Author: Ronnie Gonzales

Benefits of Adjustable Beds: 10 Reasons to Consider an Adjustable Bed Base

There are many factors to consider when shopping for a new bed, from mattress type and firmness to sleep style and personal preferences. Something else to factor into the important decision? An adjustable bed base. Not only can adjustable beds address many of these considerations, especially when combined with an adjustable air mattress, but they also offer many benefits to improve comfort, sleep quality, and overall health and well-being. Read on as we tap into our decades of expertise and craftsmanship in adjustable beds and bed bases to share 10 benefits of adjustable beds and why this innovative sleep solution might be the key to your best sleep experience ever.

1.    Improved Sleep Quality

The number one benefit of an adjustable bed is its ability to promote deeper, more restful sleep by allowing personalized elevation and position options that maximize personal comfort. Adjustable bed bases help sleepers easily find and stay comfortable by improving spinal alignment, easing common issues that disturb sleep, and reducing disruptive tossing and turning.

• Better Alignment, More Comfort: Proper posture during sleep minimizes strain on the spine, helping you sleep more comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed instead of stiff and sore. While traditional mattresses might fail to support the spine’s natural curves, adjustable beds help correct this by providing customizable elevation options.
• Alleviates Common Sleep Issues: Sleeping with your head raised can ease many nighttime symptoms that disrupt sleep, including breathing issues like sleep apnea, snoring, and sinus congestion, as well as digestive issues such as GERD or acid reflux. Similarly, raising the feet during sleep can ease uncomfortable swelling and joint pain.
• Reduces Tossing and Turning: Adjustable bed settings ease spinal, respiratory, and digestive issues and help reduce pressure points that cause discomfort and restlessness. They also allow sleepers to stay in one position longer and enjoy deeper sleep.

2.    Relief for Back and Joint Pain

Adjustable beds allow sleepers to adjust positions according to personal needs and pain points while providing proper spinal support and alignment. This can be life-changing for those who suffer from chronic back or joint pain. 

• Spinal Support: Adjusting the position of your head and feet reduces pressure on the lower back and helps align the spine properly. This is especially beneficial for those with herniated discs or sciatica, as it helps distribute weight more evenly than traditional beds.
• Arthritis and Joint Relief: Customized positioning can also alleviate stiffness and pain in the knees, hips, and shoulders. By minimizing pressure on inflamed joints, adjustable beds can significantly improve comfort for individuals with arthritis.
• Reduced Swelling: Elevating the legs helps prevent fluid retention, reducing associated swelling and discomfort. This can be beneficial for individuals who spend long hours on their feet or those recovering from injuries that cause inflammation.

3.    Better Circulation and Reduced Swelling

By allowing sleepers to elevate their head and legs, an adjustable bed helps enhance blood circulation as well as ease swelling in the lower extremities. Not only is this beneficial for those with circulation issues and diabetes, but also for people with restless leg syndrome, 

• Less Strain on the Heart: Elevating the legs helps ease strain on the heart, allowing it to circulate blood more efficiently, especially to the extremities.
• Reduced Fluid Build Up: Inclined sleep positions help prevent fluid buildup, helping reduce the risk of leg swelling and even varicose veins. 
• Benefits for Leg Issues: Proper leg elevation reduces discomfort,​​ promotes general relaxation, and can ease numbness, tingling, leg cramps, and other symptoms of restless leg syndrome during sleep.

4.    Reduced Snoring and Sleep Apnea, Better Breathing

While sleeping on a flat surface can lead to airway obstruction and increase snoring and sleep apnea symptoms, an adjustable bed helps alleviate these issues by improving respiration.

• Opens Airways: Sleeping at an incline reduces airway collapse, making breathing easier. This is particularly helpful for snorers and those with obstructive sleep apnea who experience interruptions in breathing during the night – not to mention their sleep partners.
• Improves Oxygen Intake: Improved airflow prevents frequent awakenings from snoring and sleep apnea, leading to a deeper and more restorative sleep. If left untreated, oxygen deprivation from sleep apnea can lead to fatigue, headaches, and even cardiovascular issues.
• Reduces Nighttime Congestion: Inclined positions can also relieve sinus pressure and allergy symptoms, making breathing easier during sleep, particularly during cold and allergy seasons.

