Pillow top mattresses are designed to increase comfort levels, with some describing it as "cloud-like". A pillow top mattress features a fixed layer that adds additional comfort and can offer a more luxurious feel.
These pillow top layers are made from a variety of materials, ranging from synthetic materials to latex. All with different levels of comfort, firmness and body contouring. Besides the pressure-relieving features these layers can provide, a pillow top mattress is also a great bed for couples due to its motion isolation properties.
(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs In Conclusion).
| MATTRESS | TYPE | FIRMNESS RATING | TRIAL & WARRANTY | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silentnight Risborough Mirapocket Mattress | Pocket Sprung | Firm | 40 Nights 5 Years | £949 |
| Sealy Posturepedic Pearl Luxury Mattress | Pocket Sprung | Medium | NA Nights 5 Years | £639 |
| Sealy Posturepedic Nostromo Latex 1400 Pocket Mattress | Pocket Sprung | Medium | NA Nights 5 Years | £920.40 |
| Sleepeezee Memory Comfort 1000 Pocket Mattress | Pocket Sprung | Medium-firm | 60 Nights 5 Years | £499 |
| Hypnos Superb Pocket Spring Mattress | Pocket Sprung | Firm | NA Nights 10 Years | £679.20 |
1. Silentnight Risborough Mirapocket Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Mirapocket support layer • Single-sided mattress • Zoned support system | • Individuals with allergies • Sleepers who enjoy a firm mattress • Those who prefer British products |
The Silentnight Risborough Mirapocket Mattress features a pillow top finish for that extra comfort. This pillow top mattress is well received by customers and has been rated highly. The mattress stands at 32cm tall and has a firm feel.
The Silentnight Risborough Mirapocket Mattress is a multi-layered design finished off with a quilted pillow top layer. The base features a dual Mirapocket support layer. This layer consists of 2 separate layers of individually wrapped pocket springs. This is designed to support your body and distribute your weight evenly across the mattress. The pillow top layer sits above a pressure-relieving memory foam layer designed to contour to the body and promote pressure relief.
In terms of care, the Silentnight Risborough Mirapocket Mattress features mattress handles for easy manoeuvrability. It is suggested to rotate this single-sided mattress every week for the first 3 months, then once a month thereafter. For security, Dreams offer a 40-night comfort exchange and a purchasable guarantee period of up to 8 years.
2. Sealy Posturepedic Pearl Luxury Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Sealy Smart Fibres • PostureTech Core springs • Hypoallergenic | • Sleepers who enjoy a medium firmness • Those seeking spinal alignment • Hot sleepers |
The Sealy Posturepedic Pearl Luxury Pillow Top Mattress is made in the UK and is approved by the National Bed Federation. It has the added benefit of being scientifically proven to remove common allergens, approved by Allergy UK. The medium feel mattress is also fire resistant and stands at 29cm tall.
This pillow top mattress features a spring layer and a soft yet breathable cover. The PostureTech Core Support Springs are designed to align your spine correctly while also distributing your weight evenly across the mattress. The pillow top finish, combined with the micro-quilted knitted and hypoallergenic cover, were engineered to produce a comfortable sleep surface that is allergy-friendly while also being breathable. Additionally, the cover is Tencel infused for a more natural and cooling finish.
The Sealy Posturepedic Pearl Luxury Pillow Top Mattress comes with a 5-year guarantee and includes handles for rotation. Rotating the mattress can extend the life of your mattress and maintain its structure.
3. Sealy Posturepedic Nostromo Latex 1400 Pocket Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Innergetic latex material • 30cm depth • Medium firmness | • Individuals looking for pressure relief • Those who prefer edge support • People with a larger budget |
The Sealy Posturepedic Nostromo Latex 1400 Pocket Pillow Top Mattress is made in the UK and has a 30cm depth. This pillow top mattress has a medium feel and is approved by the National Bed Federation.
The Sealy Posturepedic Nostromo Latex 1400 Pocket Pillow Top Mattress has several layers, including pocket springs and a natural Tencel cover. The cover is naturally temperature-regulating and anti-microbial, thanks to its Tencel composition. The spring layer consists of individually wrapped springs in Sealy’s patented Unirail border. The spring layer was designed to provide correct spinal alignment and pressure point relief. The pillow top section of this mattress is combined with an Innergetic latex layer to add a luxurious feel and increase pressure-relieving properties.
