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Back pains and the overall discomfort after a not-so-good night sleep may seem the modern times’ chronic disease that most people cope with, daily. However, finding beds, mattresses that may provide better sleeping alternatives to improve your quality of life, should not be that much of a difficult task.
In the United States, according to some recent studies conducted by several health organizations, it is reported that 70% of adults don’t obtain insufficient sleep at least one night a month, and a worrisome percentage of 11% report insufficient sleep every night.
The lack of good rest in many people may obey to different factors, such as tight work schedules, stressful lifestyles, muscular contractures, chronic diseases, but mostly, the lack of good quality sleep hours may be closely related to the bed you chose to sleep on, every night. (And for many years).
Pillow Top Foam Mattresses have been invading the markets as of late for a specific reason – their hybrid composition can become a great helper that soothes back pains allowing you to improve your daily performance, after a great night’s sleep.
Let’s keep in mind though, that the sleeping needs of people may vary even if they sleep together on top of the same mattress. You may be a side sleeper whereas your partner may prefer to sleep on their back; plus, not everyone measures or weighs the same.
Finding the ideal bed for you and your partner then is also possible, by carefully looking at the market alternatives available for you that can adjust to your budget. This is why we have put together a Buying Guide for you to know more about pillowed mattresses and the advantages they can bring into your life.
Pillow-Top Mattress Buying Guide
What is a Pillow Top Mattress?
A pillow top mattress is often a mattress of hybrid composition that may include the advantages of a spring coiled system plus the plush comfort of memory foam futon; plus adding a pillowed surface on top, that would help contour your body for extra comfort, without letting you sink into a super soft mattress that is not firm underneath. Most hybrid pillow top mattresses offer motion isolation in case you sleep with your partner and/or your pets.
Usually, the firmness of a pillow top mattress may vary from medium to plush and the thickness of such products can be between 10 up to 16 inches tall. Gel memory foam, conforming memory foam, high-density memory foam, or responsive memory foam are the usual components of the underlayers of the mattress. Encased coils, nonetheless, are placed underneath such foam layers.
Choosing the Best Pillow Top Mattress for You
Before looking at the price tag on the mattress you have your eye on, it’s a good idea to consider the specs of such mattresses or similar ones from various brands before sliding the credit card at your favorite department store. The main factors to keep into account when purchasing a pillow-top mattress are related to the chosen size, as some pillow-top mattresses can be delivered in Queen, Twin, Full, King sizes. Some others are limited to California King or Twin sizes.
The firmness of a pillow top mattress is an important point to consider as for example if you are a side sleeper you may aim for a plush type of mattress, whereas back, stomach sleepers are often more comfortable with medium to firm hybrid mattresses. Motion isolation, absorption, breathable cooling covers, body contouring, pressure point relief, and thickness are also important aspects you should know about before, bringing your new pillow top mattress home.
Bear in mind that as much as a brand may advertise that a pillow top mattress is an answer to your chronic pains and backaches, it is recommendable to check with your physician in advance if this is the type of mattress for you. People with a disability, chronic pain condition, or that are recovering from an accident, operation, must get the professional opinion of a physician, before changing their sleeping habits.
Shopping Tips
- The prices of pillow-top mattresses can go from $300 up to $3000 dollars; and depending on the chosen brand, you may get free night trials, free refund policies, and make sure you check with the sellers what the warranty covers in case you get a defective product. Most known brands like Beautyrest, Sealy, Serta, may offer you 10 years warranty plus free night trials (from 100 to 120 days) on their official websites or Amazon.
- Then, why not? Try haggling a bit, whether you are buying online or at the physical store, don’t be shy to ask for discounts or deals related to your desired pillow top mattress. The huge markup in sales from some retailers may allow them to lower prices during their frequent sale campaigns, which means, they will still earn from a discounted sale and you wouldn’t stretch the limits of your budget either.
- Keep in mind, though, that although your mattress will arrive rolled up in a box, you are buying an expensive product that would be painfully difficult to return, in the unfortunate case it arrives damaged or defective. Mostly, you won’t be able to roll it back as if it was factory packed again, and this is why you must check with the sellers about returning policies and the delivery services that would collect back the damaged product.
