Pillow Top vs Box Top vs Standard Top Mattresses: What You Need to Know

When choosing a mattress, it’s not just the internal construction or surface finish that matters; some mattresses also feature an added ‘top’ layer designed to enhance both comfort and appearance.

You might come across mattresses described as having a:

• Pillow top (or cushion top)
• Box top
• Standard top

Pillow tops, box tops and standard tops aren’t mattress surface finishes like tufting or quilting. Instead, they’re surface styles or aesthetics, meaning they mainly affect the mattress’s look and feel on top. While they can add a plush, sleek, or luxurious appearance, these features are mostly cosmetic and don’t change the mattress’s core support.

Although there are slight differences between pillow tops and box tops, the terms are often used interchangeably.

I’m Hannah Shore, Head of Sleep Science, and in this guide, I’ll explain the differences between pillow tops and box tops — so you can find the right mattress feel and look for your sleep needs.

---

What is a pillow top mattress?

A pillow top mattress has a soft, cushioned layer stitched onto the top, giving it the look of a plush pillow resting on the surface. While it’s not removable, this top layer often contains the main comfort fillings of the mattress.

Pillow tops can be finished in different ways, such as tufted or quilted, depending on the overall style. It’s worth noting that a pillow top doesn’t always mean more comfort when compared to other mattresses. Instead, it presents the same amount of fillings, but the way they’re layered and stitched creates a more luxurious, cushioned feel, giving it that high-end, pillow-top look.

If you love the look of a plush, inviting bed, a pillow top mattress might be exactly what you’re after!

The video below gives a closer look at the Cotterdale’s plush pillow top and what makes it special.

---

What is a box top mattress?

A box top mattress features a thick, squared-off layer stitched to the top, similar to a pillow top, but deeper and with a more ‘boxy’ look.

The box top layer contains most of the comfort filling and provides a thicker comfort layer than a standard pillow top. 

Just like a pillow top, box top mattresses can be tufted or quilted, and can include a variety of materials inside.

If you want a deeper, more indulgent sleep surface, a box top mattress could be a great choice.

---

What is a standard top mattress?

Standard top mattresses are the classic rectangular mattresses you’re probably most familiar with. 

They combine both the support and comfort layers within a single, uniform structure. While they may not have the added loft of pillow tops or box tops, they can offer just as much comfort and support - the difference is largely in the aesthetic. 

This traditional style is the most common type of mattress you’ll come across. Standard mattresses can also be finished in a variety of ways, including:

• Tufted
• Quilted or microquilted
• Flat

---

What’s the difference between pillow top and box top mattresses?

Here’s a simple comparison to help you understand the key differences between these mattress styles:

Feature	Pillow top	Box top	Standard top
Overall look	Cushioned, pillow-like	Thicker, boxy layer	Traditional, uniform profile
Top layer depth	Medium thickness	Extra deep	Thin
Fillings	All types of mattress  fillings	Mostly sturdier fillings like foam	All types of mattress  fillings
Mattress support	Mostly sprung	Mostly sprung	All mattress support systems
Maintenance	Fixed, not removable	Fixed, not removable	Fixed, not removable

---

Whether you're drawn to the plush comfort of a pillow top or the added luxury of a box top, each mattress style offers a unique finish.

Still unsure which is right for you? Take a look at our ‘What’s Inside a Mattress’ guide to explore how different layers work together, or learn more about the different mattress surfaces and finishes in our ‘Mattress Surface Types: What They Are and How They Affect Your Sleep’ guide.