A gel mattress is any mattress that utilizes gel-infused foam, whether as a layer combined with high density and memory foam or as a layer that cushions coils in hybrid construction. The reason for using this particular material is clear: in addition to its body-contouring, pressure-relieving properties, this type of foam is also cooling and breathable, something that is not common for foam materials in general.
As a result, gel mattresses are much cooler to sleep on than any other type of mattress on the market, which is a big deal for hot sleepers. If you don’t use air conditioning or live in an area with scorching hot weather, a gel mattress can make a difference. And with plenty of choices between hybrid and gel memory foam mattresses, anyone can find a perfect match!
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Vibe Quilted Gel Memory Foam Mattress
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| #2 |  Zinus 12” Gel Infused Green Tea Mattress
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| #3 |  Lucid Firm Memory Foam Mattress
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| #4 |  Classic Brands Mercer Hybrid
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| #5 |  Olee Sleep Aquarius
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| #6 |  Modway Aveline
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What are the Main Benefits of a Gel Mattress
While gel mattresses are ideal for hot sleepers, these cooling mattresses can be beneficial to any type of sleeper, all thanks to their versatile and clever design. By utilizing gel-infused foam in their construction, these mattresses right away ensure good temperature regulation, but the other aspects of the design are what can make gel mattresses good for a range of people besides those looking for a cooling sleeping surface. For instance, a hybrid construction will give you a good bounce required for couples as well as lumbar support that suits plus size sleepers, whereas multi-layered memory foam mattresses that include a gel layer can be a great choice for side sleepers or back pain sufferers. The fact that gel mattresses are available in different types and designs only increases the benefits they can offer to sleepers.
Versatility
Hot sleepers are not defined just by their preference for a cool bed, and they’ll have other preferences and needs: from preferred sleeping positions to issues with back or hip pain, there are plenty of other factors that could dictate their choice of mattress. That’s why a gel mattress is great. While it fulfills its basic role of temperature regulation, it can also be designed to cater to a wide range of people, and there are matches for any budget and set of requirements.
Whether you opt for a hybrid mattress or an all-foam design, you can count on it staying cool but reap different benefits that come with different constructions. For unparalleled lumbar support, breathability, edge support, and a responsive bounce, a hybrid design is the way to go. Stomach sleepers and back sleepers also tend to gravitate towards hybrid designs, but a firm memory foam mattress can also be a good choice. On the other hand, gel-infused memory foam mattresses can offer you pressure relief, body-cradling comfort, and proper spinal alignment paired with motion isolating properties. Furthermore, their contouring effect makes them ideally suited to side sleepers.
Heat reduction
For hot sleepers, nothing feels worse than getting into bed after a long day only to be greeted with radiating warmth that makes them toss and turn and sweat profusely throughout the night. This is especially true for those that don’t have suitable air conditioning or live in a particularly hot climate. Luckily, the clever manufacturing process makes gel foam an ideal option for this type of sleeper, as it helps regulate the temperature of the mattress much better. The gel beads that are infused in the memory foam will draw the heat away from your body and disperse it, which helps keep the temperature regulated at all times. To boot, infusing foam with gel substance opens its cells, or, in other words, makes the texture of the foam more breathable which also enhances its cooling effect. This ensures that cool and refreshing feel when you lay down but also maintains it as the hours pass. Keep in mind that in some cheaper models, this heat reduction could often only last initially, so either opt for a high-quality gel foam mattress or go for a hybrid construction that will further contribute to the coolness with its coil base that lets air circulate.
Comfort and support
Last but not least is the support and comfort that most gel mattress designs will offer. By default, gel foam is a type of material that will help relieve pressure from key stress points in the body (which differ depending on the sleeping position) and contour to your unique body shape to make sure that your spine is properly aligned and keeps its natural curve. Of course, a gel mattress isn’t just made of gel foam exclusively but rather combines this fantastic material with other elements, such as a high-density foam base or innerspring foundation, both of which can only enhance its supportiveness and provide tailored lumbar support to a variety of sleepers.
Motion isolation
If you share your bed with your partner, this particular feature of gel mattresses will be much appreciated. Gel foam is great at isolating motion, which means it will prevent movement “traveling” across the surface. As a result, if one sleeper moves on one side of the bed, the other person won’t feel a thing. In case your spouse is a restless sleeper that tosses and turns during the night or they simply get up much earlier than you do, you can rest assured that their movement won’t disrupt your sleep- you won’t even be aware they’ve moved at all.
