Cool Gel Dream Bed review
Mattress Firm's fast-shipping box mattress, a soft memory foam bed with a cooling gel layer that arrives in under 48 hours.
We felt like we were laying on a soft cloud.
Our reviewerA Soft, Snuggly Bed With Fast Delivery
The Cool Gel Dream Bed is Mattress Firm's answer to mattress-in-a-box, with a bold twist: delivery in under 48 hours. It's a softer mattress, rating a 4 out of 10 on our firmness scale, built around a 3-inch memory foam top that conforms closely to the sleeper.
That softness comes with real sinkage, averaging about 3 inches, which suits side sleepers well but isn't the best fit for those with back problems. The adjustable frame is a nice bonus, bending and shifting to match different frame shapes and gripping flat surfaces without needing a box spring.
Softer memory foam beds tend to run hot, so Mattress Firm added a thin cooling gel layer just beneath the cover to wick away heat. It works to an extent, keeping the bed relatively cool, though the tradeoff for the plush feel is a lack of responsiveness compared to firmer beds, making it a bit more effort to get out of bed on cold mornings.
A bit of chemical smell showed up after unboxing, clearing within a day or two, and we'd recommend airing the room out with windows and doors open in the meantime.
For side or lighter-weight sleepers looking for a snuggly, budget-friendly bed with fast delivery, the Dream Bed delivers a comfortable night's sleep, backed by a 180-night trial and Mattress Firm's Dream It Forward program, which donates a mattress for every one purchased.
Why We Love It
- A softer mattress ideal for side sleepers
- Delivers in under 48 hours
- Gel foam keeps this memory foam mattress relatively cool
- Very little horizontal motion transfer, so sleepers won't disrupt their partners
- Very inexpensive compared to other mattress prices
Considerations
- Full memory foam lacks the responsiveness of latex or spring mattresses
- Slight amount of off-gassing
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We Recommend This To Readers Who:
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Want a softer bed
The Dream Bed gets a 4 out of 10 in our firmness rating. It will provide a softer sleep ideal for side sleepers.
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Want a good level of hugging from their bed
The Dream Bed will hug the sleeper. If you are looking for a snuggly bed, the Dream Bed is ideal.
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Want a soft bed that still remains cool
Mattress Firm uses a gel layer to help maintain a cooler sleep environment, something often hard to find in a memory foam mattress.
A Closer Look
Mattress Construction
We took apart the Cool Gel Dream Bed to see what Mattress Firm built underneath the covers.
Top Layer
A thin, 0.125-inch layer of Cool Gel that absorbs heat from the body, working, though not as well as some customers might like.
Middle Layer
3 inches of memory foam, the real comfort of the mattress, cradling and wrapping snugly around the body.
Bottom Layer
7.5 inches of high-density foam forming the foundation and giving the needed support.
Mattress Cost
A queen runs $499 with free shipping that arrives in under 48 hours.
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Twin | $409 |
| QueenPopular | $499 |
| King | $599 |
Good to Know
A Comfortable, Fast-Shipping Bed for Side Sleepers
The Dream Bed is a great mattress for side or lightweight sleepers. The Gel foam cools you down, though some sleepers still ran a bit hot overall.