Choosing pillows for your Airbnb bed might seem like a small detail, but these bedroom essentials have a huge impact on guest comfort and satisfaction. The perfect pillows can set your Airbnb apart, offering guests a reason to keep coming back and leaving those glowing five-star reviews.
In this guide, we’ll explore tips to help you choose the right pillows and provide our top eight recommendations for the best Airbnb pillows. And when you shop through Minoan, you’ll get those top pillow picks at unbeatable prices.
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.
Minoan’s top 8 picks for Airbnb pillows:
- Parachute Hospitality Down Alternative Pillow
- Casper Original Pillow
- Northern Feather Canada NF Hiloft Pillow
- Brooklinen Firm Down Pillow
- Leesa Premium Latex Pillow
- A1 American Soffice Gel Pillows
- A1 American Golden Memory Gel Pillows
- California Design Den Signature Comfort Bed Pillows
How many pillows do you need for Airbnb?
Generally, you’ll want to 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 soft, two firm — is ideal so guests can adjust to their liking.
For twin beds, opt for two pillows.
Make sure each pillow is fluffy and fresh before check-in to create a welcoming sleep space.
Do you need pillow protectors for Airbnb?
Yes, pillow protectors are a worthwhile investment for Airbnbs and vacation rentals.
They add an extra layer of cleanliness, keep pillows fresh longer, and shield against spills or allergens. Protectors are especially helpful for Airbnb hosts, as they’re easy to wash and can significantly prolong the life of your pillows. So, just like you’d want to protect your Airbnb mattress, you should also protect your pillows!
Types of pillows
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pillows, so let’s talk options. Pillows can be stuffed with a variety of fill materials, each of which offers unique benefits:
Memory foam
Memory foam pillows contour to the head and neck, providing great support and relieving pressure. They’re ideal for guests 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.
Down
Down pillows are plush, luxurious, and light as air. Made from the soft under-feathers of ducks or geese, they’re a popular pick for guests looking for a premium sleep experience. While these are pricier and require careful cleaning, they offer that high-end feel many guests appreciate.
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, giving them a bit more structure while retaining a soft feel. Feather pillows are a solid choice for hosts looking to balance comfort and cost.
Down alternative / synthetic
Down alternative pillows use synthetic fibers to mimic the plush feel of down without the allergy concerns. They’re hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and budget-friendly, making them a practical choice for high-traffic rentals where washing is frequent.
Latex
Latex pillows are durable, naturally hypoallergenic, and resistant to dust mites, which makes them great for allergy-conscious guests. They’re firmer than down but offer a bit more give than memory foam, striking a nice balance that works for a wide range of sleeping styles.
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
Many guests have allergies, so it’s wise to consider hypoallergenic pillow options like down alternative or latex. Hypoallergenic pillows are resistant to allergens like dust mites and mold, making them easier to clean and more comfortable for guests with sensitivities.
Durability and Ease of Cleaning
Pillows in a short-term rental will see a lot of use, so you want options that can hold up. Look for pillows with washable covers, sturdy seams, and materials that can withstand frequent washing. The right choice will stay fluffy and comfortable, even after multiple guest stays.
Price
Cost matters, especially when you’re buying for multiple rooms or properties. While investing in quality is essential, balance is key. High-quality down alternative pillows, for example, offer a plush feel at a reasonable price point, ensuring both comfort and cost-effectiveness.
The best Airbnb pillows
We’ve curated a list of top-rated pillows that deliver comfort, durability, and affordability, perfect for short-term rentals.
When choosing which pillows to highlight in this guide, we assessed:
- Recommendations we’ve heard from real hosts
- Online reviews, ratings, and feedback from actual customers
- Material
- Price
- Durability
Designed specifically for hotels and vacation rentals, Parachute Hospitality’s Down Alternative Pillow delivers luxurious comfort that’s soft yet supportive, making it ideal for frequent turnovers in STR settings.
