What Pillows Do Hotels Use? U.S. Hospitality Standards Explained
, by Camilo Sosa, 3 min reading time
Ever wonder why hotel pillows feel so much better than the ones at home?
It’s not just about luxury, it’s about choosing the right fill, firmness, and construction. In the U.S., most hotels avoid feather or down pillows due to allergies, dust retention, and poor durability. Instead, they look for high-quality polyester fill pillows with a slick finish, designed to hold their shape and stay comfortable night after night.
So, what kind of pillows do hotels use, and which ones are best for your property? Let’s break it down.
What Makes a Pillow “Hotel-Grade”?
Most U.S. hotels use medium-firm pillows with slick polyester fiber. Here’s why:
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Slick fiber reduces friction inside the pillow, so it doesn’t clump or form balls
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It also extends the pillow’s lifespan and makes it feel smoother and more supportive
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Medium firmness is preferred across hospitality because it suits most sleepers
Down and feather pillows might sound luxurious, but they trap dust, trigger allergies, and don’t hold up to heavy guest use. That’s why smart hospitality buyers go for slick, hypoallergenic fiber-fill pillows that offer comfort, support, and long-term value.
Best Hotel Pillow in the USA:
Everest Pillows
Our top-selling pillow and one of the most requested, not only by hotels, but also by their guests.
✔️ Filled with super slick 0.7 micro-denier gel polyester
✔️ Medium-firm feel, supportive of head and neck alignment
✔️ Made in the USA with a premium 100% cotton shell
✔️ So comfortable that hotel guests often contact us to buy it for home use
“Guests love it so much, hotels ask us to sell it by the pair and we do.”
Other Pillows Trusted by U.S. Hotels:
Five Star Pillows
Filled with 100% virgin, hollow, non-allergenic fiber, these hand-filled pillows deliver a smooth, clean feel that holds up beautifully in high-turnover properties.
Pinnacle / Oxford Micro-Gel Pillows
Ideal for upscale accommodations, these feature micro-gel fill, a soft cotton shell, and elegant piping. They retain shape even after repeated use.
How to Care for Hotel Pillows (Hint: Avoid Washing Them)
One of the biggest mistakes hotels make is washing pillows directly. Even water-resistant pillows can break down when saturated, and most machines leave detergent residue inside, turning them sticky and spongy over time.
💡 Instead, we always recommend using a pillow protector.
Protectors are washable, breathable, and keep pillows clean without risking their structure.
Want to upgrade your presentation? Pair your pillows with high-quality pillowcases for that crisp, hotel look guests expect.
Shop Pillow Packs, Protectors & More
Whether you’re opening a new property or upgrading worn-out bedding, we make it easy to buy hotel pillows in bulk or smaller packs.
Explore our full Hotel Bedding Collection — from sheets and mattress pads to duvets and towels — all with fast shipping from our warehouse in Hialeah, just outside Miami.
Final Thoughts: Pillows Guests Remember
Your guests may not remember the décor, but they’ll remember how they slept. Choosing the right hotel pillow — with slick fiber fill, proper firmness, and long-term durability — keeps them comfortable and keeps your reviews glowing.
Need help selecting the best fit for your rooms? Contact our team, we’ve been serving the hospitality industry since 1986.
