Why Use a Gel Pillow? The Benefits & Drawbacks – The Bedding Planet

Why Use a Gel Pillow? The Benefits & Drawbacks


This post is a part of the complete gel pillow buyers guide

A good night’s sleep is essential for the general well-being of your body. However, sometimes it becomes hard to achieve this due to numerous reasons.

Sometimes you might go to bed after a long stressful day, but instead of a comfortable sound sleep, you end up fighting with your pillows.

An uncomfortable pillow leads to a broken night’s sleep. Therefore, if your pillow is giving you a hard time, there is a way we can help you fix that.

A gel pillow might help you solve all the uncomfortable nights and also help you get rid of the sweaty ones. Gel pillows are the new thing in the bedding and lifestyle industry, and they come in different designs that you can choose from.

Let us look at the reasons why you should use a gel pillow.

What is a Gel Pillow?

Before we get into the reasons for using a gel pillow, let us first discuss what a gel pillow is.

Gel pillows are pillows that have been infused with layers of gel, or sometimes, gel-infused memory foam is used. They come in different types, and each has unique qualities and comfort they offer. The gel is put inside to act as a cooling agent to regulate your temperature as you sleep, reducing the heat build-up on the surface.

Gel pillows are the best for you if you are struggling to maintain your temperature as you sleep.

Why Should You Use A Gel Pillow?

There are tons of reasons why gel pillows are the ideal choice when it comes to pillows. Below are the top four reasons we picked for you.

1. Helps keep you cool and comfortable

Sleeping on gel pillows will give you comfort as it helps cool off your temperature on the surface of the pillow.

This is possible because the pillow has breathable gel infused inside and fiber blend, which in turn increases the airflow. If the airflow increases, heat is drawn out for colling, hence a comfortable and relaxed night’s sleep.

2. The pillows are completely adjustable

Unlike the ordinary foam or fiber pillows, gel-infused pillows give you the luxury to be able to adjust them to fit your desires.

All you need to do is unzip, take out some of the fillings or add more if you wish so long as you get your desired needs. These customizations specifically make the gel pillows the best choice for a high-quality night’s sleep.

3. The gel pillows can help you fall asleep quickly

Research has been done and it has proven that if you are using a cooling pillow, you are likely to fall asleep three to four times faster.

Sleeping on a good pillow like the gel-infused one makes you sleep deeper because you are comfortable. Once you get to the bed, you will immediately doze off without having to toss around trying to find the best and comfortable position.

4. Gel pillows helps avoid allergies and breathing problems

There are different pillows that are made from different materials. Some people might get allergic reactions or breathing problems from using particular pillows.

This problem makes gel pillows the game changer as they are made of hypoallergenic materials, which can never trigger allergic reactions. Most gel pillows also have undergone a high-end production process making them fresh and odor-free. This is a bonus as you will never have to deal with breathing problems.

Factors to Consider When Picking A Gel Pillows

how to wash gel pillow

1. Design

Most people have gel pillows explicitly designed to suit their sleeping style. If the design of your gel pillow is not suited to your sleeping posture or style, you can end up having disturbed sleep.

If you like to sleep on your back or your stomach, then you will need a gel pillow that is lighter, thinner, and soft-to-moderately firm.

On the other hand, if you sleep on your sides, your gel pillow should be extra firm and higher to help support your neck area.

Gel pillows are specifically contoured for the side and back sleepers with either back, neck, or shoulder pain. Choosing the best design will help you maintain the best posture for your spine as you sleep.

2. Softness

Your gel pillow should be soft to give you the best comfort whether you are a side or back sleeper. The pillows have the ability to mold, taking the shape of your neck and head, relaxing the pressure joints in the process. 

The gel pillows offer the best airflow making your sleep comfortable compared to the foam pillows.

To maintain the freshness of your gel pillow, you should air the cover in a well-ventilated area for 24 to 72 hours. 

They are also manually washable, which means you can easily wash them after repeated use to make them clean and maintain freshness.

3. Hypoallergenic nature

If you struggle with allergies and are looking for a gel fiber pillow, then be sure to go for the hypoallergenic ones as they help with the allergy issues. 

You will always find these kinds in luxurious hotels. Their covers are easy to detach, and they can be washed in the machine making their maintenance easy.

4. Warranty terms

When spending your money on an essential item, it is best to be keen on the warranty terms. For gel pillows, this is important because they are bought for a specific period.

The warranty terms will give you a glimpse of the pillow’s quality and if it has the kind of longevity you can invest in.

The Pros of Gel Pillows

1. Saves money

Night sleep can be unbearable if the temperatures are high and there is no way to cool it off. You might think of investing in air conditioners, but these will only add to your electricity bills.

This is where the gel pillow comes in; it will help regulate your temperature as you sleep, keeping you cool, hence comfortable nights. These pillows are the best choice during the summertime.

2. They have cooling effects

You can tell how your day will go by how you wake up from sleep. Having a gel pillow will give you the desired comfort, especially during hot nights, ensuring you wake up fresh and well-rested. The cooling effect of the gel pillows will help keep you cool even if the nights are hot and sweaty.

