Gel foam mattress

What is a gel foam mattress?

Definition of gel foam mattress

A gel foam mattress is, unlike a mattress made of visco, independent of temperature. The mattress does not react to body heat and is ideal for people who sweat during sleep. The gel foam core consists of cold foam, to which a gel component is added during the manufacturing process. Thus, a gel mattress is very adaptive and pressure-relieving. The gel foam mattress adapts ideally to the body and is very suitable for allergy sufferers.

Gel foam mattress: The advantages at a glance

A gel foam mattress (gel mattress), a gel foam pillow, or a gel latex foam mattress have a special quality:

• Gel mattress ensures perfect body adaptation on the mattress surface
• quick response to changes in body posture and lying position on a gel mattress
• optimal lying comfort when lying on the mattress surface with gel mattresses
• Gel mattresses are ideal for side sleepers
• Gel mattress is well suited for allergies (e.g. against house dust mites)
• Gel mattress offers pleasant sleeping comfort
• Gel mattresses are perfect for people with back pain
• Gel mattresses are available in all mattress sizes e.g. 90x200
• Gel mattresses provide 100% pressure relief
• Gel mattresses maintain natural S-curve of the spine

Do you want to lie a little more luxuriously, like on box spring beds in hotels, but do not want to pay the full box spring bed price? An affordable accessory alternative in our Mister Sandman online shop is a topper. The topper is an extra layer that can be used as an alternative to box spring beds. The layer is a few centimeters high and is placed on the mattress surface. Suitable toppers for these mattress models as an alternative to a box spring bed are, for example:

• Topper 80x200 instead of box spring beds 80x200
• Topper 90x200 instead of box spring beds 90x200
• Topper 120x200 instead of box spring beds 120x200
• Topper 180x200 instead of box spring beds 180x200
• Topper 200x200 instead of box spring beds 200x200

For these reasons, toppers, mattress pads, as well as pillows and mattresses made of gel foam are increasingly being produced, so that customers can enjoy restful sleep and all the benefits of gel foam products. Whether a gel foam mattress (gel mattresses) made of gel including cold foam, a gel foam pillow including cold foam (also used in cold foam mattresses with 3 zones, 5 zones, 7 zones, and 9 zones) and gel foam, or a gel foam topper: all products and items take their natural shape when loaded and return to their natural form when relieved. Optimal orthopedic positioning of the spine and an orthopedically correct back alignment are guaranteed.

Gel foam mattress with gel or gel mattress made of gel: The differences

A Gel foam mattress with Gelax or a gel foam mattress is understood by most people as a gel mattress with gel. It often happens that as a customer, you have a gel mattress in mind when buying a mattress, but usually mean a gel foam mattress with gel. Many are initially surprised when they take a mattress lying feeling test before buying and see the price. A gel foam mattress is significantly cheaper than the price of a gel mattress made of gel. Gel mattresses usually consist only of gel liquid and accordingly have a higher density.

Gel mattress made of gel

At the beginning - yes, based on the information, it is easy to see that the material of a gel mattress made of gel and a gel foam mattress are different and have a different structure. Regarding gel mattresses: A gel mattress made of gel has a very good surface for perfect pressure relief. A gel mattress made of gel, unlike a gel foam mattress made of gel foam and cold foam (cold foam mattress with 3 zones, 5 zones, 7 zones, and 9 zones), consists of a tough gel, so the mattress can weigh between 100-200 kg. Just for a 90x200 mattress , this weight height of these gel mattresses is enormous. A gel mattress made of gel is somewhat similar to a waterbed, which, however, does not belong to these foam product categories. The properties of a gel mattress made of gel are listed below in the most important advantages as well as disadvantages to see what positive aspects and disadvantages gel mattresses have.

