Do Pillow-Top Mattresses Wear Out Faster? – The Ultimate Guide To Pillow-Top Mattresses

When investing in a new mattress, a few things are essential to consider; the quality of the mattress, the comfort of sleeping on it, and of course, its longevity and durability. The ability of the mattress to withstand years of sleeping on it can be crucial in your decision to buy a new unit for your bedroom.

But, let’s say you’re because you either just bought a pillow-top mattress, or you already own one. So, the main question is, how long does a pillow-top mattress last? Well, it is recommended to replace your standard mattress every 7 to 9 years, which of course depends on the type of mattress and its quality.

But, when it comes to pillow-top mattresses, the life span of the products shortens significantly. It is recommended to replace your pillow-top mattress every 5 to 7 years, considering you’ve taken good care of it. If not, you may have to replace the mattress even earlier.

But, why is that so?

In the following paragraphs, we’ll explore the life span and durability of the pillow-top mattress and how you can make them last longer. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Pillow-Top Mattress – Overview

What Is a Pillow-Top Mattress?

To understand its durability and life span issues, we first need to take a closer look at the pillow-top mattress.

Now, this is the type of mattress that is used on innerspring beds. Some people even place them on their airbeds too. Also known as a euro-top mattress, this unit is characterized by additional padding sewn onto the top (the sleeping surface). Since the padding is made from materials like memory foam, cotton, wool, latex foam, and similar fabrics, it is super comfortable to sleep on.

However, pillow-top mattresses do have a lot of advantages and disadvantages, beyond longevity and durability. Some people find them super comfortable, while other experience sleeping issues or even back pain. Either way, for the price and quality materials, pillow-top mattresses can be a good, short-term investment.

How Long Does a Pillow-Top Mattress Last?

As we mentioned, these types of mattresses feature additional padding at the top, made from different materials. Unlike standard mattresses, the pillow-top padding is done using memory or latex foam, cotton, wool, and other similar fabric. In turn, this padding makes the mattress softer and for some people more comfortable to sleep on.

However, because the top of the mattress is additional cushioning, it can pretty quickly lose its shape and compress under the body weight. After only a year or two, the top padding becomes completely compressed and rather uncomfortable to sleep on.

Extensive use of a euro-top mattress can make the top padding disappear, so you’re only left with the uncomfortable remains of what used to be a soft, comfy, and cozy mattress.

(The chart is taken from SleepLikeTheDead research on pillow-top mattress lifespan)

So, now that we have this in mind, we can say that a standard pillow-top mattress, when taken good care of, can last anywhere between 5 and 7 years. However, 2 or 3 years into use, you may start experiencing discomfort and lumpiness of the mattress. If you’re a heavier person or a restless sleeper, this mattress will not last you more than 5 years for sure.

So, Do Pillow-Top Mattresses Really Wear Out Faster?

Yes, euro-top mattresses last significantly less than standard mattresses. As we said, the reason for this lies in the padding itself. You can make the mattress last longer than 5 years if you really take care of it, but beyond that, you will just experience the mattress’s quick deterioration and increasing discomfort, which can be even harmful to your health and sleep quality.

Pillow-Top Mattress Pros and Cons

Now, like every single thing in the world, the pillow-top mattress has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look;

Pros 

• For the majority of people, the pillow-top padding is exceptionally comfortable, and in some cases even more comfortable than the traditional mattress top surface
• In many cases, the padded surface of a pillow-top mattress doesn’t create pressure points; moreover, it provides relief and supports the pressure points on the body (but, unfortunately, not for heavier people or those who are restless sleepers)
• Pillow-top mattresses are excellent for back and side-sleeping position, due to the pressure relief and ability to contour according to the body shape and size
• High-quality pillow-top mattresses provide pain relief in areas like the lower back or joints

Cons

• Padded mattresses tend to be too cushy and soft, which is something people with back pain problems or heavier people don’t find comfortable
• Because of the padding materials, pillow-top mattresses lose comfort quickly, become saggy and break down much faster compared to standard mattresses
• Pillow-top mattresses last 2 to 4 years less than a standard mattress, which can put additional pressure onto your budget
• With pillow-top mattresses, there isn’t proper support, especially edge support; euro-top mattresses do have tapered tops near the edges, but in general, pillow-top mattresses do not have edge support
• Pillow-top mattresses tend to be much more expensive than regular units
• Pillow-top mattresses are generally more likely to give off initial odor or off-gassing than non-pillow top mattresses

Who Should (and Should Not) Buy a Pillow-Top Mattress?

