Quick Answer: Blue foam is a broad marketing term for gel-infused memory foam, open-cell polyurethane foam, or hybrid formulations designed to sleep cooler than standard foam. The colour comes from cooling gel particles or blue dye added during manufacturing. Independent testing shows the cooling effect is real but modest, fading after the first 30 to 90 minutes as gel reaches body temperature.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 8 minutes
Walk into any mattress showroom or scroll through product listings online and you will see "blue foam" mentioned everywhere. Blue foam mattresses. Blue foam toppers. Cool blue this, gel blue that. The colour has become shorthand for "sleeps cool," but what does it actually mean?
Here is the honest answer: blue foam is not one specific material. It is a catch-all marketing term that covers at least three different foam technologies, and the colour itself tells you very little about how the foam will actually perform. Some blue foams genuinely sleep cooler. Others are standard polyurethane foam with blue dye and nothing more.
We have tested and sold mattresses with various foam technologies at our Brantford showroom since 1997. This guide breaks down what blue foam actually is, whether the cooling claims hold up under scrutiny, and what matters more when choosing a mattress.
What Blue Foam Actually Means
The term "blue foam" has no standardized industry definition. Unlike memory foam (viscoelastic polyurethane foam) or latex (natural or synthetic rubber foam), "blue foam" describes an appearance rather than a specific material composition.
The blue colour typically comes from one of two sources. Either cooling gel particles have been infused into the foam during manufacturing, giving it a blue or blue-green tint. Or the foam has simply been dyed blue during production, which has zero effect on thermal properties.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "When customers ask about blue foam, the first thing I tell them is to ignore the colour entirely. What matters is the foam type, the density, and whether there is an actual cooling technology at work or just blue dye. I have seen $200 mattresses and $2,000 mattresses both described as 'blue foam,' and they have almost nothing in common."
This is not to say that all blue foam is a gimmick. Some formulations do offer meaningful improvements over standard foam. The challenge is knowing which type you are actually looking at.
Three Types of Blue Foam in Mattresses
When manufacturers say "blue foam," they are usually referring to one of three distinct materials.
1. Gel-Infused Memory Foam
This is the most common type. Standard viscoelastic memory foam is infused with gel particles during the manufacturing process, typically in the form of beads, swirls, or a liquid gel layer. The gel gives the foam its blue or blue-green colour and is designed to absorb and redistribute body heat.
Gel-infused memory foam retains the pressure-relieving properties of traditional memory foam, including contouring and motion isolation. The gel adds thermal mass, meaning the material absorbs more heat before warming up. However, as we will discuss in the cooling section, this benefit has significant limitations.
2. Coolblue (Open-Cell PU Foam)
Coolblue is a branded foam formulation originally developed by British Vita. It is not memory foam at all. It is an advanced open-cell polyurethane foam with a density around 65 to 70 kg/m3 that returns to its original shape faster than memory foam.
Coolblue provides medium-to-firm support with less of the "sinking in" feeling associated with traditional memory foam. The open-cell structure allows better airflow than closed-cell foams, which does contribute to temperature regulation. Think of it as a middle ground between responsive polyurethane foam and slower-responding memory foam.
3. Phase Change Material (PCM) Infused Foam
This is the most advanced category. Phase change materials are substances that absorb and release heat by transitioning between solid and liquid states. When embedded in foam, PCMs actively regulate surface temperature rather than simply absorbing heat passively.
A 2025 study published in Discover Applied Sciences found that PCM-infused low-density polyurethane foam demonstrated temperature regulation of up to 6.98 degrees Celsius, making it the most effective option for thermal comfort during sleep. However, PCM-infused foams are typically found in higher-end mattresses and are less common in budget models.
| Blue Foam Type | Base Material | Cooling Mechanism | Feel | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gel-infused memory foam | Viscoelastic PU | Thermal mass (passive) | Slow contouring, body hug | $$ to $$$ |
| Coolblue / open-cell PU | Polyurethane | Airflow (structural) | Medium-firm, responsive | $$ to $$$ |
| PCM-infused foam | Varies | Active heat absorption and release | Varies by base foam | $$$ to $$$$ |
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The Cooling Claims vs. Reality
This is where we need to be straightforward with you, because the marketing around blue foam cooling can be misleading.
