Gel Memory Foam vs. Latex – What’s the Difference?

Gel memory foam and latex mattresses are often go-to’s for hot sleepers or those wanting the latest and greatest in mattress technologies. Though these mattress materials offer a lot of the same benefits, such as cooling and pressure point relief, they do have significant differences in their overall feels. Below we talk about the similarities and differences between gel memory foam and latex mattresses so you can find the absolute best mattress type for your needs.

What is a Memory Foam Mattress?

Memory foam mattresses feature a material called viscoelastic polyurethane foam. When you lay on this material, it responds to your body’s natural heat and pressure to mold to your curves, creating a “cradling” feel. With memory foam, sleepers receive all-over cushion and support so they wake up with fewer aches and pains. On top of improved comfort and support, memory foam mattresses offer several other benefits for better sleep, such as better motion isolation and enhanced pressure point relief.

Many sleepers also like memory foam because it’s naturally hypoallergenic, dust mite-resistant, and long-lasting—the typical memory foam mattress lasts seven to ten years with proper care.

What is Gel Memory Foam?

There are a couple of differences between memory foam and gel memory foam. The significant difference being temperature control. In gel memory foam, gel beads are infused through the foam layers, providing a cooling sensation.

The gel within gel memory foam mattresses acts like a magnet—while it cannot reduce or stop your body heat, these gel infusions can pull heat away from you to provide a cooling effect and prevent sleep disturbances.  Hot sleepers, those who suffer from night sweats, and sleepers who live in warmer climates may all benefit from spending a small amount extra on a cooling mattress. However, a traditional memory foam mattress can fit the bill if heat isn’t an issue for you during sleep.

There are some notable benefits of owning a gel memory foam mattress, including:

• Gel memory foam is more lifting than regular memory foam since gel beds enhance firmness.
• Gel memory foam is just as contouring as other memory foam, so it can still alleviate pain-causing pressure points and help sleepers wake up more refreshed.
• The cooling sensation of gel infusions allows you to stay more relaxed throughout your sleep.
• Gel memory foam is naturally hypoallergenic, making it less prone to pollen, dust, bed bugs, and dust mites.

Gel Memory Foam Lifespan

Most memory foam mattresses, including gel memory foam, last seven to ten years. You can prolong the life of your mattress by supporting it with a mattress foundation and using a waterproof protector. Regular cleaning can also keep your mattress like new.

Gel Memory Foam Cost

As you might expect, cooling gel memory foam is usually more expensive than regular memory foam because it contains the added gel infusions. Typically, a queen size gel memory foam mattress costs anywhere between $700 and $1300, however, the price can vary depending on the size of the bed and the number of layers it contains.

Gel Memory Foam Pain Relief

Gel memory foam contours to your body to allow for full-body cushion and support. Having full body support means waking up with less aches and pains.

While a viable option, gel memory foam isn’t the only cooling mattress material available. Many hot sleepers also enjoy latex.

The Zoma Mattress is, undoubtedly, an excellent gel memory foam mattress. The Zoma Mattress’s design helps your sleep quality and muscle pain, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed every morning.

Under the Zoma Mattress’s AirCloth cover is the layer of gel foam. The layer features Zoma’s proprietary Triangulex™ technology, a support system with three zones. The layer is firmest around your back and spine and cushioning towards the top and bottom of your body. This optimizes your body’s weight distribution to reduce pressure.

The second layer of the Zoma Mattress is made from Reactiv™ foam. Similar to latex, Reactiv™ foam adds lots of bounce to this all-foam mattress. This way, you can adjust and switch positions seamlessly throughout the night.

The Zoma Mattress’s base is made from Support+ foam. This durable, sturdy foam prevents sagging while keeping your spine aligned.

Although the Zoma Mattress is an all-foam bed, you may also consider its hybrid alternative, the Zoma Hybrid. It has a similar build to the flagship model, but it does not contain the Triangulex™ technology or Support+ foam. Instead, the base is made from pocketed steel springs and a thin layer of foam. It’s a good choice if you want extra breathability and bounce.

