Pillow Talk: What choice is right for my room?

The preferred firmness and shape of a pillow will often come down to the individual and their body type. However, finding a pillow that ticks your guests’ boxes is a quest that is worth the effort. That’s because pillows can make or break a sleep – and broken sleep can equate to bad reviews.

A good quality pillow supports the head and neck, regulates the temperature of these exposed parts, and keeps the spine in alignment. Finding a pillow that does all this for all people is not easy. That’s why many accommodation providers have a range of options, some even offering a ‘pillow menu’.

A good quality, moderately firm pillow should be comfortable and satisfactory for most people. Having two for each head is good practice, as most adults tend to combine a softer and a firmer pillow for a good night’s sleep, or prefer one over the other.

So, what should you look for when choosing the best pillow for your rooms?

Gaining goodwill

The right choice in today’s world is always going to be one that is gentle on the earth. Luckily, modern products that are sustainable are often also of amazing quality. The DreamGreen range is a great example of this. The range includes many different levels of loft and firmness, with up to 28 bottles recycled into every pillow. The plastic is sterilised and reduced to a raw state, then spun into a yarn. This yarn is used to make a premium quality hypoallergenic microfibre. This is the fill of the pillows, which are then covered with durable and breathable japara cotton. Pre-crimped to avoid breaking apart within the pillow, the fill is long-lasting and beautifully soft.

The Dream 900 Pillow is New Zealand’s #1 Most Loved Hotel Pillow. See below all of its great benefits.

If you are looking for a more luxurious pillow, the DreamGreen Super King Lodge pillow provides a high level of luxurious loftiness apt for 5-star lodges and hotel.

Firmness and filling

With multiple pillows of different firmness available to guests, most should find the right comfort for their personal preferences. The filling can play a role in this, as some fill is denser and less giving than others. The two main types of fill are down and synthetic fill (such as the microfibre used for the Dream range). Down is generally considered a more luxurious fill, but it can cause problems for those with allergies (more on below) and those who prefer a more supportive pillow. It can also hold in heat, making it a less comfortable option in the summer months.

While memory foam is a common choice for home use it doesn’t work as well in a hotel or lodge situation. As the name suggests, memory foam molds around a sleeper’s head and neck. This is more specialised which is only ideal for a smaller selection of sleepers.

When it comes to covers, a breathable 100% cotton cover is the best option as it is both soft and maintains an even temperature. It will also last longer without pilling, which can be a problem with fabrics such as microfibre. Some accommodation providers will cover pillows with a protector, similar to a mattress protector, which will prolong the life of the product by preventing damage to the pillow itself.

Avoiding allergens

Some accommodation providers prefer the lush feel that comes with a duck and/or goose-down pillow. Although seen as very luxurious, it can cause problems for guests who suffer from allergies. Sometimes allergy-friendly products will be overlooked in favour of what is seen as a more premium quality product, but many pillows have the same feel and are also hypoallergenic. Providing a hypoallergenic pillow ensures any guests with allergies will be more satisfied with their stay. These pillows will use a synthetic alternative that stays put in the pillow, often with an additional protector cover to prevent any fibres from making their way into the room.

For some guests, anti-allergy bedding might be the difference between a peaceful night’s sleep and one that keeps them up all night. So it is definitely a consideration to make when looking at pillow choices and other bedding, such as quilts and mattress protectors.

If you still have questions, our helpful team is always ready to talk through what pillow is best for your accommodation. Give us a call on 0800 836 335 or send an email to [email protected].