I always use a mouse pad with gel wrist rest and I have never had any wrist pain. The reason I returned the Staples brand pad is because it was about two-thirds the size of my current mouse pad and I like the larger pad space. I always try to use the Staples brand products but this mouse pad was just a little too small for my needs.
I usually use the beanbag type of wrist rests and my wrist has really been hurting so I thought I'd try the gel. It felt great at first but after using it for a few hours my wrist hurt even more. The "rest" is actually pretty firm too firm for me.