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Best Gel Mattress of 2026
Sleep Foundation
Why Trust Us
Our mission to create a healthier, more well-rested world demands that our product reviews be best-in-class. You won’t find more expertise on mattresses and sleep products anywhere else.
The Sleep Foundation product testing team uses an industry-leading evaluation process paired with real world consumer feedback to come up with objective recommendations so that you can feel confident in your product decisions.
Memory foam is widely known — and loved — for its pressure relief and motion isolation. But there’s one big downside: Traditional memory foam tends to trap heat, which can be a dealbreaker for hot sleepers. That’s why many mattress companies now use gel-infused memory foam, which is designed to help dissipate heat. But since gel memory foam can vary from brand to brand and some versions work better than others, we’ll break down the best gel mattresses and what makes them stand out.
Our #1 Pick: DreamCloud Premier
Endorsed by thousands of 5-star reviews and backed by a lifetime warranty, our top gel mattress pick is the DreamCloud Premier. It excels at relieving pressure and promoting proper spinal alignment.
Read on to see our full list of best gel mattresses of 2026 based on performance ratings from our in-house testing team, in-depth product inspections, and verified reviews from real mattress owners.
Our Top Picks
Best Mattress Overall
:DreamCloud Premier Hybrid
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Best Value Mattress
:Bear Original
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Best Luxury Mattress
:Loom & Leaf
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Most Comfortable Mattress
:Nectar Premier
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Best Mattress for Back Pain
:WinkBed
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Best Cooling Mattress
:Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
:Puffy Lux Hybrid
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Best Mattress Deals Happening Now
- Save $1,397 — DreamCloud Premier Hybrid
$1,099(List Price $2,496) - Save $299 — Bear Original
$699(List Price $998) - Save $325 — Loom & Leaf
$2,674(List Price $2,999) - Save $1,300 — Nectar Premier
$949(List Price $2,249) - Save $771 — WinkBed
$1,799(List Price $2,570)
How We Tested the Best Gel Mattresses
Testing Criteria
For this list, our team focused on criteria that matter most to shoppers seeking the best gel mattresses. We paid particularly close attention to the following traits:
Temperature regulation: Gel mattresses are typically engineered for cooling, but the extent to which they actually regulate temperatures can vary. Hot sleepers often prefer a gel mattress that excels in this area, so we looked for breathable materials via high-quality cooling systems and covers.
Variety of firmness levels: Most gel mattresses fall between a 4 and a 6 on the 10-point firmness scale, ranging from medium soft to medium firm. However, softer and heavier options are available. Side sleepers and those under 130 pounds usually gravitate toward the softer end of this range, while stomach sleepers and those over 230 pounds often prefer the higher end and above with a thinner gel layer. Back sleepers and those between 130 and 230 pounds usually fall closer to the middle.
Pressure relief: Gel foam contours to the body, reducing pressure on the hips and shoulders while supporting proper spinal alignment. This makes a gel design particularly useful for sleepers with aches or joint discomfort.
Sleeper profile: Side sleepers often benefit from the even contour of gel mattresses, which can help distribute weight and minimize pressure points on the shoulders and hips.
How We Evaluated
For our best gel mattresses list, we dove deep into our database of over 2,000 mattress models to look for options that meet these qualifications:
- Low heat retention levels when we measured 5 and 10 minutes after a heat source is removed
- Firmness level between soft (3) and firm (7-8)
- Strong motion isolation
- High marks from side sleepers
To narrow the field further, we selected a handful of standout models and our testers ran them through a fresh round of hands-on evaluations. These tests assessed the beds for temperature regulation, feel, motion isolation, and suitability for side sleeping, among other qualities.
Based on these latest rounds of testing, our team determined the final list of best gel mattresses.
Our Testing Team
Logan Foley
Executive Product Director
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Mary Fenton
Head of Product Content
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Jeremy Klein
Product Testing Manager
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Brad Nehring
Product Testing Manager
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Colin Simpson
Product Research Manager
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Best Overall Mattress: DreamCloud Premier Hybrid
Best Overall Mattress
9.0/10Test Lab Score
DreamCloud Premier Hybrid
A sophisticated foam hybrid with plush comfort layers and a robust support system.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best for: Side sleepers across most weight groups and back sleepers up to 230 pounds.
