What Is A Gel Mattress Topper

In this article, we’ll explain what a gel mattress topper is and compare the three most common varieties. You’ve probably heard of, or at least seen, the gel mattress topper by this point. The gel foam and gel swirl mattress toppers are two additional options.

You’ll know if a gel mattress topper is a necessity by the time you finish this piece. We’ll look at how gel and memory foam mattress pads stack up against one another. Without further ado, then, let’s begin!

What Is A Gel Mattress Topper And Should You Get One?

Most gel mattress toppers are simply foam mattress toppers that have some sort of gel addition, be it gel beads, a gel layer, or gel swirls. Gel mattress toppers can be distinguished from one another by their respective gel materials. Gel beads and gel swirls are infused into the foam during production, and the gel layer can be found anywhere on the mattress—the top, the bottom, or somewhere in between.

Gel-infused mattress topper

One type of gel mattress topper that has seen widespread use is the gel-infused variety. Gel beads or granules are blended into the foam during the manufacturing process. The gel-infused foam is the firmest of the gel mattress toppers, making it a good choice for sleepers who prefer a more solid bed.

Gel foam mattress topper

If you suffer from hip pain, one of the best mattress toppers you can buy is made from memory foam. However, those who tend to sleep hot may find that a memory foam mattress is too warm. In contrast to a gel-infused mattress topper, which uses gel granules, a gel foam mattress topper features either an upper or lower gel layer to address this issue.

Gel swirl mattress topper

You can probably guess that a gel swirl mattress topper is made of foam with gel swirls from the name. This is in contrast to a gel-infused mattress topper, wherein the gel particles are smaller and more evenly distributed throughout the material. Foam toppers have gel swirls added by the manufacturer to aid in temperature regulation.

What Does A Gel Mattress Topper Do?

The use of a gel mattress topper is equivalent to that of a conventional one. This allows you to customize your sleeping experience by choosing the ideal thickness and firmness for your current mattress. However, if you’re looking for a cooler surface and more even temperature distribution, a gel mattress topper is the way to go.

Gel beads, gel swirls, or gel layers are all examples of phase change materials used in gel mattress toppers. These are man-made chemicals that can efficiently conduct heat away from the sleeper and into the core of the mattress. Gel beads are not as durable as regular foam and tend to degrade over time, making them less ideal as a mattress topper.

Which is Better: Gel Mattress Topper vs Memory Foam Mattress Topper?

When deciding between a gel mattress topper and a memory foam topper, everyone has their own preferences. Different people have different requirements for the most restful and comfortable sleep possible. Gel absorbs and draws heat away from the body, making it an attractive mattress topper for those who prefer to sleep cool.

Gel mattress topper

Pros

• Nighttime temperature regulation is greatly enhanced by gel.
• Shape-recovering springs
• The combination of chemicals used in the topping may not be to everyone’s liking.

Cons

• Expenses greater than those of a memory foam mattress pad
• Over time, some types of gel beads can degrade.
• Superior to lighter mattress pads in weight

Memory foam mattress topper

Pros

• Adapting to the specific shape of each user’s body.
• Compression therapy for pain relief
• Gel mattress toppers are more expensive.

Cons

• Keeping the heat in
• Expelling Gases
• Because some memory foam toppers tend to sag, knowing how to pick the right one is essential.

Are Gel Mattress Toppers Good For Your Back?

If your mattress is primarily memory foam, a gel mattress topper could be beneficial. If you suffer from back pain, you should invest in a mattress topper made of gel-infused memory foam. You should also look for a sleeping surface that shapes to your body when you get into it; this will help you maintain a healthy, neutral spine position throughout the night.

Back pain sufferers will appreciate the contouring support that memory foam provides, and the cooling effects of the gel layer or gel infusion. However, it is important to keep in mind that finding the right mattress topper isn’t the only solution for back pain. It’s also important to pay attention to your sleeping habits, since they could be exacerbating the pain in your spine.

Are Gel Mattress Toppers Soft?

There are both soft and firm varieties of gel mattress toppers available. The medium-soft gel memory foam mattress topper is available from Brooklyn Bedding, for instance. If you’re looking for something even cozier, there’s a version that’s even thicker.

The firmness level is a quick indicator of a gel mattress topper’s softness and cushioning. On the firmness scale, soft toppers fall between a 3 and a 5. Within this tier, you can expect to find a variety of gel-infused foam mattress pads.

Best Gel Mattress Topper

Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Topper

Two inches of high-quality memory foam with a gel swirl infusion characterize the Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Topper. It is meant to enhance your mattress’s existing pressure-relieving and form-fitting properties.

Pros

• This topper is ideal for those in need of relief from pressure on their shoulders and hips thanks to the high quality memory foam used in its construction.
• Couples will like the topper because of its low motion transfer, which means less movement will be felt by the other person.
• Smokers in bed will appreciate how the gel infusion deflects body heat and keeps the bed cool during the night.

Cons

• Make sure your sheets are deep enough to accommodate the foam mattress.

Layla Mattress Topper

The Layla Topper is two inches thick, and it is infused with copper and gel to keep you comfortable and cool all night long. For all of you sleepers who want to be absolutely certain in your purchase, Layla offers a 120-night, money-back guarantee, which is significantly longer than its competitors’ offers.

Pros

• In addition to keeping you cool, the copper in this topping is antimicrobial, meaning it can kill off bacteria and allergens.
• This pillow is ideal for side sleepers due to the memory foam’s cloud-like support for the hips and shoulders.

