At a Glance:
What Is Memory Foam & How Does Memory Foam Work?
Recommended Memory Foam Mattress Picks
What Is Gel Foam & How Does Gel Memory Foam Work?
Recommended Gel Memory Foam Mattress Picks
What’s better: gel foam vs memory foam? While memory foam mattresses have been around for decades, gel memory foam came on the scene in 2011. Memory foam retains heat and can lead sleepers to feel overheated during the night, so gel-infused memory foam answered the call for a cooler sleeping surface. Both mattress types are hugely popular, and there are benefits of sleeping on memory foam and gel memory foam mattresses, such as pressure relief and proper spinal alignment.
In this mattress buying guide, we offer a full comparison of a memory foam vs gel memory foam mattress, answering questions about construction, pros and cons, and how long you can expect your mattress to last. If you’ve been wondering how to buy a mattress, keep reading and look out for our top mattress recommendations from Colder’s.
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Shop NowWhat Is Memory Foam & How Does Memory Foam Work?
Memory foam offers a unique combination of softness and support. It conforms to your body's shape, distributing your weight evenly and reducing pressure points. This can provide a feeling of weightlessness and help alleviate discomfort, particularly for sleepers with joint or back pain. Memory foam mattresses and pillows are known for their ability to relieve pressure and promote spinal alignment during sleep.
If you’re wondering what to look for in a mattress, comparing mattress types is a great place to start. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses that are made up of coils, memory foam mattresses feature layers of memory foam. Typically, the top layer is made up of softer foam that contours to your body while the other layers are made up of a denser foam that provides support.
Memory foam is primarily made of polyurethane, which is mixed with additional chemicals to enhance its viscosity and density. These additional chemicals contribute to its viscoelastic properties, making it soft and able to contour to the body's shape.
But quality matters when it comes to memory foam.
- High-quality memory foam—such as ones that are labeled CertiPUR-US—has better durability, resilience, and temperature regulation. It's also typically denser and more responsive, meaning it returns to its original shape more quickly after pressure is removed.
- Low-quality memory foam may degrade faster and may not offer the same level of support and comfort over time.
Learn More: Which Mattress Comfort Levels Can Lessen Back Pain?
How Long Does Memory Foam Last?
On average, memory foam mattresses last between six to eight years, but, as mentioned, high-density foam and other quality materials help make your mattress last longer. Investing more upfront may be worth the savings in the long run.
In our mattress lifespan guide, we go more into detail over how long beds last, but in general, the durability comes down to the types of mattresses:
- Innerspring Mattress: Replace about every 10 years
- Memory Foam Mattress: Replace about 10-15 years
- Gel Foam Mattress: Replace about 10-15 years
- Latex Mattress: Replace about every 15 years
- Hybrid Mattress: Replace about every 10 years
❓ Did You Know? To increase the lifespan of your mattress, there’s no need to flip a memory foam mattress, but you should periodically rotate your bed from head to foot.
Is Memory Foam Good for Your Back?
Memory foam mattresses can be good for those with back pain because they support the spine and relieve pressure. The contouring support, pressure relief, and motion isolation can all be helpful for individuals with back pain.
Memory foam mattresses are ideal for side sleepers and can be good for back sleepers, but make sure to opt for a medium or firm memory foam mattress so that you’re getting proper support. Memory foam is known for being a soft mattress option, but that doesn’t mean you can’t choose a firm version and still enjoy the contouring foam.
Memory Foam Pros and Cons
Ultimately, memory foam mattresses are versatile and suit a wide range of sleepers, but there are some considerations to keep in mind, such as the following:
✅Great for pressure relief
✅Good for gentle spinal alignment
✅Motion isolation is ideal for couples, especially when sleeping with a restless partner
✅Hypoallergenic
✅Decent mattress lifespan
✖ Memory foam mattress can be hot
✖ Off-gassing
✖ No bounce
Recommended Memory Foam Mattress Picks
Memory foam mattresses are quickly becoming the most popular type of bed (although innerspring mattresses are still #1), and that’s a good thing for buyers. With a wide selection to choose from, memory foam mattresses come in a variety of prices, comfort levels, and sizes. Check out a few of our top picks.
Sierra Sleep by Ashley Chime Elite 12” Memory Foam Plush Tight Top Queen Mattress in a Box
Shop This Sierra Sleep Memory Foam Mattress
This soft mattress from Sierra Sleep by Ashley checks all the boxes for a side sleeper or lighter weight individual: plush comfort, contouring memory foam, firm support foam, and hypoallergenic materials. Not only that but dual ventilation technology and a micro cool technology cover help hot sleepers get a nice and cool night’s sleep.
★ Featured Sierra Sleep Chime Review:
“I bought this for my son's room and it's amazing. I had originally bought a super cheap mattress, but underestimated how much time I would spend sleeping on it. It's a very comfortable mattress for the price. Highly recommend!”
Sierra Sleep by Ashley Ultra Luxury Memory Foam Firm Tight Top Queen Mattress in a Box
Shop This Sierra Sleep Memory Foam Mattress
This luxurious memory foam mattress features a firm comfort level, making it ideal for heavier weight side sleepers and back sleepers. You get the best of both worlds—the comfort of contouring foam and support. Not only that but you can expect this mattress to promote proper spinal alignment and provide pressure relief, making it one of our picks for a mattress under $800.
