A pillow top mattress has an additional comfort layer permanently stitched to the top of the mattress - creating a noticeably more cushioned sleep surface without sacrificing the underlying support of the spring system beneath. Often found in premium hotels, the feel is instantly recognisable: softness at the surface, structure underneath. At Land of Beds, we stock around 75 pillow top mattresses from brands including Hypnos, Harrison Spinks, Sleepeezee, Relyon, and Sealy, with natural fibre, memory foam, latex, and gel foam pillow top options across all standard UK sizes. Free delivery on orders over £100, a Price Promise Guarantee, and over 50 years of experience.
Browse the full collection below, or use our guides to find the right pillow top mattress for your sleep position, budget, and bed size. Our team is available seven days a week for a personal recommendation.
A pillow top is not a separate product - it is a feature of a mattress. It refers to an additional layer of comfort material permanently stitched to the top of the mattress surface, creating a raised, cushioned panel that sits slightly proud of the mattress border. Unlike a mattress topper, which sits on top of the mattress and can be removed, a pillow top is built in. You cannot take it off, and you cannot flip the mattress - only rotate it. The pillow top layer itself can be filled with a range of materials: natural fibre, memory foam, latex, or gel foam. Each gives the mattress a different character. What they share is an immediate surface softness layered over the structural support of the pocket spring system beneath. This combination - luxury feel at the surface, firm support underneath - is why pillow top mattresses are the standard in premium hotels and increasingly popular in main bedrooms. For a broader guide to mattress types, see our blog: Types of Mattresses Explained.
Three things determine whether a pillow top mattress is right for you and which one to choose.
| Factor | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Pillow top filling | The material used in the pillow top layer determines how it feels, how it breathes, and how it ages. Natural fibre is breathable and luxurious but requires regular rotation. Memory foam contours closely but can retain heat. Latex is responsive and naturally breathable. Gel foam manages temperature at the surface. | Match the pillow top filling to your sleep priorities - comfort feel, temperature regulation, or natural materials. |
| Underlying spring system | The pillow top layer adds softness but the pocket spring system underneath determines the underlying support level, tension, and how the mattress responds to your body weight. | Look at the spring count and type, not just the pillow top description. A high-quality spring system under a modest pillow top outperforms a premium pillow top over an entry-level spring. |
| Tension | Pillow top mattresses are available across the full tension range. The pillow top itself adds surface softness, but the overall tension of the mattress is determined by the spring and support system. A medium firm pillow top mattress will sleep firmer than a medium pillow top, regardless of the top layer. | Side sleepers typically suit medium to soft medium. Back sleepers suit medium to medium firm. Consider your sleep position and body weight before choosing. |
Not sure which is right for you? Speak to our team on 01928 242829 or use the quick decision guide further down this page.
Pillow top mattresses are available across all standard UK sizes. Your mattress must match your bed frame or divan base exactly. Note that pillow top mattresses are slightly deeper than standard mattresses - check that your fitted sheets have a sufficient depth to accommodate this.
| Size | Mattress Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single (3ft) | 90 x 190cm | Solo adults, teenagers, guest rooms |
| Small Double (4ft) | 120 x 190cm | Solo sleepers wanting more space, smaller rooms |
| Double (4ft 6) | 135 x 190cm | Couples, guest rooms, smaller master bedrooms |
| King Size (5ft) | 150 x 200cm | Couples wanting more width and length |
| Super King (6ft) | 180 x 200cm | Maximum space, larger master bedrooms |
See our UK Bed Sizes Guide for room-by-room measuring advice.
The filling used in the pillow top layer is the biggest variable within this category. Here is a plain comparison.
| Filling Type | How It Feels and Performs | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Fibre (wool, silk, cashmere, cotton) | Plush, breathable, and luxurious. Natural fibres wick moisture and regulate temperature passively. The surface is responsive rather than slow-sinking. Requires regular rotation to maintain even settlement. | Those who want a premium, hotel-quality feel with natural materials and year-round temperature regulation |
| Memory Foam | Close body contouring, good pressure relief, absorbs movement well. Can retain heat compared to natural fibre. Often combined with gel infusion to improve temperature management. | Side sleepers, those with pressure point discomfort, couples wanting motion isolation in a softer surface feel |
| Latex | Responsive and slightly springy, naturally breathable and hypoallergenic. More durable than foam over time. Less sinking sensation than memory foam - quicker to respond as you move. | Hot sleepers, allergy sufferers, those who want pressure relief without the slow-response feel of foam |
| Gel Foam | Similar feel to memory foam with improved temperature regulation at the surface. Absorbs heat and disperses it away from the body. Good for those who want foam-style comfort without excessive warmth. | Warmer sleepers who want the feel of memory foam with reduced heat retention |
Choose a Natural Fibre Pillow Top if:
Choose a Memory Foam Pillow Top if:
Choose a Latex Pillow Top if:
Choose a Gel Foam Pillow Top if:
In our experience, natural fibre pillow tops are by far the most popular choice in this range - particularly Hypnos and Harrison Spinks models. The combination of deep natural fibre comfort and high spring counts produces a sleep quality that most customers find hard to replicate with foam alternatives. For hot sleepers, a latex or gel foam pillow top is the better starting point.
