If you’re after that plush, hotel-style surface with excellent comfort and support underneath, a pillow top mattress might be your ideal choice. This guide covers what a pillow top mattress really is, key features to look for, and detailed reviews of the best models available in the United States in 2025.
Whether you want deep comfort, pressure relief for hips and shoulders, or a luxurious upgrade — this article will walk you through everything.
What Is a Pillow Top Mattress?
A pillow top mattress features an extra layer of cushioning sewn onto the top surface of the mattress. This becomes the “first feel” when you lie down. Below that, the mattress still has a support core (coils, foam or hybrid) that ensures alignment and durability.
The pillow top gives you plush softness, while the underlying system prevents excessive sag and provides support. Materials used in the pillow top can vary widely: memory foam, latex, gel foam, fiberfill, and so on.
Pillow Top vs Euro Top
Though the two are similar, the difference is important:
- Pillow Top: The extra layer is visibly atop the mattress surface. You feel a distinct plush cushion on top of the support system.
- Euro Top: The extra layer is stitched flush into the mattress cover, giving a more uniform surface and often slightly firmer feel.
If you want maximum plush comfort, go pillow top. If you want plush but with more structure, consider a Euro top.
Why Choose a Pillow Top Mattress?
Here are key benefits:
- Enhanced pressure relief, especially for side sleepers
- Luxury feel that mimics premium hotel beds
- Greater comfort without sacrificing core support
- Smoother transitions between sleeping positions
- Can be ideal for couples who want softness plus minimal motion transfer
Considerations and Drawbacks
Before buying, be aware of these:
- Pillow tops can soften quickly if layer quality is low
- May retain heat if comfort layer isn’t designed for cooling
- Height and weight may increase — your bed frame must support it
- Top layer cleaning is harder because it’s part of the mattress structure
Select brands with higher quality foams or latex comfort layers and strong support cores to avoid durability issues.
How to Choose the Best Pillow Top Mattress
When comparing pillow top mattresses, focus on:
Support System
Look for coil counts, individually wrapped coils, foam base thickness. Good support prevents bottoming out.
Comfort Layer Quality
Memory foam for deep contouring; latex for bounce and durability; gel foams for cooling.
Firmness Level
Most pillow tops fall in Soft to Medium-Firm (4-7/10). Choose based on sleep position and body type.
Cooling & Breathability
Pillow tops can trap heat—ensure airflow, gel infusions, or breathable covers.
Edge Support & Motion Isolation
Important if you share the bed or use the full mattress surface.
Warranty & Sleep Trial
Look for at least 10 years warranty, and generous trial (100 nights or more).
Height & Frame Compatibility
Pillow top mattresses often exceed 14 inches. Ensure your sheets and bed frame match.
Top 10 Pillow Top Mattresses of 2025
Below are ten excellent choices, each catering to a different need or budget.
1. Saatva Classic Pillow Top
Type: Luxury innerspring hybrid
Firmness Options: Soft, Medium, Firm
Overview: A premium experience with dual coil support and hotel-luxury feel.
Best For: Anyone seeking top quality overall—side, back, or combination sleepers.
Pros: Excellent durability, edge support, white-glove delivery.
Cons: Premium price.
2. Stearns & Foster Estate Pillow Top
Type: Premium hybrid
Firmness Options: Plush, Medium
Overview: Handcrafted materials and design with a plush pillow top finish.
Best For: Luxury buyers who want craftsmanship plus comfort.
Pros: Superior materials and comfort.
Cons: High cost; may be too plush for preference of firmer feel.
3. Beautyrest Black Pillow Top
Type: High-end hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Soft
Overview: Plush comfort with advanced cooling tech and strong motion isolation.
Best For: Hot sleepers or couples wanting minimal motion transfer.
Pros: Excellent cooling and quiet feel.
Cons: Soft feel may be too much for stomach sleepers.
4. DreamCloud Premier Mattress
Type: Hybrid pillow top
Firmness: Medium
Overview: Luxury feel at a more moderate price point; plush pillow top with solid support.
Best For: Value seekers who still want high-level comfort.
Pros: Great comfort for the price.
Cons: Not quite as firm support as ultra-premium models.
5. WinkBed Pillow Top
Type: Hybrid with optional pillow top
Firmness Options: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firm, Plus
Overview: Strong support, zoned coil system, pillow top option adds plush comfort.
Best For: Sleepers needing strong support and comfort—especially heavier bodies.
Pros: Fantastic edge support and durability.
Cons: Pillow top may slightly soften the firm feel.
6. Helix Midnight Luxe (Pillow Top)
Type: Hybrid pillow top
Firmness: Medium
Overview: Balanced feel with plush comfort and good support—ideal for side sleepers.
Best For: Side and combination sleepers who want plush top with strong underlying support.
Pros: Balanced comfort and support.
Cons: Medium feel may be too soft for stomach sleepers.
7. Sealy Posturepedic Plus Pillow Top
Type: Hybrid/innerspring pillow top
Firmness: Medium-Firm
Overview: Accessible value option offering pillow top comfort and decent support.
Best For: Value buyers, guest rooms, everyday use.
Pros: Good value and widely available.
Cons: Not as premium as higher-end models.
8. Serta Perfect Sleeper Pillow Top
Type: Hybrid/innerspring pillow top
Firmness: Medium
Overview: Reliable brand, good comfort layer, motion control for couples.
Best For: Budget-to-mid buyers wanting comfort and reliability.
Pros: Decent comfort and isolation at a fair price.
Cons: May soften sooner; edge support slightly less robust.
9. Avocado Green Pillow Top
Type: Hybrid natural latex/coil
Firmness: Medium
Overview: Premium natural materials plus pillow top comfort—eco-friendly and luxurious.
Best For: Buyers wanting organic materials and plush comfort.
Pros: Excellent durability and cooling natural materials.
Cons: Higher cost, latex feel may differ from foam lovers.
10. Puffy Royal Hybrid Pillow Top
Type: Hybrid pillow top
Firmness: Medium-Soft
Overview: Deep cushioning surface, great for side sleepers, hip/shoulder relief.
Best For: Side sleepers seeking ultimate pressure relief.
Pros: Plush top layer with good underlying support.
Cons: Not ideal for heavier sleepers who prefer firmer feel.
Final Recommendation
When choosing a pillow top mattress, match your priorities:
- Looking for all-round luxury? Saatva Classic
- Want high-end cooling for hot nights? Beautyrest Black Pillow Top
- Value luxury feel without huge cost? DreamCloud Premier
- Eco materials plus pillow top comfort? Avocado Green Pillow Top
- Side sleeper needing hip & shoulder relief? Puffy Royal Hybrid Pillow Top
A well-selected pillow top mattress combines the softness you want with the support you need. It can offer years of plush, restful sleep with proper alignment and comfort in one package.
Care & Maintenance
- Rotate mattress every 3-6 months unless manufacturer advises otherwise.
- Use a mattress protector to guard the pillow top layer from stains and moisture.
- Ensure your bed frame provides proper support for thicker mattresses.
- Avoid sleeping on edge or sitting on it daily to retain shape.
- Keep mattress clean: vacuum upholstery surface periodically.
Good care helps maintain the plush feel of the pillow top and the long-term performance of the mattress.
Conclusion
A great pillow top mattress gives you the best of both worlds: luxurious cushioning at the surface and reliable support beneath. The models listed here are among the best available in the USA in 2025—covering luxury, value, eco-friendly, cooling, and specialty use cases.
If you want to wake up feeling rested, supported and comfortable, pick the model that matches your sleep style and budget. Invest well now and enjoy many nights of high-quality sleep.
Happy mattress shopping.