- We spent more than 1,000 hours researching the top mattresses on the market and consulting with 21 sleep experts to compile our recommendations.
- Our testers evaluated over 130 models and recorded our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
- We pay close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 1,200 mattress owners. This includes price, features, and the set-up process.
- We included pillow top mattresses with different levels of firmness, cooling abilities, and support to ensure everyone has options.
- We regularly update our content and are constantly testing new platforms to keep pricing and services up to date.
- Learn more about how we tested the best pillow top mattresses.
Key takeaways
- The Saatva Classic is our top pick for the best overall pillow top mattress because it offers the right amount of cooling, comfort, and support to accommodate many sleep preferences.
- Prices for pillow top mattresses in this roundup range from $1,149–$3,198 before discounts.
- A quality pillow top mattress offers support while providing an extra layer of cushioning, which can help alleviate pressure points and promote a restful night’s sleep.
Sleep and mental health are closely connected, with people who are sleep-deprived being 2.5 times more likely to experience mental distress. While you should always talk to your health care provider if you have sleep issues, practicing good sleep hygiene may help you sleep better.
“There are several small steps people can take that can have a big impact on their sleep,” said Joseph Dzierzewski, vice president of research and scientific affairs at the National Sleep Foundation. “Doing things like getting morning bright light, daily physical activity, and eating meals at the same time each day, as well as avoiding nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals in the evening, prioritizing sleep through a consistent, relaxing winddown routine, and maintaining a sleep-friendly space that is dark, quiet, and cool are all good ways to improve sleep health.”
A comfortable mattress that suits your preferences may also help you get a better night’s rest. Pillow top mattresses can be a great choice for those seeking a new mattress that combines the support of a firmer base with the comfort of a plush top layer. The best pillow top mattress will offer cushioning and alleviate pressure points while maintaining neutral spine A position that allows for the spine to maintain its natural curves at the neck (cervical), middle (thoracic), and lower (lumbar) regions. alignment. Yet, with so many options available, it can seem nearly impossible to research and physically test each mattress.
To help narrow your options, the Handbook Team has tested over 100 mattresses and selected our four favorite pillow top mattresses.
Firmness rating
Mattress brands designate each mattress with a firmness rating. While many use a number system out of 10, some brands do not assign numbers to their mattresses and instead assign firmness ratings that align with soft, medium, or firm. Our testers also give each mattress a firmness rating out of 10, but our firmness ratings may not always align perfectly with the brand’s, as firmness is subjective to body type and preference.
4 best pillow top mattresses of 2024
- Saatva Classic: Best pillow top mattress overall
- The WinkBed: Best pillow top mattress for back pain
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Most comfortable pillow top mattress for lighter- and average-weight sleepers
- Nolah Evolution 15″: Best pillow top mattress for side sleepers
Saatva Classic: Best pillow top mattress overall
Why Saatva Classic is our pick for best overall
The Saatva Classic is our choice for the best pillow top mattress overall because it accommodates a range of sleep styles and body types. Back and stomach sleepers should appreciate that the mattress is soft enough to provide pressure relief yet firm enough to maintain spinal alignment. The dual-coil innerspring design gives the Saatva Classic bounce, which makes it effortless for our testers to change positions throughout the night.
Our testers like the level of support and durability offered by the two sets of coils in the support layer, also making it one of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Saatva is the only mattress in this review that offers free in-home delivery and set up, potentially saving you as much as $300 that you’d otherwise spend on these services with competing brands.
Who may want to try the Saatva Classic: Stomach and back sleepers looking for a supportive, medium-firm mattress that provides pressure relief should like this mattress. The mattress also provides bounce, making it a good choice for people who sleep in multiple positions (combination sleepers).
Who may want to avoid the Saatva Classic: We don’t recommend the Saatva Classic’s luxury firm model for lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) side sleepers because it may feel too firm and not provide enough pressure relief. That said, lighter-weight sleepers may feel adequate pressure relief with the plush soft model.
Saatva Classic is our pick
While the Saatva Classic is our pick for the best overall pillow top mattress, if you want a pillow top mattress that’s more affordable, you may want to consider The WinkBed.
Saatva Classic tester insights
The Saatva Classic (luxury firm model) scores high across most categories, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 for overall support and edge support. Our testers like the level of support offered by the Saatva Classic, saying they feel as if they are sleeping “on top” of the mattress rather than sinking into it.
