Memory Foam vs. Pillow Top — What’s the Difference?

It’s a big misconception that memory foam and pillow-top mattresses are pretty much the same. They’re actually quite different.

From their support layer composition to the materials that make up their comfort layers, memory foams and pillow tops diverge in several important aspects, though they’re still both great options if you’re looking for plush comfort.

Let’s talk about some of the advantages and drawbacks of each material.

Memory Foam vs. Pillow Top

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are made of a special blend of polyurethane foam originally developed by NASA to cushion and support astronauts through the immense gravitational force of a rocket takeoff. The material was so comfortable it eventually made its way to mattresses, where it’s been providing the same plush support ever since.

Most memory foam mattresses have at least a couple of different layers of foam (as opposed to just being a single sheet of the same type of foam). It’s pretty normal to see memory foam mattresses that have a support layer of firm, durable foam underneath a comfort layer of softer, more responsive foam.

Types of Memory Foam

1. Traditional Memory Foam

Traditional memory foam is the original version of this pressure-relieving material. It’s known for its dense, slow-responding structure that hugs the body and reduces motion transfer. This deep contouring effect is especially useful for people with joint pain or pressure points. However, one major downside is its tendency to trap heat, making it less ideal for hot sleepers.

2. Gel-Infused Memory Foam

To address overheating issues, gel-infused memory foam was developed. It contains gel beads or swirls that help pull heat away from the body, creating a cooler sleeping surface. This type still offers the classic memory foam feel—soft, contouring, and pressure-relieving—but with improved temperature regulation, making it a great option for hot sleepers.

3. Open-Cell Memory Foam

Open-cell memory foam features a more breathable structure with pockets that allow air to circulate more freely. This makes it more responsive and cooler than traditional memory foam. It still conforms well to the body but avoids the overly “sinking” feeling, which is a plus for those who prefer a lighter, more balanced feel.

4. Copper-Infused Memory Foam

Copper-infused memory foam is gaining popularity due to its natural cooling and antimicrobial benefits. The addition of copper particles helps regulate temperature and fights bacteria, making it a smart choice for hot sleepers or people prone to night sweats. It also tends to feel slightly firmer and can aid with joint pain and inflammation.

5. Plant-Based or Bio-Foam

Plant-based memory foam, also known as bio-foam, replaces a portion of petroleum-based chemicals with plant oils like soy or castor. It’s more eco-friendly, produces less off-gassing, and offers a faster response time. This is a great choice for environmentally conscious shoppers or anyone looking for a cleaner, greener sleep surface.

6. High-Density Memory Foam

High-density memory foam is firmer, more durable, and designed to offer long-lasting support. It provides deeper contouring and holds up well over time, making it ideal for people who need strong support or heavier individuals. While it may feel stiff at first, it softens gradually with use.

7. Low-Density Memory Foam

On the other hand, low-density memory foam is softer and less durable. It’s often used in budget-friendly or guest mattresses and offers immediate plush comfort. However, it may not last as long or provide as much support as denser foams, so it’s best for lightweight sleepers or short-term use.

Pros and Cons of Memory Foam

Memory foam is incredibly comfortable and supportive, adapting to fill in the gaps in your lumbar region and simultaneously compressing to relieve pressure in your hips and shoulders. However, memory foam does have a few drawbacks.

Pros

• Conforms to body contours to provide both support and pressure relief
• More durable than most other mattress types
• Can offer pain relief to people with back/joint issues or other medical ailments

Cons

• Tends to retain body heat
• Off-gassing can be an issue
• Very heavy and difficult to move from place to place
• Expensive

Memory Foam Cost

Memory foam beds are usually more pricey than pillow tops, ranging anywhere from $600 to $4,000 depending on the size and brand of the mattress, as well as additional sleep technologies included with it.

Pillow Top

A pillow top is an innerspring mattress with an extra layer of padding. This padding can be made of anything plush, but some of the more popular materials include cotton, wool, natural latex, memory foam, down, etc.

There are two basic kinds of pillow top mattresses: the regular top and the Euro top. With a regular pillow top, the plush topper is just sewn onto the mattress, leaving a seam between the mattress topper and comfort layer. Euro pillow tops are sewn underneath the mattress cover, eliminating the gap caused by the conventional pillow top and providing better edge support.

If you’re looking for a more aesthetically pleasing pillow top, the Euro top will probably be a better option for you because it appears thicker and more uniform than a regular top.

Types of Pillow Top 

1. Standard Pillow Top

A standard pillow top is the most recognizable and classic version of a pillow top mattress. It features an additional layer of soft padding sewn directly onto the top of the mattress.

Visually, you can see the extra layer as it’s stitched with a noticeable gap between the main mattress body and the plush top, resembling a pillow lying on top.

This design provides a cushiony, plush surface that adds comfort without interfering too much with the mattress’s overall support system. It’s a favorite among side sleepers and anyone looking to soften the feel of a firm bed.

However, due to the exposed seams, standard pillow tops may compress or shift over time more quickly than other types.

2. Euro Top

A Euro top is similar in purpose to a standard pillow top but offers a more refined and uniform appearance. Instead of being sewn on top, the extra padding in a Euro top is stitched underneath the mattress cover.

This gives it a flatter, more seamless look with flush edges. In terms of comfort, Euro tops tend to be a bit firmer than standard pillow tops, as the padding is often denser and better integrated into the mattress design. 

This type is ideal for those who enjoy plush comfort but also want enhanced edge support and a sleeker mattress profile. Euro tops generally hold their shape better over time, making them a popular choice in luxury mattresses.

3. Box Top

A box top is essentially a thicker, squared-off version of a standard pillow top. It features a visibly raised, box-like cushioned layer that’s stitched on top of the mattress. This top layer is often filled with plush materials like foam or fiber, but it sits on a more solid base, giving the mattress both softness and structure. 

