Best Pillow Top Mattresses of 2024

Written by Logan Block, Mattress Reviewer

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 220 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.Learn more

Just Updated

We’ve recently re-reviewed all of our top pillow top mattress picks and added more feedback from the testers in our lab – so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we’ve personally tested it, slept on it, and stand by its recommendation.

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A study by Better Sleep Council determined that 34 percent of shoppers side with pillow tops, or beds with a thick layer of foam or fiber stitched on top, as the best type of mattress. This isn’t too surprising, as the best pillow top mattresses are known for a memorable plush feel, excellent motion transfer, exceptional pressure relief, and more. But does this cloud-like cushioning feel like a luxury for every sleeper?

We’re going to help you answer that question in our roundup of the best pillow top mattresses, where our expert mattress testers break down the pros and cons of our favorite pillow top models. You’ll find out what goes into the best pillow top mattress, how pillow top mattresses differ, and what to watch for when it comes to manufacturing policies.

Our Top Pick for Pillow Top Mattresses

For our top pick, we chose the Helix Midnight Luxe, the luxury version of Helix’s most popular bed. It includes the standard model’s foam and coils, but with an added pillow top, two extra inches of height, and zoned support.

Best Pillow Top Mattresses 2024 – Our Top Picks

• Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Overall Pillow Top Mattress
• WinkBed – Best Cooling Pillow Top Mattress
• Avocado – Best Pillow Top Latex Mattress
• Saatva – Best Pillow Top Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
• DreamCloud Premier – Best Pillow Top Mattress for the Money
• Brentwood Home Oceano – Best Pillow Top Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Nolah Evolution – Best Pillow Top Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Saatva HD – Best Pillow Top Mattress for Heavy People

Best Pillow Top Mattress Video

What Is a Pillow Top Mattress?

A pillow top is an additional cushioning layer attached to the top of a mattress, typically made of foam or fiber. As a general rule, a pillow top is at least two inches thick, and are therefore well-known for their plush feel and ability to contour and provide relief to sensitive joints. Unlike extra cushioning layers that sit under the cover of the mattress, such as that of a Euro top or a regular comfort layer, a pillow top is a distinct piece of padding sewn to the outer covering.

Compare the Best Pillow Top Mattresses

Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Overall Pillow Top Mattress

Expert Opinion

The Helix Midnight Luxe is an incredibly well-rounded mattress outfitted with a plush foam pillow top that claims the top spot in this roundup. Even with all of this cushioning, the Midnight Luxe still includes interior layers of zoned support to help lift the hips in line with the shoulders, assisting with proper spine alignment across multiple positions. We found this bed to be particularly great for back sleepers and side sleepers, including those suffering from back pain. This is because we experienced an ideal combination of give and lift to alleviate tension in our shoulders while positioning our hips on top of the bed.

One of the best indicators of a fantastic pillow top mattress is pressure relief, since the extra cushioning stitched on top of the mattress eases the joints and contours the body. To put this to the test, we spread a mat across the mattress surface that tracks areas of high, moderate, and low pressure. Results are shown on a graphic that lights the body up in red and orange (high pressure buildup), yellow (moderate pressure buildup), and green and blue (low pressure buildup). On the Helix Midnight Luxe, we found an impressively low amount of pressure buildup in the back-sleeping position (showing mostly blue and a bit of green). Resting on our side, we found a touch of yellow at the shoulder and hip, which is normal for this sleeping position. The rest of the map showed green and blue, telling us that the Midnight Luxe should be a terrific option for this sleeping position.

What our tester says: “I found that the Midnight Luxe’s thick memory foam comfort layer offers plenty of pressure relief and body contouring, while its zoned coil layer ensures you’re getting plenty of lumbar support.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Many customers came to the decision of the Midnight Luxe because of Helix’s 30-second sleep quiz, which gives folks a mattress options based off their individual needs. Helix also sells a Standard line (the same model, but sans pillow top and zoned support), as well as the Helix Plus (a bed designed specifically for heavier folks). 

Pros of the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

• This mattress does a wonderful job of isolating motion, meaning you won’t be disturbed by your partner moving around at night.
• The zoned support system of this mattress helps provide support and pressure relief in all the right places. It’s firm enough to keep the spine properly aligned but still has enough cushion to cradle sensitive areas.
• The Helix Midnight Luxe is breathable due to its hybrid construction. Its Tencel cover makes it even more cooling, which hot sleepers should appreciate.