Advantages of a gel mattress made of gel

Gel mattresses with gel have many advantages over other mattress types. Essentially, the advantages can be summarized as follows:

• Gel mattresses are silent (compared to waterbeds) and allow for easy movement in bed
• Displacement of weight in the beds (compared to the cold foam mattress, which is on beds)
• Heating pad for gel mattresses (as they cool down otherwise) for a warmer sleep and higher comfort in beds
• Gel mattresses offer good body adaptation in bed
• Pressure relief is very good with gel mattresses in bed

Disadvantages of a gel mattress made of gel

Gel mattresses made of gel have many positive aspects but also disadvantages. Here are the important points about gel mattresses including gel that one should consider before buying:

• high electricity costs (like with a water bed)
• high price when buying a mattress for beds
• Weight height is enormous (no easy shifting of the mattress) and special slatted frames for beds are necessary
• only suitable for extremely load-bearing slatted frames in beds (simple slatted frames are not sufficient)
• no air permeability in the beds (not suitable for people and customers with heavy sweating)

Gel mattresses including gel cannot be filled specifically for one's beds, as is the case with waterbeds. Due to the height of the gel mattress weight with gel, these mattresses are difficult to transport. For example, with a waterbed, one can drain the water from the mattresses. Also, in terms of price, a gel mattress made of pure gel is a more expensive purchase. When comparing a good cold foam mattress (and other cold foam mattresses in 3 zones, 5 zones, 7 zones or for example 9 zone cube cut ) or a spring core mattress with a spring core to a good gel mattress made of pure gel, the latter is more expensive due to the gel. Normal slatted frames are suitable for gel mattresses including gel:

• Gel beds made of gel for beds are, like water mattresses, heavier than other mattress types.
• A good gel mattress for beds is more expensive than a good cold foam mattress or spring core mattress with springs.
• For this type of mattress, a gel mattress for beds requires special slatted frames; the bed must also provide a stable base. Conventional slatted frames for beds are not suitable, as the material can be pressed through the slats and damaged. Due to its heat retention capability, it is also advisable to heat the mattress for winter so that beds remain nice and warm.

Development of the gel mattress made of gel to the gel foam mattress made of gel foam

The gel mattress made of gel in beds has many advantages but the major disadvantage is that it is very unwieldy and expensive. It is a niche product in the mattress universe, which not everyone can afford. Additionally, a special slatted frame is necessary for it. This slatted frame must be very sturdy in any case, which not every slatted frame is. Due to the high weight, slatted frames that are rigid are recommended. Even though some manufacturers say that these gel models fit electric slatted frames or mechanical slatted frames, one is definitely on the safe side with a rigid slatted frame. Therefore, mattress manufacturers developed an alternative in the mattress market that took into account the advantages of the gel mattress and removed the disadvantages. The gel foam mattress made of gel foam was born. The core consists of a material mixture of cold foam from a cold foam mattress and gel from a gel mattress. It is much cheaper in price and significantly lighter. It is pleasantly soft, good for people with back problems (back pain) and also provides a pleasant sleeping climate for allergy sufferers. An additional mite encasing cover further supports sleeping comfort. The properties of the gel are retained, only well complemented by the cold foam, which is also used for the production of a cold foam mattress (for example, with a 3-zone, 5-zone, or 7-zone cube cut).

Gelschaum-Matratze: Gelschaum und seine Vorteile gegenüber Visco-Schaum

The mattress properties of a gel foam or gel latex foam mattress offer many mattress advantages compared to a visco foam mattress. Visco foam only adapts to the body when influenced by body heat, allowing one to comfortably sink in and sleep on the mattress surface. It takes a certain amount of time for the body, including the spine, to adjust to the mattress on the bed and the mattress surface for sleep. The high adaptability is pleasant but not always desirable. Thus, the gel foam of a gel foam mattress or a gel foam pillow adapts directly and is therefore ideally suited for people who move more before or during sleep. Therefore, gel foam in a gel foam mattress or a gel foam pillow has a high resilience. Both gel foam mattress products and visco products require support, so the advantages and the corresponding hardness level of a cold foam mattress (cold foam mattresses in variants: 3 zones, 5 zones, 7 zones, and 9 zones) are used. In addition to cold foam, a pocket spring core (tfk) (spring core mattress) of a pocket spring mattress (tfk pocket spring mattresses) can also be used to achieve a support function through this tfk (pocket spring mattresses). The body plus spine is therefore ideally supported by these tfk mattresses. The gel foam mattress made of gel foam (often referred to as gel mattress) plus cold foam content plus gel material is pressure-relieving and fits on any slatted frame. This is also the case with the tfk pocket spring mattresses.

