Acrylic Headrest vs. Foam Pillow: Which Tanning Bed Pillow to Choose?
By Sun Tanning Store | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: Comparisons
Compare acrylic headrests and foam pillows for tanning beds. Learn the trade-offs in comfort, hygiene, and durability to find the right tanning bed pillow for your salon or home.
Quick answer
Choose an acrylic headrest if you prioritize easy sanitizing and a professional, non-slip surface for a salon setting. Choose a foam pillow if your main concern is plush head and neck comfort for longer tanning sessions.
Why material matters for tanning bed pillows
The material of your tanning bed pillow directly affects comfort, cleaning routine, and longevity. Acrylic headrests are hard, non-porous, and wipe-clean, making them ideal for high-turnover salons where hygiene is critical. Foam pillows offer a softer, more cushioned feel that many clients prefer for relaxation, but they can absorb lotions and sweat over time.
Neither option is universally better—your choice depends on whether you value quick sanitation or plush support more.
Acrylic vs. Foam: Trade-offs at a glance
- Hygiene & cleaning: Acrylic headrests are non-porous and sanitize easily with a quick wipe. Foam pillows can absorb oils and lotions, requiring more frequent replacement to stay hygienic. For shared-use salons, acrylic is the lower-maintenance choice.
- Comfort & support: Foam pillows provide a soft, cushioned feel that many find more relaxing during longer sessions. Acrylic headrests offer firm support and a sleek profile but lack plushness.
- Durability & longevity: Acrylic headrests are rigid and resistant to cracking under normal use, lasting years. Foam pillows compress over time and may need replacement every 6–12 months depending on usage. Acrylic offers better long-term value if you don't need extra cushioning.
Product facts at a glance
- Pillow-Acrylic Headrest Clear: Acrylic headrest with non-skid feet, 7" x 5.5" x 1.5", ergonomic transparent design. Its compact size and non-slip base keep it securely in place on lay-down sunbeds, and the smooth acrylic surface wipes clean in seconds.
Pillow-Acrylic Headrest Clear - Pillow Foam: Low-profile closed-cell foam pillow, 7.5" wide x 5" deep x 2" tall, universal fit for any tanning bed. The closed-cell foam resists moisture better than standard foam, but it still requires more careful cleaning than acrylic and may need replacement sooner.
Pillow Foam
Which one fits you?
Best for
- Salon owners who need quick, hygienic cleaning between clients
- Users who want a stable, non-slip headrest that stays put on the acrylic bed surface
Not ideal for
- Anyone who prioritizes soft head and neck cushioning over easy cleaning
- Home users who prefer a pillow-like feel for longer tanning sessions