Cons of the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

• This mattress may be too soft for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers may do better on a firm mattress that will support their hips to avoid lower back pain.
• If you’re searching for a mattress with the classic sinkage and slow-moving feel of memory foam, this mattress may not be the best choice.

Think the Helix Midnight Luxe is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our Helix Luxe Mattress line reviews. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses. 

WinkBed – Best Cooling Pillow Top Mattress

Expert Opinion

The very same qualities that endear pillow top mattresses to sleepers (namely their deep pressure relief and sinkage) can sometimes lead to a truly pesky problem: overheating. This occurs when the top layer of gentle foam conforms a little too tightly to the body, causing the structure to absorb and trap body heat. Thankfully, there are pillow top mattresses designed to mitigate this issue, with one of our favorites being the WinkBed. 

The WinkBed works to cool the body in a number of different ways. First, the mattress cover is made of Tencel, an all-natural material known for its cooling properties. Second, the foams used in the top layer are infused with gel to help dissipate heat. And finally, the core of the bed is made of a tall section of pocketed coils, which encourage fantastic breathability and airflow. All in all, the WinkBed offers the best of both worlds: cushiony sinkage up top for pressure relief and temperature-regulating features to beat the heat. 

What our tester says: “I found the WinkBed to be a comfortable and highly supportive mattress. Lying on the bed, I felt the uplift from the sturdy base, but still felt the plush cushioning of the pillow top layer above.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer

What Customers Say

On the Luxury Firm and Softer models, many folks have found joint pain and back pain relief.

Pros of the WinkBed Mattress

• This mattress has a bit of bounce to it, which should allow combination sleepers to easily switch positions throughout the night without getting stuck.
• The traditional innerspring construction of this mattress makes it supportive enough for senior sleepers. The cushioning pillow top adds comfort that they should enjoy.
• We think that the combination of comforting gel foams and supportive pocketed coils make the WinkBed a good choice for sleepers struggling with back pain. Our pressure map test also showed low pressure buildup in the back-sleeping position.

Cons of the WinkBed Mattress

• The WinkBed may not be the best pick for shoppers who are on a budget. However, this mattress is often on sale, so it could still be a good choice.

Think the WinkBed is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full WinkBed mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best cooling mattresses. 

Avocado – Best Pillow Top Latex Mattress

Expert Opinion

If you’re an eco-friendly sleeper looking to snag a bed that’s as green-minded as you are, you’ve got to take a look at the Avocado Pillow Top mattress. It’s built with all-natural latex, organic cotton, and wool batting for a supremely cozy structure that also happens to be good for the environment.

Though the Standard Avocado is quite firm, the added pillow top on this model makes for a comfortable medium-firm feel. While many sleepers will likely enjoy this balanced vibe, we think it could be especially well-suited to back and side sleepers who need to hit that sweet spot between pressure relief and support. While back sleeping, our pressure map test presented primarily blue and green, so the pillow top should ease back sleepers and those with back pain. While on our side, we experienced overall lower pressure at the hip but moderate to high pressure at the shoulder. Side sleepers should feel comfortable for the most part, but if you have shoulder pain, you might consider a softer bed.

We should add that not only is latex an all-natural material, but it’s also durable, cooling, and incredibly bouncy, making for a buoyant bed that doesn’t sleep too hot.

Note: The pillow top on the Avocado comes at an additional price.

What our tester says: “The pillow top layer is made up of GOLS organic certified latex. This material has some fantastic bounce to it, so it works to keep the sleeper positioned more on top of the structure than in it.” – Logan Block, former content director

What Customers Say

There are 18,000+ reviews on Avocado’s site, and customers have a lot to say about this mattress. Specifically, a number of comments praise how the balance of comfort and support helps alleviate back pain.

Pros of the Avocado Mattress

• This mattress has a good amount of bounce to it, which is a quality combination sleepers should like. The bounce makes it easy for them to switch sleeping positions without getting stuck.
• We think heavier sleepers could do well on the Avocado due to its sturdy latex and coil structure.
• We found this mattress to be extremely durable. If you’re looking for a bed that will last you many years, this could be a good option.

