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Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed 600+ mattresses and accessories for over seven years using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more.
We’ll discuss our favorite gel mattresses, all of which we’ve run through comprehensive tests to determine how the gel contributes to the mattresses’ performance.
Memory foam beds are known to trap heat, which is why many companies infuse their mattress foam with gel. The best gel mattress on the market absorbs heat so sleepers don’t have to. This technology is popular in all-foam mattresses, but can also be found in layers of other constructions, such as hybrids and innersprings. Our team at Mattress Clarity has reviewed and tested a number of gel-infused mattresses on the market, and we came up with a list of the 10 best gel mattresses.
Our team of sleep specialists have reviewed more than 150 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty. You can read more about our testing methods at the bottom of this roundup.
When we talk about gel mattresses, the first thing that often comes to mind is cooling. We made this our primary focus when selecting these models. Some are memory foam mattresses, others are hybrids, and some boast an innerspring feel. Out of our 10 selections, all scored above-average in cooling; in fact, 9 out of 10 scored a 4/5 in cooling. We also paid attention to the quality of materials and versatility of these selections so they cater to a variety of sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Pain
This bed is a good match for anyone struggling with back pain, as it cushions the lumbar region and has enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Slow-reacting foam isn’t ideal for combination sleepers
Higher price point
Our Expert’s Take
The Loom & Leaf is an all-foam mattress with four foam layers. This complex construction includes gel infusions in its memory foam comfort layer. The first layer has two inches of gel memory foam that’s convoluted, further assisting with airflow. As if that wasn’t enough gel technology, there’s a gel laminate in the comfort layer. This Spinal Zone Gel laminate also provides spinal support.
What the testers say: “All foam mattresses aren’t as cool as hybrid or innerspring mattresses. However, the Loom & Leaf mattress shouldn’t sleep hot because the memory foam is gel infused, convoluted for airflow, and the middle third is laminated with gel to help with cooling.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Loom & Leaf
The foam layers do a great job at isolating motion, making this bed ideal for couples.
Those who want to make full use of the mattress surface will appreciate the Loom & Leaf’s above-average edge support.
The organic cotton cover adds to the breathability of this bed, while convoluted gel-infused foam layers also help with cooling.
What to Keep in Mind About the Loom & Leaf
If you aren’t a fan of memory foam’s classic slow-moving feel, then the Loom & Leaf isn’t for you. The foam contours and hugs close to your body.
Combination sleepers will likely prefer a bouncier mattress where they feel like they’re resting more “on top of” the bed.
The slow-reacting foam layers make it a little difficult to move around on the mattress, so it may not be a great place to have sex.
Other User Reviews
The premium Loom & Leaf mattress has over 500 reviews and a 4.9-star overall rating. Customers rave about its comfort and many credit it for relieving back pain. Many reviews also mention positive experiences with customer service and the delivery team.
Supportive for stomach sleepers in all weight ranges
Cooling upgrades to combat heat retention
Responsive feel is ideal for combination sleepers
Cons
Lacks pressure relief for side sleepers
Lacks the slow-moving feel of memory foam
Higher price point
Our Expert’s Take
The Helix Plus is a hybrid option with a 7.5/10 on the firmness scale. The Helix Plus includes strong coils, and the combined firmness and support make this bed great for heavier sleepers. Meanwhile, a layer of Ultra Dense Helix Responsive Foam assists with pressure relief without sagging under heavier weights.
What the testers say: “The Helix PLUS mattress is a solid choice for heavy people. It is designed to support heavier weights and its durable, high-density foams shouldn’t sag too quickly. Larger back sleepers, stomach sleepers and much heavier side sleepers will like what they find with the Helix PLUS.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Plus
Because it’s designed for heavier sleepers, the materials and construction are high-quality. It should last these folks around seven years before showing signs of wear.
Those looking for back pain relief should find a nice balance of comfort and support thanks to zoned coils making it a good mattress for back pain.
It’s a great pick for hot sleepers, thanks to the moisture-wicking cover and breathable coils. The upgraded cooling pillow top adds even more cooling technology.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Plus
The Helix Plus is designed for sleepers over 230 lb, which means that it doesn’t suit all average-weight or lightweight sleepers.
Average-weight side sleepers, as well as back and side lightweight sleepers, should get something with more pressure relief.
Other User Reviews
The Helix Plus has over 1,800 five-star reviews. Self-described heavyweight sleepers say it’s supportive, made with high-quality materials and has resolved back pain issues.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Hip Pain
This bed should be comfortable for anyone struggling with hip pain since it contours the hips and keeps them supported.
