When it comes to buying a new mattress, the options can feel almost endless. Even if you know what type of mattress you’re looking for and have narrowed down your options to one specific type, there are still a lot of different variables to consider: Do you want a firm or soft feel? Does cost matter? Do you care about cooling and anti-wrinkle features? Are edge support and motion isolation vital to you? Before diving into all the different kinds of Euro-top mattresses on the market today, it’s essential to understand what makes them unique. In this post, we’ll be addressing some critical questions regarding Euro-top mattresses, including what makes them unique, their pros and cons, and an in-depth look at their common variations.
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What’s a Euro Top Mattress?
Euro top mattresses are hybrid mattresses composed of two main layers: The top layer is made of soft, plushy padding that’s typically 3-5 inches thick, and the bottom layer is made of firm support foam. Euro top mattresses are highly customizable, letting you adjust the firmness of the top layer to match your preferred level of softness or firmness. Upholstered in various fabrics, Euro tops are great for those who want a plush feel without the bulk of a traditional pillow-top mattress. Euro tops are no-flip mattresses designed to last for longer than the average mattress. You’ll want to rotate and flip your mattress (or its top layer) every year to maintain its longevity.
What Makes a Euro Top Mattress Different?
A few key things separate Euro top mattresses from the rest of the pack. Most obviously, the mattress’s top layer is lifted and sewn into place at the head and the foot of the bed, giving it the distinct “Euro” look. This top layer of the mattress gives you some extra room at the edge of the bed, making it easier to get in and out and reducing the risk of a rolled ankle over the edge. These Euro tops also come in a variety of different thicknesses. The most common thicknesses are 3-5 inches, 6 inches, and 9 inches. For reference, the average mattress is between 10-14 inches thick. This difference in thickness means that Euro tops come with an entirely different feel than the average mattress.
Pros of Euro Top Mattresses
Euro top mattresses offer a variety of benefits, including:
Pressure relief: The sinking layer provides firm support for your body, while the pillow top layer conforms to your body, relieving pressure and reducing the overall pressure points.
- Great for sleepers with allergies and sensitivities: The sinking layer is often made with latex or high-density polyfoam, which naturally inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and dust mites.
- No noise: Euro top mattresses produce less noise when you move than innerspring mattresses do.
- Convenient: Because Euro top mattresses incorporate an innerspring design, they are easy to lift, move, and transport.
- Durable: Euro top mattresses are made to last, with many models lasting 10+ years with proper care and maintenance.
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Cons of Euro Top Mattresses
While Euro top mattresses do have several benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider as well:
- Higher price: Due to their hybrid nature, Euro-top mattresses are typically more expensive than all-foam and all-innerspring mattress models.
- Less customization: Because Euro-top mattresses combine two different types of foam, they are not as customizable and adaptable as hybrid foam or all-foam models, which are available in a wide range of firmness options.
- Less pressure relief near edges: Because Euro top mattresses are thicker than other types of mattresses, the sinking layer is further away from your body near the edges of the bed.
Critical differences between Pillow-Top vs. Euro-Top
Euro-top mattresses are similar to pillows and pillow-tops, but they offer different advantages and disadvantages. Here’s how they compare:
- Firmness: Most pillow-tops are soft to the touch, while Euro tops fall closer to the firmer side of the spectrum.
- Edge support: Euro tops are built with extra edge support for easier climbing in and out of bed. Most pillow-tops are not built with edge support in mind, making them more challenging to climb on and off of.
- Smell: Some pillow-tops tend to smell more than others, while Euro tops have a much lower risk of developing an odor.
- Lifespan: Euro tops tend to have a longer lifespan than pillow-tops.
- Price: Euro tops are often cheaper than pillow-tops.
- Weight: Most pillow-tops are heavier than Euro tops, making them more challenging to lift and move.
- Comfort: Both pillow-tops and Euro tops are firm enough to provide adequate support. The critical difference is that Euro tops don’t have the same soft, plushy feel as pillow-tops.
Who Will Benefit From A Euro Top?
Euro tops are best for sleepers who want a plush feel without sacrificing support. This makes them an excellent choice for heavier people and those who are particularly uncomfortable sleeping on softer surfaces. If you like sleeping on a soft surface but are worried about sacrificing support, a Euro top is a great option. A Euro-top will also be a great choice if you’re a side sleeper who needs extra support at the hips and knees. Euro tops provide enough support and pressure reduction to be comfortable but are soft enough to keep pressure points off your joints.
Can I flip my Euro top mattress?
Yes! We recommend that you flip your Euro top mattress every 6-12 months. This allows you to distribute the wear and tear of everyday use more evenly and gives you a chance to inspect the bottom layer of your mattress for signs of wear and tear. The best way to flip your Euro top mattress is to take the whole thing off the bed. Depending on the size of your mattress, this will likely require the help of a friend or two. Once the mattress is off the bed, you’ll want to turn the top layer inside out. Ensure to inspect the inside of the layer for any tears or holes that need to be repaired. Once the top layer is flipped, put the mattress back on the bed in the same position it was in before.
Which is better, a Euro top or a memory foam mattress?
There is no “better” mattress type – just which one is better for you. Both Euro tops and memory foam mattresses are good options for a wide range of sleepers, making them viable options. Euro tops are often cheaper than memory foam options, making them an excellent option for people on a budget. Euro tops also don’t have the same serious heat retention problems that memory foam mattresses are known for. That being said, Euro tops don’t provide the same level of pressure relief that memory foam does, meaning they may not be the best option for people who are particularly sensitive to pressure points.
Conclusion
Overall, a Euro top mattress is an excellent choice for people who want a soft, plush sleeping surface without sacrificing support. While Euro tops are a perfect option for many people, they aren’t the best choice for everyone. If you have a specific sleeping style or need exceptional support for a medical condition, you must speak with a sleep expert to find out which mattress type would be best for you.
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