Cons of the Avocado Mattress

• The Avocado didn’t perform well on our motion transfer test, which means it’s very likely that light-sleeping couples will be disturbed by any movement from their partner throughout the night.
• We don’t recommend this mattress for strict side sleepers. They’ll most likely need a softer bed that has more cushioning to avoid hip and shoulder pain.

Think the Avocado is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Avocado Green mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best latex mattresses. 

Saatva – Best Pillow Top Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

Expert Opinion

Now, we wouldn’t normally recommend a pillow top mattress to stomach sleepers, as these folks usually need a firmer structure for support at the hips and lower back. But that doesn’t mean a pillow top model is totally out of the question. So, if you like to doze in prone, but also want the cushiony goodness of a pillow top mattress, feast your eyes on the Saatva.

This bed comes in three different firmness levels. We think the Luxury Firm or Firm model would work well for stomach sleepers. It features a traditional innerspring build with a sturdy coil-on-coil construction for optimized support. But though the mattress in and of itself is quite firm, it’s capped off with a gentle pillow top for a touch of pressure relief. In our experience, the foam is soft enough to offer some immediate comfort, but not so soft that your hips will sink into it. Overall, it’s a solid option for stomach sleepers in need of a little extra cushioning.

What our tester says: “The Saatva Classic is a bouncy, high-quality mattress with durability and great edge support. I think it’s a nice option for back sleepers and combination sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

An overwhelming amount of reviews comment on Saatva’s wonderful customer service with each step in the mattress-buying process.

Pros of the Saatva Mattress

• The coil-on-coil construction of this mattress makes it exceptionally bouncy, which is always ideal for combination sleepers. Combo sleepers can use the bounce to easily switch from one position to the next.
• The Saatva offers enough support to keep back sleepers’ spines in proper alignment, while also providing the cushioning needed to avoid back pain.
• We think heavier sleepers should feel supported on this bed and not sink in too much.

Cons of the Saatva Mattress

• This bed is likely too firm for side sleepers, who usually benefit from soft mattresses that cushion their hips and shoulders.
• Stomach sleepers sleep best on firm mattresses that lift their hips and prevent the lower back from falling into a U shape.

Think the Saatva is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Saatva mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for stomach sleepers. 

DreamCloud Premier – Best Pillow Top Mattress for the Money

Expert Opinion

Given how luxurious they are, pillow top mattresses tend to be a little expensive, which is something you’ve likely noticed on your search. However, not all pillow top models break the bank. To prove it, allow us to introduce you to the DreamCloud Premier mattress.

Built with a quilted pillow top over gel-infused memory foam and pocketed coils, we found that this bed balances sinkage and bounce in a way that should appease a wide range of sleepers. When laying on it, we experienced a little contouring into its gentle foam top layers, but felt that it retained enough mobility to move around the mattress with ease. Therefore, we’d highly recommend it for combination sleepers or those in need of pressure relief across multiple positions. The bed also features excellent edge support, so could be a nice fit for couples. In general, the quality of the mattress is superb and is only heightened by its relatively affordable price tag.

What our tester says: “This feels like a true luxury mattress. From the cashmere cover to the Euro top, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck with this bed. I really like how this mattress combines sturdy support with cozy pressure relief.” – Logan Block, former content director

What Customers Say

A lot of sleepers who appreciate a firmer feel really love the support given by the DreamCloud Premier.

Pros of the DreamCloud Premier Mattress

• This mattress performed well on our motion isolation test, which tells us that you’re unlikely to be disturbed by any movement your partner makes throughout the night.
• Back sleepers should love how the pillow top allows for some nice pressure relief and sinkage, yet the addition of coils makes this mattress supportive and promotes spinal alignment.
• The DreamCloud Premier is constructed from high-quality materials, such as a cashmere cover. This mattress could be well suited to anyone who loves the finer things in life.

Cons of the DreamCloud Premier Mattress

• It does sleep a bit hot, so people who tend to overheat at night may want to search for a mattress with more cooling features.
• Stomach sleepers may find that their hips sink too far into the DreamCloud Premier, which can lead to lower back pain. We’d recommend a firmer mattress to these types of sleepers.

Think the DreamCloud Premier is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full DreamCloud Premier mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for the money. 

