Best Pillow Top Mattresses

Written by Loren Bullock, Certified Sleep Science Coach

Methodology

Here at Mattress Nerd, we’ve tested hundreds of mattresses to bring you unbiased, expert reviews of the top brands. Learn more.

In This Article

We’ll share our our top choices for the best pillow top mattresses. Plus, our top tips for picking the right mattress for your needs.

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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 sleep situation.

What’s the Best Pillow Top Mattress?

Luxury lovers will enjoy the Saatva Classic Mattress, which offers fabulous support at a decent price. Eco-friendly folks will appreciate the Avocado Green Mattress while hot sleepers will appreciate the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress. Whether you’re a side sleeper, stomach sleeper, or back sleeper, our list of the nine best pillow top mattress has something for everyone.

The Best Pillow Top Mattresses of 2023

• Saatva – Best Affordable Luxury
• Helix Luxe – Best for Side Sleepers
• DreamCloud Premier – Best Hybrid Pillowtop
• Avocado – Most Eco-Friendly
• WinkBed Plus – Best for Heavy Sleepers
• Brentwood Home Oceano Luxury – Best for Couples
• Nest Bedding Sparrow – Best Medium-Firm
• Birch – Best for Back Sleepers
• Awara – Best Cooling Mattress

Chosen by Experts and Advocates

To put together this list of the best pillow top mattresses, our Certified Sleep Science Coaches performed hands-on testing to evaluate elements like motion isolation, edge support, and pressure relief.

Best Affordable Luxury Pillow Top Mattress: Saatva Classic Mattress

The Saatva Classic Mattress is a luxury innerspring mattress that includes two layers of coils with memory foam comfort and support layers. It also has 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. The cost includes White Glove delivery, making it our recommendation for shoppers looking for a value.

Pros of the Saatva Classic Mattress

• Breathable and cool for hot sleepers
• 365-night home trial and lifetime warranty
• Solid lumbar support for neck and back pain

Cons of the Saatva Classic Mattress

• On the pricey side
• Moderate motion transfer
• Subpar pressure point relief

What our testers say: “The Saatva has some of the most supportive and comfortable edges that I’ve experienced.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Read our full Saatva Mattress Review to learn more! If you aren’t interested in the Saatva mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses of 2023 for more great options.

Best Pillow Top Mattress for Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe

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 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.

Pros of the Helix Midnight Luxe

• Excellent pressure relief
• Good temperature control for hot sleepers
• Strong edge support and motion isolation for couples

Cons of the Helix Midnight Luxe

• Expensive
• Off-gassing smell
• Not ideal for larger bodies or stomach sleepers

What our testers say: “The Midnight has a true hybrid feel; in other words, it feels like a hotel bed—cushioning on top that’s balanced by a supportive, springy coil base.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

See our full Helix Midnight Mattress Review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Helix mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers for more great options.

Best Hybrid Pillow Top Mattress: DreamCloud Premier

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.

Pros of the DreamCloud Premier

• Hotel-like quality and feel 
• Medium-firm structure offers the best of both worlds
• Great support for average-weight (130–230 lbs) back or side sleepers

Cons of the DreamCloud Premier

• Heat retention can bother hot sleepers
• Motion transfer might disturb your sleep
• Lightweight (< 130 lbs) sleepers may need something softer

What our testers say: “The DreamCloud Premier did a good job of distributing pressure evenly in our tests. I attribute this to the soft, contouring layers on top and the supportive coil layer below.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Check out our DreamCloud Premier mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the DreamCloud mattress, check out our list of the best hybrid mattresses for more great options. 

Best Organic Pillow Top Mattress: Avocado Green Mattress

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.

Pros of the Avocado Green Mattress

• Ideal for back sleepers of all sizes
• Will keep you cool throughout the night 
• Made with all-natural, organic cotton and latex

Cons of the Avocado Green Mattress

• Not for those on a tight budget
• Too firm for those who prefer a softer mattress
• Not ideal for lightweight or heavyweight side sleepers

What our testers say: “As far as edge support goes you will have no trouble using the full surface of the bed, and won’t find the edges depressing as you get in and out of bed. Overall, I think this is a great choice for couples looking for a latex mattress.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

See our full Avocado Mattress Review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Avocado mattress, check out our list of the best organic mattresses for more great options. 

Best Pillow Top Mattress for Heavy Sleepers: WinkBed Plus

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 WinkBed 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 WinkBed mattress review.

