Best Pillow Top Mattress- Reviews and Buying Guide

A pillow top mattress is a special type of mattress. It is different from a standard bed, because it has a thick cushioned layer of padding that covers the whole top of the mattress. This can add to the comfort of a mattress, yet still provide support. Pillow top mattresses have gained popularity over the years, and they are readily available to the general public.

What is a Pillow Top Mattress?

A pillow top mattress underneath is an ordinary bed, but one that has a cushioning layer on top which is typically made from fiber, foam or down feathers. It is secured on top of the mattress and will often give the entire bed a larger than life look.

Pillow top mattresses are available in a variety of levels of thickness, ranging from a thin covering to a plump dressing that may require the additional purchase of new sets of sheets with deep pockets.

Our Top Picks

Serta Perfect Sleeper Pillow Top Mattress

The Serta Perfect Sleeper Pillow Top Mattress is one of the best sellers. Serta’s Advanced Comfort Quilt on the pillow top reduces tossing and turning. It is also made with a special Innerspring that provides proper spinal support while sleeping.

The memory foam in the pillow top cradles the sleeper’s body for a comfortable night’s sleep. This mattress supports at the same time that it keeps you comfortable.

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Sealy Posturepedic Castle Hill Ultra Plush Euro Pillow Top Mattress

Another top seller is the Sealy Posturepedic Castle Hill Ultra Plush Euro Pillow Top Mattress. The mattress height is 13.5 inches high, and it has three inches of foam padding in the pillow top. The center third of the mattress is memory foam with special coils that provide support. It has a 10 year guarantee.

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Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Marianne Luxury Plush Euro Pillowtop Mattress

Also on the list of popular mattresses is the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Marianne Luxury Plush Euro Pillowtop Mattress.

This mattress is available in standard height or in low profile to fit platform beds. It has a very thick padded pillow top that has several different types of foams in it. It is a very high mattress that is 17 inches high, so deep pocket sheets are definitely needed to fit it.

The high coil content provides support while the pillow top provides comfort for the sleeper. This mattress costs between $5,000 and $6,000, but it is sometimes on sale at famous department stores and other sites for up to $2,000 off the original price. It is only made in queen size, king size, and California king size.

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Simmons Beautyrest Edgewater Plush Pillow Top Mattress

Simmons Beautyrest Edgewater Plush Pillow Top Mattress is also a best-selling mattress. This mattress has three different kinds of foams in the pillow top, and a core of memory foam that is supported by the company’s unique coil springs. It adjusts with your body as you move. It is reasonably priced at around $1,360 for a twin size $1,700 for queen size, and around $2,500 for king size.

How Much Does a Pillow Top Mattress Cost?

A pillow top mattress is an investment that can cost thousands of dollars, and it should last for around ten years. Some mattresses will last longer, for around 20 years. Since it is a substantial investment, careful research should be undertaken before purchasing a new pillow top mattress. There are some differences in mattresses, and simply purchasing the least expensive one will not always result in the sound sleep that you hope to get when purchasing this type of mattress.

Some of the best rated pillow top mattresses have a 20-year guarantee, while others that are also very good have only a 10-year guarantee. It is possible to find out many details about pillow top mattresses by searching online. A lot of information is posted about the most well-known mattresses, such as the height of the mattress, number of coils, type of foam padding in the pillow top, whether there are relief zones or not, warranty information, and the price.

It is important to realize that many review websites may compare two different mattresses of different sizes. This is not important except where the price is concerned. A king-size bed or California king-size bed will cost more than a twin size bed, so it is necessary to compare the same sizes when doing price comparisons.

A pillow top mattress can sometimes be expensive, depending on the manufacturer, the materials used and the type of store it has been purchased in. Checking local discount furniture dealers and mattress warehouses may help the consumer save on this type of bed.

What Will a Pillow Top Mattress Do for Me?

