Here at Allswell, it’s our job not only to demystify mattress myths, but also to de-complicate the mattress buying process. That second point is just as important as the first, because — as frustrated customers regularly attest — there are a number of terms to keep track of, and it’s often hard to distinguish real benefits from breathless marketing fluff.

For today’s little lesson, we’ll focus on the surface — because what’s on top of your mattress matters. Two common top layers are the pillow top and the Euro top — and no, they’re not two names for the same thing. 

The main difference is the actual construction of each. A pillow top is sewn onto the mattress’ surface, with a gap between it and the mattress itself. Most commonly found on traditional innerspring mattresses, they’re often more affordable than a Euro top and can provide extra contouring and support, but they generally reduce motion, lock in body heat, and are prone to sagging over time. 

 A Euro top, on the other hand, is denser in construction; it has padding under the cover and sits flush with the mattress edges, creating a cleaner, more uniform look than a pillow top. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, there are plenty of functional ones as well: Euro tops can’t sag, shift, or lose shape like a pillow top, and their denser, built-in construction often results in better support as well as greater overall quality and longevity. 

Of course, this comes with the same caveat that any mattress feature comparison comes with: all pillow tops are not equal, nor are all Euro tops. Each can vary widely in quality depending on the materials used and the attention to detail and construction. But generally, if you’re looking for a good long-term option, opt for a Euro top.

And that’s where a little Allswell news comes in: We’ve just launched a new mattress called the Supreme — our most luxe offering yet — with top-of-the-line features including a plush Euro top. With two layers of high-performance memory foam underneath its plush quilted surface, this built-in top layer helps make for a sleep experience that more than lives up to its name.