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10 Best Pillow-Top Mattresses, Tested by Experts

Say hello to cloud-like comfort.

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best pillow top mattreses

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Nothing looks or feels quite as luxurious as a classic pillow-top mattress. Beyond its inviting look, pillow-top beds are known for their indulgent, cloud-like comfort that'll make you want to stay in bed all day long. Still, the pampering feel often comes at a higher price, so you'll want to do your research and make sure you find one that won't sag or indent under your weight.

What's the best pillow-top mattress for most people? Our top-tested pick is Helix's Dusk Luxe. It offers a crowd-pleasing medium firmness with a cushioning Euro top for comfort without being so tall that you'll need deep pocket sheets.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is constantly testing mattresses and bedding for every kind of sleep position, material and firmness preference. With over a century of experience in testing home products, we keep track of long-established brands and new innovations to find the best of the best. In recent years, my team and I have worked with at-home consumer testers to directly evaluate over 220 mattresses and surveyed over 10,000 people to get long-term feedback on beds they own. Here are our picks for the best pillow-top mattresses available.

Pros

  • Quilted Euro top
  • Top scores from real users
  • Medium firmness suits varying sleep positions

Cons

  • Heavy with no side handles for maneuvering

A Euro-top mattress, like a pillow-top mattress, provides extra padding but the top lines up with the edges of the mattress for a more uniform appearance. This one feels indulgent and luxurious, like a classic pillow top, cushioning your body in all the right places. Its medium firmness is versatile, and the tall height isn't so tall that you'll need special deep-pocket sheets.

For extra padding and a cool feel, opt for the GlacioTex cooling cover.

Tester notes: Users with different sleeping positions unanimously gave the mattress top scores when it came to comfort. One said, "It feels plush but doesn't feel like it's swallowing me up, and there's just enough bounce that allows me to shift and turn over in the night."

Another liked that it didn't sink in as much as her previous pillow-top mattress. The caveat? While DIY set-up is simple, the bed is heavy and doesn't have handles.

Who it's best for: Combination sleepers who frequently change positions throughout the night, couples who can't agree on a firmness level and anyone who likes a classic pillow-top feel.

Who should avoid it: Those who prefer a plusher firmness should consider Helix's Moonlight Luxe instead. Older users who may not want to set up their own boxed mattress.

Mattress height14 in.
Firmness levelsMedium
Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Trial period100 days
2
Best Value

Allswell Supreme

Supreme
Credit: Allswell

Pros

  • Quality construction for a low-cost model
  • Fast delivery and easy DIY setup
  • Euro top helps cradle pressure points

Cons

  • Lacks edge support compared to our other picks
  • Only one firmness option

Allswell's mattresses continue to impress our experts and testers, delivering quality at lower price points. While mattress prices have fluctuated over the past years, Allswell's pricing has remained consistent, and the Supreme has earned high praise from our testers for its comfortable feel. Though it only comes in one firmness level, this hybrid model has a plush, built-in Euro top for extra cushioning that cradles pressure points.

Tester notes: Our most recent tester of this mattress shared, "my previous mattress did not have a pillow top; you can feel the difference in having the extra layer right away." She also added that it "forms to your body without denting or deflating, even after a long period of using it." Still, the edge support isn't the best compared to our other picks, so those with mobility issues may find it difficult to get out of bed.

Who it's best for: Price-conscious shoppers who are looking to spend under $500. In our tests, this was a favorite among young adults in their 20s.

Who should avoid it: Older users or those with limited mobility may find the edge support and DIY setup unideal.

Mattress height14 in.
Firmness levelsMedium Soft
Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Trial period90 days
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3
Most Popular

Serta Perfect Sleeper Innerspring Mattress

Perfect Sleeper Innerspring Mattress

Pros

  • Many options for layers and firmness levels
  • High ratings for support from panel members
  • Available to try in stores

Cons

  • Long-term owners were divided on longevity

Serta's Perfect Sleeper is the most commonly purchased model amongst our survey panel for good reason. It has three variations to choose from, plus eight different firmness levels, including one Euro top and three pillow-top options. The mattress will be delivered to your home through a delivery service, and you can opt to pay for full-service setup and mattress removal.

Tester notes: We've received feedback from over 1,000 Serta owners. Owners of this model liked the support but were divided on its longevity. One person who slept on it for over 10 years told us the pillow top has held up well, while another who has had it for 9 years noted the top has noticeably flattened out.