Gel foam mattress: application for gel foam

Gel foam is a popular item for mattress products, used for the production of mattress items and other sleep products. The most well-known items are:

• Topper made of gel foam
• Mattress topper made of gel foam
• Gel foam pillow
• Gel foam mattress (often referred to as gel mattress)

The orthopedic lying comfort is very popular with a gel foam mattress (gel mattress) or gel latex foam mattress (often also referred to as gel mattress) and is well suited for people who have problems with their back (back pain) or their spine. These mattresses provide a good sleeping feeling for people, for example, who are allergic. Toppers serve ideally as double luxury, e.g. as accessories for gel mattresses, and are suitable for people who want their mattress to be even more comfortable. This way, one can lie higher on the mattress surface and enjoy an additional comfort layer in bed. With ideal pressure relief and even weight distribution, as well as adaptability and maintenance of a natural spinal curvature, gel foam is the ideal companion in the bedroom and for gel mattresses.

Eyes open when buying - quality and test criteria of a gel foam mattress with gel

Everyone wishes to sleep comfortably. Not only the cover, bed linen, slatted frame, and the degree of hardness, but also the mattress itself must be right in order to sleep well and comfortably. Therefore, it is very important to check the quality in a test before purchasing, to become aware of the advantages and optimal properties of the mattress. Comparing offers is definitely necessary so that the model fits the corresponding slatted frame, for example, and meets the needs of the test.

Atmungsaktivität und Belüftung der Matratze

Categories such as room weight, breathability, and ventilation as well as the quality of the mattress core are important. First, test the height of the mattress. Depending on which height you prefer, choose the height that suits you best. Then check if the mattress is breathable and adapts well to the body and spine. It is best to test the sleeping comfort and lying feeling with a trial sleeping program. Mister Sandman offers 30 days trial sleeping. All our mattresses are made of high-quality materials and have a high room weight: Liara, Serena, and Anea. All Mister Sandman products are Öko-Tex certified and made in Germany. Mister Sandman offers a 10-year warranty on its mattresses. The shipping at Mister Sandman is free. For example, you will receive your cold foam mattress in your favorite sizes, such as:

• Kaltschaummatratze 90x200 mit 7-Zonen-Würfelschnitt
• Kaltschaummatratze 160x200 mit 7-Zonen-Gliederung
• Kaltschaummatratze 180x200 mit 7-Zonen-Teilung

Aber auch Latexmatratzen, wie etwa Latexmatratzen 90x200 oder Latexmatratzen 160x200.

Raumgewicht bei einer Gelschaummatratze aus Gelschaum

Very important when buying a gel foam mattress is a high density. The core made of gel foam and cold foam must have a high density to ensure the mattress is more durable. This means that the higher the density of a gel foam mattress, the longer it retains its quality and benefits. The item is a purchase that should be well thought out and researched. Are you still unsure which mattress is right for you? Our mattress finder in the Mister Sandman Shop is happy to advise you free of charge. Choose from the following mattress sizes in our shop:

• Gel mattress with gel 80 x 200
• Gel mattress with gel 90x200
• Gel mattress with gel 100 x 200
• Gel mattress with gel 140 x 200
• Gel mattress with gel 180 x 200
• Gel mattress with gel 200 x 200

So we offer in our shop mattresses plus covers made of high-quality materials, as well as other accessories. The cover of our mattresses is very breathable and guarantees optimal high air circulation. The Mister Sandman mattress finder helps to find the individually suitable mattress. All products have a high-quality and velvety soft cover that feels wonderfully soft on the skin.

Zoning of the gel foam mattress

The correct zoning of a mattress is the be-all and end-all of sleep. Partially, the weight is supported and cushioned by the slatted frame (available sizes of slatted frames 80 x 200, slatted frame 90x200, slatted frame 100 x 200, slatted frame 120 x 200, slatted frames 140 x 200 and slatted frames 160 x 200 as well as slatted frame 180 x 200 and 200 x 200). Regardless of what you choose when buying the mattress, whether gel mattress plus gel, gel foam mattress plus gel foam, visco mattress plus visco or cold foam mattress plus cold foam: The mattress must be equipped with special zones so that the body sinks better at pressure points (shoulders, back, pelvis, heels). A big plus for side sleepers - gel foam mattresses are ideal and optimally suited for people who are side sleepers.

Gel foam mattress with gel - Who is a gel foam mattress with gel suitable for?

