Our team at Sleep Foundation conducts extensive hands-on tests for each mattress to provide you with the most reliable, data-driven recommendations and reviews. Below are key guidelines that inform our testing methodology:
Our testers lie on the surface of each mattress to evaluate factors such as contouring and support. We also use specialized tools to measure performance criteria like pressure relief, heat retention, and motion isolation.
We test each mattress using various sleep positions to observe whether a mattress is better suited for side, back, or stomach sleeping. We roll around the surface and sit on the edges to gauge ease of movement and perimeter support.
We have tested hundreds of mattresses and bring years of experience in the mattress industry to the test lab. Our testing team covers a wide range of sleep preferences, sleep positions, and body types. This helps us represent as many sleeper types as possible in our reviews.
Pillar Sleep, a producer of luxury hybrid mattresses, differentiates itself from other brands by fabricating its own coils. All of the Chicago-based company’s mattresses are handcrafted in the U.S.
Pillar offers four hybrid mattress options. We found that the Pillar Medium Soft Mattress works best for side sleepers under 230 pounds, back sleepers under 130 pounds, or anyone who prefers a plush feel. The Pillar Medium Firm Mattress compresses less and is better suited to stomach sleepers, back sleepers over 130 pounds, and side sleepers over 230 pounds.
The company also sells the Pillar Flip, which essentially combines the aforementioned models into one bed. This flippable hybrid has a medium soft sleep surface on one side and a medium firm surface on the other.
We’ll focus on the Pillar Split Firmness Mattress, which takes the dual-firmness concept of the Flip and applies it to a single sleep surface. Designed for couples, it has different firmness levels for each co-sleeper’s side of the bed.
In addition to breaking down its materials and construction, we’ll discuss how the Pillar Split Firmness Mattress performed during our in-house tests. We’ll also make recommendations for which types of sleepers we think will enjoy each side of the mattress. Read on to figure out whether the Pillar Split Firmness is the best mattress for you.
The Pillar Split Firmness Mattress is intended for couples with different firmness preferences. One half is medium soft, while the opposite side is medium firm. These rate as 4 and 6, respectively, on our 10-point firmness scale.
Choose the Medium Soft side if:
Choose the Medium Firm side if:
You’re a side sleeper who weighs less than 230 pounds, as the softer surface lets your body sink in to ease pressure on the hips and shoulders. It also promotes even spinal alignment for back sleepers under 130 pounds. This side has superior motion isolation, which means fewer disturbances if you move around in your sleep.
You’re a stomach sleeper, as the sturdier surface compresses less below the midsection. It also provides a great balance of support and cushioning for back sleepers over 130 pounds, and it prevents the hips from bottoming out for side sleepers over 230 pounds. Since the firmer side is less conforming, hot sleepers will enjoy more airflow around the body.
Ratings Summary
Motion Isolation:
Temperature Control:
Pressure Relief:
Edge Support:
Ease of Movement:
Sex:
Off Gassing:
Mattress Performance
Motion Isolation
Medium Soft: 4 / 5
Medium Firm: 3 / 5
Our testers didn’t observe much motion transfer on either side thanks to the mattress’ thick foam layers, though it’s slightly more evident on the medium firm side.
The 6-inch comfort system absorbs motion, keeping surface vibrations to a minimum. The pocketed coil core also reduces motion transfer since each spring moves independently. A polyfoam base dampens any residual bounce.
Pressure Relief
While pressure relief depends on choosing a firmness appropriate to your weight and sleep position, our team noted that both firmness levels are capable of reducing significant pressure. The quilted Euro-top eases tension, while the responsive pocketed coil core promotes even spinal alignment.
Side sleepers often value pressure relief, since the hips and shoulders are prone to developing pressure points.
Our testers noted that the medium soft side alleviates the most pressure for side sleepers under 230 pounds, while heavier individuals may prefer the more balanced feel of the medium firm side.
Temperature Control
Medium Soft: 3 / 5
Medium Firm: 4 / 5
Despite its thick foam comfort system, we found the Pillar Split Firmness Mattress to be quite breathable.
Graphite infusions in the second polyfoam layer are designed to dissipate heat, while the breathable polyester cover regulates surface temperature. Unlike traditional memory foam, the comfort system’s polyfoam is formulated to resist softening from body heat or changes in room temperature.
We found that the medium firm side sleeps slightly cooler because it’s less conforming, which allows for more airflow. While the medium soft comfort system traps a little more heat, the airy pocketed coil core helps the mattress stay cool overall.
Hot sleepers may want to add the optional GlacierICE cover that’s engineered to be cool to the touch.
Edge Support
The Pillar Split Firmness Mattress uses sturdier coils around the entire perimeter, boosting the bed’s usable surface area and longevity. It also minimizes sagging if you like to sleep near the edge of the bed.
Ease of Movement
Medium Soft: 3 / 5
Medium Firm: 4 / 5
Our testers could comfortably adjust positions on the mattress’ responsive surface. They observed that the adaptive foam layers contoured to their bodies without feeling confining, while the bouncy pocketed coil core facilitated movement.
The medium firm side is especially responsive, so this side should benefit combination sleepers who frequently change positions.
Sex
Medium Soft: 3 / 5
Medium Firm: 4 / 5
With its balance of responsiveness and stability, we think couples should find the Pillar Split Firmness Mattress favorable to sex.
