Pillow Top vs Euro Top Mattress - Which is Better
Written by Nectarsleep editorial team
Last Updated on Mar 13, 2023
Pillow top and euro top mattresses were both developed to provide a plush, soft sleeping surface and additional support on top of a mattress. While both cushion tops rest on a base, the main difference between a euro top and a pillow top is how they are sewn onto this base. Pillow tops, for example, are softer, whereas Euro tops are much more streamlined.
This piece will highlight the pros and cons of pillow top and euro top mattresses, things to consider before buying, and a verdict to help you choose a suitable variant for your home.
What Is a Pillow Top Mattress
Pillow top mattresses come with an extra layer of padding sewn directly to the mattress top. These budget-friendly mattresses are popularly found in homes because of their improved
softness and contouring abilities.
Unlike Euro box top spring mattresses, pillow-top mattresses are suitable for beds with naturally firm support. To better understand what it would feel like to have a pillow top mattress in your space, picture in your mind a giant pillow resting on your bed.
This giant pillow top brings support to your neck and back. Pillow top mattresses are known to be beautiful and more viable on innerspring coils.
You might want to bear in mind that the edges of most pillow-top mattresses are not perfectly aligned with the edges of the actual bed.
Pillow tops can be found on any type of mattress, but they are most commonly found on beds with naturally firm support cores, such as innerspring coils. This is because the additional padding softens and cushions spring beds, providing pressure relief for heavy body regions like the hips and shoulders. In addition, pillow tops are typically made of softer materials, such as memory foam, latex foam, wool, or fiberfill, and are contoured.
Pros
Below are some of the reasons why you should choose a pillow top mattress over a euro top mattress:
- Better softness and contouring abilities for more comfort and coziness.
- Reduces motion transfer, making it a better option for couples who get up in between.
- Cushions relieve pressure points and are a good choice for those with pain.
- Distributes body weight evenly to prevent and decrease back pain.
- Known to be breathable are more suitable for summers.
Cons
Below are some of the reasons why you should not choose a pillow top mattress over a Euro top mattress:
- It can cause decreased airflow in an innerspring mattress.
- Bears the brunt of regular movement and can start to sag.
Pillow Top Material
Pillow top mattresses are all about bringing balance to comfort and value. Luckily, you will find multiple pillow-top mattresses designed with different materials. Pillow top mattresses are generally crafted from softer materials, like memory foam, latex foam, wool, or fiberfill.
Memory Foam Pillow Top
Because it only reacts to heat and pressure, memory foam provides the most pressure alleviation. This means it will cushion and support your body's heaviest regions, such as your hips and shoulders, making it an excellent solution for sleepers with painful pressure points.
Memory foam cushion tops are also effective in motion isolation. When sleepers move during the night, the memory foam absorbs the movement before reaching the coil support core and spreading across the bed.
These characteristics make memory foam pillow toppers ideal for side sleepers seeking relief around their hips and shoulders, anyone suffering from back, shoulder, or hip pain, or light sleepers with a frequently shifting sleep partner.
Latex Foam Pillow Top
Memory foam is slightly firmer than latex foam. natural latex, synthetic latex, or a blend of the two can be used to make latex, although natural latex is the best option. This is because it is eco-friendly and sustainable, as it is extracted from the sap of a rubber tree. In addition, the absence of synthetic components in natural latex makes it more breathable, but let's speak about how it feels.
Latex is a type of rubber that is inherently dense and springy. While its bounce-like quality makes it more sensitive, it does not isolate motion, especially when paired with springy coils. Its density ensures durability while also providing a firmer feel ideal for heavy sleepers.
Natural latex foam's sustainability, robustness, and sturdiness are ideal for environmentally aware consumers.
Wool Pillow Top
Wool pillow toppers are softer than both memory foam and latex foam. When it comes to pressure alleviation, wool is akin to memory foam. However, it is unsupported. The support you receive will come entirely from the core of your mattress, and while wool is soft, it lacks the characteristics necessary to isolate motion.
It is, however, sustainable. It is derived from a sheep or goat's coat and functions as a natural insulator, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It is also quite long-lasting. Wool items tend to be more expensive due to their durability.
