A pillow top mattress can completely change the way you sleep. If you are looking for a bed that feels soft, plush, and comfortable right from the moment you lie down, this is the style to choose. The added top cushioning layer offers pressure relief for shoulders, hips, and back, while the underlying mattress ensures proper support and alignment.
However, not all pillow top mattresses are created equal. Some offer long-lasting support with premium cooling technologies, while others may feel too soft or lose shape with time. This detailed guide will help you understand what makes a high-quality pillow top mattress and review the best options available in the United States in 2025.
This guide includes construction types, advantages, considerations before buying, a sleep-style compatibility chart, and in-depth mattress reviews.
What is a Pillow Top Mattress
A pillow top mattress features a visibly separate cushioning layer stitched on top of the main mattress structure. This top surface is engineered to feel softer and more luxurious than standard mattresses. Materials commonly used inside the pillow top include memory foam, gel foam, latex, or fiberfill.
The purpose of this extra layer is to create a plush surface that relieves pressure points while the underlying springs or foam base provide the needed support. The right balance of these elements ensures healthier spinal alignment and enhanced overall rest.
Pillow Top vs Euro Top
While both belong to the same comfort category, they differ in design and feel.
A pillow top has a clear separation between the upper cushion and the supporting mattress. It feels softer and can offer a floating comfort sensation.
A Euro top has its soft layer integrated into the mattress design, creating a neater edge and slightly firmer support. Euro tops are often a bit more durable because the padding is better protected.
If you want a softer, hotel-like body hug, choose a pillow top.
If you want plush comfort but with better structure and shape retention, choose a Euro top.
Who Should Choose a Pillow Top Mattress
Pillow top mattresses are ideal for:
• Side sleepers who need extra pressure relief
• Sleepers with shoulder or hip discomfort
• Combination sleepers who switch positions frequently
• Anyone who prefers plush comfort similar to luxury hotel beds
• Couples who want motion isolation and comfort balance
They may not be right for:
• Sleepers who prefer a very firm feel
• Heavy sleepers who require stronger resistance to sinking unless choosing a hybrid option with firm coils
• People seeking a minimalist or responsive feel from latex or firm foam beds
Benefits of Pillow Top Mattresses
- Plush comfort and instant relaxation
- Superior pressure relief on sensitive joints
- Enhanced spinal alignment when designed with proper support
- Better suitability for all sleep positions, especially side sleepers
- Premium appearance and hotel-like sleep experience
Drawbacks to Consider
- Softer layers may compress over time if quality is low
- Some models may retain heat without cooling materials
- Heavier designs may be harder to move
- Cleaning can be more challenging since tops are sewn on and non-removable
To avoid durability concerns, it is important to select models with strong coils and high-density comfort materials.
How to Choose the Best Pillow Top Mattress
Before choosing, compare these key factors:
• Support structure: Hybrid and innerspring options provide solid strength
• Comfort material: Latex lasts longer, gel memory foam keeps you cool
• Firmness: Medium options suit most sleepers, firmer for back and stomach
• Cooling: Look for airflow or gel infusion
• Edge support: Stronger edges prevent sinking and maximize surface area
• Warranty: Look for sagging protection and at least 10 years of coverage
• Sleep trial: 100 or more nights shows brand confidence
Your perfect pillow top will combine softness, support, and breathability while matching your sleep style.
Top 10 Best Pillow Top Mattresses 2025
Detailed Reviews and Buyer Recommendations (USA)
The following mattresses represent the best performance in comfort, durability, support, and user satisfaction.
1. Saatva Classic Pillow Top – Best Overall
Type: Luxury innerspring hybrid
Firmness: Soft, Medium Firm, Firm
Overview:
The Saatva Classic is a true luxury pillow top mattress engineered with dual coil support for excellent spinal alignment and long-lasting comfort. The Euro top construction provides a plush yet supportive feel ideal for back pain relief.
Best For:
• Side and back sleepers
• Luxury shoppers seeking long mattress life
• Sleepers with lumbar discomfort
Construction:
• Euro pillow top with targeted lumbar reinforcement
• Dual coil system for stronger support and airflow
• High-density foam for contouring
Price Range: Premium
Pros: Excellent durability, strong edge support, luxury service including in-home setup
Cons: Premium price, less suited for sleepers who prefer memory-foam-only beds
2. Stearns & Foster Estate Pillow Top – Best Luxury Investment
Type: Hybrid luxury mattress
Firmness: Plush or Medium
Overview:
Hand-crafted quality with precise stitching and a smooth cushioned surface. It delivers true luxury comfort along with reinforced support for longevity.
