Gel mattresses use gel-infused foam to provide the pressure relief of memory foam alongside better temperature regulation, making them a strong choice for anyone who finds standard memory foam comfortable but too warm. The gel particles or gel layers within the foam draw heat away from the body and dissipate it more effectively than standard foam, helping to maintain a more consistent sleeping temperature through the night. At Land of Beds, we stock gel mattresses across all standard UK sizes from brands including Sleepeezee, Sealy, Silentnight, Lewis & Jones, and Viva, covering pure gel foam and pocket spring models with gel foam comfort layers. Tensions run from soft medium through to firm. Free mainland UK delivery is included on orders over £100, with finance available on eligible orders.
Browse the full range below, or use the links to filter by size. Our team is available seven days a week if you want a personal recommendation.
Gel mattresses exist because of one specific limitation of standard memory foam: heat retention. Memory foam is a dense, slow-responding material that can trap body heat during the night, which is a genuine problem for warm sleepers. Gel-infused foam addresses this by incorporating gel particles or gel layers into the foam structure, improving heat dissipation without sacrificing the pressure-relieving properties of memory foam. The result is a mattress that sleeps cooler than standard foam while providing the same body-contouring support. Most gel mattresses in our range pair the gel foam comfort layer with a pocket spring base, combining the temperature benefits of gel with the airflow, lift, and motion isolation of individual pocket springs. At Land of Beds, we have been helping customers find the right mattress for over 50 years and our team is available seven days a week if you want to talk it through.
Three decisions shape whether a gel mattress is right for you and which one to choose.
| Factor | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Is a gel mattress the right choice for you? | Gel mattresses are specifically designed for sleepers who want the pressure relief of memory foam but find standard foam too warm. If temperature is not a concern and you sleep comfortably on standard memory foam, a gel mattress may not offer a meaningful improvement for your needs. | Do you sleep warm or find standard foam mattresses uncomfortable due to heat? If yes, gel is worth considering. If not, a standard memory foam mattress may offer better value. |
| Construction type | Most gel mattresses pair gel foam with pocket springs. Some use gel foam throughout without springs. Pocket spring gel mattresses tend to sleep cooler overall because the spring system allows additional airflow beneath the gel layer. | Pocket spring with gel foam comfort layer for the most effective cooling combination; pure gel foam for those who prefer no spring sensation |
| Tension | Gel mattresses are available in soft medium, medium, medium firm, and firm. Gel foam responds to body heat and pressure in a similar way to standard memory foam, so the same tension guidance applies. | Side sleepers: soft medium to medium. Back sleepers: medium to medium firm. Front sleepers and heavier sleepers: firm. |
Not sure whether a gel mattress is right for your sleep style? Call us on 01928 242829 or use the live chat. Our team will ask the right questions and point you in the right direction.
Gel mattresses are available in all standard UK sizes. Your mattress must match your bed frame or divan base exactly.
| Size | Mattress Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single (3ft) | 90 x 190cm | Solo adults, guest rooms |
| Small Double (4ft) | 120 x 190cm | Solo sleepers wanting more space |
| Double (4ft 6) | 135 x 190cm | Couples, guest rooms, smaller bedrooms |
| King Size (5ft) | 150 x 200cm | Couples wanting more width and length |
| Super King (6ft) | 180 x 200cm | Maximum space, larger master bedrooms |
See our UK Bed Sizes Guide for room-by-room measuring advice.
Gel mattresses come in two main constructions. Here is a plain comparison.
| Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket Spring with Gel Foam | Pocket springs with a gel-infused foam comfort layer on top. The spring system provides lift, support, and additional airflow; the gel foam delivers pressure relief with temperature regulation at the surface. The most common construction in our gel mattress range. | Warm sleepers who want the cooling benefits of gel foam combined with the airflow and support of pocket springs; couples wanting reduced motion transfer |
| Pure Gel Foam | Gel-infused foam throughout with no pocket springs. Provides the full body-contouring, pressure-relieving feel of foam with improved temperature regulation compared to standard memory foam. Quieter than spring alternatives. | Those who prefer a foam-only feel with no spring sensation; those wanting maximum motion isolation; customers already familiar with memory foam who want a cooler version |
Choose a Pocket Spring with Gel Foam mattress if:
Choose a Pure Gel Foam mattress if:
In our experience, the most common reason customers end up on this page is that they tried a memory foam mattress and liked the feel but found it made them too warm at night. For those customers, a pocket spring with gel foam comfort layer is usually the most effective solution, the springs add airflow beneath and the gel foam provides cooler pressure relief above. It is worth looking at both the gel page and our Cooling Mattresses page if temperature is your primary concern.