Best Gel Mattresses
Vibe Quilted Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Specs:
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Plush
Editor’s Choice
With a perfect balance between price and quality, this Vibe gel mattress rightfully comes at the top of our list. Boasting features that could be considered the best of both worlds, it is both supportive and body-contouring. The base is made from high-quality individually wrapped coils that move independently to support your body and respond to your movement- a feature that all couples will certainly appreciate. The coils are cushioned by successive layers of gel memory foam which keeps your bed’s temperature nice and cool but also gives you that plush comfy feel that only memory foam can. It will also work to relieve pressure from your stress points, such as hips, lower back, or shoulders, and prevent pain and tension.
With a plush level of firmness, this gel mattress will make you feel like you sleep on a cloud. This also makes it a good choice for side sleepers or those that prefer a softer sleeping surface.
Pros
- Soft pillow top
- Ideal for side sleepers
- Breathable and cooling
- Relieves pressure
- Adapts to your body
- CertiPUR-US certified
Cons
- Takes a while for the foam layers to fully expand
Who Should Buy This Product?
Comfy, plush, and supportive, this budget-friendly gel mattress will keep you cool and cozy year-round. The combination of individually wrapped coils and multiple layers of foam ensures that the mattress gives you proper spine alignment and pressure relief.
Zinus 12” Gel Infused Green Tea Mattress
Specs:
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
- Type: Memory foam
- Firmness: Medium
Runner up
When it comes to simple but efficient designs, Zinus is unparalleled. With just three layers of foam, this gel mattress will manage to give you lumbar support, pressure relief, and stay cool even when the nights are particularly warm. The thickest layer of the three is the high density 7” support foam base that gives the mattress its sturdiness and supports your weight. In the middle is a 3” layer of comfort foam that will adapt to your body and sleeping position to properly align your spine, and on top is a 2” layer of gel-infused plush memory foam which is the reason why this mattress keeps cool and feels comfy to sleep on.
This layout creates a perfect balance between support and softness, and the gel infusion helps to keep the temperature regulated throughout the night, resulting in that cool and refreshing feel that any hot sleeper would appreciate. Zinus also infused their memory foam with a green tea substance which helps reduce the buildup of bacteria, mold, and mildew and makes the mattress more hygienic.
Pros
- Keeps your bed cool
- Adapts to your body shape
- Green tea infused for an antibacterial effect
- Hypoallergenic
- A good choice for side sleepers
- CertiPUR-US certified
Cons
- Not suitable for plus size sleepers
Who Should Buy This Product?
The complex isn’t always a synonym for better: this simple 3-layer memory foam mattress has everything you need to get some quality rest. Supportive and comfortable, it will keep you cool while making sure your spine retains natural curvature and your stress points free of pressure.
Lucid Firm Memory Foam Mattress
Specs:
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King, California King
- Type: Memory foam
- Firmness: Firm
Customer’s choice
Don’t let the price fool you: this affordable gel mattress can compete with much more expensive mattresses on the market. Lucid relies on a tried and tested layered foam design with high-quality materials to create a supportive and comfortable mattress that doesn’t break the bank. At its core is an extra thick base of high-density foam that’s infused with charcoal and bamboo. It ensures ample support for the user, but also boasts improved air circulation that keeps temperature reduced, and removes the threat of mildew and bacteria. This is followed by a layer of transition foam and cooling gel-infused memory foam on the very top of the mattress.
The top gel layer ensures even temperature regulation but also adds that all-important plush layer that equally distributes your weight and ensures top-notch comfort for sleepers in every position. However, the overall feel of the mattress is on the firmer side of the spectrum, so it will be better suited for those that sleep on their back or stomach.
Pros
- Bamboo charcoal infused core for better hygiene
- Gel foam keeps the mattress cool
- Good for pressure relief
- Firm feel for stomach and back sleepers
- Solid lumbar support
- CertiPUR-US certified
Cons
- Chemical smell
Who Should Buy This Product?
Budget-friendly but well-made, this gel mattress won’t trap heat and will provide ample support for most people. Firm but comfortable, it is a great choice for sleepers that prefer a sturdier sleeping surface, such as stomach or back sleepers.