3. There are varieties

When buying something to use, variety is always important, and it gives you the chance to compare the item with your needs till you find what suits you.

Gel pillows come in different varieties that you can choose from to make sure that you pick what is best suited for your needs. For example, there are head and neck shape varieties, cooling gel fiber or hypoallergenic, gusseted look, or classic; the choice is yours.

4. Offers support

Unlike foam pillows, gel fiber pillows are very comfortable with a soft and cozy feeling. You can easily mold your pillow any way you want to offer you the utmost support you need where you need it.

If you need the support to be more on your shoulders, then you can adjust the pillow to fit that area. Gel pillows are also known to maintain their shape; this means that however you decide to sleep, you won’t have to adjust the pillow to fit your head or neck.

5. Easy to clean

Gel fiber pillows are the easiest to deal with; you do not have to keep shaking or stroking to find the best spot. If the coves become dirty, then you can easily machine wash and dry them.

You can also air the gel pads since they are lightweight to maintain the freshness of your pillow.

6. Offer sleep comfort

After a tense and stressful day, you need a good night’s rest and sleep. Gel fiber pillows will give you the comfort you need and an excellent cool surface to lay your head.

The pillow will also help you fall asleep faster than a regular pillow. It has been proven by research that gel pillows provide three times deeper sleep than the normal pillow.

7. Improves skin appearance

Insufficient sleep can give your skin a darker, dry look which may lead to you looking aged and stressed.

Other skin problems like loose skin, pale complexion, and black circles may also appear due to lack of enough or proper sleep.

Using gel pillows will ensure you get the best optimum sleep, which will keep your skin glowing and looking youthful.

8. Improves your sleep patterns

Having to twist and turn at night due to environmental disturbances can be pretty annoying. This is where gel fiber pillows come in, and it will ensure that your head is positioned correctly, your temperature is cooled.

In turn, you will have a deep, sound sleep. The gel pillows will also help you improve your sleeping pattern, in turn making you oblivious of the environmental disturbances.

Cons of Gel Pillows

1. Doesn’t dissipate the heat

Gel pillows mainly help absorb the heat during high temperatures giving you a cool surface to sleep on. However, once it absorbs the heat, it does not get rid of it.

This means you will feel the cooling effect for a few minutes, after which it will no longer work effectively. On the other hand, you can always buy gel mats which you can put in your refrigerator for a few minutes. Once you are ready to go to bed, you can put it on your pillow to help with the cooling effect.

2. Doesn’t offer bolsters

There are some individuals who like using bolsters together with their pillows as they sleep. Gel pillow does not offer this particular need which might be significantly helpful for the side sleepers.

This is because the gel pillows are pretty delicate and sometimes might not have the stature.

3. Less durable

Gel fiber pillows do not last long compared to foam pillows. The added gel contributes to the wearing off of the foam that is added to the pillow. You may need to replace your gel pillow after three years of use.

4. Expensive

Gel fiber pillows are pretty expensive as every material used in the construction adds up to their cost. Remember, gel pillows are made of numerous mixtures of materials, and thus the cost covers them all.

5. They are delicate

The gel fiber pillows are pretty delicate, and the gel inside does not need mishandling, therefore be careful whenever you clean the pillow or change the pillowcases.

6. They shift and clump when old

Gel fiber pillows may start developing clumps and even shift and sometimes develop hollow spots when they are wearing out.

That is why it is vital to replace them as regularly as possible. On the other hand, when the pillows are new, they seem to have a noticeable smell.

Who are the Best Candidates for the Gel Pillows?

If you are the kind that struggles with hot spells at night and keeps tossing and turning the pillow to feel cool, the gel fiber pillows are the best option for you. They will not only keep your temperature cool but will also offer you comfort, ensuring you get optimum sleep.

Gel fiber pillows are also best suited for side sleepers; if you are a side sleeper, you will agree that a comfortable pillow is pretty essential. You don’t want to wake with a stiff neck due to poor neck support during sleep.

Conclusion

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your general well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you get a comfortable pillow that will ensure you get a sound sleep.

Gel fiber pillows come in different varieties. With the help of the benefits we have mentioned, you should be able to choose the one you feel meets your sleep needs.

Also, remember to change your pillows regularly, say after three years of use. This will ensure you maintain the freshness and effectiveness of your pillow and also maintain your sleeping comfortability.


Gel Pillows: A Complete Buyers Guide – Parts:

1. Why Use a Gel Pillow? The Benefits & Drawbacks
2. Memory Foam vs. Gel Foam Pillows: What’s The Difference & is One Better?
3. How Long Do Gel Pillows Last? This is The Replacement Time
4. Are Gel Filled Pillows Safe to Use?
5. Best Gel Pillows of 2022 – Complete Review
6. How to Wash And Dry a Gel Pillow: Step by Step Guide

Niklas Lampi

My name is Niklas and I'm the author and content operator at The Bedding Planet. I've always had a big interest in bedding and more specifically sleep. If I find something that makes me sleep better, whether that's a lifestyle change or a better bedding environment, I'm ready to share it with the world!

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