Pillow Top Mattress vs. Traditional: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking for a new mattress, you’ve likely heard the term “pillow top” thrown around. It’s one of the most popular styles on the market and can be found on many mattresses. But what exactly is a pillow top mattress? And how does it differ from a traditional mattress? Let’s take a look below.

Pillow Top Mattress

A pillow top mattress is a type of mattress that has extra padding on the top of the mattress. The added padding makes the bed more comfortable and allows you to sleep better.

A pillow top mattress is also known as a luxury mattress because it adds comfort to any bed. The extra padding gives your body a soft sleeping surface that alleviates pressure points caused

by bone and muscle alignment. This type of mattress is especially good for people who suffer from back pain or other types of joint pain.

Pros

• Comfort – The soft, fluffy surface of a pillow top mattress can provide extra comfort and support.
• Aesthetics – Pillow tops also add an aesthetic appeal to the room because they are plush and soft.
• Pressure Relieving – Pillows have been shown to reduce pressure points in the body, which can help improve circulation while you sleep and reduce aches and pains in the morning.
• Conforming Material – Memory foam is designed to conform to your body shape, so it can provide better support for people who suffer from medical conditions that affect their sleep quality.
• Cooling – They help keep you cooler during the night because they allow air to circulate through the layers of the bed more easily.

Cons

• Less Longevity – Make sure you find a quality pillow top mattress otherwise the top padding may begin to sag after about 6 years compared to the average lifespan of 8-10 years.
• Costly – Pillow top mattresses are usually more expensive than traditional mattresses.
• Heavy – They also tend to be heavier than traditional mattresses, which means they can be difficult to move around.

Traditional Mattress

A traditional mattress is typically the most common type of mattress that you’ll find at home improvement stores and furniture stores. These mattresses are usually made with foam or coils inside them, but they don’t have any additional padding in their construction like a pillow top would have.

Pros

• Budget-Friendly – A traditional mattress can be purchased at a lower cost, which makes them great for people on a budget.
• Lighter in Weight- If you need to move your bed, then it is much easier to move a traditional mattress than a pillow top mattress.
• Easy to Rotate – Many traditional mattresses can be flipped over as well as rotated from head to toe for even wear over time (which means less wear and tear).

Cons

• Not as Comfortable – The biggest downside is that these mattresses are not as comfortable as other types of mattresses because they lack support and pressure point relief.
• Lack of Sleep Technology – This goes along with the comfort issue, but technologies such as cooling material, pocketed coils versus innerspring, contouring foams, and weight distribution has a lot to do with how comfortable a mattress is. The comfort level affects your sleep quality. Therefore, a lack of sleep technology is a major downside of traditional mattresses.
• Lack of Customization – Almost every mattress on the market today is compatible with adjustable bases, except for traditional mattresses that have rigid frames and an innerspring system.

Major Differences Between a Pillow Top Mattress and a Traditional Mattress

If you’re looking for a new mattress, there are a lot of options out there. While the concept of a pillow top mattress may sound appealing, it’s important to know the differences before making a purchase. So, let’s take a look.

Additional Layer

A pillow top mattress is essentially a traditional mattress with extra padding on top. They can also have added features such as pocked coils instead rigid innersprings, cooling technology, and breathability. The amount of padding will vary from one manufacturer to another, but most pillow tops will have at least 2-4 inches of padding in them. This extra padding makes it easier for you to sleep on your side or stomach without having to worry about getting stuck between two firm surfaces. You also don’t have to worry about rolling off your bed during the night when you sleep on a pillow top because there is enough cushioning for you to stay put between the two surfaces.

Better Support

One of the main reasons why many people like pillow top mattresses are because they offer better support than traditional mattresses. This is especially true for people who suffer from back pain or arthritis issues. There is a perfect combination of support and comfort.

Weight Distribution

Pillow top mattresses distribute weight better than traditional mattresses as they conform better to the curves of your body and relieve pressure points. Traditional mattresses tend to be flatter and less conforming and supportive.

Durability

A traditional mattress lasts about the same as a pillow top mattress depending on the brand. It’s important to find a quality pillow top as lower-quality brands tend to sag sooner making them less comfortable.

Comfort

Pillow top mattresses are designed for people that prefer a soft bed that they can sink into. Traditional mattresses tend to be more firm, which is perfect for people that prefer or need a more firm sleeping surface. Pillow tops can also come in different comfort levels so that you can choose one that suits your needs best.

Best Pillow Top Mattresses of 2022

Pillow Top Mattresses are popular because they are softer and more comfortable than other mattresses. They also help to provide better support for your body.

Below, we will discuss some of the best pillow top mattresses in 2022.

1. Beautyrest Black C-Class Plush Pillow Top Mattress

You know how some mornings you wake up and you feel like a million bucks? You’re ready to take on the day, ready for the challenges, and ready to conquer them.

That feeling is what you can get with this Beautyrest Black C-Class Plush Pillow Top Mattress. It’s designed to give you the support and comfort you need to feel your best during the night so that when you wake up in the morning, you’re ready to take on whatever comes your way.

This mattress is crafted with Beautyrest’s most advanced technology yet, so it delivers 21% more support where your body needs it most.

This mattress has also been designed with cooling technology that helps keep you cool throughout the night so that you don’t wake up feeling hot and uncomfortable. The pillow top design also keeps pressure off your joints, making this a dreamy combination of comfort and support. It’s not just great for adults—it’s also perfect for kids who need their sleep!

