The Gel Mattress Topper

In the world of mattress toppers one of the newest kids on the block is the gel mattress topper. This product is a brand-new innovation that combines the body contouring properties of memory foam with the softness and comfort of gel. While these types of mattress toppers are still fairly new to the market, they do show a lot of promise among individuals with back pain and arthritis. Keep reading to find out why.

Memory foam is a wonderful substance for mattresses, there's no denying that. But the very same properties that give the foam to its memory also cause it to push back against the individual as he or she lies on it. For most people these properties provide awesome support and unparalleled comfort. But for certain individuals with back pain and arthritis, this type of mattress can cause increased pain. This is especially true in people who have had herniated discs and the surgery to repair them. The solution for some of these people involves a traditional coil spring mattress and a gel mattress topper.

How a Gel Mattress Topper Works

As we previously stated, the gel mattress topper combines the best properties of memory foam with gel beads. By infusing the memory foam with gel beads during the production process, you end up with a material that is a slightly more porous and which doesn't push back as hard. The gel helps absorb some of the energy when you move in bed while at the same time making the overall feel of the mattress topper quite a bit softer.

Another big advantage to the gel mattress topper lays in its heat dissipation properties. Traditional memory foam sleeps very hot because of its heat activated properties. To help you understand, it's important to note that memory foam was developed by NASA scientists who needed a material for seat cushions that could provide the proper support yet still handle the rigors of space travel. They invented memory foam with heat activated properties which caused it to conform to the astronaut’s body in relation to the heat it absorbed. This property allows the foam to spring back once the weight of the individual is removed. The downside of this technology is that memory foam reflects a lot of heat.

When gel pellets were added to memory foam they acted as a heat absorber rather than reflecting heat like the foam does. The gel pulls the heat away from the body and dissipates it much more quickly than many other filler substances as well. As a result, a gel mattress topper sleeps significantly cooler than standard memory foam. So much so that women who have problems sleeping "next to a furnace" may find the topper solves the problem almost entirely.

Foam Thickness

Just as thickness matters when purchasing a memory foam mattress, it's also important when choosing a mattress topper. Remember that your topper is intended to complement your current mattress, not replace it. If you purchase a topper that is too thick it can actually be counterproductive in terms of what it's intended to do. You want to add comfort and support while still utilizing the support of your existing mattress.

Typically, a gel mattress topper doesn't need to be any thicker than 2.5 inches. Even for individuals who weigh in excess of 180 pounds, a 2.5-inch gelled topper will provide the added comfort and support you need while still making good use of the mattress underneath. If you can get away with a 2-inch topper and still get enough support, that's even better. You probably don't want to go any thinner than 1.75 inches though, or else you won't be getting any benefit for your money.

Pillow Top or Not

Another choice you'll have to make when shopping for a gel mattress topper is whether or not you want a pillow top cover. Pillow top covers are not absolutely essential but they do add a layer of softness between you and the cover. Pillow tops are almost always made from a poly-cotton blend or wool. The nice thing about the wool pillow top cover is that it cuts down on dust mites and other allergens. It also doesn’t make a good home for bacteria like some other fabrics do.

If a pillow top cover is not important to you, you can certainly choose a plain cover for your mattress topper. Ultimately, whatever you choose should offer you the most comfort possible. At the end of the day, comfort and a good night's sleep is what your bed is all about.