Gel vs Memory foam mattress

 Is gel foam and memory foam the same? Do both provide the same cooling, computing support and pressure alleviation? Do both come in the same prices and durability? How do gel and memory are the same and how do they differ from each other? 

To answer these major questions, we have compiled this detailed gel vs memory foam mattress comparison guide for our readers.

When you first hear these 2 terms simultaneously, you feel that they are alike but that’s not true because there are major three distinctions between Gel vs Memory foam mattress. These distinctions are price, bounce and temperature.

During mattress shopping, you will find that the owners use two terms frequently if you intend to buy a foam mattress. These two terms are gel memory foam mattress and memory foam mattress. Mattress shoppers will try to know which factors make them different and which one is the best option for them.  To clear your confused mind, we are here to assist you. This explicit comparison will really make a difference and will enable you to make an ultimate decision for your comfort.

Head To Head Comparison Between Gel vs Memory foam Mattress In 2023:

We have divided the Gel vs Memory foam mattress into various actions for easy understanding. You will get to know about the basic properties, advantages, disadvantages, performance differences and many more. One mattress type is excellent in one perspective while it partially or entirely lags behind in other aspects. To have a deep insight, let’s explore the article.

Memory Foam Mattress:

Foam material was invented in 1960 by the NASA team for pilots.  Memory foam is made of polyurethane which is specialized in hugging the whole body by trapping heat. Unlike latex mattresses,  they are less bouncier and springy. There are two major types of memory foam: open cell memory from and traditional memory foam

• Traditional Memory from: It is the oldest foam and is in use since ancient times. It sleeps hotter as it doesn’t contain air passages for breathability and cooling.
• Open Cell memory foam: It is the recently modified version of foam. These types of memory foam mattresses feature spongy spaces, which allow large air spaces for ventilation. It sleeps cooler and drier than a traditional memory foam mattress.

Don’t miss to read: Memory foam mattress vs hybrid mattress.

Gel Foam Mattress: 

Most often gel foam mattresses are placed under the category of mattresses. Those mattresses which contain gel microbeads or gel pods infused in their construction are called gel from mattresses. Due to gel infusion, these mattresses keep cooler and more comfortable than regular memory foam mattresses.

Due to their cooling features, these mattresses are highly recommended for hot sleepers. They return back to their original position faster due to their bouncy nature.

Similarities Between Gel vs Memory foam mattress:

These two mattress categories share many characteristics. The similarity between many characteristics is due to the use of common material I_e polyurethane. The following are the major similarities between Gel vs Memory foam mattress

Neck And Head Support: Both gel and memory foam mattresses provide excellent head and neck support due to the moldable nature of memory foam. For more support, consider a memory foam pillow. A comfortable mattress and cozy sleep will provide support and comfort from head to toe.

Varied firmness: Both gel and memory foam mattress comes in an array of firmness options. These options include plush, medium firm, firm, medium, etc. You are presented with an option whether you are side, back or stomach sleeper. Whether you choose a plush, medium firm, or firm mattress, is all dependent upon your sleeping position and body weight.

Pain Relief: People sleeping on their backs always feel a stiffer spine in the morning. It is a challenge to sleep on my back without developing pain. Unlike innerspring mattresses, gel memory foam and memory foam mattresses provide sturdy support for back pain relief.

Safe Bed Movement:  Nonfoam mattresses provide insecure bed movement. Why? The answer is that their response time is quicker which results in unsafe bed movement and significant transfer of motion. On the other hand gel memory foam mattresses and memory foam mattresses are the champions.

When your partner turns and tosses, it effectively absorbs motion resulting in no disruption during sleep. Due to excellent motion isolation properties, gel memory from and memory from the mattress is the ideal option for couples.

You may also like to read: Memory foam vs Spring mattress

Performance Differences Between Gel vs Memory foam mattress:

Despite sharing many similarities, they also differ from one another in major aspects. These differences will place one mattress in front of you over the other.

