Plush Top Vs. Pillow Top

Cushioning

• Both the plush and pillow tops offer an extra layer of cushioning on top of the mattress. A plush-top mattress has the cushioning layers embedded directly on the top of the mattress, while a pillow-top mattress has a separate layer attached. This separate layer is softer because the cushioning does not rest directly on the mattress' inner springs. Both types of cushioning, however, offer "movement absorption," designed to help couples who share the same bed.

Comfort

• Individuals looking for a firmer mattress will probably prefer a plush top. Since a plush top has cushioning built directly over the springs, it ranks in between a firm mattress and a soft mattress on a comfort scale, according to Serta Mattresses. A pillow top, on the other hand, sits further from the mattress's support, which gives it a pillow-like feel.

Sizing and Standard Sheets

• A plush-top mattress has the thickness of a regular mattress, but a pillow-top mattress does not. Due to the additional layer of padding, a pillow top often does not fit standard sheet sizes. Specialty sheets for wide or pillow-top mattresses are available, but cost more than standard sizes. This increased size can also pose an issue with comforters that are made to cover a regular-sized bed. The additional layers of the pillow-top mattress can make comforters appear short.

Wear

• A plush mattress has the additional padding on both sides of the mattress. This allows you to turn over the mattress frequently, so that it wears evenly. A pillow-top mattress, on the other hand, has the separate layer of padding attached to one side of the mattress only and thus cannot be flipped over to ensure it wears evenly.