Back Pain
This bed is a good match for anyone struggling with back pain, as it cushions the lumbar region and has enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Stomach Sleepers
This mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers as its firm support promotes spinal alignment.
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
May not be supportive enough for heavyweight sleepers
Lacks the traditional slow-moving feel of memory foam
Our Expert’s Take
Gel-infused foam is already famous for its cooling properties, but if you’re wanting an ultra-cooling mattress, try the Nectar Premier. While all-foam beds tend to trap heat, that won’t be a concern with this model. The Nectar Premier boasts a breathable cover, gel infusions, and Phase Change Material, which adapts its temperature to your body for maximum cooling.
What the testers say: “The Nectar Premier’s cover is made with cooling, breathable fabric that helps the surface of the mattress dissipate heat. It allows for a good amount of airflow through the very top of the mattress.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nectar Premier
With stellar motion isolation, the Nectar Premier is great for couples.
It has an extremely impressive lifespan for a foam mattress. Quality materials and high-density base foam should help this bed last at least 10 years.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar Premier
Heavier people won’t find the support they need on the Nectar Premier. The 6/10 firmness just isn’t enough to keep some sleepers from sinking in too deeply.
Stomach sleepers in average to heavy weight ranges will likely find that their hips aren’t properly supported, which can lead to back pain.
Other User Reviews
There are over 5,000 reviews for the Nectar Premier, with a 4.6-star overall rating. Customers call it “life changing” and praise its comfort and deep support.
Responsive feel works well for combination sleepers
Cons
Lacks sufficient pressure relief for side sleepers
Lacks support for heavyweight sleepers
Lacks the slow moving feel of traditional memory foam
Our Expert’s Take
The hybrid DreamCloud Mattress uses a combination of gel-infused memory foam and sturdy coils for a more balanced, “on top of” feel. A breathable, cashmere-blend cover assists with cooling, and the coils help promote airflow throughout the mattress. The combination of these quality materials resulted in the 4 out of 5 score on our cooling test.
What the testers say: “The DreamCloud mattress is a budget-friendly mattress that features high-quality materials such as a cashmere-blend cover, gel-infused memory foam and individually-wrapped coils. This medium-firm hybrid mattress offers a nice balance of comfort, support and bounce.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud
It’s ideal for those with back pain, since it provides lots of support but also pressure relief around the lumbar region.
The DreamCloud comes at an excellent value, priced at $1,199 for a queen before sales and discounts.
A breathable cover, airflow-promoting coils and gel-infused memory foam make this a great pick for hot sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud
Those wanting lots of pressure relief or a sinking feel will want to opt for a softer mattress. This includes side sleepers or those with joint pain.
The DreamCloud doesn’t isolate motion particularly well, which may be a concern for those who share their bed with a partner or a pet.
Other User Reviews
With over 8,500 reviews, the DreamCloud has an overall rating of 4.6 stars. Customers say it’s excellent for easing back pain, with just enough firmness to ensure support and a sleeping-in-the-clouds level of comfort.
Brooklyn Bedding has amazing products that are sold at very affordable prices. This mattress is extremely high-quality and a great option for combination sleepers.
With a partner in the bed, body heat can become even more of an issue than usual. Luckily, gel-infused foams can help draw away heat from your bodies, resulting in a much more comfortable experience for couples. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is an excellent option for this. Its TitaniumGel-infused memory foam comfort layer promotes cooling. The quality materials in this bed make it durable and supportive enough for two sleepers. This bed can last around 7–10 years, making it a great long-term investment for you and your partner.
What the testers say: “It’s really easy to move around and change positions on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress, which makes it a good mattress for sex.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
It’s a responsive bed, meaning it’s easy to move around on. This makes it a good mattress for sex.
Being a medium-firm mattress, the Signature Hybrid accommodates a wide range of body types and sleeping positions.
It comes in three firmnesses: Soft, Medium, and Firm. You can choose what works best for your needs and preferences.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The motion isolation isn’t the best on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, so you might feel your partner’s movements at night.
The mattress doesn’t have great edge support, which may make it harder to get in and out of bed.
Other User Reviews
There are over 8,400 five-star reviews for the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress. Reviewers call it the perfect balance of soft yet firm and comfortable.
With a quilted pillow top and plush comfort layer, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid mattress works well for most back and side sleepers. And, like all Saatva mattresses, this one doesn’t arrive compressed inside a cardboard box!