- Feel: A true medium firm (6) design with plush, surface-level cushioning and sturdy underlying support.
- What It’s Made of: Adaptive polyfoam and memory foam comfort layers encased in a Euro-style pillow-top, followed by a pocketed coil support core.
- What We Don’t Like: Too thick and adaptive for most back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Designed with multiple layers of pressure-relieving materials, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid aims to ease tension and help sleepers maintain good spinal alignment.
How It Performed
Combining the advantages of memory foam and innersprings, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid offers strong motion isolation, above-average edge support, and a responsive sleep surface that enables easy position changes.
The gel-infused memory foam is engineered to draw heat away from the surface of the bed, allowing it to dissipate through the coils in the support core. Because the coils are individually wrapped, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid makes little to no noise when bearing weight.
The mattress performs well for all sleeper types, but it performs especially well for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, for whom the memory foam forms a pressure-relieving cradle that keeps the spine aligned.
Construction Breakdown
The DreamCloud Premier is a 13-inch hybrid model with a medium firm (6) feel. This mattress features a Euro-top cover quilted with polyfoam and gel memory foam layers. A 2.5-inch polyfoam transitional layer helps prevent excessive sinkage. Rounding out the bed is an 8.5-inch layer of pocketed coils, with a polyfoam base for added stability.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
DreamCloud ships free to the contiguous U.S. and offers a 365-night sleep trial with a 30-night requirement. A limited lifetime warranty covers the mattress.
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Best Value Mattress: Bear Original
Best Value Mattress
7.8/10Test Lab Score
Bear Original
An affordable foam bed designed for those with an active lifestyle.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best for: Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds.
- Feel: A firm (7) feel with more support and bounce than the average memory foam mattress, but the surface is fairly cushy and adaptive.
- What It’s Made of: Straightforward design with a gel-infused memory foam comfort layer, transitional polyfoam, and high-density base foam.
- What We Don’t Like: Limited edge support despite the firm design and strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
A high-quality gel mattress can be an expensive investment, but the Bear Original is a notable exception. The triple-layer design offers a firm (7) feel and exceptionally strong support for an all-foam model, making the mattress suitable for those who typically find this type of mattress too soft. During our tests, the Original also excelled in a few performance areas where plusher foam beds typically fall short.
How It Performed
Our testing team’s response to the Bear Original was overwhelmingly positive. Particularly strong ratings came from our side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds, back sleepers of at least 130 pounds, and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. All of these testers remarked on the Original’s above-average support, comparing the mattress favorably to softer all-foam beds that often sink to an excessive extent.
During our motion isolation tests, we noticed little to no motion transfer when lying next to someone else on the mattress. This makes the Original a good choice for anyone whose sleep is frequently disrupted by their partner’s movements. Our temperature control tests revealed some heat buildup, but not as much as we’ve noticed with softer foam mattresses.
Construction Breakdown
The Bear Original’s topmost layer is composed of memory foam infused with graphite-based cooling gel intended to offset heat retention. An open-cell composition for the foam delivers additional breathability. Dense polyfoam makes up the transitional and support layers, reinforcing the firm feel to keep your body on an even plane. Altogether, the mattress measures 10 inches thick.
A cover made from Celliant-blend fabric encases the foam layers. Celliant is engineered to help you physically recover during sleep by converting your body heat into infrared energy. This material also feels cool to the touch and promotes comfortable temperature regulation throughout the night.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
In addition to an affordable sticker price, the Bear Original ships free of charge to customers in the contiguous U.S. Each order includes two free pillows, but you can upgrade this offer to a discounted bedding set that features both pillows along with a sheet set and mattress protector. Bear’s sleep trial runs for 120 nights. A lifetime manufacturer’s warranty covers structural defects for as long as you retain original ownership.
