Gel is a recent newcomer to the mattress space. It is being used as both a standalone layer and an infusion into foam. Gel benefits mattresses by retaining less heat than memory foam. Also, newer gels compete against memory foam by being more responsive and less toxic.
Gel is similar to foam because it is a polymer made by blending plastics and other chemicals.
Because of gel's heat diffusing properties, it is generally found in the top layer of the mattress under the cover.
Pros: Cooler sleeping surface vs memory foam. More responsive feel when not combined with foam.
Cons: Similar to foam, it is a synthetic blend of chemicals.
Tempur material is memory foam manufactured by Tempur-pedic. Tempur-pedic owns the original formula of memory foam developed by a NASA contract.
Tempur-pedic offers a variety of mattresses from firm to plush that use varying degrees of Tempur material along with higher density foams.
The main difference between Tempur and other types of memory foams that have been developed by competing foam manufacturers and mattress makers is the blend of substances in the memory foam.
Pros: Tempur material is the 'original' memory foam and has been refined by Tempur-pedic's scientists over the years specifically for mattresses whereas other types of memory foam may not have been as well developed.
Cons: Like other memory foams, Tempur material is a polyurethane foam blend and prone to claims of off-gassing.
Overall Score:
Gel: 8.6/10
Tempur: 9.4/10
Comfort:
Gel: 8.7/10
Tempur: 9.4/10
Softness:
Gel: 8/10
Tempur: 9.3/10
Cooling:
Gel: 8.1/10
Tempur: 8.8/10
Hypoallergenic:
Gel: 8.1/10
Tempur: 8.1/10
Odor:
Gel: 8.1/10
Tempur: 8.8/10
General Support:
Gel: 8.1/10
Tempur: 8.8/10
Eco-Conscious:
Gel: 8/10
Tempur: 8.5/10
Price Value:
Gel: 9.2/10
Tempur: 8.8/10
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