Gel foam mattresses: thumbs up or down?

October 3, 2012 2:03 PM

Gel foam mattresses? Any experiences/info/opinions?

I've read a lot of AskMeFi questions and answers about latex and memory foam mattresses, but now that I've started looking seriously online for latex options, I'm seeing a lot of info about gel foam. I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with them, or any info about whether they're as good as the stores and manufacturers claim. I realize they probably haven't been around long enough for anyone to know how well they hold up after any time, so maybe that alone is enough reason to rule them out, as they're pretty pricey right now.

All I'm looking for is a mattress that doesn't get hot, doesn't transmit motion, and is reasonably comfortable to sleep on. Suggestions for other kinds are also welcome.

posted by still_wears_a_hat to shopping (6 answers total)

I enjoy my Corsicana gel memory foam mattress, which I bought from a local mattress discount store for cheaper than the normal big name mattresses ($1000 for king size).

Had it for a year so far with no complaints. It is cooler than a normal bed, doesn't transmit motion, and is the most comfortable bed I've had.
posted by Diddly at 2:39 PM on October 3, 2012

I just got an air mattress with a gel foam topper. I normally sleep incredibly hot and the foam topper has not created any problems with trapped heat, at all.
posted by hwyengr at 2:48 PM on October 3, 2012

Recently got an 8 inch deep queen size memory foam Bodipedic from Overstock.com for 299.99 and 2.95 shipping. So far so good.

Very comfortable and I can't cry too much at 300.00 if it doesn't last forever. Comfortable and easy to fall asleep on.
posted by AuntieRuth at 3:14 PM on October 3, 2012

We just got a Sealy Optimum Inspiration. Mrs. VTX is usually the one who has problems sleeping hot but she hasn't had any problems. I, on the other hand, keep waking up with my back feeling a lot of heat wherever it's touching the mattress (the rest of me is fine).

I suspect that it actually has something to do with the polyester batting and backing on our mattress pad so I'm going to put a wool blanket between the fitted sheet and the mattress pad tonight to see if that solves the problem.

Other than that, the mattress has been excellent. I'll report in the morning about the heat issue.
posted by VTX at 6:39 PM on October 3, 2012

I got a regular foam mattress with pillow top from Bed-in-a-Box. I love it. I was initially concerned about it being too warm, but have found it very comfortable. I recommend both the product and the company. I can't imagine that the gel foam ones add much that I would care about other than additional cost.
posted by driley at 3:27 AM on October 4, 2012

(just anecdotal: I have regular memory foam and it is unbearably hot about 60% of the time - and I'm cold by nature) I wish the gel had been available when we bought the foam in 2007.
posted by getawaysticks at 12:10 PM on October 5, 2012