5.    Easier Recovery After Surgery or Injury

If you’re planning to have surgery or have suffered an injury, an adjustable bed can make post-surgery recovery and general healing much easier by allowing customized positioning and minimizing pressure on sensitive areas.

• Reduces Exertion: Being comfortable and not having to strain to move aids in surgical and injury recovery. For example, patients recovering from back, hip, or knee surgeries can adjust their heads, feet, or both to find the most comfortable and pain-free position.
• Promotes Healing: Adjustable beds can help improve blood circulation, promote healing, and help avoid muscle atrophy by maintaining a degree of movement while resting.
• Enhances Mobility: Motorized adjustments make getting in and out of bed easier. Individuals with limited mobility due to injury or disability can adjust their bed for better support when getting up or lying down.

6.    Convenience and Versatility for Daily Activities

Beyond sleep or health considerations, an adjustable bed also enhances comfort for everyday activities such as reading, watching TV, or working on a laptop.

• Less Neck and Back Strain: Raising the headrest supports better posture and prevents the strain of prolonged periods of sitting up in bed.
• Seamless Adjustments: Motorized controls minimize the need for extra pillows, allowing users to easily transition between different activities without disrupting comfort.
• Dual-Adjustable Models: For co-sleepers, a split king adjustable bed allows partners to personalize position settings, eliminating the need to compromise on comfort.

7.    Stress Relief and Mental Relaxation

We spend a large amount of our lives in bed. Adjustable beds offer many features that make this time more comfortable, which in turn helps reduce stress and promote mental relaxation.

• Zero-Gravity Setting: Elevating the upper and lower body simultaneously in a zero gravity position reduces tension in the muscles, simulating a weightless sensation that relieves pressure on the spine and joints.
• Built-in Massage Features: Some adjustable beds offer massage functions for even deeper relaxation. These beds provide gentle vibrations that help alleviate muscle tension and promote circulation.
• Enhanced Mood and Well-Being: Proper support and comfort in bed contributes to a stress-free sleep experience, reducing anxiety and promoting mental clarity during the day.

8.    Temperature Control and Sleep Comfort

For those who sleep hot, mattress materials and construction are not the only things that provide relief. Proper sleep posture from an adjustable bed can also help regulate body temperature and improve sleep comfort.

• Improved Airflow and Circulation: While improved circulation from raising the feet can help keep the body cooler, other adjustable bed positions can promote better airflow and heat distribution.
• Enhanced Comfort, Less Tension: Struggling to get comfortable or tossing and turning all night keeps the body tense and unable to cool down. A comfortable position at bedtime allows us to relax and unwind, prompting our natural circadian rhythms to lower body temperature for sleep. 
• Better Sleep Hygiene: In addition to the right mattress and sleep position, cooling bedding materials and mattress toppers can also enhance temperature control, helping to prevent night sweats and overheating.

9.    Compatibility with a Variety of Sleep Styles

Whether you are a single sleeper or sleep with a partner, adjustable beds maximize versatility and comfort by catering to various sleep positions and preferences.

• Sleep Position: Adjustable beds can complement virtually any sleep position, providing flexibility and posture support for side, back, and combination sleepers to avoid pressure points and achieve proper spinal alignment.
• Couples: Adjustable bed bases for larger mattresses, especially split king mattresses, allow each side to be adjusted independently, so each sleeper can personalize settings for different preferences and achieve the best sleep quality.
• Lounging and Relaxation: By adjusting the incline or position or using upgrades like massage functions, single sleepers and couples can customize adjustable bed settings while reading, working, or watching television to improve their sleep experience and overall comfort.

10.    Longevity and Durability of Adjustable Beds

Like a high-quality mattress, an adjustable bed is a long-term investment. A high-quality adjustable bed made by a reputable manufacturer like Airpedic^TM is built to last, continuing to offer sleep benefits and adapt to changes in personal needs and circumstances over time.

• Benefits over Time: Our sleep preferences, health conditions, and needs change as we age. A reliable adjustable bed can provide years of customized comfort that adapts to those changes. Plus, adjustable bases provide consistent mattress support, potentially extending the life of your mattress.
• What to Look for in an Adjustable Bed Base: When selecting an adjustable bed base, look for strong motors, reinforced frames, positive customer reviews, and manufacturer warranties to ensure durability, performance, and mechanical reliability. You also need to be sure your mattress is compatible with an adjustable bed base. Airpedic^TM beds offer all this and more, providing long-lasting comfort, reducing the need for frequent replacements, and ensuring years of restful sleep.

