Do you experience back pain during sleep? Consider yourself part of the 80% of sleepers who suffer from back pain, a number that only seems to grow with time. Fortunately, understanding how to choose a mattress is a simple way how to improve sleep quality and how to improve back health. The key is knowing which type of mattress to choose, and for many, opting for a pillow top mattress might be the solution.
Our experts are breaking down how to choose a mattress for back pain in this mattress guide where we discuss pillow top mattresses in depth from their construction to their pros and cons and, ultimately, who they are best for. Then, we’ll recommend the best pillow top mattresses from Liddiard’s to help you find the right sleep solution to your nocturnal back pain.
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Experience a different level of comfort with a pillow top mattress from Liddiard.
Shop MattressesWhat Is a Pillow Top Mattress?
Pillow top mattresses have an extra layer of padding sewn to the top surface, creating a plush, cushioned feel. This additional layer, referred to as a pillow top, is typically made from foam, fiberfill, or other soft materials and is designed to provide an extra level of comfort and plushness to the mattress. Pillow-top mattresses are known for their ability to relieve pressure points, making them popular among side sleepers and individuals who prefer a softer sleep surface.
Construction
Example of a pillow top construction from Stearns & Foster
Pillow top mattresses are one of the popular mattress types among buyers looking for extra support in a bed. The pillow top itself may be made of a variety of materials, but the mattress itself may be of a memory foam, innerspring, or hybrid construction. Beneath the pillow top layer, pillow top mattresses typically have a support core made of coils, foam, or other materials that provide the necessary support to maintain proper spinal alignment.
When comparing a pillow top mattress vs memory foam mattress, these are not mutually exclusive. There are memory foam mattresses with pillow tops, as well as pillow top mattresses whose bases are made of memory foam, springs/coils, or a combination of these.
Learn More: Shop Local for the Right Mattress Type
Pillow Top Mattresses Pros and Cons
Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of pillow top mattress as well as some of the cons to consider.
Pros
Comfort
The main advantage of pillow top mattresses is their comfort. The additional padding on the surface can create a plush and luxurious feel, making it appealing for those who prefer a soft sleeping surface.
Luxury
The look and feel of a pillow top mattress is often associated with spending the night at high-end hotel.
Pressure Relief
The extra cushioning on a pillow top can help relieve pressure points, especially for side sleepers who need extra cushioning for their hips and shoulders.
Motion Isolation:
Pillow top mattresses are good at isolating motion, which means that movements from your sleeping partner are less likely to disturb your sleep.
Durability
High-quality pillow top mattresses can be durable and long-lasting if properly maintained, with extended lifespans of up to 15 years in the best cases.
Cons
Price
Pillow-top mattresses are typically more expensive than traditional mattresses due to the additional padding and materials used.
Cannot Flip
You cannot turn pillow top mattresses over, which may shorten their lifespan. Lower-quality pillow-top mattresses may develop body impressions or sagging over time, especially without proper maintenance.
Not Always the Most Support
While they are comfortable, pillow-top mattresses may not provide the level of support needed for people with certain back or spinal issues. They can be too soft for some individuals, leading to improper spinal alignment.
Heat Retention
Pillow top mattresses can trap heat because of the added padding, leading to a warmer sleep experience.
Weight Sensitivity
Heavier individuals may find that they sink too far into the plush top layer of a pillow-top mattress, potentially causing discomfort or misalignment.
Pillow Top Mattresses and Back Pain
Is a pillow top mattress good for back pain? Yes—sometimes. Determining which type of mattress is best for back pain varies for different individuals. There is not one right answer or one best mattress for back pain for all people, but as a general rule of thumb, pillow top mattresses benefit lighter weight individuals and side sleepers. If you are a petite person or a side sleeper, this might be the best type of mattress to reduce back pain for you.
There are many factors to consider when determining the best type of mattress for back pain and whether a pillow top mattress is a good fit for you. For example, depending on your sleep position (side, back, or stomach), you’ll need a different firmness level to offer you the spinal and back support you need. Here are some factors to consider when determining if a pillow top mattress is right for your back pain:
- Comfort: The extra cushioning in a pillow top mattress can provide a comfortable sleeping surface. Some people with back pain find the plushness of a pillow top helps alleviate pressure points and reduces discomfort.
- Sleeping Position: Your preferred sleeping position matters. Side sleepers often benefit from the added softness of a pillow top mattress, as it can cushion the hips and shoulders. Back sleepers may also find them comfortable if the mattress offers adequate support.
- Balance: It's crucial to strike a balance between comfort and support. While a pillow top can provide comfort, it should not be too soft or lack proper support in correlation to body weight and stature (i.e., sleepers who are larger shouldn't opt for a plush mattress but a firmer model instead). Proper spinal alignment is important to prevent or alleviate back pain.
- Quality Matters: The quality of the mattress and the materials used in the pillow top layer can make a significant difference. Look for reputable brands and high-quality materials to ensure the mattress maintains its shape and support over time.
- Consider Body Weight: Heavier individuals may find that a pillow top mattress compresses too much, potentially causing discomfort or misalignment. In such cases, a firmer mattress may be more suitable.
Best Pillow Top Mattresses for Back Pain
To make your search for the best pillow top mattress for back pain, we’ve reviewed seven of our top picks from top brands in the industry. Which pick is right for you?
