Best Pillow Top Mattresses For 2022
A pillow top mattress gives the support of an innerspring bed with the comfort of a thick, soft cushion. Here are the best ones you can buy.
McKenzie Dillon
Writer
McKenzie is a certified Sleep Science Coach and mattress expert. She has personally tested over 150 beds and a variety of different sleep products. Before she was writing about sleep, she was writing music news for an online entertainment magazine.
Few things are as important as getting good night’s sleep and the best way to do that is to sleep on a pillow top mattress. These mattresses are super soft, making the sleeper feel like they’re lying on a cloud. It’s a more luxurious sleeping experience than most are used to, but it’s well worth the money. Layers of cushioning and supportive coils keep you comfortable while you snooze with materials like cotton, wool, memory foam and latex that help provide good support, pressure relief and motion isolation.
I personally love pillow top mattresses and have been sleeping on one for a few years now. Spoiler alert: It might be listed as one of my picks below. I don’t love the feel of memory foam, but I really enjoy the airy pillow-like cushioning pillow top mattresses provide. In this mattress roundup, I reveal the best pillow top mattress options from my experience as a mattress tester, including the top picks for side sleepers and the best eco-friendly pillow top mattress.
Difference Between Memory Foam And Pillow Top
A pillow top mattress may contain memory foam, giving both beds a similar feel, but the difference in the other layers makes them stand outthe bounciness of innerspring coils or motion-restricting foam.
| Parameters | ||
|---|---|---|
| More likely to off-gas due to synthetic polyurethane foam | Slight off-gassing, depending on if the pillow top contains foam | |
| Price | Usually more expensive than a pillow top with the price for a queen size ranging between $600 to $4000 | Usually less expensive than memory foam with the price for a queen size ranging between $200 to $2000 |
How To Make A Pillow Top Mattress More Firm
There are many grounds for why you might need a firmer mattress. Your bed maybe a little softer than expected. Also, mattresses tend to get softer with time. If you have hip or back pain, a retailer may have recommended that you check orthopedic pillow top mattress reviews to influence you to lay on a firmer surface. Or your spouse moved in, and they need a firmer mattress tension.
Try placing your mattress on the floor
- If that makes it firmer, you can try putting some plywood boards between your mattress and the bed frame.
Dampness
- Your mattress can become softer from absorbing moisture from the air. This is more common in humid areas or if you live close to the coast. You need to take your bed and lay it in the sun or a heated room, then let it dry out for the whole day. This should firm up your mattress, and the heat should kill off any bacteria, germs and mould that may have occurred from the dampness.
Room temperature
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Determine The Material Of Your Existing Mattress
Pillow top pads and toppers are best used with innerspring and hybrid mattresses. A hybrid mattress has layers of spring or coil components and layers of foam, so that you have the support of a pocket spring plus the comfort of memory foam. A pillow top mattress topper or pad will enhance the comfort level of a hybrid mattress and an innerspring mattress with its plush filling. This hybrid mattress would pair well with this pillow top mattress pad, both from Amazon.
If your mattress is made with other materials such as down or wool, then a pillow top mattress topper will not provide too many additional benefits.
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What Are The Benefits Of A Mattress Topper
Advantages of using a mattress topper include the following:
Firmness AdjustmentA topper can significantly change the surface feel of your mattress. Most toppers offer a softer feel and are designed to be used with a firm mattress, but some models are intended to make a soft mattress feel firmer. If youre dissatisfied with how soft or firm your mattress feels but dont want to pay for a new bed, a topper can be a cost-effective solution.
Mattress ProtectionToppers are different from mattress protectors, which are very thin and solely designed to safeguard your mattress against spills, stains, dust, and other contaminants. However, toppers can help preserve your beds surface and prevent the comfort layer material from wearing out. This can extend the overall lifespan of your mattress.
Stronger SupportOver time, the comfort layer of your mattress will deteriorate. This can cause a loss of support that makes the surface feel uneven, and added aches and pains often follow. A sturdy topper adds an extra layer to keep your body on an even plane and prevent it from sagging in areas where you carry a lot of weight.
Better CoolingIf the surface of your mattress tends to trap heat and sleep warm, then a breathable topper can provide better temperature regulation to help you sleep more comfortably. The best cooling mattress topper materials include ventilated latex, natural wool, and open-cell foam.