Fiberfill Pillow Top
Fiberfill is a polyester and other synthetic material blend designed to simulate down or feathers. Fiberfill is less breathable than other goods due to synthetic components. These pillow toppers are also the least durable and most prone to flattening or sagging.
Fiberfill, like wool, does not shape, but its soft feel will effectively ease pressure on your hips and shoulders. Fiberfill pillow tops are an excellent choice for a comfortable, supportive, and reasonably priced mattress.
What Is A Euro Top Mattress
Euro tops are luxurious mattresses made of an additional layer of padding to increase comfort. This extra layer of padding is stitched beneath the mattress cover to give a plush combination of soft and supportive material.
Compared to a pillow top, euro top mattresses provide better support around the edges and have a cleaner look. These mattress variants are commonly found in hotels for a luxurious feel and look.
There are no gaps in euro top mattress materials, which leaves no room for shrinkage. However, due to the premium quality they offer, Euro top mattresses are more expensive than pillow-top mattresses of the same size. Let us look at the Euro top mattress pros and cons in detail.
Pros
Below are some of the reasons why you should choose a Euro top mattress over a pillow top mattress:
- Suitable for individuals struggling with back or neck pain.
- Provides support towards the edges.
- The bottom layers of the mattress better support euro tops.
- No gap or v-shaped indentation to sink further into.
- Protected by the mattress cover, thereby helping enhance its durability.
Cons
Below are some of the reasons why you should not choose a Euro top mattress over a pillow top mattress:
- Does not contour as effectively as the pillow tops and hence not a very good option for pain for those looking to sink in
- Euro top mattress prices are more expensive than pillow top mattresses, but Euro tops are also more durable.
Euro Top Vs Pillow Top : Factors to Consider
Below are some of the factors you should consider to understand the difference between pillow top and euro top mattress.
Durability
Euro tops are sewn under the mattress cover and are protected from the wear and tear that pillow tops undergo. This increases their durability and makes the euro tops the better choice for a long-term investment.
The durability of a full size euro-top mattress is also dependent on the material used to design it. For example, memory foam tends to retain its shape and contours perfectly with the body.
Softness
Pillow top mattresses are often softer than Euro top mattresses because the lack of material between the add-on layer and the mattress cover allows people to sink deeper into the bed. This also leads to more significant contouring and pressure alleviation, making it an excellent solution for anyone suffering from unpleasant pressure points.
Support and Comfort
Pillow tops provide enhanced support and comfort to the spine and the neck. In addition, the gap allows the body to sink further than other mattresses.
While a euro top doesn't feel as plush, it provides a harder surface for individuals who need that. Consider medical issues and personal preferences before choosing between the two.
Motion Isolation
Euro toppers are thicker and more effective at absorbing your sleep partner's movements before they spread across the bed. Euro tops may be the greatest option for someone who frequently tosses and turns, and they make excellent mattresses for couples because they isolate motion better than conventional pillow tops.
Aesthetics and Ease of Use
The gap between a pillow top and the mattress can cause sagging on the sides and is harder to use bed covers with. Best euro top mattress because its design looks much sleeker and is easier to use than a pillow top mattress.
Still confused? Check out this mattress buying guide that will tell you how to pick the right mattress.
Who Should Use a Pillow Top Vs Euro Top Mattress
Both pillow top and Euro top mattresses are an excellent choice for sleepers. However, what would be best for an individual would depend on their sleeping habits and preferences.
Below are the reasons why one should go for a Euro top mattress vs pillow top mattress.
You should use a pillow top mattress if:
- You are a side sleeper
- You weigh less than 130 pounds
- You need hip or shoulder support
- You are looking for a softer mattress
You should use an Euro top mattress if:
- You toss and turn around frequently
- You are looking for a more durable option
- You want a more aesthetically-pleasing mattress
Which Is Better: Euro Top or Pillow Top
Euro and pillow-top mattresses both possess remarkable features meant for specific uses. The best way to select between a euro-top mattress and a pillow-top mattress is to understand what works for you.
An Euro top mattress is more suitable for individuals who toss and turn around throughout the night and are looking for a durable and aesthetically-pleasing mattress.
On the other hand, a pillow top mattress is a better choice for side sleepers, sleepers who are light in weight, and those who need a soft mattress that supports their hip or shoulder while they sleep on their side.
We hope our guide helps you make the right decision.
