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Gel Mattresses
The 'Cool' New Material in Your Mattress

Mattresses Made With Gel - At a Glance

Gel is not a completely new material in the mattress world, but in recent years it has become much more prevalent.  Although gel is most often touted for its cooling qualities, it should be known that it can offer several other attractive features as well – such as enhanced pressure relief, unique support characteristics, and extended durability.

What is gel?

From a scientific standpoint, gel is a material that falls somewhere between a solid and a liquid.  Known as a 'viscous semi-rigid solid,' gel closely resembles a liquid but exhibits no 'flow' when in a steady state.  In layman's terms, this means it has the ability to be stretched, squished and pulled, but will always return to its original shape.  In many ways, gel is similar to rubber, however it tends to be heavier and have more of a delayed resiliency than rubber.  Because of these qualities, gel is a great material for shock absorption and pressure relief.

What are the different types of gel mattresses?

There are three gel construction types most commonly seen in mattresses today:

  • Gel-infused foam.  The most prevalent usage of gel in today’s mattresses is gel-infused foam.  Requiring a lower amount of gel than other gel mattress construction types, this approach involves mixing small flecks of gel into a layer of foam.  Technically, this can be done with any kind of foam, however it is most often seen with open-cell foams such visco-elastic foam (resulting in gel memory foam) or Talalay latex (resulting in gel latex).  The use of open cell foams creates additional ventilation around the gel, which works in concert with the cooling effect of the gel.
  • Collapsible column (or “honeycomb”) construction.  Several of the earliest gel mattress innovators utilize a layer of collapsible gel columns in their beds.  In this approach, thin vertical 'walls' of gel are inter-connected in a square or hexagonal pattern across the bed, so that when viewed from above, this layer resembles a grid or honeycomb.  This structure is most well-known for its unique support characteristics.  In order to maintain proper spinal alignment, a mattress needs to allow our curvy parts to sink deeper into the bed (but not too deep!), while still providing adequate support for the rest of our body.  Collapsible gel columns have a unique property known as non-linear resistance – meaning that once a certain amount pressure is applied, the columns stop providing resistance and completely collapse.  This allows our heavy or protruding parts, such as the hips and shoulders, to sink down to the bottom of this layer, while our lighter or more concave parts are still supported on top.  For maximum spinal alignment, a layer of collapsible column gel is typically about 2 inches tall, which is the average amount of 'curve' that our bodies have between our hips and our waist.
  • Solid gel layer.  Perhaps the most recent innovation in gel mattresses is the use of a solid layer of gel at or near the top of the mattress.  Given the weight and density of gel, this layer is usually less than 1" thick.  That said, depending on the softness of the gel, a solid gel layer can give the mattress a very unique yet familiar feel – similar to a gel bicycle seat or gel insoles.  For those that tend to sleep hot, a solid layer of gel offers the maximum gel surface area, so the cooling effects of the gel should feel very pronounced.  And, this style of gel mattress tends to use the most gel (by weight), so the coolness of the gel can last longer into the night.

Why does gel sleep cooler?

As noted above, gel is most commonly promoted by mattress companies as a solution for "sleeping hot."  So, is gel really "cooler" than other materials?  Well, technically no – but it does feel cooler.  The reason is that gel is a conductor, like water or metal.  Because our bodies are generally much warmer than the ambient temperature of our bedroom, the gel's conductive properties act to 'pull' this excess heat away from our bodies, making us feel cooler.

To better understand what this means and how it works, think first about sitting in a bedroom that is room temperature (~72° F).  Now think about sitting in a swimming pool that is 72° F.  Which one feels cooler?  Of course, the pool feels much cooler!!  This is because our body temperature is much warmer than 72° F (the surface of our bodies is normally ~90° F), and the water (an excellent conductor) allows this excess heat to travel away from our bodies very efficiently, making us feel cooler.

How much cooling do you really get from a gel mattress?

