How and When to Purchase New Pillows

Here’s a simple test you can perform to see if you need a new pillow: fold your pillow in half.

Did it bounce back into place? No? Then it’s time to buy a new pillow.

You can also check the pillow’s density. Density refers to the degree of softness or firmness in the pillow, depending on the type and amount of fill. If the fill inside the pillow is lumpy or bumpy, it could be time for a change.

Pillow Choices:

Natural

Natural filling makes for the longest lasting pillow because it is the most resilient and durable. Natural fillings include goose or duck down, feather or down/feather combinations.

The more down used, the softer the pillow, and the more feathers used, the firmer the pillow.

Synthetic

Synthetic filling — including polyester, microfiber, Microloft gel and many others — provide density, softness and firmness, depending on the amount of fill used.  These pillows are also hypoallergenic and odorless, and are able to be washed and dried.

Other types of pillows combine hypoallergenic slick polyester exterior around an inner chamber of sterilized natural feathers, providing support and a down-like feel.  If you are looking for a soft pillow but sometimes would like a little firmer, consider switching to the new Pillow by Design.

This is a customizable sleeping pillow that feels and sleeps like down. It includes a smaller removable/interchangeable down alternative pillow insert accessed through its unique zippered inner pocket design

The density of a synthetic fiberfill depends on the amount and type of fiberfill used in the pillow. Synthetic fiberfill pillows or polyurethane foam are hypoallergenic, which make them a good choice for people with an allergy to down or feathers.

Natural feather and down pillows will last the longest, but polyurethane foam has a long life span as well. In synthetics, silicone treated polyester or fiberfill pillows are more resilient, durable and most important, machine washable than non-treated polyester fibers. If you would like your pillow to last longer, fluff it up each time the bed is made. Throwing your pillows in the dryer for 20 minutes will also freshen and fluff them up.

Sizes of Pillows

Pillows come in standard, jumbo, queen, king and Euro sizes and slumber. A standard pillowcase will fit standard and jumbo size pillows. Queen and king pillows will require a queen and king pillowcases. Euro pillows are used for decorative display as well as for support when sitting upright in bed.

Euro pillowcases and Euro Shams are available for Euro pillows. Slumber pillows are also available with both down and Microfiber fill. Pillowcases are offered for these pillows. Sleeping pillows should be chosen for the amount of support that you require, how you sleep and how weight is distributed between your shoulders, head and neck.

Choosing the correct pillow

Soft (Stomach Sleepers)

If you sleep on your stomach, a soft pillow provides the right amount of cushioning between your head and mattress. Down and lightly filled polyester make the softest pillows.

Medium (Back Sleepers)

If you sleep on your back, a medium/firm pillow is the best choice for a good night’s sleep. An approximate mix of 50% down/50% feathers or medium filled branded polyester provides medium density

Firm (Side Sleepers)

If you sleep on your side, you need the support of a firm or extra firm pillow. Pillows overfilled with either feathers or polyester are the firmest.

When we sleep, we sweat and shed skin skills. All of this attracts bacteria, mold, mites and other pests, which is why it’s important to wash and dry your pillow on a regular basis. And no matter how often you wash, most manufacturers recommend replacing your pillow every three years.

No matter what type of pillow you choose, use a removable pillow protector to keep the pillow clean. The protector should be washed and dried as often as possible, even if you’re using a pillowcase.

All cotton feather and down pillow protectors should be used for feather and down pillows. This will keep the feathers or down from poking thru the fabric. Most down or feather-and-down pillows must be dry cleaned.

As an innkeeper, you may want to change your pillows more often, as you’ll have guest after guest, all of them with different sleeping patterns, using the same pillow.

Please visit www.innstyle.com and/or call us at InnStyle 1-800-877-4667 and one of our knowledgeable sales reps would be very happy to guide you in the right choice of pillows for you or your Inn.