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The Best Travel Pillow

Sabrina Imbler

By Sabrina Imbler

Short of scoring a row of empty seats—dream on!—your best bet for getting at least a little sleep while flying is a travel pillow.

After asking 10 panelists to try on eight travel pillows and after taking four cross-country red-eyes in window, aisle, and middle seats, we think the comfortable and easy-to-pack  Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow is the best travel pillow for most people.

Everything we recommend

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Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

The best travel pillow.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

Buying Options

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Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow

A travel pillow available at airports.

This memory-foam neck-support pillow is highly adjustable, but without a contoured back, it can’t quite sit flush with the headrest. It’s available at many airport stores, though.

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Trtl Pillow

A pillow for one-sided neck support only.

It’s a fleece scarf with a built-in plastic brace—like a one-sided neck brace, but softer and cozier. However, it’s not so great if you tend to shift position while you sleep, and it costs more than the other pillows we recommend.

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Bcozzy Pillow

Great with large headphones.

Featuring an adjustable design that accommodates over-the-ear headphones, the Bcozzy is an excellent chin-support pillow for people who nod forward as they sleep.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Nest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping.

This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case.

Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, while supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks. While the memory foam feels plush, it’s also quite firm; this offers excellent support, but not much give.

It also doesn’t let you adjust the fit, like our two wrappable picks: the Turtl and the BCozzy . If the Travelrest fits your neck, it’s an excellent pillow. If your neck is much longer or shorter than this pillow’s 5-inch wall, though, you might prefer the fit of one of our other pillow picks.

If our top pick sells out, or if you find yourself pillowless past security, the Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow is almost as good a pillow.

It lacks the Travelrest’s angled, lay-flat back, but its U-shape, contoured memory-foam core and machine-washable velour cover still provide comparable levels of comfort. Its adjustable string closure also means that you can fit the pillow much tighter around your neck than you can with the Travelrest, making it a good choice for people with smaller necks or people who prefer a more constricted fit.

Additionally, it’s the only one of our picks that we’ve regularly seen in stores located behind the security checkpoint at many airports.

If you typically lean to the same side while sleeping, the Trtl Pillow’s fleece-covered plastic frame provides unshakeable support to one side of your neck while remaining comfortable to wear. It’s basically a one-sided neck brace.

The pillow’s cozy wraparound fleece will also keep your neck warm, making it a good choice for anyone who gets cold while flying (and a poor choice for those who sleep hot). But the Trtl’s winning quality is its tiny, packable size.

Unlike any of our other picks, the Trtl does not need to be compressed or stuffed into a carrying case. It will always take up about as much space as a PB&J sandwich. (It costs a lot more than one, though.)

The Bcozzy , a variation on the hemi-doughnut theme, is our pick for anyone who wears large over-the-ear headphones on a flight or tends to nod forward while they sleep.

The pillow’s overlapping ends form a snug cushion that holds your chin in place far better than do the Trtl’s plastic frame or the Travelrest and Cabeau’s chin-facing gap. While the pillow does not provide great support to either side of your neck, if paired with a large pair of headphones, the Bcozzy holds a head in place perfectly.

While not as compressible as our other picks, the pillow has a small loop that can be clipped to the outside of most bags so it doesn’t have to take up space inside your bag.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked our best travel pillow finalists, how we tested travel pillows, our pick for the best travel pillow: travelrest nest ultimate memory foam travel pillow, runner-up for the best travel pillow: cabeau evolution classic pillow, also great for portability: trtl pillow, also-great chin-support pillow for forward-nodders: bcozzy pillow, other good travel pillows, the competition.

I am a frequent flyer who often takes red-eyes from coast to coast—I now live in Brooklyn but fly home to San Francisco to visit my parents. I’m also an insomniac, so falling asleep on planes has never been easy for me.

While writing this article, I tested eight travel pillows on two five-hour flights and slept with our four picks on two more cross-country flights. I also spoke with Rebecca Robbins, a postdoctoral fellow at the NYU Center for Healthful Behavior Change at the time of the interview, to see what she looks for in a travel pillow.

In addition, my Wirecutter colleagues as a whole are an exceptionally mobile group. We’ve worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica, so I asked some folks on staff which pillows they like and use regularly. (They’ve also since contributed some additional testing.)

A pile of neck pillows on a wood table. We looked for the best neck pillow available.

Boarding a red-eye without a travel pillow in your bag is like choosing to sleep on the floor when there’s a perfectly good futon nearby. Sure, it’s no bed, but it’s a hell of a lot better than hardwood.

In an interview she did in 2017 with The Atlantic reporter Kelly Conaboy, Dr. Mary O’Connor, then the director of Yale’s Center for Musculoskeletal Care, said that despite a lack of clinical studies that support the efficacy of travel pillows, “Many of us who travel have experienced falling asleep with our neck in a weird position and it bothering us thereafter. So, I think they can be helpful, but that depends on how they’re used and whether they support the neck.”

In other words, using a supportive pillow may decrease the chances you wake up with an unwanted crick. It certainly has in our experience.

However, not all travel pillows are the same, and if you also happen to have a zealous hatred of your travel pillow, you probably have a bad one. So even if you have a generic pillow you picked up at some airport a few years ago, consider upgrading to one of our picks. And of course, these pillows work well on buses and trains, too.

So how can you tell if a pillow is likely to actually support your head? Rebecca Robbins, a postdoctoral fellow studying sleep at the time of our interview, says the best travel pillows will keep your head elevated and in alignment with your spine: “Look for something that would really be supportive. My one gripe with most travel pillows is that they’re too soft and not too full—you want something that will be supportive as you try to get comfortable in your limited space.” Robbins also recommends finding a pillow that can keep you cozy but not too hot, as she says it’s easier to sleep with a lower body temperature.

Our recommended best travel pillows: The Cabeau and Travelrest pillows are in stuff sacks; the Trtl and Bcozzy pillows are collapsed and lying flat on a table.

Robbins does her best to avoid one common travel situation. “My number one sleep tip is to not take a red-eye if you can avoid it,” she said. “If the flight is five hours, you’re going to only have three hours of true rest, because all the announcements—‘lower your window,’ ‘raise your window.’ Those can be significant distractions.”

We also looked at existing editorial reviews for guidance. Ethan Green , founder of the sleep resource blog No Sleepless Nights, compiled an extensive comparative review of popular travel pillows that we found helpful when deciding what models to test.

For people who want a travel pillow that will ease some of the discomfort of sleeping upright on a bumpy plane ride, we’ve identified the following key features:

  • Comfort and support: The pillow should offer ample support for the weight of your neck and head but not restrict your movements or feel too tight.
  • Portable (but not inflatable): You don’t want your travel pillow to take up so much space in your carry-on that you can’t bring other things you need, so it should compress to a smaller size. Barring that, there should at least be a way to clip it to the outside of your bag or luggage. Inflatable pillows are easy to pack but should be avoided. They inevitably spring a leak, often sooner rather than later.
  • Soft: The material should feel plush against your skin but not trap so much heat that it’s uncomfortable to wear.
  • Universal fit (or as close as possible): The pillow should allow space for people to sleep with a ponytail or accommodate bigger hair, as well as a whole variety of head shapes and sizes and neck lengths.
  • Sleeping styles: It should also accommodate people who move their head in any direction while they sleep. It should also work in a window, a middle, or an aisle seat.
  • Speed of compression/decompression: In case you need to quickly stow your pillow before exiting the plane, or if you want to catch some shut-eye in a moment’s notice, it shouldn’t take too long to stuff the pillow into its carrying case or unfold it to full size.
  • Weight: Ideally, the pillow shouldn’t add undue burden to your carry-on. While inflatable pillows will always be the lightest option, memory-foam pillows don’t weigh much more and can offer significantly more comfort.
  • Grip/traction: Your head will likely move around a bit while sleeping on a plane, especially if there’s turbulence. So any kind of grip or traction around the bottom of the pillow will help it stay in place and keep you snoozing.
  • Machine washable: As you might expect from a vessel that ferries hundreds of people back and forth across the sky on a daily basis, planes can be filthy. So you’ll want to be able to wash the whole pillow—or at least its cover—before you take it on your next trip.

We researched more than 40 travel pillows—which ranged from variations on a hemi-doughnut to inscrutable crowdfunded designs—and after comparing hundreds of glowing and enraged Amazon reviews, we decided to test eight. We asked a panel of 10 people to try each of the pillows in a chair pushed against the wall of a conference room (the closest we could come to airline conditions in our office) and surveyed them on the fit, comfort, and support of each pillow. The panelists all had a variety of neck lengths and jaw sizes, and one even had a substantial beard. We also ran all of the pillows or their detachable pillowcases through a washing machine as instructed to see how well each stood up to a spin cycle and tumble dry.

And because simulations are rarely enough, I brought eight travel pillows on two cross-country flights to see how the pillows felt in the specific back design of an airplane seat. As I was lucky enough to have unnecessarily kind and understanding neighbors (thank you, Mike and Deborah!), I wore each of these pillows in a window, a middle, and an aisle seat to see if they felt comfortable in each configuration. I also tried on Deborah’s Muji travel pillow (as she offered), but determined it had much less support than our picks. I also carried all of our picks on two more cross-country flights on a different airline to ensure the pillows did just as well in different seat designs.

The Travelrest Ultimate pillow, a firm donut-shaped neck pillow, resting on a blanket. The recommended best travel pillow.

The Travelrest Nest Ultimate remains our top pick after several years because its plush but firm memory-foam core offers more support to your neck than that of any other pillow. It’s also one of the few pillows we tested that felt specifically designed for an airline seat, with an angled, grippy back that aligns perfectly to both upright and reclined positions and ensures the pillow won’t slide down as you nod off.

The velvety-soft pillow supports heads and necks of all sizes and can be fitted with an adjustable cord and clasp. In the tried-but-true shape of a hemi-doughnut—imagine a doughnut with a bite taken out—the Travelrest Ultimate may look like other pillows, but a number of thoughtful details make it a softer, more supportive pillow than all the rest.

The Travelrest offers better all-around support than any other pillow we tested. Its broad, marshmallowy walls hug the whole circumference of your neck. It feels supportive but not stifling. The easy-to-fasten Velcro strap means it can be adjusted to a snug fit for necks of many sizes. There’s even a small crevice for curlier hair or a ponytail.

In addition to fitting your neck, the Travelrest’s back tapers up to a point to fit flat against an airline seat back. Most neck pillows lack this tapering on the back and the excess padding can push your neck away from the headrest, causing your neck to droop forward. Additionally, the Travelrest has grippy dots on the back that prevent it from slipping.

The best travel pillow, the Travelrest Ultimate, showing the grippy back side.

In addition to its excellent support, the Travelrest is very comfortable and cozy to wear. Its memory-foam core is wrapped in velour, which kept my neck warm without overheating it. The Travelrest’s velour also felt softer and smoother against my skin than similar coverings on other pillows, such as the Cabeau Evolution. It’s also easy to clean: The Travelrest’s cover is easily unzipped and machine-washable. The velour retained its softness after going through a wash and dry cycle.

While the Travelrest isn’t inflatable, it packs down to the size of a roll of toilet paper in its carrying case. Once you fold it cinnamon-roll style and it’s small enough to fit inside the bag, a Velcro strap on the pouch helps you compress it even further. If there’s still not enough space for it in your bag, you can always clip its drawstring to any exterior loop.

All of these thoughtful details were not lost on our testing panel. They gave the Travelrest the highest marks of any pillow in comfort and neck support, and two-thirds of our testers picked it as their favorite pillow.

How the Travelrest has held up

After over a year of use, this pillow had lost none of its supportiveness. The memory foam was just as firm and springy as it was when we bought it. Its velcro strap was still easy to secure. If it fits you, this is a pillow that stays secure and comfortable on your neck for the duration of a long flight. However, we’ve also heard from multiple travelers that this pillow doesn’t fit them. The memory foam is quite firm, which offers excellent support, but not much give. If a pillow of up to 5 inches doesn’t fit comfortably on your neck, we think you’ll be happier trying one of our other picks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Travelrest Nest Ultimate will never compress to the thin, flat size of a tiny pillow like the Trtl . But its unparalleled, cushiony support can still pack down to a reasonable size, and its 13 ounces won’t make your carry-on noticeably heavier. And if saving space is your highest concern, we think the Trtl provides space-conscious support without the spit-filled fuss of an inflatable pillow.

While the Travelrest’s voluminous plush can support all heads that lean left, back, or right, the pillow may not hold up the chins of people with smaller faces. When my head bobbed forward, my small face sank into the gap between the pillow closure and my neck. You can adjust the Velcro strap for a tighter fit, but the short strap cannot be pulled as tight as the Cabeau’s adjustable strings.

The Travelrest’s unbeatable support is in part due to the height of its sides, designed to come up to the jaw of the wearer. This means the pillow may be incompatible with larger over-the-ear headphones for people with shorter necks. For instance, when I tried to wear the Travelrest with my noise-cancelling Bose headphones , the pillow pushed the headset uncomfortably far up on my head, taking my earlobes with it. However, my editor, who has a longer neck, didn’t have this problem.

The donut-shaped Cabeau neck pillow resting on a blanket.

If you want a tighter, more adjustable fit, the Cabeau Evolution Classic  (which used to be called just the Evolution) is the way to go. Its contoured memory-foam design offers almost as much neck support as our main pick does, albeit without some of the Travelrest’s luxurious height. But the Cabeau’s adjustable clasp allows a far greater range of cinching than the Travelrest. In other words, the pillow can fit as tightly as you like.

Like the Travelrest, the Cabeau’s hemi-doughnut shape offers 360 degrees of support for anyone wearing it. It also boasts a cushioned memory-foam core and a contoured top that will keep your neck upright and head in place. But unlike the Travelrest’s gently arched bottom, the Cabeau’s flat bottom won’t sit as securely on your shoulders and may move around during your sleep. The Cabeau also lacks the Travelrest’s smartly tapered, grippy back that helps keep the pillow in place during flight. The Cabeau’s velour cover is also machine-washable, but it feels less soft than the Travelrest’s.

