What is a pillow top mattress?

A pillow top mattress is a mattress that has a separate section on top of the mattress to make it softer. It’s like adding a pillow on top of your bed. Unlike a mattress topper, it’s sewn onto the mattress. It’s attached to the bed, and is not removable.

When boxed mattresses first came out, most were around 10 inches deep and all foam. Today, there are pillow top mattresses in a box that come rolled up and shipped right to you. The best part is you get a long sleep trial, which means you get at least 4 months to sleep on the mattress to know how you like it. During that timeframe, you can return it for a full refund if it’s not right for you. Some mattresses in a box require you to give it at least 30 days to adjust to a new mattress before it’s eligible for a return.

2 Types of Pillow Top Mattresses

There are 2 types of pillow top mattresses: pillow top or euro top. Pillow tops are flatter around the edges, like if you smushed a pillow top of a bed, then sewed it on. Like an actual pillow, it’s flatter along the edges than it is in the middle. They’re stitched on top of the mattress.

A euro top is stitched beneath the mattress cover. Rather than flattening out along the edges, it’s square with the mattress (it’s box-shaped with straight edges).

Both usually add 1-3 inches of height to the bed and can be made of foam, memory foam, latex, or other material. Most often, it’s made of memory foam for contouring.

Why get a pillow top mattress?

Pillow tops are usually added to a hybrid mattress (a mattress with springs) to add an additional layer of softness between you and the springs. The closer you are to the springs, the more firm the mattress feels. It also adds height and has a more luxurious look to it. The mattresses on our list start at 13″ deep. It’s also more common to have longer sleep trials – up to 18 months! So if you’re unhappy during that timeframe, you can return your mattress for a full refund.

We may earn a commission when you shop through our links. Prices are accurate at the time of publication but may change.

Pillow Top Mattress in a Box

Most bed in a box type mattresses are euro top, rather than pillow top style.

Here are 9 pillow top mattresses in a box. All are hybrids which means they have springs. They also tend to be thicker than average for mattresses that come in a box.

1. Nolah Evolution Mattress

BEST MEDIUM FIRM OPTION

Nolah’s newest mattress is a euro pillow top and is 15″ deep. It has a medium firm feel. The euro top features 2″ cooling ArcticTex™ quilted euro top fibers. And you get 2 FREE adjustable shredded memory foam pillows with your mattress.

For more details, read our Nolah Evolution Mattress Review

• 1 and 1/2 YEAR TRIAL
• FREE SHIPPING
• LIFETIME WARRANTY
• MADE IN THE USA
• Choose from firm, medium, or soft
• Price for a queen-size Evolution mattress: $1499

2. Avocado Mattress

TOP GREEN CHOICE

You have the option to add a 2-inch top to any adult-size Avocado mattress for an additional cost. It’s made of organic latex. While not as firm as an Avocado Green mattress without it, it’s still more firm than most pillow top mattresses. So choose Avocado if you want to support a green business that’s easier on the environment. Also, if you like a more firm feel, you’ll love this. It’s organic, GOTS, GOLS, and Greengold certified.

Let me say this again, Avocado is more firm than the other options on this post. So choose it if you want that feel. Even if you get the pillow top, it will be less firm, but overall this mattress is on the firmer side. If you’re heavier (weigh more), it will hold up more and give more support. The lighter you weigh, the more firm it will feel to you. I’m only pointing this out because it sounds soft, and therefore people assume you’ll sink in more and feel hugged. But you won’t. And it won’t sleep hotter either, so hopefully, this helps you make the best choice.

• 1-YEAR TRIAL
• FREE SHIPPING
• 25-YEAR WARRANTY
• HANDMADE IN USA
• Price for a queen size Avocado Green with euro top that’s 13″ deep: is $1,899.

3. DreamCloud Premier Mattress

GOOD VALUE

This hybrid also has a firmer feel. We love the look of the DreamCloud. It’s not a pure white top. Very reasonably priced for the depth and generous sleep trial and warranty.

• 1-YEAR TRIAL
• FREE SHIPPING
• LIFETIME WARRANTY
• Price for a queen DreamCloud, that’s 13″ deep: $1,199

4. Brentwood Home Oceano Luxury Mattress

MOST COILED

Like the Avocado Green Mattress, Brentwood Home is made with clean materials, including GOTS organic certified cotton and wool.  Euro top consists of organic wool and micro coils, the only mattress on this list to have that feature. Another bonus is getting delivery and set up, or even removal service, for an additional fee. This mattress is well-constructed and has steel springs. Along with the extra thickness, they’re heavier. So if you have a bad back or cannot or don’t want to lift and set up this mattress by yourself, get the white glove service.

• 4.5/10 FIRMNESS
• 1-YEAR TRIAL
• FREE SHIPPING
• LIFETIME WARRANTY
• Price for a queen that’s 13 inches deep: $1,499

5. Saatva Mattress

BEST VALUE IF YOU WANT DELIVERY (INCLUDED IN PRICE)

We rate the Saatva the best value on this list, based on FREE white glove delivery service and price.

Comes in Soft Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. Also, choose the thickness, either 11.5″ or 14.5″. INCLUDES DELIVERY and take away of your old mattress and box spring. However, returns will cost $99 for the cost of labor and gas for delivery. 

• 3/10 FIRMNESS FOR THE SOFT PLUSH
• 180-DAY SLEEP TRIAL
• FREE SHIPPING
• 15 YEAR WARRANTY
• Price for a queen that’s 14.5 inches deep: is $1,399

6. Nest Bedding Sparrow Mattress

BEST FOR COUPLES WHO DISAGREE

MOST CUSTOMIZABLE 

Here’s the best part about the Nest Bedding Alexander Signature, besides the euro top. During the 100-night trial, you can exchange the top layer to be a different firmness. The euro top unzips so you can change or replace it for the right feel or to replace (instead of getting a new mattress). If you sleep with someone who likes a firmer or softer mattress than you do, you’ll love that you can make each side custom (king or cal king size).

• 100-DAY SLEEP TRIAL
• CHOOSE FIRMNESS (plush, medium, or firm). With king or cal king, you can get an internal split with each side its firmness level
• MADE IN USA
• DEPTH: 13″ deep
• Price for a queen: $1,499

7. Awara Mattress

BEST FIRM PILLOW TOP IN A BOX

This plush Euro Top features smooth organic cotton and cozy 100% organic New Zealand wool. So you stay cool and dry as you sleep. Has Dunlop latex. 

• CHOOSE FIRMNESS
• 1-YEAR TRIAL
• FREE SHIPPING
• FOREVER WARRANTY
• Price for a queen that’s 13 inches deep: $1,299