Types Of Pillows Used In Hotels

This article provides an overview of the different types of pillows used in hotels. It includes information on the benefits of each type of pillow and how to choose the right one for your needs.

A pillow is a sizable cushion used to support the head when sleeping in a bed or the body while sitting on a couch or chair. Throw pillows, also known as toss pillows, are pillows that are only decorative and not built to provide support or comfort. Also, pillow is designed to provide support and comfort to the body. There are seven main types of pillows; 1. Bed Pillow,  2. Orthopaedic Pillows, 3. Decorative Pillows, 4. Aromatherapy Pillows, 5. Miscellaneous styles,  6. Fill/Pillow Type, 7. Support Pillow.

1. Beds Pillow

The classic bed pillow shape is a square or rectangle. There are common in these three sizes (in inches): Standard (20 x 26 inches), Queen (20 x 30 inches), and King (20 x 36 inches). These pillows are generally covered with a removable pillow case, which facilitates laundering, keeping the bedding fresh.

The 'Oxford Size' used in many English speaking countries is 50 cm x 75 cm (20 x 30 inches), while the 'Continental Size' used in many parts of Continental Europe (i.e. not UK) is 66 cm x 66 cm (26 x 26 inches).German pillow sizes are 80 cm x 80 cm (older) or 40 cm x 80 cm (newer). When considered as a subset of Bed Pillow, Euro pillows finish 26x26 and older style Travel Pillows commonly finished 12x16.

A body pillow is as broad as an adult body, supporting your head and neck at the top, your legs and knees, and the sleeping position. Such pillows can be especially valuable for side sleepers, pregnant women, and the infirm. Size is 40 cm x 140 cm.

 2. Orthopaedic Pillows

• Neck pillows help the neck by supporting the deep area for the head to sleep while simultaneously supporting the neck. These can also be referred to as cervical pillows.

•  Travel pillows support the neck and head in a sitting position. The "U" shape fits around the throat to keep the head from sliding into the neck in an undesirable and potentially painful position while sleeping. These cushions can sometimes force the head forward, making them known in the medical context as the Bucky pillow.

•  Donut pillows are firm pillows shaped like a ring, with a hollow in the middle to relieve pressure on the tailbone while sitting. These pillows are made with individuals with hemorrhoids or some other type of focus in the liver.

•  Lumbar pillows are designed to support the inward curve of the lower back, filling the gap created between the lower back and the back of a chair when upright. Orthopaedic pillows are similar to Memory Foam pillows. . These pillows are generally used to support the lower back while driving or sitting, such as in an office chair. 

•  Eye pillows are also known as dream pillows. These are often soft, small masks made of natural materials such as silk or cotton. Traditionally, these were used to calm anxiety, mask the smell of sickness, and contain herbs such as flax seed, lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, and rose petals. 

3. Decorative Pillows

Decorative Pillows serve a dual purpose. They likely have fancy cover material which serves to decorate the room where they are found. When used to decorate a fully made up bed, decorative pillows are likely thrown aside at bedtime, since they are not covered with a laundrable pillow case, thus, while found on the bed, they are primarily there for decoration, hence they fall under this category.

Decorative pillows also often appear on furnishings in more public areas of the home, like sofas, chairs and window seats. Here, their use can overlap both the Orthopaedic and bed pillow. For example, based on a person's physical condition, they may use a convenient decorative pillow for lumbar soothing, as needed, while sitting on a sofa. Likewise, for the occasional nap, decorative pillows are handy for supporting the head or neck, even though they are not covered with a pillow case, as are bed pillows.

4. Aromatherapy (herbs) Pillows:

Lavender, Marjoram, Chamomile, Fennel, Peppermint Pillow:

•  Lavender provides soothing, unwinding, and healing properties.

• Marjoram has analgesic qualities and can be used as a home treatment for headaches.

• Chamomile is best known for its sedative and stress-reducing properties.

• Fennel was revered in both Europe and Asia for its eye-sight restorative powers. It has a clearing and reviving effect on our eyes.

• Peppermint has invigorating and uplifting properties, prevents mental exhaustion, and clears the sinuses.

5. Miscellaneous styles

• Dakimakura is a hugging pillow originating in Japan.

• Guling is a long hugging pillow originating from Indonesia.

• Abrazador is a long hugging pillow originating from the Philippines.

• Firestop pillows are technical firestop products, used in passive fire protection.

• A husband pillow (also known as a boyfriend pillow) is a large, high-backed pillow with two "arms". It is used to prop the user upright while in bed or on the floor, as for reading or watching television.

 6. Fill/Pillow Type

•  Natural Fill Pillow: Natural fill is feather, down, or a combination of both. Down is not a feather. It's the fluffy insulation under the feathers that keep ducks and geese warm and protected from outdoor elements..

•  Synthetic Fill Pillow: This is a man-made fill, usually polyester. Synthetic pillows typically have a shorter life span and will not conform to the head and neck as well as a natural fill pillow. They are hypo-allergenic and, overall, the most affordable type of bed pillows.

•  Poly Cluster Fill Pillow: This is a type of synthetic fill in which polyester clusters are coated with silicone to feel and move like down. It gives the softness and appeal of a true down pillow without the cost. Great for allergy sufferers who prefer synthetic fill but want down-like comfort.

•  Memory Foam Pillow: These are dense, sponge-like pillows that mold around the head and neck for extra support. Best for sleepers who prefer a firm pillow. Memory foam contour pillows are also good for people with neck and spine issues.

7. Support Pillow

• Back Sleeper: Back sleepers need a medium support pillow that will support the natural curvature of the upper spine, providing support under the head, neck and shoulders.

• Side Sleeper: Side sleepers need something that contours and cradles the neck, providing an even sleeping surface. Typically identified by a gusset, the side sleeper pillow helps keep the body in a horizontal line.

• Stomach Sleeper: Stomach sleepers need a soft pillow so that the head and neck aren't turned unnaturally to either side.