As you can see, adjustable beds have become essential for those seeking better sleep. They offer a range of benefits dedicated to improving comfort. Unlike traditional beds, adjustable bed bases offer customizable positions that help sleepers find the proper sleep posture to promote relaxation, reduce pain, and enhance the quality of sleep, which in turn supports overall health and well-being. Whether you’re looking for enhanced comfort, relief from sleep disruptions, or added versatility, an adjustable bed could be your solution for a great night’s sleep.

Explore Air-Pedic’s adjustable bases and mattresses today:

• Shop Adjustable Bases
• Explore Mattresses
• Do You Need a Special Mattress for an Adjustable Bed?

8 Adjustable Bed Sleeping Positions for Better Sleep

Are you considering an adjustable bed base? Perhaps you just decided to invest in this innovative sleep solution and want to learn more. With so many features, options, and positions available on an adjustable bed base, it is wise to research how to maximize the benefits of this investment in quality sleep. 

At Airpedic™, we are experts in customizable sleep solutions, including adjustable beds. We champion the connection between proper sleep and good health and have strived for decades to create the best adjustable beds possible for our customers. 

This article will guide you through the unique benefits of adjustable beds, detailing the advantages of specific positions for various sleep preferences and health needs. By the end, you’ll understand how to use an adjustable bed to its full potential and decide if – and which – one is right for you.

1. Zero Gravity Position

The zero gravity position, initially developed by NASA to maximize astronaut comfort during space travel, simultaneously elevates the upper and lower body to distribute body weight and reduce pressure on the spine.

Reclining in this aptly named position on land mimics the feeling of weightlessness in space. It involves raising the upper body to about 120 degrees, bending the knees, and elevating the legs to be higher than the heart. 

Benefits of the Zero Gravity Position

It isn’t just aspiring astronauts who benefit from the zero gravity position. This comfortably reclined posture offers sleepers numerous health benefits, including:

• Improved circulation: Blood flows more efficiently when the head and legs are slightly above the heart.
• Reduced back pain: Evenly distributing weight reduces pressure on the spine, helping to alleviate chronic back pain.
• Joint pressure relief: Similarly, the zero-gravity position eases pressure buildup on knees, hips, and shoulders, making it ideal for those with arthritis or joint pain.
• Minimized snoring: Slightly elevating the upper body helps keep airways open, improves breathing, and reduces snoring.

Because of its multiple benefits, zero gravity is one of the most popular adjustable bed sleeping positions. Many premium adjustable bed bases—like those from Airpedic™—come with a preset zero gravity button, enabling users to achieve this position with the simple touch of a button.

2. Anti-Snore Position

As mentioned about the zero gravity position, the anti-snore position also uses a slight upper body elevation to keep airways open during sleep. However, unlike zero gravity, this sleep position typically leaves the legs flat, allowing back and side sleepers to rest comfortably.

Benefits of the Anti-Snore Position

Propping up the head and torso helps prevent airway obstruction and improves oxygen flow, leading to more restful and restorative sleep and fewer disruptions and awakenings during the night. This provides relief from many sleep issues and disturbances, resulting in: 

• Fewer sleep apnea symptoms: A slight incline of the upper body helps prevent the major cause of apnea: soft tissue collapsing and blocking the airway.
• Reduced nasal congestion: Head elevation also aids sinus drainage, relieving nighttime congestion.
• Less snoring: As the name implies, less snoring is the goal and benefit of this position – which helps the snorer get better sleep and co-sleepers as well! 

The anti-snore position is popular, so it is another common preset of adjustable bed bases, including those from Airpedic™. 

3. Elevated Leg Position

In contrast to the anti-snore position, the elevated leg position raises only the lower body while keeping the upper body flat. This position can be adjusted to different angles based on personal comfort and specific health needs.

Benefits of the Elevated Leg Position

This adjustable bed position offers many benefits for people suffering from conditions that involve the lower body, helping to provide:

• Improved circulation: Elevating the legs promotes blood flow back to the heart, reducing swelling in the feet and ankles.
• Varicose vein relief: Raising the legs helps alleviate the pressure and discomfort of varicose veins.
• Restless leg syndrome (RLS): Many people with RLS find relief when sleeping with their legs elevated.
• Post-surgery recovery: This position also aids in reducing swelling and promoting healing after leg, knee, or foot surgeries.