These two terms are often confused. Both refer to an additional comfort layer built into the top of the mattress, but they are constructed differently.
| Pillow Top | Euro Top | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Comfort layer stitched to the top of the mattress with a small gap at the sides, creating a raised, cushioned appearance | Comfort layer stitched flush to the sides of the mattress - no gap, cleaner visual edge |
| Feel | Slightly softer at the edges, more pronounced cushioned surface | More even feel across the full surface, firmer edge support |
| Appearance | Visible raised panel on top of the mattress | Flush, neater profile |
| Best for | Those who want the classic luxurious pillow top look and feel | Those who prefer a cleaner visual and more even edge-to-edge support |
Both offer the same core benefit - an additional built-in comfort layer over a spring support system. The choice between them comes down to personal preference for feel and appearance.
The spring system underneath the pillow top layer is as important as the top layer itself. Here is a comparison of what to look for.
| Component | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket spring system | Spring count and gauge. Higher counts give more precise, responsive support. ReActive or zoned spring systems adapt more accurately to different body areas. | The spring system determines underlying support quality. A generous pillow top on a low-count spring will feel soft but may lack sufficient support over time. |
| Pillow top depth | Deeper pillow tops create a more pronounced plush feel but also add to the overall mattress depth. Check your sheet depth before ordering. | Affects both comfort feel and practical considerations like sheet fit. Most pillow top mattresses are 5 to 10cm deeper than equivalent non-pillow top models. |
| Natural fibre quality | Look for British wool, cashmere, silk, or cotton in the comfort layer of premium models. The depth and quality of the fibre layer affects breathability, comfort settlement, and longevity. | Better quality natural fillings maintain their loft and breathability for longer. Budget natural fibre alternatives can compress and thin more quickly. |
See our guide: How to Choose the Best Mattress for You for more detail on spring systems and comfort layers.
Pillow top mattresses are predominantly a mid to premium category. The additional comfort layer adds cost, and the best models combine high spring counts with quality natural fibre fillings.
| Budget | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Under £700 | Entry-level pillow top construction - good pocket spring with foam or basic natural fibre top layer. Noticeable improvement in surface comfort over a standard mattress. | Guest rooms, those new to pillow top, those wanting the feel at a lower entry price |
| £700 to £1,099 | Better spring counts, improved natural fibre or foam quality. Where most main bedroom buyers in this category land. | Everyday use in a main bedroom, couples, those upgrading from a standard pocket spring |
| £1,100 and above | Premium natural fibre fillings, high spring counts (7,000+), hand-tufting, superior construction. The most durable and best-performing pillow top mattresses available. | Long-term investment, master bedrooms, those who want a hotel-quality sleeping surface at home |
A quality pillow top mattress at the higher end of the budget is also one of the best long-term investments in sleep quality - the premium natural fibre and high spring count models from brands like Hypnos and Harrison Spinks are built to last and maintain their performance for considerably longer than budget alternatives.
Looking for a quality pillow top mattress at a lower price? We have options starting from under £600, with regular sales across selected models.
Our Price Promise Guarantee means you won't pay more than you should. Interest-free finance is available on eligible orders - see our finance page for full details on terms and how to apply.
Inclusion varies by product. As a general guide across our range:
| Item | Typically Included? |
|---|---|
| Mattress | Yes - always |
| Mattress cover / ticking | Yes - always |
| Pillow pair | Sometimes included as a promotional bundle - check individual listing |
| Care guide | Yes - always included |
| Mattress protector | No - sold separately. A deep-fitted protector is essential to accommodate the pillow top depth and protect your warranty. |
| Divan base or bed frame | No - unless part of a bundle deal |
Always check the individual product listing for full details on what's included before purchasing. This varies between products.
