When you’re trying to choose the best mattress for yourself, you might see a lot of new and confusing words. One common question people ask is about the extra soft layer that some mattresses have on top. This added layer is meant to make the bed feel more comfortable. You’ll often see two terms used for this – “pillow-top” and “Euro-top.” Both of these are types of soft padding layers, but they are made and attached in slightly different ways. Let’s break down what makes a pillow-top different from a Euro-top, so you can choose the one that fits your sleeping needs best.
Pillow-Top vs Euro-Top
Both pillow-tops and Euro-tops are extra layers added to the top of a mattress to make it softer and more comfortable. These layers are usually about 1 to 4 inches thick. Their main purpose is to give you a cushy, gentle feeling when you first lie down. Even though they both serve the same purpose, they look and feel a little different because of how they’re made and where they’re placed.
A pillow-top is sewn onto the top of the mattress with a small space between it and the mattress layers underneath. This gives the mattress a fluffy, cloud-like look, just like a big pillow on top. A Euro-top, on the other hand, is sewn in a way that makes it sit flat and even with the rest of the mattress. This gives it a cleaner, more squared-off appearance. Even though both are soft, they each feel slightly different when you lie down.
What is a Pillow-Top?
A pillow-top mattress has a soft, cushiony layer that looks and feels like a big pillow placed on top of the bed. This layer is usually made of foam or fiber and is stitched onto the top of the mattress with a little space between it and the rest of the bed. Because of that space, the top looks rounded and raised. When you lie on it, you’ll feel a soft and cozy surface that gently hugs your body. Pillow-tops are great for people who like a plush feel and want more softness across the whole mattress.
What is a Euro-Top?
A Euro-top also has a comfort layer made of foam or fiber, but it’s attached differently. Instead of sitting on top of the mattress with a gap, the Euro-top is sewn into the mattress so that it lines up evenly with the edges. This gives the mattress a flatter and more squared-off look. Euro-tops are usually a little firmer than pillow-tops because they often use denser materials. They still feel soft, but they give more support around the edges and feel a little more solid when you sit or lie down near the sides of the bed.
Simple Comparison Between the Two
In simple terms, pillow-tops are softer and puffier, and they make the mattress look rounded on top—like a big pillow. Euro-tops are firmer and look more like part of the mattress, with a smooth and flat appearance. The biggest differences between them are how soft they feel, how they are made, and where they are sewn onto the mattress. Both can make your bed more comfortable, but your choice will depend on whether you prefer a soft, fluffy top or a more supportive and cleaner-looking surface.
Differences in How They Perform
Even though pillow-tops and Euro-tops are similar, they do perform a bit differently over time. Here are a few key things to think about when deciding between the two.
Durability
When it comes to how long each style lasts, Euro-tops usually hold up better over time. Pillow-tops are made with softer and fluffier materials, so they may start to flatten out after a while. This can cause some parts of the bed to feel uneven. Euro-tops, with their denser and firmer materials, tend to keep their shape longer. However, some Euro-top mattresses might show sagging near the edges after many years of use. Still, in most cases, Euro-tops are considered more durable.
Cost
You might think that one of these mattress styles would be more expensive, but the truth is that the type of top—whether pillow or Euro—usually doesn’t make a big difference in the price. You can find both types in low, mid, and high price ranges. The cost depends more on other things, like the mattress brand, materials inside, or special features.
How They Feel
The way a mattress feels when you lie on it is very important, and pillow-tops and Euro-tops do feel a little different. Pillow-tops tend to feel evenly soft across the whole surface, giving you a cozy and cushiony experience. Euro-tops, on the other hand, are usually firmer around the edges and softer in the middle. Still, the biggest factor in how a mattress feels is usually the base layers underneath the top—not just the pillow-top or Euro-top layer. So even though there is a slight difference, most people won’t notice a huge change between the two just from the top layer alone.
Edge Support
Edge support means how strong and supportive the sides of your mattress feel when you sit or lie near the edge. Euro-tops usually do a better job here because they are sewn flush with the mattress and have firmer materials around the outside. This helps keep the edges from sinking too much when you sit down. Pillow-tops, which sit on top of the mattress, may feel softer and less supportive around the edges. If edge support is important to you—like if you sit on the edge often or sleep close to the side—then a Euro-top might be the better choice.
🛏️ Pillow-Top vs. Euro-Top: Simple Comparison Table
| Feature | Pillow-Top | Euro-Top |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Rounded, like a pillow sitting on top | Flat and smooth, neatly built into the mattress |
| How It’s Attached | Sewn on top with a small gap from the mattress | Sewn flush (even) with the mattress edges |
| Feel | Soft, cushiony, and fluffy all across the top | Slightly firmer, softer in the center, firmer at the edges |
| Materials | Lighter, softer foam or fiber | Denser, firmer foam or fiber |
| Durability | May flatten over time and feel uneven | Lasts longer, but might sag slightly at the edges |
| Edge Support | Less edge support due to the soft overhang | Better edge support because it’s flush and firmer at edges |
| Look | Puffy and raised top layer | Sleek and boxy with a clean, uniform look |
| Comfort Level | Very plush and cozy feel | Supportive with a soft feel in the middle |
| Price | Similar to Euro-top; price depends more on mattress type | Similar to pillow-top; not a big factor in total price |
Final Thoughts
In the end, the differences between pillow-tops and Euro-tops are pretty small. Both styles are meant to give you extra comfort and make your mattress feel better when you lie down. The main things to think about are how soft you want the top layer to be, whether you like a rounded or flat look, and how important edge support is to you. But remember, when buying a new mattress, other features like the overall firmness, support, and materials inside the mattress are usually much more important than the type of top layer. So while it’s good to know the difference, don’t stress too much—either option can help you sleep more comfortably.