Pillow-top mattresses are just what they sound like — mattresses with an additional layer of cushioning on top of them, making them a go-to for sleepers wanting a more plush sleep experience. Typically found on innerspring and hybrid models, a pillow-top enhances softness, cushions pressure points, and adds a touch of everyday luxury.
Best Pillow-Top Mattress
WinkBed
The WinkBed stands out with four firmness options that cater to a wide range of body types and sleep positions. The Euro-top adds surface cushioning, while zoned coils provide balanced support.
When shopping for a pillow-top mattress, focus on the quality of both the pillow-top and the mattress for optimal support. This guide will walk you through the benefits of a pillow-top and how to find the right fit without breaking the bank.
This year, pillow-top hybrids topped our list. To explore more hybrids, check out our guide to the best hybrid mattress. To find this year’s top picks across categories, check out the best mattress of 2024.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following six options made our top picks list of 2024’s best pillow-top mattresses.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
WinkBed
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy From WinkBeds
Couples
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Plus (8)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Good Value
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
Why We Like It
The WinkBed is a standout pillow-top mattress with four different firmness levels: medium soft (4), medium firm (6), firm (7), and Plus (8).
All WinkBed models feature a cover made with breathable Tencel fabric. Underneath, each mattress also has a Euro-top surface padded with adaptive polyfoam. Standard models include an additional foam layer for extra support without making the mattress feel too stiff or creating excessive motion transfer. The Plus mattress features a 2.5-inch transitional layer composed of responsive latex. The layer is divided into seven firmness zones that our testers found ensured extra reinforcement around the midsection.
How Does It Feel?
The WinkBed’s support core contains zoned pocketed coils that we noticed stabilized the mattress and helped maintain an even sleep surface for our testers. Steady airflow throughout the coils helps regulate the temperature of the mattress.
The medium soft (4) feel provides plushness and close contouring, making it well suited to people under 130 pounds, particularly for our side-sleeping testers. Side sleepers under 230 pounds who want a balanced feel will enjoy the medium firm (6) model, which contours to the body and delivers strong overall support. The firm (7) model offers minimal conforming and will best suit back and stomach sleepers over 130 pounds.
Testers over 230 pounds found the firm (8) model the most comfortable. A robust support system reduces sinkage and bolsters the edges, allowing sleepers to move across the surface with relative ease.
Best Value Mattress
DreamCloud Premier
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy From DreamCloud
Hot Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Good Value
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
Why We Like It
DreamCloud Premier is a high-quality hybrid mattress with an affordable price-point and a medium firm (6) feel. A Euro-top cushioned with memory foam followed by a memory foam comfort layer creates an invitingly plush feel when you get into bed. However, the mattress is also highly supportive. A polyfoam transitional layer prevents sleepers from sinking too deeply into the mattress, while the pocketed coil support core provides excellent overall stability.
How Does It Feel?
We found that the close contouring of the mattress was ideal for side sleepers who normally find hybrids too firm or rigid, especially those weighing between 130 and 230 pounds. The Premier also appealed to our testers who tend to sleep hot. The coils generate consistent airflow, allowing the mattress to maintain a comfortable interior temperature.
Our testers noticed the thick foam layers absorb movement and reduce transfer across the surface, making the Premier a good fit for couples who require motion isolation to sleep soundly.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy From Brooklyn Bedding
Hot Sleepers
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Great Value
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
Why We Like It
Our team has tested all three of the Signature Hybrid’s firmness levels. Side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds appreciated the close contour and deep cradling of the medium soft (4) design. The medium firm (6) model was most popular among our team, earning particularly strong ratings from side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, back sleepers up to 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Those who need maximum support should consider the firm (8) design, which received high marks from our testers weighing more than 230 pounds across all three position groups.
If motion isolation and pressure relief are two of your top priorities as a mattress shopper, the medium soft model should meet your needs. The two firmer designs performed better in testing categories like edge support and ease of movement. With the cooling pillow-top in place, all three provide excellent temperature control.
How Does It Feel?
Each of the Signature Hybrid’s firmness levels has a distinct feel, but all feel plush and adaptive on the surface thanks to a top layer of cushy polyfoam. Responsive VariFlex transitional foam delivers a mellow bounce and creates a buffer between your body and the support core, which contains pocketed coils and dense base foam.
