When looking for a new mattress you may have seen models that have a cushion-like sleeping surface. A section that either resembles a thick duvet, a topper or a slim (approx 3″ deep) mattress that sits on top of a thicker section. These types are known as either box top mattresses or pillow top mattresses. The question is, what is their purpose?
Pillow Top Mattresses
Pillow top mattresses, as the name suggests, are mattresses which have an extra thick, pillow-like layer of fillings that provide a sumptuous cushioning on top of the mattresses spring system. Although this extra cushioning generally gives the mattress a softer feel, the springs underneath can be used to firm up the tension. This can range from a slight increase to an extra firm feel dependant on the manufacturer’s intentions.
Box Top Mattresses
Box top mattresses are similar to pillow top mattresses as they also have a visibly evident extra layer of cushioning that is attached to the main body of the mattress. Although similar, the difference between the two lies in the design of the extra layer. Box top mattresses have more of a squared off finish than their pillow top counterparts. The fact that the top section matches the height and width of the lower section means they have an advantage. Due to the way they are designed box top mattress provides a larger area for the sleeper. In a pillow top the thinner edge of the cushion means you lose a considerable amount of sleeping area. The box top does not have this problem.
Pillow top and Box top mattresses are usually, if not always no-turn. This means that the side with the pillow top/box top is the side that you sleep on. They come available with many variations of filling, from cotton to memory foam, and as most manufacturers now have at least one pillow top or box top model in their range, most spring systems are available. This includes Pocket sprung, Posturepedic, Miracoil and Open Coil.