What's The Difference Between Pillow Top And Plush Mattresses?

Two of the most misunderstood mattress types of all are pillow top and plush mattresses. Some think they’re mostly alike while others believe they’re one and the same. We're here to tell you that they are similar, but definitely not the same by any stretch. 

There are some substantial differences that you should know about before choosing between the two mattress types. And in this article, we’ll fill you in on those differentiators. We will start by outlining both plush and pillow top mattresses, then we’ll highlight the most important differences and help you choose the best one for your sleeping style and preferences. Let's get right into it! 

What is a Plush Mattress?

A plush mattress is a mattress that is composed of many comfort layers and few support layers in comparison.  Each of the comfort layers tends to be relatively thick. Some plush mattresses have a quilted layer for additional softness. These mattresses are usually comprised of one or more of several bedding materials, including memory foam, gel memory foam, latex, and more. 

Though every mattress manufacturer designs their mattresses a little differently, the main thing to understand about plush mattresses is that they are soft when compared to other mattresses deemed firm. 

When you put pressure on a plush mattress, you'll notice that the mattress has quite a bit of give. It may even hug your body when you lie down on it.

Plush mattresses normally run from $100 to $1000+. 

Who Should Get a Plush Mattress?

Plush mattresses are best for side sleepers who need pressure relief from sore hips or shoulders. A plush mattress won't put additional pressure on those areas, which makes for a better overall sleeping experience. 

Weight Considerations for Plush Mattresses

Think long and hard before choosing a plush mattress if you're overweight. Larger people may find that they sink to the bottom of their plush mattress. When that happens, they won’t be able to enjoy its plush feel - they’ll instead be feeling the frame, or floor, beneath the mattress. 

How Long Do Plush Mattresses Last?

Plush mattresses are more durable than you might think. Though they're soft and pliable, most of them hold their shape and retain their buoyancy rather well. In fact, most plush mattresses last around 7 to 10 years before they need to be replaced. 

What is a Pillow Top Mattress? 

Like plush mattresses, pillow top mattresses are designed to be soft. To achieve such softness, pillow top mattresses have a prominent top layer with substantial padding. The amount of padding will differ depending on the mattress manufacturer, but a few inches is standard. The pillow top portion is only on one side. You'll find pillow tops on various mattresses types, like innerspring, foam, and hybrids. 

Pillow top mattresses have a unique feel because they have one or more supportive base layers under the topmost layer. 

Depending on the size you're going for, you'll likely end up spending anywhere from $100 to $1000+ for a pillow top mattress. 

Who is a Pillow Top Mattress For? 

A pillow top mattress is for those who want a super luxurious bed, with a softness that envelops the body. Some who like plush mattresses may find that a pillow top mattress is a little too soft for their liking. 

Pillow top mattresses also mesh well with those who sleep on their sides. Like plush mattresses, pillow tops can provide excellent pressure and pain relief for achy hips and shoulders.

Weight Considerations for Pillow Top Mattresses

If you're a small person (or a teen/child), a plush mattress can be downright overwhelming. That’s because the upper portion of the mattress is usually quite thick and full. When small people lie down on pillow tops, they might feel like the mattress is swallowing them up. 

Also, smaller people won't feel the support layers beneath the topmost layer since they won’t put significant weight on the mattress. This may not be an issue for you specifically, but some find it to be a deal breaker. 

How Long Do Pillow Top Mattresses Last? 

Determining with certainty how long pillow top mattresses last is impossible, since there are so many variables at play. On top of that, bed designs are dependent on the manufacturer. However, in the bulk of circumstances, pillow top mattresses don't last very long - 3-5 years is about average. The reason for this is that the pillow top layer wears out relatively quickly over time. 

The Difference Between Plush and Pillow Top Mattresses

Now you know the most crucial information about both plush and pillow top mattresses. Here, we'd like to provide you with a quick rundown of the main differences between plush and pillow top mattresses: 

• Their Feel. Plush mattresses are considered to be soft, but they're usually not as soft as pillow top mattresses. 
• Their construction. Pillow top mattresses have a super soft top layer that makes the mattress soft, along with a base for support. Plush mattresses may have several soft comfort layers throughout the mattress. 
• Their longevity. Plush mattresses last about twice as long as pillow top mattresses do, due to their construction. 
• Ideal sleeper profiles. Though both plush and pillow top mattresses are geared toward those who sleep on their sides, weight does play a role in which mattress type is best. Plush mattresses are not a good fit for heavier people, while pillow top mattresses may be okay for some. 

Which Mattress Type Should You Choose? 

With all the information above, you should have a good idea as to whether you're best suited to a pillow top or plush mattress - or neither. But if you’re still unclear, keep reading for some quick tips: 

Go for a plush mattress if: 

• You like soft mattresses over firm ones. 
• You sleep on your side. 
• You aren't over 225 pounds. 
• You have pain in your shoulders or hips and need relief. 

Go for a pillow top mattress if: 

• You like to feel like you're sleeping on cloud. 
• You tend to sleep on your side rather than your back or stomach. 
• You weigh under 225 pounds. 
• You want a little support in a mattress. 
• You're looking for relief from joint pain. 

So, there you have it - everything you need to know about the difference between plush and pillow top mattresses. We hope that the information we've presented in this article has been helpful to you, making it a little bit easier to select your ideal mattress type. Good luck!