Regardless of if you go with the Zoma Mattress or Zoma Hybrid, you receive free shipping and returns, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

What is a Latex Mattress?

When it comes to latex mattresses there are two types: natural and synthetic. Natural latex mattresses are made from the sap of rubber trees. This organic material is hypoallergenic, more eco-friendly, and also biodegradable. However, some latex mattresses can be either partially or entirely made of synthetic latex.

It is also important to note how manufacturers produce their mattresses. There are two different ways to manufacture natural latex mattresses: the Dunlop process and Talalay process.

Dunlop vs. Talalay Latex

Dunlop and Talalay are two different types of manufacturing processes for making latex mattresses. The Dunlop process is usually much simpler. Liquid latex is whipped into a frothy foam and then poured into a mold. After being baked and cooled a firmer foam is created. This foam is in a “bottom-heavy” composition. Meaning the bottom of it is firmer than the top. This type of composition is best for core support in a mattress.

The Talalay process is a bit more complex. Liquid latex is whipped into a frothy foam. The foam is partially filled into a mold. The mold is then vacuum sealed which causes the foam to expand. Then the mold is rapidly frozen and baked to set. Finally, the latex is taken out of the mold, washed, and dried.

Dunlop naturally has a firmer feel to it, while Talalay has more of a bounce. Both processes produce high-quality durable mattresses.

Latex Mattress Lifespan

Latex and memory foam mattresses both have longer lifespans than beds with coils, however, latex can last slightly longer than memory foam because it’s a more buoyant foam.

Latex mattresses offer you a durable and eco-friendly option that feels similar to memory foam. Latex mattresses contour to your body like memory foam but have a little more bounce and responsiveness, so they’re better for people who enjoy a more “lifting” mattress (rather than “cradling”).

Latex Mattress Cost

Latex mattresses are usually on the more expensive side since they feature natural materials and can be costly to produce. (Synthetic latex mattresses are usually only a couple of hundred dollars.) The average cost of an organic latex mattress can range between $1000 and $2000. When judging the quality of a latex mattress, look for a third-party eco-certification, such as GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard), to ensure you’re spending your money on a truly organic product.

Latex Mattress Pain Relief

Latex mattresses have a buoyancy that keeps them from sagging while you sleep. This buoyancy provides exceptional support so you have less back pain and better spinal alignment. When you have better support for your spine you can wake up feeling pain-free and more refreshed.

While the Zoma Mattress stands out as the best gel memory foam mattress, the Amerisleep Organica stands out as the best latex mattress. This 13-inch bed has a medium feel suitable for all sorts of sleepers!

Amerisleep designed the Organica to be their most eco-friendly bed yet. It contains 1 inch of New Zealand Joma Wool®, 3 inches of Talalay latex, 8 inches of pocketed coils, and 1 inch of Dunlop latex. The bed’s cover is made with GOTS organic cotton, which is long-lasting, breathable, and soft to the touch.

The New Zealand Joma Wool® is the Organica’s natural flame barrier. Unlike chemical-based flame barriers, the wool won’t aggravate your body or skin. Plus, it regulates heat, keeping you warm or cool based on the surrounding environment!

Although the Organica features both Talalay and Dunlop latex, the Talalay latex is the bed’s comfort layer. This works well because Talalay latex is soft, yet responsive and supportive. It relieves pressure build-up without compromising comfort or leaving you “trapped” in your mattress.

The majority of the Organica is the pocketed coils. The steel coils are wrapped in fabric individually, which helps with durability and motion isolation. The coils can better support your spine as well so you wake up pain-free. Beneath the coils is the Dunlop latex, which supports the coils and prevents your bed from sagging.

Every Organica purchase includes free shipping and returns, a 100-night guarantee, and a 20-year warranty.

Comparing Latex and Gel Memory Foam

There are some key differences when it comes to comparing gel memory foam and latex mattresses.

Conformity

Latex and gel memory foam are fairly comparable when it comes to conformability. The key difference being that latex will feel bouncier and have a quicker response time.

