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Last Updated: January 2018
There is nothing better than getting ready for bed and lying down on a comfortable surface to drift off into a blissful sleep. However, if you are finding that your mattress is too stiff, too hard, and that you are tossing and turning throughout the night, your goal of having sweet dreams will certainly be interrupted, no matter how many sheep you count.
If you are unhappy with your current, standard mattress, you may want to consider purchasing a new pillow top mattress. As the name suggests, pillow top mattresses have a layer of plushness that is built in right on the top of the mattress. The pillow top create a soft, cradling feeling that makes you feel as if you are lying on a cloud. It hugs your body and creates an unmatched level of comfort that will help you drift off into dreamland, and stay there until you are ready to wake up.
While a pillow top mattress may certainly be the solution to your sleep woes, finding the best option to meet your needs may be a bit of a challenge. There are so many different pillow top mattresses on the market, which can make it hard to choose the best one for your needs. To help you on your quest for finding the best pillow top mattress, we have put together this handy guide. In this guide, you will find out everything you need to know about buying a pillow top mattress, including the factors that you should take into consideration and the best brands that we have found. After reading this guide, you will be ready to buy the best pillow top mattress to meet your needs and to deliver you the comfort and support that you have been longing for so that you can finally have a restful night of sleep.
*5 Star Rating: this is based on the percentage of consumers who rate the mattresses 10/10.
Best Pillow Top Mattress Brands
There are literally dozens of pillow top mattresses on the market. While having a lot of options to choose from may be a good thing in a lot of ways, it can also be a negative. Why? – Because having too many choices can make it difficult to weed through the different options that are available, which can make it hard to find the best mattress to suit your needs.
In order to help you, we have tried out virtually every pillow top mattress on the market. While we were testing them out, we took the factors that we mentioned above into consideration. We found that the mattresses listed in this guide attended to the factors that should be taken into consideration while shopping for a mattress; in other words, we found that they are high quality, supportive and comfortable.
Zinus Sleep Master Ultima Comfort Memory Foam Mattress
The Sleep Master mattress is manufactured by Zinus, Inc, a leading manufacturer in the industry with more than 25 years of experience. Zinus is committed to providing their customers with mattresses that offer exceptional comfort and support at affordable prices. The Sleep Master Ultima Comfort Memory Foam mattress is a true testament to the company’s commitment to better sleep.
The Zinus Sleep Master is comprised of the highest quality foam materials, as well as pocketed spring coils. All materials used in this mattress are CertiPUR-US Certified, which means that no harsh chemicals are used during its production, which ensures that it is not only healthy for you, but safe for the environment, too. Zinus uses Bio Foam natural plant oil instead of petroleum, which helps to keep the mattress fresher for longer.
The Zinus Sleep Master mattress is comprised of four separate layers, which include a combination of foam materials and pocketed inner spring coils. Together, these four layers create a mattress that is a total of 10 inches thick. Here’s a breakdown of each of the layers of this mattress…
Construction of Zinus Sleep Master Mattress
Top Layer – The first layer of the Sleep Master mattress from Zinus is made of .75 inches of comfort foam. This foam serves as the pillow top portion of the mattress and creates a plush feeling that provides the mattress with its initial comfort when you lie down.
Second Layer – Next, there is a layer of 1.5 inches of comfort foam. This foam contours to the shape of the body, providing support where it is needed the most and creating a comfortable feeling. This layer transitions into the next layer, which provides even more support.
Third Layer – The third layer of this mattress is made of .5 inches of high density foam. This foam delivers compression support and transitions the foam materials in the mattress into the pocketed inner spring coils in the next layer.
Base Layer – Finally, the base layer of this mattress is made of 7.5 inches of iCoil pocketed innersprings. Each spring is individually wrapped, which helps to isolate motion transfer. It also provides deep compression support for the sleeper and aids in pressure point relief. The springs also add a nice level of bounce to the mattress, which makes it easier to move around while sleeping.
Cover – Surrounding the Zinus Sleep Master Ultima Comfort mattress is a cover that is made of knitted jacquard fabric. The material is soft, breathable and durable. Directly underneath the surface of the top of the cover is a layer of micro fiber quilted fabric, which makes the mattress even more plush and adds to the overall comfort and support that the mattress provides.
Firmness
On a firmness scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, we give the Zinus Sleep Master Ultima Comfort mattress a score of 5. This mattress is neutral in firmness, which means that it will appeal to the majority of sleepers.
Comfort and Support
Comfort and support are also important factors to consider, as they will determine the type of sleep you will get. This mattress offers a great deal of support, thanks to the iCoil innersprings. This layer of the mattress delivers great deep compression support and pressure point relief. It also provides the mattress with a nice degree of bounce, yet still isolates motion transfer, making it extremely comfortable.
