Buying Guides

Published January 31, 2023

7 min

Memory Foam vs Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Nectar Editorial Team

Table of contents

What is Memory Foam? What is Gel Memory Foam? Differences Between Memory Foam and Gel Foam Benefits of Memory Foam and Gel-Infused Foam How Should You Choose?Possible Alternatives Frequently Asked Questions

One might think gel and memory foam are almost the same. But not really. Both memory foam vs gel mattresses, while immensely popular, come with their pros and cons. And for a good night’s rest, the right mattress makes a difference. So, which one should you go for? Read everything you must know about memory foam vs gel memory foam in mattresses.

What is Memory Foam?

A memory foam mattress is created using a synthetic material known as polyurethane . The memory foam mattress can be divided into two categories, traditional and open-cell. Traditional memory foam mattresses are made of the by-product of polyurethane and can trap body heat due to their close cell structure. Whereas the open-cell memory foam mattresses are made of spongy structures to ensure they release trapped heat. So, how long do memory foam mattresses last? About eight to ten years. But can last longer with the proper care.

What is Gel Memory Foam?

A gel memory foam is a memory foam mattress with gel pods added to the top layer of the foam to keep you cool and prevent sweaty nights. These gel pods also give your lower back and neck additional support, making you wake up pain-free. Finally, the gel foams go back to their original shape instantly.

Differences Between Memory Foam and Gel Foam

While memory foam and gel foam mattresses may seem alike, they come with their set of differences. Let’s read more on memory foam mattresses vs gel.

Temperature

If you feel sweaty and hot at night, you need a mattress that can keep you cool. Here, gel memory foam mattresses can be ideal as the gel pods wick away excess heat. However, traditional memory foam mattresses may trap heat and make you feel warm at night. This is a major difference between memory foam vs gel memory foam.

Bounce

When you compare the two, gel foam vs memory foam, gel memory foam mattresses bounce back and take their original shape instantly, and a memory foam mattress may take some time. The gel layer of the mattress also adjusts itself to the shape of your body, contouring your body shape as you lay down.

Price

As you might have already guessed, gel foams are expensive compared to memory foam mattresses due to the more material present in them. Also, gel memory foams come with coolness that can benefit sweaty sleepers. Therefore, between gel mattresses vs memory foam, if you are looking for something cheaper, memory foam is your best bet. These were the main differences between gel vs memory foam mattresses.

Benefits of Memory Foam and Gel-Infused Foam

Since both gel and memory foam mattresses are made with the same material, which is polyurethane, they also offer similar benefits. They are listed below.

Head and Neck Support

One of the main advantages of mattresses made of polyethylene is that they conform to your shape and provide optimal head and neck support. In fact, to make it even better, you can make use of memory foam pillows.

Motion Isolation

Some mattresses don’t offer motion isolation. It means when your partner tosses and turns or your pet climbs the mattress, you end up feeling every movement. However, when you opt for a memory foam mattress, it offers complete motion isolation so that you can enjoy uninterrupted sleep.

Varied Firmness

Memory foam mattresses have various firmness levels, from soft to extra firm. So, with a foam mattress, you will easily find the firmness you need.

Pain Relief

As aforementioned, memory foam mattresses adjust, almost molding themselves to your body. So, it provides pressure point relief and ensures you wake up without aches and pains in the morning .

How Should You Choose?

A few things you can keep in mind while choosing the right mattress include;

Temperature:

If you feel hot when asleep, a gel memory foam is incredible for you as it keeps you cool. Otherwise, you can choose open-cell memory foam as the next best option.

Sleep Trial and Warranty:

Look for mattresses that give you a good warranty cover and sleep trial, so you can test the mattress thoroughly before you make a decision. Companies like Nectarsleep offer 365 nights trial and forever warranty options.

Check The Reviews:

Before making your final decision, see what consumers are saying about the mattress, which will give you an idea of which option is perfect for you.

Price:

As mentioned earlier, a gel mattress can be slightly expensive compared to a memory foam. However, you can always look for the right deals or wait for discounts during the holiday season for the prices to fall.

Possible Alternatives

If memory foam isn’t your thing, there are other alternatives you can look for.

Latex mattress

If you are looking for something eco-friendly that keeps you cooler, a latex mattresscan be ideal but slightly more expensive.

Innerspring mattress

With an innerspring mattress, you get a plush top, coils, and a foam base. Here, the comfy and plush come in various options, such as memory foam.

Hybrid mattress

A hybrid mattress is a mix of springs and memory foam or latex to give you the best comfort. Both memory foam and gel memory foam mattresses come with similarities and differences. Therefore, before making a purchase, you must see which mattress type syncs with your requirements.This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a gel pillow better than memory foam? Like gel mattresses, gel pillows also offer cooling and bounce back. So, if you are asking which one is better, it depends on your personal preference. Is gel memory foam healthy? While gel memory foam is usually healthy, it is important to check for certifications showing that it is non-toxic. Is gel memory foam good for side sleepers? While gel memory foam is usually healthy, it is important to check for certifications showing that it is non-toxic. Can you flip a gel memory foam mattress? As long as the brand says you can do so, you must not flip a gel memory foam mattress.