How to Choose the Best Gel Mattress?
Table of Contents
Top Best Gel Mattresses Based on Reviews and Price
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Why You Need a Good Gel Mattress?
Gel mattresses are a fairly modern type of mattress. It can give you the feeling of lying on a water bed. It is one of the most adaptable and pressure-relieving mattresses. The firmness of the mattress can be optimally adjusted by dosing gel granules. To some extent, these mattresses can be said to combine the properties of cold foam and memory foam. So, gel foam mattresses are often confused with memory foam mattresses. In this article, we explain the specifics, benefits, and what to consider if you want to buy a high-quality model that suits your needs.
Top 8 Factors to Consider When Buying a Gel Mattress
1. Types of Gel Mattresses According to Composition
Choosing a gel foam mattress can sometimes be difficult, especially when we do not know what different compositions are in this type of mattress. To choose the best gel foam mattress, you have to really understand what types of gel mattresses we can find on the market:
Super Soft Gel Mattress
This is the name given to a type of foam that has a low memory effect. It is a foam that, as the word says, is very soft to the touch. The soft materials are incorporated in the upper part of the gel foam mattresses as it improves comfort and facilitates adaptability. With a very fluffy texture, resting on it is a real pleasure.
Standard Gel Mattress
The most used gel foam can vary in density and porosity. Among its properties, it stands out among other types because it provides a correct feeling of adaptability thanks to its memory effect (intermediate recovery). It ranges between 50 and 65 kg of density. Its main effect on our rests is that it adapts to body movements, accompanying you while asleep.
Soy Gel Mattress
Soy gel mattresses offer superior quality than standard types. It is made with oils of plant origin such as soy, and this affects its properties. It provides a greater softness to the touch than the standard gel foam. It also offers a greater feeling of adaptability. In addition, essential oils make it easier for us to relax and fall asleep.
High-density Gel Mattress
We talk about high-density gel mattresses when it is between 80 and 95 kg. As a result of this, it lets your body have a great reception while at rest. This is what we commonly call adaptability. Characteristically, it “tightens” up on your body, making it easier for the muscles to relax and rest.
2. Open-pore or Closed Pore Gel Mattress?
The difference between one or the other has to do with the way of manufacturing. In the first case, the still liquid viscoelastic is poured and allowed to expand. Meanwhile, in the second, a closed mold is used, which gives; as a result, a more compact gel foam.
With the open pore gel mattress, you will have better breathability. And with the closed pore gel mattress, you’ll have more adaptability. Both have good properties for rest and the decision between one, and the other should be made based on your personal needs.
3. Which Price Range for Which People/Occasions?
Next, we will define what ranges there are in gel foam mattresses. We’ll also see for which people or on what occasions they are recommended for:
Economic Gel Foam Mattresses
This type of mattress is generally made up of a foam block and a layer of gel foam on its padding or, sometimes, also on its core. The gel mattresses of the economic range are usually used for second residences, guest rooms, extra beds. Or at specific times when we need a temporary and economical solution for rest.
Mid-range Gel Foam Mattresses
Mid-range or standard gel foam mattresses are intended for everyday use. They vary greatly in composition. They are usually 4 or 6 cm mattresses made of gel foam. They also have different sensations depending on their composition, and which offer adequate comfort.
High-end or Special Gel Foam Mattresses
The high-end gel foam mattresses with special compositions are designed for those who are looking for the best sleep experience. They’re also great for those who have very specific needs to cover. They vary greatly in composition and offer high advantages. In this type of mattress, we can also find a particular design and composition for profiles of people who require certain specifications for their rest life. These can be overweight people, people with muscle ailments, or athletes.
Our recommendation is that you carefully analyze your first options. Then discuss them with a rest specialist. He or she will be able to guide you better on which gel foam mattress is the best for you.
4. Weigh the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Gel Foam Mattress
Before getting a product that will determine the level of comfort you’ll get during your sleep time, you have to know the pros and cons.
Benefits of a Gel Foam Mattress
- It helps your spine stay aligned. It is ideal for back and neck problems or circulatory problems. A gel foam mattress consists of PUR gel foam. This material is similar to cold and viscoelastic foam. Therefore, the gel foam mattress has an equally high degree of adaptation and point elasticity. So it helps your spine stay in a healthy alignment.