Classic Brands Mercer Hybrid
Specs:
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King, California King
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium
Best gel mattress for side sleepers
This Classic Brands mattress boasts a tried-and-true hybrid design that offers a combination of pressure relief and lumbar support, with the crucial addition of cooling gel to dissipate heat in those sweltering nights. Side sleepers will especially find this mattress to be a great choice: the supportive and responsive coil core and the plush foam layer on top will perfectly relieve pressure from your hips and shoulders, ensuring that you sleep comfortably and pain-free, with your spine properly aligned.
At the very center of this design is a proven innerspring system, with a multitude of individually wrapped coil springs. These will perfectly distribute your weight across the sleeping surface and respond to the movement which makes it a great choice for spouses as well. The design is topped off with a plush, cushion firm pillow top, which makes the mattress feel plush and adapt to your side sleeping position.
Pros
- Conforms to your body
- Relieves pressure
- Doesn’t transfer motion
- Has a responsive bounciness to it
- Cooling and breathable
- CertiPUR-US certified
Cons
- Poor edge support
Who Should Buy This Product?
When you sleep on your side and want something cooling to boot, this gel mattress fits the bell. The combination of gel foam and coil base makes it breathable and temperature regulating, whereas the plush pillow top and contouring memory foam are a great fit for all side sleepers.
Olee Sleep Aquarius
Specs:
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Type: Memory foam
- Firmness: Plush
Best gel mattress for people with back pain
Waking up sore and tired every morning can seriously affect your life, and it might be your old ratty mattress that’s to blame. If you are suffering from back pain, this supportive and pressure-relieving Olee Sleep memory foam mattress will help you overcome those issues. While simple at first glance, it is fully optimized to alleviate the pain and pressure many sleepers face daily. The ergonomic design of this gel mattress includes a high-density foam support core and a cool gel infused top layer- just two layers, but more than enough to keep you comfy.
The high-density core prevents sinking and misalignment of the spine, whereas the gel foam cushioning is what will offer immediate relief: it contours your body to relieve pressure on key points of the body regardless of your sleeping positions. As a result, you’ll wake up well-rested and refreshed!
Pros
- Helps properly align the spine
- Lumbar support
- Pressure and pain relief
- Stays cool
- Adapts to different sleeping positions
- CertiPUR-US certified
Cons
- Corners don’t always fully expand
Who Should Buy This Product?
You don’t have to forego comfort or support to get a cooling gel mattress- this simple memory foam mattress is proof enough that you can get pain relief and lumbar support without having to tolerate an overheated sleeping surface.
Modway Aveline
Specs:
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Type: Memory foam
- Firmness: Firm/Medium
Best gel mattress for back sleepers
A firm, supportive mattress is always a great solution for all those who prefer to sleep on their back and this Modway gel mattress perfectly fits the bill. At its base is a dense layer of supportive responsive foam, which gives the mattress firmness and shape. On top is a 3” thick layer of cooling gel-infused, open-cell memory foam that conforms to your body shape, and regulates your temperature to add that cooling, refreshing touch when the heat rises.
Modway offers you a choice of 3 profiles – 6”, 8”, and 10”. The thickest is also the firmest and most suited for back sleepers, but if you prefer a medium-firm sleeping surface, for one of the two other options.
Pros
- Reduces pressure on stress points
- Aligns the spine
- Gel top layer dissipates heat
- Firm enough to suit most back sleepers
- 3 profiles to choose from
- CertiPUR-US certified
Cons
- Not very durable
Who Should Buy This Product?
With just the right amount of firmness and good support for your whole body, this Modway gel mattress is ideal for all back sleepers. It even comes in three profiles so you can tailor the feel to fit your preferences and budget.
Bottom Line
Gel mattresses are a great solution for anyone looking for a supportive and comfortable mattress that won’t trap heat and make their bed unpleasantly warm. Available as multi-layered foam type or hybrid, a gel mattress is any mattress that includes a layer of gel-infused foam to ensure great temperature regulation without compromising on lumbar support and pressure-relieving coziness.
As a result, anyone can find a tailored match for their unique needs: a gel mattress with a wrapped coil base will better suit couples, plus-size sleepers, or those that prefer a firmer bed with a bit of a bounce, whereas gel foam mattresses are just the thing for side sleepers, back pain sufferers, and people that prefer the body-contouring effects of memory foam in general.