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Best Luxury Mattress: Loom & Leaf
Best Luxury Mattress
9.1/10Test Lab Score
Loom & Leaf
A robust, luxury memory foam bed in built multiple firmness options.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best for: Side and back sleepers seeking a mattress that alleviates pain and pressure points.
- Feel: Available in two supportive designs, medium firm (6) and firm (8).
- What It’s Made of: Gel-infused memory foam reinforced with a gel foam lumbar pad, followed by transitional memory foam and two high-density polyfoam support layers.
- What We Don’t Like: Expensive pricing is a barrier for budget-conscious shoppers and returns incur a $99 fee.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
With a unique construction that incorporates gel swirls for added lumbar support, the Loom & Leaf Mattress leverages all the advantages of gel foam to provide sleepers with pressure relief and versatility.
How It Performed
Side sleepers experience an excellent balance of support and pressure relief from the Loom & Leaf. The added lumbar support helps relieve pressure buildup for back sleepers, and the firm model provides support for stomach sleepers, preventing sinking in the midsection.
Memory foam is known for its ability to isolate motion, and the dense foams used in the Loom & Leaf help reduce disturbances for couples, particularly on the medium firm (6) model. Due to the gel infusions, the mattress sleeps cooler than traditional memory foam models. Our testers also found it relatively easy to switch positions and use the edges of the firm model.
Construction Breakdown
The Loom & Leaf Mattress by Saatva is a 12-inch model sold in two firmness options: medium firm (6) and firm (8). Both models include an organic cotton cover with antimicrobial treatment and a non-toxic thistle fire barrier.
In the center third of the mattress, a spinal zone gel layer offers cooling lumbar support. This sits atop a layer of gel-infused memory foam and a second, denser layer of pressure-relieving memory foam. A high-density polyfoam base provides stability and support.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Saatva offers free White Glove delivery in the contiguous U.S., and customers can also add on old mattress removal at the time of checkout for no additional fee. The Loom & Leaf has a lifetime warranty and a 365-night sleep trial. Returned mattresses are subject to a $99 fee.
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Most Comfortable Mattress: Nectar Premier
Most Comfortable Mattress
8.8/10Test Lab Score
Nectar Premier
A motion absorbing memory foam mattress that avoids the usual heat buildup.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best for: Side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds, as well as couples and people with back pain.
- Feel: Medium firm (6) design with light contouring and decent pushback for an all-foam mattress.
- What It’s Made of: A comfort layer of memory foam infused with cooling gel and phase change material, followed by dense polyfoam transitional and base layers.
- What We Don’t Like: Limited edge support and strong initial off-gassing.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
If you’re in the market for a memory foam mattress that doesn’t retain as much heat as competing models, the Nectar Premier is a worthy option. Foam beds are known for trapping heat, but this model is designed with cooling features that help regulate temperature on the surface.
How It Performed
During testing, we found the Premier had a medium firm (6) feel and provided ample cushioning for side sleepers along the shoulders and hips. This can improve spinal alignment and ease discomfort that often comes from using this sleep position. The mattress is also well suited to back sleepers, who need cushioning along the spine and support for the lower back.
Motion isolation is a strength of the Premier. The foams absorb movement and prevent it from spreading across the surface, making the mattress a good option for people who wake up easily from their sleep partner’s movements.
Construction Breakdown
The mattress is constructed with a 3-inch memory foam comfort layer that molds closely to evenly distribute your weight and reduce pressure in sensitive areas of your body. This layer is infused with cooling gel and phase change material to make the mattress suitable for hot sleepers. Transitional and base layers of high-density polyfoam reinforce the comfort layer to help maintain an even surface for your body.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The mattress is fairly expensive compared to other all-foam models, but Nectar will ship it for free anywhere in the contiguous U.S. You’ll receive 365 days to test out the mattress, along with a lifetime warranty.
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Best Mattress for Back Pain: WinkBed
Best Mattress for Back Pain
9.4/10Test Lab Score
WinkBed
High end hybrid bed providing ample support, cushion, and cool sleep.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best for: Side, back, and stomach sleepers across different body types – but it’s important to choose a firmness that aligns with your weight and preferred position.
