Where do Irish Hotels Buy their Beds? What Mattresses do Hotels Buy?

dean hotel bed dublin

In the recent Irish Times article, Joan Scales spoke to a number of hotel owners, asking where they buy their beds. Some answers included The Dean Hotel, a Dublin boutique hotel.

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“When the Dean Hotel opened during the recession on Harcourt Street, Dublin’s clubbing zone, they knew that bedrooms had to be special to tempt people to stay. They bought the best Irish-made mattresses, the King Koil Seventh Heaven, for the bespoke bed-frames and teamed them with soft linens and fluffy pillows.” “People often comment about the beds,” says Brian Davern, general manager of the Dean. “They ask where to buy them…”.

“At Castlewood House in Dingle, Co Kerry, awarded the best hotel for romance this year by Tripadvisor, it is Irish all the way for owners Helen and Brian Heaton. The 12 rooms have King Koil beds.”

“Frank and Mary Slattery, proprietors of Carrig Country House in Killorglin, Co Kerry. They were able to get a King Koil six-foot mattress to fit it (an Indian Maharaja’s bed frame) exactly and designed the canopy drapes in an Indian style. It must be the only hotel in Ireland with a Maharaja’s bed and “everyone who sleeps in it loves it”, says Frank.

Top Choices for a Luxurious Night’s Sleep

Let’s face it – finding the right mattress feels like a big decision, and it absolutely should. After all, we spend about a third of our lives sleeping, so the surface you’re snoozing on matters more than you might think. If you’ve been browsing mattress options lately, you’ve probably come across two popular contenders: pillow top and pocket spring mattresses.

But which one is truly right for you? Don’t worry—I’m here to help you navigate this decision without the confusing jargon or sales pressure. Let’s break down everything you need to know about these two mattress types in simple, friendly terms so you can make the choice that leads to your best sleep ever.

What’s Actually Inside These Mattresses?

Before we dive into comfort and support, let’s peek under the covers to understand what makes these mattresses different from each other.

The Pillow Top: Your Bed’s Cozy Sweater

Think of a pillow top mattress as a regular mattress that’s wearing a soft, plush sweater. That extra layer of padding sewn right onto the top surface is what gives it the name “pillow top.” This cushy layer can be made from various materials:

Memory foam that gently contours to your body
Latex for a bit more bounce with cushioning
Cotton or fiberfill for a fluffy, cloudlike feel

Underneath this plush topper, you’ll typically find either supportive foam layers or even a traditional spring system providing the foundation. It’s essentially offering you the best of both worlds—softness up top with support underneath.

The Spring Mattress: The Classic Supporter

Pocket spring mattresses (also called innerspring mattresses) have been around for generations, and for good reason. At their core, they feature a network of metal coils or springs that give the mattress its signature supportive feel and slight bounce.

While modern spring mattresses might include a thin comfort layer on top, they don’t have anything close to the plush padding of a pillow top. The focus here is on resilience, support, and that responsive feel when you move around.

The main difference? With a pillow top, you’ll feel like you’re sinking into a cloud. With a spring mattress, you’ll feel more like you’re being supported on top of the surface.

The Comfort Factor: What Does Each One Actually Feel Like?

Now for the big question—which one feels better? The honest answer is that it completely depends on what you find comfortable!

The Pillow Top Experience

Sleeping on a pillow top feels a bit like falling into a soft hug. That extra cushioning creates a gentle cradle for your body, which can be absolute bliss if you:

Wake up with sore shoulders or hips
Love the feeling of sinking slightly into your bed
Enjoy a mattress that feels soft right away
Need extra cushioning for joint pain

Many people describe pillow tops as giving that “ahhhh” feeling the moment you lie down. The initial softness is immediately noticeable and welcoming after a long day.

The Spring Mattress Feel

A spring mattress offers a distinctly different experience. You’ll feel more lifted with a responsive surface that:

Pushes back a bit when you move
Makes it easier to change positions during the night
Offers a firmer, more supportive sensation
Typically feels cooler throughout the night

Many spring mattress enthusiasts report feeling “refreshed” rather than “cosy” when they wake up. The supportive nature of these mattresses can leave you feeling more energised and aligned.

Finding Your Match: Which Mattress Works for Your Sleep Style?

Your preferred sleeping position plays a huge role in which mattress will serve you best. Let’s match them up:

If You’re a Side Sleeper

Side sleeping puts considerable pressure on your shoulders and hips—the parts of your body pressing into the mattress. This is where pillow tops really shine! That extra cushioning helps relieve pressure points and allows your shoulders and hips to sink in just enough while keeping your spine properly aligned.