The Cabeau's cover comes off the foam core with a zipper.

Although the Cabeau’s fit and shape aren’t quite as good as the Travelrest’s, this pillow is more adjustable. It can be tightened or loosened with two adjustable strings that clip together, which results in a far more adjustable range than the Travelrest’s short strip of Velcro. If you have a smaller neck and know you find a tighter grip on your neck comforting, the Cabeau may be the way to go.

Like the Travelrest, the Cabeau also packs down to a quarter of its size, thanks to an adjustable strap bisecting its carrying case. But at 15.2 ounces, it’s a bit heavier than the Travelrest.

Unlike any of our other picks, the Cabeau Evolution Classic is sold in many of those ubiquitous news stores inside airports. So if you find yourself lacing up your shoes after security and wishing you had bought one of our picks before your flight, look for the Cabeau’s contoured shape among the novelty hemi-doughnuts dangling off the travel pillow racks. It’s the best pillow you can buy at an airport. But if you have the chance to order online, the Travelrest offers more support.

There is a newer model of the Evolution Classic, the S3 , which has straps to hook onto a seat’s headrest. We think it’s a good choice if the Classic version is out of stock or otherwise unavailable. It’s still supportive and comfortable, but not as thick or soft as the Classic.

The Trtl is less a pillow and more a plush neck brace.

The Trtl Pillow , though odd-looking and unconventional, won a contingent of ardent fans with its firm support and slim, packable size. But it’s not our top pick because it works on only one side, and its warmth-trapping fleece can cause your neck to overheat. It’s also the most expensive of our picks.

The Trtl consists of an arched plastic skeleton inside of a soft, fleece scarf that wraps once around your neck and then closes with Velcro to hold the pillow in place. You just lean your head against the convex end of the bendy frame, wrap the pillow around your neck, and your head has a soft but firm pedestal on which to rest while you sleep. It sounds weird, but it’s not that different from a neck brace—only it’s one-sided and softer.

Because the Trtl Pillow is little more than a scarf with a plastic plate in it, it packs down to the size of a sandwich and can lay flat against the back of your bag. This is the smallest travel pillow we tested and also requires none of the squashing or awkward cinching it takes to stuff the Travelrest or Cabeau into their holding bags, which are also easy to lose. Unlike any of the other pillows we’ve seen, the Trtl is small enough to fit inside a briefcase or handbag, making it the best option for people who don’t normally travel with backpacks. And at a featherweight 5 ounces, the Trtl is the lightest pillow we tested.

Though the Trtl can support your head from only one side, the tall, bendy plastic frame inside offered more support on that one side than either the Travelrest or Cabeau . Yet even with its soft, wraparound design, it lacks the all-around support provided by our top and runner-up picks. If you are an asymmetrical sleeper (if you prefer sleeping with your head leaning to one side), the Trtl may be a good choice. However, it’s not a good choice for people who nod forward—the plastic insert is too stiff. If that’s you, we prefer the Bcozzy .

A closeup of a hand holding the Trtl's cover open to show the lightweight frame inside.

Some testers found the Trtl’s quasi-corseted-turtleneck design off-putting. But then again, no one looks cool wearing any travel pillow. And on that note, the Trtl’s cozy fleece will keep your neck toasty. So if you know you run hot, the Trtl may not be the pillow for you.

Wirecutter’s Ganda Suthivarakom swears by the Trtl: “It packs almost flat, weighs next to nothing, and can be helpful for sleeping even when you are stuck in a middle seat. As someone who is always cold on the plane, I don't mind the whole fleece scarf design, either.”

Trtl has a more padded version of the pillow that claims to be more adjustable; one of our longer-necked staffers tried it and reported that it is indeed more comfortable for him than the original Trtl was. However, the same limitations of the original apply to the new version.

The Bcozzy is another donut-type pillow, but it's longer and thinner, enabling a more coiled configuration.

The Bcozzy is a snakelike spin on the traditional hemi-doughnut that’s perfect for anyone traveling with large headphones or people who tend to nod forward while sleeping and wake themselves up. It lacks the tall, supportive sides of our other picks, but the overlapping front is the perfect height to keep your chin from nodding forward as you doze off. It’s not as supportive on the sides, but this leaves ample room for big headphones.

The Bcozzy’s best advantage is its overlapping circular design, which allows you to adjust the pillow to degrees of personal preference. You can place the overlapping ends of the pillow around any point of your neck (though it only really makes sense in the front or on the sides), and wear the pillow as loose or as tight as you’d like. We think it’s most comfortable when the ends meet right under your neck—and in that position, it cushions your chin better than any other pillow we tested.

The longer, leaner Bcozzy lacks the plush, ensconcing neck support of the Travelrest Nest Ultimate or Cabeau Evolution Classic . It lays so low on your shoulders that it might not even touch your jaw. But this makes the pillow perfect for anyone who likes to wear over-the-ear headphones along with a travel pillow while they sleep on the flight. I personally like to fall asleep to music and drown out the dull roar of an airplane, so the Bcozzy works perfectly for me.

We still think the Travelrest Nest Ultimate is a superior overall hemi-doughnut pillow, but the Bcozzy is an excellent choice if you plan to wear big headphones or know the feeling of that sharp, waking drop when your head falls forward on a plane.

The Bcozzy's small fabric loop for fastening.

The Bcozzy is also one of the least packable pillows, as it doesn’t come with a carrying case and does not compress particularly well. But its 7.4 ounces is around half the weight of the Travelrest or Cabeau, and it does comes with a little loop that clips onto the outside of a backpack or duffel. And even when squished down at the bottom of a bag, it doesn’t take up that much more space than the Travelrest or the Cabeau.

If you’re a back sleeper who can fall sleep sitting upright in your seat, facing forward, and not need to curl up or lean your head on the airplane window: You may want to try the Posture+ Travel Pillow, which is a U-shaped neck cushion, padded with memory foam, that looks like the back half of a cervical collar. When testing it, we slept surprisingly well, but it won’t suit all (or even most) sleep styles. It’s also not machine-washable.

If you have a shorter neck and tend to run hot on planes and would prefer a pillow designed to keep you cool: Consider the ventilated Cabeau Evolution Cool —the combination of a silky polyester cover (similar to spandex) and vented design did feel mildly cooler against our necks. And we liked the pillow’s silky feel, packable size, zippered carrying case. But it was significantly smaller than the standard Cabeau Evolution Classic and the Travelrest Nest Ultimate, and it left the chins of long-necked testers totally unsupported. It’s also more expensive.

If you always lean to the same side when sleeping: Consider Travelrest’s All-in-One , which has a novel across-the-shoulder design that could be comfortable in such a situation. It has a similar fabric to the company’s winning Ultimate Memory Foam Neck Pillow, but in our tests its bulky inflated tube offered no structured head support, which could pose a problem in bumpy conditions.

If you tend to be a forward-falling head bobber: Consider the Caldera Releaf , which is less travel pillow and more neck brace. It does offer superior neck support, but it constricted the throat too much for our comfort.

The Trtl Pillow Plus , a later addition to the Trtl lineup, is more height-adjustable and has more padding than its older sibling . Our self-described “giraffe-necked” tester said that it did indeed fit him better than the original Trtl had. However, it still supports your head from only one side, making it not a great choice for sleepers who nod forward. It’s also bulkier than the original and costs more.

The Cabeau Evolution S3 is a newer version of our runner-up pick , the Evolution Classic. We liked it, and we think it’s a solid choice if the original Evolution isn’t available. It has added straps that you can hook onto a headrest to keep your head from falling forward while you sleep, but our runner-up pick is softer and slightly thicker, which offers a bit more support. We did find the S3 to be easier to roll up into its carrying case, however.

Intrigued by one of the stranger innovations that we’ve seen in travel pillow design, we tested the Huzi Design Infinity , but we can’t recommend it. Instead of cinching or clasping at the front, it is designed to be looped several times around the wearer’s neck like an infinity scarf. But the pillow failed to support our testers’ necks. Regardless of who tried it, testers found that looping it twice was too loose and thrice was too tight. It was also the largest and least compressible pillow we tested.

The J-Pillow offered a singular, three-pronged design that proved impossible for anyone to figure out without instructions. After some explanation, our testers could wear the pillow correctly, but they still felt that its squishy stuffing offered insufficient support, and only to one side of the head. It’s also impossible to pack away efficiently due to its pyramidal shape. If you want a one-sided pillow, skip this and go for the Trtl instead.

We tested the inexpensive Travelrest Curl because we loved its plush and contoured big cousin, the Travelrest Nest Ultimate. But while the Curl contains the same luxurious memory-foam filling as the Ultimate, the pillow is so small that many testers found that it didn’t even come up to their jaws when worn. It does have an attractive price, but its skimpy size and unsupportive design could support only the shortest of necks.

We found the air-filled Sea to Summit Aeros Traveller Pillow to be similarly lacking. We liked how easy it was to fill—its dual-valve inflation mechanism means it won’t let air out between breaths—and we appreciated that it weighed only about a fifth as much as the Travelrest, but the Travelrest’s 360-degree support made it too hard to go back to an open-ring design that offers no support in the front. Also, one of our former freelance writers recently reported that when she pulled her pillow out of storage, after a few years of not using it, its internal bladder disintegrated in her hands.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Rebecca Robbins, postdoctoral fellow at the NYU Center for Healthful Behavior Change , phone interview , October 20, 2017

Meet your guide

travel blue neck pillow reddit

Sabrina Imbler

Sabrina Imbler is a former staff writer for Wirecutter, where they covered kitchen tools and HVAC.

Further reading

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This travel pillow is so great you won’t even care if you look silly wearing it.

The Trtl travel pillow.

The Silly-Looking Trtl Travel Pillow Is the Only Way I Can Sleep on Flights

You might look funny while wearing the one-sided Trtl travel pillow in flight, but you won’t care when you land at your destination bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

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The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Sleep and relax comfortably on the go with these top travel pillows

travel blue neck pillow reddit

In This Article

  • Our Top Picks
  • Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

  • Tips for Buying

You Might Also Want

  • Why Trust T+L

Sitting upright for hours on end or sleeping on unfamiliar pillows can be incredibly uncomfortable, but a reliable travel pillow can make your trip a lot more tolerable. Whether embarking on a red-eye flight, hitting the road on a long car trip, or looking to get a good night's sleep in your hotel room, the best travel pillows will be comfy, supportive, and portable. 

We tested more than 40 travel pillows, looking at traits like comfort, durability, portability, and quality. We narrowed down the best options while using the accessory for road trips, long-haul flights, train rides, and even sleeping at home, making sure each option was comfortable for extended use. We also brought a few options into our Travel + Leisure lab to get a direct comparison, testing them out on our airplane set. After catching some of the best Z's, we rounded up pillow choices for different types of travelers who are looking to get more rest on their future trips.

Best Overall

Ostrichpillow go neck pillow.

The pillow has an asymmetrical design that can accommodate various neck, chin, and head support preferences.

It might warm your neck if you run hot while sleeping.

The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow feels like sleeping on a cloud. This travel pillow provided the perfect amount of neck support and comfort when we took it on a flight, allowing us to get more rest than usual. The plush memory foam filling and asymmetric design can be easily adjusted to support the neck, chin, or head with the taller or shorter sides. Although the memory foam is soft and compressible, it felt more supportive than any other pillow we tried. The materials appear high-quality and luxurious, and it is easy to roll the pillow up to fit inside its compact drawstring sack. We found it a little tricky to roll up at first, but once we nailed the technique, we were impressed with how small it became — ideal for those who don't want a pillow to take up too much luggage space.

The pillow held its shape after being in the bag for long periods of time, which leads us to believe that it will hold up well with prolonged use. The pillow cover is removable and machine washable, but we air dried it to ensure it didn’t shrink (and had no issues putting it back on the pillow). A must-have for those with higher budgets, this pillow allows for better sleep and more comfort on flights.

The Details: Viscosa, memory foam | 10.5 x 9.5 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

  • PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Most Comfortable

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

The cozy but firm material and innovative chin strap keep you from bobbing your head while sleeping.

It can feel stiff at first and takes some getting used to.

This soft and supportive travel pillow is the perfect accessory for long trips, whether you're in the car or in the air. The pillow itself can attach to any headrest with adjustable straps to prevent your head from sagging or falling into uncomfortable positions while sleeping. There's also an adjustable chin strap for added comfort and security — a feature that really sealed the deal for us during testing. The interior of the pillow feels like memory foam, which offers the ideal balance of support and coziness. The pillow's exterior fabric is soft yet breathable so you don't feel too hot or constricted, though it can take some time to find your perfect position.

We also love that the pillow cover is machine washable. We tested this pillow on a long international trip where it really got tossed around on planes, trains, and buses, so it felt great to wash the cover at the end of the trip, making it feel as good as new. Despite its fairly large size, the pillow is also quite portable as it rolls up into a compact carrying case that you can attach to a bag's exterior or slip into larger backpacks and totes.

The Details:  Polyester, microsuede, foam   | Machine washable | Carrying case included

  • PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Infinity-style

Infinity pillow travel pillow.

The modular design of the pillow makes it easy to use to support the neck, chin, or back while sitting.

The cushioning is fairly soft, so the support isn't as stiff as memory foam.

Most travel pillows come in one shape and size, so we love that you can contort this one in various ways to fit your needs. At nearly 40 inches long, the infinity design (yes, like the scarves worn in the early 2000s) can be wrapped once for less support or twice for the type of neck support found in traditional C-shaped pillows. We used the pillow during an all-day road trip and loved that we could wear it around the neck with a looser or tighter fit depending on how much neck support we wanted. We did find that it was still a little too big for us after looping it twice, so users with smaller necks may not get the support they're looking for. That being said, it can be used in many different ways to make sleeping on planes, trains, and cars more comfortable, so minimal support as a traditional neck pillow isn't necessarily a deal-breaker. After three months of use in the real world, this pillow has held up well and shows no signs of wear and tear.