Still, most were happy with their purchase, including one who shared, "I was really pleased with the quality given [the price point]. The pillow top made it really comfortable. It was supportive without feeling firm."

Who it's best for: Shoppers who like to try mattresses in store before purchasing or anyone who likes having a variety of options to choose from.

Who should avoid it: Those who don't want to feel overwhelmed with too many mattress variations and anyone who has consistently had issues with mattress longevity.

Mattress height14.5 in.
Firmness levelsPlush Euro Top, Plush Pillow Top, Medium Pillow Top, Firm Pillow Top
Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Trial period120 days
4
Best Soft

Beautyrest Harmony Lux

Harmony Lux
Credit: Beautyrest

Pros

  • Pillow top cushions pressure points
  • Complimentary white-glove delivery
  • Popular mattress brand

Cons

  • Users found it difficult to find well-fitting sheets

A plush pillow-top mattress can help relieve pressure in key areas, like the hips and shoulders, to keep your spine in neutral alignment, which makes it ideal for side sleepers. This option from Beautyrest comes highly recommended from multiple side sleepers on our panel, who highlighted its cushioned pillow top. It has a lofty quilted top with several layers of foam to contour to your body, and, rest assured, it comes with complimentary white-glove delivery.

Tester notes: Over 500 of our panelists (including side sleepers) own a Beautyrest mattress, and many called the tall pillow-top their favorite part of the bed. This model is one of our tallest picks, and some admitted that the height made it difficult to find sheets that fit. One user who owns the plush pillow-top said, "It is soft yet firm enough that you don't sink into the mattress. My body does not ache like it used to on my old one."

Who it's best for: Side sleepers who like the feel of pillow-top mattresses, in-store shoppers and anyone who prefers full-service delivery with setup.

Who should avoid it: Those who run hot at night; our testers found it warmer than similar mattresses.

Mattress height14.75 in. to 15.75 in.
Firmness levelsPlush Pillow Top, Medium Pillow Top, Firm Pillow Top
Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Trial period100 days
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5
Best Luxury

Stearns & Foster Lux Estate

Lux Estate
Credit: Stearns & Foster

Pros

  • High-quality and hand-crafted materials
  • Available to try in stores
  • Indulgent Tempur-Pedic foam

Cons

  • Long delivery time due to made-to-order process
  • Expensive

Many of our panelists, especially those who prefer firmer beds, praised the supportive feel of Stearns & Foster's Estate Collection, thanks to its complex, two-in-one coil system. The Lux Estate offers true indulgence, featuring high-quality, hand-crafted materials including layers of memory foam from Tempur-Pedic for pressure relief. For the pillow-top version, you can choose between three firmness levels.

Tester notes: Many panelists applauded its excellent support over time, and those who opted for the pillow-top style highlighted its comfort. One told us, "you feel like [the mattress] is enveloping you," and another described it as "supportive but still soft enough to mold [to you]." Plus, users who preferred firm beds gave the brand high praise for its firm yet not too firm feel.

Note that each mattress is made-to-order and can take longer to arrive, but many owners told us it was worth the wait.

Who it's best for: Anyone looking to splurge on a luxurious pillow-top mattress and in-store shoppers who want to try out the model in person before purchasing.

Who should avoid it: Those hesitant to splurge on a mattress. If you're unsure about the high price point, we recommended the Estate mattress. It doesn't offer as much pressure relief but affords the same support for $1,000 less.

Mattress height16 in.
Firmness levelsPillow-top Soft, Pillow-top Medium, Pillow-top Firm
Available sizesTwin Long, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King
Trial period90 days
6
Best for Adjustable Beds

Sealy Sleepy's By Sealy Medium Euro Top Mattress

Sleepy's By Sealy Medium Euro Top Mattress
Now 9% Off
Credit: Mattress Firm

Pros

  • Luxurious, cushiony feel
  • Ergonomic, zoned coil system with targeted support
  • Versatile medium firmness

Cons

  • Not the best edge support, according to testers
  • On the shorter side for a pillow-top mattress

This Euro-top mattress has an indulgent feel that made our testers want to stay in bed all day long. It comes in a medium firmness and, most importantly, a competitive price point compared to similar models you'll see both online and in-store. While it's not as tall as other mattresses on our list, this makes it a better candidate for using on an adjustable bed base. Plus, it's got an ergonomic layout for targeted support, thanks to the zoned coils.

