Pillow Top Mattresses

What Is a Pillow Top Mattress?

A pillow top mattress features an extra layer of soft cushioning material sewn onto the top surface of the mattress, creating a plush, cloud-like sleep surface. This pillow-like layer — typically 2 to 4 inches thick — sits above the mattress's main comfort and support layers, adding an immediate feeling of luxurious softness the moment you lie down. At LA Mattress Stores, we carry a wide selection of pillow top mattresses from premium brands like Stearns & Foster, Chattam & Wells, and Diamond Mattress — available to test at all five of our Los Angeles showrooms.

Pillow top mattresses come in two main styles: traditional pillow tops and Euro pillow tops. A traditional pillow top has a visible gap between the cushioning layer and the mattress body, creating a distinct "pillow" appearance. A Euro pillow top has the cushioning layer sewn flush with the mattress edges for a more seamless, tailored look. Both deliver the same plush comfort — the difference is primarily aesthetic and in how the edges feel. With nearly 9,900 monthly searches for "pillow top mattress" and 1,900 for "best pillow top mattress," this remains one of the most popular mattress styles for comfort-focused shoppers.

Benefits of Pillow Top Mattresses

Pillow top mattresses are the go-to choice for sleepers who prioritize plush comfort without sacrificing support. Here are the key advantages:

• Immediate Plush Comfort: The extra cushioning layer provides an instant feeling of luxury softness. Unlike breaking in a standard mattress, a pillow top feels comfortable from day one.
• Enhanced Pressure Relief: The additional cushioning layer provides extra pressure relief at the shoulders, hips, and lower back. This makes pillow top mattresses particularly popular among side sleepers who need extra cushioning at primary contact points.
• Support Underneath: Despite the plush surface, pillow top mattresses maintain proper support from the coil system or foam base underneath. The soft top doesn't compromise spinal alignment — it enhances comfort on top of a supportive foundation.
• Luxury Hotel Feel: Pillow top mattresses are the style most associated with five-star hotel beds. If you've ever stayed at a luxury hotel and loved the bed, chances are it was a pillow top or Euro pillow top design.
• Versatile Construction: Pillow tops can be filled with various materials — memory foam, gel foam, latex, fiberfill, or combinations. This variety means you can find a pillow top mattress that matches your specific comfort preferences while maintaining the plush surface feel.
• Ideal for Joint Discomfort: The extra cushioning layer provides gentle support around sensitive joints, making pillow tops a popular choice for sleepers with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or general joint sensitivity.

How to Choose the Best Pillow Top Mattress

If you're searching for the best pillow top mattress near me in Los Angeles, here's what to look for:

• Pillow Top Style: Traditional pillow tops have a distinct visual gap and tend to feel a touch softer at the edge. Euro pillow tops are sewn flush with the mattress for a cleaner look and slightly firmer edge feel. Both offer excellent comfort — choose based on your aesthetic and edge-support preferences.
• Fill Material: Memory foam pillow tops provide deep contouring and pressure relief. Gel foam fills add cooling properties. Latex offers a responsive, bouncy cushion. Fiber fills feel the softest initially but may compress faster over time. The fill material significantly affects both feel and durability.
• Support System: Look at what's beneath the pillow top. A quality pocketed coil system with foam transition layers provides the best support foundation. The pillow top adds comfort, but the support core determines long-term spinal alignment and durability.
• Overall Firmness: Pillow top doesn't automatically mean soft. You can find firm, medium, and plush pillow top options. The pillow top layer adds surface cushioning, but the overall firmness depends on the coil system and support layers beneath. A medium-firm pillow top offers the best of both worlds.
• Pillow Top Thickness: Thicker pillow tops (3–4 inches) provide more pronounced cushioning but add height to the mattress. Consider whether your current bed frame and sheets will accommodate the extra height. Most pillow top mattresses range from 13–16 inches total.

Pillow Top vs. Other Mattress Types

Pillow Top vs. Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses provide deep body contouring with a "sleeping in" sensation, while pillow top mattresses offer plush surface cushioning with a "sleeping on" feel. Memory foam excels at motion isolation; pillow tops offer more breathability and a traditional mattress feel. If you want the plush comfort of a pillow top with memory foam properties, look for models with memory foam-filled pillow top layers — we carry several at LA Mattress Stores.