Lacks the support heavyweight stomach sleepers need
Our Expert’s Take
Pillow-top mattresses have an unforgettably cloud-like feel, and the cushy surface is a must for many customers. The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is a pillow-top hybrid combining this plushness with firm support, resulting in a balanced, medium-firm feel. A half-inch of gel-infused foam not only cools down the mattress surface, but also provides targeted support towards the center of the bed. This promotes good spinal alignment.
What the testers say: “It’s a great mattress for people with back pain, because the mattress is zoned. This means it feels firmer in some areas and softer in others, which helps people maintain a neutral spinal alignment throughout the night.” – Elisa, Editor & Product Tester
What We Love About the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
Light sleepers or couples shouldn’t wake up by movements at night, thanks to this bed’s great motion isolation.
This mattress is incredibly durable and should last you at least 10 years.
Saatva offers free white glove delivery, meaning the company will deliver and set up your mattress in whatever room you choose.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
Saatva is known for their line of luxury mattresses, so it’s not an ideal option for budget shoppers.
Supportive and pressure relieving for most back and side sleepers
Cooling upgrades
Classic memory foam feel
Cons
Lacks support for stomach sleepers
Lacks a responsive feel for combination sleepers
Edge support is only decent
Our Expert’s Take
The Bear is a memory foam mattress infused with graphite for maximum cooling. While most all-foam mattresses tend to trap heat, it shouldn’t be a problem for the Bear. There’s also a Celliant cover, which is not only breathable, but purportedly assists with blood circulation and muscle recovery. Beneath the cover and first comfort layer is a second layer of transition foam, allowing you to sink into the mattress without getting stuck into the material.
What the testers say: “Side sleepers should have a great experience on the original Bear. When I rested on my side, I felt great pressure relief along my hips and shoulders. However, heavier folks might not feel as comfortable if they sleep on their side because they might sink too far into this mattress.” – Elisa, Editor & Product Tester
What We Love About the Bear
The foam in this bed is CertiPUR-US certified, so it’s an eco-friendly option.
With high-quality materials and a high-density base layer, it’s a durable option.
Because it does a great job of cutting down on motion transfer, it’s a solid choice for couples.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear
Those preferring a super-firm and super-supportive mattress, such as heavier sleepers or stomach sleepers, should opt for one of the best firm mattresses.
Heavyweight sleepers in all sleep styles will want to consider a mattress designed for heavy people, since this one won’t offer sufficient support or pressure relief.
Other User Reviews
The Bear has more than 10,000 reviews and 4.4 stars overall. Customers are pleased by its reasonable price point, eco-friendly materials and high level of comfort.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Stomach Sleepers
This mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers as its firm support promotes spinal alignment.
Back Pain
This bed is a good match for anyone struggling with back pain, as it cushions the lumbar region and has enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Hip Pain
This bed should be comfortable for anyone struggling with hip pain since it contours the hips and keeps them supported.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers, as it provides them support and easy mobility.
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Excellent support for heavyweight sleepers up to 500 pounds
Firm feel works well for stomach sleepers
Made with high-quality, durable materials
Cons
May lack in pressure relief for heavyweight side sleepers
May be too firm for sleepers under 230 lbs
Lacks the slow-moving feel of foam
Our Expert’s Take
While a firm mattress may not sound appealing at first, there are quite a few reasons why a high firmness might be appropriate for you. The Titan Plus, with a firmness of 9 out of 10, works especially well for stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. The support layer of industrial coils provides plenty of support, so heavyweight sleepers and stomach sleepers don’t need to worry about sinking uncomfortably into the mattress. If you’re worried about comfort, the Titan Plus has a plush, gel foam cover and 2” of foam above the support layer, both of which add some nice pressure relief.
What the testers say: “Firmness is always a bit subjective, and that’s especially true for beds that are designed with heavier people in mind. I ranked this mattress a 9/10 on our firmness scale, which is extremely firm. For reference, the industry standard for average firmness is 6.5/10.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Titan Plus
For a mattress of this quality, the Titan Plus is very affordable. Before sales (which run often), a queen can be purchased for just $1,399.
The Titan Plus has great edge support. With such a sturdy perimeter, you shouldn’t have to worry about the mattress sagging if you sleep towards the edge of the bed.
Because of the industrial coils we already mentioned, the Titan Plus has solid durability, meaning it can last for quite a long time if properly cared for.
