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The Best Pillow-Top Mattress
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall Mattress
WinkBed -
Best Value Mattress
DreamCloud Premier Hybrid -
Most Comfortable Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid -
Best Luxury Mattress
Avocado Green Mattress -
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight -
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Nolah Evolution 15
Best Overall Mattress
The WinkBed’s four firmness options, adaptive Euro-top, and supportive coils made it a hit with many of our testers. The Euro-top adds a bit of surface cushioning for pressure points, while a zoned transitional layer and coils prevent the midsection from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Four optional firmness levels, each with a multi-layered Euro-top
- Zoned coils reinforce the bed’s edges and minimize sinkage under the midsection
- All models stayed exceptionally cool during our tests
Cons
- Firm and Plus models didn’t have enough cushion for most sleepers under 130 pounds
- Couples who prioritize motion isolation may find that the coils transfer too much movement
Ratings
Our Take
Best Value Mattress
The DreamCloud Premier is a high-profile hybrid that strikes an excellent balance between thick, pressure-relieving foam layers and a robust coil system. Our testers found they could comfortably sink into the mattress surface for pressure-point relief, while the coils prevented excessive sinkage and unnecessary strain.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Memory foam quilted into a 2” Euro-top conforms closely to the body
- Just-right balance of cushion and support for side sleepers
- 365-night sleep trial
Cons
- Couples may find the mattress’ plush surface restricts movement
- Sleepers over 230 pounds may need a firmer mattress
Ratings
Our Take
Most Comfortable Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid showcases the appeal of adaptive foam over steel coils, delivering a nice balance of cushioning, support, and bounce. Hot sleepers can also upgrade the mattress to include a pillow-top layer encased in cooling fabric — this material dissipates body heat from the surface as soon as you get into bed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Polyfoam comfort layers cushion your body without hugging too tightly
- Available in three firmness levels
- Below-average pricing for a hybrid
Cons
- Strong off-gassing odor may persist for several nights after unboxing
- Firmness exchanges are not allowed during the trial period
Ratings
Our Take
Best Luxury Mattress
The Avocado Green Mattress is a high-end latex hybrid with luxury materials to match. The cover and comfort layers all hold certifications ensuring they were sourced sustainably and produced ethically. The natural materials also earned the Avocado high marks in our temperature control tests, appealing to hot sleepers.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Optional pillow-top (on medium and plush models) adds a responsive layer of latex
- Latex hybrid design is highly durable and breathable
- Sleep trial allows customers to test out the mattress for a full year
Cons
- Bouncy feel may transfer more movement between sleep partners
- Heavy materials make the mattress difficult to move
Ratings
Our Take
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers on our team appreciated the Helix Midnight Luxe’s thick foam comfort system, which helped reduce pressure-induced pain in their hips and shoulder. A zoned coil system also prevented the sides of their bodies from sinking too much and misaligning the spine.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Luxe and Elite models have conforming pillow-top, ideal for side sleepers
- Above-average pressure relief and motion isolation
- Zoned coils boost support for the shoulders and hips
Cons
- Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may find the mattress too soft
- Elite model requires special, deep pocket sheets
Ratings
Our Take
Best Mattress for Back Pain
The Nolah Evolution 15 is a foam hybrid that stands out for its luxuriously thick construction. You get top-notch cushioning from foam layers and plenty of support from the coils, which is an ideal combo for anyone dealing with lumbar discomfort during sleep.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Three firmness options
- Thick foam layers offer excellent pressure relief
- Zoned coils offer enhanced lumbar support
Cons
- Returns incur a $99 fee
- Foam may emit off-gassing odors at first
Ratings
Our Take
Compare Our Top Picks
| Mattress | Mattress Type | Ideal For | Value | Sleep Trial |
| WinkBed | Innerspring | Side Sleepers | Good Value | 120 nights (30 night requirement) |
| DreamCloud Premier Hybrid | Hybrid | Back Sleepers | Great Value | 365 nights (30-night requirement) |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Hybrid | Couples | Great Value | 120 nights (30-night requirement) |
| Avocado Green Mattress | Latex Hybrid | Couples | Good Value | 365 nights (30-night break-in period) |
| Helix Midnight | Hybrid | Combination Sleepers | Good Value | 100 nights (30-night requirement) |
| Nolah Evolution 15 | Hybrid | Most Sleepers | Good Value | 120 nights (30-night requirement) |
A pillow-top mattress features a layer of padding material sewn to the top surface, resulting in a plush feel when you get into bed. We recommend pillow-top mattresses to anyone who needs extra cushioning to sleep comfortably.
What to Consider When Shopping For a Pillow-Top Mattress
First, the basics: A pillow-top mattress features a layer of padding on top of the comfort layers. It’s usually made from foam, latex, wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. This layer is encased in fabric and stitched onto the top of the mattress to give a distinctive plush feel offsets the foundational support layers of the mattress.
Selecting the right pillow-top mattress involves considering factors like your sleeping habits, body type, and comfort preferences. This section guides you through key considerations to help you find a pillow-top mattress that suits your needs.