Gel-infused foam incorporates gel in one of two main ways. Understanding the difference helps you compare products more accurately.
| Gel Technology | How It Works | Effect on Sleep Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Gel particles (beads) | Small gel beads are mixed into the foam during manufacturing. The beads absorb heat from the body and disperse it through the foam. | Noticeably cooler than standard memory foam; the gel actively draws heat away from the sleep surface |
| Gel layer | A distinct layer of gel foam is placed above or between layers of standard foam. Works similarly to gel particles but with a more defined heat-absorbing zone. | Effective temperature regulation at the specific comfort layer where the gel is applied |
| Open-cell gel foam | Gel foam engineered with a more open cell structure to allow greater airflow through the material as well as the gel heat-dissipation effect. | The most breathable gel foam variant; combines airflow and gel cooling for the best temperature regulation |
All gel mattresses perform better than standard closed-cell memory foam on temperature. The degree of improvement varies by product. If temperature regulation is your primary concern, our Cooling Mattresses page covers the full range of temperature-regulating options across all construction types.
| Gel Foam Mattress | Standard Memory Foam | Pocket Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Better than standard foam, gel dissipates heat more effectively | Can retain heat; standard closed-cell foam limits airflow | Generally the coolest, springs allow natural airflow through the mattress |
| Pressure relief | Excellent, gel foam contours to the body in the same way as memory foam | Excellent, the defining characteristic of memory foam | Good, depends on comfort filling on top of springs |
| Motion isolation | Very good, foam absorbs movement effectively | Excellent, better than gel foam or spring | Good with pocket springs; less than foam |
| Responsiveness | Slightly more responsive than standard memory foam | Slow to respond when you move | Immediately responsive, springs push back straight away |
| Best for | Warm sleepers who want foam pressure relief with improved temperature regulation | Those who want maximum pressure relief and are not affected by heat | Those wanting airflow, bounce, and a traditional spring feel |
| Budget | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Under £600 | Entry-level pocket spring gel foam mattresses from brands including Sealy and Viva. Gel foam comfort layer over pocket springs, 5-year guarantees, 100-night trial on Sealy models. | Buyers wanting their first gel mattress; those stepping up from standard memory foam |
| £600 to £849 | Mid-range pocket spring gel foam mattresses from brands including Sleepeezee and Lewis & Jones. Higher spring counts, gel foam comfort layers, 5 to 10-year guarantees, sleep trials on many models. A free pillow pair included on Lewis & Jones models. Where most main bedroom gel mattress buyers land. | Main bedroom, warm sleepers, couples, those wanting higher spring counts with gel foam comfort |
| £850 and above | Upper range gel foam mattresses from Sleepeezee's ActivFlex range and Silentnight's Box Top models. Higher spring counts, advanced gel foam layers, 5 to 10-year guarantees. | Customers wanting the highest specification gel foam construction; those investing in a premium cooling mattress |
Looking for a quality gel mattress at a lower price? The range starts from under £500. Browse using the price filter to find what fits your budget.
Our Price Promise Guarantee means you will not pay more than you should. Finance is available on eligible orders, see our finance page for details on available terms.
