Hotel Pillows

We seem to have had a similar experience as many others while staying at a Marriott hotel--great pillows.

However, upon looking up reviews of the Hotel Touch of Down Pillow on the Pacific Coast Feather Company website, we found many complaints alleging their purchases did not live up to the pillows they had found at the Marriott.

So, what gives (?):

• From one commenter, on October 17, 2012: "The response I got from PCF was that the pillows in the Hilton have been shrunk down from being washed hundreds of times and are more compact."
• Another commenter, on October 28, 2014: "I called customer service (Robin) and she was extremely helpful. The pillow I wanted is not on the website but can be special ordered. It is called "Double Touch of Down" and is the " Old Hyatt" pillow. The item number in King is 33034. When they arrived I compared the tags and there was only a difference of 5% duck feather in the inner chamber and 5% down in the outer chamber."
• Pacific Down Feather Company FAQ:
• The Down Surround pillow is softer than the Touch of Down pillow.
• The Touch of Down pillow is a super standard size, 20" x 28". Some hotels will put this super standard size pillow into a standard 20" x 26" pillow protector. The 2" difference causes the pillow to plump up more.
• Some hotels will even double the protectors on each pillow to reduce the air permeability of the pillow keeping it fluffier throughout the night.
• Hotel pillows are slept on and washed regularly which accelerates the softening process. If the pillow you order doesn't feel as soft as your hotel experience, it might be that you need to wash and dry it a few times.
• Lastly, pillows are made from 100% cotton. Over time, the washing process can shrink the pillow. A pillow that seems smaller than 20" x 26" even with extra protectors, may have shrunk from excessive washings.
• (?)

Suggested alternatives:

• The Company Store
• One commenter writes, "The authentic Marriott pillows can be purchased at ShopMarriott.com"
• The Sweet Home

The last link had this tip:

It’s a minor point, but Breus also pointed out that sleepers have different support needs over the course of the week. “If you’re typing at a desk all week, by Friday, you’re going to need more support,” he said. “If you’re out and about, you don’t need that type of support; your neck is looser.” Swapping out pillows according to the stresses on your neck is ideal, but due to expense and negligible long-term impacts, we don’t think you need to buy multiple pillows with different support unless a doctor advises you to do so.