Brentwood Home Oceano – Best Pillow Top Mattress for Side Sleepers

Expert Opinion

If you’re a side sleeper looking to sink into a soft bed for pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, the Brentwood Oceano may just be the mattress for you. Not only is the pillow top outfitted with a thick layer of memory foam for deep body contouring, but the interior system of pocketed coils is zoned for support, bringing extra relief to sensitive spots along the body. For our pressure relief test, the Brentwood Home Oceano showed some fantastic pressure relief while back and side sleeping; the entire map lit up with blue and a touch of green. This is impressive, especially for side sleeping. It’s not uncommon for us to see moderate pressure build at the hip and shoulder, but the Oceano succeeds at easing tension in these areas.

We should also mention that the pillow top is outfitted with a thin section of microcoils, which brings a ton of bounce to the overall structure. Combo sleepers might appreciate this mattress just as much as side sleepers, as this buoyancy makes it easy to move around and change positions. Overall, this is a dynamic mattress that balances its strong support with plenty of cushiony pressure relief.

What our tester says: “I felt that the memory foam in the pillow top allows for some sinkage and keeps the bed from becoming extra-firm.” – Logan Block, former content director

What Customers Say

Customers say the Brentwood Home Oceano is a pleasantly soft mattress with materials that feel luxurious and high-quality.

Pros of the Brentwood Home Oceano Mattress

• The motion isolation on this mattress is impressive — you’re unlikely to feel any movement coming from your partner’s side of the bed. This mattress also has strong edge support, so you can really spread out and use the whole bed.
• The Brentwood Home Oceano has a level of bounce to it due to the mircocoils, which should allow combination sleepers to move freely all night long.
• This mattress has all of the classic features of a memory foam bed while still being super supportive due to the innerspring system.

Cons of the Brentwood Home Oceano Mattress

• We felt that the Bentwood Home Oceano slept a bit warm, so hot sleepers may feel like they’re overheating at night. However, it’s worth noting that the gel-infused layer should help cool this bed down a bit.

Think the Brentwood Oceano is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Brentwood Oceano mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for side sleepers. 

Nolah Evolution – Best Pillow Top Mattress for Back Sleepers

Expert Opinion

A pillow top is going to add some immediate softness and pressure relief to the top of any mattress. But if the bed is going to be a good fit for back sleepers, it also needs to have the right amount of support. Luckily for folks in this sleeping position, the Nolah Evolution has all of these elements. Underneath the plush pillow top, there’s a comfort layer of AirFoamICE, Nolah’s proprietary version of memory foam. While it’s still soft and contouring, it has ArcticTex fibers that should help it sleep cool. Beneath that, a transition layer of high-resilience foam starts to establish some support, preventing you from sinking too far into the mattress. This is essential for back sleepers, who need a slight lift in order to keep their spines in a neutral alignment. 

Back sleepers get further support from a layer of Eco Support Coils at the bottom of the bed. As a bonus, these springs are individually wrapped in foam, creating a reinforced perimeter around the mattress. That means the Nolah Evolution has exceptional edge support. You should be able to spread out on the mattress or sit on the edge of it without feeling like you’re going to fall off. 

Of course, we had to put this all to the test. Our pressure map presented low pressure on the graphic. This tells us that while the Nolah Evolution should support back sleepers, its foams should still fill in the lumbar region and ease tension at the back.

What our tester says: “One of my favorite features is the soft pillow top. It’s a great touch for anyone that suffers from shoulder or hip pain, as it allows you to sink into bed for a plusher feel.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

A lot of reviews praise the cooling abilities of the Nolah Evolution, saying it prevents them from overheating at night.

Pros of the Nolah Evolution Mattress

• When laying on this mattress, we found that it has nice sinkage and alleviates pressure at the hips and shoulders, which side sleepers could definitely appreciate.
• This bed has strong edge support, which means couples can really spread out and use the whole bed.
• The Nolah Evolution is particularly bouncy due to its coils, so combo sleepers shouldn’t have any trouble switching between positions.

Cons of the Nolah Evolution Mattress

• This mattress is likely too soft for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers may find that their hips aren’t properly supported, which can lead to lower back pain.
• Shoppers on a budget may find this bed to be a bit too pricy, but Nolah has frequent sales, so it never hurts to check.

