Picking the right mattress is hard. Every person has their own preference, and the many available options make it harder than it should be.
The options’ names aren’t descriptive in the slightest, and most salespeople are oblivious to them too. Which is a shame, since the right mattress can change the life of its buyer. We spend about a third of our life sleeping, so we might as well be comfortable while doing it.
Poor sleep is associated with many issues. Grogginess and moodiness in the short term. Memory and blood pressure in the long term. It can lead to depression in the most extreme cases.
Many people are oblivious to the differences between a plush and a pillow top. Most think that mattresses are all the same. Sure, they might realize there are softer and harder ones, but that’s the extent of their knowledge about mattresses.
In this article, we are going to analyze what differentiates a plush and a pillow top. We’ll see the fundamental differences between these two, and which one is the right one for you.
What Is a Plush?
Let’s start from firm mattresses before getting into plush mattresses. As the name suggests, firm mattresses are…firm. They feel much harder than other types of mattress. Because of this, they are perfect if you are a back or stomach sleeper, and people heavier than 250 pounds.
A plush is bigger than a firm mattress, as it has between one and four inches of additional layers. This makes a plush mattress much softer than a firm one, perfect for side sleepers and thinner people. They are a superb choice for anyone looking for a soft mattress.
If you are looking for a mattress that isn’t too soft, but not too hard either, and that will last you a lifetime, then a plush mattress is the perfect choice for you.
Are you in the market for a plush mattress? Check out this beauty from Sweetnight. It’s a memory foam mattress that’s quite thick for a plush mattress. You get the best of both worlds by getting this: it’s still fluffy, but it’s also firm enough to make it an excellent choice for those who need the extra lumbar support.
If you want something high-end, then you can’t miss out on AS5 from Amerisleep. Made with memory foam, it offers substantial support for your spine, as well as excellent pressure relief if you are a side sleeper.
What Is a Pillow Top?
A pillow top is a mattress with an extra layer of padding that feels much like it’s covered in pillows. Hence the name pillow top. Pillow top mattresses are very fluffy. You’ll feel you are sinking when you lie on top of them. The top layer can be made of cotton, wood, memory foam, or latex foam.
Pillow top mattresses are huge. They are way taller than any other type of mattress because of their structure.
If you are looking for the fluffiest mattress possible, pillow tops are a brilliant choice. They have some flaws though. They aren’t as durable as other mattresses, and they are also a tad costlier. But they offer unmatched comfort if you are looking for a soft mattress.
Do you want to purchase a pillow-top mattress?
If you don’t care about money and want to purchase the best of the best, you could go for a Dreamcloud Premier Rest. It’s expensive, but it’s worth every penny. You can even qualify for financing with 0% APR if you have an outstanding credit score.
If you are looking for a cheaper option, look into the Midnight Luxe by Helixsleep. This is another amazing product for anyone who wants to sleep on an extremely soft surface. It’s a more expensive solution, but it offers excellent value for the money.
Editor’s note: pillow tops are expensive and break far more easily than plush ones. Don’t get one if you have pets or kids, since it’s likely they’ll get ruined by carelessness.
Differences Between a Plush and a Pillow Top, and How to Pick the Right One for You
Let me preface this section with the answer to everything on this planet. The right mattress for you is not the right mattress for me, or for your grandparents. Or for your neighbor.
So, how do you pick the right one for you?
It depends.
There are specific differences between a plush mattress and a pillow top one. We are going to see them now, so that you can make the right choice.
Let’s start with the mattresses’ texture. Pillow-top mattresses are very soft, the fluffiest on the market. Comparatively, plush ones are way firmer. But they aren’t as firm as firm mattresses. So, if you love the sinking feeling of a softer mattress, go for a pillow top. If instead you’re looking for something that will give your spine more support, then go for a plush mattress.
Pillow tops are way thicker than plush mattresses. This is because of their extra layer of cushioning, giving them their signature fluffiness. Plush mattresses are thinner. This means that carrying a pillow top around is harder, especially if you are alone.
Another thing to consider before picking a mattress is how you sleep. If you are a side sleeper, you want a firmer mattress, because it helps relieve pressure from your muscles. If you sink down while you are sleeping, your muscles will work extra hard to keep your body still.
Now, for the good stuff. Let’s talk price. Plush mattresses are cheaper than pillow tops. They cost less because they are easier to make. Plus, they are way more durable. You can flip a plush mattress and enjoy the side that hasn’t been used yet. Pillow tops break way more easily, and you can’t really do much about it. You’ll change them more often. They are just less durable.
This makes plush mattresses more efficient money-wise. Not only they cost less, they are also more durable. Plus, you can flip them and enjoy their unused side. You can’t do the same with pillow top mattresses, as the cushioned side is only one.
The choice between them is mostly about what you value the most. Are you looking for a sleeping experience where you feel you are being hugged by your mattress? Then a pillow top is perfect for you.
Do you need better lumbar support? Then a plush mattress is a superior choice.
Maybe you don’t have any special needs. If that’s the case, go with the one you find is most comfortable. Which again, depends on your preference.
Editor’s note: always buy from a company that gives you at least 30 days of money-back guarantee. You must sleep on a bed for a couple of weeks before realizing if it’s for you.
Conclusions
You now know the difference between a plush and a pillow top mattress. You can make an informed buying decision. Remember, every person has their own definition of comfort. A mattress might be the best in the world for you and offer a miserable sleeping experience to someone else.
Before buying your next epic mattress, always make sure you can try it for at least a month. If the company doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee, don’t buy from them. You need to try a mattress for a bit before being sure you can decide if it’s a good buy.
