A Murphy bed folds up against the wall or into a cabinet when not in use. These space-saving beds are ideal for those who live in small living spaces, such as studio apartments. Just like investing in these convertible beds, you should also invest in a high-quality mattress that will give you a comfortable sleeping environment.
A gel foam mattress is a worthy consideration when buying a mattress. It’s an advanced memory foam with a cooling gel for enhanced temperature regulation. It conforms to the body and keeps heat away from the mattress as you sleep. They’re suitable for hideaway beds and an excellent choice for Murphy bed frames.
Key Takeaways:
- Memory foam has been around for a long time. Its gel infusion can be mixed into the foam or attached as a separate layer on top.
- Gel foam mattresses don’t need much maintenance. They can be easily cleaned and rotated like normal mattresses.
- Gel foam mattresses have different firmness levels for your own comfort.
INDEX
More Facts About the Gel Foam Mattress
Benefits of Gel Foam Mattresses
Considerations for Selecting a Gel Foam Mattress for a Murphy Bed
Care Tips for Gel Foam Mattress
Final Thoughts
More Facts About the Gel Foam Mattress
In the 1960s, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration developed memory foam, a type of polyurethane with viscoelastic properties. Memory foam responds well to pressure and heat, adhering to your body shape for comfort and support. This ability is the main reason memory foam is a good material for pillows and mattresses.
How Gel Foam Is Made
Traditional foams can retain heat, which can be uncomfortable for people, especially during summer. The gel foam addresses this issue by evaporating heat. Here’s a short overview of how it’s made:
The Base Material: Memory Foam
Surfactants or blowing agents may be added to polyurethane to create the foam and increase its viscosity and density. This results in a supportive mattress that molds to the person’s body shape.
Cooling Gel Infusion
This is how manufacturers infuse the cooling gel into the memory foam:
- Bead Infusion: Before mixing, little gel beads are thrown into the foam. These beads absorb and disperse heat from the foam.
- Liquid Gel Infusion: They swirl liquid gel into the foam to create airflow and cooling channels.
- Gel Layers: Some manufacturers use separate gel-infused foam layers on top of the regular memory foam for targeted cooling.
Benefits of Gel Foam Mattresses
You and your cabinet beds will surely benefit from the convenience gel foam mattresses bring. Take a look at these perks:
- Temperature Regulation: The gel infusion improves airflow inside the mattress to help you sleep soundly at night.
- Excellent Pressure Relief: Gel foam mattresses can help ease discomfort and enhance sleep quality. It hugs your body and evenly distributes weight on the mattress.
- Noise Reduction: This mattress doesn’t squeak whenever you turn to your right or left during sleep. It’s ideal for light sleepers who are easily awakened by any sound.
- Durability: High-quality gel foam mattresses resist sagging in the long run, requiring fewer replacements and saving money on new ones. You can also buy mattress pads to modify the comfort level of your mattress.
- Reduced Disturbance: The foam can transfer motion across the bed. Two people sleeping on the same gel foam mattress won’t wake up when one changes positions.
- Health Benefits: Other gel foam mattresses are hypoallergenic, protecting you from dust and mites for a healthier sleep.
- Versatility: These mattresses are compatible with hidden beds, like those from Lori Beds, and they have a lightweight build.
- Minimal Upkeep: Gel foam mattresses require little maintenance. You can rotate them to distribute wear and tear throughout the mattress. The mattress you might buy can come with a removable mattress protector you can wash when it’s dirty.
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Selecting a Gel Foam Mattress for a Murphy Bed
These are the key things to consider when buying a gel foam mattress for your Murphy bed:
1. Thickness and Size
Get the right dimensions for the gel foam mattress, and make sure it matches the Murphy bed frame. Murphy wall beds usually accommodate 12-inch mattresses, but this may vary depending on the bed’s model.
When buying a new mattress, ensure you still have enough clearance to pull the bed up and down and that it won’t fall from the bed frame.
2. Support and Comfort
Gel foam mattresses have better temperature control than traditional memory foam. They dissipate heat, making them ideal for every season.
These mattresses come with these firmness options:
Soft
- Offers a deep, cradling comfort and contours to your body shape.
- Best used by side sleepers who need to maintain spinal alignment.
- Provides excellent relief for pressure points like joints.
Medium-Soft
- A balance between soft comfort and moderate support gives you a firmer feel.