The Saatva Classic also receives a high score (4 out of 5) for pressure relief. Our testers say it offers the best pressure relief when lying on their backs, likely due to the mattress’s Lumbar Zone technology in the middle third of the mattress. However, one of our testers, who is five feet, three inches tall, says they have to scoot down to experience the level of support and pressure relief the mattress was designed to provide.
Unfortunately, the Saatva Classic falls short in motion transfer The degree of movement felt on one side of the mattress when a sleeping partner moves on the other side of the bed. , receiving a 2 out of 5. Our testers say they feel disturbed when another tester bounces on the other side of the mattress. If you or your partner are easily disturbed by movement, this may not be the mattress for you.
From one of our Saatva Classic testers:
“As a sleeper who changes positions often, I appreciate how well the Saatva Classic responds to movement. I can change positions without feeling like I’m fighting the material to move.”
Read more in Saatva review.
The WinkBed: Best pillow top mattress for back pain
Why The WinkBed is our pick for most comfortable for average-weight sleepers
The Winkbed (softer model) is our top choice for the best mattress for back pain due to its zoned support coil system. This feature is particularly good for maintaining proper posture during sleep, which is crucial for alleviating and preventing back pain. Our WinkBed tester gave it high scores for pain relief. We love how it contours the body, providing support where needed most (like the back) while allowing for more give in areas with lighter pressure.
Our lighter-weight (under 130 pounds) back and side testers say they feel like they sink into the plush pillow top’s top layer but still feel supported.
The mattress’s Euro pillow top features three layers of gel-infused foam designed to dissipate heat and relieve pressure in the hips and shoulders.
The brand doesn’t offer white glove delivery but has a unique exchange policy we haven’t seen from other brands. If you aren’t happy with your mattress, you can exchange it for another mattress with a different firmness for $49. You’ll get a 60-day trial with the new mattress, allowing you to sleep on both for 60 nights while you decide which mattress works best for you.
Who may want to try The Winkbed: The Winkbed is best for lighter-weight back and stomach sleepers and average-weight (130–250 pounds) side sleepers who experience back pain. Its high level of motion isolation may also help couples or people who sleep with pets or kids get better sleep.
Who may want to avoid The Winkbed: With a 5 out of 10 firmness rating from our testers, higher-weight back and stomach sleepers may sleep better on a firmer mattress that keeps their hips supported. Additionally, our testers say that although the mattress allows the shoulders to sink comfortably, it may be slightly too firm for side sleepers with joint issues.
The WinkBed’s softer version
While The WinkBed’s softer version is our top choice for best pillow top mattress for back pain, you may consider The WinkBed’s luxury firm model if you prefer a firmer mattress. Our team rates this model 6.5 out of 10 for firmness.
The WinkBed tester insights
The WinkBed comes in four firmness options (softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus). We tested the softer model, which the brand compares to “sleeping on a cloud.”
Our testers give the mattress a perfect 5 out of 5 for pressure relief, noting that the material contours and supports their lower backs while keeping their spine neutral. They feel well supported throughout the mattress, rating it 4.5 out of 5 stars for overall support and edge support.
Our testers also say The WinkBed absorbs movement better than other mattresses in this review, making it one of the best mattresses for couples who sleep with a restless partner or pets. We scored it a perfect 5 out of 5 for motion isolation.
Additionally, despite the mattress’s minimal bounce (2.5 out of 5), our testers are still able to easily change positions without feeling stuck in its layers.
From one of our WinkBed testers:
“The top layer of The WinkBed [softer] gently cradles my body but prevents me from sinking too deep into the mattress. The layers are responsive, making it easy to change positions.”
Helix Midnight Luxe: Most comfortable pillow top mattress for lighter- and average-weight sleepers
Why Helix Midnight Luxe is our pick for most comfortable
The Helix Midnight Luxe is our top choice for most comfortable pillow top mattress for lighter- and average-weight sleepers because it offers a blend of comfort and supportive features to accommodate a wide range of sleep preferences and sleeper weights. It strikes a good balance between support and comfort—supporting areas like the lower back where lighter- or average-weight sleepers tend to need more reinforcement, while cradling the body to give the sleeper a feeling of being more “in” rather than “on” the mattress. The hybrid design, featuring memory foam and coils, helps conform to your body while easing pressure points. Plus, the quilted pillow top with a breathable Tencel A brand of sustainable cellulose fiber made from wood pulp, which is used in clothing, footwear, home linens, carpets, mattresses, and pillows because it’s highly breathable, hygienic, and comfortable. cover is designed to keep you cool.
Additionally, you can upgrade the top layer of your mattress to the ErgoAlign Layer, an ultra-dense body contouring zoned foam for additional support and pressure relief. Helix recommends this $249 upgrade to people suffering from back pain.