Think the Nolah Evolution is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best best mattresses for back sleepers. 

Saatva HD – Best Pillow Top Mattress for Heavy People

Expert Opinion

The original Saatva mattress is beloved for its pillow top, so heavy people should love that this feature is also present in the Saatva HD — the brand’s bed built specifically for larger folks.

To accommodate heavier weights, the Saatva HD’s pillow top is extra-thick — three inches, to be exact. Below that is a zoned support layer of Talalay latex, an extremely durable and responsive material to give the mattress some bolstered support right off the bat. And then the bulk of the mattress consists of heavy-duty steel coils. Sleepers over 250 pounds should have no problem feeling lifted by this bed.

In terms of sleeping position, we think the Saatva HD could be a good fit for heavy sleepers of all three sleeping positions. They should get plenty of comfort and support, especially when compared to other beds that aren’t built with heavy people in mind. In the case of back and side sleeping, our pressure map showed little buildup at sensitive areas. And thanks to the responsive foams, heavy combination sleepers should be able to switch positions throughout the night with little issue. 

What our tester says: This is likely to be a great mattress for heavier sleepers. The sturdy coils make for a durable structure that should do a great job supporting them. In general, this bed has a true innerspring feel to it, so could be nice for those after a more traditional vibe. – Logan Block, former content director

What Customers Say

Most of the comments we saw have incredible things to say about Saatva’s customer service, whether it’s in the showroom or online.

Pros of the Saatva HD Mattress

• The firmness of this mattress is a great feature for stomach sleepers, who need a lift in the hips to avoid lower back pain.
• The Saatva HD has a winning combination of support and comfort that back sleepers should love.
• This mattress has more of an “on top of” the bed feel rather than an “in” the bed feel, which makes it easy for combination sleepers to switch between positions.

Cons of the Saatva HD Mattress

• We found the motion isolation on this bed to be poor, so it’s likely you’ll be disturbed by the movement of your partner on this mattress.
• This bed may be a bit too firm for side sleepers, who will likely do better on a softer mattress that focuses on cushioning the hips and shoulders.

Think the Saatva HD is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Saatva HD mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for heavy people. 

Who Should Consider a Pillow Top Mattress?

Just on looks alone, a pillow top mattress can’t be beaten for the promise of comfort. But it’s not for everyone. It all depends on your personal preferences and primary sleeping position. Here’s who we do recommend a pillow top for:

Those wanting additional cushioning

If your idea of slumber heaven is a thick, luxurious surface layer, a pillow top mattress could be the answer. Pillow top mattresses are designed for pressure relief and are outstanding at providing cloud-like sinkage and comfort. However, if you prefer firm support, you may want a mattress with a stiffer surface feel, such as one of the best firm mattresses.

Back sleepers and side sleepers

The thick plushness of a pillow or Euro top mattress can be a perfect fit for a back or side sleeper. Back and side sleepers typically do best with a soft yet supportive mattress that contours around the hips and shoulders and helps to align the spine. A pillow top mattress contributes to the comfort side of things, as it’s a cozy surface layer offering tons of pressure relief.

Unfortunately, stomach sleepers likely won’t receive the proper amount of firmness on most pillow top mattresses. So, we’d steer them towards the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Anyone concerned about aesthetic

The substantial profile of a thick pillow top mattress can add aesthetic appeal to a bedroom and help your bedding stand out. If you tend to like the finer things in life, we recommend you check out our roundup of the best luxury mattresses.

Pros of Pillow Top Mattresses

• Comfort: If you appreciate a plush, cozy feel, a pillow top mattress could be a great choice. Pillow tops are all about sinking into a luxurious cushioning layer that relieves pressure points and promotes a good night’s sleep.
• Pressure relief: Pillow and Euro top mattresses are a good choice when pressure relief is a priority. A thick comfort layer can help reduce orthopedic pain, banish muscle tension, and decrease stress on the joints.
• Temperature control: A pillow top made from latex, poly foam, or a cooler form of memory foam can help isolate the body from a mattress made of a warmer material such as memory foam.
• Motion isolation: Typically, this thicker layer of foam or fiber helps trap movement. So, if you sleep with a partner or pet on a pillow top, you’re less likely to be disturbed by their movements.