Inclusions vary by brand and model. As a general guide across our range:
| Item | Typically Included? |
|---|---|
| Mattress | Yes - always |
| Removable cover | On selected models - check individual listing to confirm |
| Sleep trial | On selected models from selected brands - look for the trial badge on product listings |
| Old mattress removal and recycling | Available as an add-on for £45, added at checkout. See our removal and recycling page for full details. |
| Bed frame or base | No - sold separately |
Always check the individual product listing for full details on what is included before purchasing. This varies between products and brands.
| What We Offer | Why It Matters to You |
|---|---|
| 50+ years of expertise | Deep product knowledge across every construction type, brand, and sleep concern |
| Wide gel mattress range | Pocket spring and pure gel foam options from trusted brands in one place |
| Free mainland UK delivery | No delivery charges on orders over £100 |
| Price Promise Guarantee | We will match any like-for-like price you find elsewhere |
| Finance available on eligible orders | Spread the cost across eligible terms, see our finance page for details |
| Expert advice, 7 days a week | Real people via phone, chat, or in-store, no scripts, no pressure |
| Family-run, independent retailer | We recommend what is right for you, not what is easiest for us |
| 9,000+ verified Trustpilot reviews | Real feedback from real customers across thousands of orders |
Not sure whether a gel mattress is the right solution for your sleep concerns, or which construction type to choose? Our team talks through this kind of decision every day. Whether you are switching from standard memory foam, addressing a specific temperature problem, or unsure whether gel foam or a cooling mattress is the better option, we can help. Call us, chat online, or visit our showrooms in Cheshire and Greater Manchester. We are open seven days a week.
| How to Reach Us | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Live chat | Fast responses for quick questions. Available during opening hours. |
| Phone | Speak directly with a mattress expert. Best for advice on temperature regulation and construction type. |
| In-store (Cheshire / Greater Manchester) | Try gel mattresses in person before you buy. |
| Help Centre | Buying guides, size guides, and FAQs available 24/7. |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a gel mattress? | A gel mattress uses gel-infused foam as its comfort layer. The gel, either beads mixed into the foam or a distinct gel layer, absorbs body heat and dissipates it more effectively than standard memory foam, helping to regulate sleeping temperature. Most gel mattresses in our range pair this gel foam layer with a pocket spring support system beneath. |
| What is the difference between a gel mattress and a memory foam mattress? | Both use foam as the comfort material, and both provide pressure relief by contouring to the body. The key difference is temperature regulation. Standard memory foam can retain body heat due to its dense cell structure. Gel-infused foam incorporates gel to draw heat away from the body and dissipate it more effectively. If you sleep comfortably on memory foam but find it too warm, a gel mattress is a sensible next step. |
| Are gel mattresses good for warm sleepers? | Yes, that is their primary purpose. Gel foam dissipates heat more effectively than standard memory foam, which can retain warmth from the body. Paired with a pocket spring base, which adds further airflow through the mattress, a gel mattress is one of the better foam-based options for warm sleepers. For the widest range of cooling mattress options across all construction types, see our Cooling Mattresses page. |
| Are gel mattresses good for back pain? | Many people with back pain find gel mattresses helpful. The gel foam provides pressure relief and body contouring that supports the spine, and the spring systems on most models in our range add further postural support. Tension choice matters as much as construction, back sleepers with back pain generally do best with medium to medium firm. If you have a specific back condition, call our team on 01928 242829 for personalised guidance. |
| Are gel mattresses good for side sleepers? | Yes, provided the tension is right. Side sleepers need the shoulder and hip to compress into the mattress for the spine to stay aligned. Gel foam provides good pressure relief at those contact points. A soft medium or medium tension gel mattress is the right starting point for most side sleepers. |
| Do gel mattresses smell when new? | Some gel foam mattresses have a slight new-foam odour when first unpacked, similar to standard memory foam. This is normal and typically clears within a few days in a well-ventilated room. |
| How long does a gel mattress last? | A quality gel mattress typically lasts 8 to 10 years. Guarantees in our range run from 5 to 10 years depending on the brand and model, always check the individual listing for full guarantee terms. |
| Do gel mattresses need turning? | Gel mattresses are single-sided and should not be flipped. We recommend rotating the mattress 180 degrees from head to toe periodically to promote even wear. Check the individual product listing for specific care guidance. |
| Do you offer free delivery on gel mattresses? | Yes. Free mainland UK delivery on orders over £100, this covers all gel mattresses. Some further out postcodes may incur a surcharge; check at checkout. Lead times vary by brand and model, check the individual product listing. |
| Can I buy a gel mattress on finance? | Yes. Finance is available on eligible orders. See our finance page for details on available terms and how to apply. |
