Hi Ed, The pillowtop/body impression issue has been going on ever since mattresses went one-sided. And, for most of that time, we have been able to successfully fix the problem. You would buy a mattress without a pillowtop, one firmer than you like. Add to that a 2" layer of soft Talalay latex. Latex is, by far, superior to the poly foam used in the pillowtops and exceedingly superior to the memory foam layers you can add. The comfort from a 2" layer of soft latex is better than the pillowtop and lasts for many years without developing a body impression. Latex is made of natural foam rubber and is extremely resilient. Your body is buoyed by it...relieving pressure points and relaxing your muscles for a depth of sleep you can't get with any other foam. And, because latex is so resilient, it will absorb much of your body weight, relieving the stress on the mattress...adding years of extra life to the mattress that you wouldn't get without it. You should read the testimonials from customers who have this combination sleep system. The reports of diminishing to disappearing pain is astounding.

After 30 years selling mattresses, the best solution, in my opinion, is going with a firm-med firm mattress and adding either a natural rubber latex or plant-based memory foam topper. The firmer beds tend to last longer. By adding your choice of comfort layer (topper) you truly get a customized comfort to enjoy for many years. Then, in a few years, if your topper has worn, simply replace it and keep the same supportive mattress awhile longer. I have no objection to plant-based memory foam..great comfort choices (find one with Oeko-Tex certification), but natural rubber latex is the "cleanest" foam as far as toxins. Best of luck on your search!

You are correct, but the term you are looking for is ANY... as in ANY pillow top will take a body impression over time. The only type of cover that will not take that impression is something that does not have any quilting material in it like a stretch cover, and that is because it is nothing more than a thin sheet of fabric.

The other option would be a plush or tight top. In general, a plush top has the same quilting material, but instead of that plushy look, the fabric or ticking on the top of the panel is stitched directly into the zipper or border panel, pulling the materials tight on top of the bed. This give you a slightly firmer feel, and some people say, lowers the chance of body impressions.

Tight tops are generally a bit less money, but still add a little cushioning to the bed, unlike a stretch cover that will put you directly on the springs/foam encasement/latex/waterbed bladder/whatever else you can think of to sleep on, instead of having that extra layer of cushion.

Have you considered a latex mattress without any polyurethane foam in it? It's the polyurethane foam in mattresses and springs that break down.