Cons of Pillow Top Mattresses

• Softness: The plush softness of a pillow top mattress is both a pro and a con. If you prefer a firmer surface, you may want to skip the pillow top and go for a mattress with a medium-firm to firm feel and no additional padding.
• Durability: Durability may be an issue with a pillow top made of lower-density foam or for heavier folks who might sink through and apply more pressure to a comfort layer. A pillow or Euro top made from higher-density materials such as memory foam may last longer but could potentially retain more body heat due to the reduced ability of air to flow through the tightly-packed foam.

Pillow Top vs Euro Top Mattresses

A Euro top mattress is comparable to a pillow top, but is made of denser, higher-quality material that’s fully secured to the mattress surface as opposed to sewn on top. This additional structure makes a Euro top more supportive at the perimeter, providing better edge support and durability in many cases. For this reason, a Euro top is typically a more expensive option than a pillow top.

The cover of a pillow or Euro top is typically made from the same material used for the mattress covering, such as foam or fiber. Options can range from a simple synthetic poly blend to high-end fabrics like cooling Tencel and smooth silk. Both pillow top and Euro top mattresses are widely available in stores and online for a wide range of prices, but they’re typically found on luxury mattresses.

Types of Pillow Top Mattress Constructions

Now that we’ve gone over what pillow tops are and how they’re built, let’s look at the types of pillow top mattresses available on the market. They differ in terms of firmness, bounce, and support, and offer a range of options for almost any sleeper.

Memory and Poly Foam Mattresses

Memory foam and poly foam are two of the most commonly used mattress materials. Many mattress companies utilize a combination of memory and poly foam to create a plush and supportive feel. A pillow top on a memory foam mattress or a poly foam mattress is uncommon, but it can add an additional layer of soothing pressure relief and comfort. This combination of materials may feel too soft to sleepers who prefer firmer and more buoyant support.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are known for their slightly bouncy, supportive feel, and their natural cooling properties. Latex is a natural material that generally costs more than foam but may be more durable, as well. A pillow or Euro top on a latex mattress can offer long-lasting core support with a luxurious surface feel. The springiness of latex makes it a more appropriate choice for sleepers who don’t mind a bit of motion transfer.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses contain an internal network of steel coils or individually pocketed steel coils. The coils offer bouncy support while foam comfort layers add plush pressure relief. Support around the edges of the mattress is generally more robust and durable in innerspring mattresses than those made entirely of foam. A pillow top on an innerspring mattress typically feels soft and luxurious but with a springy supportiveness thanks to the internal coil structure. To learn more check out our top picks for the best innerspring mattress.

Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid mattress refers to any bed that combines any of the aforementioned materials. The most common construction is foam up top for comfort and pressure relief, with a layer of coils at the bottom for added support. The foam can be memory foam, latex foam, or a proprietary material not covered here.

Other Pillow Top Mattress Considerations

While the ideal mattress construction and quality of materials is absolutely crucial, there are several other things that you’ll want to think about when purchasing your dream pillow top mattress.

Thickness

Pillow tops usually range from about two inches to four inches thick, but more isn’t always better. When considering thickness, know what sort of surface feels most comfortable to you. Choose a thinner pillow top if you’re looking for gentle pressure relief and a thicker one if you’re after a deep, cloud-like feel. For more plush options, check out our roundup of the best soft mattresses.

Quality

A pillow top mattress can be a durable layer of comfort, or it flatten out and lose its shape after just a year or two. To make sure your pillow top can stand up to nightly use, pick a model that utilizes more durable materials like memory foam and latex. We also recommend finding a mattress with a sturdy support layer.

When in doubt, ask a mattress company representative or salesperson how long you can expect your pillow top to last. And if you’re in the market for a super durable bed, see our article on the best mattress that won’t sag.

Bases / Foundations

Some pillow top mattresses need a supportive base or box spring for proper support. A base can also raise a mattress to a more comfortable level. Using certain mattress models without a base can void the warranty, so be sure to understand how to use and care for your new mattress.

Accessories

To further enhance your sleeping experience, there are a number of mattress accessories out there intended to improve many different aspects of your comfort.

