gel vs reg mem foam properties

[phoenix]

Hi saraturner,

i read on the net that due to the gel in gel mem foam that it is not as temp sensitive or have the same sinking cradling feeling that reg mem foam has.

In general terms this is usually the case yes. There is more about gel memory foams in post #2 here.

i realize a lot of it has to do with density and ild ratings. i recently purchased a gel mem foam topper at 2 inches and 3lb density and while very comfortable it does not have that sunken/stuck in clay feeling.

This is also more common with lower density memory foams which often have less “memory” and are a little closer to polyfoam in their feel and response. The “feel” you are describing would be more common with higher density memory foams.

do i need to go back to reg mem foam, thicker pad or a higher density foam say 4lbs. this topper is going over a gel mem foam mattress that is a bit too firm.
any responses are appreciated!! thanks sara

Even “regular” memory foam can have a very wide variety of different properties that are chemically formulated into the foam so there isn’t a direct relationship between the density of a foam and its properties. There is more about the different properties of different types and formulations of memory foam in post #9 here and post #8 here. The most effective way to choose a memory foam topper that has the properties that you prefer (slower response time and more temperature sensitive) outside of personally testing it would be to talk with a knowledgeable and experienced supplier who can tell you how their particular memory foam options compare to other types of memory foam on the market since you won’t be able to tell based on the density or ILD/IFD specs of the memory foam.

Post #2 here and the topper guidelines it links to also has more information that can help you use your sleeping experience on a mattress as a reference point and guideline to help you choose the type, thickness, and firmness for a topper that has the best chance of success and also includes a link to some of the better sources I’m aware of as well.

Phoenix