Are you providing the best Pillows for your Airbnb? Our Top 3 Picks!
What do old people, young people, skinny people, fat people, etc. all have in common? They all have different ideas about what a comfortable pillow should be. Here's how to find the best pillow for your guests.
Have you ever stayed at an Airbnb that used cheap, junky pillows? It can really make or break your stay, especially if you wake up with a kink in your neck. If you’re a host, you want to ensure you’re providing the best possible experience for your guests, including giving them comfortable pillows to sleep on.
But with so many options to choose from, what are the best pillows for Airbnb? Similar to choosing the best mattress for your Airbnb, you’ll want to consider a few factors before making your decision.
This article will discuss our top three picks and why they are perfect for short-term rentals with lots of turnovers. We’ll also give you tips on choosing the best pillows for your needs.
So, whether you’re just starting out with Airbnb or you’re looking to revamp your inventory, read on for the best pillow picks!
Remind Your Guests Why You Provide A 5-Star Experience
What To Consider When Buying Pillows For Your Airbnb
Years ago, I was doing some weed eating around my property. A simple task that should have gone without incident. However, as I was working around the deck area, with my eyes fixed on the ground, I walked with full force straight into an overhead beam – sublocation my C-T Joint in my neck, destroying the cartilage.
The pop that I heard sounded like a piece of hollow wood being snapped in half, and for the next two months, there would be an audible cracking sound when I attempted to rotate my head, like bubble wrap being crushed.
To this day, I’ve had a continuous sensation of pressure building up in that joint that can only be relieved by cracking/adjusting my neck every few minutes. As you can imagine, this makes it difficult to sleep at night.
I’ve tried many different types of pillows over the years in an attempt to find some relief – from memory foam to water pillows. And I’ve learned that there are many different types of pillows out there, and what works for one person might not work for another.
So far, I’ve found relief by using a soft pillow, while my wife uses a memory foam pillow. It just goes to show that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pillows!
When choosing pillows for your Airbnb, you need to consider the different types of sleepers that will be using them. From side sleepers to stomach sleepers, everyone has their own preference.
Here are some considerations we used for our recommendations on the best pillows for your Airbnb:
How Durable They Are
Your pillows are one of the few things in your short-term rental that will be used every single day, so you need to make sure they can stand up to the wear and tear of multiple guests.
Pillows made with natural materials like down feathers or cotton are going to be replaced more often than synthetic materials like memory foam. But natural materials often provide a more luxurious feel that your guests will appreciate.
Below is a chart made by our observations of how often we needed to replace each type of pillow:
Whether Or Not They’re Hypoallergenic
If you have guests with allergies, you need to make sure your pillows are hypoallergenic – meaning they won’t collect dust mites or other allergens. The best way to do this is by choosing pillows made with synthetic materials like memory foam or latex.
However, memory foam is made from polyurethane – a type of plastic – and is often treated with chemicals. These chemicals can off-gas, causing respiratory irritation and other health problems for sensitive people. So you’ll want to make sure your memory foam pillows are certified by Oeko-Tex or CertiPUR-US to ensure they’re low in VOCs.
Latex is also a good option for hypoallergenic pillows, although it’s worth noting that some people are allergic to latex. If you’re going to use latex pillows, make sure to have a few non-latex options on hand as well.
Latex is made from rubber tree sap and is also often treated with chemicals. However, latex pillows are less likely to off-gas than memory foam pillows.
How Easy They Are Too Clean
No one wants to use a pillow that has slobber stains all over the surface. The best pillows for Airbnb are those that can be easily cleaned and don’t hold onto stains or odors. You’ll also want pillows that will dry quickly so you can get your rental ready between guests.
Synthetic materials like memory foam and latex are going to be the easiest to clean, followed by natural materials like bamboo and down feathers.
How Many Pillows To Provide
Did you know that most people actually sleep with two pillows? One pillow to prop up their head and one to hug. So, when you’re stocking your Airbnb with pillows, you should provide at least two per guest.
We would also recommend having a few spare pillows on hand in case any of them get damaged or stained during a guest’s stay. This way, you can quickly replace them without having to go out and buy new ones.
