Buying Pillows – What You Should Know

Finding and maintaining an assortment of pillows – a pillow menu – for your guests is easy. Choose pillows based on size, fill and firmness (density) and keep a variety on hand to satisfy your guests’ needs and sleep styles. There are two basic types of pillows: Natural and Synthetic.

Natural Pillows

Down Pillows
Down is the soft, fluffy layer of fine feathers under the outer feathers of geese, ducks and other birds. Down has a three-dimensional structure which features thousands of “pockets” that trap air, which provides better fill power, creating a loftier pillow. Down pillows are generally soft and are ideal for stomach sleepers. They are lightweight, loft well and retain their shape.

A Word About Down Quality
The age of ducks and geese that are raised for the food market will determine the quality of down. The younger the bird, the smaller the down cluster. Better quality comes from farm geese, which are allowed to grow to maturity. Generally, the best down comes from larger, more mature birds, especially those raised in colder climates producing a larger and more dense down “cluster.” The denser the down, the better it traps air, which in turn provides better insulation and fill power. The higher the fill power, the better the pillow quality.

Feather Pillows
Feather pillows are a more economical choice than down pillows with an extra degree of firmness and support. Three different kinds of feathers are used in feather pillows:

1. Small Flight Feathers
This type of feather forms part of the flying surface of a bird’s wing. Small Flight Feathers are used in better quality pillows or comforters and are often mixed with a percentage of down.

2. Larger Flight Feathers
Larger Flight Feathers are found on the bird’s wings and tail. They are straight and flat with a hard quill shaft that runs from one end to the other. Larger Flight Feathers are used in good quality feather pillows and feather beds.

3. Body Feathers
Body Feathers protect the bird and are found over its entire body. This type of feather is perfect for use in feather pillows and feather beds because the bend or curve to the shaft gives them more "spring" than other types of feathers.

Down & Feather Blends
Down is often mixed with feathers to make a firmer, more resilient pillow. The hospitality industry’s #1 selling pillow provides the best of both worlds – an inner, feather compartment which provides firm support and an outer, down compartment for soft, flexible comfort.

Why Buy Natural Pillows?

• Durable
  A down-filled product can last for many years. If well cared for, it retains its loft up to three times longer than do most synthetics. We recommend warm water washing for best pillow care.
• Hygienic
  Down and feathers are safe and clean. All countries in the world have minimum cleanliness and hygienic requirements.

Synthetic Pillows

Garnet Polyester
Exceptionally resilient and long lasting. Fibers are combed and processed, then inserted into the pillow.

Blown Polyester
Fibers are actually blown into the pillow and mimic down fill. "Adjustable" for sleeper’s comfort and resists matting and clumping.

Types of Blown Polyester

• Cluster Fiber
  Designed to provide an alternative to the fluffiness of down. The fiber is clustered or balled up much like down, but is more affordable. The fibers “adjust” for maximum comfort and support.
  
• Micro-Denier Fiber
  Also called down alternative, it provides superior softness. High quality, short staple-blown fibers are treated with silicon for a smooth, silky finish. This fiber simulates the feel of natural down at a fraction of the cost.

Why Buy Synthetic Pillows?

• Affordability & Acceptance
  Can be used comfortably by all sleepers
• Hypo-Allergenic
  Perfect for guests with allergies and sensitivities to down
• Easy Care

Pillow Care

Great pillows make guests happy! Follow these easy steps to ensure your pillows are properly maintained.

• Pillows should be cleaned on a regular basis – every 12 weeks is recommended, but please follow each manufacturer's laundering instructions
• Fill type does not affect the number of washings a pillow can withstand
• Use pillow protectors to keep pillows free from dirt and impurities
• Large-capacity washing machines work best
• Machine wash, gentle cycle with warm water of 120-140° F, using a mild detergent
• Use only non-chlorine bleach as needed
• Distribute evenly in the machine and do not overload
• At the end of complete cycle, reset to normal spin dry for maximum water extraction
• Tumble dry at low heat (not to exceed 140° F) in large-capacity dryer until thoroughly dry; may require additional drying cycles