Most hotels replace pillows on a fairly regular basis. One low-budget branch of the Wyndham Hotel Group, Microtel, claims it goes through 20,000 pillows a year. The company says that down/feather pillows last two to three years and synthetic ones last 18 to 24 months if taken care of properly.

Less Frequently Than Mattresses

It may surprise you to learn that hotels change pillows less frequently than they replace mattresses. The average life expectancy of a pillow is about seven years. Most industry professionals recommend replacing pillows every two years. Here are a few tips to keep your pillow in the best condition possible. To keep your pillow clean, wash it every six months. Also, make sure to use a protective case between the pillow and the pillowcase. If you notice that the pillow has wrinkles, it may be time for a replacement.

The exact time frame depends on the volume of usage, the brand of mattress, and other factors. Some hotels recommend rotating the mattress at least once a week for the first three months, and every six months for a mattress that is less than ten years old. However, if the mattress is too old, it may be time to replace it sooner.

Hotels do not replace their pillows as often as mattresses. The reason is simple: they want to maintain a consistent quality for their customers. Their mattresses are designed with comfort in mind, and most hotels have medium to firm mattresses.

Softer

Hotel pillows are designed with different sleeping styles in mind. Back and side sleepers prefer firmer pillows while stomach sleepers need softer ones. Hotel pillows are carefully selected to provide a luxurious feel to the bed. Some are made of down or feathers, while others are made of polyester or microfiber down alternatives. The majority of hotel pillows are made with high-quality fill and are easy to clean.

Firmness also plays a role in the plushness of the pillow. A soft pillow may be perfect for stomach sleepers who don’t need much support while a firm pillow is ideal for back sleepers who need a firm pillow to keep their neck aligned. Firm pillows provide quick sleep and are also ideal for those who need some neck support. The standard hotel pillows are medium-firm, though there are some manufacturers that make soft pillows for those who need them.

If you need a new pillow, most hotels replace them fairly frequently. One budget hotel chain, Microtel, replaced 20,000 pillows in one year. Another hotel chain, Hilton, says that down/feather pillows should be replaced every two years.

More Durable

In general, hotel pillows are made of breathable materials and are often replaceable. Most hotels invest in these pillows to improve customer satisfaction and keep costs low. However, you should be aware of the differences between hotel pillows and ones at home. Ensure that you purchase a pillow that fits your personal preference and is comfortable.

Hotels replace pillows regularly as part of the sanitization process. This is because a clean pillow is necessary for a good night’s sleep. In addition to ensuring that guests are sleeping on a clean pillow, most hotels also perform a cyclical process for washing linens. The hotels replace pillows every six months to a year based on their materials and size. By ensuring a new pillow, they ensure that their customers have the softest and plushest pillow.

Hotel guests may prefer pillows that feature down or feather fill. While these materials are more expensive than synthetic fibers, they offer a luxurious feel. A down alternative pillow will keep guests warm in cold temperatures and cool in the summer. Another type of filling commonly used in hotels is memory foam. Memory foam is a type of visco-elastic poly-foam that softens in response to body heat and regains its original shape once it cools. Some memory foam pillows are even cooled down with cooling gel. However, these types of pillows can also be a bit hotter than other types of fill. Also, ensure that you get pillows of proper sizes for providing optimum comfort of the guests. 

Conclusion

Most hotels replace pillows at least once a year. Microtel, a budget branch of the Wyndham Hotel Group, replaces a third of its pillows every six to eight months. Hilton says down and feather pillows should last two to three years with proper care.