- Feel: Available in adaptive medium soft (4), balanced medium firm (6), robust firm (7), and bouncy “Plus” (8) designs. All offer targeted midsection support.
- What It’s Made of: Standard WinkBed mattresses contain adaptive polyfoam comfort layers, while the Plus is constructed with zoned latex. All designs feature zoned pocketed coil support cores with perimeter reinforcement.
- What We Don’t Like: Couples may notice motion transfer on softer models, while side sleepers may find the firmest options too stiff.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The WinkBed is available in four firmness options, all of which feature a thick foam or latex comfort system paired with sturdy coils. This balanced design is a good fit for sleepers with back pain, since it cushions you in all the right spots while still generating enough support to keep your lower back from sinking.
How It Performed
Thanks to the multiple firmness options, everyone on our testing team found a model that suited their body type and sleep preferences. The softer models earned higher ratings from the side and back sleepers on our team, especially those who weigh up to 230 pounds, while the firmer models were a better fit for stomach sleepers or side and back sleepers over 230 pounds.
Many mattresses with foam layers tend to trap heat during our tests, but the WinkBed was a notable exception. Thanks to the breathable cover and steady airflow through the coils, our hot sleepers noticed minimal heat buildup. We also recommend the mattress for couples, since the surface was fairly easy to roll across for sex and the sturdy edge support allowed for maximum surface use.
Construction Breakdown
The WinkBed is available in medium soft (4), medium firm (6), firm (7), and firm (8) options. The three softer models begin with a Euro-top cover quilted with gel-infused polyfoam, giving the surface a plush feel that contours to the body and alleviates pressure. This is followed by a transitional polyfoam layer that prevents you from sinking too deeply into the mattress. The firmest model starts with a high-density polyfoam layer followed by a thick latex layer, generating firmer support.
In all models, pocketed coils in a zoned configuration make up the support core. Thicker coils are placed beneath the midsection to reduce sagging and promote spinal alignment. Perimeter reinforcement bolsters the edges, preventing it from sinking when you sleep near the edges or get in and out of bed. A breathable and moisture-wicking Tencel cover encases the mattress.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
WinkBed offers free shipping to customers living in the contiguous U.S. and a 120-night sleep trial. If you decide to keep the mattress after the trial, it is backed by a generous lifetime warranty covering structural defects.
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Best Cooling Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Best Cooling Mattress
8.7/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Luxury hybrid with deep foam layers and cooling technology.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best for: Side and back sleepers who sleep hot and want extra support around their midsection.
- Feel: Available in medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7) designs.
- What It’s Made of: Memory foam infused with cooling gel and copper fibers, followed by transitional foam and zoned pocketed coils with perimeter reinforcement.
- What We Don’t Like: Strong off-gassing odor for up to 72 hours after the mattress is unboxed.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Gel mattresses are known for their cooling properties, but the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe stands apart from other gel-infused beds for its exceptional cooling features. This model should feel comfortable for most sleepers who overheat or sweat a lot at night.
How It Performed
Between the multiple firmness options and the even balance of support and cushioning, our test team found the Aurora Luxe to be suitable for a wide range of sleepers. Side sleepers gravitated toward the two softer models, while back sleepers benefited more from the two firmer models. Stomach sleepers who weigh above 130 pounds found the firm model ideal for preventing their midsection from sagging into the bed.
Hot sleepers should have no problem staying cool with the Aurora Luxe, since air circulates freely through the bed’s interior and the foam layers are designed with cooling gel. The surface is also infused with TitanCool, a phase change material that’s meant to further minimize heat retention. For an additional fee, you can upgrade your mattress with an extra foam layer known as the “Cloud” pillow-top. This layer makes the surface feel noticeably softer, but may also reduce the mattress’ heat-dissipating abilities.
Construction Breakdown
The mattress is available in three firmness options that correspond to medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7) on our firmness scale. All models begin with a cushioned layer of CopperFlex, a proprietary gel-infused foam that contours to the body. Beneath is a TitanFlex foam layer with a moderately bouncy feel, followed by a gel-infused memory foam layer in the two softer models and a firmer VariFlex foam layer in the firm model. Rounding out the construction is a support core of pocketed coils.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Brooklyn Bedding offers customers 120 nights to try out the mattress. You may return the bed within this timeframe for a full refund. The bed is backed by a lifetime warranty and the mattress ships free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.
