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. But what exactly is a pillow top mattress? And how does it differ from a traditional mattress? Let’s take a look below.

(This article was originally posted in October 2022. It has been updated with the top three pillow top mattresses for 2025.)

Pillow Top Mattress

A pillow top mattress features an extra layer of plush padding sewn directly to the top, creating a soft, cushioning surface that enhances overall comfort. This added layer helps cradle your body and can alleviate pressure points—an especially welcome benefit for individuals dealing with back or joint pain.

Pros

• Comfort – The plush top layer offers a soft, cushiony feel that can alleviate tension in the shoulders, hips, and back.
• Aesthetics – Pillow tops elevate the look of your bedroom, providing a plush, inviting appearance.
• Pressure Relief – The additional padding helps distribute weight more evenly, which can reduce morning aches and pains.
• Conforming Material – Often made with memory foam or other adaptive materials, pillow tops contour to your body for better support, especially useful if you have underlying medical conditions.
• Cooling Features – Many pillow top mattresses use breathable foams or cooling gels to help promote airflow and manage heat throughout the night.

Cons

• Shorter Lifespan – Lower-quality pillow tops might show signs of sagging sooner than other mattresses, so it’s important to invest in a reputable brand.
• Higher Cost – Pillow top mattresses are generally more expensive than standard models.
• Weight – The extra layers can make these mattresses heavier, so moving or rotating them can be more challenging.

Traditional Mattress

Traditional mattresses are the most common type found in home and furniture stores. Typically constructed from basic foam or an innerspring system (or a combination of both), they don’t include any extra padding layers on top.

Pros

• Budget-Friendly – These mattresses usually come at a lower cost, making them an attractive choice for those on a tight budget.
• Lighter Weight – Without the extra pillow top layer, they’re easier to move or rotate.
• Simple Maintenance – Many traditional mattresses can be flipped or rotated to promote even wear and extend their life.

Cons

• Less Comfort – Traditional mattresses lack the added cushioning and pressure relief that pillow tops provide.
• Fewer Features – Advanced sleep technologies like cooling foams or pocketed coils are less common in traditional models, which can affect overall comfort and support.
• Limited Compatibility – While most modern mattresses are adjustable-base friendly, some traditional innerspring options may not be.

Major Differences Between a Pillow Top Mattress and a Traditional Mattress

1. Extra Layer
   Pillow top mattresses are essentially traditional mattresses enhanced with a plush, cushioned layer on top—often accompanied by features like pocketed coils and cooling elements. This extra padding (typically 2–4 inches) boosts comfort, making it easier to sleep on your side or stomach without feeling stuck.
2. Improved Support
   The additional layer in pillow top mattresses can help relieve pain and tension in the back or joints, providing an optimal blend of firmness and softness.
3. Weight Distribution
   A pillow top naturally conforms to the body’s curves, offering better pressure relief than the flatter construction of most traditional mattresses.
4. Durability
   While both types can last roughly the same amount of time if made well, lower-quality pillow tops may sag sooner. Choosing a reputable brand helps ensure longevity.
5. Comfort
   Pillow tops are favored by those who love sinking into a softer sleep surface. Traditional mattresses, on the other hand, offer a firmer feel that suits individuals who need extra support. Pillow tops also come in various firmness levels, allowing shoppers to find their perfect comfort match.

Best Pillow Top Mattresses for 2025

Pillow top mattresses remain a top choice for anyone who values a softer, more luxurious sleep surface. In addition to their plush feel, they often incorporate advanced materials and technologies for optimal support and temperature regulation. Below, we’ll explore some of the leading pillow top mattresses in 2025 to help you find your ideal match.

1. Beautyrest Black Series 3 Plush Pillow Top Mattress

If you’re searching for a high-end pillow top mattress that truly delivers on comfort, support, and durability, the Beautyrest Black Series 3 Plush Pillow Top Mattress continues to set the gold standard in 2025. Building on Beautyrest’s renowned craftsmanship, this model blends luxury materials and innovative engineering to cater to a wide range of sleepers. From its advanced coil system designed to reduce motion transfer to its plush pillow top that offers an invitingly soft surface, the Beautyrest Black Series 3 provides the perfect balance of coziness and support.

One of the biggest highlights of the Beautyrest Black Series 3 Plush Pillow Top is its targeted support system. The specialized coil technology—often referred to as T3 Pocketed Coils—ensures that your spine remains aligned while minimizing disturbances when your partner moves. Combined with layers of premium foam, including pressure-relieving memory foam, this mattress helps reduce stress on the shoulders and hips for side sleepers. Back sleepers benefit from the balanced contouring that keeps the lower back supported, while combination sleepers appreciate how easily they can shift positions without feeling “stuck.”

Beyond its supportive construction, the mattress is also built to maintain a cool sleeping environment—an essential feature in 2025’s advanced mattress market. Cooling gel-infused foams and breathable materials promote airflow, helping to dissipate heat even on warmer nights. This focus on temperature regulation makes it an excellent choice for hot sleepers who want the luxury feel of a plush pillow top without sacrificing a cool night’s sleep.