- Ideal for sleepers who frequently change positions during sleep.
Medium
- It’s the most popular choice and accommodates a wide range of sleepers, including those who sleep on their backs.
- Sufficient cushioning and adequate support in one place.
- It may help with spinal alignment.
Medium-Firm
- Has a slightly firmer surface that provides more support for sleepers.
- More stable, less sinkage.
- Good for stomach and back sleepers who need extra support.
- It may reduce lower back pain and help maintain a comfortable sleep.
Firm
- Provides a solid and supportive feel with minimal cushioning.
- Supports stomach sleepers, heavy individuals, and those with orthopedic conditions.
- Offers a stable sleeping posture with less shrinkage.
Extra Firm
- Suitable for back sleepers and those with specific medical conditions who need a very firm surface to sleep on.
- Offers maximum support and stability.
- Has minimal sinkage, perfect for those who have back issues and need an even sleeping surface.
Aside from these levels of support, find a gel memory foam mattress with good edge support to keep its shape whether you’re sitting or sleeping near the edge. If possible, include reinforced edges in your mattress hunting. These edges prevent the bed from sagging drastically over time.
3. Weight Considerations
Ask the manufacturer about the weight limit of Murphy pull-down beds. Although gel memory foam mattresses are lighter than traditional mattresses, checking their total weight and matching it with the bed’s capacity will help you pick the right one.
4. Quality and Durability
To use it for a long time, look for a gel memory foam mattress that has a density of at least three to four pounds per cubic foot. Certifications like CertiPUR-US® also show that the foam meets safety standards and is made with zero harmful chemicals.
5. Cooling and Breathability
Look for mattresses with breathable covers and cooling gel layers to sleep better in any weather. Some mattresses are made of moisture-wicking fabrics like bamboo and cotton to keep your body dry all night.
6. Motion Isolation
Gel foam mattresses have excellent motion transfer properties, making them perfect for couples who sleep in one bed at night. It reduces disturbances when one of them shifts into a new sleeping position.
7. Flexibility and Foldability
Just like your fold-down beds, your mattress should also be easy to fold and unfold with zero damage. Memory foam mattresses and their gel-infused variants are generally known for their flexibility, making them suitable for Murphy folding beds.
8. Budget
Before buying one, you should learn to balance the mattress’s cost and quality. Gel memory foam mattresses have different prices and features. Find a mattress that offers the best value for your money, and you can consider it a long-term investment for your well-being.
9. Trial Period, Warranty, and Return Policy
These three are important for the following reasons:
- Trial Period: Some mattress companies let you test the mattress for a certain period of time. It can be for a week, a month, or even a few months. This can help you gauge your compatibility with the bed and the mattress’s fit with the wall-mounted beds.
- Warranty: Ask the manufacturer if they provide a warranty for their mattress. This could be useful if the mattress gets damaged a few days after buying it. Warranties can guarantee replacements if the damage isn’t your fault.
- Return Policy: Check the manufacturer’s return policy on the memory foam mattress that doesn’t meet your expectations.
Care Tips for Gel Foam Mattress
Now that you have your mattress, follow these steps to care for it:
- Put a Mattress Protector: Invest in a waterproof mattress protector to shield your mattress from allergens, spills, and stains.
- Clean the Mattress Regularly: Use a handheld vacuum cleaner to remove dirt from the mattress. Dab stains with a sponge or cloth dipped in a mixed solution of water and mild detergent. Don’t saturate the foam, and air dry the mattress.
- No Jumping: Don’t jump on the bed or put heavy objects on it to prevent damaging the foam. Sit on different spots regularly to avoid sagging the bed as well.
- Maintain a Proper Temperature: Keep your room at an optimal temperature to prevent molds and mildew from growing on the mattress.
- Follow Instructions: Check the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions on caring for the mattress. This will help you ensure you don’t void the warranty.
Final Thoughts
Gel foam mattresses provide top-notch cooling on the surface and superior flexibility, which are ideal for daily Murphy bed use in different areas around the house. These mattresses are easy to fold up and down, maintaining the bed’s functionality for a long time. With a gel foam mattress, you’re not just getting a sleeping area. You’re also getting a durable mattress that supports your weight and makes you feel comfortable.
Explore our selection of Murphy beds and mattresses, and take your pick. Our high-quality beds and mattresses offer good value for money, making your investment worthwhile in the long run. For more information, visit our website today!