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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Puffy Lux Hybrid
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
8.3/10Test Lab Score
Puffy Lux Hybrid
A high-end foam hybrid that excels at motion isolation and pressure relief.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best for: Side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds.
- Feel: Gentle medium (5) feel with deep contouring and cradling.
- What It’s Made of: Breathable fibers quilted to the cover, two comfort layers of gel-infused memory foam, transitional polyfoam, and pocketed coils in the support core.
- What We Don’t Like: Too soft and lacking in support for most back and stomach sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or more.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
The Puffy Lux Mattress features adaptive foams that closely cradle your body, bringing relief to pressure-sensitive areas. The generous cushioning is a good fit for side sleepers, especially those who tend to wake up with sore joints.
How It Performed
Side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds should find the mattress particularly comfortable, as this position generally needs more padding around the hips and shoulders to avoid painful pressure buildup. Meanwhile the coils deliver enough support to the lumbar region to maintain healthy sleep posture. The coils also promote airflow throughout the interior to offset some of the foam’s heat-absorbing tendencies and help the mattress sleep fairly cool. In addition to offering strong pressure relief, the adaptive foam layers also absorb a lot of movement to keep motion transfer to a minimum for co-sleepers.
Construction Breakdown
The comfort layer is composed of proprietary Cooling Cloud gel-infused foam that contours closely to the body but is engineered to retain a minimal amount of body heat. A second layer of Plush Dual Cloud offers extra conforming, while the denser Climate Comfort polyfoam transitional layer prevents you from sinking excessively. The support core contains individually pocketed coils that stabilize the mattress and prevent deep sinkage along the edges without making the surface feel too stiff or generating disruptive motion transfer. A base layer of high-density polyfoam adds extra reinforcement.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Delivery is free of charge for all customers in the contiguous U.S. Every purchase comes with a 365-night sleep trial that includes complimentary return shipping. Those who choose to keep the mattress also receive a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
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What Is a Gel Mattress?
A gel mattress contains at least one layer of gel-infused memory foam or polyfoam in the comfort system. Generally found in the form of beads or swirls, the gel infusions are intended to help regulate temperature by absorbing heat and pulling it away from the bed’s surface.
As a result, gel mattresses often sleep cooler than traditional memory foam models. Gel foam may also feature perforations or an open-cell design to further enhance airflow. And the gel-infused foam layers can be paired with a polyfoam support core or with innerspring coils in the case of a gel hybrid mattress. There may also be other layers in the comfort system.
Why Is Temperature Regulation Important for Quality Sleep?
A mattress with good temperature regulation helps maintain a cool, comfortable sleep surface, allowing you to sleep longer and more soundly. Whether you’re a hot sleeper or just want a more refreshing sleep environment, choosing a mattress with breathable materials, cooling technologies, or gel infusions can make a significant difference in improving sleep quality and comfort.
How to Choose the Best Gel Mattress
Buying a gel mattress comes with special considerations. Gel is a proprietary material that differs in its makeup from manufacturer to manufacturer, which sometimes makes it challenging to compare and contrast models. That said, there are several key points that can help you identify the mattress that best fits your needs.
Temperature Regulation
The aim of gel memory foam is to provide the pressure-relieving properties of memory foam without the heat retention. Different manufacturers accomplish this to different extents. Gel memory foam rarely sleeps as cool as latex or wool, but it may be a good option for hot sleepers who need a cooling mattress and like the feel of memory foam.
Firmness Level
Although there are exceptions, gel memory foam mattresses are usually medium soft to medium firm, or between a 4 and 6 on our 10-point firmness scale. This range is suitable for most sleeper types, particularly side sleepers and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers, or those over 230 pounds, may prefer a thinner layer of gel foam over firmer layers of polyfoam or latex for additional support.