For some people, firmer mattresses can often create a very uncomfortable and somewhat painful night. Some have claimed that purchasing a pillow top mattress has alleviated the pressure that can be associated with a firmer mattress and that sleepless nights were eliminated due to the level of comfort that this type of bed can provide.

Depending on the thickness of the cushion, a person can still have the support of a firmer bed which is ideal for back issues and, yet, not feel as if he or she is lying on a hard board. A thicker pillow top mattress tends to absorb the movement of his or her partner, thus helping provide undisturbed rest.

Allergy suffers may find relief with most pillow top mattresses. Most are created from natural materials such as down, wool and latex foam. These types of material are naturally hypoallergenic and can eliminate mold and dust mites. Although wool and latex are the best for allergy suffers, there are alternatives to down feathers should that be the level of comfort that the consumer is looking for.

Durability in a pillow top mattress is important and most available choices will last for an extended amount of time, however some longer than others. With a little regular maintenance, a pillow top mattress should provide many years of comfort.

If the consumer complains of constant interrupted sleep due to the movement of a partner or feeling uncomfortable due to temperature changes within the body throughout the night, a pillow top mattress can eliminate both disruptions from a sleeping partner as well as help regulate one’s body temperature during both warmer and cooler months.

Are There Disadvantages to Owning a Pillow Top?

Unlike regular mattresses, however, not all pillow tops can be flipped. The more typical mattress is identical on both sides whereas the pillow top may be secured on one side only.

Older versions had the pillow top on both sides, however this did not allow the mattress to sit evenly on the box spring.

Over time, the pillow top mattress may begin to lose its softness in the sections that are slept in the most. This can possibly be avoided by rotating the mattress on a regular basis.

Buy a Pillow Top Without Buying a New Bed

Pillow tops do not necessarily need to come already attached to the mattress. Many department stores carry these featherbeds that can be purchased separately and be used on any type of mattress.

Since these are not attached, they can be rotated and flipped to prolong their softness and keep their shape even. They can also be a much cheaper alternative to the standard pillow top beds.

The other benefit to purchasing a removable pillow top is that it may save the life of the standard mattress already being used.

Pros and Cons of Pillow Top Mattresses

Down pillow tops are the softest ones available. For those who are looking to be cuddled by their mattress, the undeniable suppleness will provide them with that cloud-like feeling they desire.

Down pillow tops can also help regulate body temperature, creating warmth in the winter and coolness during the warmer months.

They can be dry cleaned and, although they tend to flatten out after time, this can be delayed by simply shaking and fluffing the pillow top on a regular basis.

Allergy suffers can also enjoy the comfort of down with the many hypoallergenic alternatives available on the market. However, these types of pillow tops are not recommended for those who are looking for back support.

Latex foam pillow tops can also help regulate body temperature, but will provide more support than down which is ideal for those with aching joints. It is a durable choice, made from natural materials that allow the mattress to breathe and is naturally hypoallergenic.

The microbial qualities of the latex helps keep it resistant to bacteria and molds. Like memory foam, latex pillow tops will contour to the sleeper’s shape and reduce movement disturbances from his or her partner during the night.

Latex pillow tops are not easy to clean and, although they tend to be the pillow top of choice for allergy suffers, those with allergies to latex cannot use this type of mattress. They also tend to lose their elasticity over time and are more expensive than down pillow tops.

The most expensive type of pillow top mattress available is made from wool. Like the previous type of pillow tops discussed, wool is also a comfortable version, keeping one’s body cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They are available in a variety of blends and can be easily managed with regular fluffing to prolong the pillow top’s life. Wool can also be cleaned and is naturally hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial.

Wool pillow tops are durable and will last for a long time. However, this is an option that was designed with comfort in mind more than support. Like down, wool will eventually flatten and need to be replaced.

Serta Pillow Top Mattresses

Serta is a company that makes mattresses. Since the 1930’s they have been a leader in the bedding industry. One of their crowning achievements is the Serta pillow top mattress. It is made with both luxury and support in mind. The amazing top cushions you, while the innersprings of the mattress create a strong and firm support system.