Tester notes: Sleepy's and Sealy are both popular amongst our panelists, and many appreciate just how fast Mattress Firm is when it comes to delivery and mattress removal. Our most recent tester for this bed said, "I never felt any pressure on my hips or shoulders when lying on my side.” She also shared that it felt so comfortable she "[couldn't] wait to return to it night after night." Still, because of the thick, cushioned pillow-top, she found the edge support lacking compared her previous pillow-top mattress.

Who it's best for: Pillow-top lovers and users looking for added pressure relief. The medium firmness works well for most sleep positions.

Who should avoid it: Shoppers who prefer a taller bed, as this one is on the shorter side, and those who want solid edge support.

Mattress height10.5 in.
Firmness levelsMedium
Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, California King
Trial period120 nights
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7
Best Firm

Saatva Classic Mattress

Classic Mattress
Now 20% Off
Credit: Dan Dai and Jay Aguirre

Pros

  • Good edge support
  • Free setup and mattress removal
  • Exceptional customer service

Cons

  • $99 return fee
  • Runs firm, according to testers

Saatva's Classic Mattress is one of the best we've ever tested. You can pick between two heights and three levels of firmness, and the brand will deliver it to your home (and remove your old mattress) at no additional cost. Not only does the Euro-top mattress provide top-notch support without compromising on comfort, but it's also got lofty padding and, best of all, a generous 365-day sleep trial. Just note that you'll have to pay a $99 pickup fee if you decide to return it.

Tester notes: This mattress has earned glowing feedback from our consumer panel. Many have highlighted both the overall comfort and support and the exceptional customer service. When our testers and experts tried out this model, we found the edge support exceptional. Others agreed, with many long-term users sharing how easy it is to get in and out of bed.

Who it's best for: Pillow-top lovers who prefer a little extra support and firmness.

Who should avoid it: Users who prefer a soft, plush pillow-top mattress; this bed may feel too firm for their liking, according to our testers.

Mattress height11.5 in. or 14.5 in.
Firmness levelsPlush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm
Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King, Split California King
Trial period365 days (with a $99 return pickup fee)
8
Best Hybrid

Bear Elite Hybrid

Elite Hybrid
Now 38% Off
Credit: Dan Dai and Jay Aguirre

Pros

  • Ergonomic layout for targeted support
  • Users report improved sleep quality
  • Perfect comfort and support ratings from testers

Cons

  • Not a true pillow-top mattress

While it's not a true pillow-top mattress, this hybrid option offers a similar cushioned feel, thanks to its substantial quilted top. Beyond that, it offers tailored support where it matters the most, like extra cushioning around the hips and back, due to the five distinct zones within its coil system. While it's a newer release than our other picks, the ergonomic layout has proved effective, earning admiration from our experts.

Tester notes: Many mattresses on the market use some form of zonal support, but Bear's five-zone design performed the best in our tests. One tester called the bed "nothing short of amazing," and several reported notable improvements in sleep quality after swapping to it. Another shared, "I suffer from back pain and with this mattress, I wake up pain-free."

Note that Bear makes some recovery-related claims that we couldn't verify in our research, but we still stand behind the mattress for its exceptional comfort.

Who it's best for: Side and back sleepers, users suffering from back pain and those who have struggled to find a truly comfortable mattress.

Who should avoid it: Users looking for a more traditional pillow-top mattress with ample padding.

Mattress height14 in.
Firmness levelsLuxury Plush, Luxury Firm, Extra Firm
Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Trial period120 days
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9
Best Organic Latex

Avocado Green Mattress

GH Seal
Green Mattress

Pros

  • Generous year-long trial period
  • Certified organic materials
  • Floating-like latex feel

Cons

  • Plush version costs extra

Compared to the other pillow-top mattresses on our list, the Avocado Green Mattress uses resilient latex in place of foam. This results in a bouncy texture that allows for a floating-like feel, as it contours to your body without sinking in. The bed is also certified organic by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS), which ensures the entire manufacturing process adheres to strict guidelines.

Tester notes: This mattress proves that you don't need to sacrifice comfort when opting for a more sustainable option. It earned high praise from our testers for its comfort, and several have commended it for how well it has lasted over the years without any dips or indents. There's also a generous year-long trial period to give you plenty of time to decide if it's right for you. Just note that you'll need to pay $600 – $700 extra if you prefer plush to medium firmness.

Who it's best for: Shoppers looking to avoid memory foam, eco-conscious consumers or anyone who likes the springy feel of latex.