For these conditions and people who spend long hours standing or experience leg discomfort at night, the elevated leg position can provide significant relief and promote better sleep quality. Adjustable bed controls let sleepers easily raise their feet and legs to the elevated position that is right for them.

4. Lounge Position

The lounge position is perfect for activities beyond sleeping, such as reading, watching TV, or working from bed. By slightly inclining the upper body while keeping the legs either flat or slightly bent, this adjustable bed position creates a relaxed, reclined posture that can be customized by activity and personal preference.

Benefits of the Lounge Position

The lounge position offers several advantages:

• Reduced neck and back strain: The lounge position provides better support than sitting upright with pillows, especially for extended periods of reading or screen time.
• Ergonomic support: This position creates a more natural alignment for using devices in bed.
• Versatility: The lounge position transforms your bed into a comfortable space for multiple activities beyond sleeping.

Not only do adjustable bed settings make it easy to find the perfect lounging angle, but AirPedic™’s programmable memory settings allow you to return to them with a single touch of a button.

5. Flat Sleeping Position

A traditional standard mattress has no adjustable base, so the only sleeping posture is flat. Even with an adjustable bed and its many positions, some sleepers still prefer a completely flat surface for rest. 

Benefits of the Flat Position

When the mattress in question provides proper construction and support, a flat bed position can offer several benefits:

• Natural spinal alignment: A flat position often provides the most natural and comfortable alignment for back and stomach sleepers, especially if the adjustable bed offers lumbar support settings.
• Familiar comfort: Those making the switch from a traditional bed may find this position most comfortable initially.
• Versatility for combination sleepers: Sleeping on a flat surface is often preferable for those who change positions frequently during the night.

A flat sleeping position is essentially “square one,” making it another popular one-touch memory setting on adjustable bed controls. Consequently, AirPedic™ adjustable bases allow for easy return to a completely flat position with a single press of a button.

6. Side-Sleeper Position with Adjustments

As the most common sleeping position, adjustable beds must offer settings to complement side sleeping. Adjustable beds support side sleeping in many ways. For example, slightly elevating the upper body improves spinal alignment for side sleepers. 

Benefits of the Side-Sleeper Position

Side sleeping delivers numerous health benefits, further enhanced by the customizable support of an adjustable bed base.

• Improved digestion: Side sleeping, particularly on the left side, can help minimize heartburn and reflux symptoms and optimize the digestive process.
• Proper hip alignment: Adjustable beds can be positioned to maintain proper hip alignment, reducing stiffness and morning discomfort.
• Reduced arm numbness: Proper positioning decreases pressure on nerves that can cause arm numbness or tingling.

Pairing an adjustable bed base with an adjustable air mattress provides even more benefits for side sleepers. The adjustable air mattress firmness settings allow for additional adjustments to help alleviate pressure points on shoulders and hips. AirPedic™’s adjustable air mattresses pair perfectly with our adjustable bases, providing a completely customized sleep solution for side sleepers.

7. Reclined Position for Acid Reflux & GERD Relief

The reclined position for reflux specifically addresses digestive discomfort by elevating the upper body at an angle that prevents stomach acid from traveling upward into the esophagus. Medical professionals typically recommend elevating the head 6-8 inches or at a 10-20-degree angle for optimal relief.

Benefits of the Reclined Position

This reclined position provides targeted relief for issues in the upper gastrointestinal tract, including:

• Reduced acid reflux: The reclined position helps keep stomach acid and contents where they belong, significantly reducing discomfort and nighttime heartburn.
• Upper GI relief: Many gastroenterologists recommend sleeping with the head elevated to ease GERD symptoms.
• Better breathing: This position can also improve breathing oxygen flow, allowing for more restful slumber.

Thanks to precision settings and controls, an AirPedic™ adjustable bed base makes it simple to find, maintain, and return to the exact angle that provides the most relief.

8. Recovery Position for Athletes and Post-Surgery Healing

The recovery position involves strategic adjustments that promote healing by reducing pressure on sensitive areas, such as surgical sites or sore muscles. This often includes elevating the lower limbs to meet individual needs.

Benefits of the Recovery Position

This highly adaptable adjustable bed position provides:

• Improved circulation: Proper positioning enhances blood flow, which aids healing.
• Reduced inflammation: Elevating injured areas can help minimize swelling.
• Ergonomic support: This position can be customized to provide targeted support during recovery.