Sleeping Position and Body Type
Side sleepers often benefit from a softer mattress that conforms to the hips and shoulders, so a plush pillow-top is often a great fit. Stomach and back sleepers often enjoy pillow tops as well, but may require more firmness to maintain spinal alignment.
In terms of body weight, sleepers under 130 pounds should look for a softer, thicker pillow-top with plenty of give. People over 230 pounds should generally seek out a firmer, thinner pillow-top to prevent excessive sinkage.
Pillow-Top vs. Euro-Top
The main difference between a Euro-top and pillow-top is that Euro-tops are sewn flush with the mattress edge so that they’re seamlessly integrated and uniform with the bed, whereas a pillow-top is a visibly separate layer. This gives Euro-top mattresses a more uniform look and, sometimes, a slightly firmer feel. Both enhance comfort as intended, but the difference in construction influences the look, durability, and edge support of the bed.
Feel
The feel of a mattress depends on its firmness level, support, and how it contours to your body. Pillow-top mattresses often provide a plush surface feel with underlying support for pressure relief and overall comfort. This makes pillow-tops particularly well suited for those who like to sink into a soft mattress without sacrificing support.
Durability
Pillow-top mattresses tend to have a shorter lifespan than other types due to the softer materials in the top layer, which can sag or lose shape over time. While firmer pillow-tops tend to be more durable, they generally don’t last as long as mattresses without pillow-tops.
Mattress Height
The profile or height of a mattress is important for the look, ease of getting in and out of bed, and your choice of bedding. Because pillow-top mattresses tend to be thicker than standard mattresses, it’s common for these models to require deep pocket sheets.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is an important consideration when shopping for a pillow-top mattress, especially for those who sleep warm. The plush top layer can sometimes trap heat, making it important to look for cooling features like breathable fabrics, perforated latex, or gel-infused foams.
Price
Pillow-top mattresses generally cost more than mattresses without this feature, with prices starting around $600 for budget models, $1,000 for mid-range options, and $1,800 or more for luxury pillow-tops. These prices reflect the quality of materials, brand, and features like cooling technology.
Video: How to Choose the Right Mattress For You
Watch the video below to learn more about what to consider when shopping for a new bed.
Is a Pillow-Top Mattress Right for You?
Pillow-top mattresses are ideal for anyone seeking extra cushioning and pressure relief. This includes side sleepers who enjoy a soft, conforming surface and people under 130 pounds who need a less firm bed to sink into. Back sleepers and those over 130 pounds can also benefit from a pillow-top, but should look for models that use firmer materials like latex or dense polyfoam.
Pillow-tops may not be the best choice for people over 230 pounds or stomach sleepers who want to avoid sinkage and maintain proper spinal alignment. Additionally, hot sleepers might find these mattresses retain more heat due to the plush top layer.
Advantages
- Added cushioning for enhanced comfort and softness
- PImproved pressure relief for the hips and shoulders
- Layering isolates movement for those who share a bed
Disadvantages
- Can retain heat for people who tend to sleep warm
- Higher price point compared to standard mattresses
- Potential for sagging and indentations over time
Discover More Mattress Solutions
We have a host of mattress buying guides that feature beds of all kinds, including additional pillow-top models.
More Mattress Types
How We Test
With decades of combined experience in the sleep space, we bring a depth of expertise to our pillow-top mattress reviews. We don’t just look at specs, we personally lay down on each mattress, run it through our comprehensive testing methodology, and see how it holds up across a variety of body types and sleep styles.
Our team members, who each bring their own needs and preferences, have rigorously tested every pillow-top mattress featured in our reviews. Bringing together our collective experience and passion for good sleep, it’s our goal to point you to the mattress that will deliver quality rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you first lie down on a pillow-top bed, you notice the luxuriously soft feel of the plush top layers. This initial softness should be balanced by underlying support from the mattress’ comfort system and support core. The exact feel depends on the materials used in the pillow-top as well as the mattress type.
To choose the best mattress for you, start by considering your body type and sleep position to find the right mattress type and firmness that promote healthy spinal alignment. Then factor in cost and personal preferences for materials and added features like cooling technologies (and pillow-tops!)
Pillow-top mattresses generally last 7 to 10 years, skewing towards the lower end due to their plush layers wearing down faster. The longevity of a pillow-top mattress is influenced by factors such as the quality of materials used, the care it receives, and your body weight and sleep habits. For optimal durability, regular maintenance and proper support are vital.
The disadvantages include potential for earlier sagging compared to standard mattresses, heat retention for those sensitive to temperature, and a higher cost. That said, many brands have added features to combat these drawbacks, like more durable materials, cooling features, and budget models.
Pillow-top mattresses can be suitable for back sleepers if they have a thin pillow-top and firmer underlying support system. The pillow-top can provide cushioning for the back, but the right firmness level is important for maintaining neutral spinal alignment.
The cost of a pillow-top mattress ranges widely, starting at around $600 for budget models and exceeding $1,800 for luxury options. Price is affected by materials, brand, and additional features like cooling technology or eco-friendly materials.
