Whats so special about the maurten bicarb system?

What makes it better for the stomach? If its the gel, couldn't you just mix sodium bicarbonate with a normal gel? Has anyone got any experience with a homemade solution? Its just too expensive for me to use in training.

Edit: After seeing the replies and doing som more research, my perception is that its the pills that makes the most difference. There doesnt seem to be anything special about the hydrogel, other than filling the stomach with water and carbs which neutralises some of the acidity.