Pillow Top vs Euro Top Mattress Comparison: Which Is Best? Update 04/2024

In order to provide a comfortable and supportive sleep surface, the Euro top and pillow top mattress designs were developed. But what’s the difference between the two?

Pillow top mattresses include an additional layer of padding, but the application of this layer varies slightly, creating a slightly different feel and appearance in comparison to Euro-top mattresses. Pillow tops, on the other hand, have a softer feel while Euro tops have a more streamlined appearance.

Euro top and pillow-top mattresses are still being compared in this article, so we’ll take a closer look at the differences between them and their advantages and disadvantages.

What Is a Pillow Top Mattress?

An additional layer of cushioning is stitched directly to the mattress cover in pillow tops. Immediately before each bed’s edge, the extra layer’s mattress cover is stitched to its cover with a single stitch. Because of this, the pillow top’s borders are not completely aligned with the mattress’s edges. The additional layer and mattress surface are separated by a small gap and a v-shaped indentation in this style of construction. Imagine a large pillow laying on top of your bed; this is how the term “pillow top” got its start.

Mattresses with inherently firm support cores, such as innerspring coils, commonly have pillow tops. As a result, spring beds are more comfortable for heavier regions of the body, such as the hips and shoulders, thanks to the additional padding. Memory foam, latex foam, wool, and fiberfill are common materials for pillow toppers that are designed to conform to the shape of the body.

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of a pillow-top mattress.

Benefits of a Pillow Top Mattress

  • An innerspring mattress’s softness and contouring properties can be greatly enhanced by adding a pillow top.
  • Coil support core and sleepers are protected from motion transfer by an additional layer.
  • Mattresses with pillow tops provide additional comfort and pressure point relief without compromising the firmness and support provided by innerspring. As a result, back discomfort is minimized and the spine is better aligned.

Drawbacks of a Pillow Top Mattress

  • In spite of the fact that innerspring mattresses are known for their breathability, adding a layer of foam, wool, or fiberfill to the top will reduce ventilation and result in a hotter sleeping environment than you might have imagined.
  • As a result, the pillow top is responsible for most of the movement in your mattress. As a result, it may sag, lose its shape, or shift prematurely.

What Is a Euro Top Mattress?

Because of the additional padding used to enhance the mattress’s suppleness, Euro-top mattresses might be considered pillow-top mattresses. Standard pillow toppers are sewed to the top of the mattress cover, whereas these are stitched into the mattress cover from below.

In order to create a stacked and uniform appearance, the craftsmanship of a Euro top aligns the soft layer with the mattress’s edges. There is also no need to worry about the gap and v-shaped indentation between the extra layer and mattress cover in standard pillow toppers. Less area for sinking and more room for padding equals a thicker, more supporting bed when there is no gap in the material.

It is not uncommon for innerspring mattresses to have Euro tops that are constructed from a form of foam, wool or fiberfill, just like pillow tops.

We’ll go over the advantages and disadvantages of a Euro top mattress in further detail below.

Benefits of a Euro Top Mattress

  • You won’t slide into a gap or v-shape indentation since Euro toppers are stitched beneath the mattress cover. The design is more supportive because of the way it’s built.
  • Since Euro toppers rest directly on the mattress’s foundation, they are less likely to slip out of position. In addition, the mattress cover protects them from damage.
  • The wider the mattress, the greater the edge support, and the more uniform the appearance of the Euro-top.

Drawbacks of a Euro Top Mattress

  • The mattress’s other layers are located beneath the mattress’s cover, with the Euro tops sitting on top. Because of these additional layers, the Euro top’s contouring may not be as effective as with a pillow top.
  • Because of the higher quality materials and more modern design, the price of these mattresses is more than that of pillow tops.

How to Choose Between a Euro Top Mattress and Pillow Top Mattress

Euro top and pillow-top mattresses each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Think about your preferences in the following if you can’t decide between the two.

  • Softness: The lack of material between the add-on layer and the mattress cover allows sleepers to sink deeper into pillow tops than Euro tops. This results in better contouring and pressure alleviation, making it a viable option for those who suffer from unpleasant pressure spots in their bodies.
  • Motion isolation: Because euro tops are thicker, they can better absorb your or your sleep partner’s movements before they spread across the mattress. For those who constantly toss and turn, a Euro top mattress may be the ideal alternative, as they are better at insulating motion than a standard pillow top mattress.
  • Durability: Unlike sewn-on pillow tops, which are attached to the top of the mattress, the Euro tops are stitched to the underside of the cover, making them less prone to shifting.
  • Aesthetic appearance: If you’ve had your mattress for a long time, you may like the look of a Euro top mattress.

