Quick Answer: A pillow top mattress has an extra cushioning layer sewn on top of the support core, creating a plush sleeping surface. They suit side sleepers and people who want immediate softness, but they typically last 5 to 7 years before the top layer compresses. In Canada, expect to pay $600 to $2,500 for a queen pillow top depending on materials and brand.
In This Guide
Reading time: 9 minutes
Pillow top mattresses have been around for decades, and for good reason. That extra layer of cushioning on top feels genuinely luxurious when you first lie down. Hotels use them because guests notice the difference immediately. But there is more to the story than that first impression.
We have sold pillow top mattresses at our Brantford store since the 1990s. We have also watched customers come back 4 or 5 years later saying the top has gone flat. So this is an honest look at pillow tops: what they do well, what they do not do well, and how to decide if one is right for you.
What Is a Pillow Top Mattress, Exactly?
A pillow top mattress is a standard innerspring, hybrid, or foam mattress with an additional cushioning layer sewn onto the top surface. That extra layer is usually 2 to 4 inches thick and made from memory foam, polyfoam, cotton batting, latex, fibrefill, or a combination of materials.
The defining feature is the visible gap between the pillow top layer and the main mattress body. If you look at the side profile, you can see where the extra layer sits on top, separated by a seam. This is what distinguishes a pillow top from a tight top (where the comfort layer is integrated into the mattress cover) or a euro top (where the extra layer is flush with the mattress edges).
How the Pillow Top Layer Works
The pillow top acts as a pressure-relieving buffer between your body and the support core. Research from the Canadian Chiropractic Association suggests that proper pressure distribution across the shoulders and hips is one of the most important factors in sleep comfort. A pillow top concentrates this cushioning in the top layer, which means side sleepers in particular feel less pressure on their shoulder and hip joints. The support core underneath still does the work of keeping your spine aligned. The pillow top just makes the surface feel softer while you settle into the mattress.
The materials inside the pillow top layer vary widely, and this is where quality differences show up most. A pillow top filled with high-density memory foam or latex will hold its shape much longer than one filled with low-density polyfoam or loose fibrefill. Unfortunately, you cannot always tell from the outside which materials are inside.
Pillow Top vs. Euro Top: What Is the Difference?
We get this question constantly. The difference is in how the extra cushioning layer attaches to the mattress.
| Feature | Pillow Top | Euro Top |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Extra layer sewn ON TOP of the cover, visible gap at edges | Extra layer sewn UNDER the cover, flush with mattress edges |
| Appearance | Rounded, cushion-like top with visible seam | Clean, flat profile with uniform edges |
| Edge support | Weaker edges, pillow top can overhang slightly | Better edge support, flush design |
| Durability | Tends to compress and flatten sooner | Generally lasts longer due to firmer construction |
| Feel | Immediately plush and soft on contact | Plush but with more underlying firmness |
| Flippability | Cannot be flipped (one-sided) | Cannot be flipped (one-sided) |
| Price (Queen, Canada) | $600 - $2,500 | $700 - $3,000 |
In our experience, euro tops tend to hold up better over time. The flush construction provides more consistent support across the surface, and the edges do not compress as quickly. That said, many of our customers prefer the immediate plushness of a traditional pillow top. It is a legitimate preference, not a wrong choice.
We wrote a detailed comparison in our euro top mattress guide if you want the full breakdown.
Who Should Consider a Pillow Top Mattress
Pillow tops are not for everyone, but they are genuinely excellent for certain sleepers.
Side Sleepers
If you sleep on your side, a pillow top can provide the extra cushioning your shoulders and hips need. Side sleeping concentrates your body weight on a smaller surface area, which creates pressure points. The pillow top layer distributes that pressure more evenly. Many of our customers who switched from a firm mattress to a pillow top tell us their shoulder pain decreased noticeably.
People with Joint Pain or Arthritis
The Arthritis Society Canada notes that proper sleep surface cushioning can help reduce morning stiffness in people with osteoarthritis. A pillow top provides that cushioning without requiring the entire mattress to be soft. You get a plush surface over a supportive core.
Couples with Different Firmness Preferences
If one partner wants soft and the other wants medium, a medium-firm mattress with a pillow top can split the difference. The pillow top adds a layer of softness that the partner who wants a plush feel will appreciate, while the firmer support core keeps the other partner from sinking too deep.