Serta pillow top mattresses are available on a few of their mattress lines. They include the Serta Perfect Sleeper Du Jour Pillowtop and the Serta Perfect Day Enlivenment Pillowtop mattress sets. They both provide style and comfort and never need to be flipped or rotated.  With the large pillow top only being on one side of the mattress, the need for rotation is no longer there and you can enjoy your mattress without the inconvenience of having to move it around from time to time.

The Du Jour mattress set is available in single all the way through California king. It has their patented Advanced Comfort Quilt and the Zoned Convoluted Foam.

Both of those together create the pillow top. The Enlivenment set is available in full size through California king. It has a Plush Super Pillowtop that is comprised of a few different layers. They include comfort foam, Kool Komfort Visco Foam, and high loft fiber.

Serta also carries pillow top mattress lines inspired and designed by Vera Wang. One of them is called the Sequins Super Pillowtop Mattress. It provides a complete sense of softness and comfort yet is built to withstand the test of time.

Simmons Pillow Top Mattress

Simmons pillow top mattresses are another well-known name in the world of mattresses. They carry dozens of models that have the pillow top feature. Simmons has been around for almost 140 years.

Simmons Beautyrest line consists of multiple levels of comfort and pricing. The Exceptional Line includes the McNally Latex Plush Super Pillowtop Mattress set.

Because of the opulent pillow top, this mattress is 16” deep! The Simmons World Class line is yet another Serta innovation. It includes a mattress set named Lusaka. It is available in three different choices: the Visco Plush Supertop, the Visco Firm Pillowtop, and the Visco Plush Super Pillowtop.

Do You Really Need a Pillow Top Mattress?

Most conventional mattresses sets have a wide range of comfort levels. There are firm mattresses, soft mattresses and everything in-between.

Many people need the support of a firmer mattress. At the same time, some of those mattresses do not provide a great deal of softness or comfort.

A pillowtop mattress can be the best of both worlds. People with back problems and other sleep issues have found that these types of mattresses can offer relief from their symptoms and offer a better night’s sleep.

Luxury

A pillow top mattress can feel like a luxury. The mattress itself is firm, with a layer of soft cushioning on top. The comfort is evident from the moment you lay down. People that use them usually rave about the superior quality of their sleep, especially when compared to a regular mattress set.

A pillow top mattress set provides comfort and support. Many people say that sleeping on one is like sleeping on a cloud.  There are many options available. Manufacturers make them in every size, from single to king size pillow top mattress sets.

Some of the makes and models of pillow top mattress sets can be quite expensive. However, there are more affordable options for people that want the comfort of one but can’t afford the price, or are not sure about committing to a new mattress.

A pillow top mattress pad can be a much less expensive alternative. It is actually a mattress pad with an extra layer of cushioning built in. This can help add comfort to a bed and extend the life of a mattress.

In order to extend the life of a mattress, most manufacturers tell consumers to flip the mattress over and rotate it few times a year. However, flipping is not an option with pillow top mattresses. To compensate for this, makers of these beds use extremely strong coils in the mattress. These coils might even be wrapped in a protective layer for added support. This adds to the firmness of the bed. However, because of the top layer of cushioning, most people don’t even notice the extreme firmness of the actual mattress.

Many people with back problems find relief when sleeping on a pillow top mattress set. The rigid coils provide the support they need. The extra padding on the top layer provides a certain level of comfort that ordinary mattresses do not. Even people that have dealt with restless sleep for years tend to tout the benefits of a pillow top mattress.

Finding the right mattress is as simple as finding a store that sells them. Going to a retailer that has them on display and actually laying down on one to “test it out” will give you a good idea of what to expect.

Department stores such as Macy’s and JCPenney sell special mattress sets. Even online retailers such as Amazon offer them. They also sell the pillow top mattress covers, which may be a good option to try before you actually spend the money on the whole mattress set.

