When buying a memory foam mattress online or trying to find ‘the best mattress India’, most people get confused about whether they should go for a gel mattress or not. The difference between the two is in the construction of the material. While memory foam is viscoelastic, gel memory foam is that too but with the added advantage of temperature neutrality. Memory foam mattresses, traditionally, caused the sleeper to sleep hot. This was a major criticism against the mattress type. However, brands then started including one or the other cooling technology into their design to overcome this problem. One such technology is gel memory foam.

Today, we will be talking about gel memory foam mattress toppers and discussing their pros and cons. But before we do that, here are the answers to a few FAQs on mattress toppers.

What is a mattress topper?

A mattress topper is additional bedding that you can place on your mattress. This can be removed as and when.

Why should one use a mattress topper?

A mattress topper can be used for a number of reasons. If your mattress is not providing the comfort or firmness that your body needs during sleep, then all you need to do is buy a mattress topper and put it on top of your mattress. Buying a completely new mattress is a huge investment. If you are not willing to make that investment right now for whatever reason, then a cheaper but still good alternative would be to get a mattress topper. The other reason can be because you and your sleeping partner need varying firmness while sleeping. The one who needs more support can place the topper on their side alone. You can get a topper for a single bed and do that.

What are the different types of mattress toppers?

There are as many mattress toppers as there are mattresses. So from latex and hybrid to memory foam and wool, you will find them all.

Which is the best mattress topper?

The answer to this depends on your sleep needs. However, a memory foam mattress topper has certain advantages. For example, its unique ability to conform to the body shape of the sleeper cannot be mentioned. The topper will distribute your body weight in such a manner that your neck, shoulders, and hips, will feel no pressure during sleep and will experience no strain in the morning. The mattress topper also ensures that the sleeper’s spine remains naturally aligned during sleep. Expect no postural defects after using a memory foam mattress topper. Also, the mattress accommodates all sleeping positions. Though it is not as beneficial as a memory foam mattress, the topper is still a better option compared to mattresses like an innerspring mattress. The memory foam mattress topper is hypoallergenic, therefore taking care of your skin, your eyes, and your breathing. A medium-firm mattress topper is the best choice as it will neither push your body right on top during sleep nor will it trap you in.

What are the pros of a gel mattress topper?

This is a memory foam mattress topper with the added advantage of infused gel that helps with temperature neutrality. So apart from getting features, such as orthopedic qualities, motion separation, hypoallergenic features, alleviation of joint pain, superior support, and excellent comfort, you will also get heat and air ventilation which is so important for better sleep. This mattress topper will ensure your body heat is not trapped. Instead, it will absorb the body heat and circulate it throughout.

What are the cons of a gel mattress topper?

Depending on the brand and the quality of the topper, a gel mattress topper’s cooling effect may not last. Also, it can be more expensive which is a real bummer when you are trying to get a cheaper alternative to buying a mattress. If you are used to a traditional memory foam mattress, the gel one might be uncomfortable.

If not gel mattress topper then what?

A memory foam mattress with an open cell structure. It gives you the best of memory foam, while overcoming the disadvantages of gel foam, and yet providing temperature neutrality.