What to Keep in Mind About the Titan Plus
The Titan Plus doesn’t do a great job of isolating motion, which could be an issue for couples.
Heavyweight side sleepers should consider the Titan Plus Luxe for better pressure relief.
Other User Reviews
The Titan Plus has over 2,500 reviews and an overall 4.7-star rating. Customers confirm it’s firm enough for heavier body weight, with high-quality materials and solid construction.
Read our full Titan Plus mattress reviewfor more information. Or check out our list of Best Firm Mattresses for more great options.
Gel mattresses are beds infused with beads, swirls, or pods that help wick away moisture. These gel mattresses can have all-foam constructions, but we included many hybrid and innerspring-like models in this roundup that incorporate gel foam. Aside from cooling ability, gel mattresses are known to provide lots of pressure relief, and often the gel infusion helps keep sleepers from sinking as far into the mattress as they might with other foams.
Gel Mattress vs Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam beds often lack cooling technology, but when they do include it, it’s in the form of gel infusions. Gel memory foam mattresses combine the slow-moving feel of memory foam with the beads, swirls, and pods that we mentioned. However, it’s worth noting that any cooling technology is probably going to make a mattress more expensive than a model using traditional memory foam.
Do Gel Mattresses Really Work?
While there may not be enough studies to fully determine this answer, the science behind gel mattresses is considerably sound. Liquid can cool surfaces, and the gel infused into foam mattresses is partially liquid. The gel purportedly draws away the heat from your body and absorbs it.
If you’re especially nervous about your tendency to sleep hot, it’s wise to purchase a mattress that uses both gel-infused foam and a breathable construction that’s known for cooling, such as a hybrid or innerspring mattress.
There are a number of people who wake up sweaty and stuffy in the morning. Perhaps you’re experiencing hot flashes, or maybe you sleep with a partner who gives off a lot of body heat. Maybe you’re simply a hot sleeper. Whatever the case, gel mattresses are designed to wick moisture away from the sleeper.
Pressure Relief
Foam is known for its pressure-relieving qualities. This means it contours to the body and cushions pain points. The foam in gel mattresses does something similar, cradling your joints and creating a plush feel. Traditional memory foam is a bit better at contouring. However, the gel beads within gel-infused foam make the material a bit stiffer, which can help prevent the sleeper from getting stuck in the foam material. This is great for ease of movement, which may appeal to combination sleepers or seniors.
Motion Isolation
Foam helps cut down on motion transfer, and gel foam is no exception. This material traps movement, so you’re less likely to feel a partner tossing and turning at night. That makes gel mattresses great for couples, co-sleepers, or even those who sleep with a pet.
Disadvantages of a Gel Mattress
Off-gassing
When unboxing a bed-in-a-box mattress, many models emit an odor. This process is called off-gassing, and it’s caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This process is harmless, but the odor can be annoying during the unboxing of your gel-infused mattress.
Price
You’ll have to pay more to get more; if you want the cooling features of a gel mattress, then you should be prepared to spend a bit more money. Budget shoppers might consider trying a cooling topper or a cooling pillow before investing in a cooling mattress.
Gel mattresses can be all-foam beds, but many hybrid and innerspring beds include gel infusions in the comfort layers.
Foam mattresses: These beds are known for their pressure-relieving properties. They’re great for side sleepers who need pressure relief around the hips and shoulders, those experiencing joint pain, and couples needing a bed that cuts down on motion transfer.
Innerspring mattresses: These beds have a much thinner comfort layer than foam mattresses. Instead of focusing on a thick comfort layer, they specialize in providing firm support. This is accomplished by a layer of springy coils, which provide lots of airflow and add durability to the mattress. They’re ideal for those needing more support, such as heavier sleepers and stomach sleepers.
Hybrid mattresses: These beds are the best of both worlds, combining the pressure-relieving qualities of a foam mattress with the support of an innerspring. For this reason, they come in a variety of different feels and firmnesses. Some are great at motion isolation, others are especially durable, and most excel at cooling. Overall, they tend to suit back sleepers and combination sleepers well.
Are Gel Mattresses Toxic?
While not all are toxic, there are a number of models that do use toxic materials or have harmful emissions. This is something crucial to pay attention to, especially when selecting a mattress for infants or seniors. In any case, it’s important to know what’s in your mattress. If you’re a senior looking for a new mattress and are worried about toxicity in gel, check out other options on our recommendations on the best mattress for seniors.
