What Is a Euro-Top Bed?

Construction

• A Euro-top bed is similar to the more well-known pillow-top bed, though it has its own unique characteristics. Both have thick layers of padding sewn on the top surface of the mattress, but the padding on the Euro-top is sewn down around the perimeter, so there is no gap between the padding and the mattress. This type of bed is sometimes referred to as a box top due to the way the upholstery padding is attached.

Upholstery

• The upholstery layers consist of man-made materials, natural fibers and foams. Euro-top mattress has a few upholstery layers, each made of a different material such as wool, cotton, polyester, latex or memory foam. The upholstery padding layers add up to about 8 inches, depending on the bed. All of the materials that make up the upholstery cost more than the rest of the innerspring mattress.

Benefits

• The padding of a Euro-top mattress remains soft while still providing the support you need to sleep comfortably. This type of bed is designed to relieve painful pressure points at your shoulders, hips and knees, helping you to achieve more restful sleep and improving your circulation. The even sleeping surface doesn't taper off at the edges, providing a consistent level of comfort all the way to the edge. This also gives a larger sleeping surface since you can utilize the entire surface of the bed.

Considerations

• The same soft, cushioned layers of padding you find so comfortable on Euro-top beds typically begin to compress and flatten out after only a few years. You will start to notice that when you get out of bed, the body impressions that used to disappear will remain on the surface. The padding often wears out well before the innerspring structure does; unfortunately, there is no way to remove the padding without ruining the mattress. With the high cost of Euro-top beds, consider purchasing a firm, supportive mattress without the padding layer, then add a separate, less-expensive Euro-top pad for a similar cushioned feel.