Other Factors to Consider

Pillow toppers can be made from a variety of materials, including memory foam, latex foam, wool, and fiberfill, as previously noted. Pillow top mattresses have a significant impact on motion isolation, contouring, longevity, and breathability.

Pillow Top Material

Pillow top materials, such as down, feather, and down alternative, and synthetic, have an effect on the attributes listed above.

Memory Foam Pillow Top

Unlike other foams, memory foam only responds to heat and pressure. As a result, it’s an excellent option for people who have trouble sleeping because it relieves pressure on the heaviest regions of their bodies, such as the hips, and shoulders. Memory foam pillow tops are also effective at reducing motion transfer. Memory foam absorbs motion before it reaches the coil support core and spreads across the mattress.

Because of these characteristics, memory foam pillow toppers are ideal for side sleepers who need support in the hips and shoulders, for people with back, shoulder, or hip pain, or for people who move about a lot while they sleep.

However, one of the most prevalent issues with memory foam is that it tends to retain heat from the body. Despite the wide array of more breathable choices available today, classic memory foam is dense, making it difficult for air to freely circulate through the material.

Latex Foam Pillow Top

Firmer than memory foam, latex foam has a more natural feel. Natural latex, synthetic latex, or a combination of the three can all be used to make latex, but the best option is to use only natural latex. This is due to the fact that it is made from rubber tree sap, which is both environmentally beneficial and long-lasting. The absence of synthetic components in natural latex also makes it more breathable, but first, consider how it feels.

Rubber in its natural form, latex is springy and thick. Even though its bounce-like characteristic enhances responsiveness, it doesn’t isolate motion well when paired with springy coils. Its high density makes it long-lasting, but it also gives heavy sleepers a firmer sensation.

Natural latex foam’s long-term viability, durability, and sturdiness make it an excellent choice for those who care about the environment or who want a little more comfort and pressure relief when sleeping.

Wool Pillow Top

Wool pillow toppers are softer than either memory foam or latex foam. Memory foam and latex foam are both derived from petroleum-based materials. When it comes to pressure alleviation, wool and memory foam are very comparable. It is, however, unsupported. Wool is soft, but it lacks the qualities necessary to isolate motion, thus it will not provide you with any support other than what is provided by the mattress’ core.

However, it’s a long-term solution. To keep you warm and cool, it is made of wool from a sheep or goat’s coat and is naturally insulating. Aside from that, it’s also quite long-lasting. Wool-based products tend to be more expensive due to their increased long-term usability.

For those who want a softer innerspring mattress, these pillow tops are ideal.

Fiberfill Pillow Top

Polyester and other synthetic materials are combined to create fiberfill, which is meant to resemble down or feathers. This is because fiberfill is made from synthetic materials, which are less breathable than natural fabrics. Pillow tops with this style of construction are also the least long-lasting and most prone to sagging.

It lacks the contouring properties of wool but has a plush feel that is nonetheless effective in relieving pressure on the hips and shoulders.

Anybody in need of a soft and supportive mattress should consider a fiberfill pillow top.

To be clear, a pillow top isn’t all that matters when it comes to finding a mattress that’s perfect for you. If you’re looking for a pillow top to go with your mattress, you may want to consider the hardness, support core, and material of your complete bed. As a result, these elements will have a greater impact on your sleep quality than the type of pillow used.

FAQs

Can pillow-top mattresses be flipped?

It is not possible to sleep on a mattress that has been flipped because the pillow tops are merely sewed to the bed’s surface. Once every three months, rotate your mattress 180 degrees to level out the wear and tear on the coils of your mattress.

It’s easy to “rotate” a mattress by simply flipping it over so that the head of your bed is now the foot of your bed and vice versa. The sagging of your mattress can be prevented by rotating your mattress on a regular basis, preventing body imprints from your and your partner’s sleeping positions.

What type of sleepers should use pillow top mattresses?

Side sleepers like pillow-top mattresses because of the added cushion they provide. Pillow tops are more popular among side sleepers than back or stomach sleepers because of the greater weight distribution on the hips and shoulders when lying on the side. Firm mattresses are preferred for back and stomach sleepers, rather than pillow tops. For this kind of sleepers, we normally suggest latex or hybrid mattresses.

Are memory foam or pillow-top mattresses better?

Mattresses made with memory foam have a longer lifespan than pillow-top mattresses, lasting an average of four years longer. Memory foam mattresses are more expensive than pillow tops because of their increased durability.

