The choice of mattress is very important when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. A mattress that relieves pressure by molding itself according to your body shape, provides better temperature control, and ensures you get minimum motion transfer can significantly improve sleep quality.

When it comes to buying mattresses, most people often get confused between gel foam vs memory foam. Though both of these mattresses belong to the same foam mattress category and have a few similarities, they are still quite different in terms of their feel and comfort level.

If you are thinking of buying between these two mattresses but cannot seem to decide then this blog is just what you need.

This article delves into gel foam and memory foam mattresses in detail highlighting their main features. This information will help you determine which one of these will work perfectly for your specific case so keep on reading till the end.

• What is a Memory Foam Mattress?

• What is a Gel Foam Mattress?

• Gel Foam vs Memory Foam: Similarities

• Gel Foam vs Memory Foam: Key Differences

• Which Mattress Offers Better Sleep Quality?

What is a Memory Foam Mattress?

This special type of foam mattress molds itself to the angles and shape of the body of the sleeper. These mattresses react to your body’s weight and heat and offer gentle contouring which enhances support and relieves pressure from your joints, spine, lower back, and other sensitive points.

It uses a special material called viscoelastic polyurethane and closed cells that capture heat which ensures a more relaxing sleep every single time. The polyurethane material changes its viscosity with temperature which leads to a slower energy transfer.    

A memory foam mattress creates a hugging feel which ensures your every muscle from shoulders to hips and below gets optimal support. Memory foam mattresses are quieter than regular mattresses and they prevent motion transfer even when your partner moves incessantly.

Another major benefit of these mattresses is their ability to prevent the accumulation of dirt, dead skin cells, pet dander, and other allergens which makes them more hygienic and safer.

What is a Gel Foam Mattress?

This special type of foam mattress contains cooling gel in its top layer of memory foam which provides added support to your neck and back. The combination of memory foam with a special gel gives you balanced support and greater comfort.

The gel can either be layered on top of the foam or swirled into it. Some models also contain countless beads of gel infused right into the foam.

The addition of gel adds more bounce to these mattresses. The gel also absorbs heat from your body and disperses it throughout the foam which reduces heat retention and leads to a much cooler sleep.

Similar to memory foam, the gel foam mattress also molds itself in the shape of your body which leads to enhanced pressure relief. The gel, however, makes these mattresses more responsive which allows them to return to their normal shape faster once the weight has been lifted.

These mattresses are a perfect fit for hot sleepers who want to enjoy the comfort of memory foam without having to experience the effects of trapped heat.  

Gel Foam vs Memory Foam: Similarities

Both the gel foam and the memory foam are made from polyurethane material which gives them some similar features. This next section covers the properties that both these mattresses share so keep on reading till the end.

1. Head and Neck Support

Both of these mattresses are made from moldable foam. These mattresses fully support your head and neck which makes them perfect for all types of beds. The great lumbar support provided by these mattresses ensures you don’t feel any pain or tiredness around your head and neck.

2. Stability

Both gel and memory foam mattresses can absorb your weight and the movement impacts without shifting or becoming rigid. These foams are very dense which ensures unparalleled stability and steadiness. This eliminates disturbances which gives you a sound sleep for hours on end.

3. Pressure Relief

The foam mattresses evenly distribute your weight. This removes pressure from your spine, neck, lower back, and joints. By minimizing unnecessary strain, these mattresses ensure you enjoy a much healthier sleep.

4. Body Contouring

Foam mattresses give you a hugging or cradling sensation. The heat from your body allows these mattresses to adjust to your curves and angles. This contouring feature is what makes gel and memory foam an ideal choice for the best mattresses and beds.

5. No Motion Transfer

Both of these mattresses give you motion isolation. This essentially means that when one person tosses or turns, the mattress absorbs the movements in its place without transferring them to other parts of the foam. 

Gel Foam vs Memory Foam: Key Differences

Here is what sets both these foam types apart from each other.

• Temperature Control

Gel mattresses are known for offering far superior temperature control than memory foam. These mattresses offer better airflow. They also prevent heat from trapping inside which creates a cooler sleeping experience.

Memory foams tend to trap heat which makes them a less ideal option for hot sleepers. These foams however work perfectly for people who need better contouring without any low-temperature requirements.

• Responsiveness and Bounce

Memory foams can hold their shape a little longer once the weight has been lifted. This gives them more stability and reduced bounce.

Gel foams, on the other hand, bounce back faster due to their increased responsiveness. They can quickly return to the original shape which ensures your body gets steady support.

• The Feel Factor

Memory foam mattresses give you a sinking and cuddling feeling. This cradling effect is what makes them useful for people who are looking for pressure or pain relief.

Gel foams tend to be a bit bouncy. You feel somewhat lifted while lying or moving around these foams.

• Price

The prices of gel foams tend to be a bit higher than memory foams. This is mainly because these mattresses contain additional cooling gels on top of memory foam which increases production costs.

Which Mattress Offers Better Sleep Quality?

There are many benefits of high-quality mattresses for your sleep no matter their type. The main deciding factors are the level of comfort you need, temperature control, and your budget.

Memory foams provide better sleep to side sleepers who are looking for something affordable yet highly comfortable. These are also perfect for couples and for people who like a feeling of sinking in while lying on the mattress. These mattresses also work well in colder areas where heat retention is your top priority.

Gel mattresses give you a cooler and springier feel. The cooling properties of these foams make them a better sleeping option for hot sleepers. The responsive design of these foams ensures you get better support even if you are a restless sleeper. 

Conclusion

Both memory and gel foam have something unique to offer when it comes to improving your sleep quality. Memory foams give you excellent contouring, affordability, and back support.

Gel foams give you additional benefits like better temperature control and a bouncy sensation. However, the prices of these foams tend to be a bit higher. Before purchasing, consider your sleeping habits and needs. 

By taking into account your budget, temperature needs, and preferred mattress feel you can easily determine which of the above two options will lead to better sleep.

You can also visit us at Nayam Sleep to explore our wide range of gel and memory foams that cater to all budgets and sleeping requirements to get the best value for your money.