Who Might Want Something Else
Stomach sleepers generally need a firmer surface to keep their spine from arching. A pillow top can let the pelvis sink too deep, which causes lower back strain. People who sleep hot may also find that the extra cushioning layer traps more body heat, though this depends heavily on the materials used.
A Quick Test You Can Do in Store
Lie on a pillow top mattress in your actual sleep position for at least 5 minutes. Then roll to the edge and sit up as if you are getting out of bed. If the edge compresses significantly under your weight, that is a sign the pillow top may not hold up well over time. Good pillow tops maintain reasonable edge support even with a plush surface.
8 min read
The Honest Downsides of Pillow Top Mattresses
We sell pillow tops, and we still think you should know the downsides before buying one.
They Compress Over Time
This is the biggest issue. The pillow top layer will flatten and develop body impressions faster than the support core underneath. According to Sleep Like the Dead, a consumer mattress review site that aggregates owner experiences, pillow top mattresses show noticeable compression within 3 to 5 years on average. Higher-quality pillow tops with latex or high-density foam last longer, but the top layer will always be the first part to wear out.
You Cannot Flip Them
Because the pillow top is only on one side, you cannot flip the mattress to even out wear. You can rotate it 180 degrees (head to foot) every 3 months, and you should. But flipping is not an option. This is one reason we also carry flippable mattresses from Sleep In, which some customers prefer for longevity.
They Run Warmer
The extra cushioning layer can trap body heat, especially if it is made from memory foam or dense polyfoam. Latex and wool pillow tops breathe better. If you tend to sleep hot, ask specifically about the pillow top fill material. In Ontario winters this is rarely an issue, but during humid Brantford summers, it can make a difference.
Fitted Sheets Can Be Tricky
Pillow top mattresses are thicker than standard mattresses, often 14 to 16 inches total. Standard fitted sheets are designed for mattresses up to 12 inches. You will need deep-pocket sheets, which are widely available but cost slightly more. Our bedsheets guide covers sizing in detail.
How Long Do Pillow Top Mattresses Actually Last?
This depends almost entirely on the materials inside the pillow top layer.
| Pillow Top Fill Material | Expected Lifespan | Compression Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Low-density polyfoam | 2 to 4 years | Poor |
| High-density polyfoam | 4 to 6 years | Fair |
| Memory foam | 5 to 7 years | Good |
| Latex | 8 to 12 years | Excellent |
| Wool/cotton batting | 3 to 5 years | Fair (compacts with moisture) |
The support core underneath typically lasts longer. A good pocketed coil system can last 10 to 15 years. So the scenario we see most often is: the pillow top flattens out after 5 to 7 years, but the support underneath is still fine. At that point, you have three options.
When Your Pillow Top Flattens: Three Options
- Add a mattress topper: A 2 to 3 inch memory foam or latex topper can restore the plush feel for $150 to $400. This buys you another 3 to 5 years. See our foam mattress topper guide.
- Replace the mattress: If the support core has also degraded (sagging more than 1.5 inches), a topper will not fix the underlying problem. Time for a new mattress.
- Rotate more frequently: Rotating every 6 to 8 weeks instead of every 3 months can slow compression in the early stages.
What to Look for When Shopping for a Pillow Top Mattress
Honestly, not all pillow tops are created equal. Here is what separates a good one from a disappointing one.
Coil Count and Type
The support core matters as much as the pillow top itself. Pocketed coils (individually wrapped) provide better motion isolation and contouring than Bonnell or continuous coils. Look for at least 800 pocketed coils in a queen size. Our Restonic mattresses use 1,222 pocketed coils in queen, which provides noticeably better support distribution.
Pillow Top Fill Material
Ask the salesperson what is inside the pillow top. If they cannot tell you, that is a concern. Good retailers will know whether the fill is memory foam, latex, polyfoam, gel-infused foam, or a blend. Latex and gel-infused memory foam are the most durable options.
Total Mattress Height
Measure the height. Pillow tops typically range from 13 to 16 inches. If you have a platform bed or adjustable base, confirm the mattress fits properly. If you have a traditional bed frame with a box spring, calculate total sleep surface height to make sure you can get in and out of bed comfortably.