The Sleep Foundation conducted independent testing on gel-infused memory foam mattresses and found temperature neutrality ratings that ranged from "fair" to "very good," with no clear evidence that gel infusion consistently improved cooling compared to standard memory foam. Their conclusion was blunt: gel memory foam "is likely not a feature that you need to specifically seek out."
What the Testing Actually Shows
Independent testing reveals that gel-infused foam provides measurable cooling in the first 30 to 90 minutes of sleep. After that, gel particles reach body temperature and the cooling effect largely disappears. The primary cooling mechanism is thermal mass (absorbing heat before warming up), not ongoing temperature regulation.
Hybrid mattresses with innerspring coils consistently outperformed all-foam designs for temperature regulation in Sleep Foundation testing, regardless of gel infusion. The air circulation through coil layers dissipates heat far more effectively than gel particles can.
Source: Sleep Foundation, "Does Gel Memory Foam Really Sleep Cool?" (2024)
Does that mean all blue foam cooling is fake? No. But it does mean the cooling benefit is more modest and time-limited than most marketing suggests. Here is a realistic breakdown.
| Cooling Technology | Initial Cooling (First Hour) | Sustained Cooling (All Night) | Airflow Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gel-infused memory foam | Moderate | Minimal | 3-10x over standard foam |
| Open-cell foam (Coolblue) | Mild | Mild to moderate | Better than gel, still 10-50x less than latex |
| PCM-infused foam | Strong | Moderate | Depends on base foam |
| Innerspring/hybrid coils | Moderate | Strong | Best in class (continuous airflow) |
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist: "I always tell customers who sleep hot to think about the whole mattress, not just the foam type. A hybrid with pocketed coils and a breathable cover will keep you cooler all night than the most expensive gel foam on its own. The coils create airflow. Foam, no matter what colour it is, traps air."
Foam Density and Durability
Whether you are looking at blue foam or any other colour, density is the single most important spec to check. It determines how long your mattress will last and how well it will support you over time.
Foam density is measured in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m3) in Canada and most international markets, or pounds per cubic foot (PCF) in the United States. Higher density means more material per unit of volume, which generally translates to better durability and support.
| Density Category | kg/m3 | PCF Equivalent | Expected Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low density | Under 40 | Under 2.5 | 3-5 years | Temporary use, guest rooms |
| Medium density | 40-60 | 2.5-3.7 | 6-8 years | Average sleepers, moderate use |
| High density | 60-80 | 3.7-5.0 | 8-10 years | Daily use, heavier sleepers |
| Ultra-high density | 80+ | 5.0+ | 10+ years | Premium mattresses, therapeutic use |
Coolblue foam sits at approximately 65 to 70 kg/m3, which places it in the high-density category. Most gel-infused memory foams range from 40 to 65 kg/m3, though budget models may dip below 40. If a mattress lists "blue foam" without specifying density, that is a red flag.
The addition of cooling gel does not significantly affect foam durability in either direction. A 50 kg/m3 gel-infused foam will wear at roughly the same rate as a 50 kg/m3 standard foam.
Certifications That Matter
Regardless of whether blue foam is marketed as "natural," "eco-friendly," or "non-toxic," the only way to verify safety claims is through independent certification.
What to Look For
CertiPUR-US is the most widely recognized certification for polyurethane foam in North American mattresses. Established in 2008, it tests for formaldehyde (must be below 0.1 ppm), heavy metals (must meet CPSC toy safety standards for lead), phthalates, and volatile organic compound emissions. Certified foams are tested twice in the first year and recertified annually.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests for harmful substances in textiles and foam, covering a broader range of chemicals than CertiPUR-US.
GreenGuard Gold certifies low chemical emissions for indoor environments, originally designed for healthcare and school settings.
If a blue foam mattress does not carry at least CertiPUR-US certification, proceed with caution. Reputable manufacturers will always display their certifications.
Source: CertiPUR-US Technical Guidelines (certipur.us)
Blue Foam vs. Other Cooling Options
If sleeping cool is your primary concern, it helps to see where blue foam sits relative to other mattress technologies. We carry several options at our Brantford showroom, and this is what we have observed firsthand.
| Mattress Type | Cooling Performance | Pressure Relief | Motion Isolation | Starting Price (Queen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-foam (blue/gel) | Fair | Excellent | Excellent | $500-$1,200 |
| Hybrid (coils + foam) | Good to excellent | Good to excellent | Good | $800-$2,500 |
| Innerspring | Very good | Fair to good | Fair | $600-$1,500 |
| Latex | Good | Good | Good | $1,200-$3,000+ |
Our Restonic ComfortCare queen at $1,619 with 1,222 pocketed coils is a good example. The coil system creates continuous airflow that keeps the sleep surface cooler than any foam layer can achieve on its own. The foam comfort layers on top provide pressure relief without the heat retention issues of an all-foam mattress.
