When choosing your next mattress, you'll probably come across a lot of industry jargon, and decoding it can be a job in itself. One term you've probably seen is 'pillow-top' along with 'euro-top' and 'tight-top.' Now, it's not as confusing as it might seem. In fact, this just refers to how the top section of your mattress is made.
Many of our top picks in this year's best mattress guide for all sleepers have a pillow-top, especially some of the more high-end luxury picks. This is because a pillow-top adds extra pressure relief and comfort. However, they're not for everyone. Depending on your sleeping position and preferences, a pillow-top mattress might not be the best choice for you.
Here, we're going to break down exactly what a pillow-top mattress is, as well as looking at the difference between a pillow-top, a euro-top and a tight-top. We'll also share what kind of sleeper these tops suit best. So, if you're considering investing in your next bed in the upcoming Presidents' Day mattress sales, you'll know if you should choose one of the best pillow-top mattresses out there.
What is a pillow-top mattress?
A pillow-top is an extra layer that is sewn onto the top of a mattress, differentiating it from the rest of the mattress and giving the pillow-top a rounded edge. In the best pillow-top mattresses, this layer is filled with pressure-relieving materials like foam, wool, down, cotton and even latex. Although the material used will often be softer than the material within the mattress, which is what creates that cushioning feel associated with pillow-top mattresses.
Pillow-tops are normally found on hybrid and innerspring mattresses. Even the best memory foam mattresses are unlikely to have pillow-tops. A pillow-top adds extra plushness to a mattress, and many of the best luxury mattresses have this feature. While this can make side sleeping very comfortable, if a pillow-top is too soft, then stomach and back sleepers may struggle to keep their spines aligned.
What is a Euro-top mattress?
A Euro-top is a type of pillow-top, which is why many mattress brands refer to their euro-top mattresses as pillow-top and vice-versa. And it's not a surprise, because they are very similar.
The only difference is that, while a pillow-top is sewn onto the top of the mattress, looking like a separate additional layer, a Euro-top is incorporated into the mattress, under the mattress cover. This is why you might see a kind of 'piped' edge of fabric around the mattress edge, but you won't see a separate layer. They also use similar materials if not the same as pillow-top mattresses.
What is a tight-top mattress?
A tight top is the term given to a mattress without a pillow-top or Euro-top added. It's only really used as a comparison to a pillow-top model. The hem may sit on the apex between the top and side surfaces, or it may sit part-way down the side edge (as shown below). The latter is known as a 'waterfall edge'.
If you have a tight-top mattress and want to give it a pillow-top upgrade, you can do so pretty easily by adding one of the best mattress toppers. There are a wide variety on the market, so you could opt for one stuffed with fibres to create a cushioned feel, or a memory foam topper to add a contouring feel.
3 signs you would benefit from a pillow-top mattress
You need extra pressure relief
While the best mattresses for back pain often offer a medium-firm to firm feel to keep the spine aligned, some pillow-top mattresses are able to offer enough support for the spine while the additional pressure relief can cushion the natural curves of the body, easing any joint pain sleepers might experience. For example, one of the top mattresses for a bad back, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe features a pillow top. You can read our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe review to read about how we found it.
Similarly, if you have injuries or need extra cushioning around certain areas of your body, the pressure relief that pillow-top mattresses can offer will help sleepers remain comfortable.
You want some extra luxury
If you're looking for that hotel-quality, indulgent night's sleep, then a pillow-top can deliver. The added layer not only looks high-end, but it creates an incredibly comfortable surface that you can sink into and stay comfortable throughout the night.
This year's best mattress, the Saatva Classic, is also rated as our top luxury mattress, and it's no surprise that it features a pillow-top. In fact, it's a 3" luxury Euro-pillow top with Lumbar Zone Quilting for additional support as well as comfort. We awarded this mattress 5 stars in our Saatva Classic mattress review because of the superb comfort and support.
You're a side sleeper
A pillow-top mattress offers the perfect amount of cushioning around key areas of the body like the shoulders, hips and knees for side sleepers. If a mattress is too firm, or doesn't have enough 'give', pressure may build up in these areas. Too soft, and your spine might go out of alignment.
A pillow-top allows you to sink in while still offering enough support from the mattress beneath to keep your body in a correct sleeping position. This means side sleepers will feel comfortable night long, without tossing and turning when the pressure builds up. In fact, the Helix Midnight Luxe is rated as our best mattress for side sleepers, and it features a cooling pillow top. Read our Helix Midnight Luxe review to find out how we found sleeping on it.