Pillow Top vs. Euro Top

Both are extra cushioning layers on top of the mattress. The difference is construction: a pillow top is sewn on top with a visible gap at the edges, while a Euro top is integrated flush with the mattress sides. Euro tops tend to have slightly firmer edges and a more tailored appearance. Comfort-wise, both feel excellent — the choice often comes down to aesthetics and edge-support preference.

Pillow Top vs. Tight Top Mattress

A tight top (or smooth top) mattress has no extra cushioning layer — the comfort layers are built into the mattress with a smooth, flat surface. Tight tops feel firmer and lower-profile. Pillow tops add that extra layer of plush cushioning on the surface. If you prefer a firmer feel with a sleek look, a tight top is the way to go. If you want that luxurious hotel-bed softness, choose a pillow top.

Best Pillow Top Mattresses at LA Mattress Stores

Our most popular pillow top mattresses include options for every comfort preference and budget:

• Stearns & Foster Studio Medium Euro Pillow Top — Hand-tufted luxury with a plush Euro pillow top and IntelliCoil® support. The perfect blend of cushioning and responsive support.
• Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Plush Euro Pillow Top — Our premium pillow top pick with Indulge HD™ memory foam and hand-tufted construction. The ultimate in luxury pillow top comfort.
• Chattam & Wells Victoria Euro Top — Double-sided hand-tufted luxury with Euro pillow top comfort on both sides. Exceptional value through extended mattress life.
• Diamond Destination Plush Pillow Top — Locally made with multiple comfort layers and a generous pillow top. Outstanding value from a trusted Southern California manufacturer.

Looking for the best pillow top mattress deal? Check our mattress sale page for current promotions, including floor model specials and financing offers on select pillow top models.

Pillow Top Mattress FAQ

Do pillow top mattresses sag over time?

All mattresses develop some body impressions with use, and pillow tops can show wear in the cushioning layer over time. However, quality pillow tops with high-density foam fill layers resist sagging significantly better than those with fiberfill. Rotating the mattress every 3–6 months helps distribute wear evenly. The hand-tufted pillow tops from Stearns & Foster and Chattam & Wells are particularly durable because the tufting anchors the cushioning layers in place.

Can I flip a pillow top mattress?

Most pillow top mattresses are single-sided and should not be flipped, as the pillow top is only on one side. The exception is Chattam & Wells, which makes double-sided mattresses with pillow top comfort on both sides — allowing you to flip the mattress for extended life. For single-sided pillow tops, rotate the mattress head-to-foot every 3–6 months instead.

Are pillow top mattresses good for back pain?

A pillow top mattress can be excellent for back pain when it has the right support system underneath. The key is choosing a model with firm support coils or foam base topped with a pillow top layer — this gives you surface comfort without compromising spinal alignment. A medium-firm pillow top is typically the best option for back pain. Avoid ultra-soft pillow tops if you have lower back issues, as excessive sinkage can misalign the spine.

Do I need special sheets for a pillow top mattress?

Pillow top mattresses are typically 13–16 inches tall, which is thicker than standard mattresses. You'll likely need deep pocket sheets with at least 15–18 inch pocket depth to properly fit a pillow top mattress. Standard sheets with 10–12 inch pockets will be too shallow and may pop off during the night. Our team at LA Mattress Stores can recommend compatible sheet sizes when you purchase.

Shop Pillow Top Mattresses Near You at Our 5 Los Angeles Locations

Finding the best pillow top mattress near me in Los Angeles is easy with five LA Mattress Stores showrooms across the city. Our sleep experts will help you test different pillow top styles, compare brands, and find the perfect pillow top mattress for your comfort preferences and budget.

• Glendale (Central Ave) — Conveniently located for Burbank, Eagle Rock, and Pasadena residents
• Studio City (Ventura Blvd) — Serving the San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks, and North Hollywood
• West Los Angeles (Pico Blvd) — Easy access from Santa Monica, Westwood, Beverly Hills, and Culver City
• La Brea (Hancock Park) — Central LA location near Mid-Wilshire, Fairfax, and Hollywood
• Koreatown (Western Ave) — Serving Koreatown, Downtown LA, and surrounding neighborhoods

Every pillow top mattress purchase includes free white glove delivery, a 120-night comfort trial, and 0% APR financing options. Visit us today or shop our complete pillow top mattress collection online with fast delivery across Los Angeles County.