Pillow top mattresses have become one of the most popular mattress styles in Los Angeles — and Tujunga is no exception. Walk into any home in the area and there's a reasonable chance the master bedroom has one. The appeal is simple: they feel noticeably softer than a standard mattress, they're widely available at competitive prices, and they work for a broad range of sleepers.
But not every pillow top is made the same, and the wrong one can sag faster than it should or sleep warmer than you'd like. Here's what you actually need to know.
A pillow top mattress has an extra cushioning layer sewn directly onto the top surface. That layer sits above the core mattress and is typically filled with memory foam, latex, fiberfill, or a combination of materials.
The result is a softer, more plush surface feel — without changing the support structure underneath. Pillow tops are usually built on an innerspring or hybrid base, which means they combine the bounce and responsiveness of coil systems with a softer, more cushioned feel on top.
They're different from Euro tops, which are stitched flush with the mattress edges and tend to feel firmer and more uniform. Pillow tops have a visible raised layer and a softer, cloud-like feel.
The extra cushioning absorbs pressure at contact points — shoulders, hips, and knees especially. This makes pillow tops particularly good for side sleepers, who put more lateral pressure on those areas than back or stomach sleepers do.
Pillow tops reduce the transmission of movement across the mattress surface. If one partner tosses and turns, the other feels less of it — especially on models with foam-filled pillow top layers.
Compared to an all-latex or all-foam luxury mattress, pillow tops typically deliver a similar plush surface at a lower price point. You get a high-end sleep feel without the high-end price tag.
Side sleepers get the cushioning they need. Back sleepers get the surface softness with the coil support underneath. Even lighter stomach sleepers can find pillow tops that work, as long as they opt for medium-firm rather than ultra-plush.
The pillow top layer can compress and sag more quickly than the core mattress — especially on lower-quality builds. Rotating your mattress regularly (if the manufacturer allows it) helps extend the life of the pillow top and prevents uneven wear.
Dense foam-filled pillow tops can trap heat. If you sleep hot, look specifically for pillow tops that use gel foam, latex, or breathable fiberfill in the cushion layer, and ask about cooling options when shopping.
If you need a firm mattress — for back support or personal preference — a pillow top probably isn't the right direction. You'd feel too much give on top, which can misalign the spine for stomach sleepers and firm-preference back sleepers.
| Feature | Pillow Top | Euro Top |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Raised, separate cushion layer visible | Flush with mattress edges |
| Feel | Softer, cloud-like | Firm-cushion, more uniform |
| Edge support | Standard | Better (flush stitching) |
| Durability | May sag faster if low quality | Tends to hold shape longer |
| Price range | Budget-friendly to premium | Usually mid-range to premium |
| Mattress Type | Comfort Level | Support | Motion Isolation | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pillow Top | High | Medium | High | High |
| Memory Foam | High | High | High | Medium |
| Hybrid | Medium–High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Innerspring | Medium | Medium | Low | High |
| Latex | High | High | Medium | Low–Medium |
Pillow tops are probably not ideal for you if:
LA Mattress Store's Glendale location is the closest showroom to Tujunga — and carries a wide selection of pillow top mattresses across multiple price points and brands. Our team can walk you through the options and let you test them side by side, which is genuinely the best way to decide.
We offer free delivery in the Tujunga area, and our 120-night comfort guarantee means you can sleep on it before committing. If it's not working, we'll help you exchange it.
A pillow top mattress has an extra cushioning layer sewn onto the top surface. It provides a softer, more plush feel than a standard mattress while keeping the support structure from the base (usually coils or a hybrid core) intact.
For mild back discomfort, a well-designed pillow top can help by reducing pressure on the spine and hips. For significant back issues, a medium-firm or firm mattress is usually recommended — the softness of a pillow top may reduce support for some back pain conditions. Talk to your doctor if back pain is your primary concern.
A quality pillow top mattress typically lasts 7–10 years with proper care. Rotating the mattress (when manufacturer guidelines permit) helps prevent the pillow top layer from compressing unevenly. Budget models may show sagging sooner.
Some do. Models with dense foam in the pillow top layer can trap heat. Look for pillow tops with gel foam, latex, or breathable fiberfill in the comfort layer. Many modern pillow tops are designed to address this — ask about cooling options when you visit the store.
A pillow top has a visible, raised cushion layer that sits on top of the mattress. A Euro top is stitched flush with the mattress edges and feels denser and more uniform. Euro tops tend to hold their shape longer and provide more consistent edge support. Both are softer than a standard flat surface — but they feel noticeably different. Try both if you're unsure.
Yes. The combination of cushioning and motion isolation makes pillow tops a popular choice for couples. Foam-filled pillow top layers absorb movement particularly well, so one partner's movement is less likely to disturb the other.
Yes — the LA Mattress Store Glendale showroom is nearby and has a full pillow top selection. Visit our locations page for address and hours.
Yes. LA Mattress Store offers free delivery and setup in the Tujunga area. See delivery details here.
We offer a 120-night comfort guarantee. If your mattress isn't right, we'll work with you on a comfort exchange. Full terms are available on our website.
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