We also found that it's much easier to travel with the pillow since the closed ring shape makes it easy to wear around the neck instead of having to pack it away or risk it falling off. The bamboo fabric is extremely soft and breathable, so we never felt overheated or constricted, and the pillow is machine washable for easy upkeep after a trip. We should also note that it took up a lot of space in our luggage, but it may be worth packing a little lighter to be that much more comfortable while traveling. It also comes in a whopping 10 colors.

The Details: Bamboo, nylon | 39.3 x 6.6 inches | Machine washable

  • PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Paige VandeWiele

Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow

It’s supportive and firm without feeling too stiff. 

This would be best for travelers who know they prefer a firm travel pillow.

We love the comfortable and supportive Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow for travelers who like a firmer neck pillow. The buckle strap adjusts accordingly to fit around your neck and offers 360-degree support on the chin, jaw, and back. We loved how you can lean back in the car or plane, and the back of the neck doesn't fall backward. In addition to having exceptional support, the Aeris travel pillow folds into a small ball and easily fits into the included circular carrying case that you can clip onto a backpack or suitcase without being a noticeable nuisance. The travel pillow also comes with earplugs and an eye mask, and features a frontal slip pocket that you can store them in. After a trip, you can unzip and remove the carrying case to machine wash it, although we recommend air drying it to prevent any possibility of shrinkage.

The Details: Velour, polyester, memory foam | 11.81 x 11.42 x 3.54 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Best Hooded

Pluto pillow pod.

It boasts a cozy hood and built-in eye mask for total darkness even on bright flights.

It's one of the pricer options on this list.

Like the black-out curtains of travel pillows, this option comes with a hood and an eye mask that shields your eyes from any light, which is incredibly useful when you're trying to get some shut-eye on a busy flight. It has a soft neck brace that wraps around the neck with light support, and the hood goes on like a regular hoodie with a drop-down eye mask. Once our head was fully cocooned in the hooded pillow, we found that it was a game changer for travelers who have a hard time falling asleep with light or ambient noise around since it muffles sounds and blocks rays. After using it on several flights over the course of three months, we wish the neck area was a little bit wider for comfort, but otherwise love the restful sleep we're able to get on planes when wearing this.

While the space-helmet-like shape looks quite different from other travel pillows on the market, it's still easy to put on and offers excellent portability. Plus, this newer model features an easy way to clip the pillow to a backpack or luggage handle. One thing to note is that the price point is quite high compared to other pillows on the market, but the unique design and high-quality fabric and construction make it worth it for those with higher budgets.

The Details: Alcantara fabric, WPS mesh | 12 x 6 x 4 inches (folded) | Machine washable

  • PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Dera Burreson

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

The silk material is gentle on skin and hair while traveling.

This pillow is 12 by 16 inches, so make sure you have plenty of room to pack it.

For those who love sleeping on silk pillowcases at home, this mini version for travel is an absolute must. Yes, it can be pricey to buy silk travel accessories, but it's also expensive to ruin a blowout and have to find a salon on vacation (and there's no price to be put on fresh, clean skin). This silk pillow is smaller than a standard pillow at 12 inches wide and 16 inches long, but you can still use it in a hotel bed, and it's perfect for trains, planes, and cars — just make sure you have the space in your personal item bag . After using this pillow for multiple long trips, it still shows no signs of loose stitches, fraying, or pilling. Rather, the pillow feels like it will last without ever going limp or flat.

The Details: Mulberry silk, cotton sateen, polyester | 12 x 6 inches

  • PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Best Adjustability

Buyue travel neck pillow.

You can swivel it around to support any part of your head.

It comes with a drawstring bag to stuff it in, but the pillow still takes up a good chunk of space in a backpack.

With thick cushioning on one side of the pillow, the unique design of this travel pillow makes it easy to get comfortable in a small space where there isn't much wiggle room. No matter which way your head tilts when you sleep, you can adjust this pillow with the largest part of cushioning rotated to support the side or back of your head, or you can turn it to the front to prevent your chin from tipping forward or bobbing around. After testing the pillow on both road trips and long flights during our three-month testing period, we found that the fabric is breathable and soft for resting your head on, and we love that the cover comes off to toss it in the wash. Because of the thicker side of the pillow, it does take up a bit more space in a backpack, but it does come with a drawstring bag if you prefer to carry it outside of your luggage.

The Details: Polyester, spandex | 8 x 8 x 8 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

  • PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Ava Wegner

Samsonite 2-in-1 Magic Travel Pillow

It has a modular design to shift from a U-shape to a rectangular pillow, offering versatility at an affordable price.

The neck pillow might not offer enough support for some since it's on the softer side.

This microbead pillow from Samsonite can be used as a neck pillow if you're sitting upright or you can shift it into a rectangular pillow for leaning against a window or laying on a tray table. The handy two-in-one design already gets bonus points for versatility, but the budget-friendly price makes it all the more better. In testing, it was an effortless process to switch from the U-shape to the rectangle shape by flipping the pillow inside out. Made with polyester and microfiber beads, this pillow is shockingly lightweight and feels nearly weightless to carry around an airport. Because the pillow is on the softer side with the microfiber beads, we discovered it's not as supportive as a memory foam pillow, but it still offered enough support to prevent the neck from uncomfortably craning too far to one side. After three months of use in the real world, we haven't noticed any signs of damage.

The Details: Polyester | 12.25 x 11.75 x 4 inches | Hand wash

  • PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anita Rutz

Best Splurge

Purple harmony anywhere pillow.

This supportive pillow is comfortable enough to sleep on at night and would make any hotel stay feel more luxurious.

At over three pounds, it's quite heavy but feels weightless if you attach the strap to a backpack.

If you're looking for a travel pillow that is just as comfortable — if not more so — than your pillows at home, then this luxurious one from Purple is the one for you. It's a miniature version of the brand's best-selling Harmony pillow, and it boasts the same cooling gel and bouncy, neck-supporting feel as the larger version. During testing, we found this pillow to be noticeably cooling, breathable, and moisture-wicking, which can come in handy for camping. We wouldn't use this pillow during flights because of the plush, rectangular shape that wouldn't work well when sitting upright, but it would be ideal when you're laying flat, like in a hotel room.

It comes with a machine-washable pillow cover, and there is a travel case sold separately . Because this is one of the priciest pillows on this list, we do wish the travel case was included, but we do think it's worth adding on for its carrying straps and compression features. The pillow feels quite heavy on its own, but when you attach the strap to a backpack, it feels weightless to carry. You can also compress the pillow in half if you have the travel case, making it much more portable. Although this is a splurge for a travel pillow, we think it's worth the investment for travelers in search of a comfortable pillow with luxe features like a breathable honeycomb design, a moisure-wicking cover, and strong neck support. We did notice some light wear on the pillowcase strap after three months of use in the real world, but the pillow itself is holding up great.

The Details: Talalay latex, knit | 16 x 13 x 6 inches | Machine washable

  • PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco

Best Breathable

Sleep number travel pillow.

The memory foam filling and synthetic fiber exterior let air pass through for superior breathability.

The pillow is large and was cumbersome to carry, especially for light packers.

It can get hot and stuffy on an airplane, so we love that the synthetic materials used to create this Sleep Number travel pillow are light and airy. The memory foam filling is bouncy and lightweight, and the soft fabric pillowcase is cooling enough to prevent overheating while sleeping in a plane, car, or train. Along with an airplane footrest , it could make a flight more comfortable. We used the pillow on a long-haul flight to Ireland and found it was ideal for leaning your head against the window or on the tray table since the pillow is on the larger side. While the size offers extra cushioning and support like a regular pillow, it did make it slightly annoying to carry through crowded airports since it doesn't come with a compact carrying case. However, it does come with a drawstring bag to carry it separately or you can use the clasp to attach it to backpacks, suitcases, or other luggage. After three months of testing, the pillow shows no signs of wear and tear.

The Details: Lyocell blend, memory foam | 17 x 12 inches | Machine-washable cover | Carrying case included

  • PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Emily Johnson

Other Travel Pillows We Liked

Some travel pillows we tested almost made the cut but didn’t due to a few weaknesses, though they still might make suitable options for some travelers.

Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow : While the memory foam is the perfect balance of firm and soft, we found this pillow to be just a bit too bulky for frequent travel.

Travel + Leisure / Daniela Galvez

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow : If you’re not a fan of the typical U-shaped travel pillow, this one is a good alternative. But because of its design, it offers no neck support and isn't the most useful when traveling via plane or train.

Slip Jet Setter Travel Pillow : The silk material is luxuriously soft and cooling, but the pillow itself is extremely bulky to wear and difficult to travel with.

Snugl Neck Travel Pillow : Made with soft and supportive memory foam, the pillow is ultra-comfy to use in-flight, but we had a lot of trouble getting it back into the carrying case.

Cushion Lab Travel Deep Sleep Pillow : The comfort level with this pillow is so high that we started using it to sleep on nightly at home. However, it's not very portable, and we had a hard time rolling it up into the case.

Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow : This is a great pick for travelers who get warm quickly, as the pillow is designed to prevent heat from building up when you wear it. However, we didn't find it as comfortable or supportive as the Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow , so we would recommend that one instead, especially since they retail at similar prices.

Our T+L team tested more than 40 travel pillows to find the very best ones for every type of comfort-seekers. To thoughtfully curate this list, we researched and tested popular options, including pillows with the classic U-shape and rectangular ones, too.

Paying close attention to traits like comfort, quality, durability, and portability, we noted various features that stood out to us for both good and bad reasons. We looked for special features such as cooling designs, firmness, softness, or other claims by the manufacturer to check if they rang true. Our favorite pillows also kept their shape after being tucked away into a case and always sprang back into their original form with no signs of damage. 

After our real-world test, which involved trying the pillows on cross-country road trips and long-haul flights, we brought a few options into our lab to have one team member test them all against each other head-to-head. We then adjusted our results based on the direct comparison, and we will continue to capture testing notes every few months to update our articles accordingly.

Tips for Buying a Travel Pillow

Prioritize neck support.

When it comes to sleeping in planes, trains, or cars, you should focus on your neck and head support. When your head drops during sleep, it can leave you with a sore neck or even a headache. Your travel pillow should be supportive enough that your neck stays securely upright without feeling as though you're being squeezed.

Portability is key 

Whether you pack light or stuff your suitcase full, a compact travel pillow that fits into a small carrying case is ideal for bringing along on trips. Of course, some travel pillows don’t compress, but they should still be easy to clip onto a suitcase or backpack and not bump into too many things if you’re traversing an airport or train station. It's always more convenient when a carrying case is included, especially if it has a luggage trolley sleeve or straps.

Consider the filling material 

Travelers who like a firmer pillow should opt for a memory foam filling that can offer more support than an inflatable alternative. Microbead pillows can be just as supportive as memory foam ones, but they tend to be on the softer side and are more suited to travelers who like a little less structure while sleeping. 

Think about how you plan to use it

Travel pillows are a relatively broad category, so you'll want to narrow down your intended use and travel habits before purchasing since they come in all different shapes, styles, and sizes. For example, if you often find yourself in the middle seat while flying, you'll want a pillow with lots of head support like a memory foam, U-shape pillow or an infinity style that you can adjust. However, window-seaters might opt for a rectangular pillow for leaning against the plane wall.

Travel pillows aren't just for flights, either. There are also rectangular options that can help make you more comfortable while camping or staying in hotel rooms, rental properties, or even friend's houses that might not have great pillows. They are also a road trip essential for every adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can generally find washing instructions on the tag of the travel pillow when you buy it. Removable covers can usually go through a machine wash, but many of our team members opted to air dry the cover to prevent any shrinkage that could happen in a hot dryer. If a pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, you can spot clean the pillow by using a wet cloth dipped in soapy water.

Most standard travel pillows have a semicircular shape that you wrap around the neck to support your neck, head, and chin. These U-shaped pillows often have memory foam or microbead filling, but there are also inflatable neck pillows. There are unique J-shaped travel pillows that are perfect for supporting the neck and head of someone sitting in the middle or aisle seat. In addition, standard pillows make great travel pillows for certain situations, and plenty of rectangular-styled pillows compress down for better portability.

Most travel pillows will come with carrying cases to compress the pillow, making it more portable. If the carrying case doesn't have a handle, it should still pack down small enough to fit in a personal item such as a backpack or a tote bag. Some pillows have a luggage trolley pass-through sleeve, which you can slip over the handle of your suitcase, while others may have a strap or a clip that you can attach to a backpack to carry it hands-free.

Some pillows are specifically designed to be worn in multiple different ways, but in general, it depends on your comfort preferences. You can wear a travel pillow backward , forward, or you can lean on it in the window seat — the most important thing is finding the most comfortable position for you.

If you're planning on sleeping during your next long (or not-so-long) flight, these other accessories will help you snooze peacefully.

Kashwere Travel Blanket : This is our favorite travel blanket we've ever tested, offering the perfect combination of comfort, durability, and versatility. It's super cozy and will help you feel more relaxed on your travel days.

Beskar Travel Footrest: This hammock-style footrest creates a cradle for your feet in the footwell in front of your seat, reducing pressure on your legs and making any trip instantly more comfortable.

Slip Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask : After testing over a dozen sleep masks, we chose this as our favorite, thanks to cutouts to prevent smooshed lashes and fine silk that's ultra-gentle against the skin.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a New York-based associate commerce editor at T+L, where she writes most of the team's tested content. Anna participated in testing travel pillows and worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best ones on the market based on a series of tests completed during trips taken by plane, car, and train. We will continue to update this article as we test even more travel pillows.