Bounce Differences Between Gel vs Memory foam mattress:

Regular memory foam mattresses are less bouncy than gel memory foam mattresses. Gel memory foam regains its shape instantly after the sleeper leaves the bed. It is due to the fact that gel poss has microbeads and a bouncy feature on the top of the mattress.

If you opt for a gel foam mattress, kindly rotate the mattress every 6 to 12 months to keep the foam cells bouncing back. On the other hand, traditional memory foam and open cell memory foam require more time for regaining their original shape and texture. So if you are more into a bouncy feel, go for a gel memory foam mattress.

Cost Differences Between Gel vs Memory foam mattress:

Gel memory foam mattresses cost a bit higher due to the use of gel pods. Consider Casper products. Casper Wave hybrid mattress contains gel infusion which elevates its cost($2895). On the other hand, Casper’s original hybrid mattress is a pure memory foam mattress that cuts down its cost($1295). The same is the case with other brands’ models as well.

The higher prices of gel memory foam mattress is due to some added features: coolness and bounce. People who are on a high budget should go for a regular memory foam mattress as it will add utmost comfort and support to their bed without breaking the bank.

Top Memory Foam Mattress in 2023:

Memory foam mattresses are available at a wide range of prices, sizes, and quality. Some are luxurious while others are affordable. It is important to note here that pure memory is losing its popularity day by day due to hot sleeping. A cooling layer is always infused for tackling unwanted hot properties. Some of the highly durable memory foam mattresses on the market are as follows:

1. Casper Original Mattress:

Product Description 

Casper is one of the leading mattress brands on the market. Casper Original is their flagship model which has gained immense popularity at the very start of its release. Like Casper Element, Capser original mattress is also an affordable option on the market.

It is made with a perfect blend of softness and support. For utmost support and softness, it features Air Scape ™ in the top layer. Additionally, this AirScape™ layer is perforated for enhancing the breathability and coolness of the mattress. The tiny holes in the mattresses keep you cool and dry at night. For pressure alleviation, a dense layer of high-quality memory foam is employed.

It is advised by the carpet industries, that leave Casper’s original mattress for at least 72 hours so that it may regain its original expansion. This mattress is best for all sleepers. 

Product Specifications

Casper’s original mattress is available in 7 different sizes which are twin, twin XL, King, Queen, Cal king. Each size is available in the grey size and firm firmness. Casper’s original mattress comes with a 100 days free night trial and 10 year long warranty.

2. Casper Sleep Element Mattress:

Product Description 

With 100 days of free night trail and 10 year long warranty, Casper original is the well known memory foam mattress of the market. Like Casper Original it also features Airscape ™. To enhance the breathability and cooling of the mattress, the Ariscape ™ is studded with infinite holes.

These channels provide wide passages for airflow resulting in color and dryer nights. For the best possible pressure alleviation, the manufacturer has made its base layer with high-density foam. In addition to pressure alleviation, the memory foam base is also responsible for the durability of the mattress. It is highly recommended for those sleepers who are suffering from joint, sciatica and menopause pain.

Casper Brand all products are eco-friendly and are CertiPUR US Certified. Casper’s other models include Casper wave, hybrid, Casper Original Hybrid, Casper Snow Hybrid, and Casper Novaform. Casper provided free shipping and money-back warranty.

Product Specifications

Casper Element is available in 6 sizes which are Cal king, King, Queen, full, twin, and Twin XL. It is made in the USA. It has two firmness options and a grey color.

Top Gel Infused Memory foam mattresses in 2023:

Gel-infused memory foam forms a major portion of the bedding market. The right blend of comfort and coolness which these mattresses provide, makes them highly demanding on the market. Some of the top gel memory foam mattresses on the market are as follows:

1. AmazonBasics Mattress:

Product Description

Amazon Basic mattresses are also the most affordable and durable options on the market. This best mattress features a top gel layer, 3 layers of Hypoallergenic material, a durable foam base, and a supportive middle layer. The gel layer is exclusively responsible for breathability and cooling.

The gel layer carried out rapid ventilation resulting in heat and moisture wicking. The three hypoallergenic memory foam layer is not only responsible for pressure alleviation but also keeps the sleeper safe from dust mites, dust particles and other infectious particles. The hypoallergenic differentiates it from the rest of the gel memory foam mattresses.

