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Pillow Top Mattresses and Their Impact on Back and Body Pain

by Ann Ferguson

A hand tests the surface of a Beautyrest pillow top mattress

At a Glance:

What is a Pillow Top Mattress?

Euro Top vs Pillow Top

How Can a Pillow Top Mattress Relieve Body Aches?

Pros and Cons of Pillow Top Mattresses

Pillow Top Mattress Recommendations

FAQ

Why Trust Ken’s?

A bad night’s sleep can ruin your day. Not only will you feel tired as you go to work and run errands, but you could wake up in pain with a sore back and aching joints. Sleep is supposed to be relaxing and healing, but a bad mattress can create a terrible experience that leaves you exhausted and working against sleep debt.

If you have a hard time sleeping and often wake up in pain, it might be time to upgrade your mattress. A pillow-top option is better for the joints and can create a more luxurious experience. Learn more about your pillow top mattress options and how this plush option can give you a restful night’s sleep. 

Shop Pillow Top Mattresses

Wake up feeling refreshed and free from aches and pains with a pillow top mattress from Ken's.

Pillow Top

What is a Pillow Top Mattress?

A pillow-top mattress comes with an extra cushion on top of the mattress. It is almost as if a pillow has been sewn on top of your bed. The pillow top is usually only an inch or two high and can be made from a variety of fabrics that provide different levels of support.

This mattress style was created in response to mattress toppers, which became popular in the early 2000s. The toppers were an easy way to make a mattress more plush but they came with multiple disadvantages. Low-quality toppers move around, which means they slide off the bed through the night. They also require special cleaning steps whenever homeowners wash their sheets.

By making the topper part of the mattress, Americans could enjoy the benefits of an extra plush cushion without any drawbacks.

Beautyrest® by Nate Berkus™ Pocketed Coil Medium Pillow Top Queen Mattress

Pictured: Beautyrest® by Nate Berkus™ Pocketed Coil Medium Pillow Top Queen Mattress

What is the Difference Between a Pillow-Top and a Euro-Top?

Some people think pillow-top mattresses and euro-top models are the same thing, but this is a common mistake. These two styles are similar but they have enough differences that you will want to choose between them when shopping for a new mattress. Here’s what you need to know.

  • Pillow-top mattresses are often softer while euro-top models are more firm.
  • You can see the distinct layering of a pillow-top mattress, while euro-tops look like are part of the original mattress.
  • Euro-tops models use dense materials. You can still buy a firm or extra-firm euro-top model.
  • Euro-top models sit flush against the edges of the mattress, while some pillow-top designs have a “spillover” look.

Essentially, a pillow-top model will look like there is an extra cushion placed on top of the existing mattress. A euro-top model will have the extra plush layer but it will be more subtle and firmer to the touch.

Serta Pillow Top Mattress vs Serta Euro Top Mattress

Pictured: Serta® Perfect Sleeper® Blue Lagoon Nights Innerspring Plush Pillow Top Queen Mattress

How Can a Pillow Top Mattress Relieve Body Aches?

Your mattress can help or hurt your body aches throughout the night. There are multiple factors that contribute to how much pressure is on your joints.

The first thing to consider is how you sleep. People who sleep on their sides often have a hard time getting comfortable on firm mattresses. Instead, they prefer plush options that take pressure off of their joints. Stomach sleepers can also benefit from plush pillow top mattress options because the extra cushion can prevent neck pain.

However, a plush mattress isn’t for everyone. Back sleepers often enjoy firm surfaces because they provide support. They might feel like they are sinking into a plush mattress and have a harder time climbing out of it. Fortunately, there are multiple pillow-top mattress options to choose from. You can find a firm pillow top mattress that has a little give while still providing the support you need.

Pain's Impact on Sleep Infographic

Pros and Cons of Pillow Top Mattresses

There are several reasons to consider this mattress for your bedroom, but remember: there is no one-size-fits-all solution for sleep. Every mattress has benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few pros and cons that come with buying a pillow-top model.

Pros

✅ You don’t have to buy a topper that could slide around.

✅ You get an extra plush layer on an already soft mattress.

✅ There is less pressure on your joints if you are a side sleeper or stomach sleeper.

✅ Modern pillow tops often come with cooling memory foam which is ideal for hot sleepers.

Cons

❌ You can’t flip this mattress. Only one side will have the pillow top.

❌ These mattresses are often very plush, which isn’t ideal for couples with different sleep needs. 

❌ People who sleep on their backs might think pillow-top models are too soft and don’t provide enough support.

❌ The extra plush cushion can absorb more body heat if it isn’t designed with cooling foam. You might feel hot at night because of the plush pillow top.  

Even if you think a pillow-top mattress is the best decision for your bedroom, test out this option first. It is better to find a mattress you love – no matter its design.

