Best Mattress Guides
Best Latex Mattresses
See the best latex mattresses sold online and learn the benefits of sleeping on a natural Talalay or Dunlop mattress.
As suggested by the name, a pillow top mattress is a mattress with an extra layer of cushioning sewn onto the top surface. Pillow tops can be made from a variety of materials and sewn onto any mattress type. So if you have your heart set on an innerspring, hybrid, latex, or all foam-mattress style, you can find one with a pillow top.
Many sleepers enjoy pillow-top beds because they can provide added comfort, contouring, pressure relief, and motion isolation without compromising the orthopedic support that the mattresses underneath them provide. Pillow top beds also help reduce motion transfer, among other benefits, making them a great choice for couples.
If you’re in the market for a pillow top mattress but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re sharing our top picks for the best pillow-top mattresses as well as a buyer’s guide. In the guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about pillow top mattresses including the types available, important shopping considerations, pros and cons of this style, and how to choose the best pillow top mattress for your home.
Disclosure: By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattress Nerd may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read full disclosure statement.
The Best Pillow Top Mattresses of 2021
- Saatva: Best Affordable Luxury
- Helix Luxe: Best for Side Sleepers
- DreamCloud Premier: Best Hybrid Pillowtop
- Avocado: Most Eco-Friendly
- WinkBeds: Best for Heavy Sleepers
- Brentwood Home Oceano Luxury: Best for Couples
- Nest Alexander: Best Medium-Firm
- Birch: Best for Back Sleepers
- Awara: Best Cooling Mattress
The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress delivered to your home by delivery professionals. It's made with luxury materials like organic cotton, a plush pillow top, and durable coils. Choose from Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm options.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress delivered to your home by delivery professionals. It's made with luxury materials like organic cotton, a plush pillow top, and durable coils. Choose from Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm options.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress delivered to your home by delivery professionals. It's made with luxury materials like organic cotton, a plush pillow top, and durable coils. Choose from Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm options.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Affordable Luxury
Saatva Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
180 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Affordable Luxury
Saatva Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
180 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Affordable Luxury
Saatva Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
180 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
The Saatva is a luxury innerspring mattress that includes two layers of coils, memory foam comfort and support layers, and a plush euro-top cover that comes in three firmness levels. The mattress is also available in two thickness profiles, ensuring that most shoppers can find an option that suits their preferences. While the Saatva has a sophisticated design, it comes at a relatively affordable price, at $1,399 for a queen size, and includes White Glove delivery, making it our recommendation for shoppers looking for a value.
Read our full Saatva Mattress Review to learn more!
We rank the Helix Midnight Luxe among our best mattresses for side sleepers. Zoned support provides the hips, shoulders and neck with just the right amount of cushion to keep the spine aligned and ensure you wake up pain-free. Plus, it's 2 inches thicker than the standard Midnight.
We rank the Helix Midnight Luxe among our best mattresses for side sleepers. Zoned support provides the hips, shoulders and neck with just the right amount of cushion to keep the spine aligned and ensure you wake up pain-free. Plus, it's 2 inches thicker than the standard Midnight.
We rank the Helix Midnight Luxe among our best mattresses for side sleepers. Zoned support provides the hips, shoulders and neck with just the right amount of cushion to keep the spine aligned and ensure you wake up pain-free. Plus, it's 2 inches thicker than the standard Midnight.
Best for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Helix delivers quality mattresses designed to meet the needs of all sleeping positions with over a dozen bed in a box options. The company works hard to provide luxury mattresses that are truly best for each sleeper, especially with its personalized sleep quiz.
The Helix will provide great rest for side sleepers because of its zoned-lumbar firm support in the pocketed coil layer. The bed’s layers of foam will be responsive and contour around the sleeper’s body in order to cradle shoulders and hips. The support also works to keep weight evenly distributed, providing more cushioning where it’s needed and firmer support for spinal alignment. As a hybrid mattress, the memory foam layers will relieve pressure and the coil system will keep the mattress cool.
See our full Helix Midnight Mattress Review to learn more.
The DreamCloud Premier is a luxury hybrid mattress with a euro top and cashmere blend cover. It offers great pressure relief and maintains spinal alignment well.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The DreamCloud Premier is a luxury hybrid mattress with a euro top and cashmere blend cover. It offers great pressure relief and maintains spinal alignment well.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The DreamCloud Premier is a luxury hybrid mattress with a euro top and cashmere blend cover. It offers great pressure relief and maintains spinal alignment well.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Hybrid Pillowtop
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Hybrid Pillowtop
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Hybrid Pillowtop
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.
Financing Options
DreamCloud’s hybrid mattress is set apart from competitors by its attention to construction and exceptional customer service with longer trial periods and lifetime warranties.
