Idle Gel Plush Mattress Review

The Mattress Nerd’s Take: The Idle Sleep Gel Plush Mattress is a high-quality memory foam mattress that has a medium firmness level. We recommend it to side sleepers and back sleepers with lightweight or average-weight body types up to 230 lbs. The plush feel also works for those with joint pain or arthritis.

Is the Idle Gel Plush Mattress for You?

Who’s Going to Love It

• Side and back sleepers
• Those who love a soft mattress
• Couples concerned about motion transfer
• Those with hip or shoulder pain

Who Should Steer Clear

• Plus-sized sleepers over 230lbs
• Stomach sleepers
• Budget shoppers

Idle Gel Plush Mattress Video Review

How Does the Idle Gel Plush Mattress Feel? 

Firmness

The Idle Gel Plush mattress has a medium firmness level that falls right around 5/10 on the firmness scale. Idle says that this mattress ranges from 4.5–5.5/10, and other reviewers put it at 6/10 (medium-firm), which tells us that the Idle Gel Plush will feel a touch softer or firmer for each person, probably dependent on his or her body type. 

Those with lightweight or average-weight body types will probably fare the best on this mattress. They can expect for their whole body to sink deep enough into the foam layers to get lots of body contouring and pressure relief. On the other hand, those with heavyweight body types—specifically those over 230 lbs.—are at risk of too much sinkage, which can throw their spine out of alignment or cause them to “bottom out” against the firmer base foam layer.   

With regard to sleeping positions, the medium firmness of the Idle Gel Plush provides a balance of softness and support that suits back and side sleepers. Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to keep their lower back lifted in line with their shoulders, so that rules out soft mattresses like this one.

Temperature

Chances are, you’ve heard that memory foam tends to retain quite a bit of heat. It’s true that all-foam mattresses, especially those with memory foam layers, naturally run warmer than, say, an innerspring mattress. Idle addresses the heat retention issue in the Idle Gel Plush mattress with a couple of cooling features.

See: Best Cooling Mattresses

The first is their Ice Fabric mattress cover. The Ice Fabric is infused with gel, which works to keep the surface of the mattress temperature-neutral and even cool. How? Gel naturally absorbs excess body heat. The cover is also quilted with a thin layer of gel-infused Cooling Buoyancy Foam. The top layer of the mattress is also made of Cooling Buoyancy foam.

Overall, this mattress will counteract the tendency of memory foam to trap body heat, but it won’t necessarily keep you cool. For that reason, we recommend it to people who occasionally overheat at night, but not for those who consistently struggle to stay cool while they sleep.

Support

We think the Idle Gel Plush does an OK job of keeping you supported along the edges. You’ll probably sink down a bit, but we highly doubt you’ll slide off the mattress.

The Idle Gel Plush mattress is most compatible with lightweight and average-weight body types, depending on your sleeping position. If you are looking for a more supportive mattress, see the best mattress for heavy people.

Back Sleepers

Back sleeping is arguably the most versatile sleeping position. Back sleepers need enough support to keep their body in a neutral alignment (i.e. good posture while lying down), as well as a little cushion for their joints. The Idle Gel Plush mattress fits that bill. 

Lightweight and average-weight back sleepers will feel “hugged” by the cushioning top layers. Heavyweight sleepers will probably sink even deeper into the foam layers, but since they won’t be resting on any major pressure points, they’re likely to stay comfortable. For more great options, see our list of the best mattresses for back sleepers.

Side Sleepers

The best mattresses for side sleepers need pressure relief above all. That’s because their pressure points sink the deepest into the mattress surface. The Idle Gel Plush mattress really works in side sleepers’ favor, allowing their shoulders and hips to descend deep into the 5” of foam on top of the mattress.

Side sleepers of all body types will benefit from the softness of the foam, though heavyweight sleepers over 230 lbs. risk sinking all the way down to the firm base foam. Lightweight and average-weight sleepers probably won’t have this problem, so we highly recommend the Idle Gel Plush for side sleepers with those body types.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers will fare better on a firmer mattress. The softness of the Idle Gel Plush probably won’t keep the hips lifted on top of the foam, whether for lightweight, average-weight or heavyweight stomach sleepers. When stomach sleepers’ hips sink below their shoulders, they’re at risk of developing back pain, regardless of body type.

See: Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

Combination Sleepers

Whether or not the Idle Gel Plush mattress is the right mattress for combination sleepers depends on how often you change position and which positions you favor. We’ve already talked about how the Idle Gel Plush is not the best fit for stomach sleepers. That leaves back and side sleepers. 