Pillow Top Mattress Recommendations

Once you know whether a pillow top mattress is right for you, look into a few products on today’s market. Here are a few options to consider as you start your search.

Beautyrest® Harmony Lux™ Carbon Series Medium Pillow Top Queen Mattress

Beautyrest® Harmony Lux™ Carbon Series Hybrid Medium Pillow Top Queen Mattress

Shop Beautyrest Harmony's Queen Pillow Top Mattress

Choose this queen pillow top mattress if you want a luxury sleep experience every night. There are five different pressure-relieving foams that support your joints and make sleeping a more pleasurable experience. This is another hybrid model that pairs the memory foams with Beuatyrest’s proprietary T2 Pocketed Coil® technology.

Check out online reviews of this pillow top queen mattress to see what customers think. One person writes, “My husband and I have a very hard time finding a mattress that we both find comfortable…and Beautyrest has completely changed the way we sleep! He gets a bed that's not too soft and I get a bed that's not too hard plus the cooling technology is literally a dream come true.”

⇨ See More: Beautyrest Pillow Top Mattresses

Serta® iComfort ECO™ Hybrid Quilted Firm Pillow Top Queen Mattress

Serta® iComfort ECO™ Hybrid Quilted Firm Pillow Top Queen Mattress

Shop Serta iComfort's ECO Queen Pillow Top Mattress

Check out this plush pillow top queen mattress if you want a comfortable sleep experience that is also cool. The CoolTemp™ cover is designed to remove body heat from the bed so you feel cooler. The TerraFusion™ memory foam is made from 30% plant-based material so you can feel good about the environmental impact of this purchase.

An impressive 99% of customers would recommend this mattress. One person says, “We bought this bed just over 4 weeks ago and I'm SO glad we made the investment…We joke that it's so comfortable that we have a hard time getting up in the morning and don't wake up at night nearly as much as we did with our old bed that was much more firm.”

⇨ See More: Serta Pillow Top Mattresses

Sierra Sleep® by Ashley® M627 Limited Edition Hybrid Plush Pillow Top California King Mattress

Sierra Sleep® by Ashley® M627 Limited Edition Hybrid Plush Pillow Top California King Mattress

Shop Sierra Sleep by Ashley's California King Pillow Top Mattress

This Sierra Sleep pillow top mattress is another great option for those seeking a soft mattress. It is a plush model that is relaxing to sleep on and is ideal for couples who spend the night cuddling and then enjoying their own space. This is a hybrid pillow top mattress that uses a mixture of 15-gauge wrapped coils and various types of memory foam to balance softness and support.

There are several positive reviews of this model. One person writes, “The mattress is very comfortable. Several guests have slept in this bed and have commented on comfort and support.”

Explore More Pillow Top Mattress Styles

Pillow Top Mattress: FAQ

What is the point of a pillow-top mattress?

A pillow-top mattress provides extra cushioning for people who enjoy plush sleeping experiences. It makes the bed softer and more comfortable for side and stomach sleepers. This is also a permanent alternative to bed toppers.

What type of mattress is good for body pain?

There are different sources of body pain, which means there isn’t a single mattress that is guaranteed to make you feel better. Look for mattresses that have plush support if you sleep on your side (which will help your joints rest) or firm support if you sleep on your back (which is ideal for spinal discomfort). Test different options to see what works for you.

Why can't you flip a pillow-top mattress?

Flipping a pillow-top mattress will create a completely different sleep experience. The pillow top is only added to one side, so the other side will be much firmer. If you want a flippable mattress, talk to a sales specialist to review your options.

Why Trust Ken’s?

Ken's has been a trusted source of home furnishings in the Grand Island area since 1962. With nearly 60 years of experience in the community, customers have come to rely on us for all their home needs. We offer a wide selection of furniture, premium mattresses, and high-quality appliances. Our knowledgeable sales team will help you find the perfect items for your home. And once the sale is made, we are there for you with installation services and an experienced parts and service department.

We are routinely recognized by both the Grand Island community as well as the industry for our commitment to excellence. We are proud to be BrandSource Dealer of the Year for 2014 and Best of Grand Island for Appliances since 2022. We also received Fan Favorite in Grand Island for Mattresses in 2022. Shop local at Ken's Grand Island, NE! We look forward to servicing you and providing the quality products your home needs.

Shop Mattresses at Ken’s

At Ken’s, we pride ourselves on being more than just a store - we are your total home solution. Having served Grand Island for so many years, it matters to us that we only provide the best products. Shop mattresses online or visit us today at Grand Island, NE showroom. Our experts are always available to help you decide whether a pillow top mattress is right for you, whether you call us or use our online text feature. Contact us today!

Learn More: Is a Beautyrest Black Mattress Worth It?