Gel foam mattresses are great for people who desire an orthopedic mattress . A gel foam mattress has many orthopedic advantages, such as support for body areas and the prevention of back problems, like back pain. Whether a gel foam mattress is suitable for you can also be determined with the Mister Sandman mattress finder. Allergy sufferers, for example, house dust mite allergy sufferers, are also very suitable for purchasing a gel foam mattress, a gel foam pillow, or a Gelax foam mattress with Gelax. Gel foam provides no breeding ground for house dust mites as a foam material. The correct firmness level is also an important criterion. People who sleep too soft often experience back pain, so the firmness test through trial sleeping is very important. The height of the box spring mattress, depending on whether you want to sleep in a box spring bed (box spring beds) or not in a box spring bed (e.g., box spring beds 140x200), is also important. In conclusion: For back sleepers, side sleepers, allergy sufferers, and people with body problems, such as back complaints in the form of back pain, a gel foam mattress is optimal. This way, the body weight of a side sleeper can be evenly distributed on the mattress surface. The gel mattress with gel allows shoulders and head to sink ideally through the Gelax of the gel mattress. 

Suitable slatted frame: gel foam mattress plus suitable slatted frame

Finding a suitable slatted frame for gel mattresses with gel that fits ensures a fantastic sleeping experience with the right choice. Sleeping on the right slatted frame is heavenly. Once the right mattress surface, the suitable mattress plus cover has been found and both quality, room weight, and hardness level are correct, the choice of the slatted frame is the last small hurdle. Slatted frames are now available in abundance. So finding the right one is not always easy. Here is an overview of possible slatted frames that are commonly available for purchase:

• Rigid slatted frames
• Electric slatted frames
• Plate slatted frames
• Roll-up slatted frames
• Motorized slatted frames

A gel foam mattress or gel foam mattresses in general, which is very flexible, fits on any slatted frame. Unlike pure gel models, where not all slatted frames fit, a normal slatted frame can be used with gel foam models. When buying a slatted frame, not only the price is important, but also the quality of the slatted frame. The construction of the slatted frame should be such that the slats are a maximum of 5 cm apart. Slatted frames that 

Determine the right hardness level - Which hardness level suits me?

The hardness level determines how hard or soft you lie on the mattress surface. The hardness classification is done in steps:

• Hardness level H1 - soft (up to 60 kg)
• Hardness level H2 - medium-firm (approx. 60-80 kg)
• Hardness level H3 - firm (approx. 80-110 kg)
• Hardness level H4 - very firm (approx. 110-140 kg)
• Firmness level H5 - ultra firm (over 140 kg)

But not only the firmness level should be considered in this test, but also body measurements. The firmness level can be perceived differently by each person and should be taken into account during testing.

Mattress models in test - What test criteria can consumers refer to?

Since not all models on the market can be tested, there are testing institutions and consumer magazines that regularly conduct tests on everyday products. Among the most well-known testers are Stiftung Warentest and Öko-Test.

Stiftung Warentest

Stiftung Warentest is an independent testing institution that was founded by the federal government in 1964. This testing institution tests various products. Here is an overview: 

• Test of products, such as tests of entertainment electronics, tests of mattress models, tests of household appliances, food tests, or personal care tests

• Test of services, such as (health test, leisure test, and tests of travel, retirement provision test, construction financing test

But how does such a test at Stiftung Waren-Test actually work? All test reports that have taken place in the last 18 years via Stiftung Waren-Test can be read on the Stiftung Waren-Test website. The test purchase of the test products or test services within Germany is conducted anonymously. The test items are purchased and paid for in cash, so it cannot be traced that this is a test series from Stiftung Waren-Test. Below, the test products and test services are examined in independent test institutes around the world according to the test criteria of Stiftung Waren-Test and rated according to the school grading system. The test results can turn out as follows:

• Test results are very good (0.5–1.5)
• Test results are good (1.6–2.5)
• Test results are only satisfactory (2.6–3.5)
• Test results are only sufficient (3.6–4.5)
• Test results of grades 4.6–5.5 are poor

Overview of waterbeds and waterbeds

A waterbed is a mattress model filled with water and represents a somewhat different alternative to luxurious box spring beds. Waterbeds come in various sizes and are offered by different manufacturers along with bedding. Here is an overview of the most common waterbeds:

• Waterbed Softside: In these waterbeds, the core of the waterbed is in a heat-insulating foam tub.

• Waterbed Hardside: In these waterbeds, the waterbed core is fixed by a sturdy furniture frame. 