The pocketed coil core permits easier movement while also dissipating body heat. Strong edge support allows couples to move about the mattress more freely.
Off-Gassing
We found off-gassing odors to be pretty mild after unboxing this mattress. Pillar uses CertiPUR-US certified foams, meaning they meet strict indoor air quality standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Pillar Split Firmness Mattress Coupon
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Save $400 on Pillar Sleep mattresses with code: SF400
The best mattresses for side sleepers are usually softer mattresses that cradle the hips and shoulders. The medium soft side of the Pillar Split Firmness Mattress proved to be a good match for our side sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds. They noted that its deeper contouring eased pressure points on the shoulders and hips without causing either to sink excessively.
The medium firm side alleviated pressure for our side sleepers over 230 pounds while still providing enough support to prevent excessive sinkage. Those weighing less than 230 pounds don’t sink as much, so they found the firmer surface a bit too rigid. These testers said they prefer more cushioning below the hips and shoulders.
Back Sleepers
Our testers who weigh more than 130 pounds and prefer back sleeping remarked that the medium firm side promoted better spinal alignment while still comfortably cradling the legs and shoulders. They added that they appreciated how the zoned coil core provides firmer support for the lumbar region and minimizes sagging below the torso. This check out, since the best mattresses for heavy sleepers are generally more on the firmer side.
Testers under 130 pounds expressed a slight preference for the medium soft side. Since they don’t weigh as much, they liked how the plusher sleep surface gently contoured the shoulders and upper back.
Stomach Sleepers
A mattress that is too soft is problematic for stomach sleepers since the midsection is prone to deep sinkage. Unsurprisingly, every stomach sleeper on our testing team preferred the medium firm side. Its comfort system didn’t overly conform to the stomach, so they sustained more natural spinal alignment.
Stomach sleepers under 130 pounds were the most satisfied with the medium firm side. While testers over that weight level reported adequate support and comfort, most said they prefer firmer sleep surfaces.
Pillar Split Firmness Mattress Review Breakdown
The Pillar Split Firmness is a hybrid mattress with two firmness levels comprising a single sleep surface. One side of the mattress is medium soft (4), while the adjacent side is medium firm (6). The split design is intended for couples with different sleep styles, preferences, or body weights.
A breathable fabric cover has 2 inches of polyfoam quilted inside, forming a plush Euro-top. An optional GlacierICE cooling cover is available for an extra charge.
A second 2-inch layer of polyfoam contains graphite infusions designed to dissipate heat and keep the foam from softening in warm climates. The medium firm side uses denser polyfoam, while the softer side has more give. An additional 2-inch layer of high-density polyfoam at the bottom of the comfort system prevents heavier body parts from sinking into the support core.
The 8-inch pocketed coil core is firmer in the middle to reinforce the lumbar region. Fabric-encased coils are designed to isolate motion by independently responding to weight and pressure. This minimizes disturbances when a co-sleeper moves in bed.
Stronger coils around the perimeter increase edge support. A 1-inch polyfoam base stabilizes the mattress while absorbing excess motion. At 15 inches tall, the Pillar Split Firmness Mattress is considered a high-profile model. While deep pocket sheets can typically accommodate mattresses this thick, depending on the brand you may need to purchase a fitted sheet with extra-deep pockets.
The Pillar Split Firmness Mattress is pricier than most mattresses with a hybrid design, but it’s also more versatile. If you’re a couple who doesn’t want to compromise on one firmness level, this model may be worth the investment.
Sizes
Dimensions
Height
Weight
Price
Twin
38″ x 74″
15″
N/A
$2,019
Twin XL
38″ x 80″
15″
N/A
:$2,099
Full
53″ x 74″
15″
N/A
:$2,699
Queen
60″ x 80″
15″
N/A
:$2,799
King
76″ x 80″
15″
N/A
:$2,999
California King
72″ x 84″
15″
N/A
:$2,999
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Save $400 on Pillar Sleep mattresses with code: SF400
The Pillar Split Firmness Mattress is sold through the company’s website and affiliate retailers. Pillar ships throughout the contiguous U.S.
Shipping
Mattress purchases include free shipping in the contiguous U.S. Pillar does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally at this time. The mattress is vacuum-sealed in plastic and shipped in a box.
Additional Services
Pillar Sleep does not offer additional delivery services, including in-home setup or old mattress removal.
Sleep Trial
Customers can try the mattress for up to 120 nights. Returns can be initiated after a mandatory 30-day break-in period. Eligible returns are refunded in full, and the company covers return shipping fees. Pillar donates used mattresses to local charities whenever possible.
Mattress exchanges are subject to a $99 fee that covers delivery and the pickup of the original mattress. Exchanged mattresses don’t include an additional sleep trial period.
Warranty
The mattress’ limited lifetime warranty covers defects in materials and manufacturing, including permanent body impressions greater than 1.5 inches.
The warranty is prorated, meaning coverage decreases the longer you own the product. For the first two years of ownership, Pillar replaces defective mattresses for free. If just the cover is defective during the first year, the company may choose to repair or replace the cover but not the rest of the mattress.
In years 3 to 10, the company repairs and re-covers mattresses deemed defective. Customers are responsible for a $99 transportation charge each way.
In years 11 to 25, owners pay a replacement charge equal to 50% of the original purchase price of the defective mattress. After 25 years, the replacement charge increases to 60%.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