The amount of cooling provided by the gel depends mostly on three key factors:

  • How close the gel is to your body.  The cooling power of the gel is based on its conductive properties, so layers of other materials between you and the gel tend to act like insulators, reducing the transfer of heat from your body to the gel.  This means that minimizing such layers – e.g., additional padding above the gel, mattress protector, thick sheets, and even pajamas! – will maximize the cooling effect of the gel.
  • How much gel there is.  The more gel there is, the longer it will take your body to warm the gel from room temperature to body temperature, after which the gel will cease to feel cool.  Beds with less gel are generally designed to remain cool for 15-30 minutes – long enough for you to fall asleep, but perhaps not long enough to remain cool throughout the entire night.  Beds with thick layers of gel (e.g., 50-100 pounds of gel in a queen-size mattress) are designed to remain cool for several hours or more.
  • How the gel is constructed.  Because gel itself does not allow air to flow through it, layers of gel in a mattress are often structured in such a way as to enable or create air flow.  With gel-infused foam, an open-cell foam is typically used to create added ventilation.  With collapsible columns, the hollow columns allow plenty of air circulation.  And with solid gel, channels are typically carved in the gel (giving the gel a waffle iron appearance) to enable air flow along the gel’s surface.  See more on the gel construction types above.

How durable is a gel mattress?

In general, gel is considered to be amongst the most durable materials used in mattresses today.  As a semi-rigid solid, it should not lose its shape or its flexibility over time.  That being said, the gel used in mattresses can be made from either polyurethane or plastic.  Because plastics are known to become brittle with age, polyurethane-based gels are more desirable from a durability perspective.

It should also be noted that in the case of gel-infused foams, the gel represents a relatively small portion of that material.  As such, the durability of that type of material will have much more to do with the quality of the foam that is used than with the gel that is mixed into the foam.

Gel Mattress Brands

Thanks in large part to the breakout popularity of the iComfort mattress line from Serta, there are now many manufacturers that have either created a special line of gel mattresses or added gel as a feature to their existing lines.  In addition, there are several smaller manufacturers that specialize entirely in gel mattresses, some of which have been working with gel as a mattress material for decades.  Generally speaking, the specialized gel bed manufacturers are more likely to offer the collapsible-column or solid-layer construction types, while companies for whom gel mattresses are part of a broader product line-up tend to utilize gel-infused foam.

To find the right gel mattress brand for you, please browse our extensive list of gel mattress manufacturers and product lines below.

Rating Summary

30 people recommend mattresses made with gel. Read the reviews.

Top Brands for mattresses made with gel

We are currently showing localized info for Seattle, WA

Retailers Nearby Seattle, WA

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Available Brands Mattresses made with gel

Spotlight Brands:

  • Comfortaire
    The Comfortaire® Story Comfortaire® is the result of the spirit of innovation. Comfortaire® was founded in 1981 to bring adjustable air supported sleep technology to ...

  • Serta iComfort
    Introducing the new iComfort Sleep System by Serta, featuring our Cool Action™ Gel Memory Foam - the world’s first memory foam infused with the support ...

  • Serta iSeries
    Interested in the benefits of gel memory foam but looking for the support of a traditional innerspring? Serta’s new iSeries technology combines our revolutionary Cool ...

  • Aireloom Adapt / React
    The Adapt / React product line is a collection of mattresses that is manufactured by Aireloom.

  • Carolina Mattress Guild Cool Coil
    Fall into refreshing, supportive sleep with Cool Coil! Cool Breeze Gel Memory Foam meets Individually Wrapped Comfort Coils in a hybrid mattress line that provides ...

  • Carolina Mattress Guild Fresh Touch
    The Fresh Touch product line is a collection of mattresses released in 2012 that is manufactured by Carolina Mattress Guild.

  • Restonic ComfortCare
    Restonic does more in the center third than other mattresses, increasing body support, mattress durability and resiliency. Our ComfortCare mattresses concentrate more coils in the ...

  • Restonic ComfortCare Signature
    The ComfortCare Signature product line is a collection of mattresses that is manufactured by Restonic.

  • Restonic TempaGel
    Restonic’s TempaGel collection creates an optimum sleeping temperature by combining the science of gel-infused memory foam and Outlast® Technology for a cool and refreshing night’s ...

  • Serta Bellagio iSeries
    Contentment and opulence are the hallmarks of your Bellagio luxury hotel experience. You can now have the exclusive opportunity to recreate this elegant experience with ...

  • Serta Trump Home iSeries
    Trump is a name synonymous with the upscale lifestyle, superior quality and success of Donald Trump and his world-renowned empire. Now, you can enjoy Trump ...

  • Serta iComfort Directions
    The iComfort Directions product line is a collection of mattresses that is manufactured by Serta.

  • Technogel
    The history of Technogel® started in 1990 with the Royal Medica establishment. At that time, Bayer Material Science was producing small batches of a special ...