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We tested 7 of the top neck pillows to save you from waking up stiff and sore

Jordan Allen

We get it. You think there is no comfortable way to sleep on a plane — especially if you're flying in economy.

You've tried all the basic positions: head tilted back, head slouched forward, head on window, head on a stranger's shoulder, face down on the tray table and, of course, the fractured-necked giraffe. Either way, you wake up cramped, tired and sometimes to the frustrated demands of a flight attendant who has already told you multiple times to, " Please put your seat in the upright position for landing."

But there's a semi-solution for travelers crammed in the economy cabin known as the neck pillow. And in recent years, it's really evolved.

Some of us are big proponents of the neck pillow. This humble contraption has saved many students from severe neck cramps during Ryanair-filled semesters abroad in Ireland. They're often compact and plush, and offer just the right amount of support so you can sleep sitting up without bothering anyone (or hurting yourself).

But not all pillows are created equal. That's why a couple of us seasoned travelers at T PG tested out some of the most popular neck pillows on the market so you don't have to. Here's what we found.

Ostrich Pillow

travel blue neck pillow reddit

The design: Crazy, we know. This "pillow" looks like a scuba diving mask — or a space helmet. But the Ostrich has its perks. Designed to feel like a cocoon, the best way to rest with the Ostrich is in that, "face down on the tray table" position we mentioned earlier. It's pretty cozy, and it's made of a high-quality combination of viscose and elastomer. There's also an air hole in the center of the pillow so you don't, you know, suffocate. Best of all, it reduces all light and ambient sound around you — so it's basically a two-in-one pillow and sleep mask.

The experience: It's surprisingly comfortable, but the Ostrich is frankly pretty weird. The shape offers no neck support, it's gigantic, there isn't enough cushioning despite how big it is, and it's not very packable. Because of the "cocoon" effect, it can feel extremely claustrophobic in there. But, really, the nail in the coffin was the price. At $99, it's the most expensive product we reviewed on this list. Does anyone really need to spend that much on a neck pillow? You tell us.

Don't use: If you're claustrophobic — or don't want to shell out a Benjamin on a glorified neck pillow.

Best for: People who do not like any light or sound while trying to sleep.

The verdict: 5/10

Daydreamer Inflatable Neck Travel Pillow

travel blue neck pillow reddit

The design: Here, we have another innovator: the inflatable neck pillow. But save your breath — this pillow comes with a built-in pump (ba-dum-tss). Within 30 to 60 seconds, you can go from having a deflated handful of fabric to a full-on neck pillow that can be aerated to varying degrees of firmness. The Daydreamer comes with a pouch and is outfitted in a luxe, velvety material. It's also machine washable and packs away the easiest out of any neck pillow we tested.

The experience: In theory, this pillow sounds like a home run, but it somehow falls short. Here's why: It's inflatable, which makes it ultra-easy to pack and somewhat customizable. But it doesn't really maintain its firmness as you wear it. It deflates slowly over time, thus decreasing the amount of neck support it delivers. The pump is also a struggle — you have to squeeze hard, and quite a few times, to get the pillow to your desired firmness. But hey — could be good for a quick in-flight workout?

Don't use: If you have carpal tunnel, or need a lot of support throughout a long-haul flight.

Best for: Arm day, or travelers seeking a bargain (it's one of the least expensive neck pillows we tested).

The verdict: 6/10

HUZI INFINITY PILLOW

travel blue neck pillow reddit

The design: Huzi is one of a few products we tested that really strayed from the traditional memory-foam, U-shaped style most of us envision when we think of a neck pillow. It features a durable and super, super soft bamboo fabric, which is machine-washable, hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial.

The experience: What makes the Huzi interesting is its "versatile design." Simply put: it's a stuffed infinity scarf. Yes, you can wrap it around your neck and call it a day, but you can also use it as a window or desk pillow, for additional back support, or wrap it around your face like eye mask that also muffles noise. But there's a reason that neck pillows have that traditional shape. The length of the Huzi is just a lot to deal with, and it can be awkward and bulky when you're in an upright sleeping situation.

Don't use: If you're looking to travel light. The Huzi doesn't pack up all that easily.

Best for: If you're looking for something that can multitask.

Trtl Travel Pillow

travel blue neck pillow reddit

The design: So, the Trtl is just straight up not a pillow. If anything, it's more like a neck brace. Or a thick scarf with one hard side. But that doesn't mean it's not a contender. This adjustable, er, thing claims to be "scientifically proven" to hold your neck in a better position than the standard U-shaped travel pillow. It's got a patented design.

The experience: Despite the fact that it's lightweight, soft, easily packable and keeps your head and neck in a pretty good position — it's just not really all that comfortable. Also, since it's essentially a fleece scarf, it gets really hot under there. When it's wrapped around your neck and you try to "rest" your cheek on it, it sort of feels like you're putting your face on a shelf. Trust us: It's pretty off-putting. But it is one of the more affordable products we reviewed.

Don't use: If you prefer to rest your head on something cushy, or if you're the kind of person who gets hot easily.

Best for: People who are looking to travel light. The profile is slim enough for a passenger sleeping in a super-cramped, low-cost carrier's cabin.

The verdict: 7/10

Travelrest Ultimate Memory Foam Pillow

travel blue neck pillow reddit

The design: This neck pillow is pretty basic. U-shaped memory foam that's equipped with a velour cover — the Travelrest doesn't mess with many gimmicks. Its biggest selling point is an adjustable velcro strap at the front that allows for some customization. It also comes with earplugs. But, other than that, it's a pretty standard neck pillow.

The experience: We liked this one. The shape, while it seems pretty archetypal, is actually a bit taller than the average neck pillow, which provides a comfortable resting position with fantastic neck support. It also has a sneaky dip in the back that cradles the head nicely. Objectively, this might not be the pillow for you if you like to sleep on a softer surface. The memory foam is definitely on the stiff side, which also makes it bulky and difficult to pack. Another con? The pillow didn't maintain its quality after being washed.

Don't use: If you have a short neck, or prefer a softer pillow.

Best for: People who like to sleep on a hard pillow, and are willing to spend a bit more on travel accessories.

The verdict: 7.5/10

BCOZZY Travel Pillow

travel blue neck pillow reddit

The design: The BCOZZY pillow, while it looks pretty basic in the photos, actually offers a fair degree of flexibility. Known for its chin support, you can switch up the BCOZZY's shape to wrap around the whole neck, elevate just one side of your head, or fold it in half if you want to give your skin some breathing space. It also comes in multiple sizes, so your kids can have a comfortable up-right sleep too — if you can get them to sit still.

The experience : This pillow was very comfortable and very supportive. It keeps the head upright without pushing it forward, which is a plus. But one of the issues we encountered when testing the BCOZZY was that it doesn't stay in place and has a tendency to unwrap. When using the chin support, it can also be a bit hot on the neck.

Don't use: If you tend to overheat on airplanes, because when the neck pillow is wrapped all the way around, things tend to get sweaty.

Best for: Restless, fidgety people who are moving around and shifting positions during the flight anyway and people who really do require additional chin support, because a lot of traditional U-shaped neck pillows lack in this department.

The verdict: 8/10

Aeris Travel Pillow

travel blue neck pillow reddit

The design: It's a straightforward, supportive memory foam neck pillow. It's also compact and easily portable. It has a drawstring in the front (admittedly, we're not sure this has a purpose) and a velvety lining that feels nice against your skin. And it's black, so it matches everything. Aeris also throws in an additional eye mask and earplugs with your pillow purchase — which we love, of course.

The experience: There isn't much to say that's specific about the Aeris. It's just a basic, comfortable neck pillow. It does its job, just like it should. If you want an example of how powerful that simplicity is, TPG's creative director, Isabelle Raphael, selected this pillow out of all of the others we tested to take with her on a trip to Australia from New York. One annoyance we had is that the Aeris is a hassle to fit back into the portable pouch. Other than that, it's, well, a neck pillow.

Don't use: If you don't have room to pack it. The pouch helps, but it's not the most compact pillow.

Best for: Pretty much everyone who likes using neck pillows.

The verdict: 9/10

Bottom line

Comfort is subjective. There are people out there who enjoy sleeping with the fan and the AC on, after all. So, when picking a neck pillow, consider how you like to sleep at home.

Prefer a stiff pillow? Try out the Travelrest. Can't stand any noise or light when you're trying to sleep? The Ostrich might be for you (if your neck pillow budget is limitless, of course).

Sometimes, though, simple really is better: The most successful neck pillows we tested were the most traditional. Sweet dreams!

Additional reporting by Isabelle Raphael and Orli Friedman.

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best travel neck pillows for 2024.

Avoid a literal pain in the neck with these expert-approved travel pillows.

travel blue neck pillow reddit

The Best Travel Neck Pillows

Woman using red Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow in window seat of plane.

Courtesy of Cabeau

Just like the pillow you use at home , the best neck pillow for travel is the one that makes you feel most comfortable, allowing you to relax, rest and ultimately fall asleep on the go. The difference, however, is that a travel pillow is typically used when sitting up, which means it needs to provide enough support to keep your head from bobbing.

Based on recommendations from travel experts and advice from physicians, these are the best neck pillows for travel.

  • Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 on Amazon
  • Jump to features and traveler insights ↓
  • Best Affordable: MVLOC Travel Pillow on Amazon
  • Best for Long Flights: Trtl Travel Pillow on Amazon
  • Best Multipurpose: Huzi Infinity Pillow on Amazon
  • Best Inflatable: Sunany Inflatable Travel Pillow on Amazon
  • Best for Backpacking: Marchway Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow on Amazon
  • Best for Kids: BCOZZY Double Support Neck Pillow on Amazon

Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow in gray and infographic against white background.

Frequent travelers praise the design of the Cabeau Evolution S3, which is made of a special dual-density memory foam. "I brought this neck pillow on 15-hour flights to and from New Zealand, and it proved to be a great investment," says Catriona Kendall , editor at U.S. News. "The pillow gave me enough support to sleep comfortably for hours, and I especially loved how I could roll it up into a small pouch and clip it to my personal item ."

Travelers also appreciate the patented seat strap system that attaches the pillow to a seat or chair headrest as well as the slim flattened back, both of which prevent the head from bobbing. The removable pillow cover, which comes in a variety of colors, is machine-washable.

Price: $39.99 or less

Best Affordable: MVLOC Travel Pillow

Travelers appreciate the support (and the price tag) of this memory foam travel pillow. An adjustable rope lock allows you to secure the pillow to your neck for maximum support and comfort. The breathable and machine-washable cloth exterior prevents overheating. This travel pillow also comes with earplugs and an eye mask for ultimate relaxation.

Price: $29.99 or less

Best for Long Flights: Trtl Travel Pillow

Trtl Travel Pillow in gray against neutral background.

Courtesy of Trtl

The patented design of the Trtl Travel Pillow – with a hidden internal neck support surrounded by soft, hypoallergenic fleece – makes it a favorite among travelers, particularly for long flights. "Something about it just hits right in a travel accessory category where nothing previously worked for me," explains Meaghan Clawsie, luxury travel advisor at Elated Escapes . "I no longer have any back or neck pain when resting on long-haul flights." Simply wrap the pillow around your neck like a scarf, secure it in place with its built-in fastener and rest your head on the support.

If you tend to overheat easily, there's also the Trtl Pillow Cool , made with Tencel fibers to keep you at a comfortable temperature; a mesh panel makes the pillow particularly breathable as well. Both pillows are machine-washable.

Price: $64.99 or less

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Best Multipurpose: Huzi Infinity Pillow

Twisted Huzi Infinity Pillow in blue against cream background.

Courtesy of Huzi Design

If you're not sold on the classic U-shaped neck pillows for travel, consider this snake-like option instead. Able to be twisted into a variety of positions, the versatile Huzi Infinity Pillow provides whatever support feels best – even if that means resting your head on the tray table for a bit. You can also wear it around your neck like a scarf for neck and back comfort (even when you're not snoozing), use it as an eye mask, or drape it over your head if you get cold or want to block out noise.

Travelers love the pillow's bamboo fabric, describing it as soft, smooth and cool. Since it's filled with polyester, the whole pillow can be tossed in the washing machine , unlike its memory foam counterparts. The Infinity Pillow is available in nearly a dozen different colors, including gray, navy and pink.

Price: $49.99 or less

Best Inflatable: Sunany Inflatable Travel Pillow

Sunany Inflatable Travel Pillow in blue against white background.

Courtesy of Sunany

Travelers love the H-shaped design of this inflatable pillow because it allows for use in multiple directions and supports both sides of the head and neck with a flat back. A removable hood on the pillow is a bonus: It encourages a cozy feel and prevents cold drafts from too much air conditioning. For optimal comfort, it is recommended to inflate the pillow about 80% to 90%.

A pocket for your earbud case on this travel pillow provides convenient access for listening to music, and the removable velour cover is machine-washable. The lightweight inflatable pillow can be stored in the included waterproof drawstring bag, which can also be attached to luggage. This travel neck pillow is available in black, gray and blue.

Price: $23.99 or less

Best for Backpacking: Marchway Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow

While you can often bring your pillow from home for tent camping, backpacking requires something more lightweight, such as this inflatable option by Marchway. "An inflatable pillow is a game-changer when it comes to backpacking, and an ultralight pillow can't be beat," says Leilani Osmundson , senior digital producer at U.S. News. "The Marchway pillow fits the bill: It's comfortable, packable and extremely lightweight." This pillow is designed for both back and side sleepers, and doubles as a lumbar support for everyday travels and needs. Once it's deflated, you can machine-wash the cover before folding the pillow into an included drawstring bag.

Price: $13.99 or less

Best for Kids: BCOZZY Double Support Neck Pillow

BCOZZY Double Support Neck Pillow in pink with blue hearts design against white background.

