We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Euro top and pillow top mattresses are two types of mattress toppers. They both provide an extra layer of comfort for sleepers.
The difference between them is that a pillow top has a visible seam around the edge and is more padded in appearance. In contrast, a Euro top has a seamless look, as manufacturers sew the extra padding underneath the mattress cover.
This article breaks down the differences between Euro top and pillow top mattresses to help people choose which option they think is right for them.
Please note that no one at Medical News Today, including the writer, has tried these products. All information is research-based.
A pillow top mattress contains a layer of material that covers the support layer. The mattress provides additional comfort to the sleeper while the underlying layers, often coils or springs, provide foundational support.
Manufacturers often make pillow top mattresses with softer materials, which can include:
- foam
- latex
- wool
- fibers
- memory foam
- gel
Mattress makers sew a traditional pillow top around the edge of a mattress. The stitching gives the appearance of a pillow sewn on to the mattress itself.
The pillow layer is often the first to wear out. The sleeper places the most amount of pressure and heat on the top layer, which can cause the materials to lose their fluffiness and shift over time. Rotating the mattress can reduce wear and tear.
Two types of pillow top mattresses include:
Helix Midnight
Helix Midnight is a medium-firm hybrid mattress consisting of foam and springs. Helix claim the foam layer cushions a person’s pressure points as they sleep.
DreamCloud Premier
DreamCloud Premier is a memory foam innerspring coiled mattress. DreamCloud say the mattress is suitable for all types of sleepers, whether they lie on their back, stomach, or side, due to its contouring capabilities.
A Euro top mattress is a type of pillow top. The main difference between a Euro top mattress and other pillow tops is the design.
The makers of Euro top mattresses sew the top layer on as a seamless layer. Many people might not notice the pillow top before they feel the bed.
Another difference in design is the sewing process. A traditional pillow top is only sewn around the sides, allowing the materials to move around the top layer. A Euro top stitches the entire layer underneath the mattress cover so the materials will not move around.
The final difference is that a Euro top usually uses sturdier materials, such as memory foam and latex. Because of this, they are often firmer but are longer-lasting and provide better support at the edges.
Two types of Euro top mattresses include:
Sleepy’s Calm 9″ Euro Top Memory Foam Mattress
This mattress has several foam layers, including quilted foam. MattressFIRM claim this memory foam product also features additional lumbar support.
Olee Sleep 13″ Galaxy Euro Box Top Spring Mattress
According to Olee, this mattress has five layers of pocket springs, with 7.5-inch coils to maintain firmness. The memory foam adapts to a person’s body shape and helps regulate their temperature.
A pillow top or Euro top can consist of several materials, including memory foam, latex, gel, wool, and fibers.
Memory foam
Memory foam conforms to a person’s shape. It may feel firmer, allowing a sleeper to sink gradually into the material.
A person with overweight or obesity may find memory foam pillow tops help provide more comfort. In contrast, people with underweight may find the material too uncomfortable or firm.
Some potential benefits of memory foam include:
- helping support the body evenly
- may help alleviate muscle and joint pain
- reducing movement in bed
Before purchasing a memory foam mattress, people should be mindful of heat retention. They should look for mattresses that include cooling technology, such as gel-infused foam.
Learn more about the differences between memory foam and gel memory foam mattresses here.
Latex
Latex is a firmer material offering contouring and support for sleepers with overweight or obesity.
A pillow top made with latex may have the following benefits:
- providing support to bones and joints
- helping isolate movement in bed
- durable and long-lasting
- relieving pressure points
Latex is not for everyone. It may be too firm for some people or unsuitable for those with latex allergies.
Gel foam
Gel-infused foam has many of the benefits of regular memory foam. The main difference is that gel provides a cooling effect that foam alone does not offer. For hot sleepers, this could be an important feature.
Wool
Wool is a soft, natural material with insulating properties that help a person stay cool in the summer and warm in winter.
One disadvantage is that wool does not provide any additional support, meaning that other mattress layers will need to provide this.
Fibers
Polyester fibers are a synthetic, soft material. They offer a layer of softness that may be important to some sleepers.
Similar to wool, they offer no additional support for the body. A pillow top or Euro top consisting of fibers will rely on the underlying mattress layers to provide sufficient support for a person.
Sleeping positions vary among people, but some of the most common include:
- back
- side
- stomach
Each position places different amounts of stress on the spine, joints, and muscles.
According to the
Over the years, researchers have analyzed many mattresses, in particular, their effect on sleep. Many studies attempt to establish the benefits of certain mattress materials, such as foam or springs, on varying sleeping positions.
In a recent
This means a person may find that a mattress may not work for them, even if, in theory, it is best for their sleep type or body shape.
Back sleepers
Back sleepers benefit from a supportive mattress that helps distribute support across the body. A pillow top or Euro top made with memory foam, latex, or gel are suitable options.
In addition to the support, a back sleeper may need additional temperature regulation. In these cases, gel foam mattress tops may work best.
Side sleepers
Side sleepers need to keep their neck in alignment with their back. Like back sleepers, side sleepers need support for their body, alongside contouring to alleviate pressure points.
A foam or latex top may be a suitable option for side sleepers.
Stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers often need just as much support as the other sleep positions. Without adequate support, a person’s neck, midsection, or shoulders may have additional stress placed on them. A mattress comprising foam or latex may provide the best support.
Euro top and pillow top mattresses are similar. The main difference between the two is the stitching.
Mattress materials also play a large role in a person’s sleep experience. Choices can include memory foam, gel, latex, fibers, and wool.
When buying a mattress, a person should consider their weight, sleep position, and any aches and pains they may have. People can trial mattresses to discover what style may benefit them most.