It’s important to note that the Helix Midnight Luxe provides a good balance of comfort and support for lighter- and average-weight sleepers, but higher-weight sleepers (over 250 pounds) will likely not get enough support from this mattress since it is a true medium firmness (6.5/10). The best mattresses for higher-weight people tend to be medium firmness or higher.
Who may want to try the Helix Midnight Luxe: The Helix Midnight Luxe may be a good choice for lighter-weight (under 130 pounds) or average-weight (130–250 pounds) back, side, and stomach sleepers who prefer to sleep more “in” than “on” a mattress.
Who may want to avoid the Helix Midnight Luxe: This mattress may not be supportive enough for higher-weight (over 250 pounds) back and side sleepers. Sensitive sleepers who share a bed may want to choose a mattress with better motion isolation.
Helix Midnight Luxe tester insights
Our testers say the Helix Midnight Luxe evenly distributes their weight across the mattress and is highly effective at relieving pressure, especially in the back. They rate it a solid 5 out of 5 for back pressure relief and 4.5 out of 5 for overall pressure relief.
The Helix Midnight Luxe stands out for its zoned lower back support coils, which offer more cushion under the shoulders and firmer reinforcement under the hips. Research shows that targeted lower back support may alleviate back pain, especially for side sleepers who need pressure taken off painful joints.
Additionally, with a bounce rating of 4 out of 5, combination sleepers should find it easy to switch sleep positions throughout the night.
Unfortunately, mattresses with good bounce are typically not very effective at isolating motion. Our testers could feel significant movement from the other side of the bed during testing, resulting in a less-than-average score of 2 out of 5 for motion isolation.
From one of our Helix Midnight Luxe testers:
“The Helix Midnight Luxe has a soft and plush pillow top layer that offers pressure relief for back and side sleepers. The material conforms to my body, and my spine feels neutral when lying on my back.”
Learn more in our in-depth Helix mattress review.
Nolah Evolution 15″: Best pillow top mattress for back sleepers
Why Nolah Evolution is our best pick for back sleepers
We chose the Nolah Evolution as the best mattress for back sleepers because it relieves pressure, earning a 5 out of 5 for back sleepers from our team. The 15-inch mattress features a two-inch quilted plush Euro-top that hugs the body, followed by a high-density AirFoam layer and zoned coil system for targeted lower back support.
Our testers also rate the Nolah Evolution 4.5 out of 5 for folks who sleep on their side, making it one our picks for the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Who may want to try Nolah Evolution: The Nolah Evolution mattress may be ideal for back sleepers of all weights seeking a plush yet supportive pillow top mattress. Average-weight side and stomach sleepers may also enjoy this mattress.
Who may want to avoid Nolah Evolution: With a cooling score of 3 out of 5, the Nolah Evolution may not offer enough relief for hot sleepers.
Nolah Evolution is our pick
While the Nolah Evolution is our pick for the best pillow top mattress for back sleepers, higher-weight sleepers may find it too soft. If you weigh more than 300 pounds, we recommend checking out the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ instead.
Nolah Evolution tester insights
The Nolah Evolution is available in four firmness options: plush, luxury firm, firm, and comfort+. Our team tested the luxury firm model, rating it 7 out of 10 for firmness, which is slightly firmer than a true medium mattress.
In addition to its high level of pressure relief, we feel well supported on the mattress in all sleeping positions, scoring it 4 out of 5 for support and 4.5 out of 5 for edge support.
Despite the mattress’s cooling technology used throughout, we didn’t notice any significant cooling benefits during testing, scoring it lower than other mattresses in this review (3 out of 5). Motion isolation and bounce are slightly above average, receiving 3.5 out of 5.
Overall, the Nolah Evolution is a supportive, responsive mattress that should offer comfort and pressure relief to a variety of sleep preferences.
From one of our Nolah Evolution testers:
“The zoned support in the coil and foam offers a good amount of responsiveness, pressure relief, and support to accommodate most sleepers.”
Read more in our Nolah review.
How we test and choose the best pillow top mattresses
The Handbook Team has researched many mattresses online and in person and hand-selected about 130 (and counting) of the best models to test. We’ve also surveyed 1,200 total shoppers (in two 600-people surveys) and interviewed recent mattress customers to understand the buying process and how their new bed has impacted their sleep quality, physical health, and mental wellness.
According to one survey
According to one survey of 600 mattress shoppers, about 80 percent of all respondents say their new mattress helps them sleep better, and 65 percent report improved mental health.
