A euro-top mattress is a mattress with an additional layer of cushioning sewn to the top surface of the mattress for added comfort. Euro-tops are typically packed with more material than pillow-tops, and they have denser, higher-quality foam or fiberfill than is found in a pillow-top. Additionally, euro-top mattresses are sewn flush with the edges of the mattress to create a uniform, neat appearance.
Pillow-tops and euro-tops look and feel deceivingly similar, but they have subtle differences that should be taken into account. Unlike mattress toppers, which are purchased and added to a mattress after-the-fact, euro- and pillow-top beds have a built-in layer of padding to improve comfort and conforming. The cost for each type varies by brand and manufacturer, and material, brand and construction all play a role in the overall price point of either product.
Construction: While a euro-top is sewn to the edges of the mattress, leaving no space between the euro-top and the mattress’ comfort layer, a pillow-top is sewn onto the top of the mattress and has a gap that separates the pillow-top from the comfort layer.
Look: As a result of the sewing method used, pillow-top mattresses have an appearance that looks layered while euro-top mattresses look uniformly stacked. This difference in construction ultimately affects how the additional layer looks, feels and lasts.
Feel: Pillow-top mattresses typically balance firmness and cushioning throughout the added layer, but they tend to lose their comfort and plushness over time. Euro-top mattresses have more fill and cushioning at the center but feel firmer around the edges, and they have a longer lifespan overall.
There aren’t too many differentiating factors between euro-top and pillow-top styles, but we’ve listed some subtle distinctions that will help you decide which is the best mattress topper style for you.
Here are some of the advantages of euro-top mattresses, including reasons why you might opt for a euro-top over a pillow-top mattress.
The extra material in a euro-top mattress makes it all the more important to properly care for the bed to ensure its longevity, durability and hygiene over the years. The average mattress lasts anywhere from 7 to 10 years, but a euro-top that isn’t properly maintained may begin to sag near the side of the mattress and perform poorly.
You should vacuum your euro-top mattress regularly to remove dust mites, food crumbs, skin cells and other debris. Regular vacuuming may also help plump the euro-top. To remove a stain on the euro-top, use mild dish detergent and cold water coupled with a clean rag.
You can prolong the life of your euro-top mattress by rotating it once every month. This will ensure that the mattress wears evenly, helping to prevent dips and sags that naturally occur where pressure is applied.
Convinced the extra padding in a euro-top style will be the best new mattress for you? Here’s a shortlist of our top picks for the best euro-top mattresses on the market today.
The Avocado Green doesn’t automatically come with a mattress top, but you can add one at checkout. This bed features natural and organic materials, like latex foam, and has 8” pocketed coils at its core. The result is a bouncy, responsive, supportive mattress that’s made more contouring and soft with the mattress top addition.
Read our full Avocado Green Mattress Review.
This innerspring mattress combines memory foam with two layers of pocketed coils and a euro pillow top to marry support and comfort. It’s available in Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm mattress comfort levels, offering something for side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. It’s also one of the highest-value luxury beds on the market: a California King size costs less than $1,700.
Read our full Saatva Classic Mattress Review.
WinkBed makes several different mattresses, including the WinkBed Classic and the WinkBed Plus, that feature euro-top designs. The original WinkBed has a hybrid construction that includes pocketed coils, micro coils and polyfoam. The top of the mattress features a two-part euro-pillow top comfort layer made of polyfoam in varying densities. The combination of the coils and the euro-top give the bed a responsive yet comfortable feel.
Read our full WinkBeds Mattress Review.
This memory foam mattress has an airy feel and a euro-top design that enhances the contouring ability of its memory foam comfort layers. Unlike a conventional pillow-top, the euro-top design of this hybrid mattress lays flush against the edges of the mattress, has a soft center and offers improved edge support.
Read our full DreamCloud Mattress Review.
