Del Rey residents tend to look for a mattress that matches the neighborhood's laid-back, comfortable lifestyle — plush enough to sink into after an active day, breathable enough for LA's coastal climate, and supportive enough to wake up feeling good.
Pillow top mattresses check a lot of those boxes. But they're not the right fit for everyone. This guide breaks down what pillow tops are, who they work best for, and how to decide if one belongs in your bedroom.
A pillow top mattress has an extra layer of soft material stitched directly onto the top of the mattress. This quilted layer is made to feel like a built-in cushion — plush and cloud-like — while the mattress core beneath it provides the support.
Common pillow top fill materials include:
Pillow tops are most commonly built on top of innerspring or hybrid mattress cores. The result is a mattress with hotel-level softness on the surface and firmer, coil-based support underneath.
A related option — the Euro top — has a similar construction but sits flush with the mattress edge instead of sitting above it. Euro tops tend to feel firmer and hold their shape better over time.
The top layer adds softness that most innerspring mattresses lack on their own. If you've ever stayed in a luxury hotel and wondered why the bed felt so good, it was likely a pillow top or Euro top mattress.
The cushioning reduces pressure at the shoulders, hips, and knees — areas where side sleepers in particular tend to feel discomfort on firmer surfaces.
Because pillow tops are typically built over coil systems, they tend to sleep cooler than all-foam mattresses. The coil layer allows air to circulate through the core.
Pillow tops built on pocketed coil systems absorb a reasonable amount of motion. They won't match an all-foam mattress, but they're a noticeable improvement over traditional open-coil innersprings.
Unlike memory foam, pillow tops don't have that slow, "sinking" sensation. They respond quickly when you move. Many sleepers find this easier to sleep on, especially combination sleepers who change positions during the night.
| Feature | Pillow Top | Memory Foam | Hybrid | Latex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Feel | Plush, cloud-like | Deep body contouring | Balanced / medium | Responsive, firm-ish |
| Best Sleep Positions | Side, back | Side sleepers | All positions | Back, stomach |
| Motion Isolation | Good (with pocketed coils) | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Breathability | Good to excellent | Lower (can retain heat) | Good to excellent | Excellent |
| Durability | Moderate (top layer may compress) | Moderate | High | Very high |
The main tradeoff with pillow tops: the soft top layer can compress and lose its loft over time, especially with heavy or hot use. Rotating the mattress regularly extends its life, but eventually the topper layer will show wear before the core does.
Del Rey sits right at the edge of the Westside — close to Playa del Rey, Marina del Rey, and Venice. The climate is mild and breezy, and residents tend to lead active lifestyles: beach, cycling, paddleboarding, active commutes.
That lifestyle tends to create a specific set of sleep needs: a mattress that feels genuinely comfortable and pressure-relieving after physical activity, breathable enough for warm nights, and supportive enough to wake up without stiffness.
Pillow top mattresses built on pocketed coil or hybrid cores tend to fit that profile well. The coils keep the sleeping surface from feeling hot and stagnant, while the pillow top layer delivers the softness that makes it easier to actually fall asleep.
Our West LA location is the closest LA Mattress Store showroom to Del Rey. You're welcome to come in and lie on different pillow top models — we'll help you find the firmness level and construction that actually matches how you sleep, not just what looks good on paper.
We offer same-day delivery to Del Rey, white-glove setup, and a 120-night comfort guarantee. If the mattress doesn't feel right at home, we'll help you find something better.
A pillow top mattress has an extra layer of soft cushioning material stitched onto the top surface. It creates a plush, cloud-like feel while the core beneath — typically coils or a hybrid system — provides the underlying support.
Yes — side sleepers benefit from the extra cushioning at the shoulders and hips, which helps maintain spinal alignment. Look for a medium or medium-soft pillow top for best results.
Less so than all-foam mattresses. Pillow tops are usually built on coil systems that allow airflow through the core. However, very thick or high-density pillow top layers can retain some heat — look for models with breathable covers or natural fill materials if this is a concern.
Typically 7–10 years, though the pillow top layer may show some compression before the core does. Rotating the mattress every 3–6 months helps even out wear.
Both add a cushioning layer on top of the mattress. A pillow top sits slightly above the mattress edge, creating a pillow-like appearance. A Euro top is stitched flush with the edge — it typically feels firmer and holds its shape better over time.
Usually not ideal. Stomach sleepers need a firmer, flatter surface to keep the hips from sinking and the spine from curving. Most pillow tops are too soft for comfortable stomach sleeping. A firm hybrid or latex mattress is usually a better fit.
Yes. LA Mattress Store offers same-day delivery to Del Rey and surrounding Westside neighborhoods. We also include free setup and old mattress removal with most deliveries.
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