Having trouble finding the right mattress? Shopping for mattresses can be an overwhelming ordeal considering the wide variety available on the market today. Every mattress out there promises comfortable sleep. However, that does not imply that every mattress will suit the requirements of every customer out there. In this article, we take a close look at the similarities and differences between two of the most common mattress types, i.e. hybrid and gel memory foam mattresses, and therefore assist you in making an informed purchase.
Gel memory foam and hybrid foam are the two most abundant mattresses available on the market due to popular demand. They both sound comfortable and promising. Each of the two is meticulously manufactured to meet your personal needs. Gel memory foam is made from gel particles and Visco foam. People often rave about its ability to contour to your body and how it comes with advanced cooling technologies. A hybrid mattress, as the name implies, is created from a combination of mattress structures like innerspring and memory foam. Customers frequently enthuse about hybrid foam’s provision of a supportive feel to all kinds of body weight and its buoyant yet stable structure that is highly durable. While both of these mattresses have their advantages and disadvantages, it is difficult to conclude a real winner. What helps your partner or friend sleep peacefully might keep you awake the entire night.
A gel foam mattress is a type of memory foam mattress. The difference lies in its composition. It is created from Visco foam and gel particles that equip this mattress with a cooling mechanism. These components are responsible for increasing the airflow in the mattress that consequently reduces heat. It is also known as a Visco foam mattress. Gel memory foam mattresses are famous for their slow sink. You must have come across commercials where a mattress is seen bearing an imprint when someone presses and lifts their hand off the foam. That’s gel memory foam. It has even been used in facilitating cows to sleep outside on a hot day.
Gel memory foam is created in layers. Each layer offers special features. The layers at the top are low density and contour your body and therefore are referred to as “comfort layers.” By doing so, they evenly distribute your weight to provide comfort and maintain the natural curve of the spine. This particular feature effortlessly relieves pressure points as well. Regardless of the kind and number of layers in the mattress, you will feel a “slow sink” sensation upon lying down on this mattress. Some find this feeling comforting, whereas for others it may feel like getting trapped in quicksand.
Gel memory foam is moldable, as it uses heat derived from your body to contour your actual shape and hug you in the right places. The heat softens the fibers in this foam, which becomes pliable and allows your body to sink in.
As mentioned previously, the foam contours to your body, therefore it releases pressure from your shoulders, back, and hips. It maintains the natural curve of your spine, keeping it properly aligned. The pressure relief reduces pain. This foam is especially beneficial for side sleepers since it provides comfortable support to their muscles and bones.
Gel memory foam mattresses are devoid of springs and coils. Because of this, the foam can isolate movement. Motion transfer is therefore almost nonexistent as the foam absorbs movement and prevents it from spreading. So if you are sleeping with a partner or a pet that tosses and turns a lot, you remain shielded from those movements and enjoy a pleasant sleep.
Gel memory foams have a dense structure that makes them impenetrable. It is impermeable to allergens such as dust, mites, and mold. Owing to this aspect, allergens can never accumulate in this foam, unlike other materials.
If you are seeking comfort on a tight budget, gel memory foam is just the right mattress. It is not that cheap, but it is a little more budget-friendly in comparison to other mattress types.
Gel memory foams do not contain any springs or inner coils. Because of that, they do not make noise at all. This does not mean that other mattresses are loud. They do, however, wither with time when their springs or inner coils break and start squeaking.
Usually, gel memory foam is equipped with cooling technology, but it does retain some of the body heat that it absorbs, so it might get sweaty for a hot sleeper. On the contrary, the heat keeps you warm on winter nights.
The mattress may wear out quickly as it conforms and sinks under an overweight user.
You might experience a trapped feeling if you are not comfortable with this foam sinking. If you are claustrophobic, then this mattress is not the right choice for you.
As this foam sinks easily, if you place your weight on its edge, there is a huge likelihood of you rolling off.
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of two mattress structures. They are comprised of innerspring or pocketed coils that are stacked with a comfort layer made out of either memory foam or latex. If pocketed coils are used in the mattress, that means they are individually wrapped. As a result, they help curb movement. The use of innerspring coils, on the contrary, does not isolate motion, as the coils are connected. The combination of structures used in creating the mattress depends on customer needs. Gel memory foam may be combined with coils to allow better regulation of temperature. Natural latex can be used as an eco-friendly alternate.
If you are someone who does not enjoy the “sinking” feeling that comes from sleeping on gel memory foam, then hybrid mattresses offer a good compromise. This mattress not only provides the softness of a gel memory foam but the bounciness of traditional mattresses as well. The coils in this mattress provide support, bounce, and firmness. The remaining foam layers provide features of gel foam, contouring to your body and thereby increasing comfort.