The transitional layer provides support and comfort while the high-density foam base uplifts the whole body of the sleeper leaving zero chances for sharp pressure points. AmazonBasics all products are CertiPUR US Certified and are manufactured in the USA. They are eco-friendly and free from harmful entities. We highly recommend this adorable and comfortable mattress for hot and side sleepers.

Product Specifications

AmazonBasics mattress is available in Twin, Twin, XL, King, Cal King, full, and Queen. AmazonBasics offers 3 profiles for each size: 12 inches memory foam, 12 inches Alt Latex, and 10 inches memory foam profile. You can buy it in white or grey colour.

2. Avenco Gel Infusion Mattress:

Product Description

Avenco gel memory foam mattress is also one of the most comfortable and cool options on the market. The ergonomic design of this mattress features gel infused memory foam which is responsible for ventilation and comfort.

Additionally, it contains 2 comfort layers, which are targeted for pressure alleviation. The 2 layers of comfort evenly distribute the sleeper’s body and don’t let him or her to wink into the center of the mattress, Due to higher motion restriction and edge support, it is considered one of the best mattress for elederly and couples.

Product Specifications

It is available in twin, twin xl, King, Queen, Cal king, and full size. Avenco offers 100 days free night trial and 10 year long warranty.

Buyers Guide

There are many mattress types present on the market. The two most common gel memory foam mattresses and memory foam mattresses. Nowadays, all leading brands, produce both gel and memory foam mattresses like Casper, Saatva, Layla, linenspa, etc. With such diversity, it becomes difficult and daunting to choose the best one for yourself.

For every mattress type shopping, some factors are crucial to consider. These factors are size, price, durability, ease of movement, edge support, motion isolation, firmness, and trial. period durability, shipping, warranty, noise etc. These factors make sure that the shopper makes a healthy and long-lasting investment. Of you are stuck between Gel vs Memory foam mattress, consider the following points

• If you are looking for a mattress that sleeps hot, has negligible bounce, elevated contour, excellent motion isolation, and an affordable option, then you are most probably searching for a memory foam mattress
• If you are a lover of a bit of bounce, want to sleep cool, and want to have a luxurious mattress, then a gel memory foam mattress is the best option for you.

Your sleeping position and body weight plays a vital and primary role in defining the comfort and support that you will get from a particular mattress type.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gel memory foam mattress?

Gel memory foam is often considered the derivative of regular memory foam which contains gel pods or gel microbeads in its construction. This added material enriched the gel memory foam mattress with more qualities that are absent in the regular memory foam mattress.

Gel memory foam mattresses provide more bounce effect, sleep cooler and cost higher than regular memory foam mattresses. It is the perfect option for those who love to sleep hot without vanishing from memory foam use.

What is a memory foam mattress?

The memory foam mattress is made of polyurethane which was discovered by NASA in 1960. These are thought to be the most ancient materials which are used in mattress construction. Memory foam features have a wide range of advantages that make it stand out in the market. Some of the most notable features are :

• Provide excellent pressure alleviation as compared to latex, air bed and innerspring mattresses
• They are cheaper than latex mattresses
• They have the ability to trap heat and sleep cool
• Significant motion isolation, which none mattress type can defeat.

Final Verdict

Both gel and memory foam mattress and memory foam mattresses are made from polyurethane material. Polyurethane is best known for its high contouring and slow response time. Both mattress types share many characteristics due to the use of the same material.

Despite similarities, they also vary in some properties like price, bounce, and coolness. These differences compel you to choose one from another. Many people ignore their sleeping style and body weight during mattress shopping which leads them to. a poor and uncomfortable mattress shopping. It is highly recommended to keep these two factors in mind during mattress shopping.

In our Gel vs Memory foam mattress comparison guide, we have even uncovered the minute difference between Gel vs Memory foam mattress. 

Hopefully! This unbiased Gel vs Memory foam mattress comparison guide will lead you to a long-lasting and comfortable investment.