When an adjustable bed base is coupled with the multi-zone customization of an AirPedic™ adjustable air mattress, these benefits are taken to the next level. Not only can the position be adjusted, but firmness can also be used to relieve pressure on surgery sites or maximize comfort post-recovery and beyond.

What to Consider When Buying an Adjustable Bed

Now that you have discovered the many sleep and lounging positions that an adjustable bed base can provide, you might be ready to invest in your sleep quality. Before you do, other key factors should influence your decision:

Mattress Compatibility

Not all mattresses work well with adjustable bases – learn more about mattress compatibility here. A mattress must be flexible enough to move with the base yet durable enough to hold up to the movements over time. Compatible options include memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses. For the best experience, explore AirPedic™ adjustable bed bases designed for maximum comfort and durability

Frame Options

You’ll also need to consider the best frame configuration for your sleep circumstances. While a single adjustable base provides uniform adjustment across the entire sleep surface, a split king base allows sleep partners to adjust each side of the bed independently. 

With any frame choice, you should look for quality construction backed by a generous warranty and excellent customer reviews—all of which are part of an AirPedic™ adjustable bed base.

Additional Features

Today’s adjustable bed bases offer features beyond basic positioning, including wireless remote controls, preset positions and memory functions, lumbar support, massage capabilities, and even under-bed lighting and USB charging ports.

Pairing an adjustable bed base with an AirPedic™ adjustable air mattress allows for virtually unlimited positioning and customizable firmness levels across the sleep surface.

Gel Memory Foam vs. Memory Foam: Which Is the Best Mattress Material for You?

If you’re looking for a new mattress, you’ve probably heard of memory foam. After all, it has become a popular material choice for mattresses in recent years. It might even be on your short list of options, and rightfully so, with the many benefits it offers multiple types of sleepers. But what about gel memory foam? How does a gel memory foam mattress differ from a traditional memory foam mattress, and does it address any of the drawbacks? 

At Airpedic™, with decades of expertise in adjustable orthopedic mattresses, bed bases, and sleep solutions, we specialize in a wide range of mattress materials, including regular memory foam and gel memory foam. Read on as we compare gel memory foam vs. memory foam, explaining the key differences between the two types of memory foam and the advantages and disadvantages you should consider when selecting the right mattress type for you.

What is Memory Foam?

Memory foam was developed by NASA in the 1960s to improve comfort and crash protection for pilots and passengers. The polyurethane material is a viscoelastic foam, meaning it combines viscosity (thick and sticky consistency) with elasticity (the ability to stretch and return to its original shape). Since its consumer debut in the 1980s, memory foam has revolutionized the mattress industry.

How Memory Foam Works

Memory foam adapts to heat due to its viscoelastic nature. When you lie on a memory foam mattress, your body heat softens the foam, allowing it to mold to your unique shape. This creates a personalized sleep surface that evenly distributes your weight and relieves pressure on key areas like your shoulders, hips, and back. Its elastic properties also allow the foam to return to its original shape once you get up, contributing to its longevity and durability.

Key Benefits of Memory Foam

Memory foam offers several advantages for sleepers, including:

Pressure Relief: Its contouring ability helps alleviate joint pain by reducing pressure on sensitive areas like shoulders and hips.

Motion Isolation: Memory foam minimizes motion transfer, making it ideal for couples. Movements on one side of the bed are less likely to disturb the other.

Spinal Alignment: By conforming to your body’s shape, memory foam helps maintain proper spinal alignment, reducing back pain and enhancing sleep quality.

What is Gel Memory Foam?

Gel memory foam is a more recent innovation designed to address one of the key drawbacks of traditional memory foam: heat retention. By infusing memory foam with cooling gel beads or particles, manufacturers have created a material that offers the same contouring benefits but with improved temperature regulation, making it the best cooling mattress option available on the market.

How Does Gel Memory Foam Work?

During the manufacturing process, gel beads or particles are added to the memory foam. These gel infusions act as cooling agents, drawing heat away from the body and preventing it from accumulating in the foam. The result is a gel mattress that provides the comfort and support of traditional memory foam while maintaining a cooler sleeping environment. Gel memory foam can also have a springier, softer feel, offering a range of firmness and plushness options.

