• Mattress Guides
    • Best Mattresses

    • Best Mattresses of 2023
    • For Side Sleepers
    • For Back Pain
    • Mail Order Mattress
    • Cooling Mattresses
    • Eco-Friendly Mattresses
    • Mattress Types

    • Fiberglass Free Mattresses
    • Memory Foam Mattresses
    • Hybrid Mattresses
    • Innerspring Mattresses
    • Soft Mattresses
    • Firm Mattresses
    • Mattress Reviews

    • Amerisleep Review
    • Zoma Review
    • Vaya Review
    • Avocado Review
    • Eight Sleep Review
    • Mattress Guides

    • Mattress Buying Guide
    • Mattress Sizes
    • Mattress Foundation Sizes
    • Bed Frame Sizes
  • Bedding Guides
    • Comforters & Blankets

    • Best Comforters
    • Best Down Comforters
    • Best Duvets
    • Best Blankets
    • Pillows

    • Best Pillows
    • Best Memory Foam Pillows
    • Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
    • Best Body Pillows
    • Comparisons

    • Cotton vs. Microfiber
    • Duvet vs. Comforter
    • FAQs

    • How to Wash Pillows?
    • How Often to Replace Every Type of Pillow
    • How Long Does it Take to Dry Clean a Comforter?
  • Mattress Resources
    • Mattress Comparison

    • Memory Foam vs. Pillow Top
    • Memory Foam vs. Spring
    • Memory Foam vs. Latex
    • Hybrid vs. Memory Foam
    • Gel Memory Foam vs. Latex
    • Size Comparison

    • King vs. California King
    • King vs. Queen
    • Queen vs. Full
    • Full vs. Twin
    • Twin vs. Twin XL
    • Solutions

    • Mattress Quiz
    • How to Fix a Sagging Mattress
    • How to Fix a Too Soft or Too Firm Mattress
    • How to Dispose of an Old Mattress
  • Sleep Health
    • How-To

    • How to Power Nap
    • How to Stop Snoring
    • How To Wake Up Early: 8 Benefits To Waking Up Early
    • How to Sleep on Your Back
    • Dreams

    • How to Lucid Dream: Techniques, Benefits, and Risks
    • Night Terrors vs. Nightmares
    • What is a Fever Dream?
    • Natural Sleep

    • Natural Herbs For Sleep
    • Essential Oils for Sleep
Home / Mattress Comparison / Euro Top vs. Pillow Top Mattress: What’s the Difference?
Mattress Comparison

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

by Kiera Pritchard Comment on Euro Top vs. Pillow Top Mattress: What’s the Difference?
Euro-Top-vs-Pillow-Top-Mattress

Eachnight may earn commissions for products you purchase through our links. Our articles and reviews include affiliate links and advertisements, including amerisleep advertising. Learn more

Updated February 25, 2023

When looking for a new mattress, you may come across many terms foreign to you and won’t know how to make sense of them. One of these confusing terms can include “Euro top” and “pillow top” mattresses.

Some manufacturers use the terms Euro top and pillow top interchangeably, and although the two have their similarities, they are distinct. Both Euro tops and pillow tops are the soft layers of cushioning on top of otherwise firm mattresses. You can find a Euro and pillow top on an innerspring or hybrid mattress.

Our article breaks down the main differences between Euro tops and pillow tops, from their construction to their appearance.

What is a Euro Top Mattress?

Euro tops are plush layers of foam covering the entire top of the mattress. Euro tops are generally the more luxurious option compared to pillow tops since they’re made from high-quality fiberfill or foam.

Euro pillow tops have a discreet look since they are under the mattress’s cover versus being sewn on top of it, giving the appearance of it being just another mattress layer. Also, Euro tops won’t lose their shape or shift the way pillow tops can since they’re attached to the other mattress layers.

With this in mind, when a mattress is covered with a sheet and blankets, you usually won’t notice either a pillow top or a Euro top.

Since there’s no gap between the Euro top and the mattress, the padding is thicker and more cushioning than a pillow top. Euro tops also serve better as mattresses with edge support because they are flush with the mattress’s edge.

Pros of a Euro Top Mattress

  • Typically constructed from high-quality materials (foam or fiberfill)
  • Less likely to shift out of place or grow lumps since they’re protected by a mattress cover
  • Have solid edge support and a cleaner look

Cons of a Euro Top Mattress

  • Some Euro tops may not contour as well as pillow tops
  • Usually a bit pricier than pillow tops due to their construction and appearance

What is a Pillow Top Mattress?

