Memory Gel and Memory Foam Mattress: What Are the Differences?

As summer arrives, sleeping well can become a real challenge. Long light days, annoying insects and especially hot, sultry nights can make resting difficult. The memory foam mattress is recognized for its comfort but is often perceived as too warm by some people, especially during the summer months. In these cases, a mattress that also includes memory gel might be the ideal solution. But what exactly is memory gel? In this article we will explore the features and benefits of this innovative version of the classic memory foam.

What is Memory Gel?

Memory Foam

Long light days, annoying insects and especially hot, sultry nights can make resting difficult. Memory foam, or viscoelastic foam, is a material developed by NASA in the 1960s to improve the safety of aircraft seat cushions. It is known for its ability to adapt to the shape of the body, distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure points. This makes the memory foam extremely comfortable and popular for mattresses and pillows.

While in the past it was widely believed that the most suitable mattresses for back pain were rigid mattresses, today memory foam mattresses are the most sought-after and popular for those suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. The orthopedic support they give is truly priceless!

As materials research progressed, version 4.0 of memory foam was born in early 2000, with even better technical performance: memory gel. 

Memory Gel

Memory gel is an evolution of memory foam. It is a material that incorporates gel particles within the viscoelastic foam. This gel foam sheet, usually placed on the surface of the mattress, has the main function of improving the body temperature regulation. The memory gel absorbs body heat and disperses it, creating a feeling of coolness on contact with the body. This makes the memory gel mattresses particularly suitable for those suffering from the heat at night.

Features of Memory Gel Mattresses

Memory gel mattresses have different features that set them apart from traditional memory foam mattresses. Here are the main ones:

1. Temperature Regulation
   • Coolness: The gel particles integrated in the memory foam absorb body heat and disperse it, helping to maintain a cooler temperature during sleep.
   • Climate Comfort: This feature is especially useful on hot summer nights, when a traditional memory foam mattress may be too warm.
2. Adaptability
   • Best Adaptation:  Memory gel moulds faster to body pressure than traditional memory foam. This means that the mattress immediately adapts to the shape of the body, providing personalized support and reducing pressure points.
3. Durability and Longevity
   • Resistance: Memory gel mattresses tend to be more durable than standard memory foam mattresses, due to the combination of viscoelastic foam and gel particles that enhance their strength and longevity.
4. Hygiene and Health
   • Antibacterial: the memory gel mattresses have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which help to maintain a more hygienic sleep environment.

Conclusions

Choosing the right mattress can make a big difference in the quality of sleep, especially during the summer months. While memory foam provides exceptional comfort due to its ability to adapt to body shapes, memory gel adds an extra level of coolness. Memory gel mattresses are designed for those who seek a cooling and rejuvenating sleep, without sacrificing the ergonomic support of memory foam. If you suffer from heat during the night, a memory gel mattress could be the ideal solution for you!