Key Benefits of Gel Memory Foam

In addition to the benefits of traditional memory foam, gel memory foam offers:

Cooler Sleep: The cooling gel helps dissipate heat more effectively, making it ideal for those who tend to sleep hot.

Targeted Support: Gel memory foam maintains support in high-pressure areas like hips and shoulders while providing proper spinal alignment.

Versatility: Available in various firmness levels, gel memory foam offers pressure relief and comfort for a wide range of sleepers.

Memory Foam Beds and Temperature Regulation

When choosing between memory foam and gel memory foam, one of the key factors to consider is temperature control and how it affects your sleep environment.

Heat Retention in Memory Foam

Traditional memory foam has a dense structure that can trap heat. While this makes it ideal for colder climates or those who prefer a warmer sleeping environment, it may be less comfortable for people who tend to overheat at night. As your body sinks into the mattress, the foam’s heat retention can lead to a “hot sleeping” experience.

How Gel-Infused Foam Stays Cool

Gel memory foam addresses this issue by incorporating cooling agents, such as gel beads. These beads help draw heat away from the mattress surface and disperse it evenly, providing a cooler sleep experience. This makes a gel foam mattress particularly beneficial for hot sleepers or those living in warmer climates.

Which is Better for Temperature Control?

The choice depends on your personal sleep needs. If you live in a cooler climate or don’t overheat while sleeping, traditional memory foam mattresses may suffice. However, if you’re a hot sleeper or live in a warmer area, gel memory foam’s cooling properties can enhance comfort and improve sleep quality.

Memory Foam and Body Support 

Both traditional and gel-infused memory foam mattresses provide excellent support, but there are some key differences in how they deliver comfort.

Support Offered by Standard Memory Foam

Memory foam’s claim to fame is its ability to evenly distribute body weight, reducing pressure points and promoting healthy spinal alignment. This is especially beneficial for side sleepers, as memory foam allows the hips and shoulders to sink just enough to maintain proper alignment without creating undue strain on the joints.

How A Gel-Infused Mattress Adds Support

Gel memory foam offers similar benefits in terms of support, but the addition of gel particles can provide more targeted support where heavier parts of the body tend to rest, like the lower back or hips. By dissipating heat in these areas, support can be better maintained rather than “giving” too much and losing resistance. 

Comparing Comfort Levels

Of course, comfort is subjective, and different sleepers will have different preferences. Memory foam tends to have a softer, more “hug-like” feel, which makes it ideal for those who like to feel enveloped by their mattress. Gel memory foam, on the other hand, can offer a slightly firmer and springier “on-the-mattress” feel rather than “in-the-mattress.” This can benefit people who prefer to sleep on their backs or stomachs, providing a more balanced surface.

Memory Foam and Durability

Durability is a key consideration when investing in a mattress. It impacts how long the mattress will maintain its comfort and support, influencing the return on your investment.

Factors Affecting Memory Foam Durability

Foam density—how much material is packed into a given space—is crucial to determining longevity. Denser foams generally offer more resilience over time and tend to last longer than lower-density options. Overall, memory foam mattresses are known for their durability, with high-quality options typically lasting 8 to 10 years or even longer with proper use and care.

Impact of Gel on Durability

The addition of gel to memory foam can either enhance or reduce its lifespan, depending on the quality of the gel. Lower-quality gels may cause the foam to break down faster, leading to sagging or loss of support. In contrast, high-quality gel memory foam mattresses are engineered to resist these issues and offer a lifespan comparable to traditional memory foam.

Comparing Lifespan

Both memory foam and gel memory foam mattresses are built to last with proper care. A well-made memory foam mattress generally lasts 8 to 10 years, and gel memory foam mattresses offer a similar lifespan unless lower-quality materials are used. Choose a reputable manufacturer to ensure durability and review warranties and customer feedback before purchasing.

Memory Foam and Sleep Position

Your preferred sleep position and body type play a key role in choosing between memory foam and gel memory foam.

Memory Foam for Side Sleepers

Side sleepers benefit from memory foam’s contouring support, which allows the hips and shoulders to sink in while maintaining proper spinal alignment. Its pressure-relieving properties make memory foam an ideal choice for side sleepers.

Gel Memory Foam for Back and Stomach Sleepers

Gel memory foam is often better suited for back and stomach sleepers who need extra support in the lower back and hips. Its cooling properties make it an excellent option for hot sleepers or those in warmer climates.