A standard pillow top mattress is a soft comfort layer sewn on the top of your mattress. Unlike Euro tops, pillow tops are clearly visible—there is a slight gap between the cushiony extra layer and the mattress base, giving the appearance of a large pillow on the mattress.

Euro-Top-vs-Pillow-Top-Mattress

The pillow top is typically made from wool, cotton, fiberfill, polyester, or foam. Materials such as cotton or wool offer little to no support but are still cushiony and relieve pressure. Conversely, foam and fiberfill are more supportive.

Due to the gap between the pillow top and the mattress, the pillow top can shift around as you move. However, using well-fitted sheets can help to reduce movement.

A pillow top helps make a firmer mattress feel soft and more comfortable. Pillow tops are most commonly paired with innerspring beds or hybrid mattresses, both of which feature a coil base.

Pros of a Pillow Top Mattress

  • Improves the softness and cradling of firm mattresses without diminishing support
  • The soft layer reduces motion transfer in coil mattresses
  • The cushioning reduces pressure points and pain

Cons of a Pillow Top Mattress

  • Has a short lifespan compared to other mattress types
  • Can get warm despite innerspring mattresses having an otherwise breathable design
  • Does not have a discreet appearance

Learn more about better sleep

Sign up for sleep health education, expert tips, and the latest and greatest mattress sales.

See Privacy Policy

Who Should Use a Pillow Top or Euro Top Mattress?

Pillow top and Euro top mattresses are typically a good option for anyone looking for extra padding while also seeking firm support from their mattress. In particular, we recommend pillow or Euro top mattresses for:

  • Back sleepers and side sleepers who enjoy a cradling feel
  • Couples who need good motion isolation
  • Individuals with orthopedic problems, joint pain, or back pain
  • People of all body types in need of extra comfort and pressure point relief

How to Choose Between a Euro Top and Pillow Top Mattress

Since both Euro tops and pillow tops are an extra layer of padding to a mattress and are seemingly similar, it can be difficult to decide which of the two to go with. Here are some considerations you can keep in mind to help you weigh the two options:

  • Feel: Pillow tops are typically a bit softer than Euro tops, so they provide more pressure relief and cradling. Euro tops, conversely, are a bit firmer, which works well for individuals looking for extra support.
  • Durability: Euro tops are usually more durable than pillow tops, so they’ll last longer. Both mattress types eventually wear out, but you’ll notice your pillow top flattening out or becoming uneven sooner than your Euro top. Euro tops last between 8 to 10 years, while pillow tops only last between 5 to 8 years.
  • Cost: Both Euro tops and pillow tops come in a variety of prices depending on the exact fill. Still, Euro tops have a slightly more luxurious construction and are a bit more expensive than pillow tops as a result.
  • Edge Support: Since Euro tops are flush with the edges of the mattress, they’ll offer better edge support than a pillow top. Better edge support typically means your mattress will be usable for longer since the edges are less likely to sag.
  • Appearance: Euro tops are less noticeable than pillow tops, meaning your mattress will look a bit more aesthetically pleasing.

FAQs

How thick are pillow tops or Euro tops?

An entire pillow top or Euro top mattress can be between 7 to 22 inches. However, the actual pillow and Euro tops themselves are between 2 to 4 inches. Typically, the thicker the top is, the softer and more cradling the mattress will be.

Can you flip a pillow top or Euro top mattress?

No. Since most pillow top and Euro top mattresses are designed to sit upright, flipping them would likely ruin the cushiony top layer. Also, you’d be left lying on rigid and uncomfortable innerspring coils.

Instead of flipping your bed, consider rotating it 180 degrees every 3 to 6 months instead to prevent an indent from forming in the Euro top or pillow top.

How can you fix a sagging pillow top or Euro top mattress?

No amount of flipping or fluffing can restore a pillow top or Euro top mattress to its former glory. Most measures you can take to stop sagging are preventative, such as rotating your mattress to prevent an indent from forming in one location or buying a mattress with a long mattress warranty (most mattress warranties cover repairs in case a mattress does sag).

You might be able to get away with using a high-quality mattress topper over a slightly sagging bed to make it more comfortable, but it’s best to just replace a sagging mattress so your body is properly supported.

Can you put a mattress topper on a pillow top mattress?

Yes, you can use a mattress topper on any type of mattress. Mattress toppers are a good option if your mattress is a little too soft or firm, or is in need of a bit of revitalization.