The cooling pillow-top adds an extra layer of foam. This makes the surface feel slightly softer without affecting the hybrid’s support system. The pillow-top’s shell is encased in GlacioTex, a fabric engineered to capture and release body heat on contact. Please note that upgrading to a pillow-top increases the sticker price, but the Signature Hybrid still costs much less than the average hybrid model.
Best Luxury Mattress
Avocado Green Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy From Avocado
Hot Sleepers
With Pillow-Top: Medium Firm (6)
Responsive Latex
Good Value
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
Why We Like It
The Avocado Green is a luxury hybrid mattress constructed from sustainably sourced materials. The comfort layer consists of Dunlop latex certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard. The mattress also features an organic cotton cover and a top layer made of organic wool batting, both of which have received certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard. A transitional latex layer and pocketed coil support core complete the hybrid design.
How Does It Feel?
The standard firm (7) Avocado Green models, which measure 11 inches thick, do not include a pillow-top. For an additional fee, customers can add this feature, which is cushioned with 2 extra inches of organic latex. This increases the Green’s profile to 13 inches and makes the surface slightly softer, resulting in a medium firm (6) feel. Side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds may want to consider this option, as well as back and stomach sleepers who weigh 130 to 230 pounds.
Our testing team found that the Avocado Green offered excellent temperature control with its breathable organic cotton cover, moisture-wicking wool batting, and ventilated latex layers. The coils also help the mattress stay cool by promoting steady airflow through the interior. Since latex is a naturally responsive material and the coils provide a noticeable bounce, the Green will also appeal to anyone who enjoys sleeping on a springy mattress.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy From Helix
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Great Value
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
Why We Like It
Although the Midnight Luxe is geared toward side sleepers, the balanced medium firm (6) feel of the mattress makes it an appealing option for most people under 230 pounds.
Memory foam has a tendency to trap heat, but the Midnight Luxe’s cover is made of breathable Tencel fabric that reduces heat buildup on the surface to help you stay cool. Tencel also has moisture-wicking properties.
How Does It Feel?
The pillow-top includes adaptive memory foam that responds slowly to your body and provides a cradling sensation. Our testers noticed that the second memory foam layer provided additional contouring, while a polyfoam transitional layer prevented them from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
The support core contains pocketed coils divided into different zones. This ensures extra reinforcement for the lower back and hips as well as less sinkage along the perimeter. In addition to providing excellent stability, the coils circulate air throughout the interior to help the mattress stay cool.
The Midnight Luxe’s construction gives the mattress an advantage over other hybrids in certain performance categories. We found the thick memory foam layers absorbed movement very well, resulting in less motion transfer than you might expect from a mattress with coils. The Midnight Luxe’s pressure relief is also above-average, particularly for side and back sleepers.
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Nolah Evolution 15
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy from Nolah
Hot Sleepers
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Good Value
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
Why We Like It
The Nolah Evolution 15 captures everything we like about Euro-top hybrid models. The foam layers offer just the right amount of cushioning on the surface while the sturdy coil base ensures your body won’t sink uncomfortably deep — and the zoned design bolsters areas like the lower back. This even balance of contouring and support goes a long way toward preventing aches and pains in your back. You can also pick between three firmness levels — Firm, Luxury Firm, and Plush — to nail down a model that’s best for you.
How Does It Feel?
The Firm, Luxury Firm, and Plush options correspond respectively to firm (8), medium firm (6), and medium (5) on our firmness scale. All models offer pressure-relieving plushness in varying degrees, depending on the firmness. The Firm model earned stellar reviews from our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds, and the Luxury Firm model earned positive reviews from most testers — except for side sleepers under 130 pounds, who found it a bit too firm. The Plush option appealed most to side sleepers, but back sleepers under 130 pounds also found it comfortable.
Across all models, heat retention was not a noticeable issue due in large part to airflow through the coils and cooling fibers in the cotton cover. The gusseted design also enhanced breathability, making this an impressively cool bed despite foam’s tendency to trap heat.
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.
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Discover More Mattress Solutions
We have a host of mattress buying guides that feature beds of all kinds, including additional pillow-top models.
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.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
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