Pillowtop mattresses have an additional foam, feather or fiber layer sewn on to the underlying mattress, which also contains more layers of soft foam than a standard mattress. These extra-thick mattresses are known as plush mattresses and can be sold without or without the extra pillowtop layer.
Boxtop mattresses, also known as Eurotop mattresses, have more top padding than pillowtops. Because the padding is sown directly onto the top of the mattress, manufacturers can add extra layering, which allows for more versatility. For example; someone wanting added support might opt for a boxtop because the extra foam gives the mattress increased suspension.
Detachable toppers, such as feather beds or those constructed from memory foam, latex and polyurethane, are also known as pillowtops. They are designed to be placed on top of an existing mattress, whereas boxtops are always sold as an all-in-one product.
Pillowtop and boxtop mattresses have various levels of softness and support, depending on consumer requirements. Quality is usually determined by the quantity and quality of materials they are constructed from. Boxtops are the obvious choice if unadulterated comfort and luxury are key requirements, although some people prefer detachable toppers because they can be easily cleaned and it isn't too expensive to replace them. Both types of mattress come in one-side and reversible styles.