Keep in mind, however, that pillow top mattresses tend to be quite thick as it is, and adding another 2 to 4 inch topper on top of that can make your mattress super tall. Too tall of a mattress is hard to get in and out of, especially for those with limited mobility.

Are memory foam or pillow top mattresses better?

Memory foam mattresses tend to be higher quality than both pillow top and Euro top mattresses and last up to 2 to 5 years longer. Memory foam beds are the more contemporary mattress option, often constructed with modern sleep technologies and coming in different firmness levels, whereas pillow mattresses are generally simple and soft.

Still, memory foam mattresses are generally much more expensive than pillow top mattresses. Also, certain types of memory foam can trap body heat, while pillow top mattresses are more breathable.

Conclusion

Euro and pillow top mattresses work well if you want a soft mattress but don’t want to sacrifice great support. When comparing the two mattress tops, remember that all Euro tops are a type of pillow top, but not all pillow tops are Euro tops.

While a Euro top is more discreet than a conventional pillow top, construction-wise, they feel about the same, comfort-wise. Regardless, Euro top beds are of a higher-quality and are more durable than pillow top beds, but can be pricier, making them inaccessible to some. Pillow top mattresses are the smarter choice if you’re looking for comfort at an affordable price.

About the author
Kiera Pritchard

Kiera Pritchard’s curiosity about dreams and dreaming sparked her passion for sleep science. In addition to writing for eachnight, Kiera is also a physical trainer and strives to help others lead healthy lives while asleep and awake. Since joining our team, Kiera has compiled multiple sleep health guides offering our readers advice on how to improve their days and evenings. 

Find more articles by Kiera

Comments

Cancel reply

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What’s the best mattress?

Best Mattress

We’ve spent countless hours finding the best mattresses out there so you don’t have to hunt for them.

See Our Best Mattress Picks

Mattress Comparison

Twin XL vs. Split King: What's the Difference?
Malik Karman
latex-vs-innerspring
Latex vs. Innerspring Mattress: What's The Difference? 
Kiera Pritchard
Bear vs Zoma
Zoma vs. Bear: Side-by-Side Mattress Comparison
Malik Karman

EachNight Fact-Checking Standards and Processes

The EachNight writing team is devoted to creating articles that are not only entertaining and easy to understand but also as impartial, accurate, and well-sourced as possible. Whenever possible, we strive to have our articles fact-checked by our independent review board. We also do not tolerate plagiarism or ill intent from our contributors.

Here are the medical and factual guidelines that a EachNight article must adhere to:

  • We draw upon only reputable and respectable sources when researching our articles’ topics and endeavor to only link to highly authoritative sources. Such sources would include peer-reviewed medical and academic journals, medical and academic associations in good standing, and interviews with or blog posts from certified medical professionals.
  • We may link to news articles or peer-reviewed medical blog posts about studies when appropriate, but always attempt to connect directly to the studies these pages discuss.
  • Our scientific information, conclusions, and analysis are always supported by at least one reputable source.
  • We strive to make any potential conflicts of interest attached to any studies or sources clear to our readers. When applicable, we also try to include conflicting research or questions that may throw a study’s conclusion into doubt to clarify that scientific understandings often change and progress over time.
  • Our articles typically link to other articles and resources on our site. This is solely for easier navigation, and we do not promote our website as a medical resource. Try to speak with your physician if you have medical concerns.
  • Any necessary background information on a topic will be included when appropriate.
  • Our goal is for every one of our medical-related articles to be reviewed by our independent board of experts. Should they spot any medical or health-related misinformation or errors, we will strike it out from the final published article.

What’s a Certified Sleep Coach?

Our writers are sleep coaches certified by the Spencer Institute, which has been training coaches since 1992. Becoming a certified sleep coach means that our writers are well-versed in various sleep science matters, taking us beyond being just a group of mattress reviewers. The certification allows us an in-depth understanding of what we’re talking about when it comes to advising readers on better sleep habits.

About Us

Our simple goal is to provide the information you need to get better sleep each night. We provide a full-circle approach to sleep and wellness that incorporates mental, physical, and environmental well-being.

Company

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • Expert Review Board

Our Guides

  • Mattress Guides
  • Mattress Reviews
  • Best Mattress
  • Mattress Quiz
  • Sleep Health
  • Sleep Calculator
  • Mattress Sizes

Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out about content, features and more happening at eachnight.

You must enter a valid email.
Each Night Logo

Copyright © 2023 eachnight. All rights reserved.