Are iGel Mattresses Any Good?

Introducing iGel Mattresses

Produced exclusively for Bensons for Beds, iGel mattresses are a form of gel foam mattress that’s made from a combination of a gel foam layer and either a pocket-sprung or foam-base layer. The gel support layer offers air circulation and is designed to store excess body heat and then release it, adjusting in real time with your body temperature to ensure you are never too warm or cold. 

The gel layer itself is made up of small gel beads mixed with viscoelastic memory foam. This creates the temperature-regulating material in this mattress. Contrary to standard memory foam mattresses, the gel foam layer in iGel mattresses provides more support, and bounces back to its original shape much faster, preventing you from sinking in too much. 

iGel mattresses come in a range of sizes, from single and double all the way up to super king. 

Common iGel Mattress Problems

At John Ryan, we receive questions and feedback on mattresses and beds daily. We’ve frequently heard from buyers of iGel mattresses who express concerns relating to heat regulation and back pain, and who are now looking for better alternatives.

iGel is a hybrid foam that’s also entirely synthetic. Some people love these foams, yet others find that they hold them in one position throughout the night. This is what leads to increased backache and pain for some sleepers, not to mention higher heat build up with such foams, making for a really warm night’s sleep!

Despite the main selling point of iGel mattresses suggesting that they’re excellent at regulating temperature, some iGel mattress customers have said they feel far too hot in bed, and they’ve ended up suffering from heat rashes from these types of synthetic mattresses. The main issue we have encountered with these mattresses is that all memory foam and derivative versions retain far more heat than other mattress upholstery types. Due to the fact that viscoelastic mattress foams require and rely on heat to mould, they can quickly turn into a nightmare for warmer sleepers as they keep them incredibly hot during the night. Foams are also notoriously low on breathability and, in combination with heat retention, you could therefore be heading for an uncomfortable night.

Alternatives to iGel Mattresses

If you have experienced some of these issues with iGel mattresses, not all hope for a splendid night’s sleep is lost. At John Ryan, we have a range of mattresses which promise the comfort and support of an iGel mattress, without the drawbacks. 

Our Fusion 3 latex mattress is a 100% natural latex model and, although different to hybrid foam, latex offers a far superior mattress feel, so it’s a great alternative to iGel foam mattresses. For those who are used to moulding foam mattresses, our latex mattresses provide progressive support.

Due to its natural breathable properties, the Fusion 3 latex mattress does not have the heat issues associated with memory foam mattresses and, when compared to foam mattresses, latex has consistently outperformed them in terms of durability and comfort. Due to its temperature-sensitive nature, memory foam is firmer when it is colder (i.e. winter), and softer when it is warmer (i.e. summer).

Compared to latex, memory foam also has a slower rebound rate, which means it takes longer for it to return to its original shape. Latex can therefore be an alternative for those who dislike the feeling of moulding and sinking into memory foam.