I swapped my tight top mattress for a Euro top — why I think most side sleepers should do the same

I've tested some of the best mattresses of the year. From all foam, marshmallow soft beds to firm hybrids. But I think I've finally found the perfect fit for me: A Euro top mattress.

As a side sleeper, I need plenty of cushioning around my shoulders and hips. I'm also a restless sleeper who tosses and turns all night. I didn't like the slow-moving feel of memory foam and beds that were too firm resulted in a lot of pressure build up around the touch-point of the bed.

So what was the solution? Turns out a firm and responsive bed with a softer, cushioning layer near the surface of the mattress (a Euro top or pillow top) was the answer. Here's why I think the best pillow-top mattresses will suit most side sleepers and how to choose the right one for you.

What’s a tight top mattress?

A tight-top mattress refers to the majority of mattresses, or your more traditional style mattress. This means that the mattress layers are contained within the bed, with a cover sewn on top. This creates a flat sleeping surface.

Below is an example of a tight top mattress. Usually, the seam is stitched along the sides of the mattress, at the same level of the cover so there isn’t a visible layer above it.

What’s a Euro top mattress?

Many mattress brands use the terms ‘Euro top’ and ‘pillow top’ interchangeably. A Euro top is a mattress that has extra cushioning layers near the surface of the mattress that cushion the body. These layers sit below the mattress cover, as part of the overall structure of the mattress.

A pillow top also has additional cushioning layers, but rather than being incorporated into the mattress, they sit on top of the mattress in a separate layer stitched on top. Below is an example of a Euro top mattress and a pillow-top.

Why swapping to a Euro top helped me sleep better

After switching from a tight top mattress to a Euro top, my sleep improved a lot. As a side sleeper, I need soft cushioning around my joints, but don’t enjoy sinking into a soft bed. Here’s why a Euro top was perfect for me (and why I think most side sleepers should make the swap).

I stayed comfortable throughout the night

As a side sleeper, the typical issue with most mattresses is that there isn’t enough ‘give’ around my shoulders, hips and knees. This makes the bed feel too firm, and makes pressure build up quickly. Often, this means I toss and turn throughout the night to relieve the pressure, leading to more disrupted sleep.

Well, the Euro top mattress has stopped this from happening. Although I was initially surprised by the firmness of the mattress, thinking it wasn’t suitable for side sleepers, you quickly feel the subtle cushioning of the Euro top layer. The extra give at the surface of the mattress meant I was comfortable quickly and able to stay comfortable throughout the night.

While the level of ‘give’ a Euro or pillow top mattress will give depends on the individual mattress, you can expect more pressure relief than a standard tight-top bed, which is why many of the best mattresses for side sleepers include a Euro or pillow top.

I didn’t sink too far into the bed

My personal pet peeve when testing mattresses is feeling claustrophobic. This usually happens on even the best memory foam mattresses because they hug my body, or on beds that are too soft, meaning you end up sleeping inside the mattress rather than on top of it. But my dilemma is that I do need some softness to cushion my shoulders.

I am sleeping on the perfect solution. It’s a firm mattress with a softer Euro top layer. This means I don’t sink progressively further into the bed in the night making me hot and bothered, but instead, sleep comfortably on top of the mattress.

As a combination sleeper who loves tossing and turning, it’s the perfect balance of comfort, support and responsiveness.

My body wasn’t under any strain

Some mattresses for side sleepers are excessively soft, which may feel like sleeping on a cloud initially, but come morning and you might experience some aches and pains. Why? Because your spine hasn’t stayed in a neutral position.

While we sleep, it’s essential that our bodies stay aligned. If there is too much curvature in the spine or lumbar area, then it can create tension and strain. This often happens if your hips sink further into the mattress compared to the rest of your body, putting pressure on your lower spine.

However, with a firmer mattress, your hips are elevated. So, even though I’m sinking a little into the Euro top layer, my body remains aligned throughout the night. And I’ve found this stays true no matter what sleeping position I lie in.

How to choose the right Euro top mattress for you

Not everyone needs the same kind of mattress, which is why I recommend most side sleepers switch to a Euro or pillow top, rather than all of them. To find the right bed for your sleep, take the following steps:

• Consider your personal preferences: Not everyone likes to sleep on top of a mattress. Some people love the marshmallow foam feel. Think about what you find most comfortable and stick to your decision. Even if a mattress has incredible support and high-quality materials, if you don’t like how it feels, you won’t sleep well.
• Check the materials and structure: Many brands make huge claims about their beds, but to make sure you’re getting a quality mattress, check the materials. Natural fabrics found in the best organic mattresses like wool, cotton and latex will be durable and long lasting. Foams with high-density and certifications like Certi-PUR US will more durable than cheaper foams.
• Read reviews: Check both customer reviews and professional reviews of your top choices. You’ll learn how the bed feels, perks and any flaws you should be aware of.
• Choose a brand with perks: It’s industry standard for mattress brands to offer sleep trials, warranties and free shipping. The minimum sleep trial you should opt for is 90 nights, and a warranty should cover you for at least 10 years.