Hybrid mattresses are created from coils and foam. The coils provide adequate airflow between mattress layers and maintain a balanced temperature. Many hybrid mattresses are equipped with additional cooling technologies as well. If you are a hot sleeper, a hybrid mattress will keep you cool!
As these mattresses contain both coils and foam, they are more durable than other mattresses on the market. The coils can handle heavier weights and are able to withstand wear and tear.
Coils in a hybrid mattress prevent a sinking sensation and provide additional support. If you sleep on your back or stomach, a hybrid mattress will do you good.
Hybrid mattresses adapt quickly to different sleeping positions. As mentioned earlier, the layering of coil and foam provides additional support that allows the mattress to adjust quickly to rapid movement. You can toss and turn comfortably in a hybrid mattress.
This mattress is designed with special consideration for comfort and luxury. Therefore, many people find a hybrid mattress to be more comfortable.
A hybrid mattress combines two different mattress structures. Therefore, you can always use your own layering combination to choose the right hybrid mattress for you.
Since hybrid mattresses contain innerspring coils, they can spread movement from one part of the bed to another. They are therefore notorious for motion transfer. If you sleep with a partner or pet that tosses and turns a lot, you will experience a bounce.
Coil or innerspring hybrid mattresses may wither with time. As a result, the worn-out structures inside your mattress may squeak every time you move around on your bed.
Hybrid mattresses are more expensive in comparison to gel or simple memory foam mattresses. The higher costs, however, equate to greater durability.
A hybrid mattress may be more supportive, but that does not automatically mean it’s the right mattress for you. It may be comfortable for someone else, but it might ruin your beauty sleep. Gel memory foam is softer than other mattresses, but now hybrids come in soft layers as well. The firmness of a mattress depends on your body type. If you are heavier than average, a firm mattress might feel softer. The following table summarizes the key factors to consider while making a mattress purchase.
| Why opt for a gel memory foam? | Why opt for a hybrid mattress? |
|---|---|
|
Relieves back pain
|
Prevents overheating
|
|
Contours the body
|
Bouncy
|
|
Inexpensive
|
Personalization
|
|
Motion isolation
|
Variety of firmness levels
|
|
Reduce snoring
|
Accommodates different sleeping positions
|
|
Easy to clean
|
Provide edge support
|
Gel memory foam is a suitable option for people with back pain, as it supports the spine’s natural curve
Prevents overheating
The coil and foam layering allows airflow, providing a cooler sleeping surface
Contours to the body
The mattress is pliable; it conforms to your body and provides pressure relief
Bouncy
Springs in a hybrid mattress provide a bounce
Inexpensive
Gel memory foam is cheaper than a hybrid mattress
Personalization
A wide range of layering combinations are available to meet individual needs
Motion isolation
Suitable for people who sleep with a partner or pet that moves around often; gel memory foam buffers movement
Variety of firmness levels
A variety of firmness levels are available in hybrid mattresses
Reduce snoring
Gel memory foam provides support for improved spinal alignment, which means better breathing and reduced snoring
Accommodates different sleeping positions
Hybrid mattresses facilitate different sleeping positions
Easy to clean
Gel memory foam is impermeable to dust
Provide edge support
They provide extra support around the edges which prevents sagging
Whatever mattress you settle on, make sure that you purchase the mattress from a company that is reliable and allows you to try the mattress. Even if it takes hours of research, do your homework before finalizing a deal. You might want to perform a sleep test on the mattress to conclude whether the mattress matches your comfort level or not. Do not hesitate to return the mattress if it does not fulfill your needs. It is important for you to identify, shortlist, and make sure your personal needs are fulfilled.
Q: Which one of these mattresses is good for a side sleeper?
A: Gel memory foam is usually suitable for a side sleeper. A hybrid mattress, however, supports a variety of sleeping positions, including side sleeping. Therefore, if your budget allows, you can opt for a hybrid mattress as well.
Q: Which foam is suitable for claustrophobic individuals?
A: Since gel memory foam sinks under your weight, a claustrophobic individual must therefore choose a hybrid mattress. A hybrid mattress provides a wide variety of firmness levels to meet individual needs.
Q: Should people with dust allergies purchase a gel memory foam?
A: Yes. Gel memory foam has a dense structure and therefore it is impenetrable. Particles like dust or mold cannot inhabit gel memory foam.
Q: What are eco-friendly options for a mattress?
A: If you are conscious about a mattress’s composition being eco-friendly, then choose a hybrid mattress with natural latex in its layering.
Q: What is the right choice of mattress for an obese person?
A: A hybrid mattress is equipped with coils and foam. It is far more durable than any other mattress out there. Therefore, an obese individual should opt for a hybrid mattress.
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