Our mattress testing process
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite scores.
First-hand testing experience
The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
For this review, we focused on tests and scores related to pressure relief, motion isolation, bounce, and edge support for a general overview of what makes a high-quality pillow top mattress.
Mattress surveys and interviews
We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 1,200 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the setup process. We also interviewed real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress as well as the benefits of purchasing one.
Additionally, we consulted with experts about how mattresses affect the quality of sleep, chronic pain, and overall well-being to narrow our choices.
Objective and honest ratings
We use information from our surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews to determine the most important features in our brand and mattress testing scorecards.
For example, many people want a pillow top mattress for comfort and pressure relief. Every model in this review needs to score at least a 4 out of 5 for side or back pressure relief. Other features we consider are overall support, motion isolation, bounce, edge support, and firmness. Everyone has different needs for their holistic health, so we filter the best mattresses to fit each unique review.
We also weigh the following factors to determine an overall rating for each brand we recommend.
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15 percent | Customer care center hours, support options |
| Brand Reputation | 10 percent | Years in business, lawsuits & class actions against this company |
| Features | 20 percent | Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, add-ons included (free sleep accessories) |
| User Experience | 35 percent | White glove delivery, CERTIPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials |
| Affordability | 20 percent | Price, warranty, promotions |
Learn more about our pillow top mattress testing and review methodology.
What is a pillow top mattress?
A pillow top mattress is a mattress, usually an innerspring or hybrid, with an additional layer of plush padding sewn or stitched on top of it. It’s designed to be plusher and more comfortable than traditional mattresses, and the top is composed of soft materials like memory foam, polyfoam, latex, or fibers.
What is the difference between a pillow top and Euro top mattress?
A pillow top mattress has an extra layer of cushioning sewn onto the surface, making it highly plush and comfortable. In contrast, a Euro top is stitched beneath the cover, offering more durability and a firmer feel with minimal sagging.
How to choose a pillow top mattress
There are many factors to consider when choosing a pillow top mattress. We recommend starting with your body type and what you don’t like about your current mattress.
Firm mattresses generally work better for higher-weight sleepers, while lighter-weight sleepers typically enjoy plushy, softer mattresses.
You’ll also want to consider your sleep position. Side sleepers tend to feel best sleeping on a mattress with a good mix of comfort and support, while back sleepers need a combination of pressure relief and support. Stomach sleepers typically require a firmer mattress to maintain proper spinal alignment and keep their hips from sinking too deeply.
If you share a bed, you’ll want to opt for a pillow top mattress with good edge support and motion isolation, so you’re not disturbed by your partner’s movement. Hot sleepers will likely want a cooling mattress to help them stay comfortable at night.
Our final verdict
After carefully reviewing factors like support, pressure relief, and firmness, we narrowed our list to the four best pillow top mattresses. Our overall pick for the best pillow top mattress is the Saatva Classic because it offers a good blend of comfort, support, and durability that makes it a good choice for all sleepers.
Compare the best pillow top mattresses of 2024
| Price | $1,395–$2,990 | $1,149–$2,049 | $1,374–$2,874 | $1,499–$3,198 |
| Our firmness rating* | 7/10 | 5/10 | 5.5/10 | 7/10 |
| Material | Innerspring-hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | 15 years | Lifetime |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights |
| Recommended for | Back and stomach sleepers | Side sleepers | Back, side, and stomach sleepers | Back, side, and stomach sleepers |
*Our firmness rating is based on hands-on testing
Frequently asked questions
Pillow top mattresses are a great choice for people who want to sink into a plush, soft layer as soon as they lie down. They can be especially beneficial for side sleepers who need more cushion on their hips and shoulders.
Pillow top mattresses may be too soft for higher-weight (over 250 pounds) sleepers. They may sink too far into the bed, making it difficult to change positions.
Plush, pillow top mattresses that aren’t too soft or too firm can reduce pressure on the hips and shoulders, delivering a comfortable night’s sleep.
As the foam and other materials in pillow top mattresses begin to soften, the mattress may eventually start to sag. Choosing a high-quality mattress made with durable materials, like high-density foam, can minimize sagging and extend the lifespan of your mattress.
- Blackwelder, A., Hoskins, M., & Huber, L. (2021). Effect of Inadequate Sleep on Frequent Mental Distress. Preventing chronic disease, 18, E61. Link
- Bolton, R., Hulshof, H., Daanen, H. A. M., & van Dieën, J. H. (2022). Effects of mattress support on sleeping position and low-back pain. Sleep Science and Practice, 6(1), 3. Link