Box tops provide excellent pressure relief while maintaining a sturdy, supportive feel beneath the surface.

They are especially beneficial for heavier individuals or combination sleepers who need durability along with comfort. The dramatic loft and extra thickness of box tops make them a great choice for those seeking hotel-like luxury.

4. Gel-Infused Pillow Top

A gel-infused pillow top is designed to address one of the most common mattress complaints: overheating. These pillow tops use foam or fiber that has been infused with cooling gel beads or liquid gel. The gel helps draw heat away from the body, making the mattress feel cooler and more breathable. 

While still offering the plush, cushioned feel of a traditional pillow top, gel-infused versions are ideal for hot sleepers or those living in warm climates. In addition to regulating temperature, these tops often provide moderate contouring and pressure relief, making them suitable for side and back sleepers who want a cooler night’s rest.

5. Latex Pillow Top

A latex pillow top offers a naturally responsive and buoyant surface that conforms gently without the sinking sensation of memory foam.

Made from either natural or synthetic latex, these tops provide a breathable and hypoallergenic sleep surface that resists dust mites, mold, and mildew. Latex pillow tops are known for their durability and resilience, often lasting longer than fiber or foam options. 

They’re a great choice for eco-conscious consumers and those with allergies or sensitivities.

Additionally, latex’s natural temperature regulation makes it a cooler option compared to traditional memory foam. The surface feels slightly springy, which works well for combination sleepers who shift positions during the night.

6. Fiberfill or Cotton Pillow Top

A fiberfill or cotton pillow top uses soft materials like polyester fiber or natural cotton to create a plush upper layer. These pillow tops offer an ultra-soft, cushiony feel and are often more affordable than foam or latex versions. While they provide immediate comfort, they may compress and lose loft more quickly over time, especially with daily use. 

That said, they remain a popular option for budget shoppers or those who prefer a traditional, breathable surface. Cotton tops, in particular, offer good moisture-wicking properties, making them a decent option for sleepers who tend to sweat during the night. However, they may not provide the same level of pressure relief or support as more advanced materials.

Pros and Cons of Pillow Tops

Possibly the biggest pro of a pillow top is it provides plush support and comfort at a budget-friendly price. It’s also great for hot sleepers because the coils increase airflow.

Pros

• Breathable mattress sleeps cooler
• Lighter and easier to move
• More budget mattress options
• Less off-gassing

Cons

• The coil support layer is prone to wear, tear, and sagging
• Not as good at motion isolation
• Springs don’t offer the same contouring support as foam

Pillow Top Cost

Pillow tops are a lot less expensive than memory foam mattresses, usually coming in between $200 and $2,000, depending on their quality and sleep technologies.

Which One Is Better for You?

Your personal preferences, sleeping position, and comfort needs will determine the better option for you.

Choose Memory Foam If You:

• Suffer from joint pain or pressure points.
• Want deep contouring and customized support.
• Are a side sleeper who needs cushion around hips and shoulders.
• Share a bed and need excellent motion isolation.

Choose Pillow Top If You:

• Prefer a plush feel without the “sinking” of memory foam.
• Are a combination sleeper who changes positions frequently.
• Sleep on your back or stomach and need more bounce.
• Appreciate the traditional feel of innerspring mattresses with a soft top layer.

FAQs

Which is more hypoallergenic, memory foam or pillow top?

If you have allergies, memory foam is probably your best bet because it tends to be more resistant to common allergens. Memory foam undergoes processing and washing that makes it a hostile environment for things like mildew, mold, dust mites, and pollen.

What is off-gassing, and which mattress type does it worse?

That funky “new mattress smell” actually comes from the VOCs—or volatile organic compounds—that result from the manufacturing process. When these VOCs start breaking down, they’re released as gas into the air around your mattress. As you probably guessed, this gas is not great for your health and can be dangerous at high dosages. That’s why it’s important to buy a mattress with a low VOC count.

Do memory foam mattresses ever come with pillow tops?

Since memory foam comes in a variety of firmness levels, a pillow top is rarely necessary for a foam mattress. Usually, the top layer provides sufficient cushioning in memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses. That’s why it’s more common to run across a pillow top on a coil mattress.

What’s a hybrid mattress?

Hybrid mattresses combine an innerspring coil system with at least 2 inches of foam on top. This combo has the bounce and airflow of an innerspring mattress and the support and compression of a foam mattress, making it a great option if you’re a fan of both mattress types.

While there are a lot of different hybrid mattress configurations, you’ll commonly see a hybrid with a base of durable foam, a support layer of pocketed coils, a transition layer of responsive foam, and a comfort layer of softer, more contouring foam on top of the mattress. Hybrids can be topped with memory foam, gel memory foam, latex foam, and other plush comfort layers.

Is memory foam or pillow top better for hot sleepers?

If you sleep really hot and want a cooling mattress, a pillow top is probably better for you because the coil support layer allows for much more airflow than what you’d get with memory foam. Memory foam is almost always the hottest option—even latex foam tends to sleep cooler.

If you’re a hot sleeper and you just can’t make do with any other material than memory foam, there are some ways to cool it down.

• Buying a cooling memory foam mattress.
• Consider a hybrid with a memory foam comfort layer, since the airflow underneath will help cool off the foam.
• Certain mattress protectors and mattress pads will also help keep your memory foam cool if you don’t want to purchase a new mattress.

Bottom Line

Both memory foam and pillow tops have a lot to offer in the way of plush support. If you’re looking for back pain relief or cushioning for pressure points, memory foam is probably the perfect choice for you. And if it’s cool comfort and responsiveness you’re after, a pillow top innerspring mattress will probably be up your alley.