Motion Isolation

Latex can isolate motion, but gel memory foam does a better job. Memory foam absorbs more shock upon impact, allowing you to move with less likelihood of disturbing someone else in the same bed. Preventing motion transfer is especially important if you’re looking at mattresses for couples.

Heat Retention

The natural latex option is a fairly breathable option. Gel memory foam will cool down by pulling the heat from your body (like a magnet). This will help keep your body temperature more regulated.

Durability

Latex and gel memory foam mattresses can last around eight to ten years. However, latex is less prone to sag compared to memory foam.

Eco-Friendly

Latex is more eco-friendly than gel memory foam because it’s made from the sap of rubber trees and manufactured in an environmentally-conscious way. Memory foam is made using a combination of synthetic materials, although some manufacturers do make and sell plant-based foam now.

While there are many differences between gel memory foam and latex there are also many similarities to keep in mind.

Hypoallergenic

Both latex and gel memory foam are considered hypoallergenic. However, if you do not keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance on either type of mattress, dust or allergens can penetrate the bed. This can decrease the lifespan and change how it feels.

Support

Both of these mattress materials provide great support—they contour to your body and alleviate pressure points on your legs, lower back, hips, neck, and head.

Available in All Firmness Levels

Both latex and gel memory foam mattresses come in a wide range of thickness and firmness options. No matter which material you choose to go with, you should be able to find a mattress that suits your needs.

Scent

When first unpacking a gel memory foam mattress the owner may experience off-gassing. This is a chemical smell that is the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition, because synthetic and blended latex are made with chemicals off-gassing may also occur. In order to control off-gassing, it is recommended that you place the mattress in a well-ventilated room. The scent should dissipate in three to seven days.

FAQs

When should I replace my mattress?

A person’s body changes over time, so a mattress that felt great six years ago may not be a perfect match to you today. When you start to feel uncomfortable is when you should start looking at a new bed. It is usually recommended that you should replace your mattress after 7 to 10 years.

How do I fix a sagging gel memory foam mattress?

All mattresses eventually start to sag, and saggings will greatly affect how the bed feels. However, there are some ways to help slow this down:

• Rotate your mattress
• Use a mattress topper
• Get a supportive bed frame or mattress foundation
• Block gaps in bed frame slats with plywood

If nothing above helps and your bed has visible indentations, then you may want to file a warranty claim to have your mattress repaired or replaced.

When should I flip or rotate my latex mattress?

Most mattresses made and sold today don’t require frequent flipping or rotating. In fact, most modern mattress types should not be flipped because they’re made with specific comfort and support layers. However, you can rotate your mattress every couple of months to even out wear and tear, but this is not usually necessary.

Is there an adjustment period when I get my new mattress?

When switching from an old mattress to a newer, more supportive bed, it’s natural for the body to need time to adjust—most people need 30 to 60 days to fully get used to the support of a new mattress. Fortunately, many new mattresses come with sleep trials that span far beyond the average adjustment period, so if your mattress still doesn’t feel comfy after a month or so of sleeping on it, you may want to return or exchange it for a different bed.

Is a firmer mattress better?

Choosing the “best” mattress firmness comes down to considering your body type and how you sleep. Firm mattresses might be better for stomach, back, or plus-size sleepers, but they’re not comfortable for petite, side, or combo sleepers. In terms of durability, firm mattresses usually last as long as soft mattresses (as long as you’ve bought a high-quality bed).

How do I properly take care of a new mattress?

There are a couple of steps you should take when caring for your mattress. First, getting a mattress protector can help keep out allergens, dust, and stains. Second, vacuuming your mattress regularly can help stop dust from getting deep in your mattress. Lastly, regular cleaning and deodorizing your mattress can help it last longer.

Final Thoughts

When shopping for a high-quality mattress, you can’t go wrong with one made of gel memory foam or latex foam. Although gel memory foam and latex have their differences, they both provide contouring comfort and encourage cooler nights. Choosing between the two materials ultimately comes down to deciding whether you want a more cradling or lifting feel from your bed.