This pillow is filled with hypoallergenic microfiber, offering a down-like feel without the allergens. It comes in soft, medium, and firm options to suit a variety of sleeper preferences, and is crafted with 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 to accommodate all sleepers
- Durable cotton shell adds a breathable layer for comfort
The Casper Original Pillow features a unique double-layer design, offering both softness and support. The inner core is firmer for neck support, while the outer layer provides a plush, airy feel, making it ideal for back and side sleepers.
Its 100% cotton cover promotes airflow, ensuring a cool night’s sleep. Known for its durability and easy maintenance, this pillow can be washed and fluffed repeatedly without losing shape, perfect for high-use rental properties.
Why we love it:
- Dual-layer design caters to a wide range of sleeping positions
- Breathable cotton cover keeps sleepers cool
- Machine-washable for easy upkeep in rental environments
- Clump-resistant fill keeps the pillow fluffy
The Northern Feather Canada NF Hiloft Pillow is designed to offer supportive comfort with a high-loft fiberfill, making it resilient and ideal for regular use in vacation rentals.
Known for its durability, this pillow retains its shape well, ensuring a great night’s sleep for guests with varying preferences. The pillow is encased in a down-proof cotton cover, which adds breathability while helping prevent allergens, making it a practical choice for Airbnb hosts.
Why we love it:
- High-loft design offers reliable comfort for various sleeping preferences
- Durable construction maintains shape over time, even with frequent use
- Down-proof cotton cover helps prevent allergens and adds breathability
Brooklinen’s Firm Down Pillow is a premium option for Airbnbs looking to offer a high-end feel. Crafted with ethically sourced down and a 100% cotton sateen shell, this pillow offers a smooth, luxurious feel. The firm support level is ideal for back and side sleepers seeking additional neck support, adding a layer of hotel-style comfort to any Airbnb bedroom.
Why we love it:
- Ethically sourced down fill appeals to eco-conscious guests
- High-quality cotton sateen shell provides a soft, breathable touch
- Excellent firmness for supporting back and side sleepers
Engineered for eco-friendliness and long-lasting comfort, the Leesa Premium Latex Pillow combines the resilience of latex with a cooling, breathable design. The perforated latex fill encourages airflow, which helps regulate temperature and reduce heat buildup — a fantastic feature for warm climates. The Leesa pillow is also known for its durability and low-maintenance needs, which makes it perfect for STRs.
Why we love it:
- Latex fill offers a cool, breathable experience
- Maintains shape over time
- Naturally hypoallergenic and eco-friendly
Soffice Gel Pillows by A1 American offer a gel-infused fill designed to stay cool and supportive. These pillows are crafted to balance medium to firm support, providing flexibility for various sleeping preferences. The gel material provides cooling benefits, while the polyester cover adds durability, making this pillow a solid choice for high-turnover rentals.
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
A softer, more adaptive alternative to the Soffice Gel Pillows, A1 American’s Golden Memory Gel Pillows feature a memory gel fill that molds to the head and neck, providing maximum comfort.
The pillow offers a soft to medium feel, making it a versatile addition for guests who prefer less firmness. The gel-infused memory foam also maintains a cooler temperature, adding comfort for warm sleepers.
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 for personalized comfort
- 100% cotton shell
- Hypoallergenic and resistant to allergens
The Signature Comfort Bed Pillows from California Design Den offer a balanced combination of 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 softness 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. It’s a quick and easy way to keep pillows inviting and comfortable for every guest, boosting their longevity and appeal.
- Offer a variety of pillow options: Guests have different preferences, so including a mix of firm, soft, and medium-density pillows can help cater to all sleep styles. This variety shows attention to detail and can improve guest satisfaction.
- Invest in pillow covers and protectors: Pillow covers add an extra layer of protection against stains, spills, and allergens, helping to extend the life of each pillow. Covers are easier to clean than entire pillows, making turnaround times faster and reducing wear and tear. Choose pillow covers that match the bedding!
- Ensure at least four pillows per bed: Stocking each bed with a minimum of four pillows not only provides guests with options but also gives the bed a well-styled, inviting look. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in presentation and comfort.
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.