Cons

• The price of this top is higher than average for its category.
• It can be a pain to clean sometimes. While the cover can be machine washed, the foam should only be spot cleaned.

Check out our in-depth review of the Layla Sleep mattress topper for more information.

ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper

This ViscoSoft topper has a 3-inch layer of high-density, gel-infused memory foam and a removable, washable cover for maximum comfort and cleanliness. The moldable memory foam will prevent any sinking in at the waist or shoulders while providing superior support. There are three distinct designs to choose from.

Pros

• You won’t have to worry about this cap sliding off thanks to the non-slip mesh and the movable straps.
• This topper also comes in an Active Charcoal version, which regulates temperature and eliminates odors, and a Gentle Lavender version, which promotes restful sleep.
• The fact that the cover can be removed and washed is a huge plus for hygiene.

Cons

• Those who prefer a firmer mattress topper may be disappointed by the lack of support they feel on this option.

GhostBed Memory Foam Topper

Let me tell you about GhostBed’s memory foam mattress pad. It’s easy to see why it’s the only topper in their collection; it has 3 inches of memory foam and 5 zones of zoned comfort.

Pros

• This topper is recommended for those who have trouble sleeping because of its zoned support, which provides an excellent balance between contouring and pressure relief.hurting hips and shoulders and wish to upgrade their present bed.
• With the possibility of spills and accidents in mind, parents will appreciate the waterproof cover.
• Smokers in bed comfort zones, gel memory foam, and a cool-to-the-touch cover are all features users rave about.

Cons

• Make sure your sheets are deep enough to accommodate the foam mattress.

How We Picked

Let’s examine the reasoning behind my selections now that we’ve gone over them. In this section, I’ll discuss the main criteria you should use to select your own gel mattress topper.

Gel-infused vs. Gel foam

Gel memory foam is not the same thing as memory foam that has been infused with gel. The former typically includes a gel “swirl” within the foam, which provides cooling but may not spread evenly throughout the layer. In the latter, gel is distributed uniformly throughout the foam for an overall cooler feel at bedtime.

There is no clear superiority between the two, but hot sleepers should prioritize finding gel memory foam rather than foam that has simply been infused with gel.

Other Cooling Properties

When shopping for a mattress topper, you may come across different infusions besides gel, which is both an effective and popular cooling agent. Graphite and copper are two others; they both help a building absorb and disperse human body heat. Because of their potential antimicrobial effects, copper infusions are of particular interest because they can contribute to a better night’s sleep.

Thickness

The comfort level you experience on your mattress may vary greatly depending on the thickness of your topper. I suggest going with a topper that is at least two to three inches thick if you are looking for a lot of deep sinkage, body contouring, and pressure relief. You can get away with just one inch of padding if that’s all you need.

To find the exact height of a mattress topper, look under “details” or “construction specs” in the product description. Oftentimes, the name of the cap will include the dimensions specified by the manufacturer.

Density

When looking for a gel mattress topper, density is an additional consideration. Overheating can occur in foams that are too dense for their intended use, so it’s important to pay attention to the density of the foams being used.

When it comes to memory foam (which, once again, is the primary source of overheating), it’s best to keep things between 3.0 and 5.0 PCF (or, alternatively, pounds per cubic foot). You’ll get adequate contouring and sinkage, and the density won’t be so high that it interferes with the cooling effects of your topper.

Design

Although mattress toppers may appear simple, their designs can significantly affect how they feel. While memory foam is used in most cooling gel toppers, it is important to be aware of any additional components. Memory foam may be slightly more breathable, for instance, if combined with ventilated foam. Combining it with a quilted fill layer might make it a little cooler. The devil is in the details, so focus carefully.

Sleepopolis Tips

Still confused about where to find a high-quality gel topper for your bed? Have no fear! At the end of this tutorial, I will share some helpful hints that any search would benefit from.

• Consider your current bed’s frame and comfort level before shopping for a mattress topper. What do you find appealing about it? Explain the things you dislike most. Is there anything about its ambiance that you would alter? When you know the answers to these questions, you can go shopping for a topper with confidence.
• Trial periods are very important! You should try out a few different mattress toppers before making a final decision. To accomplish this, you should look for a topper that comes with either a substantial guarantee or a lengthy trial period.
• Since most mattress toppers only have one layer of foam, it’s crucial to consider how that foam was made. Is there airflow so that you can breathe inside? Do we have support zones set up? Focusing on these aspects will help you get a sense of the overall flavor of the topping.

FAQs

What is the best gel mattress topper?

The best gel mattress topper strikes a happy medium between these two competing needs by injecting a substantial amount of gel into a layer of pressure-relieving foam. This topping will most likely have vents built into it as well, making it more breathable.

Are gel memory foam mattress toppers good?

The use of a mattress topper made of gel memory foam is an excellent option. Not only do they provide ample contouring, pressure relief, and sinkage for a restful night’s sleep, but they also do a good job of dissipating body heat.

What is a gel foam mattress topper?

A gel foam mattress topper can be placed on top of an existing mattress to provide some additional cooling and comfort. Gel-infused foam is commonly used, as it is soft and breathable.

Conclusion

Do you seek a comfortable and cool place to sleep? In conclusion, we have learned that a gel mattress topper is a foam topper that has either an external gel layer or is infused with gel beads or swirls. The gel’s heat-absorptive properties make it useful for maintaining a comfortable core body temperature.

We really hope that you got a lot out of today’s class. Try our search tool for answers to any other questions you may have about the topper.