The Best Pillows for Airbnb & Vacation Rentals: A Guide for Hosts

Choosing pillows for the beds in your Airbnb might seem like a small detail, but they can actually have a huge impact on your guests’ experience. Comfy, high-quality pillows are crucial for ensuring guests get a good night’s sleep – and there’s a good chance they’ll mention those pillows in their reviews, so don’t overlook them!

In this guide, you’ll get:

• A list of the types of pillows you can choose from
• Tips to help you pick the right pillows for your STR
• Our top 8 recommendations for the best Airbnb pillows

What pillows are best for Airbnb?

The best pillows for an Airbnb are medium-firm down or down alternative pillows that are hypoallergenic. If you only opt for one type of pillow, this is the way to go to accommodate as many guests as possible.

Our top 8 picks for Airbnb pillows:

1. Parachute Hospitality Down Alternative Pillow
2. Casper Original Pillow
3. Northern Feather Canada NF Hiloft Pillow
4. Brooklinen Firm Down Pillow
5. Leesa Premium Latex Pillow
6. A1 American Soffice Gel Pillows
7. A1 American Golden Memory Gel Pillows
8. California Design Den Signature Comfort Bed Pillows

How many pillows do you need for an Airbnb?

We recommend you have at least four pillows per bed in your Airbnb, plus extras stored in closets for guests to use as needed. Providing four pillows — two medium-soft, two medium-firm — is ideal so guests can adjust to their liking. 

For twin beds, opt for two pillows. 

Ask your cleaner to fluff every pillow before check-in!

Do you need pillow protectors for Airbnb?

Yes, you definitely want to get pillow protectors for Airbnb and vacation rental beds. 

Pillow protectors will keep your pillows clean and protect against spills, stains, and allergens. They’re the best way to prolong the life of your pillows.

Types of pillows

There’s no one-size-fits-all pillow, so let’s talk options. 

The type of fill material is the primary differentiator between different types of pillows, and some materials are better suited for Airbnbs than others.

Your options include:

Memory foam

Memory foam pillows contour to the head and neck, providing great support and relieving pressure. They’re ideal for people who prefer a firmer feel and are often recommended for side sleepers. However, they tend to be warmer, so consider climate if your property is in a hotter area.

Minoan’s take: Memory foam pillows can  be polarizing – you either love ‘em or hate ‘em – so they’re not our first choice for STRs.

Down

Down pillows are plush, luxurious, and light as air. They’re made from the soft under-feathers of ducks or geese. While these are pricier and require careful cleaning, they offer that high-end feel many guests appreciate.

Minoan’s take: Down features are luxuriously comfortable, so they’re great for high-end rentals.

Feather

Feather pillows provide a similar softness to down but are usually firmer and slightly more affordable. They’re made from the outer feathers of birds, which gives them a bit more structure while retaining a soft feel. 

Minoan’s take: A decent option for STRs, but we generally prefer down or down alternative. 

Down alternative / synthetic

Down alternative pillows use synthetic fibers to mimic the feel of down without the allergy concerns. They’re hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and budget-friendly, so they’re a practical choice for high-traffic rentals.

Minoan’s take: A solid and affordable choice for vacation rentals.

Latex

Latex pillows are durable and resistant to dust mites. They’re firmer than down but offer a bit more give than memory foam, striking a nice balance that works for most sleepers.

Minoan’s take: Given that some folks have a latex allergy, make sure you use pillow protectors and pillow cases if you opt for latex pillows.

What to consider when choosing pillows for an Airbnb

There’s more to consider when choosing Airbnb pillows aside from just the type of fill. Here are some other qualities you should consider:

Allergies

Hypoallergenic pillows like down alternative are a good choice for STRs. They’re resistant to allergens like dust mites and mold, which makes them easier to clean and more comfortable for all guests.

Durability and Ease of Cleaning

Pillows in a short-term rental will get a lot of use, so you want ones that can hold up. Look for pillows with washable covers, sturdy seams, and materials that can withstand frequent washing. Good pillows will stay fluffy and comfortable even after multiple guest stays.

Price

Cost matters, especially when you’re buying for multiple rooms or properties. Any smart host knows to balance quality with cost. 

The best Airbnb pillows

We’ve curated a list of guest-loved pillows that are comfortable, durable, and affordable.

When choosing which pillows to recommend in this guide, we assessed:

• Recommendations we’ve heard from real hosts
• Online reviews, ratings, and feedback from actual customers
• Material
• Price
• Durability

#1: Parachute Hospitality - Down Alternative Pillow

Designed specifically for hotels and vacation rentals, Parachute Hospitality’s Down Alternative Pillow is soft yet supportive, making it ideal for frequent turnovers. 

