Hi doc_v2018,
Welcome to the Mattress Forum! Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!
Sorry to hear you’ve been tossing and turning and feeling stiff as a result of your new mattress.
The Classic Brands Cool Gel 8-Inch is advertised as a 2" of gel infused memory foam with a 6" support core and the country of origin is China. You can do some reading about mattresses shipped compressed from overseas in post #6 here. Unfortunately there is no further information about the material used in the product and is most likely made with a lower density foam. This would be an indicator that it is of lower quality, and may not last a long time – regardless of thickness. So while you may be able to use this mattress temporarily, you may find yourself back on the forum sooner than you would like shopping for a new bed. To further your research on this model, you can use this forum to search for Classic Brands (or just click this link) and it will bring up other discussion and feedback.
In regards to toppers, memory foam typically sleeps hot. Gel memory foam can be cooler at first, but usually the coolness does not last through the night. Depending on the amount or the type of gel that is in the foam will determine whether the temperature benefits will last longer or shorter. Also the cell structure and amount of airflow through foam will have an effect in the level of heat buildup in the material. You should also note that these gels have chemicals added and typically a lower density and less durability.
A couple of great resources to use from this website to help assist you in your buying process, would be to calculate your personal value equation. This can also refer you to a “simplified choice mattress” that has low and high budget ranges you can view in post #2 of this topic. Be sure to check the coupon codes to see the discounts offered from the sites members. There are a wide range of mattress prices and options on this forum so I think you will be able to find something of higher quality while being better suited for you.
I hope this information has been helpful! Please let me know if you have any further questions.
FSF Team