There are 3 types of gel mattresses available today varying in overall construction and the way they incorporate gel into either comfort layers or support core of the mattress – gel infused foam, solid gel layer or solid gel column construction. Gel is a semi-solid material and depending on its structure could be soft or extremely hard.

Gel memory foams are becoming more popular because they advertise the improvement on traditional memory foam drawbacks – heat retention and response time. Gel foam manufacturers claim that their foams are much cooler, but they often fail to say by how much, so it may not be even noticeable by an end-user. Gel foams are made by infusing gel molecules or by adding gel beets to memory foam giving the foam more resistance so you don’t sink in it too much and allowing gel particles to absorb excessive heat. Visit our Memory Foam Sectionfor more information about quality and durability of memory foam.

Solid gel layer is used to enhance to the feel on the top of the mattress. Manufacturers use rather thin solid gel layer to deliver unique “jelly” feel and maximum cooling effect. The overall feel depends on the thickness and softness of the gel layer. This layer is not flat on the surface and has rather waffle-like structure with the grooves adding to air circulation. Due to gel’s weight and form some customers noticed shifting of this layer and bulging up on one side of the mattress.

Collapsible column design or sometimes referred to as Honeycomb construction utilizes hundreds of hollow columns made from gel. These columns share their vertical walls, thus creating a honeycomb pattern. Combining all these columns into a grid creates a very unique support system. It provides well-balanced support allowing for heavier parts of the body to sink deeper, yet still supporting the rest of the body evenly and ensuring correct spinal alignment. Even with great, support collapsible gel columns minimize the pressure on our body. When the heavier part hits the mattress columns right underneath get out the way and contour that part, minimizing potential pressure point. Hollow column design also guarantees enhanced temperature regulation through improved air circulation.

Gel Mattress overall durability will depend on durability of its components. With untested product like this you will have greater chance to rely on provided warranty. Warranties are design to protect consumer against manufacturer’s defects for certain period of time, and majority of innerspring mattress warranties protect customers against excessive sagging, which is typically referred to as an indentation/imprint/depression greater than 1.5”.

Most warranties start with a full mattress replacement for an initial period of time, and change to a limited (pro-rated) warranty as years go by. While comparing innerspring mattress warranties, you can find full replacement warranties for as little as 5 years and as high as 15 years, with overall warranty duration up to 30 years.