If you move from your back to your side and vice versa, you’ll notice that the top two layers of foam have a slower response time than your average polyfoam. This shouldn’t be a problem if you’re a fairly stationary sleeper, but it can cause those who toss and turn to feel stuck in the bed. This is true for lightweight, average-weight and lightweight combination sleepers.

Body Type:	BACK SLEEPERS	STOMACH SLEEPERS	SIDE SLEEPERS
Lightweight (< 130 lbs):	5	2	5
Average weight (130 – 230 lbs):	5	2	5
Heavyweight (> 230 lbs):	2	1	2

1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent

Does It Fit Your Lifestyle?

Couples 

If you sleep with a partner—or child or pet, for that matter—you’ll want to consider the motion isolation of your mattress. This measures how well a mattress traps motion at its source. Foam beds generally do a great job in this category, and the Idle Gel Plush is no exception. The foam comfort layers prevent movement from traveling across the mattress surface, so you aren’t disrupted by your sleeping partner moving around or getting up from the bed.

Another consideration for couples is mattress firmness level. If you both favor side and back sleeping, you should be just fine. If one of you is a strict stomach sleeper, you may want to look into a medium-firm mattress like the original Idle Gel mattress. If you are in search of a mattress that isolates your partner’s motion, see the best mattresses for couples.

Joint Pain and Arthritis

Arthritis and joint pain sufferers need a mattress that will cushion their pressure points. Predictably, soft or medium mattresses, like the Idle Gel Plush, do this especially well. The only problem we can anticipate for arthritis and joint pain sufferers is mobility. If you need a mattress with a little bit of bounce to help you move around on your bed, you won’t find that on the Idle Gel Plush, though we recommend the Idle Hybrid mattress.

Construction: What’s Under the Surface?

The all-foam construction of the Idle Gel Plush mattress is soft and contouring without compromising support. It definitely has the close, conforming feel of memory foam, which means you can expect to sleep more “in” this mattress than “on top” of it.

Layer #1: Ice Fabric Cover: The Idle Gel Plush has a cooling mattress cover that’s infused with gel and quilted with a thin layer of Cooling Buoyancy Foam. The fabric is 500 GSM, which stands for 500 grams per square meter. Fabrics with a GSM above 400 are heavier, denser, and more absorbent. That’s great news if you sweat a lot, but not so much if you’re looking for a mattress cover with lots of breathability. However, the cooling gel slightly makes up for the lack of airflow.

Bonus: The Idle Gel Plush mattress cover is machine-washable!

Layer #2: Natural Fire Resistant Barrier: Rather than using a chemical fire retardant, the Idle Gel Plush features a 100% natural cotton barrier that’s free of carcinogenic chemicals, gases and toxins. 

Layer #3: 2” Cooling Buoyancy Foam: This comfort foam is custom made for Idle and infused with cooling gel. It’s more responsive than memory foam but provides just as much pressure relief.

Layer #4: 3” Idle Memory Foam: Idle says that their memory foam is high in thermal neutrality, which means that it’s less reactive to changes in temperature. As such, it’s more responsive and less likely to retain heat.

Layer #5: 8” Idle High-Density Foam Base: The mattress is anchored by a base layer of foam that keeps that mattress stable and improves overall durability. 

How Much Does the Idle Gel Plush Mattress Cost?

Mattress Size	Price	Dimensions	Height	Weight
Twin	$1,310	38” x 75”	14”	60 lbs.
Twin XL	$1,510	38” x 80”	14”	65 lbs.
Full	$1,790	54” x 75”	14”	88 lbs.
Queen	$1,990	60” x 80”	14”	105 lbs.
King	$2,310	76” x 80”	14”	130 lbs.
California King	$2,310	72” x 84”	14”	132 lbs.

Check out our recommendations for the best affordable mattresses for budget-friendly options.

How Do the Policies Measure Up? 

Shipping & Unboxing

Idle offers free shipping on their sleep products within the contiguous U.S. They don’t deliver to Alaska or Hawaii at this time. You can expect your new mattress to be delivered within four to 10 business days. 

Note: Latex mattresses take longer to be delivered. You can request white glove delivery and old mattress removal for an extra $125. 

Since Idle Sleep mattresses are delivered bed-in-a-box style, the unboxing process is pretty easy. You just need to remove the compressed, rolled mattress from the box, cut off the packaging, and unroll it onto your bed frame. The mattress will rise immediately and be ready to use within a few hours. If you notice an off-gassing odor, let the mattress air out for up to 48 hours before using it.

