We have had this set for a week. They are higher than the ones we had so with that said if you are shorter than 5'4" you will need to get some steps. I have seriously thought about some, due to health reason there is some nights its very hard to pull myself up. My husband even made a comment about needing a ladder..LOL. He is 5'9". The mattress does have a pillow top, its medium soft. We had to get use to the firmest ( not to firm, has a great pillow top) considering we had our old mattress set for 9 1/2 years. But it so nice not to feel my husband's every move. I seen reviews concerning the smell on some mattress, so after the delivery I actually smelt ours, it does have a little odor but Nothing to cause a problem, plus we have a mattress cover on it, which probably helps too. WE are very happy with this set. I think you would be too.