This pillow top mattress also features mattress handles for easy manoeuvrability, which help to lengthen the mattress lifespan while also protecting the structure. The Sealy Posturepedic Nostromo Latex 1400 Pocket Pillow Top Mattress also comes with a 5-year guarantee.
4. Sleepeezee Memory Comfort 1000 Pocket Pillow Top Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Medium-firm feel • Chrome-finished air vents • 1000 individual pocket springs | • Sleepers seeking lower back support • Those who enjoy memory foam • Couples |
The Sleepeezee Memory Comfort 1000 Pocket Pillow Top Mattress is handcrafted in the UK, is fire resistant, and is a National Bed Federation approved product. It has a depth of 26cm and a comfort rating of medium-firm.
This pillow top mattress features a knitted, micro-quilted cover that is also hypoallergenic, meaning it can help to remove common allergens. The internal layers consist of a dual memory foam pressure-relieving layer and a supportive spring base layer. In addition, this pillow top mattress features no roll together technology; lower back targeted support and air vents for breathability. The pillow top layer is designed to add a luxurious plush feel while increasing support and comfort.
The Sleepeezee Memory Comfort 1000 Pocket Pillow Top Mattress features micro-quilted side covers for extra durability, and features handles for rotation. Moreover, this Sleepeezee Mattress comes with a 60-night trial and a 5-year guarantee.
5. Hypnos Superb Pillow Top Pocket Spring Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • ReActive pocket spring system • Solotex luxury cushioning • Side-stitched edges | • Those who prefer natural materials • Sleepers who enjoy edge support • People who prefer a firm feel |
This Superb Pillow Top Pocket Spring Mattress is a locally made pillow top mattress with a depth of 30cm and a firm comfort rating. The construction of this pillow top mattress features a spring layer with added natural filling materials.
The Hypnos Superb Pillow Top Pocket Spring Mattress features a fine viscose cover that was designed to be cooling and soft to the touch. The spring layer is called the ReActive™ pocket spring system and provides support for the mattress. Comfort layers have also been added with natural layers of British lambswool, cashmere, mohair and Solotex™ luxury cushioning. Each mattress is hand-tufted for extra durability and care and features 2 rows of side-stitching for additional edge-to-edge support.
John Lewis & Partners are leading retailers in the UK, and upon purchasing their mattress, you will receive a 10-year guarantee.
What Is A Pillow Top Mattress?
The term pillow top may be relatively unknown for first-time mattress buyers; however, they are a popular choice if you’re seeking extra comfort.
A pillow top mattress is essentially an extra layer sewn on top of the mattress. This layer is usually around 2 inches thick and can be made from various materials, such as memory foam, wool and cotton. The pillow top is generally connected to the centre of the mattress, meaning the sides are often not firmly attached.
Similar to a mattress topper, buyers may be interested in purchasing a pillow top mattress if they want extra cushioning and a softer feel. Pillow tops are often paired with pocket sprung mattresses as they can provide a balance between the firm mattress and the soft pillow top.
Pillow Top Vs Euro Top
There is often some confusion surrounding the differences between a pillow top mattress and a euro top. While both options are relatively similar, it’s helpful to be familiar with the terminology and the slight differences that exist between the two types.
| Pillow Top | Euro Top |
|---|---|
| ○ Usually sewn onto the base of the mattress, meaning the sides are often detached. | ◻ Sides are often attached to the mattress, which may provide better edge support. |
| ○ The detached sides can give a layered feeling to the mattress. | ◻ As the sides are attached, the euro top can feel more integrated with the mattress. |
| ○ Typically around 2 inches thick and typically filled with cotton or foam. | ◻ Euro tops tend to be thicker due to the denser materials. |
| ○ Pillow tops often offer a soft and cushioned feel. | ◻ The dense materials can add to the firmness of a euro top. |
| ○ Thinner materials and detached edges may make the pillow top less durable. | ◻ Thick materials and integration with the mattress increase its durability. |
Pillow Top Mattress Types
Pillow tops are often made using soft materials, such as foam or cotton. Therefore it’s worth exploring what types of mattresses can be paired with pillow tops and how they can benefit the sleeper.
Pocket Sprung
Pocket sprung mattresses are constructed using layers of springs and coils, which are often combined with foam for extra comfort. Due to the springs, these tend to be a firmer mattress choice, often providing a more stable feeling. They are also ideal for hot sleepers as the coils can allow for added airflow and breathability.