Brands Making Mattresses Made With Gel:

Brand Support Type Tags Price Reviews
Brooklyn Bedding Varied Custom Made, Adjustable Comfort, Dual Comfort, Factory Direct, Gel, Gel Memory Foam, Hand Crafted, Hybrid, Latex, Made in the USA, Memory Foam, Organic Materials 3 $$$ 5.0
(3 reviews)
Comfortaire
The Comfortaire® Story Comfortaire® is the result of the spirit of innovation. Comfortaire® was founded in 1981 to bring adjustable air supported sleep technology to ... 		Air Bed, Adjustable Comfort, Dual Comfort, Gel, Memory Foam, Natural Materials, Organic Materials 0 5.0
(3 reviews)
Symbol Kingsbury Foam Gel, Latex, Made in the USA, Memory Foam 0 5.0
(3 reviews)
Kingsdown Blu-Tek Foam Gel, Gel Memory Foam, Memory Foam 4 $$$$ 5.0
(2 reviews)
Serta iComfort
Introducing the new iComfort Sleep System by Serta, featuring our Cool Action™ Gel Memory Foam - the world’s first memory foam infused with the support ... 		Foam Gel, Gel Memory Foam, Memory Foam 3 $$$ 2.80952380952
(42 reviews)
Serta iSeries
Interested in the benefits of gel memory foam but looking for the support of a traditional innerspring? Serta’s new iSeries technology combines our revolutionary Cool ... 		Innerspring Gel, Hybrid, Innerspring, Memory Foam, Pocket Coil, Ultimate Hybrid 4 $$$$ 2.0
(2 reviews)
Sealy Optimum Foam Gel, Memory Foam 4 $$$$ 1.5
(2 reviews)
Beautyrest Black Innerspring Gel, Gel Memory Foam, Hybrid, Innerspring, Memory Foam, Pocket Coil 4 $$$$ 1.42857142857
(7 reviews)
Five Star True Luxury Innerspring Gel, Gel Memory Foam, Innerspring, Memory Foam, Pocket Coil 2 $$ 1.0
(2 reviews)
Kingsdown Duet Collection Innerspring Gel, Gel Memory Foam, Innerspring, Memory Foam, Pocket Coil 0 1.0
(1 review)

See all available brands made with Gel →

Available Models Gel

Below is a list of available Ultimate Hybrid models.
Model Line Brand
Kingsdown Duet Cline Kingsdown Duet Collection Kingsdown
Sealy Optimum Inspiration Sealy Optimum Sealy
Zedbed Snow Pedic 3 Zedbed
Serta iComfort Insight Serta iComfort Serta
Serta iComfort Prodigy Serta iComfort Serta
Serta iComfort Savant Serta iComfort Serta
Serta iComfort Acumen Serta iComfort Serta
Serta iComfort Genius Serta iComfort Serta
Symbol Kingsbury Pillow Top with Gel & Latex Symbol Kingsbury Symbol
Symbol Kingsbury Plush with Gel Symbol Kingsbury Symbol

See all available Gel models →

Stores

We are currently showing localized info for Seattle, WA
Retailer City State Brands Reviews
Sears
 Seattle WA Serta iComfort, Serta iSeries, Beautyrest Black, Restonic ComfortCare, Sealy Posturepedic Gel Series 0
Macy's
 Seattle WA Serta iComfort, Serta iSeries, Beautyrest Black 0
Sleep Country USA
 Seattle WA Beautyrest Black 0
Sears
 Tukwila WA Serta iComfort, Serta iSeries, Beautyrest Black, Restonic ComfortCare, Sealy Posturepedic Gel Series 0
Macy's - Home Store
 Bellevue WA Serta iComfort, Serta iSeries, Beautyrest Black 0
Sleep Country USA
 Bellevue WA Beautyrest Black 0
Sleep Store
 Bellevue WA Serta iComfort 0
Select Comfort
 Bellevue WA 0
Sleep Country USA
 Seattle WA Beautyrest Black 0
Relax The Back
 Bellevue WA Comfortaire 0

Find more stores carrying mattresses made with gel →

Q&A Gel

See questions from other mattress shoppers

Questions

Reviews

Mattresses made with gel are recommended by 30 of our 62 reviewers. Do you have something to say about your mattress? Write a review!