With top layers of cashex cashmere blend, trueloft eurofoam and point activated memory foam, the DreamCloud will relieve pressure and provide contouring around the body in all sleeping positions. As a medium-firm hybrid, the coil system will also provide spinal alignment and increased air circulation keeping the sleeper cooler throughout the night.
Check out our DreamCloud Premier mattress review to learn more.
The Avocado Green mattress is made with all-natural and organic materials. The company viewed every construction process—from selecting the latex to making the mattress flame-retardant sans chemicals—through an eco-conscious lens.
The Avocado Green mattress is made with all-natural and organic materials. The company viewed every construction process—from selecting the latex to making the mattress flame-retardant sans chemicals—through an eco-conscious lens.
The Avocado Green mattress is made with all-natural and organic materials. The company viewed every construction process—from selecting the latex to making the mattress flame-retardant sans chemicals—through an eco-conscious lens.
Best Eco-Friendly
Avocado Green Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
25-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Eco-Friendly
Avocado Green Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Eco-Friendly
Avocado Green Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
25-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
In 2016, Avocado decided to create a truly organic and green mattress with transparency and without greenwashing. Made in California with the promise of affordability Avocado mattresses are sustainably made with the highest quality, natural materials.
The Avocado Mattress is a hybrid mattress made of latex and pocketed support coils with a latex pillow-top to deliver additional pressure relief. For back and side sleepers the pillow-top contours around shoulders and hips while keeping the spine in alignment. The combination of latex, cotton and wool will deliver exceptional temperature relief for the sleeper who purchases this new mattress.
See our full Avocado Mattress Review to learn more.
The WinkBed Plus is a hybrid bed with pocketed coils designed specifically for plus-size sleepers or for couples who are looking for a little extra support. The bed balances a supportive feel with pressure relief that's great for back pain.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed Plus is a hybrid bed with pocketed coils designed specifically for plus-size sleepers or for couples who are looking for a little extra support. The bed balances a supportive feel with pressure relief that's great for back pain.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed Plus is a hybrid bed with pocketed coils designed specifically for plus-size sleepers or for couples who are looking for a little extra support. The bed balances a supportive feel with pressure relief that's great for back pain.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best for Heavy Sleepers
WinkBed Plus Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Best for Heavy Sleepers
WinkBed Plus Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Best for Heavy Sleepers
WinkBed Plus Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid made from polyfoam and a pocketed coil core. It comes in four firmness options, including Soft, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus. The Plus is the option that draws the attention of many WinkBed devotees. While this firmness option doesn’t have the euro-pillow top layer that the first three firmness options offer, it’s made with a cotton lumbar pad that provides the necessary added spinal support for heavyweight sleepers.
If you’re a heavyweight sleeper who prefers a firm mattress feel, we recommend the WinkBed Plus—see our WinkBeds Plus mattress review. If you’re a heavyweight sleeper who prefers to sink into your mattress a bit more, the WinkBed Firm should do—see our WinkBeds mattress review.
Read our in-depth WinkBeds mattress reviews to learn more!
A medium-firm mattress with a plush pillow top, the Oceano Luxury is supportive, comfy, and affordable.
A medium-firm mattress with a plush pillow top, the Oceano Luxury is supportive, comfy, and affordable.
A medium-firm mattress with a plush pillow top, the Oceano Luxury is supportive, comfy, and affordable.
Best for Couples
Brentwood Home Oceano Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
25-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best for Couples
Brentwood Home Oceano Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best for Couples
Brentwood Home Oceano Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
25-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Sleeping comfortably with a partner can sometimes be a challenge. Small movements might disturb light sleepers, extra body heat can make for an uncomfortably warm night, and getting your fair share of the comforter is near impossible. While we can’t help you solve the blanket hog problem, the Brentwood Home Oceano Luxury can help with the first two problems.
This plush pillow top mattress has gel infused memory foam that remains cool all throughout the night. Not just that, the base layer of coils adds breathability as well as plenty of support for two people. If you’re often awoken by your partner’s tossing and turning, the Brentwood Home Oceano Luxury does a great job of isolating motion, meaning you’ll feel less of your loved one’s movements.
Read our full Brentwood Home Mattress Reviews to learn more!
The Nest Alexander Signature Hybrid includes a comfort layer with four components, a support core of zoned pocketed coils, and a cover made of rayon and polyester. It’s available in three firmness options: plush, medium and luxury firm.
The Nest Alexander Signature Hybrid includes a comfort layer with four components, a support core of zoned pocketed coils, and a cover made of rayon and polyester. It’s available in three firmness options: plush, medium and luxury firm.
The Nest Alexander Signature Hybrid includes a comfort layer with four components, a support core of zoned pocketed coils, and a cover made of rayon and polyester. It’s available in three firmness options: plush, medium and luxury firm.
