Every Christmas, millions of people travel to stay with parents, in-laws, siblings, or distant relatives and many of them secretly hate the lumpy pillows, ancient mattresses, freezing spare rooms, and airbeds.
Our survey of over 130 UK adults found that 61% sleep worse at relatives’ homes than in their own bed, with the biggest culprit being, perhaps unsurprisingly, the pillows.
Nearly half said the pillows are “flat, lumpy or strangely shaped,” and now bring their own pillow when travelling for Christmas.
Other top complaints include:
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Cold spare rooms
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Old mattresses
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Being put on an airbed
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Noise
Poor sleep has real consequences too, with 64% admitting that they would rather travel home than stay.
“Good-quality pillows are one of the easiest ways to ensure guests get a decent night’s sleep,” says Ruth Welton, Bedding expert at Soak&Sleep. “Most people don’t realise pillows should be replaced every 1–2 years, many guest rooms have pillows that are far older.”
How to be a five-star Christmas host:
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Offer two pillow types per guest (soft + firm)
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Refresh pillows every 1–2 years
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Add a warm throw or heated blanket in the guest room
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Provide a small “sleep kit” (earplugs, eye mask, water)
Visit for more tips or to explore our full range of guest-approved pillows,