The Beautyrest Black C-Class Plush Pillow Top Mattress is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a mattress that offers a truly luxurious sleep experience. Here are some of its highlights:

• With its BlackICE™ with Plant-Based Cooling Technology, you’ll be able to enjoy the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had.
• The mattress has ¾” SurfaceTouch™ Gel Memory Foam, which provides the perfect balance of pressure relief and support while also providing a cooling sensation that will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
• The 1¾” AirFeel™ Foam has a gel layer that also helps keep your body temperature regulated so you don’t overheat at night.
• This mattress comes with the T3 Pocketed Coil® Technology, which provides superior support for your entire body as well as helps relieve pressure points on your hips, shoulders, neck, and back when sleeping on your side or stomach (depending on how much weight is applied).
• This mattress also includes a 3″ Beautyrest® Gel Memory Foam layer that will provide premium comfort for the hips and shoulders, ensuring a balanced sleeping position so you don’t wake up in pain or stiffness.

Considering the Beautyrest Black C-Class Plush Pillow Top Mattress?

2. Brooklyn Bedding Craftsman Jumbo Pillow Top Mattress

Are you ready to reclaim your sleep?

When it comes to comfort, the Brooklyn Bedding Craftsman Jumbo Pillow Top Mattress is unparalleled. This one-of-a-kind mattress is constructed from superior materials and features a quilted foam top that is infused with cooling gel for a sensation similar to that of sleeping on a cloud. Even the warmest sleepers will be able to relax with the help of their innovative cooling gel technology. The added layers of softness and support provide a restful night’s sleep.

The mattress is designed for back sleepers as well as side sleepers, which means it’s great for people who suffer from aches and pains or just want to get a good night’s sleep without waking up feeling sore. Here are some of its most memorable specs:

• With its 1-inch high-density quilt foam and 2-inch high-density medium soft support foam, it provides great comfort for those who need extra cushioning but don’t want to sink into their mattress too much.
• The 8-inch high profile Ascension™ X 781 Pocketed Spring System with steel edge provides strong support for heavier people or those who sleep on their stomachs or sides (while still providing enough softness for side sleepers).
• This mattress has an extremely durable exterior that can hold up to wear and tear over time as well as moisture (making it perfect for humid climates).

The Brooklyn Bedding Craftsman Jumbo Pillow Top Mattress is an outstanding choice for anyone looking for an affordable mattress that will last years to come. It’s offered at an affordable price point and comes with a 10-year warranty as well!

3. Serta Perfect Sleeper Regal Retreat Plush Pillow Top Mattress

We all know what it’s like to sleep on a mattress that just isn’t comfortable. You toss and turn all night, and you wake up feeling sore and groggy. You don’t have to put up with that again!

For a mattress that provides the ultimate comfort experience, you can’t go wrong with Serta’s Perfect Sleeper Regal Retreat Plush Pillow Top Mattress.

Serta’s Perfect Sleeper Regal Retreat Plush Pillow Top Mattress is the perfect solution for anyone who wants a comfortable night’s sleep. Here’s why:

• CoolFeel™ Fabric uses technology derived from plants to make sure your skin stays cool while you sleep.
• QuiltLoft™ Memory Foam is sewn into the top layers of the mattress, so when you lay down on it, you’ll feel supported by more than just foam—you’ll feel supported by memory foam!
• HexCloud™ Gel Memory Foam boasts unique geometric cutouts that deliver cool contouring pressure relief so you can relax and enjoy sleeping on your new mattress.
• WonderCloud™ Memory Foam gently cradles your body for a truly luxurious feel as if you’re sleeping on a cloud.
• BubbleCloud™ Foam delivers cushioning support so when you wake up in the morning you won’t feel like you’ve been sleeping on a rock all night.

The Serta Perfect Sleeper Regal Retreat Plush Pillow Top Mattress is great for those who have a higher budget and want the best. It is the best option if you’re looking for a mattress that will keep you comfortable and supported. It’s made with an open-cell memory foam layer that’s breathable and responsive, so it adjusts to your body’s movements while you sleep. The pillow top layer of the mattress also provides great pressure relief, as well as support and comfort.

Shop the Serta Perfect Sleeper Regal Retreat Plush Pillow Top Mattress in Las Vegas, NV, and St. George, UT!

Surround Yourself In Comfort

Every person has different preferences when it comes to the firmness or softness of their bed. If you’re someone who likes a little more cushion under your body when you sleep, a pillow top mattress might be right for you.

All in all, pillow top mattresses are great for people who like soft beds because they provide extra padding where it’s needed most—on top of the mattress itself.

If you’re looking for the best pillow top mattress in Las Vegas, NV, or St. George, UT, look no further than Best Mattress. Use our store locator to try a pillow top mattress for yourself!

Top Mattress Brands for 2023: Features and Benefits

Posted: December 6, 2021

Editor’s Note: This content was originally posted in December 2021 and has been updated for 2023.  Quality mattresses maintain the balance between comfort, relaxation, and relief. Here are top-performing mattresses—including features and benefits—that provides a good night’s sleep for the coming year of 2023. Best Mattress has these mattresses in stock. Enjoy these mattresses all year […]

The Best Pillow Top Mattresses of [2023 Updated]

Posted: October 27, 2020

All foam bedding is amazing, but pillow top mattresses are definitely something to consider if you’re a memory foam enthusiast. A pillow top mattress has an additional layer of foam padding on the top for support and comfort. Most pillow top mattresses also have a coil system for additional support. The pillow top cover is […]

Pros and Cons of Innerspring, Memory Foam, Hybrid, & Pillow Top Mattresses

Posted: February 2, 2021

So you’re looking for a mattress but there are so many brands and types of mattresses to choose from. There is everything from traditional innerspring mattresses to memory foam, hybrid, pillow top, gel, adjustable, and the list goes on. So how do you decide which mattress is right for you? We will only go over […]