Pressure Relief and Contouring
Gel foam usually contours quite closely to the sleeper, helping to distribute weight and prevent pressure points. These are areas, like the shoulders, lower back, and hips, where the body presses more heavily into the mattress, potentially causing discomfort.
In concert with a supportive base, this material can also contribute to proper spinal alignment. People who often wake up with aches and pains may want to consider a mattress with a thicker comfort system.
Contouring refers to the ability of a material to wrap around your body. Memory foam contours more closely than polyfoam, though you can find gel options in either. A certain amount of contouring is necessary to relieve pressure points, but too much contouring may allow excessive sinking that compromises spinal support.
Sleeping Position
Memory foam is best known for relieving pressure points, and gel mattresses are often favored by side sleepers looking to ease pain in the hips and shoulders. Gel foam can also help to reduce tension when sleeping on your back. On the other hand, stomach sleepers may find a gel foam mattress too plush and not supportive enough.
Price
You can expect to pay a little more for a gel mattress compared to a regular foam mattress. However, gel mattresses are available at a wide range of price-points, so most shoppers should be able to find a mattress that fits their budget. All-foam models generally cost less than gel hybrids, and extra features or additional layers may raise the price.
Quality Materials
Mattresses made with higher-quality materials can be more expensive, but they usually last longer. And while denser foams tend to hold up better to pressure, they may also trap more heat.
Motion Isolation
Couples should find that gel memory foam helps absorb movement to reduce nighttime disruptions. However, the base of the mattress also plays a role in motion isolation. Mattresses with polyfoam support cores tend to isolate motion better than those with coils, although hybrids with individually wrapped coils also perform fairly well.
Edge Support
Edge support is mostly determined by the support core. Foam mattresses may compress more around the perimeter, while hybrids generally hold up better, especially if they have reinforced edges. When evaluating a mattress for edge support, be aware that mattresses with thicker, plusher comfort systems are likely to sag more around the edges. This may limit usable space and make it more difficult to get in and out of bed.
Off-Gassing
Because it’s synthetic, gel foam may emit off-gassing odors when it’s first unboxed. These occur as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released into the air. The scent usually dissipates after a few days, but if you are sensitive to smell, you may want to find a mattress with less off-gassing. Mattresses made with lower-density foams or those that incorporate space for airflow usually air out faster.
Third-party organizations like CertiPUR-US and Greenguard test mattresses for their emission levels and grant certifications to mattresses that meet their criteria, which can provide some peace of mind.
What Type of Mattresses Feature Gel?
Gel mattresses typically come in all-foam or hybrid options.
Hybrid
Definition:Hybrid mattresses combine the best features of innerspring and all-foam mattresses. They consist of a pocketed coil-based support core topped by a multilayered comfort system that can feature memory foam, latex, or a combination of the two.
Highlight: Hybrids offer more contouring and pressure relief than innersprings, making them a good fit for side and back sleepers. A hybrid with gel foam is ideal for hot sleepers because it combines the heat-dissipating qualities of gel with the breathability of a coil core.
Foam
Definition: Foam mattresses feature multiple layers and types of foam, such as memory foam, polyfoam, and gel-infused foam. For support, they rely on a strong polyfoam core.
Highlight: All-foam models are great for side sleepers because they offer deep contouring and soothing pressure relief. If you love the hug of memory foam but hate the heat buildup, then a gel-infused model is likely a good fit.
How Does It Feel to Sleep on a Gel Mattress?
Gel infusions can be added to various types of foam, with the primary intent of making it sleep cooler. This versatile material may therefore appeal to many different sleeper types, especially those with a tendency to overheat or those who live in warmer climates.
- Gel memory foam: Gel memory foam contours more closely and provides a classic hug-like feel.
- Gel polyfoam: Gel-infused polyfoam varies in firmness, but it is almost always more responsive than memory foam, and it doesn’t tend to conform as closely.
- Other configurations: Some mattresses also use different formats such as gel pods, ridged cutouts, or a thicker layer in the lumbar section to modify the mattress’ performance.
