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Hotel bedding is synonymous with luxury. Since hotels need to accommodate a wide range of needs, preferences, and sleep positions, it should come as no surprise that most hotel pillows are as versatile as they are durable.
The quintessential hotel pillow has mid-range firmness and loft, is allergy-friendly, and resists wear and tear. However, variations on this gold standard are also available to fit different sleep styles. One thing that remains consistent across virtually all hotel pillows is their luxurious feel, which balances plushness and support.
Since hotel pillows are typically both comfortable and long-lasting, they can be an excellent choice for in-home use. Read on to learn more about how hotel pillows are constructed, where to buy them, and how to compare them.
Best Overall
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on the Brooklinen pillows
Thanks to three firmness levels, most sleepers can find a Brooklinen Down Pillow that meets their needs and preferences.
The three firmness options are labeled as Plush, Mid-Plush, and Firm, which correspond to soft, medium, and firm respectively. Stomach sleepers can use the Plush option to add softness without a lot of loft. Side sleepers may prefer the extra support of the Firm pillow. Combination sleepers and those looking for a more versatile option might favor the Mid-Plush option.
Each firmness also has a distinct build. The Plush pillow is filled exclusively with down clusters for a fluffier feel. The Mid-Plush and the Firm use a dual-core design with supportive feathers in the center and soft down clusters in the outer layer. A higher ratio of feathers to down gives the Firm option its extra support. Each pillow is encased in a cotton sateen shell that feels soft-to-the-touch while preventing the feathers from escaping.
The pillows are treated with antimicrobial additives to reduce odors and keep them fresh. The Brooklinen Down Pillow can also be freshened up by using a dryer on the air fluff/no heat setting or leaving it outside on a dry day. Dry cleaning is also possible, but it may shorten the life of the pillow.
Standard and king sizes are available. Customers who aren’t satisfied with their Brooklinen Down Pillow can get a full refund of the purchase price through the company’s 365-day return policy.
Best Value
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on the FluffCo pillows
A common complaint about down and feather pillows is lack of support due to excessive softness. The FluffCo Down & Feather Pillow remedies this issue with a chambered design. The inner chamber is filled with white duck feathers, which are a bit firmer than down and provide better reinforcement for your head and neck. The outer chamber contains plush 600 fill power white duck down. The result is a pillow that feels quite soft but shouldn’t sink too much.
FluffCo offers two firmness options for the pillow. The firm, higher-loft option contains more fill and is best suited to back sleepers who need to keep their heads upright, including people who snore. The soft option has a shorter profile and lower loft, making it a good option for stomach sleepers.
The pillow has received certification from the Responsible Down Standard, ensuring the down and feathers are collected without harming or abusing any animals. The cover is made from a blend of cotton and Tencel, two highly breathable materials that help the pillow resist the buildup of body heat. The edges of the pillow are double-stitched to preserve its lifespan and prevent fill from escaping.
Given its premium materials and high-quality construction, the Down & Feather Pillow is very reasonably priced. FluffCo also offers free shipping anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. You can return the pillow up to 30 days after purchasing and receive a full refund.
Most Comfortable
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on the Pacific Coast pillows
Hotels around the world use the Pacific Coast Hotel Touch of Down Pillow because of its medium feel that combines support and softness.
A pillow-in-a-pillow design gives the Touch of Down Pillow its distinct feel. Resilia feathers within the pillow core provide support and springiness, while an outer layer of 550 fill power of Hyperclean down adds a cloud-like feel. The down and feathers are washed up to eight times to remove dirt and potential allergens. A 230-thread count cotton cover is soft and breathable while keeping the feathers from poking out.
The Touch of Down Pillow comes in two size options: super standard and king. At full loft, it measures about 4 inches thick, but it compresses to 1.5 to 2 inches.It can be machine washed and dried to keep it fresh and clean.
This pillow ships for free within the contiguous U.S. A comfort guarantee allows customers to return the pillow within 30 nights for a full refund if they are not satisfied. The customer pays shipping and handling. A three-year limited warranty protects against certain defects.
Best Cooling
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on the Queen Anne Pillow Company pillows
Because of its breathable design, the Queen Anne Pillow Company The Duke Recovery Pillow resists body heat buildup to keep the sleeper cooler and more comfortable.
The Duke Recovery Pillow is designed for those with an active lifestyle and is intended to act as a post-workout pillow, but any sleepers may benefit from the pillow’s supportive, cool feel.
