Englander Amesbury Plush Pillow Top 15.5" Mattress
From $46/mo with 0% APR
Pillow top mattresses feature an extra layer of soft cushioning sewn directly onto the top surface, delivering hotel-quality plushness and immediate pressure relief. The extra comfort layer cradles your shoulders and hips, making pillow tops an ideal choice for side sleepers and anyone who prefers a softer, more enveloping sleep surface. We carry 23 pillow top mattresses from 6 leading brands — available to try in person at our 5 LA showrooms.
23 mattresses available
From $46/mo with 0% APR
From $53/mo with 0% APR
From $59/mo with 0% APR
From $59/mo with 0% APR
From $59/mo with 0% APR
From $80/mo with 0% APR
From $84/mo with 0% APR
From $104/mo with 0% APR
From $105/mo with 0% APR
From $105/mo with 0% APR
A pillow top mattress features an extra layer of cushioning material sewn directly onto the top surface of the mattress. This comfort layer — typically made from soft foam, fiber fill, latex, or a combination — is attached along the perimeter with a visible seam, creating the characteristic raised, pillow-like profile that gives this mattress type its name.
Unlike a standard mattress where comfort layers are part of the internal construction, the pillow top layer sits above the main body of the mattress as a distinct component. Beneath it, a coil support system (usually pocketed coils or offset coils) provides the foundational support. The result is a mattress that combines the responsive, supportive feel of a traditional innerspring with immediate, plush surface comfort.
Pillow tops became widely popular in the 1990s and 2000s as consumers began seeking hotel-quality comfort at home. Today, they remain one of the most popular mattress categories — especially among side sleepers, couples, and anyone who prioritizes a softer, more enveloping sleep surface. They are available in a wide range of firmness levels, from ultra-plush to medium-firm, and at price points from entry-level to ultra-premium.
Not all pillow tops look or feel the same. Here are the four main styles you will find in our collection.
The classic design with a raised comfort layer and a visible seam around the perimeter. The extra-plush layer sits noticeably above the mattress body, giving it a puffy, indulgent appearance and feel.
The comfort layer is sewn flush with the mattress edges for a cleaner, more tailored appearance. Euro tops tend to wear more evenly than traditional pillow tops because the material extends to the full perimeter of the mattress.
A variation with squared, defined edges on the comfort layer that give it a structured, box-like appearance. Box tops typically have a thicker comfort layer than traditional pillow tops, providing even more cushioning.
An advanced design where the comfort layer itself contains tiny individual coils (micro-coils). These miniature coils respond independently to movement and body contours, adding responsive cushioning and durability to the pillow top layer.
How pillow tops compare to standard, euro top, and memory foam mattresses across key factors.
| Factor | Pillow Top | Standard | Euro Top | Memory Foam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Softness | Very High (plush sewn-on layer) | Depends on comfort layer | High (flush, integrated layer) | High (slow-response contouring) |
| Support | Good (coil support beneath) | Good to Excellent | Good (coil support beneath) | Moderate to Good |
| Durability | 8–12 years (layer can compress) | 8–15 years | 9–13 years (more even wear) | 8–12 years |
| Height | 14"–17"+ (raised pillow seam) | 9"–13" | 13"–16" (flush edge) | 10"–14" |
| Sheet Fit | Needs deep-pocket (15"–20") | Standard sheets OK | Needs deep-pocket (15"+) | Needs deep-pocket (15"+) |
| Best For | Side sleepers, comfort seekers | Back/stomach sleepers, budget | Comfort seekers, cleaner look | Motion isolation, pressure relief |
Try pillow top, euro top, and memory foam side by side at any of our 5 LA showrooms.
Pillow top mattresses are an excellent choice for these three types of sleepers.
Side sleeping creates significant pressure at the shoulder and hip where body weight concentrates. The extra cushioning layer of a pillow top absorbs and disperses that pressure, preventing the pain and numbness that firmer mattresses can cause for side sleepers. Plush and medium-plush pillow tops are typically the best fit.
If you prioritize surface feel above all else, a pillow top delivers the plushest, most indulgent sleeping surface available. Whether you want a hotel-like experience at home or simply love sinking into softness at the end of the day, pillow tops are designed with comfort seekers in mind.
The coil system beneath a pillow top absorbs and contains movement, and the comfort layer further dampens surface disturbance. This makes pillow tops a practical choice for couples with different sleep schedules or those who are light sleepers. Many pillow top models come in multiple firmness options, so partners with different preferences can choose accordingly.
A great pillow top is more than just extra padding — it reflects careful craftsmanship and premium material selection. The best models feature hand-tufted or hand-sewn comfort layers using upholstery-grade materials: cashmere, silk, New Zealand wool, Tencel, or high-density specialty foams. These materials are chosen for both their immediate softness and their ability to retain that softness over years of use.
Stearns & Foster is the benchmark for premium pillow top construction — each model is built by master craftsmen and features multiple layers of hand-tufted luxury materials. Spring Air's Back Supporter pillow tops have been trusted for decades for their balance of surface comfort and lumbar support. Eastman House handcrafts their pillow tops with hotel-grade upholstery materials designed to hold up in demanding environments.
