PILLOW & COVERS

PILLOWS

Hotels want to provide each guest with the proper amenities to ensure maximum satisfaction. A well-slept guest is usually a satisfied guest, so it would make business sense to satisfy each pillow preference.

In the majority of hotels, you’ll typically find three different types of pillows (two in budget locations):

• Goose (or duck) down

• Feather/down blend

• Down alternative

Let’s look at these 3 major types, and the variants of each that might be provided.

• Goose down

In finer hotels, it will be common to find goose down pillows (or duck down). These are provided as the crowd-pleasing option, and are usually available in medium and firm densities.

• Feather and down blend

Pillows that contain a blend of (goose or duck) feather and down fill are provided for various reasons. Some variants are provided as a cheaper alternative to all-down pillows. Others are provided as a firm pillow option, and some are there for sitting purposes (the picture below is of a type of “Chamber” pillow)

50/50 – As the name would imply, these pillows contain a blend of 50% down, and 50% feather. They combine the softness of down, with the support of feathers. They are usually provided in place of all-down pillows.

Chamber – This is the type of pillow shown in the picture above. Chamber pillows are commonly filled with 15% down, and 85% feather. They are a loftier alternative to firm down pillows. Chamber pillows contain “chambers” filled with alternating fill materials; hence the “chamber” description.

For those that prefer a firm pillow, especially for larger guests, chamber pillows are very popular.

5/95 – This variant contains a blend of 5% down, and 95% feather. They are very firm, and are an excellent pillow for sitting in bed. They are also suitable for those that prefer a very firm pillow.

• Down alternative

Finally, for those with allergy concerns, down alternative pillows are provided as well. You will usually find medium and firm density down alternative pillows in the linen closet.

Depending on the hotel in question, you will find a range of quality, ranging from plain to blown-polyester options.

PILLOW COVERS

• Cotton

One of the most popular pillowcase materials is cotton. It’s cool and absorbent to sleep on, comes in various thread counts, and is easy to wash. Although the most frequently used material for pillowcases, there are some downsides to having a cotton pillowcase. Some downsides include the material bunching up easily and leaving non-permanent crease marks on your face.

• Nylon

Another common pillowcase fabric, nylon is typically made to look like silk. It’s easy to launder and it dries fast, but the material isn’t absorbent and can cause your face to sweat.

• Linen

Linen is a high quality, natural flax product that is no longer produced in quantity. With a unique feel to it, linen is lightweight and breathable, making it the ideal fabric for bedding for the hot summer months.

• Satin

A more luxurious pillowcase material, satin is smooth and kind to your skin. If you are looking for ways to improve not only your skin but also your hair, taking advantage of a satin pillowcase will help you achieve softer, smoother skin and hair. Satin is also known for helping prevent wrinkles!

• Silk

A natural fabric, silk offers similar beauty benefits as satin does but is more delicate and must be hand washed. Unlike other pillowcase materials, silk is sold by weight and depending on the type of silk, this can become expensive.