Memory Foam Mattress vs. Gel Memory Foam
The type of mattress you lie on when you sleep determines how comfortable the sleep would be. And though there are many types of mattresses, memory foam is being used on a large scale. But what about gel memory foam? By the end of the article, you would know the difference between memory foam and gel memory foam, and which is better for you based on your needs and preference.
What is Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam mattress is one of the oldest mattresses in existence (since the 90s), and it is also more pricey than the others. It is made from treated polyurethane. Also called viscoelastic foam (because it has a great viscosity and elasticity), it is the kind of foam that molds your body. In other words, if you place your palm on the foam (with a little applied pressure), the shape of your palm will form when you remove your hand. This allows the foam to be very relieving, and comfortable. There are 3 types of memory foam and they are traditional mattress, open-cell memory foam, and gel memory mattress.
Pros:
- It helps to support the body’s alignment.
- It retains heat, making it very suitable for cold nights.
- It assists in pain relief.
- It is hypoallergenic because it does not allow for build-up of dust and molds on the mattress.
Cons:
- It can be heavy.
- It can get too hot during warmer nights.
- It is not waterproof (and it takes too long to dry out).
- Can have strong odors.
- Changing of sleep position can be uncomfortable.
- It is expensive.
What is Gel Memory Foam Mattress?
A gel memory foam mattress is a type of memory foam and it is also called gel-infused memory foam. It is a gel-infused foam because it is made with an addition of gel-filled capsules. They can either work as an ice pack by absorbing the heat from your body as you sleep (in a regular gel mattress) or they can work as a temperature regulator (in a phase-changing gel mattress) by cooling or heating the mattress based on body heat. However, a gel foam mattress is only a temporary solution because the gel can become liquid and will not be able to continue its work. Here are the pros and cons of a gel-infused memory foam mattress.
Pros:
- It is good for both cold and warm nights.
- Helps to relieve pain.
- Supports the body’s alignment by molding the body figure.
- Springs back quickly, allowing movement and sleep position changes to be less discomforting.
Cons:
- It is denser and heavier than traditional memory foam.
- The effect is only temporary.
- Some have a less cooling effect than others based on other factors like the material cover, breathability, and so on.
Memory Foam vs Gel Memory Foam Comparison Table
| Feature | Traditional Memory Foam | Gel Memory Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | It can be very heavy to carry. | It is heavier and denser than traditional memory foam. |
| Support | It provides good support by molding the body figure of the person lying on it. However, it is not comfortable for those that change sleeping positions during the night because it springs back slowly. | It provides good support too because it does the same thing, thereby supporting the body’s alignment. It also springs back quickly making it comfortable too for those that change sleeping positions. |
| Temperature | It retains heat and keeps the mattress warm during a cold night. But it can be too be hot during warm nights, thereby making sleep uncomfortable. | It works with the body temperature, thereby cooling down the body during the warm night and leaving it warm on cold nights. |
| Longevity | It retains heat and keeps the mattress warm during a cold night. But it can be too be hot during warm nights, thereby making sleep uncomfortable | It works with the body temperature, thereby cooling down the body during the warm night and leaving it warm on cold nights. |
| Price | It can be quite expensive. | It can be quite expensive. |
Conclusion
We can now answer the question: is a gel mattress better than memory foam? Yes, and maybe. Though it provides better support and temperature than regular memory foam, it is not as durable, and it weighs a lot more. Therefore, as the saying goes, you can pick your choice. We hope you find this article helpful. If so, don’t hesitate to share with others and check out more of our articles like this.
FAQ
Which type is better for me: Gel Memory Foam or Regular Memory Foam?
If you sweat a lot during your sleep, it would be best to opt for a cooler mattress. This makes gel memory foam better. But cross-check the warranties, return policies and sleep trials before purchasing.
What is the main difference between Memory Foam and Gel Memory Foam?
The cooling effect of a gel memory foam is the main difference between memory foam and a gel memory foam. Other differences include the weight and the spring.
How long does a Gel Memory Foam mattress last?
The durability of gel memory foam depends on how well you can take care of it. But it should last about five to eight years on average.
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