Restonic 200 Series 8” Memory Foam Tight Top Queen Mattress
Shop This Restonic Memory Foam Mattress
This low-profile mattress provides 2” of memory foam with a supportive 6” foam core, making it ideal for side and back sleepers. Designed with a tight top, its smooth surface is a great landing spot that promotes equal spinal alignment to ease discomfort during sleep. If you’re looking for a mattress that provides a compromise for two different sleeper types, this mattress might be the perfect happy medium.
Learn More: Why Restonic?
What Is Gel Foam & How Does Gel Memory Foam Work?
Gel memory foam offers similar comfort benefits to traditional memory foam, including contouring to the body's shape and reducing pressure points. However, the addition of gel particles can enhance certain aspects of comfort, such as temperature regulation. Gel memory foam tends to sleep cooler than traditional memory foam, making it more comfortable for some individuals, especially those who tend to sleep hot.
The gel particles or beads embedded in gel memory foam serve multiple purposes. First, they help to distribute body heat away from the surface of the foam, which can help regulate temperature and prevent overheating during sleep. This answers one of the biggest cons of memory foam mattresses.
Additionally, the gel particles can contribute to the overall support and responsiveness of the foam. They can help maintain the structural integrity of the foam and prevent it from breaking down or losing its shape over time. As with traditional memory foam, gel memory foam works by conforming to the body's contours and providing support where needed.
Gel memory foam is primarily made of polyurethane foam, similar to traditional memory foam. However, it also contains gel particles or beads that are evenly distributed throughout the foam. These gel additives can vary in composition, but they are typically designed to help regulate temperature and provide additional support.
As with traditional memory foam, the quality of gel memory foam can vary depending on factors such as density, durability, and the type of gel used.
- High-quality gel memory foam typically offers better temperature regulation, support, and durability. The best way to ensure you sleep on quality gel memory foam is to look for proprietary formulas (manufacturers love to give them exclusive names).
- Low-quality gel memory foam may not provide the same level of performance or longevity, and the downgrade can also result in decreased temperature regulation.
How Long Does Gel Memory Foam Last?
Estimates range from six to 15 years with the popular home blog the Spruce recommending replacing a high-quality gel memory foam mattress every 10 to 15 years. In terms of maintenance tips, don’t flip your bed, but make sure to periodically rotate your bed from head to foot.
Is Gel Memory Foam Good for Your Back?
Gel memory foam mattresses feature a touch more bounce than memory foam beds, which provides extra support for your lower back and neck. Like memory foam mattresses, gel memory foam mattresses are recommended for back and side sleepers, as well as combination sleepers and individuals with chronic pain.
Gel Memory Foam Pros and Cons
It’s amazing what one variation in design can do for a product, and that’s exactly the case with gel memory foam. While it’s not for everyone, it does come with its perks, but there are tradeoffs that along with those benefits.
✅ Decent pressure relief
✅ Excellent spinal alignment
✅ Superior temperature regulation
✅ Good motion isolation
✅ Hypoallergenic
✖ Off-gassing
✖ Higher price point
✖ Heavy
Learn More: Everything You Want to Know About Scott Living Mattresses
Recommended Gel Memory Foam Mattress Picks
These gel memory foam mattresses take the luxury of memory foam and turn it up a notch for a completely unique sleeping experience.
Sierra Sleep by Ashley Millennium Luxury 14” Gel Memory Foam Cushion Tight Top Queen Mattress in a Box
Shop This Sierra Sleep Gel Memory Foam Mattress
If you’re looking for a mattress that is supportive, comfortable, and a just luxurious enough, this is the one. It provides pressure relief, keeps you cool, and provides the support you need to align your spine and minimize back and joint pain. It’s also specially infused with green tea fibers and phase change material, which work together for cool nights of rest.
Sierra Sleep by Ashley Millennium Luxury 15” Gel Memory Foam Cushion Firm Tight Top California King Mattress in a Box
Shop This Sierra Sleep by Firm Gel Memory Foam Mattress
For a spacious primary bedroom, this gel memory foam California king mattress can be your new focal point. Hot sleepers need not fear thanks to copper-infused memory foam, a green tea-infused support foam base, and a layer of cooling gel latex. Additionally, the firm comfort level makes this ideal for heavier side sleepers and back sleepers of all body types.
If you’ve been looking for a balance of support and comfort, memory foam and gel memory foam mattresses are both great options. Gel memory foam provides a cooler sleep experience and an added bounce while memory foam mattresses offer slightly more contouring. Ultimately, the best way to test out a mattress is to test it out in person. With a collection of various mattress types from top brands like Sierra Sleep and Restonic, Colder’s is the best place to shop for mattresses in the Milwaukee area. Stop by and test out a mattress in person today.
Why Trust Colder’s?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
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Shop Gel Memory Foam Mattresses at Colder’s
Don’t put off happiness — and shop mattresses online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the latest gel memory foam mattress models, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
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