It should be noted that special sheets are often needed for these mattress sets. This is because a pillow top mattress can be much thicker than a regular mattress. Many of them range from 13” to 15”, although some might even be thicker than that. Companies that make sheets are aware of this, and have brought out new product lines made specifically for these types of mattress. Even just buying a pillow top mattress cover can create the need for the deeper sheets.

If you’re looking to replace your current mattress, then checking into a pillow top version might be worth it. They provide superior comfort and support. A pillow top mattress set might even be able to enhance the quality of your sleep.

How to Choose a Pillow Top Mattress

So you have decided that it is time for a new bed.  You have had your bed for what seems like forever.  You know exactly where you sleep by the indentation in the mattress.  When you lay down, you roll into that spot every night.

It has been years since you have purchased a new mattress and you not sure what you should look out for.  You know you want a pillow top mattress, but that is it.  How can you know what kind of mattress you should buy?

There are going to be a few factors to take into consideration before purchasing a pillow top mattress set.  These include, but are not limited to, comfort, cost and style of the mattress.  Since the bedding technology has made large strides in the past few years, there are many options and price ranges to choose from.

Spend some time shopping around

The first thing you want to do is be prepared to spend some time shopping.  You do not want to go into the first mattress store and buy the first pillow top mattress that feels comfortable to you.

This process takes some time and searching.  You will also want to do a bit of research as well.

Before purchasing any type of mattress, it is always best to visit several dealers and ask opinions of all sales clerks available. One may be in love with a down pillow top mattress whereas another may have personally had a bad experience with one.

What’s Your Budget?

You will also need to decide how much you can reasonably afford to spend on a pillow top mattress.  This can be an expensive purchase, so in order to comparison shop you will need a set price you can spend.

Do not go over this budget.

You can get a good quality mattress for a good price if you are a smart shopper.

Never go to a thrift store or discount warehouse to purchase a mattress.  Yes, the costs are low.  The bad thing is that many companies refurbish old mattresses and sell them as new.  These mattresses are then donated to thrift stores or sold very cheaply to furniture outlets.

Many of these used mattresses come from the hotel/motel industry. Hundreds if not thousands of people from all over the world have slept on them.  They are traded in every couple of years for new mattresses. The old ones go through the process mentioned above. In some cases, the mattresses are not even cleaned before they are recovered. They simply throw a new cover over the existing cover and get rid of them cheaply.

Know the details

There are two basic types of pillow top mattresses.  Those that have inner springs or coils and those do not have springs but use foams instead.  The most common type of mattress is the coil or spring type.  You can find a very affordable and comfortable new mattress that has inner springs.

The most common mattress that does not have inner springs is known as memory foam.  These pillow top mattresses will cost a good deal more.  This is a new technology but many find that these mattresses are very comfortable.  No matter what type of pillow top mattress you choose, make sure you know exactly what you are getting before you spend your hard earned money it.

Ask about how to protect the warranty on the bed. Although most beds will come with some level of warranty, it can easily be nullified due to certain circumstances including how the bed was used and/or protected. Often, the additional purchase of a cover for $10 will allow the consumer to benefit from the length of the warranty.

Consider exploring the possibility of purchasing a removable pillow top as well before making a large and somewhat expensive decision on buying a whole new bed.

Whereas an entire mattress and box spring may cost anywhere between $500 to $2000, removable pillow tops often run around $100 to $200 depending on the materials used and the size of the bed that it is for.

Whether or not purchasing a removable pillow top truly depends of the condition of the currently used mattress. Should the existing mattress be in decent condition, a removable pillow top may be enough to provide the level of comfort and support that is desired.

However, should the current mattress show evident signs of wear and tear, an entire new set will most likely need to be purchased as the removable pillow top will do little to help this.

When looking for a new pillow top, experts recommend that you look for a bed with at least a 10 year guarantee. It is also helpful to look for the amount of coils in the mattress to make sure that it will support your body. Lying down on the mattress is the best way to tell if you like the way that it feels. Pillow top mattresses can be found at specialty stores online and at department stores and mattress stores.