Warranty Coverage for Impressions
Check what depth of body impression the warranty covers. Most manufacturers cover impressions deeper than 1.5 inches (about 3.8 cm). Some budget pillow tops only cover impressions deeper than 2 inches, which means significant sagging before you qualify for a claim. Get this in writing.
Brad, Owner, Mattress Miracle: "The biggest mistake people make with pillow tops is buying the softest one they can find. Soft feels great for the first 20 minutes. But if the support core underneath is weak, you will wake up with back pain within a few months. We always start by finding the right support level, then add cushioning on top of that. The pillow top is dessert, not the main course."
Pillow Top Mattress by Size
Twin Pillow Top Mattress
A twin pillow top (38 x 75 inches) works well for children transitioning from a crib mattress, or for single adults in smaller rooms. The pillow top adds comfort without taking up more floor space. In Canada, twin pillow tops typically run $300 to $900. Twin XL (38 x 80 inches) is a better choice for teenagers and taller adults who want the pillow top feel in a single-width bed.
Queen Pillow Top Mattress
Queen (60 x 80 inches) is the most popular pillow top size in Canada. It fits most bedrooms comfortably and works for couples. Queen pillow tops range from $600 to $2,500 depending on materials and brand. This is the size we sell most at our Brantford store, and it is the size where you have the widest selection to choose from.
King and California King Pillow Top
King pillow tops (76 x 80 inches) are ideal for couples who want extra space. They run $900 to $3,500 in Canada. Keep in mind that a king pillow top mattress can be 16 inches tall and weigh over 100 pounds, so delivery and setup logistics matter. California king (72 x 84 inches) is less common in Canada but available for taller sleepers.
Trying Pillow Tops in Brantford
If you are in the Brantford area, we keep several pillow top and euro top mattresses in our showroom at 441 1/2 West Street. You can try different firmness levels and pillow top thicknesses side by side. We also carry Restonic models with euro top construction if you want to compare the two styles directly. Our approach is simple: lie on them, take your time, and we will help you narrow it down based on how you actually sleep, not based on what is on sale this week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you flip a pillow top mattress?
No. Pillow top mattresses are one-sided, with the cushioning layer on top only. Flipping would put you on the bottom of the mattress, which is not designed for sleeping. You can and should rotate the mattress 180 degrees every 3 months to distribute wear evenly across the surface.
How much does a pillow top mattress cost in Canada?
A queen pillow top ranges from about $600 to $2,500 in Canada. Budget options from Surplus or house brands start around $400, mid-range from Restonic or Sealy run $800 to $1,500, and premium pillow tops from Beautyrest or Stearns and Foster can reach $2,500 or more. The fill material and coil system are the biggest price drivers.
Is a pillow top mattress good for back pain?
It depends on the support core underneath. A pillow top on a quality pocketed coil system can be excellent for back pain because it cushions pressure points while maintaining spinal alignment. A pillow top on a weak support system can make back pain worse by letting your body sink too deep. Focus on finding the right firmness in the support core first, then consider the pillow top as added comfort.
What is the difference between a pillow top and a mattress topper?
A pillow top is permanently attached to the mattress. It is sewn on during manufacturing and cannot be removed. A mattress topper is a separate pad that sits on top of any mattress and can be removed, washed, or replaced independently. If your pillow top wears out, adding a separate topper is a cost-effective way to restore comfort.
Where can I try a pillow top mattress in Brantford?
Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street carries several pillow top and euro top models from Restonic. The Brick on Fairview Drive has Sealy and Beautyrest pillow tops. Leon's on Henry Street also carries pillow top options. We recommend trying at least two stores to compare how different pillow tops feel, as the internal construction varies significantly between brands.
Shop: Pillows at Mattress Miracle
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
Popular pillows at Mattress Miracle:
- Somnia 3.0 neck support pillow
- Symbia Orthopedic Wedge Pillow
- Talalay Latex Pillow (Dreamcloud)
- Cool Ice Pillow (Cooling Gel)
Or our full pillow range in our Brantford showroom.
Try a Pillow Top in Person
Reading about pillow tops gives you the knowledge. Lying on one gives you the answer. Come try different pillow top and euro top mattresses side by side at our Brantford showroom. No pressure, no commission, just honest advice from a family that has been fitting mattresses since 1997.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.