We offer a mattress removal and recycling service - we'll take away your old mattress when your new one is delivered.
| What We Offer | Why It Matters to You |
|---|---|
| 50+ years of expertise | Deep knowledge of pillow top construction across every brand and filling type - we can tell you which models deliver on the promise |
| Around 75 pillow top mattresses | One of the widest independent pillow top selections in the UK, across natural fibre, foam, and latex options |
| Free UK delivery on orders over £100 | No hidden delivery charges on the vast majority of orders. Some remote postcodes may incur a surcharge - see our delivery page for details. |
| Price Promise Guarantee | We'll match any like-for-like price you find elsewhere |
| Interest-free finance available | Spread the cost on eligible orders - see our finance page for terms |
| Expert advice, 7 days a week | Real people via phone, chat, or in-store - no scripts, no pressure |
| Family-run, independent retailer | We recommend what's right for you, not what generates the best margin |
| Rated Excellent on Trustpilot | Real feedback from verified customers across thousands of orders |
Not sure which pillow top mattress filling or tension is right for you? Our team has helped thousands of customers find the right model - and there's no pressure to buy. Chat online, call us, or visit our showrooms in Cheshire and Greater Manchester. We're open seven days a week.
| How to Reach Us | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Live chat | Fast responses for quick questions. Available during opening hours. |
| Phone - 01928 242829 | Speak directly with a mattress expert. Best for detailed advice on pillow top filling, spring count, and base compatibility. |
| In-store (Cheshire / Greater Manchester) | Try pillow top mattresses in person before you buy. See our store locations. |
| Help Centre | Buying guides, size guides, and FAQs available 24/7. Visit our help and advice section. |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a pillow top mattress? | A pillow top mattress has an additional layer of comfort material permanently stitched to the top surface, creating a raised, cushioned panel that provides extra softness and pressure relief. The pillow top layer sits over the mattress's spring or foam support system. Unlike a mattress topper, the pillow top is built in and cannot be removed. It is a feature of the mattress, not an accessory. |
| Can you flip a pillow top mattress? | No. Pillow top mattresses are designed with the comfort layer on one side only - the top. Flipping them would mean sleeping on the underside, which does not have the comfort layer. You should rotate a pillow top mattress regularly instead - typically every three to six months - turning it 180 degrees from head to foot. This helps maintain even wear across the surface and extend the mattress lifespan. |
| How do you rotate a pillow top mattress? | Turn the mattress 180 degrees so the head end becomes the foot end. Do not flip it. Rotating regularly - every three to six months - distributes wear more evenly across the pillow top layer and the springs. Check the individual care guide that comes with your mattress, as manufacturer recommendations vary slightly. |
| Are pillow top mattresses good for side sleepers? | Yes, particularly models with a natural fibre or memory foam pillow top. Side sleepers benefit from the additional cushioning at the shoulder and hip, which reduces pressure build-up at these points. Pair this with a medium tension spring system and most side sleepers find a pillow top an excellent choice. Avoid very firm pillow top models, as the extra surface softness can be undermined by a very firm spring beneath. |
| Are pillow top mattresses suitable for back pain? | They can be, but tension matters. A medium to medium firm pillow top provides the right balance of surface cushioning and underlying lumbar support for most back sleepers with lower back discomfort. A very soft pillow top on a low-tension spring may allow too much sinkage at the hips, which can exacerbate rather than relieve back pain. If back pain is a primary concern, speak to our team before choosing. |
| Do pillow top mattresses need deep fitted sheets? | Yes. The pillow top layer adds depth to the mattress, often making it 5 to 10cm deeper than a comparable non-pillow top model. Standard fitted sheets can struggle to accommodate this. Look for deep fitted sheets with a depth of at least 30 to 35cm to ensure a secure fit. Browse our bed sheets for suitable options. |
| Do you need a special mattress protector for a pillow top mattress? | A standard mattress protector should work on most pillow top mattresses, but a deep-fitted protector designed for extra-deep mattresses will give a more secure fit and better coverage. A protector is strongly recommended - it shields the pillow top filling from moisture and wear, and most manufacturers require one to maintain the warranty. Browse our mattress protectors for suitable options. |
| How long should a pillow top mattress last? | A quality pillow top mattress with a high spring count and natural fibre filling typically lasts 8 to 10 years with proper care. Premium models from Hypnos and Harrison Spinks, which use hand-tufted construction and British-sourced natural fillings, are built to last considerably longer. Regular rotation, a good mattress protector, and a compatible base all help maintain performance over time. |
| Do you offer free delivery on pillow top mattresses? | Yes, free UK delivery is included on orders over £100, which covers our entire pillow top range. Some remote postcodes may incur an additional charge. Lead times vary by brand and model - check the individual listing for estimated delivery. See our delivery page for full details. |
| Can I buy a pillow top mattress on finance? | Yes. Interest-free finance is available on eligible orders. See our finance page for full details on terms, eligibility, and how to apply. |