Warranty

Idle offers a Lifetime warranty—or Warranty Without End, as they call it—which is almost unheard of among online mattress brands. As long as you are the original owner of the mattress, you may be eligible for mattress repairs or replacements if yours develops defects like body impressions over 1”, cracks or splits in the foam, or defects with the mattress cover. 

Trial Period & Returns

Idle offers a competitive 18-month sleep trial for all of their mattress models, plus free returns and a full refund on the price you paid (refunds show up in seven to 10 business days). If you purchased one of the Idle Hybrid mattress models, you can exchange it for a different firmness level. 

You just need to sleep on your new mattress for at least 30 days before requesting a return. This gives your body enough time to adjust to the new sleeping surface. Returned mattresses are picked up by Idle Sleep and donated or recycled.

Note: The trial period may differ for Idle Sleep mattresses purchased through Amazon.

Idle Mattress FAQs

Comparing the Idle Gel Plush Mattress

Idle Gel Plush Mattress vs. Idle Gel Mattress

The Idle Gel mattress has a medium-firm feel that’s a little more supportive than the Idle Gel Plush. It also has less gel in the construction, so it’s not quite as cooling.

See our full Idle Gel Mattress Review to learn more. 

Idle Gel Plush vs. Idle Hybrid Mattress

The Idle Hybrid mattress has a flippable construction that includes Idle Gel Foam on the top and bottom and bouncy spring coils at the core. It’s more breathable than the Idle Gel Plush, and you can choose between medium-firm and luxury firm options.

See our full Idle Hybrid Mattress Review to learn more. 

Idle Gel Plush Mattress vs. Idle Latex Hybrid Mattress

The Idle Latex Hybrid mattress is an eco-friendly bed made with organic cotton, wool, Talalay latex and coils. Unlike the one-sided Idle Gel Plush, it can be flipped over to extend its lifespan. You can also choose from four different firmness options.

See our full Idle Latex Hybrid Mattress Review to learn more. 

Idle Gel Plush vs. Casper Original Mattress

Like the Idle Gel Plush, the Casper Original mattress is also made with a custom blend top layer and memory foam transition layer, though Casper’s memory foam layer is firmer in the center, which helps to keep your hips lifted. We also think it’s a little firmer than the Idle Gel Plush. Besides firmness, the only other major difference is that Casper retains a bit more heat than the Idle Gel Plush and costs less.

See our full Casper Mattress Review to learn more. 

Idle Gel Plush vs. Purple Original Mattress

The biggest difference between these mattresses is the top layer: Purple features the Purple Comfort Grid, which looks something like a waffle molded from a gel-like substance called hyper-elastic polymer. It’s going to feel firmer and much less plush than the Idle Gel Plush, and it will probably sleep cooler. It also costs less.

See our full Purple Mattress Review to learn more. 

Idle Gel Plush vs. Nectar Original

The Nectar Original is another gel-infused memory foam mattress, though it’s a touch firmer than the Idle Gel Plush. It also sleeps a little warmer. In short, we think the Nectar is akin to a budget-friendly version of the Idle Gel Plush mattress.

See our full Nectar Mattress Review to learn more.

Pros/Cons

Pros

• Gel Infusion: The mattress cover and top layer are both infused with cooling gel, which effectively lowers the temperature profile of the mattress surface.
• Motion Isolation: The Idle Gel Plush mattress help keep motion disturbances to a minimum.
• Pressure Relief: The plushness of this mattress makes it extra pressure-relieving.

Complaints

• Pricing: Idle Sleep often runs discounts, but when they don’t, the mattresses tend to have luxury price tags.
• Support Level: The Idle Gel Plush mattress is too soft for some sleepers to get comfortable.

What’s the Bottom Line?

The Idle Gel Plush mattress is an ideal choice for side sleepers and back sleepers who like lots of pressure relief and the conforming feel of memory foam. Steer clear if you’re a stomach sleeper or weigh over 230 lbs., since you probably won’t get the support you’re after. This is a luxury mattress, with pricing to match, but Idle often runs major discounts (up to 50 percent off!) and gives customers an incredibly generous trial period and warranty.

The Nerd’s Scores for the Idle Gel Plush Mattress

Performance Factor	Out of 5
Motion Isolation	5
Pressure Relief	5
Ease of Movement	3.75
Edge Support	3.5
Temperature Control	3.75
Durability	4.25