Courtesy of BCOZZY

The BCOZZY neck pillow is ideal for all travelers – including kids, with small sizes for youngsters between 3 and 7 years old, and medium options for ages 8 and 12. Travelers like the ergonomic design of the patented pillow, which supports the head and neck by propping the chin up. Overlapping pillow arms, which wrap around the neck and under the chin, can be tightened based on the level of support you need.

If you or your child is a side sleeper, fold the pillow in half, double up the sides and place it on your shoulder, leaning your head to the side. An elevated side option allows you to overlap the pillow arms on top of each other and rotate it 90 degrees to the side for double support for the neck and chin.

This travel pillow is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including light blue and pink hearts. A snap strap attaches the included travel bag to your child's luggage , and you can throw the pillow in the washing machine after your trip.

Price: $40.97 or less

Frequently Asked Questions

Experts agree a supportive pillow is essential for travel. "The biggest issue many travelers experience when sleeping on a plane is that the seats don't recline enough," explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a sleep/wake and performance specialist who is dual board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. "This often results in the head being just on the brink of tipping forward – which is not a comfortable sleeping position. Because of this insufficient recline, it is important to keep padding behind the head and neck minimal to reduce the tendency for the head to tip forward."

Most travel pillows are designed to be worn around the neck, providing enough support to prevent the head from tipping forward.

When shopping for a neck pillow for travel, experts recommend considering the following factors:

Proper head support:  What's most important is ensuring your head is supported in the right places by your travel pillow – and, in particular, not being pushed forward by excessive padding. "A good pillow would provide support for side sleeping, rather than a lot of padding behind the head, which just pushes the head forward too much," says Dimitriu.

Material: Consider both the external and internal material of the pillow:

External: Chiropractic physician Eric Smith advises to make sure the material of your travel pillow is breathable and won't subject you to an overheated sleep, since one of the main reasons for moving around a lot as you sleep is getting too hot. "When your face gets too hot on one side, even if you're sleeping, you're going to move from it because it's too warm," Smith explains.

There's no real consensus on which material is best for a cool, comfy sleep – and different people will have different preferences – so Smith's advice is to try before you fly (and don't hesitate to request a refund if your chosen pillow isn't working out).

  • Internal: Memory foam pillows tend to offer more firm support – something Smith recommends for anyone, but especially older travelers. "The majority of patients I have that get older, we actually need a more firm pillow, we need a more firm bed, we need more support," Smith says. Pillows filled with microbeads mold more to the neck and head, while inflatable pillows can be adjusted to your preferences based on how much air you use to blow them up.

A travel pillow for your neck isn't considered a carry-on or personal item (and the same generally goes for small, loose items like packable jackets and umbrellas). That said, it's always best to review your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before traveling.

A good neck pillow for travel isn't the only key to achieving a decent sleep while in transit. "From the standpoint of evolution, we're kind of hardwired to be a little bit more on high alert in those situations," explains Rebecca Robbins, an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and scientist at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. "We're a little bit more in fight or flight mode; our brain is subconsciously scanning the environment for threats and there are new sounds and new smells."

She recommends finding elements that are relaxing to you, which might include some of the following:

  • Travel blanket: Look for something lightweight, such as the EverSnug Travel Blanket . This blanket comes with a carrying case, which can double as a pillow when the blanket is stored inside.
  • Essential or aromatherapy oils: Scents like lavender and peppermint can be especially calming.
  • Earplugs: You can buy traditional foam earplugs to block out some of the external noise, or invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones .
  • White noise app: There are a variety of free apps, or you can try a paid option like Calm (which offers a free trial).
  • Sleep mask: A sleep mask helps to block out the bright light on planes.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top Walking Shoes for Travel
  • The Top Compression Socks for Travel
  • Can I Use My Own Airplane Seat Belt Extender?
  • How to Get Wheelchair Assistance at the Airport

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10 Best Travel Pillows, Tested & Reviewed by Our Editors

Shot of a passenger sleeping on the bus

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you travel regularly you’ve probably learnt to spot the difference between a frequent flier and a rookie—the most obvious tell-tale sign being a bulky travel pillow, typically carried by an inexperienced flier, hanging from a backpack or being worn (incorrectly) around the back of their neck before they even get on the plane. Many of us are guilty of buying one of these beanbag worms from the airport duty-free shop, only to realize that they’re more trouble than they’re actually worth.

Do a little research, though—as we’ve done for you here— and you might be pleasantly surprised to find that the humble travel pillow has upped its game over time. Specialized brands like  Trtl  and  BCozzy  have entered the market, while pillows that range in shape and materials have popped up on Amazon.

So which ones are actually worth taking on a flight ? We asked our frequent flying editors to test out the most reviewed styles. Below, 10 travel pillows we swear by for long-haul flights , road trips , train rides , and everything in between.

How we chose the best travel pillows

Every pillow on this list has been independently tested and reviewed by our editors. When testing, we consider quality, price, unique design features, as well as overall function and visual appeal. Our editors have traveled with each of these pillows to determine packability and comfort, and then reported back on how well they stacked up against other versions they've tried.

Our top picks:

  • Best overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 travel pillow
  • Best for neck support: Trtl travel pillow
  • Best for back support: Napfun travel pillow
  • Best for red-eye flights: Pluto Pod
  • Best for side sleepers: BCozzy neck pillow

Image may contain: Cushion, Home Decor, Accessories, and Strap

Best travel pillow for: Overall comfort

If you're looking for an upgrade to a basic does-the-job travel pillow or suffer from neck or back pain, Cabeau's Evolution S3 travel pillow is the best we've tested so far. The memory foam style has considered everything, from an adjustable toggle clasp to secure the pillow comfortably around your neck, to a handy side pocket—ideal for storing headphones or earplugs . What really sets this pillow apart from the rest are the velcro straps on the back, designed to loop around a plane seat's headrest, helping to keep your head upright and take any pressure off your neck.

Why we love it:  “The foam in this pillow is extremely comfortable, but what I love most is that the back of the pillow is flat, so you can sit right up against your seat, unlike the typical travel pillow styles which tend to be round and tilt your neck down slightly. The straps are a great idea, but if you're short it might not be possible to secure to the headrest, so keep that in mind. It also comes in a sleek cylindrical bag that, when clipped onto your carry-on , you’d never even know there was a travel pillow inside." — Sarah Allard , digital editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Image may contain: Cushion, Home Decor, and Headrest

Best travel pillow for: Back support

Made with compressible memory foam, the Napfun travel pillow is soft, yet designed with nearly 360-degree concave support (on the chin, back of the neck, and shoulder) for actual support when resting on the go. Its outer fabric is skin-friendly, soft, and washable; it can be removed via the semi-invisible zipper on the back.

Why we love it: “I often struggle to find the perfect position before a nap or when resting (when traveling, or not). This is one of the only travel pillows that helped me stay comfortable, thanks to its material and support. It’s both stiff and soft—and the flat, slightly indented shape of the back did wonders for my posture when sleepy. Without feeling in the way, the adjustable front clip made sure my head didn’t droop forward, and the breathable thickness of the memory foam propped the side of my neck up while also allowing me to sink into the coziness of it. I also love that it's compressional—no matter how many times I’ve folded it down into its accompanying (and adorable) mini bag, it has yet to lose its shape, foaminess, or ability to fluff back up.” — Jessica Chapel , editorial assistant

Best travel pillow for: Red-eye flights

More than just a neck pillow, the Pluto Pod boasts a lightly structured and padded hood, as well as a pull-down eye mask. Do you resemble a bobble-headed, 1950s-style alien when you wear it? Yes, you do. Is it, by far, one of the best travel pillows we've tested? Absolutely.

Why we love it : “The pillow has helped me cut down on my sleeping tools. With the Pod, I can eschew ear plugs and an eye mask because the padded hood dampens noise and the flip-down eye mask blocks almost all light. Sleeping with one is like being inside a mini sensory deprivation tank, except you don’t have to worry about getting wet.” — Juliet Izon , contributor

Read a full review here .

Image may contain: Cushion, Home Decor, Clothing, Lifejacket, Vest, Adult, Person, Accessories, and Strap

Best travel pillow for: Upper body support

This clever crossbody-sling pillow offers neck and head support while allowing you to truly relax and lean to one side to fall asleep. The pillow comes with a cord at the top that can be secured in place by looping over your seat’s headrest. You can wear the pillow on either side across your body, or down one side, creating more of a barrier between you and the person next to you. The pillow is inflatable, too, so it takes up hardly any room in your luggage.

Why we love it:  “I really love the shape of this pillow, as it cradles not just your neck, but your whole upper body. Although I usually don’t like inflatable pillows, the rigidity of this style works to make you feel secure while sitting upright.” — Lauren Burvill , senior commerce editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Image may contain: Clothing, Fleece, Cushion, Home Decor, Hat, Cap, and Pillow

Best travel pillow for: Neck support

Less a pillow and more a supportive wrap for your neck, this unique design from Trtl is ideal if you're short on space and weight in your carry-on luggage—it weighs only 4.5 ounces. The pillow is designed to look like a scarf and features a clever curved U-shaped neck support stand that sits under your jaw and is then secured in place by wrapping the fabric around your neck and connecting the velcro.

Why we love it:  “I often feel like most typical travel pillows are too bulky and hard to get comfortably on, so I was keen to try this style. It's perfect for keeping your neck upright and avoiding any of the nodding that can happen while asleep. I'll admit, it feels a little strange at first to put it on, but the hypoallergenic fleece is soft and warm. It's a great option not just for plane travel, but also long road trips or train journeys.” — Sarah James , deputy digital editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Image may contain: Cushion, Home Decor, Pillow, and Headrest

Best travel pillow for: Flexibility

Made of memory foam, this twist style pillow can be bent and contoured to almost any shape. Its flexibility means it can be worn in several ways, from around the neck to under your head, shoulders, or even lower back.

Why we love it:  “I often toss and turn a lot when trying to get to sleep, so I find I’m particularly wriggly when trying to get comfortable on a flight. This kind of flexible twist style of the pillow was perfect for me, as I was able to shape it to exactly where I needed it to be. I ended up settling with it half behind my neck and half under my chin, so I could lie on my side and get a couple of hours of precious sleep.” —L.B.

Image may contain: Cushion, Home Decor, Clothing, Glove, Hat, Cap, and Fleece

Best travel pillow for : Versatility

Slip this microbead-filled cap over your head and you’ll completely redefine the experience of sleeping on the go. From the outside, the wacky-shaped headpiece may feel a tad like a Teletubbies costume, but once you pull your head through the 27.5-inch opening, any place you find yourself in—no matter how bright or how loud—can turn into a sleep zone.

Why we love it: “And there’s no right or wrong way to use it: On a plane, use it to lean against the wall of the window seat, lie head down on the tray table of the middle seat, or tilt backward on the headrest of the seat.” — Rachel Chang , contributor

Image may contain: Cushion, Home Decor, Headrest, Pillow, Adult, and Person

Best travel pillow for: Affordability

Made with lightweight microbeads, the Brookstone travel pillow is equally supportive and comfortable. One side features soft fleece, while the other is made of a cool microfiber spandex. It looks like you classic U-shaped neck pillow, but with a few small but mighty improvements. It can easily be attached to suitcases or weekender bags, features a storage pocket, and allows you to sleep upright without any tension on your neck.

Why we love it : “Brookstone’s microbead travel pillow is a game changer for long-haul flights. Having one on-hand for the past couple of years has transformed all-day flights and road trips into opportunities to actually rest and recharge. I love having lightweight microbeads instead of memory foam, which can feel neck-bracey and constricting to me. It’s supportive while also generous with head movement and the use of other accessories like over-the-ear headphones . The pillow’s sleeve even has a pocket that’s perfect for slotting in your phone, which definitely lessens the sense of clutter in commuting. I’m impressed by how well the pillow has kept its structural integrity after years of being run through a laundry machine. Overall, Brookstone’s travel pillow is the elegant sort of comfortable that wears like it’s not even there.” — Kat Chen , editorial assistant

Image may contain: Cushion, Home Decor, Headrest, and Pillow

Best travel pillow for: Side sleepers

Similar to the Trtl pillow but padded with soft microfleece and covered with microsuede, BCozzy's wrap-around design offers plenty of flexibility in terms of how you wear it. The pillow comes in two sizes and when wrapped around the neck offers double the support for your head, neck, and chin. The real standout of this design is the flat back, which is not only great for maintaining a healthy posture, but also means you can fold the pillow in half and wear it on one side.

Why we love it:  “Even on a plane, I'm a side sleeper. My go-to way to snooze is angling the side headrest as far as it can go so I can rest my head in the corner. Headrests can be very hit-and-miss on planes though, so being able to fold the BCozzy pillow in half is ideal as it can prop my neck and chin up on one side without it feeling too suffocating.” —L.B.

Image may contain: Cushion, Home Decor, Pillow, Adult, Person, Clothing, Lifejacket, and Vest

Best for: Warmth

This squishy infinity-style pillow is all about the soft and breathable bamboo fabric it’s made from. Coming in one large loop, the pillow is worn by wrapping around the neck twice and adjusting and scrunching accordingly depending on the level of comfort you’re looking for.

Why we love it:  “I’d say this pillow is less about neck support and more about soft and cozy scarf–meets–pillow hybrid. It feels like a sleeping bag for your neck—ideal if you get cold easily and are looking for something that’s more snuggly rather than stiff.” —L.B.

A version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK . It has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meaghan Kenny.

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The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested by Gear Experts

Elevate your flying experience with a good place to rest your head.

best travel pillows 2023

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

HAVING THE right gear makes a difference in the overall comfort of your travels. Proper luggage , a pair of noise-canceling headphones , and an array of useful travel gadgets will go a long way toward ensuring the smoothest, most comfortable flight. Want to know the single best travel gear investment you can make? That's going to be a quality travel pillow.

