Pillow top mattress topper: adding a plush layer to the bed you have
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- Quilted fiberfill pillow top topper with deep skirt. Best for: Adding softness to a supportive but hard mattress. See options on Amazon
- Down alternative pillow top topper. Best for: People who want a down-like feel without down. See options on Amazon
- Memory foam topper with plush quilted cover. Best for: Side sleepers who want soft feel plus pressure relief. See options on Amazon
- Deep pocket fitted sheets. Best for: Anyone adding a lofty topper. See options on Amazon
Pillow top topper vs pillow-top mattress
On a mattress, the Sleep Foundation describes a pillow-top as an extra top layer, usually foam, latex, wool or fiber and typically 2 to 4 inches, whose edge is not attached to the layer below; a Euro-top is sewn flush at the perimeter. Pillow-top and Euro-top mattresses are typically 13 to 15 inches thick versus 10 to 12 inches for standard mattresses.
A pillow top topper copies the look and feel as a separate layer. The upside: you can add it, remove it, and wash or replace it without buying a mattress. Because the Sleep Foundation notes traditional pillow-tops are prone to sagging along the edges, a removable topper also means a worn layer is a smaller loss.
Fill options
| Fill | Feel | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester fiberfill | Lofty, cloudlike | Can flatten over time, the Sleep Foundation notes |
| Down alternative | Similar to a pillow | Can flatten over time |
| Down or feather | Soft, lofty, natural fill | See our down vs feather topper guide |
| Memory foam with a quilted cover | Plush top over contouring foam | Memory foam is known to trap body heat |
Who a pillow top topper suits
- Good fit: people whose mattress is supportive but feels hard or flat, and who like a soft, sink-in surface.
- Side sleepers: the Sleep Foundation says side sleepers do best on softer, more conforming surfaces that relieve shoulder and hip pressure, but fiber fills give less pressure relief than foam, so a plush foam layer may suit some side sleepers better. See mattress topper for side sleepers.
- Heavier sleepers: the Sleep Foundation says pillow-tops do not always have strong enough support for people over 230 pounds.
- Stomach sleepers: tend to prefer a firm surface, per the Sleep Foundation, so a plush pillow top is often the wrong choice.
Thickness and fit
The Sleep Foundation says toppers are usually 1 to 4 inches thick: thicker toppers change firmness, pressure relief and motion isolation more, while thinner ones add light cushioning without much change. Plush toppers generally rate soft to medium soft. Because a pillow top topper adds height, the Sleep Foundation's note about pillow-top mattresses applies here too: you may need deep-pocket sheets. Look for an elastic skirt or corner straps so the topper does not slide.
Care and keeping the loft
- Check the care label before washing anything. The Sleep Foundation says never put memory foam in a washer or dryer, and many toppers have removable, machine-washable covers.
- Spot clean foam layers with water and mild detergent.
- Use a removable cover or protector to reduce washing.
- Store a spare topper in a cool, dry place to reduce mold, mildew and dust mites, per the Sleep Foundation.
What to look for when you buy
Quilted fiberfill pillow top topper with deep skirt
Best for: Adding softness to a supportive but hard mattress
Fiber fills give the lofty, cloudlike feel the Sleep Foundation associates with pillow-tops, and a skirt keeps it in place.
Watch out: Can flatten over time and gives less pressure relief than foam.
See options on AmazonDown alternative pillow top topper
Best for: People who want a down-like feel without down
The Sleep Foundation groups down alternative with down as a lofty fill that feels similar to a pillow.
Watch out: Loses loft with use; check whether it is machine washable.
See options on AmazonMemory foam topper with plush quilted cover
Best for: Side sleepers who want soft feel plus pressure relief
Combines a pillowy surface with foam, which the Sleep Foundation says contours closely.
Watch out: Memory foam is known to trap body heat; the foam is not machine washable.
See options on AmazonDeep pocket fitted sheets
Best for: Anyone adding a lofty topper
The Sleep Foundation notes higher-profile pillow-top beds may need deep-pocket sheets.
Watch out: Measure mattress plus topper height first.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is a pillow top mattress topper?
- A separate quilted layer filled with fiberfill, down alternative, down or foam that adds a plush, raised feel to your mattress.
- Is a pillow top topper good for back pain?
- It adds softness, not support. The Sleep Foundation says pillow-tops tend to offer less pressure relief than foam or latex; see our mattress topper for back pain guide.
- How thick should a pillow top topper be?
- The Sleep Foundation says toppers usually run 1 to 4 inches; thicker ones change the feel more.
- Do pillow top toppers flatten?
- They can. The Sleep Foundation says down, feathers and polyester fill can flatten over time, and that better fill and construction help them last.
- Pillow top topper or memory foam topper?
- Choose pillow top for plush softness on a supportive bed; choose memory foam for closer contouring and pressure relief.
Sources
- Best Soft and Plush Mattress Toppers (buying guide section) (www.sleepfoundation.org/best-mattress-toppers/best-soft-mattress-topper), Sleep Foundation
- Best Pillow-Top Mattress (explainer sections) (www.sleepfoundation.org/best-mattress/best-pillow-top-mattress), Sleep Foundation
- Best Memory Foam Mattress Toppers (buying guide section) (www.sleepfoundation.org/best-mattress/best-memory-foam-mattress-topper), Sleep Foundation