When it comes to ensuring an enjoyable and comfortable stay for your Airbnb guests, providing them with a perfect place to have a good night's rest is paramount. That means you must invest in a good mattress, quality bedding, soft sheets, and comfortable pillows to give your guests a cozy sleep experience.
While pillows may seem trivial, these essential items are necessary for elevating your guest experience. But with so many available options, how do you choose the best pillows for your Airbnb? In this blog post, we'll share some tips to help you make an informed choice when purchasing the best pillows for your Airbnb guests.
Best Pillows for Airbnb: Things to Consider When Choosing These Items
Choosing the right pillows for your Airbnb can significantly affect how well your guests will sleep and how likely they are to wake up free of aches and pains. And while you can't predict what kind of pillow each of your guests will prefer, you can make up your bed with a versatile combination of pillows likely to please most people.
Investing in high-quality pillows that offer the perfect balance of softness and support will create the ideal sleep experience for your guests. They are sure to appreciate that you prioritize their comfort, which can lead to excellent reviews and repeat bookings that will help you become a successful host.
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There's a lot to consider when shopping for pillows for your vacation rental since so many options are available. Here's what you should keep in mind.
Type of fill
Pillows can be filled with various materials; each type has benefits and drawbacks. Remember that it's the most important factor to consider since it impacts a pillow's comfort and support.
Memory foam pillows conform to the shape of the head and neck, offering support and pressure relief, but they are less breathable than pillows made of other materials. They can also come with a chemical smell.
Down pillows are made from the fine fluff that covers ducks or geese. They offer a soft, luxurious feel that many guests love, but they are more expensive and require more upkeep than pillows stuffed with other materials.
Feather pillows are filled with the outer plumage of ducks and geese, so they are firmer and offer more support than down pillows. Many pillows are filled with a mix of down and feather, offering many of the same benefits as down pillows at a lower price point.
Down alternative pillows are filled with a synthetic fiber (usually polyester) designed to mimic the soft airiness and warmth of bird down. They are generally more affordable and easy to clean but can flatten or lose shape faster than pillows with natural fillings.
Latex pillows are known for their responsive contouring and share pressure-relieving properties with memory foam pillows, but they can be costly. They are also breathable, durable, and resistant to mold and dust mites.
Durability and ease of cleaning
Look for pillows that can withstand frequent use and are easy to clean. Keep in mind that frequently washing pillows can reduce their lifespan. So it's better to choose pillows with machine-washable covers and protectors or those that can be spot-cleaned—such pillows are ideal for short-term rentals.
Pillow protectors provide a barrier against sweat, oils, dust mites, and allergens and can be washed regularly. This way, you can maintain a fresh and hygienic sleeping environment for your Airbnb guests without the hassle of constantly washing the pillows themselves.
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Allergies
Some guests may have allergies, so avoiding pillows with down, feathers and latex filling is better. Instead, you should choose hypoallergenic or allergen-resistant pillows, such as down alternative pillows. It also makes sense to look for pillows that have undergone an antimicrobial treatment to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
At least you should keep one or two hypoallergenic pillows. Ask your guests about allergens in your welcome message, and then make the bed accordingly as you prepare your property before check-in.
Guest messaging is one of the most time-consuming aspects of hosting, so a smart approach is to automate communication with your guests using vacation rental software like Hospitable. You can schedule your messages before and after specific stages of the guest's stay or days of the week and be confident they will receive the information they need at the right time.
Have conversations with your guests even when you sleep
You can also include information about where hypoallergenic pillows are stored in your printed Airbnb house manual or digital welcome book. Then, your guests can use the hypoallergenic pillows if they prefer.
Price
Pillows come in various prices (the price depends on pillow type, material, and brand), and simply buying the cheapest option isn't a good idea. You should look for pillows that offer good value for money and invest in higher-quality pillows that are durable and comfortable. This can lead to higher guest satisfaction and fewer replacements over time.
Some of the Best Pillows for Airbnb
As you see, selecting the best pillows for your Airbnb is about balancing practicality, comfort, and support. However, one of the tricky parts about choosing the best pillows for Airbnb is that each person has individual needs and requirements.
Since sleep preferences differ from guest to guest, consider offering various pillow options if your budget allows. Experts recommend providing four sleeping pillows—2 large and soft and 2 firm ones so guests can have options to customize their stay with their preferences.
Here are some high-quality pillows you can buy on Amazon. They can be good options for Airbnb hosts and help ensure your guests have a comfortable and restful sleep.
Amazon Basics Down Alternative Bed Pillows
These bed pillows are filled with a down alternative fiber fill and come in two firmness options: medium and soft. They are comfortable and supportive, offering a good balance of firmness and plushness. The microfiber cover is soft and breathable, and the pillows are easy to clean—you can wash them in a home washer. Since the pillows are also hypoallergenic, they suit guests with allergies.
Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
This popular pillow is filled with shredded memory foam that can be added or removed to adjust the loft and firmness. Guests can customize it to achieve just the right balance between support and comfort. This pillow is a good option for side, back, and stomach sleepers. It's hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant and comes with a machine-washable cover made from Lulltra fabric.
Casper Sleep Original Pillow for Sleeping, Standard
This breathable pillow has a polyester microfiber fill that mimics the softness of down. It features an innovative pillow-in-pillow design, providing both comfort and support. The pillow is machine-washable and resistant to clumping, meaning it can bounce back with just a quick fluff.
Final Thought
Creating a memorable guest experience at your Airbnb starts with providing a comfortable sleeping environment. Investing in high-quality pillows will enhance your guests' satisfaction and increase your chances of 5-star reviews that can help you get more bookings. Hopefully, our guide will help you decide which pillows are best for your Airbnb and can give your guests a good night's sleep.
