Slumber is an essential part of our lives - a magical period that renews and rejuvenates us. Basking in the arms of sound sleep isn't just about the serenity of the environment, but the quality of the mattress that cuddles us. When you're considering the Bodyshape Gel 2000 Pocket Mattress, the name itself promises pampering comfort and support in your quest for deep, rejuvenating sleep. But does it deliver on that promise? Let's look deeper into that.
How we assessed it
The core is 2000 pocket springs, each in its own fabric pocket, under a 2.5cm gel pad and a layer of soft synthetic fibres. The whole mattress is 26cm deep and rated medium. A build like that should let you sink a little at the surface while the springs do the supporting underneath, which is how one owner puts it: the gel top "allows one to sink in relieving pressure on the hips while the springs beneath provide firm support". Gel foam over pocket springs should sleep cooler than a memory foam top, though I wouldn't count on a pad this thin if you run hot.
Design and Features
The Bodyshape Gel 2000 Pocket Mattress comes unity-packed with desirable features. The 2000 pocket springs encased in their individual cloth pockets offer adaptable, distributed support. This mattress cradles each location of your body, ensuring every part gets the attention it deserves.
On top of these springs is a 2.5cm gel pad layer, which is uniquely more breathable and cooler than conventional memory foam. Though gel is often cooler than standard foam, I'm a bit sceptical about the specific gel quality as a 2.5cm pad is unlikely to feel as soft and plush as you might expect.
No mattress would be complete without the filling; the Bodyshape Gel 2000 uses synthetic fibres. Their resilience is incredible, offering stability without compromising on comfort. Cosy as they are, they're not the pinnacle of luxury you might encounter with other materials.
The mattress also features a reinforced edge. This particular feature allows for extra support, giving you a sleeping surface that goes right up to the edge. A durable edge-to-edge support provides a maximised sleeping surface. However, the firmness at the edges might not be a good fit for everyone.
Comfort of the Mattress
In terms of comfort, the Bodyshape Gel 2000 Pocket Mattress does a solid job. It hits the medium firmness level, not being too soft nor too rigid, achieving a comfortable sleep experience suitable to most people. The reinforced mattress edge, however, gives a firm feel that might not match the preference for softer edges in some sleepers.
In my personal opinion, the synthetic fillings used in the mattress offer durability and a cosy feel. However, I tend to agree with those who don't find them as premium as natural fillings. Meanwhile, the knitted cover adds softness, but lacks a luxurious feel.
Suitability
Everyone has their unique sleep style, and it's important that a mattress answers to these individual needs. The Bodyshape Gel 2000 does a pretty good job at this, being apt for both side and back sleepers with its medium firmness level. However, I believe those who sleep on their backs could benefit more from a slightly firmer product for better contouring and support.
What Customers Thought
Owners describe a supportive, comfortable feel. One wrote of "tons of support whilst sinking into the mattress just enough", and another said, "Very happy with our purchase, it's comfortable, lots of support and not firm but not soft either. Importantly we are both sleeping better on the Bodyshape mattress."
The gel top gets a good word too, with one owner finding that it "doesn't heat up in the way that memory foam tends to, in fact, it stays quite cool." The same owner was disappointed by the edge, though: put weight on it and "the side creases inwards and dips down considerably." They added that it doesn't affect their sleep, so this is mainly a concern if you sit on the side of the bed a lot.
The Verdict
On paper, the Bodyshape Gel 2000 Pocket Mattress should deliver a fairly satisfactory sleep experience. It has good features such as adaptive pocket springs, breathable and cooler gel foam, and a sturdy edge.
However, certain elements might not meet every buyer's taste. The firmness of the edge, the lack of plushness of the gel, the synthetic fibres, and the basic knitted cover could be seen as constraints against the overall appeal of this mattress. Therefore, while we give it a thumbs-up for trying to balance varied aspects, we also suggest prospective buyers carefully consider their personal preferences and comfort needs before making a decision.
