What does Cooling Gel Actually Do Inside Your Mattress?

How Gel Technology Keeps Sleepers Cool All Night

Nectar Editorial Team

Table of contents

What is a cooling gel and how does it work?Different types of cooling technologies in mattressesFrequently Asked Questions About Cooling Gel in Mattresses

Over the course of this blog we’ve thrown out a lot of terms like “memory foam” and “cooling gel” but maybe you’re wondering what those things are. Maybe you’re wondering what it all means.This guide will walk you through exactly what cooling gel does inside a mattress, how it works, and what you should actually look for when shopping for a cooler night's sleep.

First, let's talk about memory foam

The technology to make memory foam beds has existed for about ten years. Originally NASA made the tech for its astronauts, but it quickly made its way into the commercial sector. While everyone agreed that memory foam was the most comfortable material that they’d ever slept on, it often left sleepers feeling overly hot as the foam warmed with the body’s temperature overnight.This meant that as many as 10-15% of sleepers weren’t getting as good a night’s sleep as they could have if they’d been cooler during resting hours. Sleep scientists heard the review on the mattress, and immediately went to work on a solution. They came up with cooling gel, an extra layer on top of the others to provide cooling and to disperse some of the body’s heat that was generated over the course of the night.

What is a cooling gel and how does it work?

Cooling gel in mattresses typically refers to gel-infused memory foam. It's a hybrid material that combines traditional memory foam with microscopic gel beads or liquid gel particles. These gel components are integrated directly into the foam during manufacturing, creating a material that retains the contouring benefits of memory foam while addressing its heat retention problems.Here's what cooling gel does: The gel particles act as heat absorbers and conductors. When your body heat hits the gel-infused foam, the gel beads absorb that heat more quickly than traditional foam would. Then, instead of trapping that heat in one spot, the gel helps distribute it across a larger surface area of the mattress.

Different types of cooling technologies in mattresses

Cooling gel is just one piece of the temperature-regulation puzzle. Understanding the full range of cooling technologies helps you make better decisions when shopping for a mattress.Gel-infused memory foam: This is the most common cooling technology you'll encounter. Gel beads or particles are mixed directly into the memory foam during manufacturing. The gel absorbs heat and helps distribute it across the mattress surface, preventing hot spots from forming.Phase-change materials (PCMs): PCMs are special materials that absorb or release heat. They're designed to maintain a consistent temperature.Cooling covers and fabrics: Many mattresses pair gel-infused foams with specialized cooling covers made from materials like TENCEL, bamboo-derived fabrics, or phase-change fabrics. These covers wick moisture away from your body and promote airflow.Nectar’s Cooling Gel TechnologyOur cooling gel holds five patents and is the most premium gel foam available. Expensive to produce, usually manufactured for medical uses, our gel foam directly absorbs and distributes heat and recovers perfectly to its original untouched state. That’s more than just a review on a mattress or an opinion, that’s science. So what does that mean? It means that you get all the benefits of a great mattresses without the pesky heat problem.Need help choosing the right mattress? Our Mattress Quiz is a great place to start. Answer a few quick questions about how you sleep, what you’re looking for, and any specific concerns, and we’ll point you toward the best options.Prefer to talk with someone who really knows mattresses? Our sleep experts love helping people find their perfect match. Chat with us online, email us, or give us a call at +1 (888) 863-2827.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooling Gel in Mattresses

Does cooling gel in mattresses actually work?

Yes, cooling gel technology significantly improves heat dissipation compared to traditional memory foam. Gel particles absorb and distribute body heat more effectively than foam alone, though performance varies based on gel concentration, placement, and integration with other cooling features. The most effective cooling comes from combining gel infusion with breathable covers and good airflow design.

Will a cooling gel mattress feel cold to sleep on?

No, cooling gel mattresses don't feel cold. Cooling gel works by regulating body temperature and managing heat more effectively. You might notice the mattress feels slightly cooler to the touch than traditional memory foam, but it won't feel cold or uncomfortably cool.

Is gel memory foam cooler than regular memory foam?

Yes, gel-infused memory foam sleeps noticeably cooler than traditional memory foam. While exact temperature differences vary by product and testing conditions, independent testing consistently shows gel foam reduces heat retention compared to standard memory foam.

What's the difference between gel foam and gel swirl mattresses?

Gel-infused foam has gel particles distributed evenly throughout the foam during manufacturing, providing consistent cooling across the entire layer. Gel swirl mattresses feature visible swirls or pockets of gel material concentrated in specific areas.Both approaches can be effective, but gel-infused foam typically provides more consistent temperature regulation, while gel swirls may offer targeted cooling in specific zones.

Can I use any mattress protector with a cooling gel mattress?

Not all mattress protectors work well with cooling gel mattresses. Standard waterproof protectors can trap heat and negate the cooling benefits. Look for protectors specifically designed for cooling mattresses. Avoid thick, non-breathable protectors that act as insulating layers.

What does Cooling Gel Actually Do Inside Your Mattress?

First, let's talk about memory foam

What is a cooling gel and how does it work?

Different types of cooling technologies in mattresses

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooling Gel in Mattresses

Does cooling gel in mattresses actually work?

Will a cooling gel mattress feel cold to sleep on?

Is gel memory foam cooler than regular memory foam?

What's the difference between gel foam and gel swirl mattresses?

Can I use any mattress protector with a cooling gel mattress?

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