Sleep is critical to everyone.
This is why we need to choose the right and comfortable mattress where we spend at least 8 hours of sleep. Life has become very stressful to many and at the end of the day we look forward to get some rest and relax. There are various kinds of mattresses available so we should choose carefully.
We can compare memory foam vs. gel memory foam so you understand the difference when buying your next mattress or pillow.
Foams may look the same from the outside but what they are made of inside is what is more important. There are factors to consider like the support our body gets, the comfort, and how much restful can we be sleeping on it.
Pros and Cons of Memory Foam
The foam made of viscoelastic material that shapes to the body depending on heat and pressure is called memory foam. The body weight is evenly distributed making sleep more comfortable. When you get up and go out of bed this foam returns to its original shape. The memory foam absorbs energy and it is soft.
In the past memory foam was used in cushions in helmets and shoes, as well as in making prosthetics, seating pads and other products used to prevent too much pressure on severely disabled patients. Now this memory foam is used in pillows, mattresses and pads in mattresses. They are available in different sizes and thickness.
Here are some of the best features of memory foam:
- Memory foam is considered to be durable as it can last for years without getting deformed easily.
- It fully supports the body and enables you to wake up without that stiff or aching feeling.
- The memory foam also enables you to sleep well without being disturbed by the tossing and turning of whoever is sharing your bed with you.
- When it comes to feel, the memory foam has that spongy feel.
There are good features but there are also not so good features of the memory foam. The memory foam when newly purchased produces an odd chemical smell. If you air the memory foam for a day before putting in sheets the odor dispels. Another disadvantage is that this type of foam retains the body temperature making it a bit less comfortable especially during the hot season.
Pros and Cons of Gel Memory Foam
Now let take a look at gel memory foam.
The gel memory foam is also made of viscoelastic material with gel and liquid beads infused in it. With the infusion of gel the foam becomes cooler and more flexible.
For its best features, gel memory foam has the following pros:
- Gel memory foam keeps you cooler through the night because of its breathable material.
- Air circulation is better.
- It can help minimize lower back pain and aids in spine alignment.
- It reduces headaches and stiffness in the neck as it cradles the body well.
- The gel beads gather in the shoulder and hip areas that help reduce pressure on these areas while sleeping.
Since the gel memory foam is newer its durability is still in question to some degree, be signs show that it should still last a long time.
What Memory Foam and Gel Memory Foam have in Common
Since memory foam and gel memory foam are almost of the same material they have features that are common to both:
- When using either the memory foam or the gel memory foam you can sleep without being disturbed by the tossing and turning of your bedmate.
- Both mattresses do not accumulate dust, mold and bacteria so you do not have to worry about allergies.
- Both the memory foam and the gel memory foam enable you to sleep soundly without having to suffer pain in the hips, neck and back. They both cradle the body well.
With all these things in mind, it is all up to you to decide on what to get, memory foam or gel memory foam. Remember that both mattresses give good body support, enable you to sleep undisturbed, and are both durable. Your choice would depend on your sleeping needs and style.
Resources:
http://www.healthyfoundations.com/blog/?p=873
http://beloitmattress.com/comparing-memory-foam/
http://www.overstock.com/guides/gel-memory-foam-buying-guide
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/memory-foam-pros-and-cons
