What’s On Your Pillow Menu?

A few years ago, I was at a conference for innkeepers, camped out at my booth showing some of InnStyle’s products.

A colleague of mine – a former innkeeper who had become an industry consultant – stopped by the booth to ask if I could give her some pillow samples to show during her seminar.

Of course I was happy to oblige, and to act as a sort of teacher to a few of her aspiring innkeeper “students” who wanted to learn about our pillows and other products.

It was a pleasure to meet these upcoming innkeepers, allow them to try out our products – by touching and even laying on the pillows – and to explain some of the choices they had when it came to buying new pillows.

And I learned something as well that day at the conference: My former innkeeper colleague suggested I create a pillow menu for our website.

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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.

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How to Choose the Right Pillow

The type of pillow we use to sleep on at night doesn’t necessarily seem like the most important thing in the world, does it?

But consider this: The vast majority of us spend a full one-third of our lives in bed, with our heads placed firmly on a pillow. And if you’re using a pillow that’s too hard, too soft, too firm, or too weak, both your neck and your spine will suffer as a result.

In the short term, a low-quality pillow will also lead to a less-than-ideal night’s sleep. That’s why choosing the right pillow—the best pillow—has always been such a difficult and even agonizing decision for innkeepers.

Naturally, the comfort of an innkeeper’s guests is always a top-of-mind concern. But whether you’re running a luxury hotel or your own small household, there are a few other pillow-specific considerations to bear in mind.

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Purchasing Pillows For Your Inn

Since there are so many choices out in the marketplace on pillows, innkeepers are always concerned about purchasing the correct and best pillows for their Inn. We usually can solve these concerns by speaking to them about their options and budgets and sending them samples to try. The truth is that everyone has different likes and dislikes when it comes to pillows. So we will always advise to have a few different styles of pillows in each room and extra styles/sizes on hand.

Size of Pillows

The size of bed pillows you choose will depend on the size of the bed and the preferences of your guests and how they sleep. In general, for a twin size bed, a standard pillow would be the correct size. For a queen bed two queens is a preference and for a king bed two king pillows would fit best on the bed. We always suggest having 2 pillows in the room for each guest. It would be best to have a soft (down-like) pillow and a medium firm pillow. It is always good to have available a few down pillows and a few firm pillows (in standard, queen & king) on hand for those guests who prefer “real down” or very firm pillows. Also, guests sleeping on a king bed may prefer a smaller pillow then a king. Having these extra pillows on hand in different fills and sizes is a thoughtful accommodation for your guests who will appreciate your consideration of their sleeping needs. On our site we have a pillow menu that may help with making pillow choices for your particular property. Guests appreciate it when they can have the pillow of their choice to ensure a good night’s sleep.

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The Beauty and Durability of Microfiber

Microfibers are used in a variety of fabrics, but most commonly in dress and blouse weight garments. They are very fine fibers, compared to more conventional forms − half the diameter of a fine silk fiber, one-third the diameter of cotton, one-quarter the diameter of fine wool, and one hundred times finer than human hair!

Although fine and lightweight, microfiber is anything but flimsy.

What is Microfiber?

In order to be classified “microfiber”, the fiber must be less than one denier. A denier is the weight, in grams, of a 9000-meter length of fiber or yarn. The higher the number − the thicker the fiber.

The many tiny fibers of microfiber are able to slide back and forth and maneuver around within the yarns of the fabric, allowing the fabric to flow and drape freely, yet still possess body and shape. Microfiber fabrics are generally lightweight, resilient or resistant to wrinkling and have a luxurious drape and body, retain shape and resist pilling. They are also relatively strong and durable in relation to other fabrics of similar weight.

How Microfibers are Manufactured

Man-made fibers are formed by forcing a liquid through tiny holes in a device, called a spinneret. In microfiber, the holes are finer than with conventional fibers. Potentially any man-made fiber can be made into a microfiber, but are most commonly found in polyester and nylon. Micros can be used alone, blended with conventional denier man-made fibers, or natural fibers such as cotton, wool and silk.

