NEWS

What’s the Impact of Hotel Pillows on Health and Wellbeing?

78% of well-rested guests say they’re more likely to return to a hotel. [1]

Therefore, giving your guests a restful night’s sleep by using the right pillows can be a great way to improve your establishment’s reputation.

From how they affect sleep quality to the different types available, in this article, you’ll learn what to consider when giving your guests a place to lay their heads so you can offer them a restorative night’s sleep.

How Pillows Affect Your Guests’ Sleep Quality

They Support Better Sleep Comfort and Quality

Up to 50% of people report poor sleep quality due to finding their pillows uncomfortable or unsupportive. [2] In fact, improving the support one gives the sleeper has been shown to measurably improve their sleep satisfaction. [3]  

For your hotel, you could look at creating a menu with several options for your guests. This would allow everyone to choose the headrest option they’re most likely to sleep comfortably with.

Your pillow menu could include the standard options of soft to firm but also hypoallergenic and cooling alternatives. For example, in a study of 620 people, sleep quality rose from an average of 2.6 out of five to 3.7 out of five when using a cooling option [4] – demonstrating how important it is not to overlook these newer types.

They Reduce Insomnia and Waking Frequency

A recent study found that 30 out of 32 people suffering from insomnia found improvements in their sleep when using cooling pads. [4] Offering more pillow options could be a way for your hotel to be more inclusive while occupying niches few others consider.

They Support the Spine and Posture

Using a more supportive pillow can help to keep the sleeper’s spine in its natural curved position, which can help to reduce any neck pain and stiffness. [3] 

The best for those with back pain and stiffness are memory foam pillows. These follow the natural shape of the head and neck and distribute pressure evenly. [2] 

By offering these types, you can help your guests to reduce their muscle and joint strain, making the sleep experience you can offer one they’ll want to return to.

Impact on Allergies and Respiratory Health

Dust mites thrive in cushions and are often the cause of sneezing, runny noses, and other symptoms that lead to a dreadful night’s sleep. 

So, offering hypoallergenic options is a great way for your establishment to offer respite to your guests who suffer from allergies.

At Star Linen UK, we offer anti-allergy options that incorporate micro-down filling as an alternative to soft down. They get rid of the potential allergy flare-ups while providing a similar level of comfort – don’t be surprised if those with allergies ask what pillows you use!

How can pillows support mental health and stress relief?

There’s no doubt that being comfortable makes us feel relaxed, but science shows that the right pillows can actually improve a person’s mental health. By giving your guests the right options, you create a safe haven for them to retreat to.

Here’s how:

1. They Increase Deep Sleep

Deep sleep (also called slow-wave sleep) is proven to be essential for keeping your brain functioning as it should and maintaining emotional balance.

Studies show that body pillows can increase the time spent in slow-wave sleep. They make this possible by making the sleeper more comfortable in bed and keeping them in a supportive position. All of this combined leads to a higher quality of rest. [5]

2. They Support Sleep Consistency

When it comes to pillows, consistency is key. 

Using the right one for your sleeping position and body and the same one night after night is shown to keep your sleeping position consistent. This consistency is shown to reduce tossing and turning throughout the night, ultimately meaning any sleep you get is more restful. [5]

For your hotel, this means you could even sell the pillow options you offer. This gives you a way to make more money, keep your guests happy and measure how popular your pillow choices are.

Choosing the Right Pillow for Different Sleep Positions

Everyone sleeps differently, and how a person sleeps dictates what their ideal pillow type is. This means that what one of your guests finds is the most comfortable pillow they’ve ever slept on could cause another guest neck pain. 

By offering the following pillow options suitable for side, back, and stomach sleepers, your accommodation can give everyone a restful night’s sleep:

• Back Sleepers

  Medium-firm pillows are brilliant for back sleepers. They provide the right neck support and keep the sleeper’s spine in the correct position. 
  
  Our range includes supportive options that help back sleepers find the right position to get a comfortable night’s sleep.
  
  

• Side Sleepers

  For side sleepers, a firmer pillow that keeps the spine horizontal is the most comfortable choice.
  
  At Star Linen UK, we offer several options that will help side sleepers to reduce their morning stiffness and discomfort.
  
  

• Stomach Sleepers

  For stomach sleepers, a thin, soft pillow is best to avoid any morning neck pain. 
  
  Our selection includes softer options designed for this purpose, allowing your establishment to accommodate every guest’s preference.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Pillow Options

Up to 76% of travellers now look for environmentally-conscious accommodations. [6] This means your establishment can attract even more guests by offering sustainable choices where possible.

Here are some of the most sustainable material options for pillows:

1. Recycled Plastic

Our recycled plastic pillows offer a sustainable, eco-friendly solution crafted from recycled plastic bottles to deliver comfort in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.

These pillows are durable, easy to maintain and help divert plastic from landfills. All of this makes them ideal for establishments that want to prioritise eco-conscious guest experiences while keeping their guests comfortable.

2. Natural Latex

Natural latex is biodegradable and durable, so many sustainability-conscious hotels offer latex pillows.

If you’re interested in a latex pillow, look for those certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) – this certification guarantees eco-friendly production.


3. Organic Cotton

Organic cotton options are renewable and hypoallergenic, making them a great eco-friendly choice for allergy-prone guests. They’re ideal if you’re seeking sustainability without compromising comfort.

Ready to offer your guests the perfect pillows?

Explore our extensive pillow range, crafted for comfort, quality, and sustainability. 

Find the perfect options to meet the diverse needs of your guests and create a sumptuous stay they’ll never want to leave.

FIND YOUR PILLOW

1. Lodging Magazine, 2023. Quality of sleep is critical to guest experience, J.D. Power finds. Available at: https://lodgingmagazine.com/quality-of-sleep-is-critical-to-guest-experience-j-d-power-finds/ [Accessed 23 October 2024].

2. Gordon, S.J. and Grimmer-Somers, K., 2011. Your pillow may not guarantee a good night’s sleep or symptom-free waking. Physiotherapy Canada, 63(2), pp.183-190. doi: 10.3138/ptc.2010-13.

3. Clearwater Chiropractic, 2023. Pillow’s role during sleep. Available at: https://clearwaterchiropractic.net/pillows-role-during-sleep/ [Accessed 23 October 2024].

4. Damien Testa, David Stoikovitch, 0083 A Thermoregulated Pillow Improves Sleep: Results from Real-Life Data, Sleep, Volume 45, Issue Supplement_1, June 2022, Pages A37–A38, https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsac079.081

5. Jun, D., 2015. Effect of different pillow types on sleep quality. Sleep Medicine Research, 6(2), pp.73-78. Available at: https://www.sleepmedres.org/journal/view.php?number=174&viewtype=pubreader [Accessed 23 October 2024].

6. Oxwash, 2023. Ranking on sustainability and why it matters. Available at: https://www.oxwash.com/blog/ranking-on-sustainability-and-why-it-matters [Accessed 23 October 2024].