Who should avoid it: Those who prefer more cushioning and padding. Latex has a dense, bouncy feel.

Mattress height13 in. to 15.5 in.
Firmness levelsPlush, Medium
Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Trial period365 days
10
Best for Back Pain

Nolah Evolution 15"

Evolution 15"
Now 59% Off
Credit: Jill Sollazzo

Pros

  • Top praise from users with hip and back pain
  • Several foam layers for cushioning pressure relief
  • Perfect comfort and support scores from reviewers

Cons

  • Very heavy for a boxed model, according to testers
  • Some users say it runs soft

If you suffer from chronic back or hip pain, choosing the right mattress for proper spinal alignment is essential. Nolah's mattresses have received copious amounts of praise from dozens of our testers and panel members, including many with joint pain, thanks to its pressure-relieving foam. This model is the brand's most popular and combines several layers of foam over zoned coils, which are designed to cradle your pressure points and promote alignment.

Tester notes: While there's no easy fix for any kind of joint pain, we've received positive feedback from dozens of people with chronic pain. Many have told us the bed made all the difference, stating that it "cushions pressure points" without sinking in too much and conforms nicely to their bodies. One user shared that after having on-and-off back pain for more than 20 years, she hasn't experienced any during the first year of sleeping on this mattress.

Note that the 15-inch profile can be a bit tall for some users and results in a heavy mattress, which can make the DIY setup challenging.

Who it's made for: Users struggling with back pain, hip pain, pregnancy-related pain and sciatica or anyone in search of a little more pressure relief.

Who should avoid it: Anyone looking to avoid a foam-heavy feel (this one has many layers) or who wants a firmer bed. Some users said it runs soft.

Mattress height15 in.
Firmness levelsPlush, Luxury Firm, Firm
Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Trial period120 days
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Other pillow-top mattresses we've tested:

double line break

We've rounded up the best of the best pillow-top mattresses, but here are our thoughts on some other memorable mattresses in our tests:

The Winkbed is another popular pillow-top mattress. It has a uniform feel with notable support, but our tester found it ran notably hot (even during the winter) and firm.

Puffy's Lux Hybrid Mattress is a great soft hybrid with a Euro-top design, but our reviewers agreed it didn't feel like a typical pillow-top mattress and had more of a foam-y nature.

How we test pillow-top mattresses

double line break

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been evaluating consumer products for over a century, including all kinds of mattresses, from traditional innerspring mattresses to cutting-edge smart mattresses. With the shift to online shopping and expansion of the direct-to-consumer mattress industry, we've kept up with the latest innovations, reviewing new styles and tried-and-true classics to see if they're worth the hype.

In the past few years, we've also surveyed more than 10,000 mattress owners while working with at-home consumer testers to directly review hundreds of models. Plus, our experts assess everything from materials and structure to brand reputation to find the best mattresses, including those with pillow tops and Euro tops.

Here are some aspects we consider when evaluating mattresses:

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a man unboxes a mattress
Jill Sollazzo

✔️ Ordering & delivery: Survey respondents rate and comment on how easy it was to buy the mattress, how quickly it arrived and any issues that came up during the purchasing process.

✔️ Setup: Users share how easy the mattress delivery and set-up process was, whether white glove delivery or DIY setup. They also note whether or not the mattress took shape quickly.

hands pressing on a saatva mattress to assess perceived bounce and pressure relief
  • Firmness rating: We ask testers to share their opinion on the firmness level. Even though most brands specify a firmness, we want to make sure it feels that way in real life — especially when the brand claims it'll feel soft.
  • Edge support: Reviewers sit on the edge of their beds and report back on how it performs under their weight or other pressure.
  • Comfort and support: Our testers give both quantitative and qualitative feedback on the overall comfort and support of the mattresses, as well as how well they personally liked sleeping on them, first initially and then over an extended period.
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    the quilted top of a mattress
    Dan Dai and Jay Aguirre
    • Temperature: We ask users, including hot sleepers, to rate how comfortable their body temperature remained while sleeping on the mattress.
    • Perceived sleep quality: Users weigh in on whether they felt the mattress affected their sleep quality. They also share whether or not they woke up sore and compare their current model to ones they've slept on in the past.
    • Longevity: Our panelists and testers share how long they've owned their beds along with any signs of sagging or indentations. This helps us gauge how well a mattress has lasted for a variety of different users.
    • Additional feedback: Testers also report any specific likes, dislikes and further comments about their experiences.