This pillow is filled with hypoallergenic microfiber, so it has a down-like feel without the allergens. It comes in soft, medium, and firm options and has a 100% cotton sateen shell, adding breathability and a crisp, premium feel.

Why we love it:

• Hypoallergenic down alternative fill suits guests with allergies
• Available in multiple firmness options 
• Durable cotton shell is breathable yet comfy

#2: Casper - Original Pillow

The Casper Original Pillow has a unique double-layer design that balances softness with support. The inner core is firmer for neck support, while the outer layer has a plush, airy feel. Its 100% cotton cover promotes airflow, which is great for warm climates. Best of all, this pillow can be washed and fluffed repeatedly without losing shape.

Why we love it:

• Dual-layer design caters to a wide range of sleeping positions
• Breathable cotton cover keeps you cool
• Machine-washable for easy cleaning 
• Clump-resistant fill keeps the pillow fluffy 

#3: Northern Feather Canada - Hiloft Pillow

The Northern Feather Canada NF Hiloft Pillow is designed to offer supportive comfort. It’s filled with high-loft fiberfill, making it resilient and ideal for frequent use in vacation rentals. 

This pillow retains its shape well, and is encased in a down-proof cotton cover.

Why we love it:

• High-loft design offers reliable comfort for all kinds of sleepers
• Maintains shape over time
• Down-proof, breathable cotton cover helps prevent allergens 

#4: Brooklinen - Firm Down Pillow 

Brooklinen’s Firm Down Pillow is a great option for Airbnbs that want to maintain a high-end feel. Crafted with ethically sourced down and a 100% cotton sateen shell, this pillow boasts a smooth and luxurious feel. The firm support level works for rentals, especially if you pair it with a softer pillow.

Why we love it:

• Ethically sourced down fill 
• High-quality cotton sateen shell 
• Excellent firmness (especially great for back and side sleepers)

#5: Leesa - Premium Latex Pillows

Built with eco-friendliness and long-lasting comfort in mind, the Leesa Premium Latex Pillow combines the resilience of latex with a breathable design. Its perforated latex fill encourages airflow, which helps regulate temperature and reduce heat buildup — great for warm climates. This pillow is also durable and low-maintenance, which makes it perfect for STRs.

Why we love it:

• Latex fill is breathable
• Maintains shape over time
• Eco-friendly 

#6: A1 American - Soffice Gel Pillow

Soffice Gel Pillows by A1 American have a gel-infused fill that is supportive and stays cool. They offer medium to firm support, which makes them a solid choice for STRs. The gel fill has cooling benefits, while the polyester cover adds durability.

Why we love it:

• Machine washable and dryable
• 100% cotton shell
• Medium-firm support level is a happy medium to accommodate the average guest
• Durable construction, suitable for frequent use

#7: A1 American - Golden Memory Gel Pillows 

A softer, more adaptive alternative to the Soffice Gel Pillows, A1 American’s Golden Memory Gel Pillows are filled with a memory gel that molds to the head and neck. This pillow has a soft to medium feel.

To cater to as many guests as possible, consider using a blend of A1’s soft-medium Golden Memory pillows and their medium-firm Soffice pillows!

Why we love it:

• Gel memory foam molds to the head
• 100% cotton shell
• Hypoallergenic and resistant to allergens

#8: California Design Den - Signature Comfort Bed Pillows

The Signature Comfort Bed Pillows from California Design Den balance softness and durability with a microfiber fill that feels like down. These pillows are made with a high-quality cotton shell, giving them a luxurious touch while remaining hypoallergenic and easy to clean. They’re perfect for Airbnb hosts seeking a down-alternative pillow that’s both plush and machine washable.

Why we love it:

• Hypoallergenic fill mimics down without allergens
• Cotton shell adds a soft, breathable layer
• Machine washable 

Airbnb pillow tips

• Fluff pillows often:
  Frequent fluffing keeps pillows looking fresh and prevents them from getting flat or lumpy.
  
• Offer pillows of varying firmness:
  Every guest has different pillow preferences, so including a mix of firm, soft, and medium-density pillows can help cater to all sleepers.
  
• Invest in pillow covers and protectors:
  Pillow covers add an extra layer of protection against stains and allergens, helping to extend the life of your pillows. Covers are easier to clean than entire pillows, making turnaround times faster and reducing wear and tear. Choose pillow covers that match your bedding!
  
• Ensure at least four pillows per bed:
  Stock each bed with a minimum of four pillows to maximize comfort and give the bed a well-styled, inviting look. 

Shop the best Airbnb pillows now

Now that you know which pillows will give your guests the best sleep, it’s time to start shopping!

Join Minoan today at no cost and access incredible deals on mattresses and other essential pieces for your short-term rental.