Benefits of Microfiber

Since these fine yarns can be packed tightly together, microfibers are especially useful in garments that require water repellency and wind resistance. Yet, the spaces between the yarns are porous enough to breathe and wick moisture away from the body. Microfibers seem less “clammy” to wear, and is the perfect choice for warm weather and athletic clothing.

Caring For Microfibers

Garments made of microfiber can usually be cared for similar to garments made of conventional fabrics. Fabrics made from regular polyester and nylon fibers can be machine-washed and tumble dried. Use of paper dryer sheets is not recommended because temporary spotting from the heat of the dryer may occur. Liquid fabric softener use is not a problem.

Viscose rayons perform best when dry-cleaned, however. As a general rule, fiber properties, not the fineness of the fiber, usually dictate recommended care. It is important that one follow the care instructions on a particular garment.

A few precautions should be observed when caring for microfibers. Because the fibers are so fine, heat penetrates the fabric more quickly than conventional fabric. As a result, glazing, melting or scorching can occur quickly. If pressing is necessary, use only a cool iron and do not leave the iron on the fabric too long.

As with any fine garments, avoid use of jagged jewelry that may cause pulls, snags or creates general abrasion.

The Future of Microfiber Garments

The strength of microfibers make them particularly adaptable to suede or sandwashed finishes, such as polyester and nylon, because of their extensive fiber surfaces and use of strong fibers. As such, suit jackets and bottom weights are becoming increasingly available in microfiber. Micros are becoming increasingly the fabric of choice in clothing such as lingerie, rainwear, outdoor fleeces, wind-resistant sportswear, track and jogging suits. Many microfibers simulate the appearance of sandwashed silk and are excellent for use in utility fabrics for use in tents and sleeping bags.

Microfiber garments are generally durable and provide long-lasting wear, despite their fine silk-like feel. Enjoy microfiber garments in your wardrobe!

Choosing Hospitality Pillows for Your Property

The focal point of any guest room is the bed. A huge part of the experience you provide for your guest is the sleep experience. Tired pillows will not contribute to a better way to stay.

When it comes to your guests, everything should revolve around a good night’s sleep.

Hospitality Down Pillow — Cambric Down Pillow

Give your guests all the comforts of home and more with high quality pillows! Some of the more popular types of pillows are down and down alternative. A popular down pillow offered at InnStyle is the Cambric Down Pillow, and a great down alternative pillow that InnStyle recommends is the InnStyle Primasera ™ Down Alternative Pillow.

What are the standard pillow sizes?

• Boudoir Pillows – 12×16 can be used as travel pillows or to accent the bed

• Standard Pillow – 20×26

• King Pillow – 26×36

• European Squares – 26×26 – also called Continental. These are large pillows used propped up against the headboard for support or just for their visual effect.

• Neck Rolls – or bolsters are tubular pillows designed to support the head and neck while resting. The shape makes a nice decorative accent. The sizes vary.

InnStyle offers a wide variety of pillows with the needs of rental properties, bed and breakfasts, hotels, inns, etc in mind. InnStyle has account managers who can help customers choose the pillows that will best fit their needs. Contact an InnStyle for more information. They can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.

Pillow Menu: Pillows for Property Managers

InnStyle is the source for pillows for your inn or hotel. They supply down, down alternative, microfiber, and gel pillows. Pillows are available in many sizes and shapes. If you do not see the pillow you prefer, contact us and let us find the correct one for your needs.

Hospitality Pillow — EnviroLoft Down Alternative Pillow

Give your guests all the comforts of home and more! Select from InnStyle’s pillow menu. Some of the more popular pillows at InnStyle include the InnStyle Primasera™ Pillow and the Enviroloft Down Alternative Pillow. Your guest pillows of choice can be waiting for them when they arrive at your property! If the guest likes the pillows they used in their room at your property, they can purchase them at your gift shop and take them home!

Contact InnStyle for more information on our pillow selections or call us at 1-800-877-4667 for pricing and options.