Whereas many mattresses are made with a single layer of gel foam over a foam or coil base, mattresses may also have a thinner layer of gel foam tucked between other layers of wool, polyfoam, or other materials. All of these design variations can alter the feel of the bed.
How We Test: Your Comfort Is Our Science
Our industry-leading product testing team cares deeply about improving your sleep. Having a holistic understanding of a mattress’s role as part of a sleep system is paramount to our testing process. Since a bed’s comfort and feel depend largely on body weight and sleeping position, our testing team represents a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.
In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we use an objective, hands-on process to evaluate mattresses across performance categories. The following are the key guidelines that inform our performance ratings. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best purchase decision for you.
Construction analysis:We begin testing each mattress by analyzing its design and making note firmness, height, individual layer composition, and sticker price. This allows us to evaluate qualities like support, durability, and value.
Product testing:Firsthand testing is crucial to our evaluation and ratings system. We use a wide range of tools and technology to test mattresses in six performance categories: motion isolation, pressure relief, temperature control, ease of movement, edge support, and odor potential.
Field testing: In addition to lab-based tests, we base our ratings on feedback from field testers who use the mattresses in their own homes. They spend several weeks collecting data — this gives us insights into how the mattress performs night after night for an extended period.
User testing:We curate feedback verified owners have provided in surveys, sleep stories, and product reviews. This helps us evaluate our initial findings and, if needed, tweak our ratings to reflect real-world experiences.
How We Determine Our Overall Scores
To determine a mattress’s overall score, we assign weighted percentages to performance categories based on how important they are to the individual sleep experience. For instance, areas like pressure relief and temperature control tend to matter more to people than something like off-gassing, and because more people sleep on their side and back than on their stomach, we weigh those positions more heavily.
Performance Categories
Motion Isolation
This refers to the amount of motion a mattress absorbs when a sleeper moves on the surface. To evaluate motion isolation, we use two testers lying side by side who each feel for transfer while the other person moves on the mattress.
Temperature Control
To determine how well a mattress regulates temperature, we perform temperature tests and look closely at its materials and construction. Many mattresses are designed with cooling components meant to reduce heat retention.
Pressure Relief
A bed with strong pressure relief excels at preventing pressure from building up in areas like the shoulders and hips. Beds with even contouring and weight distribution are top performers when it comes to pressure relief.
Off-Gassing
A mattress in a box may release unpleasant chemical odors for a short period after you’ve unboxed it. The initial smell may be strong but typically fades within 2 or 3 days.
Ease of Movement
This reflects how easily a sleeper can move across a bed’s surface. Responsive surfaces made of latex typically perform better than foam surfaces, which can inhibit movement.
Edge Support
We perform sit tests along a bed’s perimeter to measure how well the edges push back against weight. Mattresses with strong edge support have minimal sagging when sleepers sit on or lie close to the perimeter.
Dive Deeper – Mattress Guides by Type
If you’d like to refine your search for a bed beyond a gel mattress, read through our other guides categorized by mattress type.
Best Mattress by Type
- Best Mattress in a Box
- Best RV Mattress
- Best Mattress in Canada
- Best Smart Mattress
- Best Online Mattress
- Best Flippable Mattress
- Best Airbed Mattress
- Best Mattress for Bunk Beds
- Best Mattress on Amazon
- Best Temporary Air Mattress
- Best Walmart Mattress
- Best Pillow Top Mattress
- Best Crib Mattress
- Best Memory Foam Mattress
Still have questions? Ask our community!
Join our Sleep Care Community — a trusted hub of product specialists, sleep health professionals, and people just like you. Whether you’re searching for the perfect mattress or need expert sleep advice, we’ve got you covered. Get personalized guidance from the experts who know sleep best.
Brad is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest who holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Washington University. As someone who has lived with sleep problems throughout his adult life, Brad is passionate about helping others get the rest they need. He’s professionally tested and reviewed sleep products for nearly a decade.
Brandon R. Peters, M.D., FAASM, is a double board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist and fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine who currently practices at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Seattle. He is a leading voice in sleep medicine who works at the cutting edge of medicine and technology to advance the field.
Learn more about our medical advisory board