- Among the most common brands of pillow-top mattresses, we could name Hypnos, Sealy, Beautyrest (Simmons), Serta, Mypillow, Sweetnight, Novilla, among others. The common sizes they manufacture are Queen pillow top mattress, pillow-top King mattress, Full-size pillow top mattress, Twin or Twin XL top pillow-top mattresses.
In this article, our editors have put together a list of their 5 favorite top pillow top mattresses from renowned brands you’ll have fun reviewing.
Review of the 5 Top-Rated Pillow-Top Mattresses
1. Novilla 10 Inch Hybrid Pillow Top Queen Size Mattress
Manufacturer, color, available sizes: The well-known mattress Novilla brand presents their Hybrid Pillow Top Queen mattress, a pillow top mattress of medium firmness that offers motion isolation and balance support. It features a spring system of pocketed coils that keeps you comfortable even if you sleep beside someone else. This hybrid pillowed mattress balances your body weight and your spine; and no matter if you are a side, back or stomach sleeper you will get the motion isolation and quiet sleep you deserve. Available in Queen (10 and 12 inches) size, Twin (10 inches), Full (12 inches), and King (10 inches) sizes. It comes in white color with grey and green edges.
Dimensions, Weight, and Thickness: The thickness of the Novilla Hybrid Pillow top mattress is 10/12 inches, depending on the ordered size. The standard Queen mattress measures 60 x 80 x 10 inches and weighs 87.1 pounds. This mattress has an approximate weight support capacity of 300+ pounds according to clients’ reviews online.
Type of Fabric and Fill material: The Novilla Hybrid Pillowtop mattress comes rolled up in a box, and you should wait between 24 / 72 to fully expand. It contains 5 layers made of gel memory foam and high-density foam for a cooling sensation when you sleep and a thick comfortable breathable fabric top cover made of bamboo rayon that is soft to the touch.
Safety: The US NFPA (The National Fire Protection Association) recommends adding chemical components as a fire-retardant measure in some Memory Foam mattresses. Fortunately, Novilla is a ‘green’ brand that only uses Fire-Retardant Cotton in its products. Also, worthy to mention, this product is Oeko-Tex certified; which means it is free of harmful chemicals and is safe for human use. In any case, vent the area where your mattress will be placed, for at least 24/72 hours before use.
Other features: This mattress comes with Novilla dual-edge support technology that supports the edge innerspring, contouring your body and helping you to sit on the mattress without much effort when waking up; this pillow top mattress includes 4 handles that help you move it easily. Novilla also offers a 100-sleeping trial for this mattress and a policy of 31-day free return.
SUMMARY
Novilla 10 Inch Hybrid Pillow Top Mattress
Pros
- Oeko-Tex certified
- Novilla offers a 100-night trial and 31 days of free return on this product
- 10 years of warranty
- It comes with pocketed coils for extra support
Cons
- Too sturdy for some side sleepers
- Expanding to its final size may take a bit more than 3 days according to some online reviews
2. Sweetnight Pillow Top Hybrid Mattress
Manufacturer, color, available sizes: The bestselling brand Sweetnight presents their Plush Pillow Top Hybrid mattress with motion isolation for you and your partner. It is equipped with 775 individually wrapped coils and gel memory foam layers for the great support and more pleasant dreams. Also, it has been proved to be useful to reduce back pains. The Sweetnight Plush Pillow Top Hybrid mattress comes in white and grey bicolor; it is available in Queen size with medium firmness.
Dimensions, Weight, and Thickness: The Sweetnight Hybrid Pillow top mattress elevates 12 inches once unpacked and unrolled (Allow at least 24/72 hours to fully expand). It measures 60 x 80 x 10 inches and weighs 97.8 pounds, it can fit on any Queen-sized bed frame.
Type of Fabric and Fill material: This Hybrid Pillow top mattress contains layers made of gel memory foam, high-density memory foam, and a thick knitted pillowed cover that is breathable and offers you a cooling sensation when you sleep.
Safety: Sweetnight indicates that the memory foam they produce for their mattresses is US Certified and it is elaborated without harmful/toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, Mercury, and other heavy metals.
Other features: This super comfy pillow top mattress is equipped with Sweetnight’s 3-Zone Pocket Spring Body Contour technology for optimal support, as the three independent spring zones spread among the mattress make sure that your body weight is correctly distributed. Also, their pocketed coils are made of high-quality carbon steel that prevents rust and deformation.
