Memory Foam vs Gel Foam Mattress: What’s The Difference

As you have been exploring mattress options online, you might have come to the point where you are trying to decide which mattress type is best for you. One of the most popular types of mattresses are foam mattresses. As you are considering foam mattresses, you will then decide between memory foam and gel foam. Each material has different advantages, so learning about how these mattress types differ can help you decide which will benefit your sleep the most.

Memory foam and gel memory foam mattresses are made with the same core ingredient, viscoelastic, and because of this share many of the same benefits. Both types are designed to provide superior pressure relief and spinal alignment. They do this is by conforming to your body’s natural shape, adjusting to provide full body support as you move throughout the night. They are also popular because they help limit motion transfer between sleeping partners, which is a common sleep disrupter. Some people tend to like high-density foam mattresses for their durability, because it tends to not sag as quickly as traditional mattresses.

You probably are wondering which is best? The answer is that it’s up to your personal preference.

What is Memory Foam?

Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic, was invented by NASA, and was designed to provide comfort for astronauts while traveling in space at high speeds with intense pressure. It has been popular on the market since the 90s for its ability to conform well to the body and for providing pressure relief better than traditional mattresses.

Advantages of Memory Foam

• Helps with pressure relief and weight distribution
• Can help people wake up without feeling stiff or sore
• Many options and price points

Disadvantages of Memory Foam

• Tends to retain heat
• Might be considered too soft or too stiff
• Off-gassing, while safe, can be an annoyance

What is Gel-Infused Memory Foam?

Gel foam mattresses are made of a viscoelastic material that is infused with gel. The methods of applying the gel differs based on the mattress construction, but the goal is to dissipate heat to help you sleep cooler. Some mattresses may have gel beads or have the gel swirled into the foam. Another method used is adding a layer of gel on top of a layer of memory foam, this is the most concentrated amount of gel and is usually found right under the cover. Each manufacturer selects the kind of gel, application style, amount and location within a mattress to affect the feel and cooling properties. This is usually proprietary and not always shared with the public. Higher end foam mattresses are sometimes constructed with phase-changing materials or “PCM” for enhanced heat distribution. PCM starts out solid at room temperature but then softens with your body heat to provide a cooling effect.

Advantages of Gel Foam

• Makes the mattress feel cooler compared to regular memory foam
• Tends to spring back faster

Disadvantages of Gel Foam

• Tends to be more expensive than standard memory foam mattresses
• May lose cooling effect over time

Which Mattress is Best For Me?

Memory foam and gel memory foam mattresses do have a lot of similarities and also some slight differences. The biggest difference between memory foam and gel mattress memory foam to consider is the active cooling properties. Those who sleep hot should consider getting a gel memory foam mattress. There are so many options for these mattresses on the market, but it’s important to know that not all foam mattresses is created equally. Foam density levels and the amounts used within a mattress can have a significant impact on the way each mattress feels. Our Escape collection, is comparable to many of the popular branded bed-in-a-box mattresses on the market at a more affordable price. Our Escape mattress-in-a-box models have three different comfort levels but all feature CertiPUR-US gel infused ventilated memory foam for better cooling and breathability. If you are interested in a higher quality option, we have the largest selection of Tempur-Pedic mattresses for you to select from. Tempur-Pedic first introduced this style of mattress and continues to innovate their product line which includes a variety of feels. Most recently they developed the most cooling mattress line available on the market, TEMPUR-breeze, which can help you sleep up to 8 degrees cooler all night long. Today, some foam mattresses and even traditional mattresses can include a layer of gel foam in their construction. As you shop, you can review the specs to see if your mattress may include it.

Make sure you review all the different mattress types and their advantages and disadvantages before investing. The right mattress is a key aspect to a good night’s sleep. Our sleep experts are here to help you through the process.