Warranty
This mattress is backed by a 10 year limited warranty; if anything happens to the mattress within 10 years from the date of purchase as a result of manufacturing, you can have it repaired or replaced.
Saatva Mattress
Saatva is quickly becoming one of the most trusted mattress manufacturers in the industry, and it’s easy to see why. Using scientific research and the results of sleep trials, the makers of Saatva have developed an innerspring mattress that is of the utmost quality.
This mattress contains four separate layers, creating a mattress that is a total thickness o 14.5 inches. Each layer is constructed of high quality materials and is the layers are thoughtfully laid out to create a wonderfully supportive mattress that offers just the right amount of firmness.
Construction of Saatva Mattress
Top Layer – The top layer of this mattress is a Euro pillow top. This layer is extremely plush and creates a cloud like feeling. As soon as you lie on the Saatva mattress, you will instantly notice the softness of the pillow top, which creates a truly luxurious feeling.
Second Layer – Next is a layer of dense memory foam. This layer hugs the contours of your body in such a way that you really have the support that is needed in all areas so that you can avoid having strain placed on key problem areas, such as the back, the neck, the shoulders, the spine and even the side.
Third Layer – The third layer of the Saatva mattress is where the innerspring coils are introduced. These coils are individually wrapped, limiting motion transfer, improving softness and reducing any noise when you move. The wrapped coils are responsible for providing you with even more support and pressure point relief. Additionally, they help to keep the bed cool, as body heat is circulated through them and out of the mattress.
Bottom Layer – Finally, on the base of the Saatva mattress is a layer of tempered steel support coils. Though the coils in this layer are not wrapped, they make little noise, as they are made of durable tempered steel. Additionally, these coils improve the durability of the mattress and offer an extra layer of bounce and even more support.
Firmness
On a firmness scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, we give the Saatva mattress a score of 5. The pillow top mattress is plush, which gives the mattress its initial softness; however, the rest of the layers are firmer, creating heightened level of support for the sleeper.
Comfort and Support
Overall, the Saatva mattress is highly supportive. The combination of the pillow top and the inner spring coals make for the perfect blend of softness and support, making this mattress highly comfortable.
Warranty
This mattress is backed by a 15 year non-prorated warranty. The company will replace the mattress if it is defective within 2 years and they will be repair it if something goes wrong within 3 and 15 years.
Brentwood Home Coronado Mattress
Brentwood Home is one of the most trusted names in the mattress industry, and they offer several different varieties of mattresses. The Coronado mattress is one of their latest innovations. Made of five layers of high quality foam, this mattress is a total of 14 inches thick.
Construction of Brentwood Home Coronado Mattress
Top Layer – The first layer of the Coronado Gel Memory Foam mattress is a 3 inch layer of gel infused memory foam. This material is extremely responsive and adapts to the unique contours of your body, which helps to prevent strain and reduces pain. The infusion of gel in this layer draws heat away from the top of the mattress, keeping the surface cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Second Layer – The second layer is made of 2 inches of ventilated poly foam. This layer supports the body and provides air flow for the mattress. This helps the mattress breathe and allows the heat that is absorbed by the gel infused memory foam to filter out of the mattress.
Third Layer – Next is a 1 inch layer of poly foam, which serves as transitional support foam. It helps to ease the top two comfort layers into the base of the mattress, creating a consistent feel.
Bottom Layer – Lastly, there is a 6 inch layer of high density support foam. This layer acts as the foundation of the mattress, as it helps the upper layers keep their shape. Additionally, the high density support foam provides deep compression support.
Firmness
We give this mattress a firmness rating of 6. It is slightly firmer than neutral, and the majority of sleepers will find that the firmness will meet their needs.
Comfort and Support
This mattress is highly supportive. The top layer cradles the body, providing the initial comfort, and eases into the support layers that prevent the development of aches and pains. Overall, this mattress is very comfortable.
Warranty
This mattress is backed by a 25 year warranty. If anything happens to the mattress as a result of a manufacturer defect within 25 years of the date of purchase, the manufacturer will repair or replace it.
Brentwood Home Oceano Mattress
The Oceano Wrapped Innerspring Mattress from Brentwood Home. This mattress is handcrafted of high quality materials in order to ensure that you get a truly comfortable night of sleep. Providing a medium plush feeling and a comforting hugging sensation, this mattress delivers fantastic comfort and support.
The Oceano Wrapped Innerspring Mattress from Brentwood Home is comprised of four separate layers, which combine to create a mattress that is a total of 13.5 inches thick.
