Mattress Surface Types: What They Are and How They Affect Your Sleep

The surface type of a mattress plays a bigger role in your sleep than many people realise. The right choice can make a real difference to your comfort and the quality of your sleep.

I’m Hannah Shore, Head of Sleep Science here at Mattress Online, and I’ve put together this simple guide to help you understand mattress surfaces – what they are, how they feel, and which one might be best for you. Whether you’re after something plush, firm, traditional or modern, I’ll help you explore the options so you can find a mattress that feels perfect for your needs.

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What is a mattress surface finish?

The surface finish of a mattress is the part you sleep directly on. It affects everything from the look of your mattress to the comfort you experience as you sleep. 

There are three main types of surface finishes you’ll come across when looking for a new mattress:

• Tufted
• Microquilted or quilted
• Standard or flat

Each option offers a different feel, ranging from a firmer, more traditional texture to smoother, softer finishes. Understanding what sets them apart can help you choose the mattress that’s truly right for your sleep needs.

There’s more to a mattress surface than just how it looks or feels. This top cover is also where you’ll find special treatments designed to improve your sleeping environment, including protection against allergens, bed bugs, and dust mites.

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What is a tufted mattress?

Tufted mattresses feature rows of buttons or dimples that secure the mattress layers firmly in place, giving it a classic, pillow-like appearance.

Tufting is a traditional technique used to keep all the internal layers of the mattress securely in place. A strong tape is carefully threaded through the entire mattress, securing all the layers together from top to bottom. A button, or ‘tuft’, is then attached at each end to hold everything together securely.

The tapes are made from durable materials like polyester (similar to what you'd find on a zip), while the tufts themselves are usually soft polyester or natural fibres like wool.

This process pulls the fillings tightly, which can give the mattress a firmer feel, though it doesn’t affect the level of support the mattress provides overall.

What are hidden tufted mattresses?

Some mattresses use hidden tufting instead, where the layers are secured inside the mattress, leaving the surface with a smooth, microquilted finish. This style is ideal if you want the benefits of tufting without feeling the slight dips that traditional tufts can create.

Tufting is most commonly found in mattresses with natural fillings, where it helps keep the natural fibres neatly in place. But you’ll also see tufted finishes on other types of mattresses, for a classic, timeless look.

If you haven't slept on a tufted mattress before, you might be surprised by its slightly firmer feel at first. Don't worry - most of the time, the tufting isn't noticeable when you lie down. However, with some more cost-effective mattresses, where materials could be less premium, you may find the tufting more noticeable.

Because tufted mattresses don’t rely on glue to hold the layers together, they’re easier to recycle at the end of their life, making them a smart choice for anyone conscious of their carbon footprint.

The video below provides some more information on the hand-tufting of the Millbrook Wool Luxury 1000.

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What is a quilted mattress?

Quilted and microquilted mattresses feature a stitched outer fabric layered with two or three thin fillings, creating a soft, padded surface for added comfort. 

This stitching not only holds the layers in place but also gives the mattress a distinctive textured look. Once complete, the quilted top layer is securely attached to the mattress with a strong tape edge.

The filling inside the microquilted layer varies between mattress models. Some use 100% polyester, which is eco-friendly because it can be recycled at the end of the mattress’s life. Polyester is a practical choice, but it can slightly change how a mattress feels, especially if there’s foam underneath, as it might reduce some of its springy feel.

In other cases, foam is stitched directly into the microquilted cover along with the fabric. This creates a softer, more cushioned surface and a more luxurious look. The trade-off? Once foam and polyester are combined like this, recycling the mattress becomes more difficult.

As for the stitched pattern or design on the surface, it’s mostly decorative, meaning it won’t change how the mattress feels. Just be aware that larger stitched patterns, especially on polyester layers, can sometimes sag or settle over time.

One of our best-selling quilted mattresses is the Sealy Claremont Memory Advantage Mattress.

What is a microquilted mattress?

Microquilted mattresses are exactly the same as quilted ones. The terms are interchangeable and both refer to stitching the outer fabric together with two or three thin layers of filling, creating a soft, padded surface to sleep on.

What is a deep quilted mattress?

Generally, a deep quilted mattress refers to a mattress with more plump, pronounced quilting that creates a thicker, cushioned surface.

That said, some mattress manufacturers also use the term ‘deep quilted' to describe mattresses that are simply deeper overall in height, but more often, it refers to the depth of the quilted fillings rather than the mattress’s total depth.

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What is a flat top mattress?

A flat top mattress has a smooth, even surface without any tufting, quilting, or stitched-in padding.

Instead of using a cover with additional comfort fillings, the outer fabric is laid directly over the internal layers, so you’re directly in contact with the core comfort materials. This creates a clean, minimalist finish that appeals to those who prefer a sleek, modern look.

Flat tops are most commonly found in foam mattresses, especially those that come rolled for easy delivery. Many flat top mattresses also feature removable, washable covers, making them practical and easy to maintain.

These mattresses are typically made as a single unit, with the comfort and support layers enclosed in one fabric cover. While surface treatments like cooling or anti-allergy finishes can still be included, the flat top itself is mostly about appearance and feel. 

If you like the idea of being closer to the core comfort layers of your mattress, a flat top mattress could be a great fit.

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I hope this guide has helped you understand how different surface finishes can affect your sleep. If you're still exploring, take a look at our ‘What’s Inside a Mattress’ guide to learn more about mattress construction. Or, check out our ‘Pillow Top vs Box Top Mattresses: What You Need to Know’ guide.

For more expert advice and sleep inspiration, visit our Sleep Journal.