Tufted vs. Quilted Mattress: Which is Better?

Tufted vs. Quilted Mattress: Which is Better?

When you start shopping for a new mattress, you’ll notice that they are either “tufted or quilted”. 

Quilted mattresses have a more even and smooth surface, while tufted ones have “tufts or buttons” throughout the whole sleep surface

Below you can read more about each type and decide which one is right for you.

What is a Quilted Mattress?

A quilted mattress is a type of mattress that features a quilted cover or top layer, which is stitched to create a pattern, often with a layer of padding underneath

silentnight quilted mattress

The quilting adds an extra layer of softness and cushioning, contributing to a more comfortable sleeping surface. Below the quilted layer, there is usually a layer of innersprings, pocket springs or memory foam.

Additionally, the stitching helps keep the padding in place, preventing it from shifting and ensuring consistent comfort and support across the mattress.

The stitching can form various patterns, such as diamonds, squares, or other intricate designs, which help keep the padding evenly distributed.

Below you can see the Silentnight Ferndale 800 Pocket Eco Mattress. It’s 25cm deep and is rated as “medium”.

Silentnight Ferndale 800 Pocket Eco Mattress quilted top layer

On top there is quilted cushion top that has been quilted to provide a smooth sleep surface. Below that there is a layer of memory foam and springs (up to 800 in total). It’s priced at £449 for a double size (or £329 when on sale).

What is a Tufted Mattress?

A tufted mattress means that the layers are secured in place by tufts or stitches that go through the entire mattress.

This technique involves passing a needle with strong thread or cord through the mattress, then tying it off with a button, tape, or another type of fastener on both sides.

This process creates a series of depressions or tufts on the surface of the mattress.

Do not remove the button tufts, otherwise it will damage the structure of the mattress, and it may loose its shape and begin to sag or dip in certain places.

button tufts on mattress

Below you can see the Dream Team Banbury Pocket Sprung Mattress. It is 25cm high, there are two layers of polyester, and up to 1200 pocket springs. It has a regular price of £759 for a double size, or £379 when on sale.

Dream Team Banbury Pocket Sprung Mattress tufted layers

Can You Feel the Tufts on a Mattress?

Many people will not feel the tufts as they lay down on the mattress. However, some people who are light-weighted and more sensitive will find it uncomfortable to sleep on them.

Generally as you lay down, your body weight will be evenly distributed over the mattress, and the tufts will flatten out.

Depending on the brand and manufacturer, some tufts have buttons with small plastic retaining bars which can still be felt through a mattress protector and fitted sheets.

How to Make a Tufted Mattress More Comfortable?

If you already own a tufted mattress at home, but find it uncomfortable due to the tufts, here are a few things you can do:

1. Break-in your tufted mattress

If your tufted mattress is brand new and seems excessively hard, it may just require a little more time to break in. The same way that shoes need to be broken in, a new tufted mattress must.

2. Consider using a mattress topper

Its function is to offer an additional layer of padding for comfort, additional support, or to conceal any unsightly lumps. A topper is generally composed of a layer of foam that can range from thin to thick. 

There are a variety of other alternatives, including down, memory foam, and cooling gel foams, all of which can be beneficial in alleviating the discomfort of terrible mattresses.

using a mattress topper on tufted mattress

Check out the Dorma Full Forever Anti Allergy Mattress Topper priced at £80 for a double size.

The topper is 3cm (1 inch) deep and has a cover made from cotton, while inside there is spiral fibre filling. The topper is sure to add a layer of softness and comfort to any mattress.

3. Take into consideration a mattress pad

A mattress pad, albeit thinner and less expensive than a mattress topper, can also provide a bit of extra comfort to a hard-to-comfort mattress. A suited sheet is used to cover your mattress, and then your sheets are placed on top of the fitted sheet. 

Pads for mattresses are available in a wide variety of materials such as down, memory foam and cotton. They provide varying degrees of comfort and tenderness, as well as safety for the mattress. 

4. Rotate or flip your mattress

It is possible that flipping a mattress may allow it to wear more evenly and will create a more pleasant sleeping surface over time. Check the label on your mattress to see if it’s one sided or double sided.

If it’s one sided you can sleep only one side of it, and you should rotate it clock or counterclockwise. If it’s double side you can sleep on both sides, so you can flip it over and rotate it clock and counterclockwise. This will create a more pleasant sleeping surface over time.

5. Egg crate topper can be used to protect it

To assist make a bed seem cooler, egg-crate foam mattress toppers may be used to alleviate the pressure on certain places of the body and add an extra layer of relaxation on top of a terrible mattress.

They’re also useful for camping and touring, as well as for keeping your mattress protected. Egg-crate toppers are available in a variety of materials, including standard foam, memory foam, and cooling foam with gel infusions.

Fogarty Memory Foam Mattress Topper egg crate shape

Above you can see the Fogarty Memory Foam topper which is 4cm deep and is filled with visco elastic foam, for comfort and support. It’s priced at only £80 for a double size. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, choosing between a tufted and quilted mattress depends on your personal preference and specific needs. If you’re still not sure which one to pick, consider buying a mattress with a 100 or 365 night trial

This way you can test and sleep on it at the comfort of your own home, and if for some reason you’re not satisfied, you can return it for a full refund.