One easy way to do this is to check for material certifications. These are important to consider when purchasing a gel mattress. Depending on the certification, they can ensure that the materials are non-toxic, free from harmful chemicals, or even organic. Here are some of the most commonly seen mattress certifications:
It’s a certification for responsible latex substances and emissions levels.
Mattress Firmness
The mattress industry measures firmness on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. A mattress with a 6.5/10 on the firmness scale is considered “medium-firm.” The best firmness level for your mattress depends on your personal preference, body type, and sleeping position.
Sleeping Position
Side sleeping: Side sleepers usually require a mattress that lies lower on the firmness scale. A softer, plusher feel allows pressure points like the shoulders and hips to be cradled. This prevents pressure buildup and lowers the likelihood of waking up with joint pain in the morning.
Stomach sleeping: Unlike side sleepers, stomach sleepers need lots of support. A mattress lying on the firmer side of the firmness scale keeps the hips lifted. This is best for maintaining the proper spinal alignment.
Back sleeping: Back sleepers are best suited to a medium-firm mattress. A balanced feel provides comfort and support to these sleepers. That way, they have enough support to keep the body lifted, but also enough pressure relief around the lumbar region.
Body Type
Lightweight sleepers: Those under 130 lb are considered lightweight sleepers. Softer mattresses tend to be more comfortable for lightweight sleepers because they compress into the softer layer and firmer layer, getting the proper balance of comfort and support.
Average-weight sleepers: Those between 130 lb and 230 lb are considered average-weight sleepers. While most lightweight sleepers do best on softer mattresses and most heavier sleepers do best on firmer mattresses, average-weight sleepers fall somewhere in between. A medium-firm mattress should provide an appealing balanced feel.
Heavyweight sleepers: Those over 230 lb are classified as heavier sleepers. When searching for a mattress, it’s crucial to find a bed that provides adequate support. Firmer mattresses tend to do this well, along with sturdy hybrid or innerspring constructions.
Note: When considering firmness, sleeping position, and body type, it’s important to do so altogether. For instance, a mattress might be great for lightweight and average-weight side sleepers, but not average-weight back sleepers or heavier side sleepers.
Buying Your Gel Mattress
Average Cost
Gel mattresses tend to be a bit more expensive than foam beds without cooling technology. Keep in mind that hybrid and innerspring beds come at a heftier price tag, too. Overall, you can expect to pay around $1,500 for a quality gel mattress.
Warranty and Sleep Trial
A mattress warranty protects the customer from paying for damaged or defective products, while a sleep trial is the allotment of time customers have to test out a mattress. Warranties and sleep trials are incredibly important for the customer’s satisfaction with the product, and both are indicative of a company’s confidence in their product.
Find the Best Deal
Companies tend to slash prices around large holidays, but especially President’s Day (February), Memorial Day (May), Labor Day (September), Cyber 5 (November), and Christmas (December).
It depends on the mattress construction. Most gel memory foam mattresses last around seven years. Hybrids and innersprings tend to last a bit longer — around 10 years. The durability of a mattress is increased with the inclusion of quality materials and more supportive constructions, such as high-density foam foundations.
Which gel mattress is the best?
The best gel mattress is going to look differently for everyone, because we all have our own needs and preferences. However, our selected best mattress overall is the Loom & Leaf. It has lots of cooling technology, solid edge support, and great motion isolation. Perhaps best of all, it’s eco-friendly and CertiPUR-US Certified.
Is a gel mattress good for side sleepers?
It truly depends on the model. You can find hybrid and innerspring mattresses with gel-infused foam, and these beds are historically a bit on the firmer side. We suggest opting for an all-foam mattress or a hybrid bed with a plush gel comfort layer; that way, side sleepers can obtain adequate contouring and pressure relief.
Is gel foam the same as memory foam?
No, some memory foams are not gel-infused. Many memory foams lack cooling technology and are known for trapping heat. If you’re interested in sleeping cool, look for gel-infused foam. Also, if you’re on the hunt for a slow-moving feel, look for gel-infused memory foam. Not all gel foam is made of memory foam.
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Lauren Hapgood
Performance Publisher
About Author
Lauren is a Performance Publisher at Mattress Clarity, where she writes and edits mattress content to keep readers updated on sleep products. Lauren is committed to helping readers find the best sleep products for their lifestyles and is even a Certified Sleep Science Coach! She earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Washington. When she’s not compiling lists of the best beds on the market, you can find Lauren running on a trail, reading classic novels, or napping on her favorite mattress (her best talent).