- Particularly suitable for sleepers preferring to sleep on their side. The side sleepers often need a mattress whose point elasticity is particularly high due to the greater depth of penetration. The gel foam mattress can be an attractive option, especially if you have orthopedic problems.
- It offers very good breathability. The gel foam mattress is breathable. This gives you a cool sleep climate. It is therefore also suitable for people who tend to sweat a little more at night.
- Often recommended for orthopedic problems. A mattress with an integrated gel layer is always recommended for people with orthopedic problems. Hence, due to their good adaptability, gel mattresses are very often recommended for orthopedic problems. Indeed, the gel foam can ideally adapt to the contours of the body and properly relieve the spine. The body is also well supported and stabilized by a spring core or a robust cold foam.
- Suitable for all types of slatted base. The gel foam mattress is made of a flexible material. It can be used without problems on adjustable or electric slatted bed bases. Of course, a bed base with rigid slats is not a problem either.
- Safe for allergy sufferers: Dust mites do not feel comfortable on the gel foam mattress. So, it is an anti-dust mite mattress. It is therefore recommended for people suffering from allergies.
Disadvantages of a Gel Foam Mattress
- Not for people with large physique: We do not recommend this mattress for people with a large build. In fact, if you weigh more than 100 kg and you like to lie on your back or your stomach, we recommend a pocket spring mattress. Or else, you can sag on a gel foam mattress, especially in the pelvic area. This can lead to orthopedic problems.
5. Structure of a Gel Foam Mattress
Gel foam mattresses are mixed with other foams and may have only one layer, for example, gel mixed with cold foam.
However, combination models are more common. Here, an additional layer of gel is integrated into the mattress. This layer is usually found at the very top. Depending on the model, there is also a layer of gel at the top and bottom.
For the gel pads to have a solid base, a cold-resistant foam is generally used. But it is also possible to add a layer of gel on a spring mattress. This is so that the feeling of lying down becomes softer and more comfortable.
6. Choose a High-Density Mattress
The higher the density, the higher the quality. We recommend looking for a gel foam mattress with a layer of at least 50 kg/p m³, ideally 60 m3/ kg.
Besides, the gel foam mattress is a softer type of mattress overall. Therefore, the thicker the gel foam layer, the more you sink into the mattress.
This is particularly important for side sleepers. It sinks them even deeper into the mattress than those who prefer to sleep on their backs or their stomachs. Your new gel foam mattress should, therefore, be of sufficient height. We recommend a total height of at least 18 cm.
7. How to Choose the Right Degree of Firmness
This is where most sleepers find it very difficult to make the right decision. It is true that the information provided by the manufacturers may be confusing. The degrees of hardness is generally indicated by an H (for the degree of firmness). Then a number indicates the degree of hardness.
The most common degrees of firmness are:
- H1 (flexible) – body weight: less than 60 kg
- H2 (soft firmness – medium) – body weight: 60 – 80 kg
- H3 (medium firmness) – body weight: 80 – 100 kg
- H4 (very firm) – body weight: 100 – 130 kg
- H5 (ultra firm) – Bodyweight: over 130 kg
8. How to Choose the Right Size?
Pleasures and preferences apart, there are certain criteria to take into account, regarding the size. For single beds, a width of between 90 and 110 cm is advisable. Meanwhile, for double beds, the appropriate width ranges from 135 cm to 150 cm. The length of the bed should be between 10 and 15 cm. more than the height of the user.
If they are children’s beds, it depends on the age and size of the child(ren). The height of the bed-mattress set must be around 40 cm. In terms of firmness, an overly hard mattress is just as damaging as an excessively soft and inconsistent mattress. The mattress must be firm and support the entire spine (including the lower back, which can suffer the most) when lying on the bed on your back. For the pressure of the body to be distributed appropriately, the legs should be at an ideal height. It should be slightly raised for effective blood circulation during rest.
Conclusion
With new advances in research and cutting-edge products, technologically unbeatable mattresses are emerging. They combine the beneficial properties of gel in combination with memory foam: VISCOGEL. It is a true revolution in the world of rest. To be right in the purchase decision, you must take into account the following factors: Our tastes and preferences are very important in the purchase of the mattress, mainly the thermal sensation and degree of firmness.
No mattress can be qualified as the right one for everyone. So look for the one that best suits your particular needs and tastes based on our analysis.
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