Why Pillow Top Mattresses Are So Popular in Sherman Oaks

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.

02What Is a Pillow Top Mattress?

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.

Pillow Top vs. Euro Top

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.

03Benefits of Pillow Top Mattresses

• Pressure relief: The soft upper layer distributes weight across a larger surface area, reducing pressure on hips, shoulders, and joints. This is particularly valuable for side sleepers.
• Comfort on contact: The surface feel is immediately comfortable — you don't have to wait for the mattress to "break in" the way some firmer mattresses require.
• Support underneath: Unlike a fully soft foam mattress, a well-built pillow top uses a coil system below the comfort layer. That means you get softness on the surface and real structural support underneath.
• Motion isolation: Most pillow top mattresses use pocketed coils, which absorb and isolate motion. Good for couples where one person moves around at night.
• Wide availability in premium brands: Stearns & Foster, Aireloom, Serta, and Sealy all make excellent pillow tops — meaning you have real choices in terms of quality and materials.

04How Pillow Tops Compare to Other Types

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.

05Who It's For — and Who Should Look Elsewhere

Pillow tops tend to work well for:

• Side sleepers — The cushioning at the shoulders and hips makes a real difference. This is probably the single biggest use case for pillow tops.
• People with hip, shoulder, or joint discomfort — The pressure relief is meaningful, especially for anyone who wakes up sore from sleeping on too-firm surfaces.
• Couples — Motion isolation keeps movement on one side from disturbing the other.
• People who want a luxury hotel bed feel at home — That plush-but-supported feel is exactly what most higher-end hotel beds use.

Pillow tops may not be the best fit for:

• Stomach sleepers — The softness can allow your hips to sink out of alignment. Most stomach sleepers do better on a firmer surface.
• Heavy-build sleepers who sink through comfort layers — If you compress through the pillow top easily, you may not get the full benefit. A denser comfort layer or firmer hybrid might serve you better.
• People who frequently change positions — Very plush surfaces can feel like they hold you in place. If you're a restless sleeper, a more responsive surface (latex hybrid, for example) might suit you better.

06What to Look for When Shopping

Quality of the comfort layer

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.

Coil quality underneath

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.

Euro top vs. standard pillow top

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.

Try it in your sleep position

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.

07Pillow Top Brands We Carry

LA Mattress Store carries pillow top options from several of the best brands in the category:

• Stearns & Foster — High-end handcrafted construction, premium materials, excellent durability. A strong choice if you want a luxury pillow top that holds up for a decade.
• Aireloom — Handmade in California. Aireloom pillow tops are known for their unique hand-tufted construction and high-quality comfort layers including natural latex and wool.
• Serta — Reliable mid-range to upper-mid pillow top options. Good value, wide range of firmness levels.
• Sealy Posturepedic — Sealy's Posturepedic line includes pillow top models with their targeted support technology. Good option for back support with a plush surface.

Browse our full pillow top mattress collection or visit our Sherman Oaks showroom to try them in person.

08Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a pillow top and a regular mattress?

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.

Are pillow top mattresses good for back pain?

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.

How long does a pillow top mattress last?

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.

Can I flip a pillow top mattress?

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.

Do pillow top mattresses sleep hot?

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.

Are pillow top mattresses good for couples?

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.

Is financing available for pillow top mattresses?

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.