Hi Anne,

Many thanks for your question on pillowtop mattresses, in particular, the Hypnos pillow top superb mattress.

You may have read elsewhere on our site why we never have nor will make a pillowtop mattress. Mainly due to the issue, you're experiencing now, of excess settlement in the pillowtop layer. We don't make them or endorse them as the pillow top part of the mattress can not be removed. It's also usually the softest part of the mattress meaning by its very nature it will settle far faster than firmer upholstery layers.

Problems with Pillowtop Beds

Pillowtop mattresses differ from say a separate mattress topper in that they cannot be removed. Meaning all pillowtop mattresses are also one-sided meaning you can't turn them. This in turn just compounds the settlement issue as all mattresses, were suitable should be turned each month and then rotated the month after. To help even out natural settlement with the mattress upholstery and fibres.

The technician is correct in that 2cm is the industry-wide accepted tolerance for fibre settlement in all furniture and mattresses.

Hypnos Superb Review

Looking at the description on the John Lewis mattress site there are no real technical details of the Hypnos Superb pillowtop mattress. We've also written extensively about how knowing exactly what is inside your mattress is vital when buying a new bed. Without this information, you have no idea of the value, quality or ultimate behaviour of your new mattress purchase. It's a guess in the dark for the most part without this information. All we have to go off is the following.

This luxury no turn mattress features a ReActive™ pocket spring system with 1600 individual springs in the king size model, for truly responsive support. An integral pillow top provides a sumptuously soft and comfortable cushion above the supportive mattress.

Upholstered with luxurious and natural layers of British lambswool, cashmere, mohair and Solotex™ luxury cushioning, it provides supreme comfort for tired limbs. The fine viscose cover offers coolness and a soft surface for sleep.

Image from www.johnlewis.com/hypnos-superb-pillow-top-pocket-spring-mattress-firm-double

Looking at the breakdown the very top layer in the pillowtop is a blend of wool and other fibres. There's no GSM given or blend ratio however these are more likely the softest of fibres which is probably why they have settled so quickly.

The mattress insulator later uses Solotex which is a man-made soft fibre, not too dissimilar to polyester which acts as a firm bridge. This is therefore not a 100% natural fibre mattress but a blend of synthetic and natural fibres.

Sadly there's no mention of the depth of the mattress topper but usually, they are around 5cm-7.5cm as an industry average to assist. Have a look below at an example of a 7.5cm removable mattress topper.

To summarise the only way to get around this issue happening again is to avoid pillowtop mattress construction methods and opt for a removable mattress topper instead.

We're sorry we can't provide more optimistic or helpful news to you in this case!

We hope that helps Anne and if you have any more mattress related questions please get back in touch on info@localhost or 0161 437 4419.

Sleep well
John & Ryan