Construction of Brentwood Home Oceano Mattress
Top Layer – On top of this mattress is 2 inches of gel memory foam. This layer evenly distributes weight throughout the mattress, relieving pressure points and reducing pain. The gel infusion of the foam absorbs body heat, which keeps the surface cool and comfortable. The memory foam also isolates motion transfer so you won’t be distributed by any movement your sleeping partner may make.
Second Layer – Next, there is a layer of 2.5 inches of micro coils. Each coil is individually wrapped and delivers an incredible amount of comfort and support to the mattress. The coils also help to create additional cooling for the mattress, as the heat that is absorbed by the gel memory foam circulates through them.
Third Layer – The third layer is a 1 inch of ventilated airflow foam. This material improves breathability of the mattress, ensuring that you stay cool throughout the night.
Base – The bottom layer of the mattress is 8 inches of individually wrapped base coils. These coils are laid out in five zones, adding extra support for your feet, your head and your lumbar region.
Firmness
On the same firmness scale we have used for the other mattresses, we give this mattress a score of 6.5. It is the perfect combination of softness and firmness, making it ideal for the majority of sleepers.
Comfort and Support
This mattress is highly supportive, offering pressure point relief and deep compression support. It also keeps the spine in proper alignment to prevent aches and pains. Overall, we found this mattress to be highly comfortable.
Warranty
This mattress is backed by a 25 year limited warranty. If anything happens to the mattress, the manufacturer will repair or replace it.
Things to Consider When Buying a Pillow Top Mattress
There are a number of factors that you are going to want to take into consideration when you are shopping for a pillow top mattress. The factors include the firmness of the mattress, the construction of the mattress, how cool the mattress remains while sleeping, and the cost of the mattress. By taking these factors into consideration, you will be able to find a pillow top mattress that will surely meet your specific needs and allow you to have a comfortable, supportive and restful night of sleep.
Here’s a look at some of the most important factors that you are going to want to take into consideration when you are shopping for a pillow top mattress.
Firmness of the Mattress
A pillow top bed features an added layer of cushioning foam, which is placed on top of a traditional foam, innerspring or hybrid mattress. The density of the foam determines how firm the mattress will be; the higher the density, the firmer the pillow top will be. Firmness is a matter of preference, so it is important to consider how firm the pillow top is – as well as the rest of the mattress. If you enjoy sleeping on a soft mattress, you certainly don’t want to choose one that is too firm; likewise, if you enjoy sleeping on a firm mattress, you don’t want to choose one that is too soft.
Materials Used
Another important factor to take into consideration when you are shopping for a pillow top mattress is the materials used in the mattress, as the materials will determine the quality and durability of the mattress, as well as the overall comfort. The materials used in the mattress should be high quality; for example, the foam should have little odor and it should retain little heat. If there are springs in the mattress, they should be thoughtfully designed to reduce motion transfer so as to reduce the effects of feeling movement while sleeping (this is particularly important for couples who share a mattress.)
Construction of the Mattress
You also want to consider the construction of the mattress. The construction refers to the manner in which the materials that are used in the mattress are laid out. Where the materials are placed will have a direct impact on how comfortable and supportive the mattress is, so it’s important to understand how the mattress is built.
How Cool It Sleeps
Overheating is one of the leading causes of sleep disruption. There is nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night covered in sweat. Unfortunately, heat retention is an issue with a lot of mattresses, as the materials that are used in the mattress can trap body heat in, and can thereby heat up the surface of the mattress, which leads to overheating and discomfort. The best pillow top mattresses will use materials that do not retain heat, or that absorb heat and filter it out, preventing the heat from building up.
Warranty
There is always a change that something can go wrong with a mattress, and if that happens, you could end up having spent a lot of money, only to have a mattress that doesn’t satisfy your needs. If you want to protect yourself and your mattress, we highly recommend looking for one that is backed by a warranty. Though warranties will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, most of them will come with a warranty that protects the mattress from manufacturer defects that occur in a certain time frame; 10 years, for example. Should anything should happen to the mattress as a result of a defect in manufacturing, a warranty will allow you to either have the mattress repaired or replaced.
Price
Of course, you also want to consider the price when you are shopping for a pillow top mattress. These types of mattresses come in a wide range of prices, so you want to make sure that you choose an option that will not exceed your budget, otherwise you could end up spending more than you are comfortable with.
Size of the Mattress
Lastly, you are going to want to consider the size of the pillow top mattress. Of course, you need to know if you want a Double, a Queen or a King mattress; however, you also want to know what thickness you want your mattress to be. The pillow top adds more thickness to the mattress, which can impact the way that your linens will fit, as well as how high up off the ground you are while you are sleeping.