Best For:
• High-budget buyers
• Couples seeking reduced motion transfer
• Shoppers wanting handcrafted aesthetics
Construction:
• Premium pillow top comfort layer
• Durable coil structure
• Enhanced ventilation throughout
Price Range: High-end
Pros: Excellent build quality, comfortable for pressure relief
Cons: Higher price than most competitors
3. Beautyrest Black Pillow Top – Best Cooling Comfort
Type: Hybrid mattress
Firmness: Medium Soft
Overview:
Designed specifically for hot sleepers, offering advanced airflow and cooling technology while maintaining a plush and luxurious pillow-top comfort.
Best For:
• Warm sleepers
• Couples needing motion control
Construction:
• Soft cooling pillow top layer
• Zoned pocketed coil support
Price Range: Premium
Pros: Superior temperature regulation
Cons: Softness may be excessive for stomach sleepers
4. DreamCloud Premier Mattress – Best Affordable Luxury
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium
Overview:
A more budget-friendly approach to luxury pillow-top comfort. DreamCloud Premier feels like a hotel mattress with a soft but supportive surface and strong motion absorption.
Best For:
• Value seekers
• Couples
• Side sleepers
Construction:
• Soft pillow top made of multiple foam layers
• Pocketed coil system
Price Range: Mid to upper affordable
Pros: High comfort for the price, good for joint pain
Cons: Not suitable for very firm mattress fans
5. WinkBed Pillow Top – Best for Back Pain Relief
Type: Hybrid
Firmness Options: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firm, Plus for heavy sleepers
Overview:
Engineered with zoned support coils, WinkBed excels in spinal alignment. The pillow top layer adds comfort while maintaining firmness under key pressure zones.
Best For:
• Back discomfort sufferers
• Heavier individuals looking for the Plus model
• Sleepers needing durable support
Construction:
• Euro top comfort design
• Zoned coils for tailored support
Price Range: Premium mid-range
Pros: Excellent support and structure
Cons: Firmer feel may not suit very soft-bed lovers
6. Helix Dawn Luxe Pillow Top – Best for Back and Stomach Sleepers
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Firm
Overview:
This model provides a solid, supportive feel with a softer pillow top than expected for a firm bed. Excellent for sleepers who need minimal sinkage.
Best For:
• Back sleepers
• Stomach sleepers
• Those who prefer a firmer foundation
Construction:
• Quilted pillow top with foam layers
• Reinforced coil base
Price Range: Premium
Pros: Strong body alignment performance
Cons: Side sleepers may find it too firm
7. Sealy Posturepedic Plus Pillow Top – Best Budget Hybrid Option
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium to Medium-Firm options
Overview:
An affordable brand known for orthopedic focus, providing both comfort and consistent postural support. Widely available in retail stores across the USA.
Best For:
• Budget-minded buyers
• Guest room and everyday use
Construction:
• Pillow top comfort foam
• Responsive coil support
Price Range: Affordable
Pros: Good value for the price
Cons: Not as durable as high-luxury models
8. Serta Perfect Sleeper Pillow Top – Best for Motion Isolation
Type: Innerspring hybrid
Firmness: Medium
Overview:
A reliable mattress known for superior motion control, making it a good match for couples who feel each other move during sleep.
Best For:
• Couples
• Mixed sleepers
Construction:
• Pillow top pressure relief
• Coil support system with minimal movement transfer
Price Range: Mid-range
Pros: Dependable comfort and quiet performance
Cons: May soften quicker over time
9. Avocado Green Pillow Top – Best Organic Pillow Top Choice
Type: Hybrid latex
Firmness: Medium
Overview:
This mattress is built with natural and organic materials, including latex and cotton. It delivers bouncy support with a plush upgrade through the pillow top attachment.
Best For:
• Eco-conscious shoppers
• Hot sleepers who need temperature neutrality
Construction:
• Natural latex pillow top layer
• Reinforced support coils
Price Range: Upper-mid to premium
Pros: Excellent cooling and durability
Cons: Latex feel may not suit memory-foam lovers
10. Puffy Royal Hybrid Pillow Top – Best for Side Sleepers
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Soft
Overview:
A deeply cushioned surface that eliminates pressure points, particularly comforting for side sleepers who struggle with shoulder or hip pressure.
Best For:
• Side sleepers
• Lightweight to average body types
Construction:
• Quilted pillow top with multiple comfort foams
• Body-adaptive coil support
Price Range: Premium
Pros: Strong pressure relief
Cons: Not ideal for heavier sleepers needing firmer support
Final Buying Recommendations
• For back pain: Choose WinkBed or Saatva
• For cooling performance: Beautyrest Black
• For budget luxury: DreamCloud Premier
• For organic materials: Avocado Green Pillow Top
• For firm support: Helix Dawn Luxe
A pillow top mattress can offer years of improved relaxation, deeper sleep, and physical comfort when properly selected. Always consider your sleep position, body type, and desire for softness versus firmness when making a purchase