Which is Best for You?

The right mattress depends on your sleep preferences. Memory foam is ideal if you’re a side sleeper or prefer a softer, more enveloping feel. However, if you sleep on your back or stomach, shift positions frequently, or sleep hot, gel memory foam may offer the perfect balance of support and cooling comfort.

Price Differences of Foam Mattresses

Price is often a key factor when choosing a mattress, especially when deciding between a regular memory foam and a gel memory foam bed. While both options offer great value, there are some price differences to consider.

Memory Foam Pricing

Memory foam mattresses are available at a range of prices, influenced by factors like foam density, brand reputation, and additional features. Higher-density foams are generally more expensive, but there are budget-friendly options that still provide solid support and comfort.

Gel Memory Foam Costs

Due to their cooling technology, gel memory foam mattresses tend to be priced higher than traditional memory foam mattresses. Depending on the brand, quality, and features, gel memory foam typically falls in the mid to high-end price range.

Finding Value for Money

When comparing prices, consider long-term value and sleep quality, not just upfront costs. While gel memory foam may have a higher initial price, its cooling and support benefits can enhance sleep quality, making it a worthwhile investment for many sleepers.

Choosing Between Memory Foam and Gel Memory Foam

In the comparison of gel memory foam vs. memory foam, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both materials offer similar qualities but have unique benefits. While both types provide excellent spinal support and durability, traditional memory foam gives a warm, body-hugging feel, while gel foam offers a cooler, springier experience. The right choice depends on your specific needs, sleep style, and personal preferences. Whether you prioritize cooling, pressure relief, support, or cost, understanding these differences will help you make a more informed decision.

If you’re ready to learn more and make an investment in quality sleep and overall well-being, explore our selection of premium orthopedic adjustable air mattresses today. Looking for more personalized advice? Take our Mattress Match Up quiz or consult one of our sleep experts today. One of our premium cooling mattresses might just be your perfect sleep solution.

FAQS: Memory Foam and Gel Memory Foam Mattress 

Which is better for back pain: memory foam or gel memory foam?

Both memory foam and gel memory foam can provide relief for back pain by contouring to your body and offering support where it’s needed most. However, if you tend to sleep hot, gel memory foam may be a better option since it helps regulate temperature while still providing excellent support. Gel memory foam is often recommended for those prioritizing a cooler sleep environment.

How long do memory foam and gel memory foam mattresses last?

On average, high-quality memory foam mattresses can last 8 to 10 years with proper care, while gel memory foam mattresses offer a similar lifespan. Be sure to check the density of the foam and the quality of the materials used, as these factors impact durability. Regular mattress maintenance, such as using a mattress protector and rotating the mattress, can help extend its life.

Is there a price difference between memory foam and gel memory foam?

Due to the added cooling technology, gel memory foam mattresses tend to be priced higher than traditional memory foam mattresses. However, the price difference varies based on the brand, foam density, and additional features. Many consumers find that the cooling benefits of gel memory foam are worth the extra cost, especially if they sleep hot.

Can I use memory foam or gel memory foam mattresses with adjustable bed bases?

Yes, both memory foam and gel memory foam mattresses are compatible with adjustable bed bases. Their flexibility and contouring abilities make them ideal for adjustable beds, allowing the mattress to move smoothly with the base while still providing support and comfort.

How do I know which mattress firmness is right for me?

Choosing the right firmness depends on your sleep position and personal preference. Side sleepers generally prefer a softer feel to relieve pressure on their hips and shoulders, while back and stomach sleepers may need a firmer mattress to maintain proper spinal alignment. Many gel memory foam mattresses offer various firmness levels, making them versatile for different sleeping styles.

Are memory foam and gel memory foam mattresses good for couples?

Yes, both types are excellent for couples due to their motion isolation properties. If one person moves or gets out of bed at night, the other person is less likely to feel it. Gel memory foam can be particularly beneficial for couples who sleep at different temperatures, as it helps regulate heat.

Will memory foam or gel memory foam lose its shape over time?

Over time, lower-quality memory foam mattresses may lose their shape or develop indentations. However, high-density, high-quality memory foam, and gel memory foam mattresses are designed to retain their shape and provide consistent support for many years. Regular rotation and care can help maintain the mattress’s form.

Need Assistance?

Speak with a Sleep Expert!

(800) 875-1973