We at MH are always testing the latest travel products, and the one item we're always looking for new developments in are travel pillows. Like your favorite pillow at home, the best travel pillow is going to fit unique to your sleeping habits, which is why we went and tested a wide range of travel pillows that will appeal to all types of individuals.

POD Travel Pillow

Best Travel Pillow for Long Trips

Pluto pod travel pillow.

Travel Pillow

Best Overall Travel Pillow

Trtl travel pillow.

Travel Pillow 100% Pure Memory Foam Neck Pillow

Best Travel Pillow Under $30

Mlvoc travel pillow 100% pure memory foam neck pillow.

Aside from a stiff drink, a travel pillow is the one item that makes flying tolerable. A good travel pillows is soft, supportive ( memory foam is a good start), long-lasting, and easily packable. Not sure which one is right for you? We've done the legwork to round up the best travel pillows so far this year.

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Since we first got our hands on the Pluto POD to test earlier this year, the travel pillow gets on average one positive comment per trip through the airport. We've even gotten comments from flight attendants on how much they like the design! For starters the POD looks like something out of science fiction, and that's not done by accident. What the POD does is act as a sensory deprivation mask along with being a travel pillow, resulting in something almost entirely different than your average travel pillow. With all that being said, the POD has helped us power through cross country flights of 5+ hours like a champ.

The overall design is larger than most travel pillows, which may dissuade some. However it does pack up to an impressive carrying size that still fits in a travel backpack or carry-on . Why the large size? Well for one the neck support is firm and allows the wearer to wrap it as tight or as loose as they'd like in order to get the right head positioning. The hood is also large, as it extends out over the top of the head to fully immerse yourself into the pillow. The hood keeps the pull down eye mask inside: it's a legit eye mask, meaning it's not too thin or flimsy.

The POD is a bit bigger in size than most of the travel pillows on this list, which is why it might not be the ultimate best for taking on short excursions. But for long trips we have yet to find a pillow that's better. As for price, you won't regret making the investment on the POD. Grab one now before stock sells out.

The Trtl Pillow upends the traditional concept of bulky, bean-filled travel pillows. It’s a one-of-a-kind design that wraps around your neck like a scarf. A built-in inner “rib” contours the jaw, neckline, and shoulder, so it supports your head unlike any travel pillow we tested. That’s made it a favorite among some of the biggest names in the travel industry. It’s thin, lightweight, and packs down small, making it perfect for travel. If you’re inclined to drool while you sleep (no judgment), it’s also machine-washable.

It's true there might be a couple of other travel pillows with as good of comfort (if not better) but when you consider the unmatched portability the Trtl still takes the cake as our best travel pillow of 2023.

Read more: Best Travel Bags

This good ol' fashioned memory foam pillow comes in a simple design and a friendly price. You get the pillow, a carrying bag, an eye mask, and a set of ear plugs all for under $3o. While the memory foam pillow might not have any bells and whistles, it does have a comfortable wrap-around design and pull tabs at the front to make the pillow tighter or looser.

Those who are used to a memory foam pillow at home will likely enjoy this pillow. Overall, we see it as an affordable option that is suitable for short naps no longer than 2 hours at a time. If you're looking for a more customized fit or looking to max out on comfort though, we recommend going up on your travel pillow investment.

Cabeau Evolution TNE S3 Travel Pillow

Evolution TNE S3 Travel Pillow

Cabeau makes a number of high quality travel pillows, and the TNE S3 is the latest iteration of its top selling product. The pillow's memory foam core has been a favorite from Cabeau fans for the past few years now as a trusted go-to for flying. This updated TNE S3 comes with a seat strap that will help you lock in the travel pillow, and a unique chin strap design that allows you to hold your head up in place for a secure sleep position.

This pillow is great for those who are prone to getting a sore neck when sleeping on a plane. It's also a solid option for those who are constantly finding themselves shifting their travel pillow around to get in a preferred spot. The one downside we found when testing is the pillow's design can push up on the ears and shift your earbuds around, which can be annoying for those who like to wear AirPods on the place.

J-Pillow Chin Supporting Travel Pillow

Chin Supporting Travel Pillow

J-Pillow’s Chin Supporting Travel Pillow is unlike any other on the market. That’s because it’s purpose-built to support your head and neck while traveling. The design isn’t for everyone and can take some getting used to. But, if you find traditional travel pillows aren’t supportive enough, we think this is a great alternative. The plush headrest is extremely comfortable, and the cushy design compresses smaller than typical U-shaped travel pillows. While many travel pillows boast only a washable cover, the entire J-Pillow can be thrown in the washer and tumble-dried, ensuring it’s hypoallergenic.

Our testers found the J-Pillow works best when laying it up on a window, whether it be a car, train, or plane. The downside is we believe there are other pillows that might be more comfortable when resting standalone, with no window to add support.

Read more: Best Travel Pants

Cabeau Evolution Cooling Travel Pillow

Evolution Cooling Travel Pillow

If you run hot—even on freezing cold flights—Cabeau’s aptly named Evolution Cooling Travel Pillow helps keep you cool while napping. The ventilated mesh neck vents ensure better airflow than any pillow on this list, making this an especially great alternative for long-haul flights. With a memory foam core, this model offers excellent head and neck support. The thin, lightweight design packs down smaller than traditional travel pillows, so it’s well-sized for tossing into a carry-on.

Some travelers may find that the wraparound design feels more like a neck brace than a neck pillow . Unfortunately, these unique features come with a price, as this is among the most expensive options on this list.

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Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow

Go Neck Pillow

Ostrichpillow has long been a favorite among travelers in the know. The Ostrichpillow Go, in particular, features a unique, swooping design with the best neck support of any pillow we’ve tested. It’s also height-customizable so travelers can adjust to their preferred comfort level. The soft cover feels great against the skin and is removable for easy machine-washing. It packs down to less than half of its full size to slip effortlessly into the included carry bag, making it ideal for travel.

One qualm we had when testing was it felt quite heavy, weighing nearly a full pound.

Wise Owl Outfitters Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Whether sleeping at home, in a tent, or on a plane, memory foam is our go-to pillow type. Wise Owl Outfitters’ Memory Foam Pillow features a memory foam core that’s soft yet supportive enough for window-seat naps in-flight. The plush micro-suede cover provides the perfect surface to rest your face and is machine-washable to boot. And because the design packs down incredibly small into the included stuff sack, it’s a great pillow for travel, camping, and any adventure in-between.

It’s available in two sizes: Small (12 x 16 inches) or Medium (14 x 18 inches), so you can choose the right one for your travel style.

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OPTP The Original McKenzie

The Original McKenzie

Travel pillows needn’t be just for sleeping. The Original McKenzie Self-Inflating AirBack Lumbar Support Pillow from OPTP makes any airplane seat, whether in coach or First Class, even more comfortable. Once properly inflated, it more than doubles in size for additional support for your lower back or anywhere you need it really. The built-in twist valve allows for fine-tuning the inflation to your comfort level. It packs down to just 8 x 3 inches, small enough for even the most compact carry-on bag.

We also love that the design is versatile enough to use just about anywhere and even rest your head on like a typical camp or travel pillow.

TETON Sports Camp Pillow

Camp Pillow

Travel pillows are often air- or bead-filled, so they can feel strange compared to your pillow at home. Not so with Teton Sports’ Camp Pillow. There are no fancy inner ribs or self-inflating features with this one. It’s a straightforward pillow, much like the one you probably already sleep on, only smaller. That design makes it immediately comfortable in almost any position, though it’s not as supportive as others on this list. It is, however, extremely packable, lofts up on its own (with no inflation necessary), and is machine-washable. Plus, at less than $20, it’s the cheapest pillow on this list.

Read more: Best Carry-On Luggage

What to Look for in a Travel Pillow

commerce break

Shopping for travel pillows isn’t much different than shopping for traditional bed pillows. When we spent the past two months testing each travel pillow, we considered these features:

  • Firmness : As with typical bed pillows, travel pillows range from soft (plush) to medium to extra-firm. The right one for you is a matter of personal preference.
  • Core construction : The core of most travel pillows is either memory foam, air-filled, or bead-filled.
  • Size & packability : How small does the travel pillow pack down? Will it fit in or clip on a carry-on travel bag? Consider whether the packed size fits into your travel style.
  • Washability : Is the entire pillow machine-washable? Or just the outer cover?
  • Price: In our experience, you shouldn’t need to spend more than $40-60 on a great travel pillow unless it's truly exceptional (like the Pluto POD). A quality travel pillow can be had for around $30.

Do Travel Pillows Count As a “Personal Item” for Air Travelers?

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The short answer is: Sometimes . It’s up to the discretion of TSA agents. In our experience, if you carry your travel pillow in your hand through airport security or onto the plane, TSA and gate agents are more likely to count it as a personal item. We recommend wearing it around your neck, where it’s more likely to be overlooked.

How We Tested

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We tested and thoroughly researched two dozen travel pillows for this roundup. We noted everything, including firmness levels, packability, durability, ease of washing, and, of course, price. The list above represents our honest opinions on the best travel pillows for travelers to shop in 2023.

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Rest Easy With The 9 Best Neck Pillows For Travel

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While traveling itself can be exciting, the actual act of flying leaves a lot to be desired. Between the cramped quarters, lack of privacy and skimpy airline pillows, getting comfortable—let alone comfortable enough to fall asleep—often feels next to impossible. That’s where a great neck pillow comes in. The best neck pillows for travel are designed to comfortably support your head and neck so that you can rest easy, even if you’re flying upright in economy. Our favorite is the Ostrich Go Luxury Pillow . It’s made of cushioning memory foam with a wrap design that offers support in all directions.

The best neck pillows for travel keep your head propped and supported for more comfortable travel.

The key to finding a good neck pillow is balancing size. It needs to be big enough to support you comfortably, but not so large that it’s inconvenient to carry or stash in your carry-on luggage . The best neck pillows for travel also meet other needs, like combatting heat retention if you’re prone to overheating or doubling as a sleep mask if you absolutely need darkness to snooze. Below, we share our picks of the best neck pillows for travel so you can arrive to your destination feeling rested and ready for what’s ahead.

  • Best Overall Neck Pillow For Travel: Ostrich Go Luxury Travel Pillow
  • Best Neck Pillow For Travel In A Window Seat: Trtl Travel Pillow
  • Best All-In-One Neck Pillow For Travel: Pluto POD
  • Best Cooling Neck Pillow For Travel: Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow
  • Best Inflatable Neck Pillow For Travel: Blabok Inflatable Neck Pillow
  • Best Neck Pillow For Travel With Neck Pain: Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow
  • Best Firm Neck Pillow For Travel: TravelRest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
  • Best Soft Neck Pillow For Travel: BCOZZY Neck Pillow
  • Most Versatile Neck Pillow For Travel: Ostrich Mini Travel Pillow

Best Overall Neck Pillow For Travel

Asymmetrical design with 360 degrees of comfort, ostrich go luxury travel pillow.

I'm a freelance writer here at Forbes covering sleep and beauty. I've been freelancing for the last 17 years and I've written extensively about fitness, health, sleep, general wellness, beauty, parenting and lifestyle topics. For more about me, check out my website or connect with me on Instagram and Linked In .

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Weight: 0.5 pounds | Cover material: OEKO-TEX® Viscose and elastomer | Fill material: Memory foam | Care: Sleeve is machine washable

  • Adjustable wrap design for a personalized fit
  • 360 degrees of support
  • Compresses to 60% of original size for easy stowing
  • Memory foam can trap heat
  • Size variability is somewhat limited

This versatile pillow is designed in a wrap style that allows users to easily control how tightly or loosely it fits around the neck. Filled with forgiving memory foam, it molds to the shape of your neck, shoulders and chin, providing 360 degrees of optimal comfort and support that’s secured by easy-to-use velcro. While the soft and plush pillow feels luxurious when in use, the memory foam core allows for generous compression, which makes it considerably more portable than some others. Simply roll the pillow up and slide it into the included travel bag—it compresses to 60% of its original size for easier travel. The complete coverage it offers is ideal for someone who shifts around frequently in their sleep. Whether you sleep with your head back, to the side or straight in the middle, the Ostrich Go supports it from all angles. “When shopping for a neck pillow, look for one that supports the neck and the head,” says Dr. Vyas. She adds that a pillow with padding in the back—in addition to the neck and sides—is a better way to support the head during sleep. Made of soft viscose, the outer shell can be removed and thrown straight in the washing machine for easy clean-up.

Although this is a high-quality and supportive pillow, keep in mind that it is on the pricier side. Additionally, the velcro portion is short, so there isn’t a ton of size variability if you want to secure it extra tight.

What the reviews say: "I'm one of those people that can never sleep on a plane, no matter how long the flight is," writes one reviewer. "I've tried many types of pillows and nothing helped. I had a 12-hour flight coming up and decided to give this one a try. Best decision ever. I had several hours of good sleep and felt so much more rested." Another says, "This pillow is great. I first used it on an airplane and was pleasantly surprised at the strong level of support my neck received. I was able to nap without waking with a stiff neck or headache...I love how small this packs inside a suitcase. Or I can tie it onto the outside of my carry-on and have it ready when I want it."

The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

Best Neck Pillow For Travel In A Window Seat

Soft support for one side of your neck, trtl travel pillow.

Weight: 0.28 pounds | Cover material : Fleece | Fill material: Foam, plastic | Care: Outer wrap is machine washable

  • Incredibly lightweight 
  • Personalized fit
  • Designed to support one side of the neck at a time
  • Can be tricky to get into place

When it comes to lightweight portability, the Trtl Pillow can’t be beat. This option works more like a padded neck brace that’s wrapped in soft fleece, rather than a traditional pillow. When not in use it conveniently wraps into a surprisingly small package that weighs less than half a pound. It’s easy to shove in a purse, but it’s easy to wrap around the handlebar of your carry-on suitcase, too.

