Pillow Top Mattress Buying Checklist What to Look For in the UK

Thinking about a pillow top mattress in the UK? This guide breaks down what to know before you buy. It covers sizes, materials and the care that helps you get the most comfort and durability from your investment.

TL;DR / Key Takeaways

• A pillow top mattress adds a permanently attached cushioning layer to the top surface for a plush, hotel-like feel over a supportive core.
• In the UK, depth (28–35 cm typical), size choices and one-sided design are practical considerations.
• Choose firmness by sleeping position and body weight, known core construction (pocket springs, open coil, foam or hybrid) and materials (memory foam, latex, natural fillings, polyester).
• Compare built in pillow top mattresses with toppers; both have benefits, but built ins affect durability and care differently.
• Divan Factory Outlet offers free nationwide delivery a 60 night trial and a 5 year warranty on qualifying pillow top options.

What is a pillow top mattress and how it differs from related options

One-sentence definition: A pillow top mattress is a mattress with a permanently attached cushioned layer sewn on top to create a plush feel while the core provides support.

Definition: A pillow top sits on the surface and is stitched to the main body A Euro top is similar but with a different seam finish. A topper is a separate layer placed on an existing mattress, while a mattress pad or protector adds protection not comfort.

Pros and cons:

• Pros: plush, hotel like comfort; deeper feel than standard cores.
• Cons: surfaces can shift over time; many are not turnable; heat buildup with some fillings.

Quick UK relevance: typical depth is 28–35 cm sizes follow UK standards like double and king. Hypnos pillow top options are well known for hotel style comfort.

UK sizes, depth and practical buying checks

Know your bed size, depth, and whether the model is one sided or two-sided before buying.

UK size guide: Small Single, Standard Single, Small Double, Double, King and Super King with standard centimetre measurements. Check that your bed base supports the mattress.

Depth and fit: Expect 28–35 cm total depth. Ensure duvet covers and sheets fit around the thicker top.

One-sided vs two-sided: Many pillow tops are one sided. If so, follow the supplier's care guidance on rotation and surface care.

Edge and motion: Edge support and motion isolation matter for couples. Prioritise a solid edge and a quiet core.

Materials: Look for memory foam, latex, natural fillings like wool or polyester blends. Each affects feel, temperature and allergies.

Comfort, firmness and sleep position guidance for the UK market

Firmness is key. Match it to your sleeping style and weight for best spinal alignment.

Firmness ranges: Soft to medium or medium to firm. Pillow tops often sit between soft/medium and mid firm due to the plush top.

Sleep position: Side sleepers may prefer softer tops for pressure relief. Back sleepers often need mid-range firmness. Stomach sleepers usually require a firmer feel.

Body weight: Lighter users may prefer softer tops, heavier users may want a firmer core for durability.

Hypnos: Hypnos pillow tops balance plush feel with solid support. Consider how the top and core work together.

Pillow top vs mattress topper or topper plus separate bed

Decide if you want a built in plush layer or the flexibility of a topper you can swap.

Key questions: Do you want permanence or adjustability? How important is cleaning and long-term care?

Quick comparison: Pillow tops offer integrated softness toppers can be swapped to refresh feel. Built-ins may wear differently, toppers are easier to refresh or replace. Price and warranty should be weighed.

Materials deep dive

Summary: Materials determine feel, temperature and longevity of your pillow top.

Memory foam: Great pressure relief but can trap heat if not ventilated well.

Latex: Breathable, resilient and supportive. Can be pricier and some dislike the bounce.

Natural fillings: Wool, cotton and silk are breathable and hypoallergenic but often pricier and higher maintenance.

Polyester blends: Budget friendly and good for allergies with proper encasings but can compress faster.

Tip: For heat, choose latex or natural fillings with airflow and breathable covers.

Core construction and how it affects comfort and durability

The core supports the plush top. A well matched core prevents early sagging and keeps you feeling consistent.

Core options: Pocket sprung with high counts and zones, open coil or foam/hybrid cores.

Interaction with top: The top and core must work together to provide even support across the surface.

UK note: Pocket sprung cores with high spring counts are common for contouring and durability in pillow top ranges.

Care, durability and lifespan

Summary: With proper care, pillow tops last many years and stay comfortable longer.

Durability: Pillow tops can sag if the top shifts or rotation is neglected. Most are one-sided, so follow guidance.

Maintenance: Use a quality mattress protector and breathable bedding. Rotate or turn only if advised by the maker.

Warranty: A solid warranty and trial period help you buy with confidence.

How to test, trial and buy with confidence in the UK

Take advantage of trials and clear return policies. In store and online options work well in the UK.

Test & trial Look for a test window and easy returns. Ensure delivery options are included.

Delivery & setup Free nationwide delivery and two-person setup are strong value points.

Budget Consider value across fabric, fillings, spring counts and warranty.

Signals of reliability UK brands with clear manufacturing or assembly roots help with expectations.

Real world use cases

Summary: Real buyers apply this checklist to find comfort and support that suits their needs.

Hotel-style comfort at home with a king size pillow top and a divan base. A side sleeper uses higher pocket counts with memory foam or latex in the top for better contouring. An allergy conscious shopper chooses a pillow top with hypoallergenic, washable covers.

How Divan Factory Outlet helps you choose

Divan Factory Outlet aligns its pillow top mattresses with pockets, fillings and strong UK service promises.

Key benefits include free nationwide delivery, a 60 night risk-free trial and a 5-year warranty on qualifying products. Explore the Pillow Top Mattresses collection at Divan Factory Outlet

Navigate to the pillow top category, toppers and divan beds to find compatible options. For more see our internal links to size guides and warranty pages.

FAQ

What is a pillow top mattress?

A mattress with a permanently attached cushioned layer on top.

Do pillow top mattresses sag?

They can sag if core support is weak or rotation is neglected.

Are pillow top mattresses good for back pain?

They can be, with proper firmness and core support.

Can you put a mattress topper on a pillow top?

Yes but it may affect heat and motion isolation.

Which is better: pillow top or memory foam?

It depends on preference pillow tops offer built-in softness with a solid core.

How long does a pillow top last in the UK?

About 7–10 years with good care.