If you have an extra few bucks laying around, and you’re looking for a new mattress, here’s why a pillow-top mattress is perfect for you;

• You’re a medium to a light person who prefers to sleep on the back or the side
• You’re looking for a pressure-relieving mattress due to joint or back pain issue
• You tend to be a restless sleeper, so you’re looking for a good motion-isolation mattress
• You’re not restricted by budget, and mattress durability isn’t of your concern
• You’re looking for a comfortable mattress that will conform to your body shape and size, and relieve pressure points

However, here are some of the reasons you should not go for a pillow-top mattress;

• If you’re over 230 pounds and you want a comfortable, supportive mattress
• If you require minimum resistance to movement, especially when you’re getting up off the mattress
• If you’re a hot sleeper and require cooling effects
• If you’re looking for a mattress with edge support
• If you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting mattress that doesn’t lose shape and comfort
• If you’re looking for an easy-maintenance mattress

Where Do I Buy a High-Quality Pillow-Top Mattress?

• HelixSleep – here, you’ll find one of the best pillow-top mattresses on the market. This unit comes with a special padded, zoned lumbar support, enhanced contouring, and a premium-quilted pillow top. The mattress is breathable, medium-firm and pressure point relieving. The HelixSleep Luxe mattress even features a breathable Tencel cover for maximum airflow technology.
• Saatva – Saatva creates some of the highest-quality mattresses, and their pillow-top unit is a flagship innerspring mattress. It provides back and joint relief and ensures optimal spine support thanks to the CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. The plush layer is hypoallergenic and breathable, made from cotton, and treated with antimicrobial treatment. Overall, this is an exceptional mattress, and you can even use it for a 180-night home trial.
• Beautyrest – if you’re looking for a high-end mattress, then look no further than the Beautyrest pillow-top mattress. This one is the creme de la creme, as it provides a truly indulgent sleep and exceptionally luxurious rest. The mattress features edge-to-edge stability, advanced spring support, as well a durable and cooling memory foam top. There are other innovations like antimicrobial technology and the HeiQ V-Black technology to protect the lifespan of the mattress.
• DreamFoam Bedding – buying an affordable pillow-top mattress doesn’t have to mean you’re compromising the quality. DreamFoam offers high-quality pillow-top mattresses under $1000, which is super budget-friendly. Their mattresses are made from latex foam and offer exceptional comfort and body-contouring features. The foam is dense and firm, but also soft and pressure relieving. The quilted top is plushy and made of soft, reflex foam for the ultimate contouring.

How To Prolong The Life Of A Pillow-Top Mattress?

Now, since even the highest-quality pillow-top mattress doesn’t last long without proper care, here are some tips and tricks you can utilize to ensure your mattress has a longer life span;

• Cleaning – ensure you vacuum and clean your mattress regularly. Do not allow any food crumbs, dust mites, or dead skin cells to just sit around on your mattress. They will attract all kinds of bacteria and germs, which will destroy the mattress. So, vacuum is and avoid dry-cleaning or spot-treating the mattress. Ensure you use clean sheets regularly as well.
• Rotating – in order for a mattress to be as durable as possible, it is essential to flip the sides and rotate it every few months. However, this is applicable in case your mattress has a pillow top on both sides. If that’s the case, make sure to flip it. If not, do not flip it, of course, because you’ll end up sleeping on to a firm, uncomfortable side.
• Avoiding the edge – the majority of pillow-top mattresses do not have edge support. So, by sitting on the edge, you’re promoting it to sag and lose shape. This can also lead to the mattress being uneven and lumpy, which could affect your sleeping position.
• Using a mattress topper – to ensure your pillow-top mattress lasts longer and doesn’t lose comfort or shape, you can use a mattress topper. A proper topper can ass more softness or firmness to the mattress, while also protecting it from shape-loss, lumps, and sagginess. They can even regulate the temperature and make pillow-top mattress cooling for a hot sleeper.

The Takeaway

Pillow-top mattresses always seem like a good idea, until you start researching them, or comparing the price tag and durability discrepancy. Surely, these mattresses can be super useful to some people, but overall, they seem to carry more disadvantages than advantages.

And then, there is the issue of wearing out and durability. Spending thousands of dollars on a mattress that will wear out in 5 to 7 years seems pretty illogical to do.

But, we do urge you to do your research and take your own needs and preferences into consideration. Either way, we hope this article brought you a bit closer to the topic of pillow-top mattresses and everything you need to know about them.