The firm and sturdy inner support system holds your neck, chin and jaw in place while the soft, scarf-like exterior wraps around your neck. Thanks to the velcro enclosure, the fit can be completely personalized, so you can wrap it as tightly or loosely as you like. Don’t let the fleece fool you, it’s surprisingly breathable and lightweight while perfectly warm and cozy at the same time. The brace system sits on one side, which means it can only support one side of your neck at a time, so it's ideal if you're in an aisle or window seat. If you’re someone who twists and turns a lot in your sleep, you likely need to remove and reposition it each time you adjust your head.

What our editors say: Emmy Favilla, managing editor at Forbes Vetted, swears by the Trtl Pillow and has been using it exclusively for years on both domestic and long-haul flights. “I’ve found it’s ideal no matter which seat I’m in,” she says. Since switching from more traditional neck pillows to the Trtl, “I don’t wind up feeling any residual neck or shoulder pain whatsoever after dozing off on a long flight. Plus, because you can adjust it to your liking, it's easy to get a personalized fit. It may sort of look like you're wearing a neck brace, but it works, and I'm standing by it forever.”

Best All-In-One Neck Pillow For Travel

Boasts a hood, eye mask and neck support.

Pluto Pillow

Weight: Less than 1-pound | Cover material: Alcantara and WPS mesh blend; Spandura | Fill material: Foam, recycled fill | Care: Cover is machine washable

  • Includes a sleep hood and eye mask
  • Padded neck band is adjustable
  • On the bulkier side

The Pluto team was thinking way outside of the box when they brainstormed this combination sleep hood, eye mask and neck pillow. The patent-pending design is engineered to address common travel woes, from too much light and noise to bobbing heads, and it’s completely up to the task. The Pod resembles the hooded part of a hooded sweatshirt, with a wide, supportive band that uses Velcro to secure it around the neck. Those features muffle sound and offer comfortable neck support all the way around. There’s also a blackout eye mask that can be folded down to effectively block out light. All together, this delivers about as much sensory deprivation you can hope for when you’re on a crowded plane 10,000 feet in the air.

The Pod snaps into itself for a tidy bundle, but fair warning that it is on the larger side. Fortunately, the Velcro band means you can also secure it to retractable luggage handles. Not sure whether the Pluto Pod is what you’re after? The company offers a 110-night trial so you can put it to the test.

What our editors say: Lindsey Vickers , a former mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted, loves the Pluto POD for travel. She found it addressed each of her travel-nap woes, from an unsupported neck to a bobbing chin to excessive light.

Best Cooling Neck Pillow For Travel

Moisture-wicking material keeps you cool and dry, cabeau evolution cool pillow.

Weight: 12.7 ounces | Cover Material: Polyester | Fill Material: Memory foam, plastic | Care: Cover is machine washable

  • Vented for breathability
  • Moisture-wicking cover material
  • Doesn't compress well for storage

With mesh side vents that let hot, stale air escape, this cooling pillow keeps you free from sweat, even on the stuffiest flights. The adjustable front clasp makes it easy to pull the pillow tightly around your neck or loosen it as needed, and the dual memory foam construction provides firm support that’s comfortable and soft. The high sides keep your head pleasantly in line with your spine, so you don’t bobble around or wake up feeling sore and stiff. While the pillow provides ample cushioning, it’s purposely flat in the back, so you can sit comfortably against your head rest without being pushed forward. The moisture-wicking material helps keep you dry and cool throughout the flight.While this is extra-comfortable thanks to the thick memory foam, it doesn’t compress tightly and can be a bit cumbersome to carry around.

What the reviews say: One customer says this pillow is "well-built, comfortable and keeps your neck cool. This is the best neck pillow I’ve ever used. I can wear noise cancelling headphones with this without issue and the ventilation really works." Another says it's "very sturdy, well-built and provides great comfort when traveling. The vents on the sides prevent overheating and sweat."

Best Inflatable Neck Pillow For Travel

A classic u-shape with raised sides, blabok inflatable neck pillow.

Weight: 11.3 ounces | Cover material: Faux velvet | Fill material: Plastic, air | Care: Cover is machine washable

  • Faux velvet cover is soft and comfortable
  • Quick and easy to inflate and deflate
  • Some reviewers note that it's bigger than they expected

Most inflatable neck pillows are known for having sharp edges or a rough, unforgiving surface. That’s not the case with this versatile pillow. The elongated “U”-shaped pillow is coated in faux velvet, which means it’s soft and cozy to the touch and doesn't irritate your skin. To use, simply turn the valve to inflate, then wrap it around yourself. The pillow offers extra neck support on both the left and right side, so it’s a great choice if you’re sitting in the aisle, window or middle seat. An elastic strap is the key to tightening or loosening it, which means it’s completely customizable and there’s no need to worry about itchy velcro scratching your neck or chin. When ready to deflate, simply turn the valve, roll it up and pack it into the included travel bag.

What the reviews say: "It’s easy and fast to inflate even as an asthmatic. Plus, because it’s inflatable, you can adjust the fullness as needed," says one customer. "When I wanted to wear my sleep headphones with it, I just made it a little less full and everything worked. I love that the cover is removable so it can be washed, too." Another says, "We used these pillows on an overnight flight to France. The flight was uncomfortable, but the pillow was great. It was easy to inflate, stayed in place, and stayed inflated for six hours without any loss of air. What more can one ask of a travel pillow?"

Best Neck Pillow For Travel With Neck Pain

Cradling headrest pillow delivers ample neck support, cabeau evolution s3 travel neck pillow.

Weight: 0.7 pounds | Cover material: Microsuede | Fill material: Memory foam | Care: Cover is machine washable

  • Flattened back helps maintain spinal alignment
  • Seat straps keep the head and neck in place while you sleep
  • It takes some effort (especially if you're short) to attach the straps to your seat

This memory foam pillow has a traditional "U" shape with an adjustable toggle clasp that means 360-degree support. A slim, flattened back lets you sit comfortably upright without the head pitching forward, while raised sides offer gentle contouring around the jaw. But the big differentiator is the patented seat straps, which can be attached to the seat back to keep the head from slouching or tipping forward when you fall asleep. By keeping your head in place, the pillow does a great job of maintaining cervical spine alignment—a big plus if you're dealing with neck pain. That's why the Cabeau Pillow is recommended by orthopedic experts. We also like that it compresses down to half its size and comes with its own travel bag.

What the reviews say: "This is a real winner. I travel a lot and take long trips, and this [pillow] allows me to sleep for a long period of time because my head isn't flopping around," says one reviewer. "I also have no neck pain, which I have had with my other [travel pillow]. It folds up nicely and fits in its case far better than my others. You can't go wrong with this." Another confirms, "The sides are high and supportive enough that I woke with zero neck pain and [experienced] zero head bobs while sleeping."

Best Firm Neck Pillow For Travel

Firm support to all sides of your head, travelrest nest ultimate memory foam travel pillow.

Weight: 0.8 pounds | Cover material: Polyester | Fill material: Memory foam | Care: Cover is machine washable

  • Slanted design keeps your neck and spine aligned
  • Raised sides keep the head from wobbling
  • Tall sides may be incompatible with some headphones

This memory foam pillow features extra-tall sides that help keep your head in a naturally upright position throughout your entire flight. Whether you sleep with your head to the right side, left side or front, you are supported on all angles by firm yet soft padding encased in a soft fleece cover. Most importantly, the pillow is designed with a flat back so it sits flush against your seat. That means you don't jut forward, so your head and neck can stay appropriately in line with your spine to allow for maximum comfort. The pillow is also lined with non-slip rubber grip dots to prevent it from slipping out of place while you sleep.

This pillow provides firm support to all sides of your head and neck, and it comes at an affordable price. It’s perfectly portable, too—the pillow compresses and slips easily into an included travel bag that can clip onto your luggage.

What the reviews say: "It's super supportive," says one reviewer. "I've slept hours and hours thanks to its support." Another writes, "This is my favorite travel pillow. It provides a firm support for your neck with just enough give so it's not too stiff."

Best Soft Neck Pillow For Travel

Feels like sleeping on a down pillow, bcozzy neck pillow.

Weight: 7.4 ounces | Cover material: Microfleece and microsuede | Fill material: Polyester | Care: Cover is machine washable

  • Versatile design can be used in different positions
  • Soft cover material and ample support
  • Some reviewers describe it as bulky

This super-plush travel pillow comes in a completely customizable design, so the pillow itself can be wrapped in a number of ways depending on your preference. Depending on which way you wrap it, the pillow can support your head and neck whether you’re sitting in the aisle seat, the window seat or the middle seat. The soft cover is made from microfleece and microsuede, so it’s soft against your skin and doesn't cause irritation or itching. The arms of the pillow can be doubled up to provide extra support to your neck and chin, or you can leave it in a single layer for more gentle, soft support.

The filling feels like you’re sleeping on a down pillow rather than stiff, firm memory foam. If this pillow wasn’t already versatile enough to begin with, the soft filling makes it even more adaptable. “Soft support is my preference when shopping for a neck pillow,” says Dr. Vyas. “It allows one to lean on a window or side of the plane if needed.”

What the reviews say: "What I absolutely love about this neck pillow is that it’s flatter in the back so your neck is not pushed forward so much, has adjustable Velcro to adapt it to your liking and is ultra-soft, yet firm where it needs to be," says one reviewer. Another writes, "The pillow's construction is comfortable, and the material feels soft against the skin."

Most Versatile Neck Pillow For Travel

Lets you comfortably hold your head for better rest, ostrich mini travel pillow.

Weight: 0.4 pounds | Cover material: Viscose and elastomer | Fill material: Polyester | Care: Machine washable

  • Clever design fits on the hand for support
  • Small and compact
  • Not for those who are looking for a traditional neck pillow

Whether you’re on an airplane, commuting on a train, driving across the country or simply lounging in a reading chair, this do-it-all pillow is the perfect alternative to the traditional “U”-shaped option. The innovative product slips onto your hand—it’s suitable for lefties and righties—and lets you hold your head comfortably and securely with soft, gentle padding. Made from super-soft viscose, the pillow can be slipped onto your palm, or all the way up your forearm if you’re someone who likes to cross your arms, and lay the tray table in front of you. It’s a completely versatile option for anyone looking to get more out of their neck pillow. Thanks to the smaller size and unique shape, this is also one of the most portable and compact neck pillows on our list.

What the reviews say: "I frequently sleep on my hands, only to wake up to an uncomfortable dead arm," writes one reviewer. "This solves that problem, as it moves with my head and hands, keeping me comfortable no matter which way I turn. [It's] very useful for long flights and car rides, as it fits in a carry-on bag and is highly portable." Another says, simply, "It's a comfortable little convenience everyone [has] to have."

The Best Underseat Luggage, Tested By Experts On Planes And Trains

The 12 best outdoor sectionals that are tough but lounge-worthy, why trust forbes vetted.

The Forbes Vetted team consists of many travel enthusiasts, which is why in addition to our sleep experts, we tapped multiple Vetted editors to share their recommendations for their favorite neck pillows for travel.

  • This story is overseen by senior travel editor Astrid Taran , a globetrotter who has visited over 30 countries and attempted sleep on hundreds of planes, and mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon .
  • For this story, we spoke with two doctors who specialize in sleep health: Dr. Nilong Vyas, board-certified sleep expert at Sleepless in NOLA and medical review expert at Sleep Foundation ; and Dr. Abhinav Singh MD, medical director of the Indiana Sleep Center , author of Sleep to Heal: 7 Simple Steps To A Better Sleep , and medical review expert at Sleep Foundation.
  • To keep you up-to-date on the best neck pillows for travel, we refresh this round-up regularly. It was last updated in July 2024 to include the Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow and new insight in our shopping guide.

How We Chose The Best Neck Pillows For Travel

We began researching our picks of the best neck pillows for travel based on the recommendations of our seasoned Forbes Vetted team and the expert insight of Vyas and Singh.

  • We researched bestsellers and potential contenders from well-known brands like Ostrich and Cabeau.
  • We considered an assortment of pillow types, from traditional “U” shapes to unconventional designs, in an effort to find options for varying needs and preferences.
  • We carefully considered specifications like weight, materials, ease of cleaning and price point.
  • We scoured customer reviews for insight into how these pillows performed for people and made an effort to avoid pillows with concerning feedback.

What To Look For In A Neck Pillow For Travel

When shopping for the best neck pillow for travel, the most important thing is to find a pillow that supports your head, neck and spine. Sleeping comfortably while sitting up can be challenging, but having a firm pillow that keeps your neck in proper alignment with your spine is essential in making sure you don’t wake up feeling stiff and sore.

“Sleeping in an upright position without the use of a pillow may result in neck strain and disturbances in the sleep cycle,” said Dr. Vyas. “The forward bobbing of the head can lead to wakefulness, leading to a less restful sleep experience,” she added.

When selecting the best pillow for you, consider how you normally sleep—do you like to sleep on your side? Do you sleep flat on your back? Do you turn around a lot? Answering these questions helps you find a pillow that supports your specific needs.

For example, the Trtl Travel Pillow is a fantastic option for sleeping on a plane, but it only supports one side of your neck at a time. That means if you’re someone who switches sides frequently, you have to take it off and reposition it completely each time you squirm around. The best neck pillows for travel should be supportive and comfortable, but they should allow for ample movement without being restrictive.

On the flip side of support is comfort. The best neck pillows for travel are made with materials that you find personally comfortable. For most people, soft, smooth fabrics are appealing and they’re unlikely to cause friction-related irritation.

Portability

If you’re the type of traveler who finds themselves sitting on top of your carry-on to cram it shut, chances are you don’t have the extra space to tote around a cumbersome pillow. Portability is key when shopping for a travel pillow—you need to carry it with you through security, to the gate and on to the plane, so you want to select one that’s either easy to carry or easy to pack in a carry-on. That’s where an inflatable pillow, like the Blabok Inflatable Neck Pillow , comes in handy. It can be packed flat and blown up to its appropriate size once you board, which saves space in your bag while providing comfort and support on the plane. If you’re looking for a bit more plush comfort, consider bringing a larger pillow that has some sort of clip or hook that lets it hang from your bag, eliminating the need to carry or pack it.