Pillow tops are often paired with pocket sprung mattresses as they can create a cushioned feel whilst maintaining the firmness of the mattress. This can appeal to heavier individuals who require sufficient support but desire a softer surface.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a popular mattress material that is made using polyurethane to create a soft and cushioned feel. Memory foam mattresses are particularly popular due to their ability to use heat to contour to the body. Although, the heat retaining properties may not be an ideal option for hot sleepers as traditional memory foam is not known for temperature regulation.
When paired with a pillow top, some sleepers may find the overall feel too soft, and they may even sleep hotter than on a typical memory foam mattress. While a soft mattress can be good for pressure relief, a firm pillow top may be more beneficial as it can create a good balance to contrast against the softness of the memory foam.
Latex
Latex mattresses are similar to memory foam as they tend to offer a soft feel, yet they may be more firm and bouncy due to the elastic properties of latex. The material itself is considered more organic as it’s primarily a natural substance, taken from the sap from rubber trees.
On the firmness scale, latex mattresses typically fall around medium-firm, as they offer a good amount of support. This means that you can opt for either a soft or firm pillow top, depending on your personal needs and preferences.
Did you know?
Despite popular belief, a 2016 study✓ involving 20 participants found that latex mattresses were more effective than foam at reducing overall bodily pressure.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The right mattress should last a long time and give you good value for money. Therefore, it’s worth exploring all the pros and cons when investing in a new mattress. However, bear in mind that many of these points may differ depending on factors such as body weight, sleeping position and preferences.
Advantages
- Pillow tops can be used to add an extra layer of comfort
- When combined with a pocket sprung mattress, pillow tops can balance out the firmness and offer a good middle-ground
- Pillow top mattresses are available in a variety of sizes and price ranges
- The cushioning and softness of a pillow top may help with pressure relief
- Memory foam pillow tops can help to reduce motion isolation, which could be a good mattress option for couples
Disadvantages
- Heavier people may not appreciate the cushioning feel of a pillow top as it might not provide the firm support required
- As many pillow tops use soft materials, they may not be as durable and could be prone to sagging.
- Pillow top mattresses may not provide as much edge support as the edges are typically detached.
- If the pillow top is made from memory foam, it may make the mattress surface feel hotter.
- Depending on the thickness of the pillow top, it may be necessary to purchase deep fitted bed sheets to fit over the additional layer.
The Ideal Pillow Top Mattress Firmness
Many sleepers could benefit from a pillow top mattress for various reasons. However, this can largely depend on whether the mattress or the pillow top offers a firm or soft feel.
- Heavy Individuals: If a mattress or pillow top is too soft, a heavier person may experience an unpleasant sinking feeling, and the mattress may sag over time. In addition, a study✓ found that a higher BMI may lead to increased pressure on body parts while sleeping. Therefore a firmer pillow top mattress may provide more support and stability for pressure points.
- Lighter Individuals: For sleepers with lower body weight, a firm pillow top mattress may feel like you’re laying on top of the mattress rather than in it, which means you could miss out on that popular hugging sensation. A soft pillow top with memory foam can help provide that extra cushioning while also offering pressure relief.
- Back and front sleepers: Individuals who sleep on their front or back may benefit from a soft pillow-top as it can counteract the firmness of a mattress. For these front or back sleepers, a too firm mattress may push the hips upwards and cause the spine to curve unnaturally.
- Side sleepers: Those who sleep on their sides may benefit from a softer pillow top mattress as side sleepers tend to put more pressure on their shoulders, hips and knees. Studies✓ have also found that if side sleepers suffer from shoulder pain, they are actually more likely to sleep on their painful side. Therefore, a softer surface may provide a good amount of pressure relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pillow top mattress?
A pillow top mattress is an extra layer sewn on top of the mattress. They are commonly made from foam or cotton and are often designed to offer additional comfort.
How to fix a sagging pillow top mattress?
As pillow top mattresses are typically not designed to be flipped, an easy option could be to rotate them. You can also place a firm board between the mattress and the bed base to add extra support.
What is a euro pillow top mattress?
A euro top is very similar to a pillow top, with the key difference being that it is more integrated as a final layer of the mattress rather than sitting on top. Euro tops may also use thicker and more dense materials.