Pillow Talk

So many properties with varying star ratings seem to provide pillows that easily fail the all important comfort test. And it seems to be the old "fair enough is good enough" attitude that is the real hub of the problem.

Providing well below average or "sick" pillows to guests who need a great nights rest is not a smart way to make guests happy or preferably even delighted.

So what are the most common and notorious problems with "sick" or below average pillows? Here are some of the really obvious ones that your guests will easily identify with :

1. flat and uninviting pillows
2. lumpy, tired pillows
3. stained and soiled pillows
4. dank pillows
5. under filled pillows
6. smelly or musky pillows
7. prickly feather pillows
8. germ ridden pillows

Thousands of guest beds nationwide suffer some or most likely all of the above "sick" list in pillows. And like anything that is sick, it needs to be corrected.... and pronto. Failure to do so will result in many dissatisfied guests and a black mark against your property. Attention to detail to the comfort of a guest does not happen by accident. It requires, like all astute business decisions, proper research and a passionate attitude to ensuring the guest is as pampered and delighted as best possible. A delighted guest, corporate or otherwise, will bring to your property vital repeat business, positive word of mouth and a far greater sense of pride to you the owner / manager. It is such a competitive market, that these "little" things will mean very important and big results. Like making the guest feel great after a wonderful nights sleep.

So why are there so many "sick" pillows on so many beds? The answer is simpler than you may think. Much has to do with why a pillow is virtually "sick" from the very moment it is comes off a mass production line. Here are some of the insider tricks you may not be aware of. Using the cheapest poly fills for example will certainly create a pillow disaster. These sub standard fillings will compress quickly and cannot be lofted again. Once flat, that's that. The moment these pillow types are being used they are losing their loft. The same types of these poly fills can become lumpy and hard. And typically, they don't launder well, many getting trashed. Another "trick" is to deliberately under fill pillows with the sole intent to make them dirt cheap for you to purchase.

Sounds good so far. A really cheap , bargain basement priced pillow. But what if that very same "cheap" pillow was a beast for a guest to sleep on. Loses its shape and support quickly. Has no redeeming features whatsoever. Is overdue to be replaced in next to no time. And it's your money down the drain too. It's costing your business dearly because your guest is coming in direct contact with this "sick" pillow and you have paid for this "privilege." And so this hopeless cycle goes on and on and on. This vicious cycle needs to be smashed once and for all.

But wait, there's more. You may perhaps think feather pillows are the answer. But if this was the case, why have feather pillow sales been in devastating free fall decline at retail shops for the past 10 years or so. It's very simply because people hate the feel of a prickly feather in their cheek or ear when "resting". We also know as fact that feathers have a peculiar, unpleasant odour and are more likely to harbour dust mites and allergens. They don't launder at all well either. Now that's a "yukky" cocktail to avoid at all costs. Feather pillows are from the dark ages and certainly have no benefits for your guests. Not to mention the poor birds that have been so poorly treated in the whole messy process.

Sounds all doom and gloom doesn't it ? And it so easily can be. Except for the fact that there are a few outstanding, comfy pillows out there from reputable, passionate businesses who genuinely care as to how a guest sleeps and feels in the morning. They are experts in their field and have designed a top quality pillow to be an asset for a property and a delight to sleep on.

Now take careful note of the following. Even highlight the next few sentences. Authentic or legitimate first class pillows will have all of the following key benefits: generously filled to be comfy and supportive with only high performance premium fibres, have a proven track record of guest satisfaction over a number of years with a number of first class properties, have taken the time to thoroughly test their pillows to retain quality for at least 3 or more years guaranteed, will not go flat or lumpy, have been machine wash/ tumble dry tested, are odourless and hygienic and use superior casing fabrics and have been expertly sewn and finished.

Here is a vital tip to assist you. Always ask your pillow supplier as to what guarantees are offered on their pillows and what tests have been undertaken for their pillows to perform. And importantly what the guaranteed filling weight is in grams. It is a fact that there is up to a staggering 40% variation in filling weight between authentic premium quality pillows and the "sick" cheap types. Don't fall for this trap or you will be wasting your money unnecessarily. Any pillow with 600g or less is risky based on my observations over many years. Ideally, a pillow of 900 to 1,000grams of premium filling will offer superior comfort and support Take your time to research some pillow options and ask these key questions just mentioned. Only purchase your all important pillows once you feel confident to do so. If in any doubt, go through the checklist again.

The simple, humble pillow. Get it right, and your guests will most likely be truly delighted and contented with their stay. Continue on with those "sick" pillows from hell, and your guests may never been seen again. Remove that risk out of your business once and for all and it's blue skies and happy days for all to enjoy.

It might now just be the perfect time to take a very close and honest look at the pillows awaiting your guests at your property . Be brutally frank with your findings. Do your pillows fall more likely in the "sick?" list mentioned above ? If so, start your campaign to rid these pillows from your rooms forever and replace with authentic, quality pillows. It really will be one of the very best decisions you have ever made to content your guests while they enjoy their sleep.....zzzzz