Breathability is a key consideration. Airplanes can get stuffy—especially if you’re in the middle seat—so having a pillow made from a light, airy material helps keep you cool. Cotton or viscose are both great materials for the outer sleeve, while memory foam can be a super supportive material for the filling.

Traditional neck pillows have a “U”-shape that go around the neck and help keep the head comfortably upright. But some options, like the BCozzy Neck Pillow , wrap around the neck in a few different ways, which can be useful if you’re crammed in a middle seat, for instance. Depending on how you prefer to sleep while sitting upright, you may want to consider a travel pillow like the Ostrich Mini Travel Pillow , which fits comfortably on either hand so you can prop up your head.

The best neck pillows for travel are made with high-quality materials that stand up trip after trip. In that case, memory foam may be a better option than an inflatable travel pillow, which could spring a leak at an inopportune time. If you’re looking for longevity, a pillow with a removable and washable cover is also a good idea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are neck pillows good for use on planes.

Neck pillows can make air travel much more comfortable. Targeted neck support can help relieve strain and make it possible to rest comfortably, even in an upright position. Just be mindful of the pillow’s size and portability. While most airlines don’t count neck pillows as a carry-on item, it’s always a good idea to find one that packs down well.

Which Travel Pillow Is Better, Inflatable Or Foam?

It comes down to personal preference. Travel pillows made with memory foam are cushioning and supportive, but they can retain heat. Inflatable pillows aren’t as contouring as foam, but you can inflate them to a level that you find personally comfortable. Plus, they’re compress well so they’re easy to pack.

What Material Is Best For A Travel Pillow?

A memory foam travel pillow, like the Ostrich Go Luxury Travel Pillow, offers cushioning support that works particularly well if you’re traveling by car or plane. Look for a pillow that compresses well for easy storage and comes with a removable, washable cover so it’s easy to keep clean.

How Do I Choose A Good Travel Pillow?

Support is the primary consideration, so look for a pillow that’s firm enough to maintain proper alignment when you’re sitting upright. Breathable materials and portability are also important, as is ease of care. If the entire pillow can’t be machine washed, make sure the pillow has a removable, washable cover.

Jessica Timmons

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Goodbye neck pain how the trtl travel pillow became a travel essential.

A woman with her eyes closed, wearing a scarf around her neck

Ah, the joys of air travel . The cramped seats, the recycled air, and the constant battle against gravity as your head threatens to plummet onto your neighbor’s shoulder. As a frequent flyer who’s logged more miles than a marathon runner on steroids, I’ve tried every travel pillow under the sun. From the classic U-shaped cushions to inflatable monstrosities that make you look like you’re wearing a life preserver , I thought I’d seen it all. That is until I stumbled upon the Trtl Classic Travel Pillow .

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Another travel pillow? What’s next, a pillow for my pillow?” But hear me out. This isn’t your grandma’s neck cushion. It’s the Swiss Army knife of travel pillows, minus the actual knives (which is probably for the best, given airport security).

At first glance, it looks like a scarf had a baby with a neck brace, but don’t let its odd appearance fool you. This, my fellow travelers, is the Trtl Travel Pillow, and it’s about to change your in-flight or on-train snoozing game forever.

Trtl Classic Travel Pillow

A woman sitting in a chair with her eyes closed, using a Trtl Pillow

  • Superior neck support
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Machine washable
  • Breathable fabric options
  • Comfortable fleece material
  • Higher price point
  • Fixed plastic support in Classic model (the Trtl Pillow Plus has adjustable height)

The Trtl Travel Pillow is a revolutionary take on the traditional travel pillow, designed to provide superior neck support in a compact, lightweight package. Unlike conventional U-shaped pillows, the Trtl resembles a soft, fleece scarf with a hidden internal plastic support system. This unique structure cradles the head and neck, preventing the dreaded “head bob” during travel while maintaining proper alignment.

The pillow wraps around the neck like a scarf and secures with velcro, offering a snug fit that can be adjusted for comfort. Despite its unorthodox appearance, the Trtl has gained popularity among frequent travelers for its effectiveness in improving sleep quality on long journeys. It’s machine washable, easily packable, and comes in various models to suit different needs, including versions with cooling fabrics and adjustable height options.

While it may take some getting used to, you’ll find the Trtl Travel Pillow to be a game-changer in travel comfort, offering a balance of support and portability that traditional pillows can’t match.

The best part? The brand is offering an incredible deal! Buy two Trtl Classic Travel Pillows and get 20% off; buy three and get 30% off.

When I first unwrapped my Trtl, I’ll admit I was skeptical. Where was the U-shaped cushion I’d grown accustomed to? Instead, I found myself holding what looked like a fleece scarf with a plastic insert.

Determined to give it a fair shot, I followed the instructions to position the plastic part against my neck. As I wrapped the fleece around and secured it with velcro, I couldn’t help but feel like I was preparing for some sort of chiropractic procedure . But hey, if it meant avoiding the dreaded head-bob-wake-up on my next red-eye or long haul bus trip, I was willing to look a little silly.

The test flight

As I settled into my middle seat (because of course), I braced myself for the usual discomfort. You know the travel drill — cramped legroom, armrest battles, and the inevitable game of “whose elbow is this anyway?” But this time, I had my secret weapon: the Trtl Travel Pillow. I wrapped it around my neck, feeling like a fashionable turtle preparing for hibernation.

The guy next to me shot me a curious glance, probably wondering if I was wearing some sort of high-tech neck brace. I gave him a nod that said, “Yes, I look ridiculous, but I’ll be the one laughing when we arrive.” As the bus took off, I waited for the familiar sensation of my head slowly tipping forward like a dandelion in a strong breeze. But something strange happened — or rather, didn’t happen. My head didn’t loll forward like a bobblehead doll in an earthquake. Instead, it stayed put, cradled by this (admittedly odd) contraption.

At first, I thought it might be a fluke. Maybe the driver was just really good at keeping the bus ride smooth. But as we hit some bumps, I realized the Trtl was actually doing its job. My neck felt supported, my head wasn’t making its best impression of a ping pong ball, and for once, I wasn’t waking up every five minutes in a panic, convinced I was about to face-plant into my tray table.

The real test came when I decided to watch a little TV on the trip. Usually, this involves a complex system of pillow-propping and chin-tucking that would make a contortionist proud. But with the Trtl, I could actually look at my screen without feeling like my neck was auditioning for a role in “The Exorcist.” As we made our way down the final miles, I realized something miraculous had happened. I had actually slept. Not the fitful, half-awake dozing that usually passes for sleep on a plane, but honest-to-goodness, drool-inducing slumber. And the best part? I woke up without feeling like I’d just gone ten rounds with a heavyweight boxer.

The woman across the aisle, who had been eyeing my Trtl skeptically at the beginning of the flight, now looked at me with a mix of envy and awe. “Where did you get that?” she whispered, gesturing to my neck. I smiled mysteriously, feeling like I’d just been initiated into a secret society of well-rested travelers.

As we disembarked, I caught my reflection in a window. Sure, I looked a bit like I was wearing a chic neck brace, but the lack of sleep creases on my face and the spring in my step told a different story. The Trtl Travel Pillow had passed the travel test with flying colors.

The verdict

After weighing the pros and cons, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Trtl Travel Pillow is like that weird-looking superfood your health-nut friend keeps raving about. It might not look appetizing (though much more so than traditional travel pillows), but it gets the job done better than expected. And let’s be honest, in the grand scheme of travel fashion faux pas, the Trtl barely registers on the embarrassment scale.

So, don’t be surprised if your seatmate gives you some side-eye as you wrap yourself up like a chic mummy, but also don’t be surprised if they express some envy by the end of the trip. Because, hey, who’s going to have the last laugh when you arrive at your destination without a neck that feels like it’s been through a WWE match? That’s right, you and your weird little neck scarf.

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IMAGES

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  2. Luxurious Cotton Inflatable Travel Neck Pillow

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VIDEO

  1. Trajectory Love Travel Blue Neck Pillow

  2. Best Neck Pillow FOR TRAVEL 🔥 🔥

COMMENTS

  1. What is the best neck pillow for someone taking a bunch of ...

    carlbernsen. •. Tricky one. There's lots of reviews and comparisons by journalists on flights etc and it seems to very much depend on your neck length and whether you mind having things wrapped round your neck etc. Firm pillows that give a lot of support don't squash down very small so they're bulkier to carry, squashy pillows pack ...

  2. What is the best neck pillow for a long flight? : r/travel

    Limited-time deal: JefDiee Inflatable Travel Pillow, Airplane Neck Pillow Comfortably Supports Head and Chin for Airplanes, Trains, Cars and Office Napping with 3D Eye Mask, Earplugs and Portable Drawstring Bag (Grey) https://a.co/d/1lAAaJ0

  3. What is the best travel pillow? : r/travel

    The trtle is kind of situational. It's more a neck brace than a pillow. It's comfortable but it supports your head tilting only one direction at a time and the scarf makes it so it's not going to move. If you have the opportunity to lie flat, a neck brace does you no good. Unlike a pillow, the trtl has no function outside of the flight.

  4. The Best Travel Pillows of 2024

    How we tested travel pillows. Our pick for the best travel pillow: Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow. Runner-up for the best travel pillow: Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow. Also ...

  5. The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

    A must-have for those with higher budgets, this pillow allows for better sleep and more comfort on flights. The Details: Viscosa, memory foam | 10.5 x 9.5 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case ...

  6. The best travel pillows of 2024, tried and tested

    Best travel pillow. Amazon. The Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow is the Goldilocks of travel pillows: We found it firm enough for proper neck and head support, soft enough to fall asleep on ...

  7. The Best Travel Neck Pillows of 2024

    Medium Soft. The Avocado Mini Pillow is essentially a travel-size version of the company's popular Green Pillow. The fill is a plush blend of shredded latex and fibers from the kapok tree, the latter of which has a soft, lightweight feel akin to natural down. You may add or remove as much fill as you wish.

  8. We Reviewed the Most Popular Neck Pillows on the Market

    Best for: Arm day, or travelers seeking a bargain (it's one of the least expensive neck pillows we tested). The verdict: 6/10. HUZI INFINITY PILLOW. The design: Huzi is one of a few products we tested that really strayed from the traditional memory-foam, U-shaped style most of us envision when we think of a neck pillow.

  9. The 7 Best Travel Neck Pillows for 2024

    Best Inflatable: Sunany Inflatable Travel Pillow on Amazon. Jump to features and traveler insights ↓. Best for Backpacking: Marchway Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow on Amazon. Jump to ...

  10. The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow: Why it's the perfect travel companion

    The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow is a solid option for head and neck support while traveling. Different from traditional U-shaped travel neck pillows, it offers a soft exterior and firm memory ...

  11. Best travel pillow? : r/TravelHacks

    It's designed to provide optimum neck support and comfort during long flights or car rides while being easily portable. Sidney Sleep Bamboo Curve Mini Travel Size Pillow is a total sleep-saver. The curve design provides excellent neck support without the bulk of traditional travel pillows.

  12. 10 Best Travel Pillows, Tested & Reviewed by Our Editors

    Our top picks: Best overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 travel pillow. Best for neck support: Trtl travel pillow. Best for back support: Napfun travel pillow. Best for red-eye flights: Pluto Pod. Best ...

  13. The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested by Gear Experts

    MLVOC Travel Pillow 100% Pure Memory Foam Neck Pillow. Now 13% Off. $26 at Amazon. Pros. Comes with ear plugs and an eye mask; ... Travel pillows are often air- or bead-filled, so they can feel ...

  14. The 4 Best Travel Pillows

    The AirComfy Ease Travel Pillow gets a nod from our judges not just for its price point but for its versatility and appeal to outdoor enthusiasts — essentially, this is a travel version of a backpacking pillow. Like many of the best sleeping pads on the market, this diminutive travel pillow utilizes a combination of air and insulating foam to provide a more substantial feel than many other ...

  15. Rest Easy With The 9 Best Neck Pillows For Travel

    Best All-In-One Neck Pillow For Travel: Pluto POD. Best Cooling Neck Pillow For Travel: Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow. Best Inflatable Neck Pillow For Travel: Blabok Inflatable Neck Pillow. Best ...

  16. Memory Foam Neck Pillows

    Wider Fit Tranquillity Memory Foam Travel Pillow - Grey. Colors. News travels fast. Good news even faster. Join the club. Contact Us [email protected]. Explore Travel Blue. Our Story. Our Guarantee.

  17. Does anyone else find travel pillows extremely uncomfortable?

    This holds it in place, doesn't force my neck forward, and the firmness of the cushion holds my chin from falling down or too far to the sides. Edit: For those replying that this is how it is supposed to be worn, ALL of the information or pictures from the makers of these pillows that I have ever seen have the pillow with the opening to the ...

  18. Should I get a travel size pillow or one of those pillows that ...

    If you're skinny, just get a mini travel pillow and put your head down on the tray. I'm too chubby for that these days though. The best neck pillow I've found for holding my head up is the Cabeau, because you can also strap it to the seat back and cinch it under your chin.It does get warm though.

  19. Post Wanted Review: Trtl Travel Pillow

    This innovative neck support pillow is lightweight, compact, and machine washable, perfect for restful sleep while traveling. ... Buy two Trtl Classic Travel Pillows and get 20% off; buy three and ...

  20. Need recommendations for travel pillow for plane : r/HerOneBag

    I researched the 'JefDiee Inflatable Travel Pillow Airplane Neck Pillow' and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful. Users liked: Travel pillow provides comfortable support for head and chin during travel (backed by 2 comments) Travel pillow allows for restful sleep during long flights (backed by 4 comments)

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