    Things to consider for when shopping for the best pillow-top mattress

    double line break

    Whether you're shopping online or in stores, choosing the right mattress can feel impossible. After all, there's no such thing as a single mattress that's perfect for everyone. Here are some things to keep in mind while shopping:

    ✔️ Firmness level: In our surveys, the biggest concern for our respondents was finding a mattress with the appropriate firmness level. If you're unsure which firmness level is best for you, think about these two aspects in addition to your personal preferences:

    • Sleep position: Keeping your spine in neutral alignment throughout the night is essential, especially if you've woken up from pain in the past. Often, stomach sleepers can benefit from a firmer mattress, side sleepers require a softer bed and back or combination sleepers are best suited to something in the middle.
    • Body type: Heavy people may benefit from a firmer bed for support, while users with lightweight bodies are best off with a softer mattress.
    • Remember: Consider both your size and sleep position when deciding on the right firmness level.

    ✔️ Height: Pillow-top mattresses are often taller than a typical innerspring, hybrid or foam mattress, as they provide extra comfort layers. While a tall mattress can add an upscale feel, it may be difficult for those with mobility-related issues to get in and out of bed and some may even require deep pocket sheets. Think about what a pillow-top mattress may look like with your existing bed frame, so you aren't surprised by the generous height.

    ✔️ Back pain: Pressure-relieving mattresses, such as all-foam, hybrid styles or pillow-top styles, can help provide necessary relief for those suffering from any kind of joint-related pain. In our interviews with medical professionals, many advise to look for a medium level of firmness for a balance of cushioning and support.

    ✔️ Temperature: Hot sleepers or those experiencing night sweats can benefit from a mattress with cooling properties. Know that certain materials, such as memory foam, are known for trapping heat, so if you prefer a foam or hybrid mattress, opt for a hybrid style, which uses coils for extra ventilation, or a foam bed with cooling technology, like phase change materials, copper particles or gel. Compared to foam beds and hybrid mattresses, innerspring and latex beds feel "cooler" due to their breathable design and materials.

    ✔️ Trial period: Whether or not you stop by a showroom to lie on your new bed before purchasing, it's hard to tell if a mattress is right for you without actually sleeping on it for a few months. To help, many mattress brands will offer an any-reason return period of at least 90 nights, so you can try your bed risk-free. But remember to check for any hidden return fees and to learn how the return process works prior to purchasing your new bed.

    ✔️ Certifications: When shopping, you may see several emblems. Here are the most common certifications you'll encounter and what they mean:

    • CertiPUR-US verifies that any foam used has been tested to ensure low VOC emissions and is made without certain harmful chemicals.
    • The Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certifies that any fabric component of the product (like an outer cover) has been tested for unsafe levels of known harmful chemicals.
    • The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifies that the entire product follows rigorous standards throughout the manufacturing process. GOTS is often considered the gold standard for organic mattresses and bedding but may be misused by some brands. Keep in mind that GOTS only certifies whole products rather than a single component (such as an organic cotton outer cover). If you're on the fence, you can check the GOTS public database to be sure a brand's claim is accurate.
    • The Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) is similar to GOTS but instead focuses on latex. These two organic certifications are often used together when it comes to products like organic latex mattresses, toppers and pillows.
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    What does pillow top mean on a mattress?

    what does pillow top mean on a mattress

    Pillow-top mattresses are often associated with having a plush, luxurious feel, but what is a pillow top and what difference does it make?

    • A pillow top is an additional gusseted layer of padding sewn on to the top of the mattress with a small gap, resembling a pillow. It's often filled with fiber, foam or a combination of the two and intended to appear cushiony and inviting. As a result, the top few layers of the bed appear separated, like a built-in mattress topper or feather bed.
    • A Euro top has a similar intention but instead lies flush with the edges, foregoing the "raised" look.
    • A quilted top on a mattress without these design features can be referred to as a tight top.

    Why trust Good Housekeeping?

    double line break

    The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been testing bedding and home products for over a century. Each year, our experts research and review hundreds of mattresses in addition to surveying our readers, organizing consumer testing and analyzing countless data points.

    Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Wu regularly evaluates mattresses herself, coordinates consumer testing and writes about beds for every type of sleeper. She's tried out several pillow-top mattresses, including some in this story. Prior to joining GH, Wu earned a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.

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    Headshot of Grace Wu
    Grace Wu
    Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst

    Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.

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