Memory foam mattresses became popular in the 1990s thanks to Tempur-Pedic, the first mattress manufacturer to use this material.
But while it’s true that traditional memory foam offers comfort and support, it also tends to retain heat. For this reason, it may not be an ideal choice for hot sleepers or people living in warm climates.
An alternative to traditional memory foam is gel memory foam, a type of memory foam with better heat dissipation than more traditional foams. Gel memory foam has the same perks as traditional memory foam, but also typically sleeps cooler compared to non-gel memory foam.
In This Guide
What is gel memory foam? | Types of Gel Memory Foam | Gel Memory Foam vs. Memory Foam | Gel Memory Foam Costs | Is it worth it?
What is Gel-Infused Memory Foam?
Traditional memory foam is a type of viscoelastic foam that is known for its ability to conform to your body, taking some of the pressure off your spine and joints.
The name “memory” foam refers to its ability for the foam to remember the form of your body, typically taking a few seconds to reform back to the original shape after you move, change positions, or get up from the mattress.
It is typically made up of polyurethane and a blend of petrochemicals, which can be a downside if you’re looking for more natural materials.
Due to its composition, traditional memory foam can inhibit airflow and trap body heat. To retain the feel, but overcome this disadvantage, many mattress manufacturers resort to various cooling technologies.
Copper-infused, graphite-infused, or gel-infused are three common types of memory foam that you may see on the market, with gel memory foam being the most popular.
Peterson Chemical Technology filed a patent for gel memory foam in 2013, which paved the way for modern memory foam. This material consists of traditional memory foam infused with gel particles or beads. Some mattresses have a gel layer on top or in between other layers of the mattress.
Gel memory foam gained popularity for its ability to draw heat away from the body, a feature that makes it suitable for those who tend to overheat at night.
Types of Gel Memory Foam
Most mattresses contain either phase-changing gel (which is similar to one used in reusable gel packs) or thermal gel.
- Phase-changing gel transitions from solid to liquid as the mattress temperature rises, absorbing the heat. After that, it gradually returns to its solid state. This process helps maintain a comfortable sleeping environment, keeping you cool at night.
- Thermal gel, on the other hand, absorbs and dissipates heat away from the body. It also feels cool to the touch, which can provide quick relief for people who tend to sleep hot.
Either material can be a good choice, depending on your preferences.
How Does It Compare to Traditional Memory Foam?
The feel of gel memory foam isn’t much different from standard memory foam, except that it typically has more bounce to it and feels cooler.
Both materials will mold to your body’s contours and offer pressure relief. They also help distribute your weight evenly, providing good support during sleep.
What’s more, both types of mattresses come in varying degrees of firmness. See our guide to gel memory foam vs. memory foam for an in-depth comparison.
As far as gel memory foam goes, its cooling properties may vary from brand to brand.
We have tested gel memory foam mattresses at various quality levels.
A low-quality gel foam mattress may have worse performance than a high-quality traditional memory foam mattress.
The title alone is not enough to guarantee superior performance over traditional memory foam.
That being said, in many cases, gel foam does feel cooler than standard memory foam, but the cooling effect isn’t always noticeable. It depends on the type of gel used and the overall quality of your mattress.
For example, our team has tested the Loom & Leaf mattress, which includes a gel foam layer.
In our cooling tests, the mattress reached a maximum temperature of 87.6°F after lying on it for 15 minutes, which is 1.97 degrees cooler than average.
The cooling effect wasn’t as noticeable with the Classic Brands Cool Gel mattress.
In our tests, the mattress reached 89.9°F after lying on it for 15 minutes, which is 0.2 degrees warmer than after.
How Much Does a Gel Memory Foam Mattress Cost?
Gel memory foam mattresses tend to cost more than standard memory foam mattresses, but there are exceptions.
Among all mattresses (210) tested to date, 12.5% are made from memory foam. Another 7.7% are memory foam hybrids. These categories include both standard and gel memory foam mattresses.
The median cost of a memory foam mattress is $1,136, with an average performance score of 9.35. We test and score mattresses based on eight different factors, including as motion transfer, edge support, and cooling properties, among others.
By comparison, memory foam hybrids cost $1,483 on average and have a performance score averageof 9.57.
Based on these findings, the average price of a gel memory foam mattress is $1,136 to $1,483. However, some premium mattresses may cost $2,500 or more.
If you’re on a budget, you can get a gel memory foam mattress for $700 or less. An example is the Classic Brands Cool Gel, which costs around $640. But bear in mind, performance is also lower, with an overall performance score of 9.24 and lower cooling performance (8.5 out of 10).
Is a Gel Memory Foam Mattress Worth It?
A gel memory foam mattress may or may not be worth the cost, depending on your individual needs.
If you tend to overheat during sleep, then you might find it worthwhile to splurge on a gel mattress. Just remember that its cooling properties depend on the brand and model.
Our recommendation is to choose one that includes a risk-free sleep trial. With this option, you can test out the mattress for 30 to 365 nights or longer. If you decide to return it by the end of the trial, you’ll receive a full refund (in most cases).
Alternatively, consider switching to an open-cell memory foam mattress, such as the Amerisleep AS3.
This material has the same benefits as regular memory foam, but its open-cell structure allows for better airflow. As a result, it can help prevent heat buildup and keep you from sweating.
Another option is to sleep on cotton, linen, or bamboo sheets, which are often more breathable than synthetic fabrics like polyester or microfiber. Use them along with a cooling mattress topper or pad to stay dry and comfortable throughout the night.