Spun polyester fill gives support and softness while promoting air circulation. The fill is composed of Queen Anne Pillow Company’s proprietary 7 Denier Synthetic Spun Fiber, which is built to stand up to repeated washing and fluffing. A 300-thread count sateen striped cotton shell encases the fill, while purple piping and turned up edges give the pillow its distinct look.
This pillow comes in three firmness options, which include soft, medium, and firm. The soft can accommodate stomach sleepers, the medium may be good for combination and back sleepers, and the firm can support side sleepers. Three sizes are also available: standard, queen, and king.
The Duke Recovery Pillow is hypoallergenic. It can be washed in a machine in cold water on the “delicates” cycle. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. for orders over $99. If the customer isn’t satisfied, they can return or exchange their pillow during the first 30 days. The customer pays return shipping fees. A one-year warranty covers common defects in manufacturing and materials.
Best Down
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on the Continental Bedding pillows
While many pillows contain some goose down for added cushioning, the Continental Bedding 100% Premium White Goose Down Luxury Pillow fill is made up of exclusively 550 fill power white goose down. This gives it an exceptionally plush feel.
The goose down fill is encased in a 400-thread count cotton shell, which is smooth and breathable. Continental Bedding also claims its goose down is hypoallergenic, so it may be appropriate for people with down allergies.
This pillow comes in a Plush and a Regular firmness/density. The Plush is equivalent to a soft feel, which should be appropriate for stomach sleepers. Side sleepers are likely to prefer the extra support of the Regular, which is more comparable to a firm feel.
The zippered cover can be removed and washed to keep the surface clean. The pillow itself can also be freshened up by shaking it out, hanging it out in the fresh air, and/or putting it in the dryer on low heat. Standard, queen, and king sizes are available. Continental Bedding also sells this pillow in sets of two, which can save customers money over buying two pillows separately.
Customers can take advantage of a 30-day return window if they decide the pillow isn’t right for them. They can also exchange their pillow for up to 90 days. The customer pays shipping charges.
Best Down Alternative
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on the Riley Home pillows
The RiLEY Home Down Alternative Pillow is a high-quality down alternative pillow constructed for a fluffy yet supportive feel.
Hypoallergenic microfiber fill mimics the feel of natural down while allowing cooling airflow to limit heat buildup. A breathable cotton percale shell holds the fill, and a removable zippered cotton sateen cover with navy piping wraps around the outside. This cover is machine washable for easy cleaning, but the pillow itself can also be washed in a front-loading commercial washer with cold water and mild detergent.
The RiLEY Home Down Alternative Pillow comes in two firmness options: Plush and Firm. The Plush option could be classified as soft, making it well suited to back and stomach sleepers who need some cushioning without too much support. Side sleepers may prefer the extra loft and gentle cradling of the Firm option.
A 5-year limited warranty protects the RiLEY Home Down Alternative Pillow. New and gently used pillows are eligible for a 100-day return policy. Shipping and returns are free within the contiguous U.S.
“Universal comfort” or “for all sleep positions” are common buzzwords for hotel pillows. This typically means that the pillow has a mid-range firmness and loft, so it can accommodate most body types and position preferences. While these pillows may be comfortable for most individuals, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll feel ideal to you.
Paying attention to specific criteria is the most effective way to judge whether a pillow will meet your unique needs and preferences.
Size: Shoppers often select a pillow size that corresponds to their mattress size for a tidy look and convenient fit. However, some individuals may choose a smaller or larger option based on their personal preferences.
Loft: Pillow loft affects how far the pillow lifts the head. For ideal spinal alignment, stomach sleepers usually need a low-loft pillow or no pillow, back sleepers typically require a medium-loft option, and side sleepers generally need a medium- or high-loft pillow. However, these general guidelines can also be affected by firmness. For instance, a soft high-loft pillow may not support the head and neck any more than a firm low-loft option.
Since hotel pillows are typically designed to accommodate as many sleepers as possible, they often have a medium loft.
Shape: Pillows vary in shape based on their intended use. There are u-shaped pillows for travel, wedge-shaped pillows to elevate the head or legs, curved pillows for back support, and so many more options. Hotel pillows are designed for use in bed, so they tend to have the standard rectangular shape.
Weight: The sleeper’s weight often affects how firm of a pillow they need. Heavier individuals often rely on a firmer pillow for support, while lighter people may prefer a softer pillow for more cushioning. Weight also affects how firm a pillow feels, so a firm pillow may feel soft or medium to someone who weighs more, and a soft pillow could feel medium or firm to someone who weighs less.