• Waterbed Masterpiece: In this waterbed construction, the core of the waterbeds is held in place by special padding (combining waterbed properties of softside and hardside waterbeds)

• Waterbed Isolit: This refers to waterbeds that are energy-saving and have a breathable insulation all around, so that no heat escapes from the waterbed. 

• Waterbed Level: These waterbeds contain a waterbed core with a compensating tank, allowing them to adapt to different body weights.

• Waterbed Lightweight: In the case of lightweight waterbeds, it is a waterbed with a low water filling height. This waterbed is often used in combination with a regular mattress topper.

• Height-adjustable waterbed: These waterbeds can be adjusted depending on the fill height. Additionally, this waterbed has flexible areas in the head and foot zones.

Suitable bedding for a waterbed

With a waterbed, there are no restrictions when it comes to choosing bedding, as many manufacturers offer a wide range of sizes and products. Secure the right comfort on your waterbed and choose the right bedding along with the suitable pillow and topper. Here is an overview of which different bedding can be well combined with a waterbed:

• Satin bedding with pillow for the waterbed for a special sleep luxury

• Linen bedding for your waterbed made of naturally snug material

• Cotton bedding for a waterbed with breathable power

• Brushed flannel bedding or cotton flannel bedding for a cozy sleeping feeling in the waterbed

• Wrinkle-free terry bedding for the waterbed for easy care every day

• Ideal air circulation of the seersucker bedding allows for good rest on the waterbed during hot summer nights

• Jersey bedding is body-hugging and serves as additional breathable bedding on the waterbed

• Linon bedding is an inexpensive linen bedding imitation made of cotton, which is a great eye-catcher on the waterbed

• Microfiber bedding is easy to care for and slightly shiny bedding that has moisture-resistant, breathable, and warming properties on the waterbed

Great bedding: sizes for the waterbed and all waterbeds

For bedding, the standard sizes are 135x200 cm, while for pillows, the standard size is 80x80 cm or pillows measuring 40x80 cm.

• Bedding for waterbed 80x200 and waterbeds
• Bedding for waterbed 90x200 and waterbeds
• Bedding for waterbed 100x200 and waterbeds
• Bedding for waterbed 120x200 and waterbeds
• Bedding for waterbed 140x200 and waterbeds
• Bedding for waterbed 160x200 and waterbeds
• Bedding for waterbed 180x200 and waterbeds
• Bedding for waterbed 200x200 and waterbeds

The construction of waterbeds

There are various construction variants. The three most common shapes of waterbeds are: 

• Waterbed Softside
• Waterbed Hardside
• Waterbed Masterpiece

The waterbed type Softside is a model that has a heat-insulating foam frame that runs around the waterbed. This replaces the sturdy furniture frame of a Hardside waterbed. It allows for easier getting up and sitting down on the waterbed compared to the Hardside model. However, waterbeds with Hardside construction have a lower surface tension, which allows for even better body adaptation. The Masterpiece waterbed combines the positive features of Softside and Hardside waterbeds. The lying surface of this waterbed is lower (similar to the Softside waterbed), but you can use better padding, e.g., made of synthetic leather or Alcantara (suede imitation). 

How does heating work in waterbeds?

Whether the waterbeds are a softside waterbed, hardside waterbed, masterpiece waterbed, or an isolit waterbed: All waterbeds must be heated by a heating system. There are also variants based on different constructions. This is done, for example, through a:

• Foil heating
• Ceramic heating
• Carbon heating

The water temperature in the waterbed is measured thermostatically. The waterbed temperature should be between 27 and 28 degrees because at lower temperatures, there is a risk that the body cools down. The large amounts of water in a waterbed can, for example, trigger colds or bladder and kidney infections. An additional bedspread can help reduce the heat emission from the waterbed surface, allowing you to sink comfortably into the surface.

Advantages and disadvantages of a waterbed

• For Waterbeds: Waterbeds are warm because they are heated by heating systems. This way, sleepers always lie comfortably on the surface. With waterbeds, you can set the desired temperature, which should be between 27-28 degrees. Waterbeds have a long lifespan and can be used for side, back, and stomach sleepers. The washable covers of waterbeds allow for an easy care routine. Optimal lying comfort with waterbeds is achieved through the low surface tension, allowing you to lie on a soft surface layer without pressure points.

• Against waterbeds: Waterbeds have a very high weight. This makes it difficult to move waterbeds in the bedroom. Additionally, the high electricity costs for waterbeds are a downside, as these models need to be heated throughout the night.