Best Medium-Firm Mattress
Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Medium-Firm Mattress
Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Medium-Firm Mattress
Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Determining your ideal mattress firmness can be difficult, especially if you can’t test out different models. You might assume that a softer bed makes for a more comfortable night’s sleep, but there are many factors that play into which type of mattress will work best for you. Oftentimes, something right down the middle of the firmness scale offers the most comfort and support. And when it comes to medium-firm pillow top mattresses, you’d have a hard time finding one better than the Nest Alexander.
Built with a quilted pillow top and layers of memory foam, this mattress appeals to most types of sleepers. Whether you’re lightweight, a dedicated side sleeper, or someone who tends to overheat, the features of the Nest Alexander cater to your individual needs.
Read our full Nest Alexander Mattress Review to learn more!
The Birch mattress is made for those who want a premium, all-natural bed with an affordable price tag. A medium-firm hybrid mattress, the Birch uses Organic cotton, wool and natural latex to create a sleep surface for eco-conscious consumers.
The Birch mattress is made for those who want a premium, all-natural bed with an affordable price tag. A medium-firm hybrid mattress, the Birch uses Organic cotton, wool and natural latex to create a sleep surface for eco-conscious consumers.
The Birch mattress is made for those who want a premium, all-natural bed with an affordable price tag. A medium-firm hybrid mattress, the Birch uses Organic cotton, wool and natural latex to create a sleep surface for eco-conscious consumers.
Best for Back Sleepers
Birch Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best for Back Sleepers
Birch Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best for Back Sleepers
Birch Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Birch mattress from Helix is an environmentally friendly product made using organic material like wool, talalay latex, and cotton. While immediately appealing to the eco-conscious, the Birch mattress also has the qualities of an overall great pillow top mattress, especially for back sleepers.
Medium-firm and impressively durable, the Birch provides back sleepers with a surface that allows their hips to sink in far enough for comfort, but not so far that their spine gets thrown out of alignment. Also, we found that the materials in the Birch were not only organic, but also very high-quality. With proper care, you can expect this mattress to last for more than eight years.
Read our full Birch Mattress Review to learn more!
This is a high-quality, simply constructed mattress with a 4” top layer of Dunlop latex and a 9” support core of pocketed coils. The coils are zoned, meaning that they’re denser in areas where additional pressure from body weight typically occurs.
This is a high-quality, simply constructed mattress with a 4” top layer of Dunlop latex and a 9” support core of pocketed coils. The coils are zoned, meaning that they’re denser in areas where additional pressure from body weight typically occurs.
This is a high-quality, simply constructed mattress with a 4” top layer of Dunlop latex and a 9” support core of pocketed coils. The coils are zoned, meaning that they’re denser in areas where additional pressure from body weight typically occurs.
Best Cooling Mattress
Awara Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Latex
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Cooling Mattress
Awara Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Latex
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Cooling Mattress
Awara Mattress
Read Full Review
Material
Latex
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Named one of our best mattresses for the money, the classic Awara mattress not only delivers plush pillow top comfort, but also fantastic cooling capabilities. The heat-resistant latex and infusions of wool and cotton make for a naturally refreshingly brisk sleep experience. Then there’s the layer of coils that keeps heat from getting trapped in the mattress.
The Awara mattress doesn’t disappoint, but what about the company policies? Well, we’re happy to say that they are quite generous. The sleep trial lasts 365 days—much longer than the industry average of 100 days. Then there’s the lifetime warranty, which ensures that you can sleep cool on the Awara for many, many years.
Read our full Awara Mattress Review to learn more!
Pillow Top Mattress Buying Guide
Below, we share everything you should consider when shopping for a pillow top mattress, including the types of pillow tops available, important shopping considerations, and tips for picking the best pillow top mattress for you.
Types
Today the term pillow top is used interchangeably to refer to pillow-top mattresses, euro top mattresses, and sometimes pillow tops, which can be added to any mattress for comfort.
- Pillow top mattresses have additional padding at the top, as though a pillow was sewn onto the top of the mattress.
- Euro top mattresses have additional padding and are sewn flush with the mattress underneath for a streamlined appearance. For more info, head over to our article, “What is a Euro Top Mattress?“
- A mattress topper, not to be confused with a pillow top mattress, is a removable layer that sits on top of a mattress to provide extra cushioning. See our best mattress toppers for more information.
The main variations in pillow-top mattresses will occur in the makeup of the pillow top’s materials. The padding inside the pillow top can include foam, memory foam, fiberfill, cotton, or wool, all of which have unique benefits and drawbacks. We’ll discuss them more below.
Considerations
- Weight—A sleeper’s bodyweight will come into play when choosing the firmness and style of the mattress that sits underneath the pillow top layer. Also, because pillow tops are typically soft and thin, most sleepers will be able to feel the mattress underneath. This creates a nice balance of firmness and softness for heavier sleepers who need a supportive, firmer mattress but prefer a soft feel. For more information, see our best mattresses for plus sized sleepers article.
