In the Bedroom

What is a Pillow Top Mattress?

What are pillow top mattresses? Simply put a pillow top is essentially a second plush top surface that is sewn onto a mattress to create and enhance mattress comfort and support.


Pillow top mattresses are basically the same as any other mattress.  The difference is the cushioning layers that are added on to the surface of a traditionally built mattress. A pillow top is usually 2 inches or more of softer density foam. This enhances comfort and mimics a soft comfy pillow and helps to minimize painful pressure points that make us reposition our bodies through out the night.

The inner core layers are typically higher in density and will last longer. The exorbitantly thick layers of softer padding has a reputation for breaking down more quickly which can lead to mattress sagging.


If you are lighter in size, shapely, or just have basic aches and pains of getting older pillow top mattresses may offer some real benefits. Heavier people may want to shy away from mattresses of this type or look towards mattresses that offer polyurethane foams with higher densities and IFDs. Another great alternative for people of larger size should be mattresses constructed of better materials like Latex mattresses, Memory Foam Mattresses, or even Softside Waterbeds.

Don’t let the beds design scare you off, they have been around for years and have a proven track record. Although they may not be for everyone, if you’re a candidate for one, you too could enjoy some of the finest nights sleep you will ever experience on a pillow top mattress.

Douglas Belleville

Doug Belleville and his father Dave own and run STLBeds - a specialty sleep store located in Arnold, MO. The staff at STLBeds is highly educated about sleep, comfort and their special sleep products. STLBeds only carries high quality mattresses and bed-related products. You won't find the brand names here - click here to find out why!

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