Sealy Response Posturepedic Plus Q3 Determination II Wrapped Coil Soft Euro Pillow Top Queen Mattress
This Sealy Response Posturepedic mattress is designed to provide targeted support for your back and core as well as pressure-relieving comfort and cooler sleep. It is covered in a ComfortLoft knit cover with Chill cooling technology and AllergenProtect, guarding sleepers from hot sleeping and nighttime allergies. The wrapped coil design is ideal for side and back sleepers.
⭐Featured Sealy Posturepedic Review:
I ordered this product and it was delivered to my specifications. The mattress is comfortable, well made and firm, which is perfect for me. The look is attractive, the material is soft. I am glad I ordered this mattress.”
Sealy Posturepedic Spring Plus Satisfied II Innerspring Plush Euro Pillow Top Queen Mattress
The magic to this Euro top mattresses is a top layer surrounded by a cool, protective cover and topped with a cloud-like pillow top for the perfect combination of cool comfort every sleeper will enjoy. Underneath the pillow top, there are coils and extra-supportive gel memory foam to offer you targeted back and core support. This also helps to reduce motion transfer, so it’s great if your partner tends to toss and turn. The supportive innerspring design is ideal for side and back sleepers.
⭐Featured Sealy Posturepedic Plus Satisfied II Review:
“Extra firm is not too hard, more like a firm. My lower back aches are gone, so I am happy with the bed. 2 months into my purchase and I am still happy.”
Stearns & Foster Reserve Wrapped Coil Firm Euro Pillow Top Queen Mattress
Shop This Stearns & Foster Pillow Top Mattress
This pillow top mattress is from the high-quality Stearns & Foster Reserve mattress line, which is 41% more durable than traditional pillow tops. Underneath the pillow surface, there are layers of TEMPUR-Indulge Memory Foam and IntelliCoil HD Innersprings to cradle the body in soft support comfort extra support ideal for side and back sleepers.
Sealy Response Performance H2 Beech Street Innerspring Plush Pillow Top Queen Mattress
This is one of the more affordable pillow top mattress options, but despite its price, it offers full-body support with its innerspring construction. You’ll love the Sealy Posturepedic technology, which uses denser memory foam to target the heaviest part of your body. This can help keep you aligned and free of back pain.
Sierra Sleep by Ashley M627 Limited Edition Hybrid Plush Pillow Top Queen Mattress
Shop This Sierra Sleep by Ashley Pillow Top Mattress
Our most budget-friendly pick from Sierra Sleep by Ashley is a perfect, cost-efficient solution for side sleepers! The hybrid construction combines super soft quilt foam, supportive foam, gel support memory foam, wrapped coils, and more to provide the comfort and support your back needs.
Sealy Response Performance H2 Beech Street Innerspring Cushion Firm Pillow Top Queen Mattress
This firm mattress incorporates Posturepedic technology throughout each layer for a one-of-a-kind sleep experience only Sealy can create. Dense memory foam, gel foam, and encased coils offer back support and work in unison to reduce motion transfer. With its firm comfort, this is a great option for back sleepers and heavier side sleepers.
Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Wrapped Coil Medium Pillow Top King Mattress
Shop This Stearns & Foster King Pillow Top Mattress
This luxurious pillow top mattress is great for hot sleepers with its cool-to-the-touch cover, ventilated innersprings, and AirVent system. Underneath the pillow top, there is a layer of flexible micro coils and layers of memory foam, supportive latex, and innerspring coils. This medium mattress is a great option for side sleepers and lighter weight back sleepers.
Finding the right mattress is a personal matter that depends greatly on your weight, sleeping position, and common sleep complaints. If you want to find the best mattress to reduce back pain, the best strategy is to talk to an expert and try out mattresses in person. At Liddiard’s, we offer the best selection of pillow top mattresses in Tooele, UT, and we can help you find out what kind of mattress is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Having a mattress that is too soft or too firm can cause back pain. A heavier individual might sink into a soft mattress, leading to improper spinal alignment and back pain while a lighter individual may not weigh enough to cause an extra firm mattress to contour to their body’s shape. This can cause back pain too.
The best mattress for back pain depends on the weight, height, and sleep position of the sleeper. Pillow top mattresses may help lightweight people and side sleepers address back pain. Choosing the right mattress depends on many factors. on usage and maintenance.
While personal health and stature details affect every sleeper’s mattress results, most individuals experience the most back pain on mattresses that are too soft (a.k.a. plush and ultra-plush).
It’s not recommended flipping a pillow top mattress since the surface is specially designed with added stuffing for more support. Once flipped, the pillow top risks flattening, rendering the effect useless.
Like most bed types, pillow top mattresses last about a decade. However, there may be considerable flattening of the pillow top surface over time, particularly for side sleepers since the sleep position creates contours and pressure points.
Learn More: 4 Best Queen Mattress in a Box Options
Why Trust Liddiard Home Furnishings?
For over 65 years, Liddiard Home Furnishings has been providing Utah with premium home furnishings. This family-owned business has worked to deliver a better kind of shopping experience to the greater Salt Lake City area. Whether it’s the carefully laid out showroom or the outstanding customer service, when you shop at Liddiard’s, you’ll feel like family. The team at Liddiard has crafted a catalog full of incredible products made by brands with reputations for quality. Shop online or visit our showroom to discover what makes Liddiard Home Furnishings so unique.
Shop Pillow Top Mattresses at Liddiard Home Furnishings
For the home furnishings you need, visit Liddiard Home Furnishings in Tooele, UT. You’ll find the best prices when you shop mattresses online. Check out Liddiard reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you explore even more pillow top mattress options — whether you call us at 435-882-0964 or use our online chat feature. Visit our Tooele showroom today!
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