Hello TMU Community!
I’ve been lurking here for a couple of weeks, as I try to research what type of mattress would work best for me & my partner. While I have not yet come to any conclusions yet–just that low chemical content & more “natural” is important–I wonder if anyone can tell me about a layer that I’ve seen listed on many different types of mattresses: gel foam and gel-infused foam. I apologize if this has been discussed previously, but I was unable to locate information on this (only buckling column gel was described, and I’m not sure if it is a similar layer).
So… can you clue me in on gel-infused foam? Is there liquid/gel blended into foam? Is it something that dries out, and does it affect durability and is there more off-gassing with this product compared to other foams? Early in my mattress search I reached out to Winkbeds for details about this, but just received a response that it is a “propriety gel-infused foam blend”…they went on to say that all their foam is CertiPure & low VOC, but did not indicate if that was before or after being gel-infused.
Does your mattress have this type of material and what do you think of it?
Any info would be appreciated! Thank you.
Hi FrereJacques.
Welcome to our Mattress Forum. 
Gel infused foam is almost always a gel infused memory foam. The gel is infused into the foam layer in the form of microbeads. And these microbeads are made of of Polyethylene (PE) and Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA). While I’m not certain this would contribute to increased off gassing, I can’t see how adding additional chemicals into a synthetic mattress would reduce VOCs. But, this is just my own thought process unfolding in real time
Memory foam is, by its design, not really natural at all (made by reacting di‐isocyanates and polyols. Both of these products are derived from crude oil) and therefore tends to be higher in VOCs and potentially problematic for those who are particularly prone to chemical sensitivities.
The CertiPUR certification would certainly have happened after all the gel infusion was complete. That said, it doesn’t mean the product is VOC free and you’ll have to take into account how sensitive you are to chemicals. Some people who are low chemical sensitivity won’t notice any off gassing, while for others it may be unbearable. It really is a spectrum!
If you’re looking to avoid VOCs and steer closer to the natural side of things, I would recommend checking out latex/latex hybrids. Latex sleeps cooler than all other foams and is made from the rubber tree plant (all natural!).
I would also steer clear of any manufacturer that is unwilling to be transparent about the materials and density of the foam layers in their mattresses.
I hope this helps and I’m happy to answer any other questions!
Nikki
Hello Nikki,
Wow, thanks very much for your detailed response!
The information you provided is very helpful.
Now I think I will narrow my search to mattresses that use latex rather than the other foams.
Best,
FJ