customers. More important to note: people have various preferences and needs. So finding the best options for your budget is key. For all-foam types, you should prepare to shell out $500 to $1,500 for decent to premium models. These usually come from online mattress brands, so you’re already buying at a more affordable price.
Speaking of affordable, GhostBed mattresses are the ones to check out. You may find the GhostBed Luxe, though, at the higher end of the price range. A queen version retails at $1,575. Of course, you can snag one with a discounted or promo price on the site or on e-commerce retailers like Amazon. If you cannot pay cash up front, it’s pretty easy to apply for a financing program.
Meanwhile, it is easier to own a Leesa Mattress as its queen edition costs $995. This price falls in the middle of the average market price. This shows how much savings an online mattress brand can pass on to their customers. The hefty markups that come with models sold in showrooms and retail stores are eliminated. And with Leesa, you are not sacrificing quality at all.
For those who don’t have the budget to buy a bed in a box, the good news is that you can apply for financing. Even if you don’t have a credit card, this program will enable you to pay for your mattress on a monthly installment basis. Like GhostBed, Leesa has made this easier and convenient for you. It only takes a few minutes of filling out an application form online.
When choosing between two affordable models, keep in mind that quality comes first. Don’t just go for the cheaper one. Instead, after thoughtfully considering both, pick the one that provides you with more value. That way, you can say it is the right fit for you.
Winner: Leesa
Other Factors
What we refer to as “other factors” is the compilation of customer policies that make online mattress shopping a delight–or not. Manufacturers following this model usually offer free shipping to deliver an easy and desirable experience. It does away with the often-painful and awkward encounters at a retail store or showroom. Instead, it enhances that with risk-free trial periods, free returns, and warranties.
With your GhostBed purchase comes free shipping within 24 hours. This means that if you order today, the company will have your mattress ready for shipping out the next day. But the actual time in transit may depend on your address. This is because the control over your item is now in the hands of the courier company.
GhostBed mattresses are backed by a 25-year warranty. You also have 101 nights to test out the product. Should you want to return your GhostBed Luxe, you’re required to fulfill a 30-day break-in period before submitting a request.
Leesa offers free shipping, free returns, and a 100-night mattress trial. You may opt for a white glove delivery, which will cost you around a hundred bucks. A 30-day adjustment period is required prior to the initiation of a return request. For those who live in Hawaii or Alaska, you will have to pay $100 when returning your mattress. Free returns are available only to residents of the contiguous United States.
If you happen to like and keep your mattress, you have access to a 10-year full replacement limited warranty.
Winner: GhostBed
Pros & Cons
Nectar Mattress
- Contains 7 layers of cooling comfort.
- Has a medium firmness feel.
- Good for heavy sleepers.
- Reliable edge support.
- Lightweight sleepers may find it too firm.
- A little pricier than Leesa.
Leesa Mattress
- Premium foam contours and supports.
- Medium firmness caters to side sleepers.
- Reduces motion transfer well.
- The more affordable choice
- Tends to sleep warm.
- Edge support is weak.
Conclusion
Based on the criteria for judging, it’s GhostBed that wins the most points. Indeed, the cooling layers of the GhostBed Luxe are impressive. If you are suffering from pain, an illness, or an injury, it can speed up your recovery. The mattress also has a high profile that serves individuals on the average and heavier end (130 pounds or up).
Leesa, of course, is also good. It may have been outdone by its competitor, but that doesn’t mean it is not a competent mattress maker in itself. It can actually be a better choice for you, depending on your requirements and wants.
So, which one is it for you: GhostBed or Leesa?