These Pillow Tips Will Give Your Bed A Luxury Hotel Feel

Vacation sleep is top-tier, and it's not just because you don't have to work. Especially if you're staying in a nice hotel, the bedding is often way cozier than what you sleep on at home. But there's nothing stopping you from making your bed at home feel like a five-star hotel, and the right pillow setup is key. Hotels often use larger pillows than the standard size you use at home, made with natural down and feathers, and they maintain them properly to keep them fluffed to the max.

Before you start pillow shopping, be ready to splurge on yourself like you would on vacation. You won't make your bedroom feel like a luxury hotel with a $10 pillow from Target, unfortunately. Nice hotels invest in high-quality pillows for their guests, and this is one product where you can definitely feel the difference. An upfront investment can keep you sleeping in luxury for several years to come. Plus, you can customize your pillows to your personal preferences and sleeping position. You can even get your favorite hotel pillows straight from the source with a little hunting.

Hotel pillows differ from regular pillows in two key ways: size and material. Hotels tend to use "Euro size" pillows, which are 26 by 26 inches, while standard pillows are 20 by 26 inches. Those extra few inches go a long way, making the pillows feel roomy and cozy as they fill up your entire bed. One hack to make your pillows look more luxe is to stuff the pillow into a protector that's one size too small, making it puff up even more; even hotels use this trick.

As for the material, look for pillows made with a down and feather filling. This filling is common in hotels because it's comfortable and easily re-fluffed, yet also provides plenty of neck and head support. Some down products are sourced ethically without harming animals. Synthetic versions are also available; they have a firmer, more solid feel but provide less breathability and temperature regulation than natural down.

Another consideration when buying pillows is the number of pillows on your bed. Hotels often have extra pillows in various sizes and heights, allowing you to lounge on the bed comfortably before sleep. Consider having at least a couple of extra pillows on your bed in addition to the one you use to sleep.

Lastly, maintenance is key. Use a pillow protector, and replace your pillows regularly — natural feather and down pillows last up to six years, while synthetic lasts up to three. Fluffing your pillows also helps distribute the filling and keep them supportive and comfortable.

Hotels often have a variety of pillows so people can choose what they like. But, how do you find your perfect pillows at home? Your sleeping position is a good place to start. If you sleep on your back, a medium to medium-firm pillow is ideal, while if you sleep on your side, look for medium-firm to firm. Stomach sleepers should get the softest pillow available. The particular ratio of down-to-feather determines exactly how firm or soft the pillow will be.

You typically can't buy your personal pillows from the same vendors that hotels use, and you may not find what you're looking for in the bedding section of a regular Target or Walmart. IKEA sells feather and down pillows, with specific ratios listed so you can find your perfect firmness. Online shopping is also a great option; look for a luxury pillow retailer with a convenient return policy.

If you have a favorite hotel pillow in mind, you may be able to get your hands on it directly. Several hotel chains sell their pillows to consumers, including Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and Westin. You can also ask the hotel manager if they have any extra pillows available to buy. If not, ask them to share the pillow manufacturer and model. Even if you can't buy that exact pillow, you can look for one with similar specs. You can also check the tag on your favorite pillow, or try this hotel bedding finder by Downlite.