Firmness Level: A pillow’s firmness influences its supportiveness and plushness. Softer pillows may be ideal for stomach sleepers who don’t need much support, while firmer options are typically better for side sleepers who need to keep their necks aligned. Most standard hotel pillows have a medium to firm feel, but some manufacturers also produce soft hotel-style pillows.
Fill: The fill of a pillow is responsible for its pressure relief, support, and overall comfort. Hotel pillow fill varies, with some using real feathers and/or down and others using polyester or microfiber down alternative. Any type of high-quality material can make a pillow feel luxurious and supportive. While down and feathers often have a stronger association with luxury, they may not be ideal for some allergy sufferers or people concerned with animal welfare. Down alternative pillows are often more affordable and easier to clean.
Cover Material: Most hotel pillows use cotton covers in either a percale or a sateen weave. Cotton is popular for its smooth feel and breathability. Some hotel pillows may use lyocell, polyester, rayon, and/or other materials in their covers, all of which can be comfortable depending on their quality and composition.
Pressure Relief: Hotel pillows are often built for pressure relief, balancing conforming and support to spread out the weight of the head and neck while promoting proper spinal alignment.
Price: Pillow prices vary dramatically, starting at less than $10 and reaching upwards of $1,000. Hotel pillows usually fall closer to the middle of the range, averaging between $60 and $150.
Temperature Regulation: Most hotel pillows use breathable materials so that they do not retain excessive heat during the night. Down alternative models typically allow the most cooling airflow thanks to their breathable fill. Selecting a pillow with strong temperature regulation may be especially important for those who tend to sleep hot.
Hotel pillows are popular for a reason. They’re typically suitable for sleepers of different body types and position preferences. However, there are a few potential drawbacks. For many shoppers, the most significant downside may be the price, which is usually higher than standard pillow models on the market.
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Pillow size options vary between manufacturers, but standard, queen, and king sizes are typically most common.
Standard: Standard size pillows usually measure around 20 inches by 26 inches. This size is commonly used with twin and standard size mattresses, and it can fit into a standard or queen pillowcase.
Super Standard: Super standard pillows are less common than other sizes, measuring 20 by 28 inches. This slightly longer pillow may be a good option for those who do not want to leave much of a gap between the end of the pillow and the edge of the bed. They are especially popular for twin size beds, including bunk beds. Most standard and queen size pillowcases should accommodate them.
Queen: Queen size pillows typically measure approximately 20 inches by 30 inches. This extra length better fills the head end of a queen size bed and provides more room for the sleeper to move around and change position. Most queen size pillows should fit into either a standard or a queen pillowcase.
King: Most king size pillows measure 20 inches by 36 inches, making them the largest standard bed pillow size. This pillow size typically makes a king size bed look more polished, but it may also be beneficial for sleepers with broader shoulders.
Specialty: In addition to standard pillow options, there is a wide range of specialty shapes and sizes. While these are seldom labeled “hotel pillows,” they may provide the same luxurious feel customers want from a hotel pillow. Other common pillow types include body pillows, travel pillows, wedge pillows, and neckroll pillows.
What kind of pillows do hotels use?
Hotels use different types of pillows depending on their goals and budgets. While there is no universal hotel standard, most hotel pillows contain down and/or feathers or a down alternative. Most hotel pillows have a mid-range loft and firmness so that guests can enjoy some support and cushioning regardless of their body type and sleep position.
How much do hotel pillows cost?
Hotel pillows typically cost between $60 and $150, but you can also find lower- and higher-priced options.
How do I clean a hotel pillow?
Always clean your hotel pillow according to the manufacturer’s care instructions. If the manufacturer did not provide care instructions, contact them for more information. Following the best care standards for your pillow can help extend its lifespan. Some pillows are machine washable, and others can be dry cleaned.
Where can I buy a hotel pillow?
Hotel pillows are sold through manufacturer websites, department stores, housewares stores, and hotel chains.
How long do hotel pillows last?
Most pillows last for one to two years but hotel pillows tend to be more durable, typically lasting around two to three years.
Are hotel pillows adjustable?
Hotel pillows are not traditionally adjustable, but you may find some adjustable models labeled as “hotel pillows.”
Do hotel pillows have an odor?
A pillow’s odor will depend on its materials. Down and feather pillows are typically more likely to have an odor than down alternative options. However, the manufacturer may provide instructions on how to clean the pillow to reduce odors.
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