For customers who specifically want natural temperature regulation, the Restonic Luxury Silk and Wool at $2,395 uses natural fibres with inherent moisture-wicking properties. Natural wool regulates temperature better than any synthetic cooling technology because it absorbs and releases moisture rather than just heat.
What Canadian Shoppers Should Know
A few things worth considering if you are shopping for mattresses in Canada specifically.
Canadian Climate Considerations
Ontario homes go through dramatic temperature swings. Heated bedrooms in January and humid summer nights in July create very different sleep environments. A mattress that feels temperature-neutral in an air-conditioned showroom may sleep quite differently in a bedroom without climate control.
Hybrid mattresses tend to adapt better to these seasonal shifts than all-foam designs. The coil airflow provides cooling in summer, while the foam layers retain enough warmth for comfort in winter.
If you do choose an all-foam mattress with blue foam, pair it with a breathable mattress topper and moisture-wicking sheets for the warmer months.
Canadian labelling laws require mattress manufacturers to disclose material composition, but the specifics of foam formulations are not always detailed on product tags. Ask for the foam density (in kg/m3) and whether the mattress carries CertiPUR-US certification. If a retailer cannot provide these details, that tells you something.
A Practical Test You Can Do in Store
When you lie on a blue foam mattress in a showroom, press your palm firmly into the surface for 30 seconds, then remove it. Watch how the foam recovers. Memory foam (gel-infused or not) will retain the handprint for several seconds. Open-cell foams like Coolblue will spring back almost immediately. This simple test tells you more about the foam type than any marketing description.
Talia, Showroom Specialist: "I encourage everyone to spend at least ten minutes lying on a mattress in their usual sleep position. That is when you start to notice temperature differences. A quick sit-and-bounce tells you nothing about how the mattress will feel at two in the morning."
Sources
- Sleep Foundation, "Does Gel Memory Foam Really Sleep Cool?" (2024). sleepfoundation.org
- CertiPUR-US, "Technical Guidelines for Flexible Polyurethane Foam" (2023). certipur.us
- Discover Applied Sciences (2025), "Experimental Investigation on Thermal Performance of Polyurethane Foam Mattresses with PCM." Springer.
- John Ryan by Design, "What Is Coolblue? Hybrid Mattress Foam." johnryanbydesign.co.uk
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We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Is blue foam the same as memory foam?
Not exactly. Blue foam is a marketing term that covers several different foam types, including gel-infused memory foam, open-cell polyurethane foam, and hybrid formulations like Coolblue. Some blue foams are memory foam with cooling gel added. Others are standard polyurethane foam dyed blue during manufacturing with no memory foam properties at all. Always check the actual foam specification rather than relying on colour.
Does blue foam actually sleep cooler than regular foam?
The cooling effect is real but modest. Independent testing from the Sleep Foundation found that gel-infused foam provides measurable cooling in the first 30 to 90 minutes of sleep, but the benefit diminishes as gel particles reach body temperature. Hybrid mattresses with coils consistently outperform all-foam designs for temperature regulation, regardless of gel infusion.
How long does blue foam last in a mattress?
Gel-infused memory foam typically lasts 7 to 10 years, similar to standard memory foam. The cooling gel does not significantly affect foam durability. Higher-density blue foams (50 kg/m3 and above) tend to hold up better than lower-density versions, which may develop body impressions sooner.
Is blue foam safe for children and sensitive sleepers?
Blue foam that carries CertiPUR-US certification has been tested for harmful chemicals including formaldehyde, heavy metals, and phthalates. Look for this certification when shopping. New foam mattresses may off-gas for 24 to 72 hours after unboxing, so allow the mattress to air out in a ventilated room before use.
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Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Not sure whether blue foam, hybrid, or innerspring is right for you? Come in and try them side by side. Brad, Dorothy, and Talia can walk you through the differences and help you find the mattress that actually matches how you sleep. We have been helping Brantford families make better sleep decisions since 1997.
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