Pros of the WinkBed Plus

• Great fit for most stomach sleepers 
• Hybrid construction is breathable and cooling 
• Heavyweight sleepers don’t have to worry about bed sagging 

Cons of the WinkBed Plus

• Poor support for people with hip pain 
• Not enough motion isolation for couples
• Not enough support for lightweight sleepers 

What our testers say: “The WinkBed Plus may be a super firm bed, but it’s still got cushioning. Overall, this bed has a lifted, bouncy, and solid feel—with an added layer of softness on top. In terms of temperature control, you shouldn’t have any issues with this mattress’s breathable comfort layers.” – Ashton, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our in-depth WinkBed mattress reviews to learn more! If you aren’t interested in the WinkBeds mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers for more great options. 

Best Pillow Top Mattress for Couples: Brentwood Home Oceano Luxury

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.

Pros of the Brentwood Home Oceano Luxury

• Comfortable for all sleeping positions
• Soft and cozy for lightweight sleepers
• Hybrid construction and coils keep you cool

Cons of the Brentwood Home Oceano Luxury

• Limited firmness options
• Only offers moderate contouring 
• Average motion isolation isn’t great for couples 

What our testers say: “A medium-firm mattress with a plush pillow top, the Oceano Luxury is supportive, comfy, and affordable.”

Read our full Brentwood Home Mattress Reviews to learn more! If you aren’t interested in the Brentwood mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for couples for more great options. 

Best Medium-Firm Pillow Top Mattress: Nest Bedding Sparrow

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 Bedding Sparrow. 

Built with a quilted pillow top and layers of memory foam and coils, 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 Sparrow cater to your individual needs.

Pros of the Nest Bedding Sparrow

• Great motion isolation for couples
• Hot sleepers will enjoy cooling features 
• Ideal for lightweight and average-weight back sleepers 

Cons of the Nest Bedding Sparrow

• Not best for people on a budget 
• Not ideal for heavyweight sleepers 
• Couples who toss and turn might get disturbed at night

What our testers say: “The Nest Bedding Sparrow is a hybrid mattress made from soft, cooling foam and supportive pocketed coils. As a result, the top layers of the bed feel super cooling with a plush feel. Overall, the Sparrow keeps a good balance of softness and support, while keeping the entire mattress consistently cool.” – Ashton, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our full Nest Bedding Sparrow mattress review to learn more! If you aren’t interested in the Sparrow mattress, check out our list of the best firm mattresses for more great options. 

Best Pillow Top Mattress for Back Sleepers: Birch Natural Mattress

The Birch mattress from Helix is an environmentally friendly product made using organic materials 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.

Pros of the Birch Natural Mattress

• Medium-firm hybrid construction with strong edges
• Extremely durable and comes with a 25-year warranty
• Ideal for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and hot sleepers

Cons of the Birch Natural Mattress

• Strong, earthy smell when unboxed
• Internal coils lead to poor motion isolation
• Lightweight side sleepers might not get enough support

What our testers say: “The Birch Natural provides a responsive, breathable, and firm surface with a bouncy feel. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper who isn’t lightweight or are a combination sleeper who enjoys a firmer feel, this mattress is a great choice to consider.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our full Birch Mattress Review to learn more! If you aren’t interested in the Birch mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for back sleepers for more great options. 

Best Cooling Pillow Top Mattress: Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress

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.

Pros of the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress

• Solid motion transfer 
• Regulates temperature to keep it cool
• Great for back, side, stomach, and combination sleepers

Cons of the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress

• Very springy feel, which isn’t for everyone 
• Not ideal for folks who are on a tight budget
• Some reviewers claim the mattress is too firm 

What our testers say: “We gave the Awara mattress high marks across the board, which is rare. Not only does this mattress work for all sleeping positions and body types but itu2019s made with materials that have excellent air circulation, which is great for hot sleepers.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Read our full Awara Mattress Review to learn more! If you aren’t interested in the Awara mattress, check out our list of the best cooling mattresses for more great options.

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 body weight 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 several 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 is 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 of a Pillow Top Mattress

• 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 of a Pillow Top Mattress

• 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.

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.

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.

Bottom Line

Pillowtop mattresses can offer supreme comfort and support – if you buy the right bed. But don’t worry, the nine mattresses on our list are all excellent. It really boils down to the type of support and feel you’re looking for.

For medium-firm support, go with the Nest Bedding Sparrow. Side sleepers can seek solace in the Helix Luxe, which offers great pressure relief in the neck and upper back. Heavier sleepers should find the WinkBed Plus quite comfortable, while Birch is best for back sleepers.

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
WinkBed Plus	Best for Heavy Sleepers	6/10
Oceano Luxury	Best for Couples	6.5
Nest Bedding Sparrow	Best Medium-Firm Mattress	Varies
Birch	Best for Back Sleepers	Varies
Awara	Best Cooling Mattress	6.5

Loren Bullock

Certified Sleep Science Coach

About Author

Loren is the Lead Mattress Reviewer at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd and a Certified Sleep Science Coach, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel and on TikTok.

Education and Credentials:

• Certified Sleep Science Coach

Sleeper Type

Combination Sleeper