Are Pillow Top Mattresses Any Good
Yes, pillow top mattresses add a plush and fluffy layer of cushioning to a mattress. It can also make a mattress look more premium and inviting — like jumping into a pile of pillows. Pillow top mattresses usually have innersprings or coils in the bottom layer for support, and the pillow top is meant to add more coziness to the top layer.
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Use Breathable Sheets On Your Mattress
Using breathable sheets on your mattress can make all the difference. Avoid sheets made from synthetic materials because they only add to the heat retention created by memory foam.
Sheets made from high-quality cotton are surprisingly effective at cooling your sleep surface down. Sheets made from natural bamboo fibers also provide a cooling sensation.
The thread count is not as important as the material the sheets are made from but usually, a thread count of 250-400 is optimal for sleeping cool.
The right sheets for your mattress are relatively inexpensive and should be considered first when trying to figure out how to cool down a Tempurpedic mattress.
Drawbacks Of Pillow Top Mattresses
Usually, pillow top mattresses are not the best option for couples. Pillow top beds are not the best for motion isolation. Sometimes these beds squeak and cause sleeping disruption if you move around.
Additionally, these beds have a coils support layer and are prone to sagging. Its common for pillow top mattresses to wear down within the first few years of using them.
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How Many Inches Of Memory Foam Is Best
Memory foam beds are typically composed of a memory foam layer and one or two other foam layers. Mattress thickness varies depending on the type of mattress. The best memory foam mattresses are at least 10 inches or thicker. A bed thinner than 10 inches is more likely to sag and may not withstand the pressure of your body weight.
Memory Foam Vs Pillow Top Mattress: Which One Is Right For You
Memory foam and pillow top mattresses are two higher end categories of bedding that consumers consider when theyre going for extra comfort and back pain relief. However, other than the fact that both of them fall in the luxury category, the two are quite different from each other and target sleepers with markedly different needs.
Without proper knowledge of these differences, you can end up spending a wad of cash on the wrong mattress that doesnt address your comfort / pain relief needs. Heres a memory foam vs pillow top comparison Ive created from my years of experience in the bedding industry, to help you make the right choice.
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Best Pillow Top Mattress For Back Pain
The WinkBed
- Firmness: soft, luxury firm, firm, plus
- Mattress type: hybrid with Euro top
- Return policy: 120-day home trial
- Best for: couples, hot sleepers, those looking for pressure relief
WinkBed has two layers of zoned, individually wrapped coils that give extra support to the areas of your body that need it the most. The pillow top has gel-infused foam for cushioning. WinkBed is also reinforced around the edges to provide a stable surface when you sit or sleep near the edge.
The individually wrapped coils provide motion isolation so that the bed is comfortable for two sleepers. The coil configuration also provides air circulation for better temperature regulation.
There are over 7,500 reviews for WinkBed, and theyre overwhelmingly positive. Customers rave about its ability to ease pressure point pain, its all-night comfort, and its temperature regulation.
WinkBed is available online and at a few brick-and-mortar stores. Shipping is free via UPS, but you must set it up yourself. There are additional fees for white glove service and for old mattress removal.
How To Choose A Pillow Top Mattress Pad Or Topper
Selecting the right pillow top mattress pad or topper will not only offer additional comfort but will also increase the lifespan of your existing mattress and help you avoid additional expenses.
To choose a pillow top mattress pad or topper, first inspect an existing mattress for wear and tear, determine what material the mattress is made of, and finally select the right dimensions of a pillow top pad or topper depending on the size, thickness, and material of the mattress.
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Eurotop Vs Pillow Top Mattress
The main difference between Euro top and pillow-top mattresses is the Euro top a flush appearance, while the pillow-top, looks like it sounds, a pillow on top of the bed.
This brings a better and more finished appeal for the euro-style pillow tops as they tend to have a streamlined design. They are also sometimes made of higher quality materials, but not always.
Of course, they come with certain considerations as well the beds may seem a bit bulkier. In certain situations, you might even have to consider a special bed frame.
Apart from that, though, both usually bring superior comfort and enhanced sleeping sensations.
Pillow Tops: Airbeds Vs Innerspring Beds
Airbeds and innerspring beds are the mattress types most likely to have a pillow top.
Airbeds Any part of an airbed can be replaced, including the pillow top. The top is not permanently attached to the airbed, and, as a result, the existing top can be easily removed and a new top added. The cost of the replacement top may or may not be covered under the warranty. In addition, the pillow top of an airbed can often be easily rotated or flipped to extend its life.