Many side sleepers find that switching to a pillow top means waking up with fewer aches and pains. If you’ve been dealing with shoulder or hip discomfort and primarily sleep on your side, a pillow top might be your new best friend.

If You’re a Back Sleeper

Back sleepers need balanced support that maintains the natural curve of the spine. Both mattress types can work here, but your personal preference for firmness will likely be the deciding factor.

A medium-firm spring mattress often provides the ideal support for back sleepers, keeping the spine aligned without allowing the hips to sink too deeply. However, if you have lower back pain, you might appreciate the additional cushioning of a pillow top that contours to your lower back while still providing support.

If You’re a Stomach Sleeper

Stomach sleeping requires the most support of all positions to prevent your midsection from sinking too deeply, which can cause back strain. For most stomach sleepers, a firmer spring mattress is the better choice.

The responsive support of a spring mattress helps keep your spine in a more neutral position when you’re on your stomach. Too much softness in this position often leads to an uncomfortable arch in the lower back, which can cause pain over time.

The Long Haul: How Well Do They Last?

Your mattress is an investment in your sleep health, so durability matters. Here’s what to expect from each type over time:

Pillow Top Longevity

Let’s be honest—that super soft, cushy layer that makes pillow tops so comfortable initially can also be their biggest durability challenge. Over time, the materials in the pillow top layer may compress and create body impressions, especially in spots where you sleep every night.

To get the most life out of your pillow top:

Rotate it regularly (at least every three months)
Look for higher-density foams in the pillow top layer
Use a quality mattress protector to guard against wear
Ensure you have proper support underneath (a good foundation or base)

With proper care, a quality pillow top can last 5-7 years before showing significant wear. These are the mattresses that high-quality hotels use to increase revenue per available room.

Spring Mattress Durability

Spring mattresses tend to be the more durable option of the two. The coil systems provide resilient support that maintains its integrity longer, and there’s less soft material to compress over time.

Modern spring mattresses with pocketed coils and quality comfort layers can easily last 7-10 years with proper care. Some premium models even longer! Plus, many spring mattresses can be flipped (if they’re designed for it), which essentially doubles the wear surface and extends their useful life.

Value for Your Dollar: The Price Perspective

Your budget is naturally going to play a role in your decision. Here’s what to expect price-wise:

Spring Mattress: The Budget-Friendly Choice

If you’re looking to maximise value, spring mattresses typically offer the more affordable option. You can find quality spring mattresses across a wide range of price points, including some very budget-friendly choices that still provide good support and comfort.

The simpler construction and long history of manufacturing these mattresses help keep costs reasonable. Plus, their durability means you might not need to replace them as frequently.

Pillow Top: The Comfort Investment

Pillow top mattresses generally cost more than comparable spring models. The additional materials, more complex construction, and enhanced comfort features all contribute to a higher price tag.

For many sleepers, however, the extra expense is completely worth it for the plush comfort these mattresses provide. If you have specific comfort needs or pressure point issues, investing in a quality pillow top could pay dividends in better sleep and fewer aches and pains.

Making Your Final Decision: Practical Tips

Still on the fence? Here are some practical considerations to help you decide:

Try before you buy whenever possible. Mattress comfort is incredibly personal, and what feels heavenly to one person might feel like torture to another.
Consider your partner’s preferences, too. If you share your bed, finding a compromise that works for both of you is essential for shared sleep happiness.
Think about your future needs. Our bodies change over time. If you’ve recently lost or gained weight, or if you’re dealing with new health concerns, consider how these might affect your mattress needs in the coming years.
Don’t forget temperature preferences. Spring mattresses typically sleep cooler than pillow tops because there’s more airflow through the coil system and less material to trap heat.

The Bottom Line: Your Perfect Sleep Partner

At the end of the day, the “best” mattress isn’t universal—it’s the one that gives YOU your best night’s sleep. Whether that’s the plush embrace of a pillow top or the supportive bounce of a spring mattress depends entirely on your unique body, sleep style, and comfort preferences.

Remember that investing in quality sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health and well-being. The right mattress isn’t just about comfort—it’s about better health, improved mood, and more energy to enjoy your waking hours.

So, take your time, do your research, and trust your body’s feedback when testing different options. Your perfect sleep match is out there waiting for you!

Sleep well, friends!