What Type of Sleeper
As we mentioned before, everyone sleeps differently, and what works for one person might not work for another. So, when choosing pillows for your Airbnb, you need to consider the different types of sleepers that will be using them.
For example, a stomach sleeper is going to need a thinner pillow that won’t put too much pressure on their neck and shoulders. Whereas a side sleeper is going to need a thicker pillow to fill the space between their head and shoulder.
Now you might be thinking to yourself, “How the heck am I supposed to know what type of sleeper my guests are?” Well, you can’t. Unless you’re taking a survey for each guest, you are going to want to provide a variety of pillow types to accommodate everyone.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of pillows and the best type of sleeper for each:
How Much they Cost
As you can tell, trying to accommodate all the different types of sleepers can get pretty pricey. And if you’re working with a tight budget, you might wonder if there are any cheaper options.
While you might be tempted just to buy the cheapest pillows you can find, we would caution against that.
Unless you want to replace them constantly, it’s worth investing in higher-quality pillows that will last longer. However, the cost can add up quickly when you’re providing multiple types of pillows for each guest. So, it’s essential to find a balance between quality and quantity.
3 Best Pillows For Your Airbnb (Our Top Picks)
There is no shortage of options when it comes to pillows. And while that might seem like a good thing, it can actually make choosing the best pillows for your Airbnb a bit overwhelming. In our experience, both as hosts and guests, there are certainly winners and losers.
Based on our considerations, we recommend stocking up on the following:
Purple Harmony Pillow
Easily the most expensive option on our list, but for good reason. This is one pillow your guests will discuss in their review, and they might even try to take it home with them. It’s perfect for all types of sleepers and is made with a unique “smart grid” design that contours to your head and neck.
Hypoallergenic & Chemical-Free: Made in the USA from a Talalay Latex Core, it won’t aggravate your guest’s allergies.
Any Sleeping Position: Whether your guests are sided or stomach sleepers, this pillow will provide the perfect support and comfort.
Keeps You Cool: The moisture-wicking, breathable mesh cover helps to keep you cool and comfortable all night long.
Easy To Clean: Although not machine washable, this pillow can be removed from the cover, washed with soap and water, and then towel dried.
Available on Amazon
Because of how expensive they are, we recommend providing only one per guest and supplementing with cheaper pillows for the other types of sleepers or their scenarios.
Beckham Hotel Collection (Plush)
These pillows are made out of a gel memory foam that is naturally hypoallergenic and mildew resistant. They come in a set of two and are perfect for side sleepers or people who need a little extra support for their necks.
Affordable: One of the best things about these pillows is that they are very affordable. You can get a set of two for less than $50.
Machine Washable: These pillows are also machine washable, which makes them very easy to clean.
Chemical-Free: Many memory foam pillows are made with harsh chemicals, but these pillows are Oeko-Tex certified to be free of them.
Available on Amazon
Having one set of these pillows per guest will ensure that everyone has a comfortable place to rest their head.
COZSINOOR Hotel Pillows (Extra Soft)
For guests who need a softer pillow, these are a great option. They are made from Polyester and have a very soft outer casing, giving them a luxurious feel. Both stomach and side sleepers will find these pillows very comfortable.
Machine Washable & Dryable: Just like the Beckham Hotel Collection pillows, these pillows are also machine washable with the added benefit of being machine dried.
Affordable: One of the cheapest options on our list. You can get a set of two for very cheap and easily fill your rentals with these.
Ultra-Soft: These pillows are ultra-soft and very comfortable, which makes them a great option as a “house pillow” for your guests.
Available on Amazon
If you’ve ever stayed in a hotel, chances are you’ve slept on one of these pillows before. They are very popular for a reason and make a great addition to any Airbnb. These are what I personally sleep on for my neck, and they are very affordable.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best pillows for your Airbnb. But if you take the time to find suitable pillows for your guests, they will undoubtedly appreciate it. And at the end of the day, that’s what we’re all striving for – to provide our guests with a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Not only will guests be more likely to leave a positive review, but they might even tell their friends about your rental. And that’s the best kind of marketing you can ask for.
