This replacement gel memory foam is our premium comfort layer for a Sleep Number® bed — the layer that sits on top of the air chambers and gives the surface its feel. Unlike our regular foams, this is a true gel memory foam: it contours and cradles your body, relieving pressure, while the gel and open-cell structure keep it breathable so it sleeps cooler than most memory foams. At a durable 4 lb density it is far denser than the typical 2 lb or 3 lb memory foam used in name-brand mattresses, with very little off-gassing. Replacing a worn comfort layer eliminates body impressions and sagging and restores a cool, contouring surface, without touching the air chambers, pump, or cover you already own. Made in the USA and CertiPUR-US® tested.
This is a medium feel with the signature memory-foam quality: instead of sitting on top of the foam, you sink in gently and it molds to your body, cradling your shoulders and hips and easing pressure points. It is especially popular on Euro Top and pillow-top style beds where that plush, contouring surface is what owners are after. The gel and open-cell structure let it breathe, so it runs cooler than the dense, heat-trapping memory foam many people have had bad experiences with. If you prefer a responsive surface that you rest on top of rather than sink into, our regular poly foams are the better fit — see the comparison below.
One thing that makes gel memory foam unique is that it is what we call a mimic foam: it largely takes on the firmness of whatever sits beneath it. Put it over a soft base and the whole surface feels soft; put it over a firmer base and it feels firmer — all while keeping its cool, contouring memory-foam character on top.
That is why, if you are starting fresh and replacing all of your foam, one of our most popular setups is a two-layer build:
Because gel mimics the layer below it, this build is a smart long-term investment. If you ever want to change the overall feel of the bed, you only swap the inexpensive 2" base layer — drop in a soft base for a plusher bed or a firm base for a firmer one — and the gel on top takes on that new feel. With a single solid 4" block, changing the feel later means rebuying a full 4" of foam instead of just a 2" layer.
On a Queen, King, or California King you can take this one step further. Keep a full-width 2" gel layer on top, then split the transition layer underneath into two halves in different feels — a soft base under one side and a firm (or medium) base under the other. Because the gel mimics what is beneath it, each sleeper gets their own firmness while sharing the same cool, contouring surface. For the split base layers, order Split Queen halves for a Queen, two Twin XL halves for a King, or Split Cal King halves for a California King. And because each side is its own piece, either partner can later swap their firmness without disturbing the other side at all.
It comes down to the feel you want:
The thickness you pick sets how much foam sits over the air chambers, and it also affects your shell height. Most beds use a 2" or 3" comfort layer.
Not sure how thickness ties into shell height? Our guide to measuring your Sleep Number bed walks through it, or call us at 610-327-2322.
All of our comfort foams are made to order in the sizes and heights shown on each product. Here is how the feels compare so you can pick the right one:
| Foam | Feel | Firmness | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Regular | Plush, sink-in | 12 ILD | Softening a bed that feels too firm |
| Medium Regular | Balanced, original feel | 35 ILD | Most people; firming up a sagging bed (closest to original) |
| Firm Regular | Extra-firm, little give | 50 ILD | Sleepers who want a very hard surface |
| Gel Memory (this page) | Contouring, cooler, sink-in | Medium (cradle) | Pressure relief; plush premium feel |
| Latex | Buoyant, responsive, on-top | 29 ILD (medium) | Lively support; durable upgrade (not a Sleep Number foam) |
| Egg Crate | Light cushion + airflow | 35 ILD | Economical comfort and cooling boost |
Choose your size below and the thickness (2"–4") that matches your bed. The foam lays over the air chambers inside the cover.
| Size | Foam (W × L) |
|---|---|
| Twin | 38" × 75" |
| Twin XL | 38" × 80" |
| Full | 54" × 75" |
| Split Queen | 30" × 80" (per side) |
| Queen | 60" × 80" |
| Expanded Queen | 66" × 80" |
| King | 76" × 80" |
| California King | 72" × 84" |
| Split Cal King | 36" × 84" (per side) |
Because every layer is made to order, we fit older beds, newer smart-bed models, split and FlexTop setups, and sizes the manufacturer no longer sells — including Split Queen, Expanded Queen, and Split Cal King. If the foam sides of your bed have also softened, many owners refresh the perimeter at the same time with new foam side rails or the full complete rail set. Building a newer smart-bed model? You can build your own comfort layer instead. Browse everything on our Sleep Number foam & rails page or the full Sleep Number repair parts collection.
It is the comfort layer that lays on top of the air chambers and gives the bed its surface feel. This gel memory foam version contours to your body and sleeps cooler, restoring a plush, pressure-relieving surface to an older bed.
Many do, but this one is built to run cooler. The gel and open-cell structure make it more breathable than typical dense memory foam, so it dissipates heat better while still giving you that contouring feel.
Gel memory foam largely takes on the firmness of whatever is underneath it, so we call it a mimic foam. If you are replacing all your foam, a popular setup is 2" of this gel on top of a 2" medium regular foam base. The big advantage is flexibility later: to change the overall feel you only swap the 2" base layer (soft for plusher, firm for firmer) and the gel adopts that feel — instead of rebuying a full 4" block.
Yes. On a Queen, King, or California King, keep a full 2" gel layer on top and split the base layer underneath into two different feels — for example a soft base on one side and a firm base on the other. Since the gel mimics the layer beneath it, each side takes on its own firmness while sharing the same cool surface. Order Split Queen halves for a Queen, two Twin XL halves for a King, or Split Cal King halves for a California King. Either side can be swapped later without touching the other.
This gel memory foam cradles your body and you sink in gently, where our regular poly foams give a more responsive surface you rest on top of. Memory foam is the plush, premium option; the medium regular foam is the closest match to Sleep Number original foam.
Density is a measure of durability for memory foam. At 4 lb this is far denser than the 2 lb or 3 lb memory foam used in many name-brand mattresses, so it holds its feel and lasts longer, with very little off-gassing.
Match the thickness of your current comfort foam to keep the same shell height; most beds use 2" or 3". Going thicker adds a deeper memory-foam feel but raises your shell height by the difference, which matters if you are also replacing the cover.
Yes. Because it is made to order, we can match older, split, and discontinued sizes, including Split Queen, Expanded Queen, and Split Cal King.
No problem — we offer a 30-day comfort exchange. Return it for a full refund or credit, or keep it and take a one-time 50% off a replacement (most people choose this — nothing to ship back). See our Foam Comfort Exchange & Return Policy for full details.
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