Review Summary

Based on 62 reviews

Overall Rating:
Recommended by: 30 of 62 reviewers

  • Comfort
  • Support
  • Durability
  • Value

    “In Love”

    Posted by Cyndi H from Madison, WI on March 21, 2013
    This was the best shopping experience I have ever had. Are new bed is located at our vacation home, soon to be only home and I can't wait till Friday arrives! I want one for all our rooms. We are not wealthy by any means but our backs hurt and ... →

    “Great Value - Great Sleep”

    Posted by Nick H from Richmond, VA on March 19, 2013
    My wife and I got this mattress about 6 months ago, and we were on the edge about buying an all foam mattress. However, after we did some research and laid on ALOT of beds - we saw the advantages to foam over innersprings at our budget. I travel a ... →

    “Sleep Sack aka Hammock”

    Posted by Diane W from Mulino, OR on January 20, 2013
    Our purchase of the iComfort Prodigy was a result of an exchange of a totally unacceptable innerspring mattress, exercising our "one-time comfort guarantee". Our salesperson assured us that, to approach the feel and comfort level of our old mattress, we should seriously consider a memory foam product. The concept of ... →

    “Coughing all night but mattress is comfortable”

    Posted by Susan O from Huntington, IN on January 20, 2013
    The "Off Gassing" from the mattress is not tolerable by a person with sinus/allergy problems and sensitivities to strong odors including perfumes. I picked this iComfort mattress because the other foam mattresses were smelling really bad in the show room and I did Not notice any smell from the iComfort ... →

    “Customer Service Sucks”

    Posted by Bob M from Wilmington, NC on January 11, 2013
    Good mattress but in today's day and age, if you spend 2k, you should have wonderful customer service from a central location, not a local sales rep. →

    “DO NOT BUY THIS MATTRESS!!!”

    Posted by Shannon Stroud H from Lafayette, LA on January 3, 2013
    They love to sell this product by saying it has a 120 day guarantee! Dont buy into that! I purchased one on 12/27/2012. Slept in it for a week and was in tears every morning when I woke because my back hurt so bad. Contacted Conn's to let them know ... →

    “So far....”

    Posted by Valerie E from Clarksburg, WV on January 3, 2013
    We love our new king sized Genius. We both have back and joint issues. So far we have not experienced the mattress heating up, unpleasant odors, sinking in of the mattress, or anything else negative. We are both 'plus sized' people and my husband is always warm. The salesman did ... →

    “mattress is not supportive, backaches!”

    Posted by cindy l from Burlington, ON on December 30, 2012
    I purchased this mattress a year ago from Sleep Country $2500 and it seemed fine at first. But within a few months I noticed back and neck aches and kept waking all night. I went away on vacation and slept amazing and then realized it was my sagging mattress. I ... →

    “Developed back issues because of this bed”

    Posted by Melissa H from Crestview, FL on December 20, 2012
    Got this bed because it had a 25 year warranty and was comfortable at the store. After a few months back started hurting as the mattress contours to you and stays creating an uncomfortable sunkin hole you sleep in. So angry for the price I paid. I now have severe ... →

    “Perfect”

    Posted by Kevin W from Potwin, KS on December 14, 2012
    Picked this mattress up a month ago and absolutely love it. It starts out pretty firm like i was told from the store assistant manager but after a couple weeks its becomes perfect. Great bed for a great price →

See all reviews →

Deals

MEMORIAL DAY SALE

Take 20% off now thru Memorial Day(5-27-13) on EVERY mattress we sell, whether it is in stock or special order. Brands include King Koil, Laura Ashley, Serta, and MORE!!! Great chance to save $$$$! AND on Monday, VETERANS save an ADDITIONAL 10%.

Natural Awakenings

Calypso - Calypso is a gel infused LATEX mattress. This one of a kind bed will help you to sleep cooler and more soundly. And its $400 off Queen and King sizes!

The Comfortaire ic500

Save $750 off Queen And Kings - The Comfortaire ic500 has a 12 inch profile. The almost 3 inch pillow top over the Original Design air technology. Comfortiare's Whisperflo 4200 system completes the package. And at $750 off is an amazing value.

Comfortaire Year End Closeout Event

Huge Savings on Our Most Popular Models - Huge savings on 2012's most popular models including the Silver Edition and Sona beds! PLUS free gifts, free shipping and fantastic financing options available!

Save 45% on the Silver Edition Bed!

Shop now during our Final Closeout Event with 45% off on the Silver Edition Bed and 0% financing!

FREE BED w/ any iComfort or iSeries

Free Headdboard, 1/2 off HB,FB & Frame - Buy any iComfort, iSeries, or Tempur-Pedic bed and select any headboard for free or any headboard, footboard, and frame for 1/2 off the SALE price! Also, get Free Delivery, Free Removal, 2 Free Pillows, and a Free Platinum Mattress Protector!