Whether you choose a $599 entry-level model or a $6,499 luxury pillow top, the construction quality and material selection make all the difference in how the mattress feels on day one — and five years from now.
Quality pillow top comfort is available at every price point. Here is what to expect at each tier.
Solid pillow top comfort without the luxury markup. Great for guest rooms and value-focused shoppers.
Brands: Spring Air, DiamondShop ValueBest ValueMid-Range$1,000–$2,499Enhanced comfort layers, better durability, and more material options. The sweet spot for most buyers.
Brands: Spring Air Back Supporter, Eastman House, Southerland, EnglanderShop Mid-RangePremium$2,500–$6,499Handcrafted pillow tops with premium materials, extended warranties, and exceptional longevity.
Brands: Stearns & FosterShop PremiumSix leading manufacturers — from value-focused to ultra-premium — all available in our LA showrooms.
Pillow top mattresses require deep-pocket sheets. Most pillow top mattresses are 14”–17” tall — standard sheets designed for 12” mattresses will not fit properly. Look for fitted sheets with a 15”–20” pocket depth. Shop deep-pocket sheets that fit your new mattress.
Pillow top feel is very personal — some people love sinking into soft cushioning, others find it too soft. The only way to know for certain is to lie down and feel it. With prices from $599 to $6,499, this is not an impulse purchase.
Mon–Fri 10am–9pm • Sat–Sun 10am–8pm
(800) 218-3578From our sleep specialists at LA Mattress Store.
A pillow top mattress is a mattress with an extra layer of soft cushioning material sewn onto the top surface. This layer — typically made of foam, fiber, or a combination — is attached along the edges with a visible seam, creating a raised, pillow-like appearance. The pillow top adds immediate surface softness without changing the underlying support system, which is usually an innerspring or pocketed coil structure. Pillow tops are popular because they deliver a plush, hotel-quality feel at a wide range of price points.
The main difference is how the comfort layer is attached and how it looks. A pillow top has a visible seam and a slight gap between the comfort layer and the mattress edge, creating a raised, pillow-like profile. A euro top has the comfort layer sewn flush with the mattress sides — the edge goes all the way to the perimeter, giving a cleaner, more integrated appearance. Euro tops also tend to wear more evenly because the extra material extends to the edge, providing more consistent support across the full sleeping surface.
Yes — pillow top mattresses are among the best options for side sleepers. When sleeping on your side, your shoulders and hips create pressure points that need cushioning to prevent pain and numbness. The extra comfort layer in a pillow top mattress provides that cushioning, allowing these areas to sink in gently while the coil support system beneath keeps your spine aligned. Plush and medium-plush pillow tops are especially well-suited for side sleepers who need extra softness at the surface.
A quality pillow top mattress typically lasts 8–12 years. One thing to be aware of: the pillow top layer can develop an impression or body indentation faster than the core of the mattress, especially with lower-density materials. Higher-end pillow tops from brands like Stearns & Foster use denser, more resilient materials that hold up significantly longer. Rotating your mattress every 3–6 months (since you can't flip a pillow top) helps distribute wear more evenly and extends the life of the comfort layer.
Yes — pillow top mattresses require deep-pocket fitted sheets. Because pillow tops are typically 14" to 17" or more in height, standard fitted sheets (designed for mattresses up to 12") won't stay on properly. Look for deep-pocket sheets labeled 15" to 20" pocket depth. If your mattress is on the taller end (16"–17"+), extra-deep pocket sheets (18"–20") are the safest choice. Many customers are caught off guard by this, so it's worth measuring your mattress height before buying sheets.
No — pillow top mattresses are one-sided and cannot be flipped. The pillow top comfort layer is only on one side, so flipping would leave you sleeping on the wrong side. Instead, rotate your pillow top mattress 180 degrees (head to foot) every 3 to 6 months. This distributes body weight more evenly across the comfort layer and helps prevent body impressions from forming in one spot. Some manufacturers recommend rotating more frequently in the first few months.
Pillow top mattresses can be excellent for back pain when chosen carefully. The cushioning layer reduces pressure on the lower back, hips, and shoulders — which is particularly beneficial for side sleepers whose pain is caused by pressure buildup. However, a pillow top that is too soft can cause the hips to sink excessively, misaligning the spine. For back pain, a medium or medium-firm pillow top is often the best choice — soft enough to cushion pressure points but firm enough to maintain spinal alignment. Back and stomach sleepers typically need a firmer option. Our specialists can help you find the right firmness for your specific situation.
It depends on the specific mattress and adjustable base combination. Some pillow top mattresses — particularly those with flexible coil or foam support systems — are fully compatible with adjustable bases. Others, especially those with rigid interconnected coil systems, may not flex properly. Stearns & Foster's pillow top models that are adjustable base compatible are specifically labeled as such. Always confirm adjustable base compatibility before purchasing. Our team at any of our 5 LA showrooms can advise you on which pillow top models work with adjustable bases.