• The best mattress toppers can add even more cushioning and pressure relief.
• The best mattress protectors shields your bed from contaminants, protecting you from allergens and improving the lifespan of your mattress.
• The best pillows help align your head and neck with the rest of your spine.
• The best sheets allow you to choose your own aesthetic and feel under the covers.

Buying a Pillow Top Mattress

In-Store vs Online

All of the pillow top mattress types we mentioned so far are available as bed-in-a-box mattresses, which means they’re tightly compressed and rolled in the factory and shipped in a box or bag directly to the buyer. Pillow tops are becoming more common in bed-in-a-box models as the popularity of direct-to-consumer bedding sales surges and new competitors enter the market. A bed-in-a-box pillow top mattress can be a great option for the sleeper who values convenience, free returns, a generous trial period, and a lower price. If this is something that interests you, take a look at our best-bed-in-a-box reviews.

When looking at pillow top options, don’t forget to keep the cover in mind, as well. Some folks prefer a pillow top with a quilted cover, whereas others will look for a hypoallergenic, organic mattress, or one made of natural materials. Cover materials may be less important to folks who plan to use a mattress pad or other sort of bedding layer over the pillow top.

Pricing

When it comes time to shop for a pillow top mattress, know how much you can spend. A new mattress is an investment that can last years, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Pillow and Euro tops range from value-priced to expensive, putting them in reach of almost any buyer.

Mattresses Based Off Of Price

• Best Mattresses for the Money
• Best Cheap Mattresses
• Best Mattresses Under $500
• Best Mattresses Under $1,000

Sleep Trial Periods

Most mattress brands offer a risk-free trial period so test out their products. Trial periods typically last from 30 days to as long as a year for some bed-in-a-box brands. If you’re not sure about a pillow or Euro top or want to test its durability, check out the terms of the trial period and give it a try. Many companies offer free exchanges and returns if you decide a particular model isn’t right for you.

Warranties

Before committing to a pillow top purchase, be sure you understand the warranty and return policy. Many mattress brands offer a 10-year limited warranty that covers flaws and defects in materials and workmanship. Some higher-end manufacturers offer generous warranties that last for 20 years or even a lifetime. A prorated warranty covers part of the cost of certain repairs and/or defects after a defined period of use.

Delivery

Whether you buy your pillow top in a store or online, you’ll need to arrange for delivery. Shipping and delivery to your doorstep is typically free with most bed-in-a-box and online brands. More mattress stores are offering free delivery as new companies enter the industry and prices become increasingly competitive.

FAQs

How long is a pillow top mattress good for?

It really depends on the type of materials used. Latex tends to be slightly more durable than traditional polyurethane or memory foams, and steel coils tend to be more durable than all three foams. So, pay close attention to the construction specs of your bed before buying.

Can you flip a pillow top mattress?

Unfortunately, no. As the name suggests, a pillow top mattress is meant to have the pillow top layer on top of the bed, so flipping it would be antithetical to the design. But you can rotate the bed 180 degrees to prevent sagging.

What is the advantage of a pillow top mattress?

The extra layers of foam up top help to establish some immediate comfort and sinkage, which can be great for folks in need of deep pressure relief at the shoulders, hips, and lower back.

How do you fix a sagging pillow top mattress?

I’d recommend rotating your bed 180 degrees. You can also slip a piece of plywood under the mattress where it’s sagging, which should help stabilize the shape. None of the mattresses on this round-up need box springs, but you could use a slatted bed frame if you so choose.

Are pillow top mattresses good for your back?

Pillow top mattresses can provide cushioning needed to fill in the lumbar region and ease the hips, allowing the comfort that’s crucial for alleviating back pain. However, ensure that your pillow top mattress has a strong support system to keep your body lifted and in proper alignment throughout the night.

How long do pillow top mattresses last?

Pillow top mattresses last roughly 7-10 years depending on the mattress construction. Stronger support systems and quality materials should lead to better durability and an elongated mattress lifespan.

How We Chose These Mattresses

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 220 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.

The quality of materials and the overall comfort delivered by a pillow top mattress are two of the most important factors. You can quite literally rest assured that all of the mattresses in this article scored at least a 4 out of 5 in both categories.

Click here to learn more about our methodology, and if you’re still undecided, you can take our mattress quiz to be shown a selection of mattresses curated to your sleep preferences.

Summary: The Best Pillow Top Mattresses