SUMMARY
Sweetnight Pillow Top Hybrid Mattress
Pros
- It doesn’t expel any odors.
- It is equipped with a 3-zone body system.
- 10 years of warranty
- Economical buy
Cons
- It has been reported to be too soft on the corners
- It is a heavy mattress to unpack and roll on a Queen-sized frame
- Some clients have claimed the firmness of this mattress is close to plush
3. Beautyrest Silver Pillow Top Mattress
Manufacturer, color, available sizes: The Beautyrest line by Simmons has released the Beautyrest 16-inch Silver Plush Pillow Top Mattress, a very comfortable hybrid pillow top mattress that is equipped with over 900 series of pocketed coils for extra spinal support, plus is covered in layers of gel memory foam for cooling sensation and responsive dynamic memory foam that is pressure-relieving in key points of your body. It can be ordered in Twin XL and California King sizes. It comes in white color with grey-silver edges.
Dimensions, Weight, and Thickness: The Beautyrest Hybrid Pillow top mattress is a big chunky bed that elevates 16 inches. The standard California King size measures 84 x 72 x 16 inches and weighs 124.6 pounds. Due to its composition, it cannot be flipped over, make sure you handle it with care.
Type of Fabric and Fill material: This pillow top mattress is mainly composed of gel memory foam and dynamic response memory foam that contours your body whilst you sleep helping you heal back pains. Also, it includes a thick quilted pillowed cover that is soft and breathable. It comes with pocketed coils built on the base of the mattress.
Safety: Simmons always recommends to not open their quilted mattress covers for washing. Instead, use a clean cloth to clean the top of the mattress. It is recommendable to air the mattress once it has been unpacked for 72 hours. Do not allow kids to jump on it, as the memory foam layers may break resulting in coils popping out to the pillowed surface.
Other features: On its official website, Beautyrest offers a 100 Night In-Home Trial for you to test their products, and easy to return policies if after that period of time you are not satisfied with them. Also, this pillow top hybrid mattress comes with Beautyrest’s dual control plus technology in gel memory foam layers that keep your mattress fresh and cool.
SUMMARY
Beautyrest Silver Pillow Top Mattress
Pros
- It is a thick mattress that elevates 16 inches above a bed frame
- It comes with a high-density wrapped coils base
- Great value for its price
- It helps ease back pains
Cons
- It is a very heavy mattress that cannot be flipped over
- Off-gassing
- Limited sizes to choose from
4. Sealy Response Performance Pillow Top Mattress
Manufacturer, color, available sizes: The veteran brand Sealy introduces their Sealy Response Performance 14-inch Cushion Firm Pillow Top Mattress. A pillowed wide mattress with inbuilt spring coils for supportive back sleep that is also covered in layers of gel memory foam for breathable comfort. This elegant mattress comes in white/grey bicolor and it is available in Twin and King sizes.
Dimensions, Weight, and Thickness: The thickness of the Sealy Hybrid Pillow top mattress is 14 inches for both available sizes. The standard California King measures 84 x 72 x 14 inches and weighs 96 pounds. This mattress has an approximate weight support capacity of 600 pounds, ideal for tall, heavyweight sleepers. Especially, stomach and back sleepers.
Type of Fabric and Fill material: This Sealy Hybrid Pillow top mattress includes 5 layers of gel memory foam and cushions extra soft foam in its top comfort layer. It has a sturdy base in which pocketed coils are located, giving extra firmness to the overall composition of the mattress.
Safety: Sealy proudly announces that the foam they produce for their sleeping products is made without ozone depletes, and it is free of chemicals such as PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP, mercury, lead, and formaldehyde. Sealy’s products are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission; also, it has been tested as low in VOC emissions for indoor air quality.
Other features: The Sealy Response Performance Pillow top mattress comes with Sealy’s exclusive DuraFlex edge system which includes a high-density flexible coil border surrounding the mattress edges, for better support, plus its Posturepedic technology detects the heaviest parts of your body to give you extra support and point pressure in key areas for better night sleep.