FREE BED w/ any iComfort or iSeries

Free Headdboard, 1/2 off HB,FB & Frame - Buy any iComfort, iSeries, or Tempur-Pedic bed and select any headboard for free or any headboard, footboard, and frame for 1/2 off the SALE price! Also, get Free Delivery, Free Removal, 2 Free Pillows, and a Free Platinum Mattress Protector!

FREE BED w/ any iComfort or iSeries

Free Headdboard, 1/2 off HB,FB & Frame - Buy any iComfort, iSeries, or Tempur-Pedic bed and select any headboard for free or any headboard, footboard, and frame for 1/2 off the SALE price! Also, get Free Delivery, Free Removal, 2 Free Pillows, and a Free Platinum Mattress Protector!

FREE BED w/ any iComfort or iSeries

Free Headdboard, 1/2 off HB,FB & Frame - Buy ANY iComfort, iSeries, or Tempur-Pedic bed and select any headboard for free or any headboard, footboard, and frame for 1/2 off the SALE price! Also, get Free Delivery, Free Removal, 2 Free Pillows, and a Free Platinum Mattress Protector!

FREE BED w/ any iComfort or iSeries

Free Headdboard, 1/2 off HB,FB & Frame - Buy any iComfort, iSeries, or Tempur-Pedic bed and select any headboard for free or any headboard, footboard, and frame for 1/2 off the SALE price! Also, get Free Delivery, Free Removal, 2 Free Pillows, and a Free Platinum Mattress Protector!

FREE BED w/ any iComfort or iSeries

Free Headdboard, 1/2 off HB,FB & Frame - Buy ANY iComfort, iSeries, or Tempur-Pedic bed and select any headboard for free or any headboard, footboard, and frame for 1/2 off the SALE price! Also, get Free Delivery, Free Removal, 2 Free Pillows, and a Free Platinum Mattress Protector!

FREE BED w/ any iComfort or iSeries

Free Headdboard, 1/2 off HB,FB & Frame - Buy ANY iComfort, iSeries, or Tempur-Pedic bed and select any headboard for free or any headboard, footboard, and frame for 1/2 off the SALE price! Also, get Free Delivery, Free Removal, 2 Free Pillows, and a Free Platinum Mattress Protector!

FREE BED w/ any iComfort or iSeries

Free Headdboard, 1/2 off HB,FB & Frame - Buy ANY iComfort, iSeries, or Tempur-Pedic bed and select any headboard for free or any headboard, footboard, and frame for 1/2 off the SALE price! Also, get Free Delivery, Free Removal, 2 Free Pillows, and a Free Platinum Mattress Protector!

FREE BED w/ any iComfort or iSeries

Free Headdboard, 1/2 off HB,FB & Frame - Buy ANY iComfort, iSeries, or Tempur-Pedic bed and select any headboard for free or any headboard, footboard, and frame for 1/2 off the SALE price! Also, get Free Delivery, Free Removal, 2 Free Pillows, and a Free Platinum Mattress Protector!

FREE BED w/ any iComfort or iSeries

Free Headboard, 1/2 off HB, FB & Frame - Buy ANY iComfort, iSeries, or Tempur-Pedic bed and select any headboard for free or any headboard, footboard, and frame for 1/2 off the SALE price! Also, get Free Delivery, Free Removal, 2 Free Pillows, and a Free Platinum Mattress Protector!

FREE BED w/ any iComfort or iSeries

Free Headdboard, 1/2 off HB,FB & Frame - Buy ANY iComfort, iSeries, or Tempur-Pedic bed and select any headboard for free or any headboard, footboard, and frame for 1/2 off the SALE price! Also, get Free Delivery, Free Removal, 2 Free Pillows, and a Free Platinum Mattress Protector!

FREE BED w/ any iComfort or iSeries

Free Headdboard, 1/2 off HB,FB & Frame - Buy any iComfort, iSeries, or Tempur-Pedic bed and select any headboard for free or any headboard, footboard, and frame for 1/2 off the SALE price! Also, get Free Delivery, Free Removal, 2 Free Pillows, and a Free Platinum Mattress Protector!

Campbell Mattress Co Anniversary!

Coupon for Campbell Mattress Co Anniversary! Special Edition Anniversary Mattress - Campbell Mattress Company celebrates our 80th Anniversary! We have hand crafted a limited, Special 80th Anniversary Mattress for the occasion. On Sale Now! Find your local Campbell dealer on our website: www.campbellmattressco.com

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