Walk into our Sherman Oaks showroom and ask what the most popular category is — pillow tops come up almost every time. There's a reason for that. Pillow top mattresses consistently get chosen by people who want a genuinely soft, pressure-relieving sleep surface without sacrificing support underneath.
If you're considering a pillow top, this guide covers how they work, who they're best for, what to compare when shopping, and what you can find at LA Mattress Store.
A pillow top mattress has an extra layer of soft cushioning stitched directly onto the top surface. This layer — typically 2" to 4" thick — sits above the main support core of the mattress and is made from materials like memory foam, latex, fiberfill, or wool.
The result is a mattress that feels noticeably softer at the surface while still using a structured coil or foam system underneath for proper support. You get the cloud-like feel without the unsupported sinkage of an all-foam soft mattress.
You'll sometimes see the term "Euro top" used alongside or instead of pillow top. The difference is subtle: a pillow top has a small gap between the cushion layer and the sides of the mattress, giving it a slightly rounded look. A Euro top is flush with the sides. Euro tops tend to hold their shape better over time because the padding is more evenly distributed. Both deliver a similar soft-surface feel.
| Mattress Type | Surface Feel | Pressure Relief | Motion Isolation | Temperature | Edge Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pillow Top | Soft to medium-soft | Excellent | Good to excellent | Good (varies by fill) | Good |
| Memory Foam | Soft / contouring | Excellent | Excellent | Can sleep warm | Moderate |
| Latex | Medium / responsive | Good | Moderate | Excellent | Good |
| Hybrid (no pillow top) | Medium to firm | Good | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Innerspring (traditional) | Firm / bouncy | Low | Poor | Excellent | Excellent |
The main advantage of a pillow top over all-foam soft mattresses: you keep more of the structural support that comes from a coil system, while still getting a genuinely soft sleep surface.
The pillow top fill matters a lot. High-density foam and natural latex hold up better over time than low-density polyfoam or cheap fiberfill. Ask what's inside the top layer before buying — a salesperson who can't answer that question is a red flag.
The support system below the comfort layer is what determines how long the mattress stays supportive. Individually pocketed coils are better than continuous coils or Bonnell coils for durability and motion isolation. Premium pillow top brands use high-coil-count pocketed systems.
As noted above, Euro tops typically wear more evenly. If longevity matters to you, it's worth asking specifically about Euro top models when you're in the showroom.
Spend a few minutes on any pillow top you're considering in the position you actually sleep in. A mattress that feels great on your back when you're sitting on it may feel completely different when you're side-lying. Our team in the Sherman Oaks showroom can guide you through this properly.
LA Mattress Store carries pillow top options from several of the best brands in the category:
Browse our full pillow top mattress collection or visit our Sherman Oaks showroom to try them in person.
A pillow top has an additional layer of cushioning sewn onto the top surface of the mattress. Standard innerspring or hybrid mattresses without this addition have a firmer, less padded surface feel. The pillow top layer adds pressure relief and softness without changing the structural support system of the mattress.
It depends on the type of back pain and your sleep position. For side sleepers with hip or shoulder-related back pain, a pillow top can relieve the pressure that causes discomfort. For people who need firm lumbar support (many back sleepers), a firmer mattress may be better. If you have specific back issues, come in and we can help you test what actually works for your body.
A quality pillow top from a reputable brand typically lasts 8–12 years with proper care. The pillow top layer can compress over time — rotating the mattress every 3–6 months and using a mattress protector will help extend its life. Budget pillow tops with low-density foam fill compress faster.
No. Pillow tops are one-sided by design — the comfort layer is only on one side. You can rotate the mattress (head to foot) every few months, but don't flip it.
It varies by the fill material. Models with latex or wool comfort layers tend to sleep cooler. Memory foam pillow tops can retain some heat, though newer gel-infused versions manage temperature better. Tencel or breathable cotton covers also help. Ask about the specific materials when you're shopping.
Generally yes, especially models with individually pocketed coils. The coil system isolates motion effectively, so one partner moving doesn't disturb the other. The soft surface also accommodates different body weights and positions without creating uneven support across the bed.
Yes. LA Mattress Store offers flexible financing options on all mattress purchases including pillow tops. Visit any showroom or check our financing page for current terms.
Come test one in person. Visit our Sherman Oaks showroom to try the pillow top models side-by-side. We'll help you find the right feel and firmness for how you actually sleep.
Buying guides and sleep advice — no email signup required.