Microgel: Understanding the Composition of Pillow and Duvet Filling
- Otelia
- Sep 17
- 3 min read
In the hospitality sector, more and more establishments are choosing pillows and duvets filled with microgel. But what exactly is microgel, and why is it such a popular filling material?
Here’s a technical overview of this fiber and a presentation of the many benefits it brings to hotel bedding.
Table of content
What Is Microgel?
Microgel is an ultra-fine synthetic fiber, usually made of polyester, designed to mimic the lightness and softness of natural down. This type of filling is often categorized as a microfiber.
What makes microgel unique is the extreme fineness of its filaments—they can be up to ten times thinner than a human hair. These ultra-thin fibers naturally create tiny air pockets, contributing to balanced loft, effective thermal insulation, and natural breathability.
In other words, microgel-filled pillows and duvets provide a cocoon-like comfort without overheating. Their structure helps regulate body temperature during sleep, reducing excessive perspiration for certain sleepers.
The fibers used in microgel are sometimes siliconized to enhance smoothness and durability. The result: a filling that resists clumping after washing and retains a fresh, uniform appearance over time..
A Word About PolyesterPolyester—the base material for microgel and many other microfibers—is a polymer widely used in the textile industry thanks to several key advantages:
These features make polyester a strategic choice for high-use hospitality bedding. |
How to Compare Microgel Fillings?
For Pillows
Fiber fineness (denier): An index such as 1.2D (D = denier) is sometimes used to indicate fiber thickness. The higher the number, the thicker the fibers, which typically results in a firmer pillow.
Total pillow weight: At equal dimensions, a heavier pillow contains more filling, meaning higher density. This usually translates into firmer support.
These two indicators can help you select the ideal comfort level for your clientele—soft, medium, or firm support.
For Duvets
g/m² (grams per square meter): This is a key measure of the weight and density of synthetic duvet filling.
Generally speaking, the higher the g/m², the warmer, thicker, and more enveloping the duvet will be. But the goal is always to provide the right level of warmth. A lighter fill may be preferable for warm seasons or well-heated rooms.
The Benefits of Microgel for Hotels
In addition to delivering excellent comfort for guests, microgel filling offers several practical and economic benefits, explaining its popularity in the hospitality market.
Easy Care and Enhanced Hygiene
Microgel-filled pillows and duvets are machine washable, quick drying, and resistant to repeated laundering without losing shape.
Some models are even hypoallergenic, making them ideal for guests sensitive to allergens or feathers.
Consistency
Unlike natural down, which can vary in quality from batch to batch, microgel ensures consistent manufacturing. This provides guests with a uniform sleeping experience and simplifies inventory management for hotels.
Durability
Thanks to the resilience of synthetic fibers, microgel maintains its loft and comfort even after multiple washes.
Cost-Effectiveness
Microgel provides high levels of comfort at a generally lower cost than natural down—without compromising on quality.
Microgel vs. Natural Down: Comparison Table
For hotels seeking high-quality bedding, microgel products are often a more strategic choice than those filled with natural down.
Criteria | Microgel (synthetic fiber) | Natural down |
|---|---|---|
Thermal comfort | Very good insulation, breathable, suitable year-round | Excellent insulation, often warmer |
Feel | Soft and plush, similar to down | Naturally fluffy, lighter feel |
Hypoallergenic | Yes – contains no natural allergens | No – may contain allergens (dust mites, feathers, etc.) |
Care | Machine washable, quick drying, easy to maintain | Delicate care, often requires dry cleaning |
Wash durability | Excellent performance, even under industrial washing | May lose loft or clump over time |
Price | Affordable, excellent value for money | High cost, especially premium goose down |
Consistency | Uniform from one product to another | Varies by origin and down quality |
Environmental impact | Synthetic, recyclable depending on process | Natural, but dependent on farming practices |
Suitable for hotels | Yes – hygienic, stable, easy to manage | Yes, but requires more care |
Explore Our Microgel and Microfiber Bedding
In summary, microgel offers a comfortable, easy-to-maintain, and durable solution perfectly suited to the hospitality industry.
At Otelia, we offer a wide range of hotel pillows and duvets filled with microgel or microfiber, each designed to deliver the advantages outlined in this article. Our products are available in multiple sizes to fit all bed dimensions.
Request a free quote today to receive a personalized price based on your order volume. Our team will be happy to supply your hotel with the right products to meet your needs.
