MastersPillow Top Mattresses: Cost, Benefits and What to Know
In this guide
A pillow top mattress is a coil or hybrid mattress with an extra cushioned layer sewn onto the top, giving you a soft, plush surface over a supportive core. In Toronto, a quality queen pillow top typically costs $800 to $2,000 depending on the brand and coil system, and the main benefits are pressure relief, a cushioned feel for side sleepers and good value compared with all-foam luxury mattresses.
Key takeaways
- A pillow top adds 2 to 4 inches of padding (foam, fibre, latex or memory foam) stitched on top of the mattress, with a visible seam. A Euro top is the same idea with the padding flush to the edges for a cleaner, firmer-edged look.
- Best for side sleepers, couples who want softness over coils, and anyone who finds a plain innerspring too hard.
- Expect Canadian-made Dreamstar pillow tops from about $600 in queen and name-brand models from Beautyrest, Serta and Sealy from roughly $1,000 to $2,500.
- Pillow tops cannot be flipped, so rotate them head-to-foot every few months to even out wear.
What is a pillow top mattress?
A pillow top mattress starts with a standard support core, usually pocket coils in today’s models, and adds a separate cushion layer stitched to the top panel. That layer is typically two inches or more and can be made from polyurethane foam, memory foam, gel foam, natural latex, wool or polyester fibre. The result is a surface that feels softer and more conforming than the mattress underneath, without giving up the support and airflow of the coils.
Pillow top vs. Euro top
You will see both terms on our showroom floor. A traditional pillow top has a visible gap or seam where the cushion is sewn on, giving it a “mattress on a mattress” look. A Euro top packs the same padding under the cover, flush to the edges, so it looks like a single thicker mattress and the edges feel slightly firmer. Comfort-wise the difference is small; Euro tops tend to feel a touch more uniform, pillow tops a touch softer at the centre.
How much does a pillow top mattress cost?
| Tier | Typical queen price (CAD) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Value Canadian-made (e.g. Dreamstar) | $600–$1,200 | Pocket coils, foam or fibre pillow top, built in North York |
| Mid-range name brand (Beautyrest, Serta, Sealy) | $1,000–$2,000 | Zoned coils, gel or memory foam top, cooling covers |
| Luxury (Stearns & Foster, Beautyrest Black) | $2,000–$4,000+ | Premium coils, latex or high-density foams, hand-tufted tops |
King sizes run roughly 25 to 40 percent more than queen. Material, brand, coil count and the thickness of the top are the main drivers of price. Every pillow top at Sleep Masters includes free GTA delivery and a 100-night sleep trial, so the sticker price is the full price.
Benefits of a pillow top mattress
Plush comfort without losing support
The cushion layer contours to your shoulders and hips while the coils underneath keep your spine in line. You get the soft feel many people love without the sinking, unsupported sensation of a very soft all-foam mattress.
Pressure relief for side sleepers
Side sleepers put concentrated weight on the shoulder and hip. The extra padding lets those points sink in just enough to relieve pressure, which is why pillow tops are our most common recommendation for side sleepers with shoulder or hip discomfort.
Cooler than all-foam
Because the core is coils, air moves through the mattress far better than through a solid foam block. Many modern pillow tops also use gel-infused or breathable fibre tops to keep the surface cool.
Good motion isolation
The soft upper layer absorbs movement, and pocket coils move independently, so a partner shifting at night is less likely to disturb you.
Strong value
A pillow top delivers a luxury feel at mid-range prices. Comparable softness in a premium all-latex or memory foam mattress often costs considerably more.
Things to consider
- Body impressions: soft top layers compress over time. Choose a pillow top with high-density foam or latex rather than low-density fibre if you want it to hold its feel for a decade.
- One-sided: pillow tops cannot be flipped. Rotate 180 degrees every three to six months.
- Height: they are taller than standard mattresses (often 13 to 16 inches), so you may need deep-pocket sheets.
- Not for everyone: stomach sleepers and anyone who prefers a very firm surface will usually do better with a firm mattress.
Showroom tip: lie on your side for a full two minutes. If your shoulder feels cradled and your lower back stays relaxed, the pillow top is doing its job. If your hips sink noticeably lower than your shoulders, step up to a firmer model.
Pillow top mattresses in our showroom
From the Canadian-made Dreamstar Hilton to Beautyrest’s Harmonia Super Pillow Top, these are the pillow tops Toronto shoppers try most often.
Browse the full range in our pillow top mattress collection.
Answer five quick questions and we will suggest the three mattresses that match your sleep position and budget.
Frequently asked questions
Are pillow top mattresses good for back pain?
They can be, provided the support core is firm enough. A pillow top on a sturdy pocket-coil base cushions pressure points while keeping the spine aligned. If you have lower-back pain, choose a medium or medium-firm pillow top rather than an ultra-plush one.
How long does a pillow top mattress last?
A quality pillow top typically lasts 7 to 10 years. Models with high-density foam or latex in the top layer hold their shape longest; low-density fibre tops can develop impressions sooner.
Can you flip a pillow top mattress?
No. Pillow tops are one-sided. Rotate the mattress head-to-foot every three to six months instead to even out wear.
What is the difference between a pillow top and a Euro top?
Both add a cushion layer on top of the mattress. A pillow top is sewn on with a visible seam and feels slightly softer; a Euro top is built flush to the edges under the cover for a tidier look and firmer edges.
Do pillow top mattresses sleep hot?
Less than all-foam mattresses, because the coil core allows airflow. If you run warm, choose a pillow top with gel-infused foam or a breathable fibre top rather than thick memory foam.