Equally impressive is the overall durability and premium feel of the Beautyrest Black Series 3 Plush Pillow Top. The robust construction is made to stand the test of time, resisting sagging and maintaining its shape. This means you can enjoy the same level of plush comfort and reliable support night after night, year after year. Whether you’re a side sleeper craving plush cushioning or a couple looking for a mattress that can handle different sleep styles, the Beautyrest Black Series 3 Plush Pillow Top offers a truly versatile sleep experience—earning its place as one of the best pillow top mattresses of 2025.

Considering the Beautyrest Black Series 3 Plush Pillow Top Mattress?

2. Helix Midnight Elite Pillow Top Mattress

If you’re on the hunt for a premium mattress that blends a touch of luxury with an accessible price point, the Helix Midnight Elite Mattress stands out as a top contender in 2025. While still delivering that plush, cushioned feel you’d expect from a high-end pillow top mattress, the Midnight Elite comes in at a lower price than many other luxury models on the market—most notably, it offers substantial savings compared to the Beautyrest Black Series 3 Plush Pillow Top. Despite the more wallet-friendly cost, Helix hasn’t compromised on comfort or support.

One of the defining features of the Helix Midnight Elite is its hybrid construction. By combining multiple foam layers with an advanced coil system, Helix targets pressure points without sacrificing responsiveness or alignment. Side sleepers often appreciate the gentle contouring around the hips and shoulders, while back sleepers enjoy the balanced support that helps maintain proper spinal positioning. Because the transition from comfort foam to pocketed coils is so smooth, combination sleepers also benefit—shifting positions throughout the night feels natural and uninterrupted.

Temperature control is another area where the Helix Midnight Elite excels. From its breathable cover to gel-infused foam layers designed to wick away heat, this mattress keeps you comfortably cool, even if you tend to run hot. This careful attention to temperature regulation ensures you get the cozy, pillowy surface you crave without feeling trapped by excessive warmth. Plus, each layer is engineered to reduce motion transfer, making it a solid choice for couples whose sleep might otherwise be disrupted by each other’s movements.

Overall, the Helix Midnight Elite offers an excellent balance of plushness, pressure relief, and support—all wrapped into a competitively priced package. Whether you sleep on your side, back, or a mix of both, the Midnight Elite’s thoughtfully designed layers work in harmony to deliver a restful night’s sleep. If you’re searching for a deluxe pillow top mattress but want to keep costs reasonable, the Helix Midnight Elite proves you can enjoy top-tier comfort without the top-tier price tag.

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

3. Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Medium Euro Pillow Top Mattress

For those seeking a refined balance of plushness and support in 2025, the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Medium Euro Pillow Top Mattress offers a timeless sense of luxury with modern comfort technologies. Stearns & Foster has a legacy built on expert craftsmanship, and the Lux Estate collection is a testament to that heritage. Each mattress in this line boasts premium materials and carefully layered construction, delivering a luxurious sleeping experience that stands out among other Euro pillow top mattresses.

One of the key highlights is the precision-engineered coil system, designed to provide targeted support where you need it most. Whether you’re a side sleeper in need of relief around the shoulders and hips or a back sleeper who prefers consistent lumbar support, the Lux Estate Medium Euro Pillow Top adapts to your body’s contours without losing its core stability. This is complemented by layers of high-quality foams—such as Stearns & Foster’s signature Indulge Memory Foam—that offer pressure relief without the “sink” some sleepers prefer to avoid.

Temperature regulation is also a strong point of the Lux Estate. Advanced cooling materials woven into the surface layer help dissipate heat, making it a solid choice for those who struggle with overheating at night. Thanks to the premium cover and ventilation features, you can expect a breezy, comfortable sleep environment throughout the year. Additionally, the durable design resists premature sagging or wear, ensuring that you’ll enjoy this mattress’s consistent support and comfort for years to come.

Overall, the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Medium Euro Pillow Top Mattress provides a compelling mix of plush cushioning and reliable support. It’s an ideal option for sleepers who crave a luxurious, gentle feel without compromising on proper spinal alignment or long-term durability. By fusing Stearns & Foster’s storied workmanship with innovative sleep technology, the Lux Estate collection continues to uphold the brand’s reputation as one of the market leaders in the Euro pillow top category.

Shop the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Medium Euro Pillow Top Mattress in Las Vegas, NV, and St. George, UT!

Surround Yourself In Comfort

Everyone has unique preferences when it comes to mattress firmness. If you’re someone who enjoys a bit more cushioning, a pillow top mattress may be just the thing for you. With extra padding right on top, pillow top mattresses deliver that soft, luxurious feel many sleepers crave.

If you’re searching for the best pillow top mattress in Las Vegas, NV, or St. George, UT, turn to Best Mattress. Visit our store locator and experience the plush comfort for yourself!