SUMMARY
Sealy Response Pillow Top Mattress
Pros
- It is a big, thick mattress for tall/big customers
- Low on VOC emissions
- It includes Sealy’s Posturepedic technology that targets the heaviest parts of the body
- It comes with a pillowed top
Cons
- The California King size is a very expensive buy
- Limited sizes to order from
5. Serta Perfect Sleeper Elite Pillow Top Mattress
Manufacturer, color, available sizes: The Eco-friendly mattress manufacturer Serta presents the Serta Perfect Sleeper Elite Firm Super Pillow Top, a hybrid mattress designed to prevent several common sleeping problems; such as uncomfortable tossing and turning. It aids back support and alignment; also, this pillow-top mattress offers balanced sleep temperature, and motion isolation. The Serta Perfect Sleeper Pillow top mattress comes in white color with grey details and it can be ordered in a variety of sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King sizes.
Dimensions, Weight, and Thickness: The thickness of the Serta Perfect Sleeper is 12 inches. The standard Twin Size measures 75 x 39 x 12.75 inches, and it weighs 41 pounds making it lighter than most mattresses with similar compositions.
Type of Fabric and Fill material: This mattress is built with layers of Serta Cool Twist gel memory foam for a cooling sensation; Serta comfort memory foam for body contouring, plus a soft pillowed cover. This pillow top mattress presents the advantage to be chosen with different innerspring densities, from 600 to 800 Innerspring encased coils, depending on the desired size.
Safety: Serta is a proud green company that is environmentally conscious, this is why they have developed their own non-toxic fire blocker fibers to create the fabric covers for their mattresses as opposed to other brands that may include layers of fiberglass or certain harmful chemicals as fire stoppers when manufacturing their mattresses.
Other features: The overall composition of Serta’s Perfect Sleeper Pillow top mattress resists sagging and rolling off edges as it includes Serta’s Comfort Last Construction and Best Edge Foam Encasement technology that ensures your mattress will not deteriorate with time.
SUMMARY
Serta Perfect Sleeper Elite Pillow Top Mattress
Pros
- Lightweight
- Different Innerspring densities to choose from
- It helps back alignment
- Serta is an Eco-Friendly brand
Cons
- It has been reported to be fragile to handle
- This mattress wouldn’t be suitable for heavyweight sleepers or stomach sleepers
- This mattress requires a sturdy base/foundation to be placed on
FAQs
The answer in most cases would be no. If you have a working box spring frame you’d like to reuse with your new top pillow top mattress you may want to try it, but it is not necessary to buy a new box spring structure as most hybrid pillow-top mattresses have encased coils and they can be placed on top of a flatbed base, frame (Even the carpeted floor) without problems. Do not give in to sellers telling you it is necessary to buy a box spring with your pillow top mattress, they may just want you to spend more money in their store.
Just like any common mattress, the lifespan of a pillow-top mattress can be 10, 12 years before seriously deteriorating and unless it has been badly treated, (kids or people standing or jumping on it, pets puncturing it, liquids damaging the surface, etc.) it will be functional for a decade. Plus, it is not hygienic to keep a mattress for longer than 10-12 years in any case. The warranty of most hybrid pillow-top mattresses will cover up to 10 years as the brands are sure their products will last.
Just like any other hybrid mattress that is layered with foam on top and contains coils underneath, pillow-top mattresses wouldn’t work if flipped over, as the sturdy, hardest part of the mattress would be in an upright position, and not only the mattress would be more or less useless to sleep on if reversed, also, the sophisticated pillowed cover and the breathable memory foam layers that the mattress contains for your body comfort would be completely wasted.
More and more mattresses manufacturers are choosing more eco-friendly options when adding fire retardants or chemicals to their foam or pillow-top mattresses in order for them to test low on VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions. However, it is recommendable to vent the area where your mattress will be placed for at least 72 hours prior to use. Also, these kinds of mattresses are delivered rolled up in a box and they’d need a couple of days to fully expand. It is not uncommon to read the angry reviews of customers complaining about their mattresses not fully expanding, then we realize they started using them before their product fully aired and expanded.
A Pillow Top mattress can be a great choice to improve the quality of your sleep, however, buying a pillowed mattress composed of foam layers doesn’t guarantee your health problems will be corrected if those are serious and go beyond bad sleeping positions. It has been reported, nonetheless, that hybrid pillowed mattresses reduce back pains and overall hip, knee discomfort after using them for long periods of time. Check options with your family physician and keep in mind this buying guide for your next pillow top mattress purchase. We wish you sweet, improved dreams!
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