Choosing the Best Bed for You: Gel Memory Foam or Memory Foam?

Your family on a gel memory foam mattress

Some Simple Facts Can Help You Make an Informed Decision

In a sea of seemingly endless mattress options, it can be difficult to know what the best choice is when you are shopping for a new mattress.  Sleep is a valuable contributor to good health both physically and emotionally, so making the right decision is very important!  One common question that is often asked is “what exactly is the difference between gel memory foam and standard memory foam?” Some simple facts may help you narrow down to the best bed for you. 

The Difference is in the Details

Gel memory foam and standard memory foam have similar properties when it comes to how you sleep. The difference between the two is in how they are made.  Memory foam has been around for a while: it was first developed in 1966 under contract with NASA. When they are made, polyurethane foam has chemicals added to it to produce a viscoelastic foam that molds itself around the body. Gel (infused) memory foam mattresses came in 2006 and are produced by infusing a cooling gel, or gel beads into the foam resulting in a cooler night’s sleep.

Gel Memory Foam and Memory Foam Have Several Similarities

The most noteworthy difference between these two types of mattresses is heat retention.  Memory foam is a rather dense material, heat can become trapped resulting in the sleeper being warm or even hot.  The addition of cooling gel will draw that heat away from the body allowing for a cooler experience.  For many, this comes down to a personal preference as some people prefer warm, others cool. However, some studies show that a cooler temperature may result in a more beneficial night’s sleep.

The Best Beds Around are Available to You at Mattress By Appointment

If you decide that gel memory foam or memory foam is right for you, or you want to explore more options including the new Hybrid Mattress models, one this is for sure: Mattress By Appointment has the best beds around!  With a huge selection, we are able to pass 50% to 80% savings on to you by scheduling appointments to view our inventory.  We will answer all your questions and set you up with a mattress that is right for you and your family.  Contact us today to schedule an appointment.