Innerspring Beds In contrast to an airbed, a pillow top on an innerspring mattress is almost always permanently attached and cannot be easily replaced or replaced at all. This likely means that, unlike the case with airbeds, the entire mattress would need to be replaced if the pillow top lost its comfort. The cost of replacing / repairing the mattress may or may not be covered under the warranty terms.
A small number of innerspring mattresses have a pillow top on the front and the back of the bed. This allows the mattress to be flipped on occasion to increase the lifespan of the pillow top and therefore the lifespan of the entire bed.
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How Do You Clean A Pillow Top Mattress
Spills or stains should be treated immediately. Mop up excess liquid with a clean towel. Use a very small amount of dishwashing liquid and a damp sponge to clean stains. Then press a clean, damp cloth into the cleaned area to rinse suds.
For routine cleaning, use a vacuum attachment to remove debris from the seams in your pillow top.
Six Ways To Prevent Or Fix Mattress Sag
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What Is A Pillow Top Mattress Why You Should Avoid Pillow Top Beds
The problem is that pillow-top mattresses can severely reduce the lifespan of your bed and once they compress, thats it youre stuck with it. Leading to only one solution which is binning the mattress. Read on to find out how to avoid pillowtop problems with this mattress guide to avoid settling for a poor pillow top mattress choice.
Alternatives To Pillow Top Mattresses
Although on first glance, buying a mattress with a pillow top sounds like a great option, there may be better options out there for you depending on your body. If you have a heavier body type:
Consider buying a mattress that is medium firm and offers more support.
Most folks may not know this, but it is one of the best times to be a mattress shopper. There are hundreds of new brands that are coming into the market to compete for your business and this means if you are willing to take a little extra time reading about the best mattresses for you, it can literally save you $1000s of dollars and endless headaches.If you are ready to learn more about why buying a mattress online direct from the brand is better than shopping elsewhere, read our 2022 Mattress Buying Guide!
…or jump right in to reading our reviews for our Top Rated Mattresses.
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What Makes The Saatva Hd Stand Out
- When heavier people move to their sides, they should feel less pressure on their shoulders and hips because of the zoning and plush pillow-top.
- The Saatva HD is a particularly great mattress for hot sleepers. The organic cotton cover is very breathable and the latex layer is ventilated.
- Additional cooling comes from the coils, which help promote airflow.
Bed-in-a-box mattresses offer convenience and easy set-up, making them an attractive option for shoppers. These days, the majority of online mattress retailers sell mattresses in a box, and have even found ways to compress high-quality mattresses. The Nolah Evolution is a bed-in-a-box, but dont worry, you wont be sacrificing quality for convenience. This bed offers a luxurious pillow top, which adds a layer of softness to the top of the bed. This can be great for sleepers with pain concerns who need a bed that helps cradle sensitive joints.
Turmerry Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Price:Firmness:
Who it’s best for:
- Shoppers looking for an eco-friendly topper
Highlights:
- Made with certified organic materials
- Two thickness and three firmness options
- Reasonable price-point
The Turmerry Organic Latex Mattress Topper is a latex model made with eco-friendly materials. This topper carries a reasonable price-point compared to other latex toppers, especially considering it is made with high-quality organic materials with the certifications to back them up. The wide firmness selection also makes the mattress suitable for side, back, or stomach sleeping.
Shoppers can purchase a 2-inch or 3-inch topper in soft , medium , or medium firm options. The topper is encased in an organic zippered cotton cover that can easily be removed for cleaning. The latex topper has both OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Global Organic Latex Standard certifications, ensuring the materials are sustainably produced and free of harmful substances.
Multiple design options make this topper a good fit for a variety of sleep preferences and body types. Side sleepers will likely prefer the soft or medium toppers, which provide more contouring to ease pressure off the shoulders and hips during sleep. Back sleepers may benefit from the medium topper, since they typically require a balance of contouring and support to promote spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers require firm surfaces and will likely need the firm topper.
Lab Notes What Our Testers Thought
Best for Spinal Alignment
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What Is The Difference Between A Pillow Top And A Euro Top Mattress
Although the distinction between these two types of mattresses is minimal and largely aesthetic, you will find both options when you start looking at mattresses. With a traditional pillow top, the appearance will literally be that two mattresses, a larger and a smaller, have been assembled as a unit.
With the euro top version, the topper portion is placed directly on the lower portion of the mattress and the cover encases both. The euro top has the appearance of one mattress and has the advantage of stronger edges and a more tailored appearance. It can be more durable in some cases, but there is no real difference in the amount of support or comfort between the two options. They are both excellent choices.