- Sleeping position—If you sleep on your side, a pillow top can be a healthy addition to mattresses that otherwise would feel firm on your shoulders and hips. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, we recommend making sure the mattress underneath the pillow top is the appropriate firmness for this sleeping position, which requires more consistent support throughout the body to keep the spine aligned.
- Temperature—If you tend to sleep hot, look for pillow-top mattresses that incorporate breathable materials and airflow-improving construction. Innerspring mattresses or hybrids with pocketed coils tend to sleep cool, as do pillow top layers that incorporate cotton, wool, and latex. We have a number of resources for folks who tend to sleep hot, such as our best cooling mattresses and best cooling sheets roundups.
How to Pick the Right One
- Firmness—Whatever pillow top mattress you choose, you’ll be able to feel the mattress underneath the top layer. Choose the firmness that’s appropriate for your body weight, sleeping position, and personal preferences, keeping in mind that the pillow top will only slightly alter its feel (making it softer to the touch). Take a look at our best firm mattresses and best soft mattresses articles for more info.
- Materials—There’s no shortage of pillow top mattress options on the market, so whether you’re looking for an option that incorporates eco-conscious materials or a pillow top layer with cooling foam, an option out there for you.
- Product policies—As with any mattress purchase, sleep trial, shipping and return policies, and warranty should be considered when you decide on a pillow top mattress. This is especially true if you won’t be able to test the mattress out in a brick-and-mortar store or if it’s your first time purchasing a mattress with a pillow top sewn in.
Pillow-Top vs. Euro Top?
While the terms ‘pillow top’ and ‘euro top’ refer to additional layers on top of a mattress, they differ slightly in appearance and construction. As mentioned, a pillow top includes a single layer of foam material that feels soft to the touch and is sewn to the mattress. A euro top is a single layer of foam or fiberfill that’s typically denser and higher quality than a pillow top. Euro tops are sewn flush to the top edges of the mattress, creating a stacked, streamlined appearance.
Pros & Cons of a Pillow Top Mattress
PROS
- Great support for sleepers with orthopedic issues or those who require additional padding on a mattress
- Add a plush, pillowy feel to a mattress, regardless of its firmness
- Available in a variety of styles and price points
- Relieve aches and pains, especially for side sleepers with hip and shoulder pain
CONS
- Durability may be an issue as pillow tops tend to compress quickly.
- There are few options for heavyweight and tall individuals, although the WinkBed Plus listed above could be a solution.
- Sagging may also be an issue due to the breakdown of the pillow top layer over time. This can also factor into poor edge support.
FAQ
Are pillow top mattresses good for your back?
Those looking for a mattress that can help mitigate or prevent back pain should find that the blend of comfort and support that a pillow top mattress’s construction provides does just that. That said, you’ll still want to do some research into which firmness level best supports your body type.
For a comprehensive guide, check out our article on mattress firmness. Or head over to our sleep and back pain breakdown to learn more about how your mattress may be affecting pain levels.
How long do pillow top mattresses last?
A good pillow top mattress can last anywhere from six to ten years, but of course the lifespan can be affected by how you treat the mattress. Take a look at our article on how to take care of a mattress for some helpful tips.
Do pillow top mattresses sag?
The very thing that makes a pillow top mattress special can also contribute to its eventual sagging. The once soft, comfortable mattress top may break down in the areas where you most frequently sleep on it, especially if you have a larger body type.
If mattress sagging has been a problem for you in the past, consider taking a look at our list of the best mattresses that won’t sag.
How to fix a sagging mattress?
If you’ve noticed that your current mattress has some noticeable sagging, we do have some fixes that may improve the situation. Using a mattress topper, rotating your mattress, and replacing your foundation may not repair the sagging areas, but these actions can improve the quality of sleep that you get on a sagging mattress.
For some more helpful information, check out our walkthrough on how to fix a sagging mattress.
Still can’t decide? Check out our Best Mattress of 2021 for more great options.
Recap of the Best Rated Pillow-Top Mattresses
| Mattress | Award | Firmness |
| Saatva | Best Affordable Luxury | Varies |
| Helix Luxe | Best for Side Sleepers | 5.5/10 |
| DreamCloud Premier | Best Hybrid Pillowtop | 6/10 |
| Avocado | Most Eco-Friendly | 7/10 |
| WinkBeds | Best for Heavy Sleepers | 6/10 |
| Oceano Luxury | Best for Couples | 6.5 |
| Nest Alexander | Best Medium-Firm Mattress | Varies |
| Birch | Best for Back Sleepers | Varies |
| Awara | Best Cooling Mattress | 6.5 |