When it comes to mattress longevity, memory foam mattresses are superior to pillow-top beds, but this doesn’t mean they’re better than the other. It’s up to you to decide which mattress is best for you based on your personal needs and preferences.

When looking for a mattress that is both soft and supportive, heavy sleepers may prefer a pillow top model because it has an innerspring support core that is both stronger and more responsive than memory foam. Contrary to popular belief, memory foam mattresses are ideal for those who suffer from pain in their shoulders, neck, and back since they adhere to the shape of the sleeper’s body.

How thick are pillow-top mattresses?

The type and brand of mattress you choose can have an impact on the height of your bed. A pillow top can add 2 to 4 inches to the thickness of a typical mattress.

Place the beginning of a tape measure at the lowest seam of your mattress and extend it to the highest point, or where you are lying, to measure the mattress thickness. The thickness of your mattress is measured in inches.

The thickness of your pillow top mattress may necessitate larger sheets, thus this measurement is essential before purchasing bedding.

How long do pillow-top mattresses last?

Pillow top mattresses last 3 to 5 years on average, which is much less than any other form of mattress. Euro tops and pillow tops are both non-removable mattress toppers, even though Euro tops fare better. Pillow toppers aren’t built to last for years on end with their current design, material, and density.

When the pillow tops wear out, you’re stuck with a flattened surface and sagging edges since you can’t remove the pillow tops. The only other option is to buy a new bed. There are some situations where it may be advantageous to buy a pillow top mattress even if it will degrade more quickly than other mattress kinds. In addition, you’ll be less likely to buy a cheap pillow top that ends up lasting even less time than intended.

How thick are pillow tops or Euro tops?

There is a wide range in the thickness of a pillow or Euro top mattress. There are two to four inches between the real pillow and Euro toppers. If the mattress has a thicker top, it is likely to be softer and more cradling.

Can you flip a pillow top or Euro top mattress?

No. Flipping most pillow top and Euro-top mattresses would certainly destroy the cushiony top layer because they are supposed to sit upright. The innerspring coils that you’d be resting on would be hard and uncomfortable.

Instead of turning your bed, rotate it 180 degrees every 3 to 6 months to avoid a dent in the Euro top or pillow top. This is a much more effective solution.

How can you fix a sagging pillow top or Euro top mattress?

No matter how many times you flip or fluff a pillow top or Euro top mattress, it will never be as good as it once was. Most of the precautions you can take to prevent sagging are preventative, such as rotating your mattress to prevent an indent from growing in one spot or purchasing a mattress with a long warranty (most mattress warranties cover repairs in case a mattress does sag).

Even if you may make a somewhat sinking bed more comfortable by placing a high-quality mattress topper on top of it, a sagging mattress should be replaced in order to ensure that your body is adequately supported.

Can you put a mattress topper on a pillow-top mattress?

A mattress topper can be used on any mattress. Choosing a mattress topper is a fantastic idea if your current mattress is either too soft or too hard or if you just want to freshen it up a bit.

Pillow top mattresses are already fairly thick, and putting a 2 to 4-inch topper on top of that can make it even more so. People with restricted mobility, in particular, may find it difficult to get in and out of a mattress that is too lofty.

Are memory foam or pillow-top mattresses better?

For up to five years longer, memory foam mattresses outlive both pillow-top and Euro-top mattresses. There are a variety of hardness levels available for memory foam mattresses, whereas pillow mattresses are basic and gentle. Memory foam mattresses tend to be manufactured using advanced sleep technology.

Although memory foam mattresses tend to be more expensive than pillow-top mattresses, this isn’t necessarily the case. Pillow top mattresses are more breathable than some varieties of memory foam since they don’t trap heat like some other types of memory foam.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a new mattress but none of the options seem just right, you might want to give a Euro top or pillow top a shot. Mattresses with a harder feel can be made more comfortable by adding a layer of plush cushioning to them.

However, Euro-top and pillow-top mattresses have different constructions and hence different feelings. Think about what you value most in a mattress: more softness and pressure alleviation or cushioned support that lasts a long time? As an example, a pillow-top mattress cover is sewed to the top of the mattress cover, allowing for extra space for sleepers to sink into, which results in substantial pressure relief. Instead, Euro toppers are tucked inside the mattress cover and strengthened by the layers underneath, making for a more comfortable sleep surface with greater sturdiness.

Once you’ve figured out what kind of mattress you want, one of the two pillow-top models will provide just the right amount of softness and support.

Rate this post