Pillow Top Mattress Pros and Cons - What You Need to Know

Choosing the right mattress for your needs can be hard. Pillow top mattresses have grown in popularity due to their plush, cushiony feel. But are they the best choice for your sleep style and budget? Here, we'll explore the pros and cons of pillow top mattresses to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Pillow Top Mattress?

A pillow top mattress is a mattress with an extra layer of padding or "pillow top" sewn directly onto the top surface. This quilted top layer can be made from materials like foam, fiberfill, feathers, wool, or cotton. It creates a plusher, more deeply contoured surface.

Pillow tops can range from 1 to 3 inches thick in depth. Some premium pillow top mattresses have up to 7 inches of extra padding. This pillow top layer is attached to the main mattress layers below, which are often made from innersprings or foam. It provides a softer, more luxurious feel when you initially lie down.

The Potential Benefits of Choosing a Pillow Top Mattress

Enhanced Pressure Point Relief

One of the biggest advantages of a pillow top mattress is the enhanced pressure relief it can provide. The extra padding layer helps to contour your body's curves, cradling areas like your shoulders, hips, and back. This allows those areas to sink in slightly rather than causing pressure build-up.

For side sleepers in particular, this can help align the spine and reduce tension on the shoulders and hips that bear weight in this position. The plush surface cushions protruding areas exceptionally well for side sleepers.

Luxurious Initial Comfort

That "sleeping on a cloud" feeling you experience when first lying on a pillow top mattress comes from its initial comfort and plushness. Rather than resting just on top, you partially sink into the quilted padding layer. This can reduce tossing and turning during the night.

The thicker, more resilient pillow top materials provide a pleasingly soft, cushiony texture. For those desiring a plusher, more luxurious sleep surface, a pillow top delivers.

Motion Isolation

With their conforming, shock-absorbing top layers, pillow top mattresses can minimize motion transfer better than some firmer, thinner models. When your sleep partner moves in bed, you're less likely to feel it across the surface.

This makes pillow tops beneficial for couples, since you won't disturb each other as easily. The extra padding dampens movement instead of letting it travel straight across the bed.

Personalized Fit

The contouring nature of pillow top mattresses allows them to adapt to varying body weights and shapes. They often accommodate lighter individuals and side sleepers exceptionally well.

Denser mattress materials can feel overly firm and create pressure points on petite sleepers. But a pillow top's plush top layer gives a more customized, comfortable fit.

Factors to Consider About Pillow Top Mattresses

Lack of Durability and Support

Unfortunately, the pillow top layer that gives that dreamy initial comfort also tends to compress and lose resiliency faster than a traditional mattress. Fillers like fiber and foam flatten and develop impressions as they wear.

Over a few years, body impressions and sagging can appear. Some pillow tops lose their supportive qualities more rapidly than the 15+ year lifespan of a high quality basic mattress.

Edge Support

With a pillow top's tendency to compress down, its edge support is often subpar. Sitting on the side of the bed can make you feel like you're about to slide off.

Standing up and getting in and out of a pillow top mattress also feels less stable without reinforced edges. This also makes them less optimal for sex.

Heat Retention

The extra layers of a pillow top mattress can cause it to sleep hotter. Materials like dense foam trap body heat and moisture instead of letting it disperse. This allows heat to accumulate.

Look for breathable materials like cotton, wool, or added cooling gels or charcoal in the pillow top construction if heat retention is a concern.

Cost

The intricate construction of pillow top mattresses makes them more costly than basic models of the same size. All the extra padding materials drive up the price.

Expect to pay $800 to $1,500 more for a queen pillow top mattress versus its regular mattress counterpart.

Rotation and Care

Most pillow top mattresses are designed as one-sided models, meaning you cannot flip or rotate them. The pillow top layer is intended for sleeping comfort, not support.

Frequent rotation extends a mattress's lifespan by preventing impressions. One-sided pillow tops lose this preventive advantage.

The quilted surface can also be tricky to spot clean and air out. Pillow tops require more frequent and careful cleaning.

Weight Considerations

Heavier individuals and stomach sleepers often require firmer, thicker support layers. Standing up, a pillow top's plush surface can feel almost quicksand-like.

The lack of edge support also makes entering and exiting challenging for those with mobility issues or above average body mass. Pillow tops lack the back support needed for many plus size sleepers.

Alternatives to Consider

If you love the initial comfort but question the longevity of pillow top mattresses, other options can deliver plush softness:

• Mattress toppers provide added cushioning that's removable/replaceable
• Adjustable air beds allow custom firmness for each side
• Hybrid models have both bounce and breathability

Toppers avoid altering the underlying mattress construction while still letting you enjoy the benefits of extra plush padding.

Key Takeaways - Is a Pillow Top Mattress Right for You?

Pillow top mattresses provide heavenly pressure relief and comfort, but suit some sleepers' needs better than others:

• Best for side sleepers and lighter body types
• Prioritize initial comfort over longevity
• Compare materials and quality before purchasing
• Add a removable topper if unsure about full commitment

At the end of the day, the choice depends on your sleep position, body type, and budget. If you want enduring comfort and support, a basic mattress plus topper may be preferable to a stand-alone pillow top model.

Hygiene and Maintenance

While pillow top mattresses are designed to provide added comfort, they can also be more difficult to clean and maintain. The extra layers of padding can trap dust, dirt, and bacteria, leading to allergies and unpleasant odors. Regular vacuuming, spot cleaning, and professional deep cleaning may be necessary to keep the mattress hygienic and fresh.

Mattress Depth

Pillow top mattresses can range in depth from 3 inches to over 12 inches. A deeper mattress can provide more cushioning and support, but it may also make it more difficult to get in and out of bed, particularly for older adults or individuals with mobility issues. A shallower mattress may be a better option in these cases.

Off-Gassing

Some materials used in pillow top mattresses, such as memory foam, can release a strong chemical odor called off-gassing. This can be unpleasant and potentially hazardous to health. It's important to air out the mattress for several days before use to reduce the amount of off-gassing and minimize exposure to these chemicals.

While pillow top mattresses are designed to provide pressure relief, some may not offer adequate support for stomach sleepers or individuals over 250 pounds. The plush surface allows hips to sink in, placing strain on the lower back. Firmer options may suit these sleepers better.

When shopping for a pillow top mattress, carefully inspect the quality of materials and construction. Avoid budget pillow tops with low density foam or fiberfill. These break down more rapidly. Opt for resilient fabrics like organic cotton or wool.

Knowledge of their pros and cons can help you make a decision. Assess your priorities, sleep style, and body type. Then enjoy drifting off each night on that cloud-like comfort!