Typically, hotel beds come with at least four pillows, but not everyone knows that these extra pillows aren't just for decoration - they serve several special purposes.

When you step into a luxurious hotel room, one of the first impressions is the neatly made bed with a comfortable set of bedding, including pillows.

Let's explore the reasons why hotels often provide 4 pillows and the benefits of these extra pillows.

1. Creating Comfort and Flexibility for Guests

Every guest has different sleeping preferences. Some like to sleep flat, while others prefer having a pillow to hug for a sense of comfort and security. To accommodate these needs, hotels often provide two extra pillows for guests to use as they wish. You can arrange them to the right height, creating the perfect resting space, or even use one for your head and the other for hugging.

2. Decorative and Aesthetic Appeal

In addition to enhancing comfort, these "extra" pillows also play a role in beautifying the room. Luxury hotels often use brightly colored or uniquely patterned pillows to add aesthetic value to the space. These pillows not only help the hotel create a focal point but also provide a pleasant look.

3. Supporting Proper Sleeping Posture

One of the essential benefits of these extra pillows is to help achieve a good sleeping posture. If you have neck or back issues, these extra pillows can help you adjust your sleeping position for comfort and correctness. You can use them to support your neck, back, or even your knees if you prefer sleeping on your side. This can improve your sleep quality and prevent health problems related to poor posture.

4. Enhancing Sleep Quality

Sleep is vital for energy recovery after a long day. Hotels aim to provide the best experience for their guests, and one way they do this is by creating the ideal sleeping environment. Adding two extra pillows allows you to adjust your position and relax your body more effectively. The ability to change the level of support can help reduce stress and muscle aches, leading to deeper and better sleep.

5. Creating Space for Other Needs

Lastly, even if you don't need to use all the pillows for sleeping, you can use them for other purposes. For example, when sitting on the bed to read, watch TV, or work, you can use one of the pillows as a backrest. If you have young children traveling with you, they can use one pillow for play or as support when sitting with you on the bed.

6. Why Do Hotels Use "Extra" Pillows?

The provision of four pillows instead of two or three is part of a strategy to create a comfortable, friendly, and well-equipped space. Hotels understand that each guest has different preferences regarding pillow usage, and offering a variety of options makes it easier for them to feel comfortable and choose what works best for them.

In conclusion, the extra pillows in hotel rooms are not just for decoration but also offer numerous practical benefits, from enhancing comfort, supporting sleeping posture, and improving sleep quality. When staying at a hotel, try to make use of these extra pillows to experience the best sleep possible.

Using Pillows Correctly for Different Sleeping Positions

For each sleeping position, you should use pillows in the right way to ensure your health and a restful sleep.

1.  Lying on Your Back

When lying on your back, placing the pillow under your shoulders can put pressure on your spine. On the other hand, if only your head is resting on the pillow, your neck will be "floating." Both of these positions are not ideal.

The best pillow for back sleepers should fill the gap between the neck and mattress properly, creating a straight sleeping posture from the head, neck, to the spine. A thick pillow will raise your head too high, bending your neck upwards, which could strain muscles, nerves, and discs. Conversely, a thin pillow will cause your neck to bend uncomfortably.

An ideal pillow that is supportive and flexible will prevent neck stiffness and strain. When lying on your back, gravity will pull your head to the left or right shoulder. The correct pillow will help keep your head relatively straight, pointing towards the ceiling, reducing neck twisting.

Another pillow placed under your knees will help keep your knee joints slightly bent and relaxed.

2.  Sleeping on Your Side

Side sleeping is the most common position, and it provides a natural sense of comfort. People who sleep on their sides typically prefer a higher pillow (thicker).

When sleeping on your side, the pillow should be thick enough to keep your spine aligned but not too thick to cause neck bending. Side sleepers will feel most comfortable on a pillow that is neither too soft nor too hard.

Studies show that when sleeping on a pillow that is 6-9 cm thick, the brain's resting waves stabilize, indicating deep and quality sleep.

A pillow that is too high or too low can affect the natural curve of the neck and chest spine, potentially causing cervical spondylosis or vascular diseases.

A pillow that is too high can also cause respiratory issues, such as snoring, while a pillow that is too low can lead to restricted blood flow, causing discomfort such as dizziness or bloating the next day.

3.  Sleeping on Your Stomach

Sleeping on your stomach causes your head and spine to bend unnaturally upwards. Maintaining this position for long periods is not good for your back or neck. Stomach sleepers should use a thinner pillow compared to side or back sleepers.

If you sleep on your stomach with a pillow that is too thick, your spine will bend at an angle, leading to pain or numbness.

Note: This article is for reference purposes