What is a Gel Mattress, and Should You Get One?
Gel mattresses are an increasingly popular choice for those looking for better temperature control and comfort. But what exactly is a gel mattress, and how does it compare to other types of mattresses? In this article, we’ll look at the benefits and disadvantages of gel mattresses and help you decide if this type of mattress is right for you.
What is a Gel Mattress?
A gel mattress is a type of mattress that incorporates cooling gel into a memory foam structure. Unlike traditional memory foam mattresses that can trap heat, gel mattresses are designed to disperse body heat more effectively, offering a cooler and more comfortable sleep experience.
In pure gel mattresses, the gel is usually embedded within the top layers of memory foam, sometimes in bead form or as a liquid gel layer. These mattresses focus on cooling in addition to the benefits of memory foam, such as contouring to the body and providing pressure relief. However, gel mattresses don’t include the spring-based support found in hybrid mattresses, relying solely on foam and gel layers to provide comfort and stability.
How Do Cooling Gel Mattresses Work?
The main function of a cooling gel mattress is to help regulate your temperature as you sleep. Gel-infused memory foam contains tiny gel beads or a layer of gel material that absorbs and disperses your body heat, preventing the “trapped heat” sensation that is common with standard memory foam mattresses.
What Are the Benefits of a Gel Mattress?
One of the main advantages of gel mattresses is their ability to offer pressure relief while keeping you cool. Here are some key benefits:
What Are the Disadvantages of a Gel Mattress?
While gel mattresses offer several benefits, they are not without drawbacks. Below are some key factors to consider before choosing a pure gel mattress:
Limited Cooling Effect
While it’s true that gel mattresses do provide better temperature regulation compared to traditional memory foam, the cooling effect has its limits. The gel can only absorb and disperse a certain amount of heat, which may not be sufficient for very hot sleepers or those living in warmer climates.
Once the gel reaches its heat capacity, you may still experience heat retention, similar to a regular memory foam mattress. For those who want maximum cooling, hybrid mattresses with enhanced airflow offer a superior alternative by combining cooling gel with breathable pocket springs.
If you regularly suffer from overheating at night, why not take a look at our article: How to Regulate Your Body Temperature at Night? It’s full of tips to help you find that cooler, more refreshing night’s sleep.
Durability Concerns
Pure gel mattresses, especially those without added support from springs or high-density foam layers, may not be as durable as hybrid or traditional innerspring mattresses.
Over time, pure gel and foam mattresses can lose their shape and firmness, leading to sagging or dips in the surface. This can reduce overall comfort and support, which can be an issue for those with back or joint pain. Hybrid mattresses, which combine gel-infused foam with sturdy pocket springs, tend to be more durable and long-lasting because of their reinforced structure.
Support Limitations
While gel mattresses focus heavily on comfort and cooling, they may not offer the same level of support as a hybrid or traditional innerspring mattress. If you require robust weight support or someone who requires firmer support, a gel mattress might not provide the stability you need.
This can lead to poor spinal alignment, especially if you prefer to sleep on your stomach or back. Hybrid models that include both cooling gel foam and pocket springs provide enhanced support while still keeping you cool while you sleep.
Price Point
Pure gel mattresses often come with a high price tag due to the advanced cooling technology they use. However, this doesn’t always mean better value.
For a similar amount, you can choose a hybrid mattress that not only offers a cooling gel layer but also includes extra support and durability. This can make hybrid mattresses a more cost-effective option in the long run.
What Type of Mattresses Use Cooling Gel Technology?
Gel technology is often added to memory foam or hybrid mattresses. Memory foam tends to trap heat, which is why gel is infused into the foam to create a cooler sleep surface.
Hybrid mattresses take this a step further and combine gel-infused foam layers with pocket springs, offering a cooler sleep experience with the bonus of enhanced body support.
Gel Mattresses vs Memory Foam Mattresses
Gel memory foam and traditional memory foam mattresses share many similarities, such as their ability to contour to your body and relieve pressure. However, they differ in a few key areas:
Temperature Regulation
One of the biggest differences between gel and memory foam mattresses is how they handle body heat. Traditional memory foam mattresses tend to trap body heat due to their dense structure and restricted airflow. In contrast, gel memory foam is designed to dissipate heat, offering a cooler sleep experience.
However, as mentioned above, the cooling effect of gel foam or gel layers may have limitations, as the gel can only absorb a certain amount of heat before it becomes less effective. This makes gel a great choice for hot sleepers but not a complete solution for very hot environments.
Responsiveness and Bounce
Memory foam is known for a slow recovery after pressure is removed, meaning it takes a few seconds to bounce back into shape. This can sometimes create a “stuck” feeling, especially if you toss and turn a lot at night.
Gel memory foam, on the other hand, often has a slightly quicker response because of the gel infusion, which adds a little more bounce. This can make gel foam feel less restrictive for the restless sleeper.
Durability
Both mattress types are highly durable when made with high-density foam, though memory foam may slightly edge out gel foam in terms of longevity. However, both options provide good support for around 6 to 8 years, depending on the quality of the materials used.
Price
Gel mattresses tend to be more expensive than traditional memory foam mattresses because of the extra materials used in their construction. Although traditional memory foam is a more affordable option, the investment in gel-infused foam may be worth it if you struggle with overheating at night.
Best Gel Mattresses UK 2024
If you’re looking for mattresses that combine advanced cooling technology with supportive design, we offer two excellent hybrid options:
1. Cooleze™ Hybrid Deluxe Mattress
The Cooleze™ Hybrid Deluxe Mattress is specifically designed to offer superior temperature regulation while maintaining comfort and support. It features a gel-infused memory foam layer, which helps disperse body heat more effectively than traditional memory foam. Key features include:
2. Cooleze™ Hybrid Original Mattress
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly cooling hybrid mattress, the Cooleze™ Hybrid Original Mattress offers an excellent combination of cooling gel technology and targeted support. It’s designed to provide a cooler night’s sleep at a lower price point without sacrificing quality. Its standout features include:
Both of these cooling hybrid mattresses are designed to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night, making them a top choice for hot sleepers who need the extra support of a layer of springs. You can see more details and features on these mattresses and explore our whole hybrid mattress range to find the perfect one for you.