A gel foam mattress uses gel in the foam to help cool the body. Although there is no scientific proof that gel mattresses help people sleep cooler, it’s believed that the gel keeps the foam springier and draws heat away from the body. Because gel retains heat, it may take longer to warm up than foam, which helps keep you cool throughout the night. Jenn Greenleaf is a writer in Maine who also works part time as a bookkeeper for her husband’s construction business.

A gel mattress uses a special type of memory foam infused with a gel. There are hybrid and all-foam gel models. Gel foams are similar to traditional memory foam, but they have a springier feel because the gel is infused into the material. A gel mattress will also return to its original shape quickly after use. Gel mattresses will retain less heat than foam mattresses that are completely memory-based.

A gel foam mattress is best paired with a firm, supportive foundation. A firm foundation is ideal for a gel foam mattress, but an adjustable base is also an option. Check the warranty on the mattress to see what type of foundation it requires. If you don’t know what to look for, ask a Cloud9 sleep associate for recommendations. They can help you find the best gel foam mattress for your specific needs.

Memory foam was originally developed by NASA in 1966 to improve air cushion safety. Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that adapts to the shape of the person sleeping on it. It also interacts with the sleeper’s body temperature to help them remain comfortable at night. Some gel foam mattresses contain gel beads, while others include infused cooling gels. The main difference between the two types of foam mattresses is the breathable material and the gel foam itself.

A gel foam mattress features millions of tiny liquid gel beads or capsules. These beads are mixed into the foam, forming pockets that keep the sleeper cool. Unlike traditional memory foam, gel foam is also great for wicking moisture and increasing airflow. It can be used as a cooling option when it’s hot outside, or simply to keep the body temperature comfortable while sleeping. It’s not necessary to add the gel to the mattress, but it does help keep you comfortable.

Another benefit of a gel foam mattress is that it is ideal for sleepers with back pain or people who prefer a cool surface. This material molds to the body’s shape and relieves pressure points, while limiting body temperature. It’s also good for reducing pressure points, which is a common problem for memory foam. Lastly, a gel foam mattress is ideal for those who experience pressure ulcers. A study conducted in 2017 showed that adding a layer of memory foam to hospital mattresses helped decrease pressure injuries among patients with serious illness.

For those who are interested in more details about the benefits of gel foam, eLuxury Supply offers a 10-inch eco-gel mattress made without mercury, lead, or ozone depleters. The price of this mattress is less than $800 and includes millions of cooling gel beads. In addition to its eco-friendly attributes, it also comes with a quilted foam cover and is made in the USA.

Gel memory foam mattresses are generally more expensive than memory foam, so consider your budget and sleep needs before purchasing one. A gel mattress can last up to ten years if taken care of properly. Care for gel foam mattresses should include vacuuming or treating stains. It should be rotated every three to six months and protected with a mattress protector. You should also avoid leaving any food, liquid, or other substances on the mattress during this time.